I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The days that followed the incident at the martial arts hall were unexpectedly calm. Lu Zhao encountered no further harassment, and Liu Feng, Hou San, and the others were also unharmed. But this calm only made Lu Zhao more anxious. Like the stillness before a storm, the calmer the weather, the more violent the storm was brewing.

He knew that Zhao Wuji's faction would never give up so easily. The Grand Tournament was a major event for the sect, with strict rules and high-ranking members, even inner sect elders, in attendance. Manipulating the arena on stage was far more difficult and riskier than underhanded tactics offstage. But that didn't mean they had no chance. On the contrary, in a "fair and just" arena competition, severely injuring or even accidentally crippling their opponent was the most "honorable" way to eliminate dissidents and strike at their rivals.

Lu Zhao devoted more time to the final preparations. He stopped accepting missions and spent his days in his cave or the Earth Fire Chamber of the Talisman Pavilion (he applied for several more days), repeatedly practicing, refining, and perfecting his methods of fighting the enemy.

In terms of cultivation, his mid-stage Qi Refining level 5 is completely stable. With the help of a large number of pills and the practice of "Hibernating Dragon," he is steadily progressing towards the later stage, but a breakthrough is unlikely in the short term. He focuses on spells, talismans, movement techniques, and control of the combat rhythm.

His [Thunder Flash] technique has been mastered to perfection, with its speed, power, and paralyzing effect reaching the limits of his current cultivation level. His [Flowing Cloud Step] technique has also become increasingly proficient. Combined with the [Divine Speed ​​Talisman], his movement skills are among the best in the mid-stage Qi Refining realm, and he can even put up a fight against late-stage Qi Refining realm disciples.

His greatest reliance remains the "Minor Five Elements Talisman Array." Through countless simulations, practice, and even mock battles against the Talisman Pavilion's test puppets, Lu Zhao's control over the Five Elements Talisman Array has become increasingly adept. He can now stably control three "talisman swords" of different attributes simultaneously, performing simple offensive and defensive maneuvers with power far exceeding that of a single talisman. Controlling four is extremely difficult; the array's operation becomes sluggish, and energy consumption increases dramatically. Using all five palms simultaneously is currently only a concept; attempting it would cause the array to collapse instantly, and might even backfire on him.

"It seems that with my current mental strength and cultivation level, controlling three 'talisman swords' simultaneously is my limit. But three are enough to create variations," Lu Zhao concluded. He envisioned several basic talisman array variations:

Metal generates Water - Water contains Wood: The main attack is the [Sharp Golden Light Talisman], the auxiliary attack is the [Gentle Water and Frosty Ice Talisman] to slow down and interfere, and the [Life-Giving Vine Talisman] to entangle and bind when the opportunity arises, forming a control chain.

Fire overcomes Metal - Metal consumes Wood: When facing opponents with strong defenses or those of the Metal element, use the [Exploding Flame Sun Talisman] for a frenzied attack, the [Sharp Golden Light Talisman] to help break through their defenses, and the [Thick Earth Stone Talisman] to provide defense and restrict movement.

Earth generates Metal - Metal overcomes Wood: Primarily defensive and counter-attacking, use the [Thick Earth Stone Talisman] for protection, the [Sharp Golden Light Talisman] to find openings for counter-attack, and the [Life-Giving Vine Entangling Talisman] to set traps.

Each change requires precise mental control and a grasp of timing. Lu Zhao practiced repeatedly, striving to switch instantly in actual combat to deal with different enemies.

His talisman reserves had reached an astonishing number. He had prepared more than twenty of each of the various improved versions of the Five Elements "talisman swords." He also had over a hundred ordinary first-tier high- and mid-grade attack, defense, and support talismans. Combined with the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle], a deadly weapon for ambushes, he was confident that as long as he didn't encounter any Foundation Establishment stage or top-tier Qi Refining stage geniuses, he had the ability to contend with or even defeat them.

