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

Qin Wuyai's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling coldness that clearly echoed throughout the surroundings, instantly silencing the previously noisy training ground.

Countless eyes focused on them simultaneously.

Qin Wuyai finally stepped forward in person and issued a challenge to Lu Zhao!

Or rather, it's a verdict.

Although the lottery results have not yet been announced, given Qin Wuyai's status and methods, arranging for himself to meet Lu Zhao ahead of time would not be difficult. Everyone understands that this is not a coincidence, but a premeditated scheme by Qin Wuyai.

The air seemed to freeze, filled with the oppressive atmosphere of an impending storm.

Zhao Yan's expression changed, and he said sternly, "Qin Wuyai, what do you mean? The draw results haven't even come out yet, how do you know that Junior Brother Lu's opponent is you? Are you trying to manipulate the draw?!"

Li Yue also said in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Qin, the selection is a grand event for the sect, and there are rules to follow. Please be careful with your words."

Ye Qingyi didn't speak, but just looked coldly at Qin Wuyai, her beautiful eyes filled with a hint of wariness.

Qin Wuyai sneered, his gaze still fixed on Lu Zhao, filled with contempt and undisguised killing intent: "Rules? In this inner sect, my words, Qin Wuyai's words, are the rules! Lu Zhao, haven't you always been arrogant? Killing my men, slapping the face of my Qin family, today, I'll show you what true arrogance is, and what it means to regret being born!"

His aura, born from the completion of his Foundation Establishment stage, erupted without reservation. Golden light flashed and lightning swirled around him, like an angry thunder god, his overwhelming pressure pressing down on Lu Zhao! The surrounding air seemed to thicken.

Zhao Yan, Li Yue, and Ye Qingyi were all struck by this aura, their faces turning pale instantly. They couldn't help but take a step back, and the flow of their spiritual energy became sluggish. The difference between the peak of Foundation Establishment and the ninth level of Foundation Establishment may seem like only one level, but there's a qualitative difference in the total amount and quality of spiritual energy, as well as the control over the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Qin Wuyai's full power at this moment was indeed astonishing.

However, Lu Zhao, who was at the center of the oppressive aura, remained completely still.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm and serene, as if the suffocating pressure was nothing more than a gentle breeze. The annihilating dragon energy circulated silently within his body, effortlessly dissolving and absorbing the oppressive force. He raised his head, calmly looking at Qin Wuyai, his gaze as cold and profound as a time-worn, icy pool.

"Are you done spouting nonsense?" Lu Zhao's voice was calm and undisturbed, yet it carried a chilling coldness.

Qin Wuyai's cold smile froze. Lu Zhao's composure was beyond his expectations. Under the oppressive aura of his Foundation Establishment Perfection realm cultivation, the other party was completely unharmed, without even a change in expression? How was this possible?

"Hmph, sharp-tongued!" Qin Wuyai's eyes grew even colder. "I hope your bones will be as hard as your mouth on the arena later!"

Lu Zhao slowly stood up, his blue robe fluttering even without wind. He ignored Qin Wuyai's clamor, instead turning his gaze to the high platform, looking at Lei Wanjun, the Master of the Enforcement Hall, his voice clear and resounding throughout the entire hall:

"Sect Master Lei, I have a question. The sect's selection process aims to be fair and impartial, choosing the most talented individuals. If someone relies on their family background to engage in favoritism, manipulate the lottery, or even threatens participating disciples in public, interfering with the selection process, how should they be dealt with?"

The sound wasn't loud, but it was resounding and clearly reached everyone's ears.

The entire venue fell silent.

Everyone was stunned. They hadn't expected Lu Zhao to be so bold as to directly question the Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall! This was tantamount to publicly slapping Qin Wuyai in the face and challenging certain unspoken rules!

Qin Wuyai's face instantly turned ashen, and the killing intent in his eyes almost burst forth! He stared intently at Lu Zhao, wishing he could tear him to pieces immediately!

Zhao Yan, Li Yue, and Ye Qingyi were also stunned, never expecting Lu Zhao to pull such a stunt. But immediately, a sense of admiration rose in their hearts. Faced with Qin Wuyai's forceful oppression, Lu Zhao did not back down or endure, but instead confronted him head-on, using rules to break through power! This courage and wisdom were truly admirable.

On the high platform, the elders displayed varying expressions. Elder Yan's eyes flashed with admiration, the gray-robed elder remained expressionless, the rigid elder frowned slightly, while the elders who were on good terms with the Qin family looked rather grim.

