Chapter 184

The entire venue fell completely silent.

As the first battle in the Perfect Realm, everyone held great expectations for this duel.

Both opponents were young geniuses at the peak of eleventh-level Gathering Qi.

The watching cultivators naturally assumed this would be a thrilling showdown between equals!

Yet no one anticipated such an outcome.

The conclusion arrived so abruptly it felt surreal.

The Wukui Sect’s highly-touted disciple couldn’t even withstand half a breath against He Shenglai!

Who knew the difference between geniuses could be so vast?

On the Debate Platform, the flourishing plants withered within moments, revealing the figure standing triumphantly.

He Shenglai brushed dust from his robe while muttering under his breath.

"A mangy mutt dares challenge me?"

Though spoken softly, his words carried through the deathly quiet arena.

The He Family heir’s arrogance blazed forth unmistakably.

Unlike Yu Tingzhi’s "Clear Radiance Chases the Moon" interference technique,

He Shenglai’s Spirit Projection completely severed all divine awareness.

Only Condensing Essence stage cultivators with true essence could fully perceive the battle.

Those below this stage—except top-tier geniuses matching He Shenglai’s level and Yang Lingrui using Chen Yang’s consciousness—merely heard muffled noises.

Even with Chen Yang’s borrowed awareness, Yang Lingrui struggled to glimpse details within the phantom forest.

Each observation felt like wading through thick mud.

By the battle’s end, he’d only caught fragmented shadows.

Deng Jin activated his own Spiritual Manipulation state, his Spirit Projection manifesting as spectral wraiths.

Yet this manifestation lasted mere seconds before being devoured by the dark woods.

Witnessing He Shenglai’s combat strength, terror gripped Yang Lingrui’s heart.

This chasm separated him from true geniuses. Against them, he’d stand no chance.

Yet fear didn’t take root—instead, fighting spirit blazed within him.

"One day," he vowed silently, "I’ll match their heights. No… surpass them!"

"The He Family heir lives up to his reputation," voices murmured.

"To command such spiritual resonance at Gathering Qi realm—imagine his power at Condensing Essence stage!"

“With this young man, the He Family’s position in the dynasty for the next century will remain unshaken, perhaps even rise higher.”

Representatives from Tiger-Chasing’s factions felt deeply moved after witnessing the duel.

The Dynasty Talents seated behind them wore thoughtful expressions, each calculating their chances against He Shenglai.

Feng Lan soon shook his head unconsciously.

Wu Zhao’s brows knitted tightly—after prolonged consideration, he couldn’t picture defeating He Shenglai.

Qiu Ran’s eyes flickered, her face remaining frosty.

Xiao Yize, familiar with He Shenglai’s true combat strength, stayed calm.

Shen Yue maintained his mild smile throughout.

Su Lingyun, however, laughed aloud upon seeing He Shenglai’s Spiritual Manipulation method.

“That fortune-teller spoke truth,” she mused. “Our families’ century-long rivalry now rests on you and me!”

Aboard the cloud ship opposite the high platform, the Four Sects of the Northwest felt starkly different.

Wukui Sect members particularly wore grim expressions.

Deng Jin—their strongest eleventh-level peak disciple, master of the Way of Spiritual Manipulation and secret techniques—had been utterly crushed by He Shenglai, his projection violently consumed.

When Lanyue Sect attendants delivered Deng Jin, the Wukui Grand Elder’s face darkened with rage upon inspection. He Shenglai’s brutal assault had left Deng Jin clinging to life, needing immediate true essence infusion.

“Splendid! The He Family and He Shenglai show their true colors!”

“This insult is etched in Wukui’s memory!” trembled the sect’s elders, their feud with the He Family now irreparable.

Unaware and unconcerned, He Shenglai knew the He Family’s hidden power surpassed these “upper sects.” Should Wukui provoke them, more Patriarchal Treasure Trees would adorn their back yard.

The next match—Feng Lan versus Tang Ming—proved fiercer. Both Confucian cultivators clashed, one channeling word spirits, the other shattering spells with affirmations. Tang Ming’s hidden sword technique ultimately forced Feng Lan off the Debate Platform.

“My defeat shames me,” Feng Lan sighed.

“Nonsense,” others comforted. “That underhanded strike would’ve felled anyone.”

When Qiu Ran’s turn came, she ignored her opponent, glaring instead at Wanhuamen’s section.

“Senior Brother, she’s watching you,” Yang Lingshu whispered.

Xiao Yize rolled his eyes in response.

“Xiao Yize,” Qiu Ran declared coldly, “watch this as if I’m fighting you.” She vanished in a purple lightning streak.

Xiao Yize shuddered at her voice. Others stifled laughs; Mo Xian shot him a gleeful “serves you right” look. Yang Lingshu hid a smile, thinking how his fearless senior brother cowered before Qiu Ran.

“Curse that match I won ten years ago!” Xiao Yize lamented, shooting a pitying glance at the Blood Shadow Sect opponent. “Survive this, Friend.”