However, a lingering unease remained in his heart. How would Zhao Wuji respond? Would he send someone to have a "fair" duel with him in the arena? Or would he resort to more underhanded methods?

Three days before the competition, a piece of news quietly spread among the outer disciples and quickly caused a great uproar.

"Have you heard? This competition allows disciples to initiate 'life-or-death' challenges! As long as both parties are willing, sign a life-or-death agreement, and step onto the arena, life or death is irrelevant!"

"What?! A life-or-death arena? Isn't it forbidden for sect competitions to result in death or maiming?"

"It's supposedly to 'motivate' disciples, to showcase their true combat abilities, and at the same time... to eliminate some 'corrupt elements' and 'potential threats' within the sect?"

"Bullshit! Someone's definitely sabotaging this! They want to turn the competition into a slaughterhouse to purge dissidents!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down! I heard this proposal was strongly advocated by a certain Deacon Zhao from the Enforcement Hall, and it has the support of several inner sect elders..."

"Zhao Wuji? What is he trying to do? Could it be that he's trying to take advantage of this opportunity..."

"What else could he be thinking of? It's definitely to deal with those who don't get along with him! Like... that Lu Zhao who's been making headlines lately?"

When the news reached Lu Zhao's ears, he was drawing a [Thick Earth and Protruding Stone Talisman]. Upon hearing this, his talisman brush paused slightly, and a drop of cinnabar fell, ruining the talisman.

"A life-or-death arena..." Lu Zhao put down his talisman brush, his eyes flashing with cold light. So this was where they were waiting for him! What a Zhao Wuji! What a grand excuse he had for "cleaning out parasites" and "demonstrating real combat skills"!

Allowing deathmatches means that on the arena, opponents can legitimately try to kill him! And once he signs a death contract, even if he is killed on the spot, the sect will not pursue the matter, and may even say that he was "inferior in skill and died a worthy death"! Zhao Wuji can use this to completely eliminate this "thorn in his side" and also gain a reputation for "fairness and impartiality" and "eliminating hidden dangers for the sect" in front of the higher-ups!

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"This is an open conspiracy, forcing me to either avoid the competition and admit defeat (which could result in disqualification or a ruined reputation), or go on stage and die," Lu Zhao sneered. With Zhao Wuji's power, arranging for one or even several strong opponents who harbor murderous intent towards him to challenge him in a "fair" life-or-death arena would not be difficult.

"It seems he's convinced I'm doomed." Lu Zhao stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the mountains gradually shrouded in twilight. He felt neither anger nor fear, only a cold, volcanic magma-like fighting spirit surging within him.

"Want to kill me? Then come on. Let's see who ends up dead!"

On the eve of the competition, Lu Zhao received an unsigned challenge letter, imprinted on an ordinary leaf with spiritual power.

"Tomorrow, at 3:45 AM, the third life-or-death arena will be held. Lu Zhao, do you dare to fight? — Someone who wants you dead."

There was no name, no identity, only naked killing intent. The challenge was tremblingly delivered to the entrance of Lu Zhao's cave by a menial disciple.

Lu Zhao stared expressionlessly at the leaf in his hand, which emanated a faint aura of malevolence. A flame flickered from his fingertips, burning the leaf to ashes.

"It's finally here."

The following day, the sect competition officially began.

The Qingyun Dao Sect's mountain gate plaza was already bustling with activity, banners waving in the breeze. The vast plaza was divided into ten arena areas, each equipped with a powerful protective array to prevent the aftershocks of the matches from injuring the spectators. To the due north, a high platform had been erected, serving as the viewing area for the sect elders and inner sect deacons. On either side of the platform were seats reserved for the inner sect's true disciples and elite students.

Thousands of outer disciples, along with numerous inner disciples, completely surrounded the plaza. The air was thick with excitement, tension, anticipation, and... a barely perceptible stench of blood. News of the life-or-death arena had clearly spread, casting an unusual shadow over this grand competition.

