On the plaza, as Zhang Chao Zhizun's voice fell, a circular spiritual ring immediately appeared. All seventy-six participating disciples, including Li Xuan, were encompassed within it.
Seeing this, the contestants promptly moved, each taking their position. Their auras surged, and they eyed each other with vigilance.
The contestants who had reached the third round had naturally proven their strength.
To now select the top five from seventy-six people was undoubtedly an intense free-for-all. To maintain one's condition until the very end would be the best outcome. For a time, no one dared to make the first move.
Li Xuan glanced at the wary contestants surrounding him and shrugged casually. Although the participants within the spiritual ring were from the Five Pavilions, there were also disciples from the same pavilion.
Moreover, the remaining contestants were almost all at the peak of the Advanced Divine Transformation Realm or even the Epoch Realm. Once they attacked, it would be with lightning speed. Without absolute confidence, attacking would inevitably leave oneself with a massive opening.
Although no one had attacked yet, the imposing aura emanating from each of them shot straight into the heavens.
The combined aura and pressure of over seventy powerful individuals caused the heavens and earth to change color and churn.
After ten minutes had passed, the originally large circular spiritual ring had shrunk by a full circle. Some contestants standing at the edge hurriedly moved towards the inner circle, while the rest decisively attacked in that instant.
Bang bang bang!
With the first attacks, the free-for-all finally erupted. Terrifying shockwaves ravaged the area, but they were instantly dissolved upon reaching the edge of the circular spiritual ring. Within less than a minute, over ten contestants within the ring were blasted outwards.
Li Xuan, who still hadn't made a move, maintained his intense focus.
After the second round of assessment, Li Xuan had already established a firm footing. After all, anyone who could ascend to the peak of Xuanxuan Mountain was naturally considered a tough opponent in everyone's eyes. Since no one attacked Li Xuan, he naturally enjoyed peace.
As another half hour passed, the circular spiritual ring continued to shrink. The contestants still remaining within it were now only thirteen. By this point, Li Xuan's expression had grown more solemn.
Excluding Li Xuan himself, there were now twelve participants at the early Epoch Realm. Judging by each person's Star Spiritual Pearls, they were all around twelve million.
If they were to activate their Heavenly Sun augmentation, their Star Spiritual Pearl count would undoubtedly approach twenty million. Such a confrontation would naturally be even more fierce.
"Everyone, as time passes, this circular spiritual ring will only get smaller. We now have thirteen people remaining. In my opinion, how about we pair up and duel?"
Although only thirteen people remained, no one had attacked. After a brief exchange of glances, a man in a blue robe was the first to speak.
"Zhou Qingzi, there are still thirteen people. Even if we pair up, there will be one person left over. In that situation, wouldn't someone unfairly gain an advantage?" As soon as the former finished speaking, a man chimed in.
Zhou Qingzi frowned slightly and then asked, "Xu Guoxiong, what are your thoughts?"
"If I remember correctly, almost everyone here has made a move. However, among our thirteen people, there is someone who has not made a single move from beginning to end."
"However, this person previously climbed to the peak, so their strength must be extraordinary. Even if they face two opponents, it shouldn't be a problem, right?" Xu Guoxiong's gaze fell directly on Li Xuan. There was no mistaking who he was referring to.
Li Xuan was somewhat taken aback. The fact that Xu Guoxiong was aware he hadn't made a move during the battle indicated extreme confidence in his own strength. However, based on his words of facing two opponents, the pressure Li Xuan would face was immense.
One had to realize that the remaining contestants were all at the early Epoch Realm. But why Xu Guoxiong would target him specifically, Li Xuan couldn't quite figure out.
"This... whether or not one has made a move doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of strength. Furthermore, Commander Li Xuan previously ascended to the peak, which is enough to prove his abilities. However, what Xu Guoxiong said is not without reason. Since it's an assessment, it naturally shouldn't be concluded like this."
"How about this, the remaining thirteen of us draw lots to decide our opponents. If Commander Li Xuan doesn't mind, how about the person who draws the same number as Commander Li Xuan and the seventh person spar with Commander Li Xuan?" Zhou Qingzi said after a moment of contemplation.
As Zhou Qingzi finished speaking, everyone's gaze turned towards Li Xuan. The leaders of the various factions and the disciples of the Five Pavilions who were observing also began to discuss in low voices.
"The ones remaining are all Epoch Realm powerhouses now. Facing two opponents alone, isn't that just bullying?"
"But even if not, who can guarantee that no one will attack Commander Li Xuan? And once it turns into a free-for-all, one might have to face more than just those two."
"Although this method is somewhat flawed, it is undoubtedly the best way at this moment. However, for Commander Li Xuan, it's a bit too much pressure."
"..."
Listening to the murmurs, Gong Hanfeng, who was watching from the spectator stands, spoke up, "I think Xu Guoxiong is clearly jealous of Commander Li Xuan stealing his thunder earlier, which is why he's targeting Commander Li. To make Commander Li face two opponents is to clearly intend to eliminate him."
"All we can do now is see Li Xuan's own choice. Since Zhizun Zhang Chao and the others haven't intervened, they clearly tacitly approve of this."
Chou Jiujian sighed slightly. Facing two opponents alone as an Epoch Realm existence had an extremely slim chance of victory. If no one intervened, it seemed that's how it would have to be.
Under everyone's gaze, Li Xuan slowly raised his head and smiled gently, "Since no one has any objections, then so be it. However, I have one request, I wonder if you all can agree to it?"
"Commander Li Xuan, please speak." Zhou Qingzi nodded in agreement.
Li Xuan grinned, "I think there's no need for me to draw lots. Since Commander Xu suspects me of taking advantage, I'll fight Commander Xu. Furthermore, the extra person among the rest of you, I, Li Xuan, will take them on."
"What?! He actually agreed?"
"Not only did he agree, but he directly pointed out that he wants to fight Xu Guoxiong! You must know that Xu Guoxiong has two stages of Heavenly Sun, and his Star Spiritual Pearls count has reached thirteen million!"
"Could it be that Commander Li Xuan's strength is even greater, which is why he is so confident? And as the first record-setter to reach the peak of Xuanxuan Mountain, he must have some tricks up his sleeve."
"..."
As Li Xuan's words fell, the various factions and disciples of the Five Pavilions watching were all shocked. Even Zhou Qingzi and the others now looked at Li Xuan with solemnity.
Xu Guoxiong, who was standing nearby, after a stern look at Li Xuan, slowly spoke.
"Since Commander Li Xuan wishes to fight me, then I, Xu, accept!"