They had never seen such formidable spear techniques, nor such immense power.
Furthermore, they observed that Zhuge Kaiming’s formations had a negligible, almost non-existent, impact on Zhou Yan.
They were astonished as to how Zhou Yan managed this.
To possess the means to counter such arcane arts was truly exceptional.
Zhuge Kaiming had also unleashed his most potent abilities, merging the five elements to manifest countless powerful offensive techniques.
The Dragon of Earth, the Vines of Wood, the Essence of Water, the Source of Raging Fire, and the Sharpness of Metal, the five elements nurtured each other, flowing eternally, as if evolving a world of their own.
The entire martial arena was transformed into this five-elemental world, amplified manifold by the techniques of Qimen Dunjian. This was undoubtedly Zhuge Kaiming exerting his full strength.
Attacks rained down upon Zhou Yan, engulfing him in an endless barrage of energy.
Yet, he stood firm, one man with one spear, his posture unyielding.
His spear technique was far from ordinary; such prowess was unattainable with common methods.
His spearplay was devastating, each thrust capable of rousing the heavens and earth, of shattering a universe. His spear arts were overbearing, potent enough to cleave through the five-elemental world, nearly obliterating the one Zhuge Kaiming had conjured.
This spectacle left the onlookers in a state of profound shock!
While warriors and martial artists in the early stages often lacked overwhelming means, Zhou Yan was different. This melee-focused profession demonstrated that even in the early game, sheer power could overcome all.
He was undoubtedly the foremost individual of this era!
Zhou Yan was immersed in a vortex of boundless energy storms, yet he exuded an aura of serene detachment, as if saying, "Let your power rage, I shall roam the heavens at my own will."
No matter how potent or esoteric Zhuge Kaiming’s attacks, in Zhou Yan’s hands, they were met with a single, decisive spear thrust.
A simple, direct, and dominant spear strike swept away all of Zhuge Kaiming’s maneuvers.
The more they watched, the more astonished and awestruck they became.
Under Zhou Yan’s overbearing spear arts, these five-elemental energies not only became unstable but teetered on the brink of dissolution.
As Zhou Yan unleashed a peculiar power, akin to the energy of creation itself,
The entire spear became a divine weapon, piercing through heaven and earth, shattering the five-elemental world Zhuge Kaiming had meticulously crafted.
This was not all. The spear then pierced Zhuge Kaiming himself. The spear, unable to withstand the immense Yin-Yang power Zhou Yan wielded, shattered, and this devastating blow also obliterated Zhuge Kaiming’s physical form.
This feat left countless individuals stunned and horrified.
Zhou Yan had, through sheer martial prowess, broken through the Dao, using brute force to dismantle a five-elemental world.
Such power, such terrifying strength, to achieve such a feat!
A wave of uproar and disbelief swept through the crowd.
Spectators, both newcomers and veterans, were utterly astounded by Zhou Yan's might, finding it almost inconceivable.
“How did he do it? To break through a five-elemental world with sheer force at this stage.”
“This Zhou Yan is too powerful, I never imagined his strength was so terrifying.”
“He is indeed formidable. It’s incredible that our generation has produced so many prodigies.”
“Truly impressive. This was an absolute display of breaking through with power, simply terrifying.”
“I wonder if his class is Martial Artist or Warrior. He seems like a Spear Warrior.”
Zhou Yan was teleported back outside the martial arena to thunderous applause. Countless individuals were deeply impressed by his strength, his might demonstrably proven through his skill.
On the platform, Zhang Hongguang, witnessing all this, was aghast, his face etched with disbelief.
He muttered to himself, “How could this be? How is this possible? The strength of this kid has reached such a level.”
Zhang Hongguang simply could not comprehend it. This had been a sure victory, yet it had been overturned by his opponent’s overwhelming abilities.
Even Yang Junming was surprised; he had underestimated Zhou Yan’s potential.
The more he looked at Zhou Yan, the more he favored him. Zhou Yan felt like an unfathomable planet, constantly surprising him with new revelations.
“Uh, Old Zhang, my item…” Yang Junming said to Zhang Hongguang with a smile.
Zhang Hongguang’s expression contorted in pain. He had confidently wagered an S-grade building, certain of victory.
But the outcome!
He had never anticipated losing so miserably.
Yet, the bet had been made with his own words.
It was as if he had lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet, losing not only his prize but also suffering a significant blow. His heart ached.
“It’s no big deal. It’s just a building. I’ll win it back next time.”
Yang Junming smiled broadly. He had even intended to be magnanimous and concede the sword technique, as he didn’t particularly need it.
But his student had performed so admirably, what could he do?
“Alas…” Zhang Hongguang was a sportsman and wouldn't renege on his word.
“Take it, take it! I will definitely win it back next time!”
Zhang Hongguang vowed silently.
Next, the third and fourth places needed to be decided, so Zhuge Kaiming and Gu Nianyun would face off first.
This martial arena was peculiar; no matter the intensity of the battles within, participants returned outside with full energy, requiring no rest.
Zhuge Kaiming had clearly accepted his defeat. He extended his hand to Zhou Yan, saying, “It seems I was not strong enough. I hope to spar with you again next time.”
Zhou Yan naturally wouldn't refuse, replying, “You are welcome to challenge me.”
Sparring helped them hone their combat experience, and Zhou Yan had also learned much from his opponent. He would never refuse an opportunity for mutual improvement.
Zhuge Kaiming was teleported back in, as was Gu Nianyun, both vying for the bronze medal reward.
Although no one knew the specifics of the reward, it was understood that higher rankings meant more substantial prizes.
Ye Bufan approached and began chatting with Zhou Yan again, “Who do you think will win between them?”
“To be honest, Zhuge Kaiming is a tough opponent. I think he will win,” Zhou Yan replied.
“I agree. This young man’s family is also quite influential. Although we have no dealings with them, their descendants are quite well-received on the Canglan Continent,” Ye Bufan commented.
“We need to make a bit of a scene later, don’t reveal our true intentions too easily,” Ye Bufan whispered as a reminder.
“Understood. My acting is top-notch. Just don’t forget my reward.”
He didn’t need fame; only rewards were tangible. Reputation was ephemeral.
They began to intently watch the battle between Zhuge Kaiming and Gu Nianyun.
This was a battlefield of death, surrounded by skulls and numerous graves.
Gu Nianyun clearly knew Zhuge Kaiming was a formidable foe, but she had no choice but to face him.
She was also a melee profession, but lacked Zhou Yan’s terrifying destructive power and his knack for countering arcane arts.
After over twenty minutes of combat, she was eventually consumed by Raging Fire.
Thus, Zhuge Kaiming secured third place. The next contest would be for the championship and runner-up.
The two men exchanged smiles and entered the arena.