Lu Zhao changed into a clean set of light blue outer disciple robes, adjusted himself to his best condition, and followed the crowd to the plaza. He didn't try to hide, and soon, many eyes were focused on him. There was curiosity, inquiry, schadenfreude, and... sympathy. Clearly, news of him receiving the challenge to a life-or-death duel had already spread like wildfire.

"Look, that's Lu Zhao! I heard he's going to the life-or-death arena today!"

"Qi Refinement Level 5? That's not bad for an outer sect disciple, but going to the Life and Death Arena... isn't that just suicide?"

"Who knows? I heard he's quite capable and has made contributions in Qingfeng Town."

"So what if you've made a contribution? In a life-or-death arena, strength speaks for itself! I've heard that those who challenge him possess unfathomable power..."

"Sigh, what a pity. Once you're targeted by Deacon Zhao, what good can come of it..."

Hearing the murmurs, Lu Zhao seemed oblivious. His gaze calmly swept over the ten arenas, finally settling on the one marked "three." The arena was empty, but a crowd had gathered around, seemingly waiting to see a good show.

At Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the bell rang, and the grand competition officially began. The first event was the regular ranking competition. Disciples took turns competing according to the order drawn by lot, vying for the top 1000, top 500, and top 100 rankings to earn corresponding contribution points and resource rewards. The scene was intense, with spells and magical artifacts flashing, and cheers and exclamations filling the air.

Lu Zhao did not register for the regular ranking competition; his gaze remained subtly fixed on the number three arena.

It is almost 3:45 AM.

A figure appeared silently on the third deathmatch arena, like a ghost. This person was dressed in black, tall and thin, wearing a white mask that only revealed the eyes, devoid of any expression. A long, narrow, unsheathed black sword hung at his waist. He stood quietly in the center of the arena, emitting no aura, yet giving off an extremely dangerous, cold, and venomous feeling.

"Peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining...no, it seems he's hiding his true strength; he might be at the seventh level of Qi Refining!" Lu Zhao's pupils constricted slightly. With his [Refining Spirit Technique] perception, he could vaguely sense the condensed, cold spiritual energy fluctuations within the other person's body, carrying a strong bloody aura. Moreover, this person possessed a killing intent similar to that of Blood Fiend Sect cultivators, but seemingly even purer! This wasn't the aura of an ordinary sect disciple; it was more like...a professional assassin!

"Was this someone Zhao Wuji hired from outside? Or were they assassins he secretly trained?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. The other party had clearly come prepared, and were true desperados, born to kill.

After the masked man in black appeared, his gaze immediately locked onto Lu Zhao below the stage, cold and indifferent, as if he were looking at a dead man. He didn't speak, but slowly raised his hand, pointed at Lu Zhao, and made a "come up" gesture.

The surroundings fell silent instantly, all eyes turning to Lu Zhao. On the high platform, several elders and deacons also looked over, their expressions varied. Elder Yun sat calmly in the elders' seat, but a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed deep within her eyes. Zhao Wuji sat not far from her in the deacon's seat, a faint, sinister smile playing on his lips.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lu Zhao took a deep breath, pushed through the crowd, and walked step by step toward the No. 3 life-or-death arena.

He didn't use any movement techniques; he walked steadily, each step seemingly treading on the heartbeats of everyone present. He could feel countless gazes piercing him like needles—some expectant, some worried, some indifferent, and most of all, coldly watching a good show.

Finally, he reached the edge of the arena. The disciple in charge of the refereeing (not from Zhao Wuji's faction, but clearly having received some kind of hint, his face expressionless) handed him a blood-red "life-or-death contract" that emitted a faint spiritual energy fluctuation.

"Lu Zhao, the person on the stage, codenamed 'Shadow Assassin,' wishes to engage you in a life-or-death duel. Once you sign this agreement, your life and death will be left to fate after you step onto the stage. Are you willing to accept the challenge?" The enforcement disciple's voice was icy, businesslike.

Lu Zhao glanced at the "life or death contract," then looked up at the black-clad, masked man on the stage, who stood like a statue. He could feel the man's icy gaze, like a tangible blade, cutting into his skin.

"I accept the challenge."

Without the slightest hesitation, Lu Zhao bit his fingertip and signed his name on the "life-or-death contract." The blood seeped into the paper and was instantly absorbed; the paper spontaneously combusted without wind, turning to ashes. An invisible wave, signifying the establishment of the contract, enveloped the arena.

"Come up on stage." The enforcement disciples made way for them.

Lu Zhao leaped into the air and landed steadily on the arena, facing the masked man in black, who was ten feet away.

The protective array hummed as it activated, and a layer of pale blue light enveloped the entire arena, isolating it from the outside world.

"The life-or-death arena begins!" The referee's voice echoed throughout the square through the amplification array.

In an instant, the masked man in black moved! Without a word or a probe, he unleashed a thunderous killing move!

His figure blurred, leaving a faint afterimage in his original position. His true form, like a ghost, traversed several meters. The long, narrow black sword in his hand was silent yet lightning fast, carrying an extremely refined black sword light that seemed capable of slicing through the soul, aimed directly at Lu Zhao's throat! Before the sword even arrived, the chilling killing intent and sharp sword energy already made Lu Zhao's skin sting and his throat tighten!

So fast! So ruthless! Such pure, deadly swordsmanship!

"Flowing Cloud Step!" Alarm bells rang in Lu Zhao's mind. He instantly unleashed the Flowing Cloud Step to its fullest extent, his figure drifting backward like a cloud blown by the wind. At the same time, he raised his left hand, and a Thick Earth Stone Talisman that had been held in his palm was instantly activated!

"Buzz!"

A thick earthen wall rose up in front of Lu Zhao, with sharp stone spikes protruding from its surface!

"laugh!"

The black sword light slashed at the earthen wall like a hot knife through butter, piercing right through! The earthen wall trembled violently, stone spikes shattered, and the sword light's momentum weakened slightly, but it remained sharp, continuing its thrust towards Lu Zhao!

Lu Zhao's pupils shrank sharply. The sharpness of this black sword far exceeded his expectations! He dared not take it head-on, and his figure flashed again, while at the same time pointing out with his right finger!

"Thunder and lightning!"

"Snap!"

A blinding silver bolt of lightning, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, accompanied by deafening thunder and a strong numbing effect, struck the black-clad masked man's face before he could strike! Lu Zhao did not choose to attack the sword beam, but instead attacked the man's body directly, striking where the enemy would have to defend!

However, the masked man in black seemed utterly unafraid of the lightning, and didn't even try to dodge! With a slight flick of his wrist, the black sword he had thrust out slashed out at an incredible angle and speed, striking the silver lightning with unparalleled precision!

"boom!"

Thunder exploded, lightning flashed everywhere, yet it failed to harm the masked man in black in the slightest! The black sword in his hand seemed to possess the property of absorbing and annihilating lightning! His figure only paused slightly before transforming into a blurry black shadow again, rushing towards Lu Zhao at an even greater speed! The sword light was like a waterfall, instantly enveloping Lu Zhao's vital points!

"So strong!" Lu Zhao thought with a chill. Not only was the opponent's cultivation high, but his swordsmanship was also strange and ruthless. The black sword in his hand was even more bizarre, seemingly able to counter lightning magic. Moreover, his combat experience was terrifyingly rich, and every move was deadly, without the slightest hesitation.

He dared not hold back any longer, pushing his [Flowing Cloud Step] to its limit, struggling to dodge amidst the countless sword shadows, like a small boat in a storm, constantly facing danger. At the same time, he flicked his hands rapidly, sending out talismans as if they were free!

[Sharp Golden Light Talisman]! [Exploding Blazing Sun Talisman]! [Gentle Water and Frosty Ice Talisman]! [Life-Giving Vine Talisman]!

Golden rays, flames, ice spikes, vines... attacks of various attributes bombarded the masked man in black from different angles, not to injure him, but to disrupt and delay him, buying him a chance to catch his breath and counterattack.

The masked man in black moved swiftly, his sword flashing like a curtain, easily shredding most of the talisman attacks. Occasionally, a stray talisman would strike his body, but only leaving shallow marks on his seemingly ordinary black robes, failing to cause any real damage. His black robes were clearly also an extraordinary defensive magical artifact!

"This can't go on! His speed, attack, and defense far surpass mine. I'll definitely lose in a protracted battle!" Lu Zhao thought frantically. The opponent's tactics were clear: to use absolute strength and the unpredictable black sword to launch a crushing, rapid attack, giving him no chance to set up formations or use complex techniques.

"We must force him to reveal a weakness, or... create an opportunity to finish him off with a single strike using a rune array!"

A fierce glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. After narrowly dodging a black sword beam that brushed past his face once again, he bit his tongue hard, spitting out a mouthful of blood essence. At the same time, his hands quickly formed hand seals, and his spiritual power surged wildly within his body!

"Five Elements Talisman Array - Three Powers Trapping and Killing!"

Instead of attempting to control multiple talismans simultaneously for complex attacks, he concentrated his mental energy and activated the three "talisman swords" he had prepared beforehand—metal, water, and wood!

The [Sharp Golden Light Talisman] transformed into a condensed golden sword light, piercing straight into the heart of the masked man in black! The [Gentle Water Frost Talisman] transformed into a pervasive cold mist, enveloping his body, slowing his movements, and attempting to freeze his spiritual power! The [Life-Giving Vine Entwining Talisman] transformed into dozens of tough green vines, wrapping around his legs, arms, and waist from the ground and the air!

Metal represents offense, water represents control, and wood represents confinement! The three talismans form a simple triangular formation, temporarily trapping the masked man in black in the center!

This is the most proficient and powerful rune array transformation that Lu Zhao can currently perform!

Faced with this sudden and perfectly coordinated triple attack, the masked man in black finally showed a noticeable pause for the first time. His black sword danced rapidly, shattering the golden sword light, dispersing the icy mist, and severing the coiling vines. But the attacks from the three talismans were relentless, echoing each other; the golden sword was shattered, but the icy mist returned; the vines were severed, but new vines sprouted from treacherous angles... Although they couldn't truly harm him for the time being, they successfully confined him to a small area, disrupting his relentless offensive rhythm!

"Now!" Lu Zhao's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Taking advantage of the moment when the opponent was restrained by the talisman array, he retreated rapidly. At the same time, he flipped his left hand, and a jet-black flying needle, as thin as a cow's hair, silently flew towards the black-clothed masked man's brow, mixed in with the light and cold mist of the talisman attack, like the most secretive venomous snake!

It was the deadly weapon of a sneak attack—the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle]! Its target was none other than his soul!

However, just as the flying needle was about to reach his body, a strange red light flashed in the black-clad masked man's cold eyes! As if he had foreseen the danger, his head suddenly tilted at an incredible angle!

"laugh!"

The Xuan Yin Soul-Slaying Needle grazed the edge of his mask, sending sparks flying, but it failed to hit the vital spot between his eyebrows! However, a trace of the Xuan Yin power attached to the needle, which specifically harms the soul, still managed to penetrate his body!

The masked man in black shuddered violently, his movements noticeably slowing. His eyes flashed red intensely, and he let out a muffled groan. Clearly, even a mere scratch had demonstrated the formidable power of the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle], impacting his very soul!

"A golden opportunity!" How could Lu Zhao let go of such a once-in-a-lifetime chance? He endured the excruciating mental pain caused by simultaneously controlling the talisman array and launching a sneak attack. His right hand, fingers joined like a sword, frantically gathered the little spiritual power left in his body, and dazzling lightning shone from his fingertips. A faint but extremely concentrated sealing intent quietly merged in—it was a trace of the essence of the [Eight Extremes Demon Sealing Hand Seal - Mountain Suppressing Seal] that he had initially mastered!

"Thunderclap—Suppress!"

He combined the improved [Thunder Flash] with a trace of "Mountain Suppression" and transformed it into a purple-gold lightning shuttle that was only the thickness of a finger but extremely refined, with faint mountain shadows floating inside. It shot towards the chest of the black-clad masked man, whose movements were slowed due to the injury to his soul, at a speed that surpassed any previous one!

This attack nearly drained his remaining spiritual power and most of his mental energy; it was the strongest attack he could unleash at the moment! He aimed to kill his opponent in one strike, or at least severely injure him!

The purple-gold lightning shuttle tore through the air, carrying an aura of destruction and suppression, and arrived in an instant!

The red light in the black-clad masked man's eyes flashed wildly, as if he wanted to dodge, but the trauma to his soul and the sluggishness of his body made him a beat too slow! He could only barely hold the black sword horizontally in front of his chest, while his black clothes burst forth with a dense dark light, trying to withstand the attack head-on!

"boom--!!!"

The purplish-gold lightning shuttle slammed into the black sword! A burst of violent lightning power and a trace of sealing power erupted! The black sword let out a mournful cry, unable to withstand the force, and fine cracks appeared on its blade! The masked man in black was struck as if by a heavy blow, flying backward and spitting out a mouthful of black blood. His clothes tore at the chest, revealing a black inner armor riddled with cracks!

He crashed heavily to the edge of the arena, his black sword flying from his hand and embedding itself in the ground a short distance away, cracks spreading rapidly across its surface. He struggled to get up, but his body trembled uncontrollably, clearly severely injured, especially his soul, which had been severely damaged by the combined impact of the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle] and the Thunder Shuttle containing a trace of the power to suppress mountains.

A deathly silence fell over the arena and its surroundings. Everyone was stunned by the lightning-fast reversal. No one had expected that Lu Zhao, who seemed completely suppressed and on the verge of defeat, would unleash such a terrifying counterattack in an instant, severely injuring the clearly stronger assassin in black!

Lu Zhao also knelt on one knee, breathing heavily, his face as pale as paper, his spiritual and mental energy nearly exhausted. But his eyes remained sharp, fixed on the struggling masked man in black, his hand clutching several more talismans. He knew the battle was not over, and his opponent might have a backup plan.

However, at this very moment, another change occurs!

On the high platform, Zhao Wuji, who had been observing coldly, suddenly stood up and shouted sharply, "Stop! Lu Zhao, how dare you use such a vicious and evil magical artifact that specifically damages the soul during the competition! How is such behavior any different from that of demons and heretics?!"

Before he could finish speaking, a sharp, crimson palm print, carrying the pressure of a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, unexpectedly pierced through the protective light barrier of the arena and struck down on Lu Zhao, who was exhausted of spiritual energy and completely unprepared! The speed and power were so great that it was clearly intended to kill him on the spot!

It was Zhao Wuji! He dared to openly violate the rules of the competition, ignore the protective formation, and personally kill the disciple on the arena!

"Zhao Wuji! How dare you!" Elder Yun's angry shout rang out at the same time, and a cold sword light, arriving first after being delayed, slashed towards the crimson palm print. But Zhao Wuji had clearly planned ahead; his attack was sudden and the distance was close, and Elder Yun's interception seemed to be a beat too slow!

A crimson palm print, carrying an aura of destruction, has descended upon Lu Zhao's head!

The shadow of death once again looms over Lu Zhao!