Lei Wanjun remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai. His voice was indifferent, yet carried an undeniable air of authority:

"The sect's selection process has its own rules. No one may interfere with the selection or engage in favoritism or fraud for any reason. Violators will be disqualified and expelled from the sect. In serious cases, their cultivation will be abolished as a warning to others."

He paused, his gaze sharp as a sword as he swept over Qin Wuyai: "Qin Wuyai, as an inner disciple, you should know the rules. If you continue to provoke or interfere with the selection process, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Qin Wuyai trembled, his face turning from pale to ashen. Under the oppressive aura of Lei Wanjun, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, his Foundation Establishment Perfection aura melted away like ice and snow, instantly dissipating. He gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth: "Disciple... knows his mistake."

Although he was filled with boundless hatred, he dared not offend Lei Wanjun's authority. At least on the surface, he had to bow his head.

Lei Wanjun then looked at Lu Zhao, his voice still indifferent: "Lu Zhao, the sect will make a fair judgment on your questions. The lottery was drawn randomly, and it was fair and just. If you have any objections, you can appeal to the Enforcement Hall after the selection. Now, focus on preparing for the battle and don't cause any unnecessary trouble."

"Disciple understands, thank you for your insightful guidance, Hall Master." Lu Zhao cupped his hands, neither humble nor arrogant. This was exactly what he wanted to hear from Lei Wanjun; at least on the surface, Qin Wuyai would no longer dare to openly manipulate the lottery. As for underhanded tactics, he would deal with them as they came.

"Hmph!" Qin Wuyai snorted coldly, glaring fiercely at Lu Zhao with eyes as venomous as a snake. He knew that Lu Zhao was using this as a pretext, temporarily restricting his actions by invoking the sect's rules. But this would only make his desire to kill Lu Zhao even more urgent.

"Let's go!" Qin Wuyai turned and left, taking a few trusted men with him. He walked to a distance, closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, and said nothing more. But his gloomy face revealed the rage in his heart.

An unspoken confrontation ended with Lu Zhao gaining a slight advantage. Although he couldn't completely eliminate Qin Wuyai's underhanded tactics, he at least made him think twice, and everyone witnessed Lu Zhao's courage and wisdom.

"Junior Brother Lu, well done!" Zhao Yan whispered excitedly, "That's how you roast him! Look at his face, haha!"

Li Yue smiled and said, "Junior Brother Lu's plan is brilliant. By using the sect's rules to suppress him, he won't dare to act recklessly for the time being."

Ye Qingyi's beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Lu Zhao with even more appreciation. She had initially thought Lu Zhao was merely powerful in combat, but she hadn't expected him to be so shrewd and adept at leveraging opportunities.

Lu Zhao shook his head: "This is just a temporary measure. Qin Wuyai will never give up. In the upcoming battle, he will stop at nothing."

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it," Ye Qingyi said softly. "Fellow Daoist Lu, it's best to be careful."

Lu Zhao nodded, said no more, and continued to meditate. Although it was just a clash of auras, it gave him a more direct understanding of Qin Wuyai's strength. A Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator, indeed living up to his reputation; his spiritual power was profound, and his aura overwhelming, far surpassing that of Lin Dong and Lie Shan. Moreover, Qin Wuyai carried the Qin family's legacy, so he must have powerful trump cards. This battle would definitely not be easy.

But so what? Why should Lu Zhao fear a battle?

The three-hour rest period passed in an eerie calm. Everyone could sense that beneath that calm, a turbulent undercurrent was brewing. The fateful showdown between Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai seemed inevitable.

Finally, the rest period is over.

"The time has come! All disciples who have advanced, step forward and draw lots to determine the order of the fifth round of battles!" Lei Wanjun's voice rang out, breaking the silence.

The sixty-three disciples gathered once more. This time, the atmosphere was even more solemn, and everyone's gaze involuntarily darted back and forth between Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai.

A giant container of divination sticks floats in the air, the jade sticks shimmering with light.

The disciples stepped forward one by one to draw jade slips; some were happy, some were worried.

When it was Lu Zhao's turn, he remained calm and reached out to draw a jade slip. The slip was cool to the touch, and two words appeared on it—Qin Wuyai.

really.

Lu Zhao felt no emotion, and even a faint sense of anticipation. What was meant to happen would happen eventually.

Qin Wuyai also drew his jade slip. When he saw the name on it, a cold and cruel smile appeared on his lips, and his gaze was like a sharp blade, piercing towards Lu Zhao.

Their eyes met in mid-air, sparks flew, and killing intent filled the air.

"Round 5, Match 1, Lu Zhao on the third arena versus Qin Wuyai on the first arena! Move to the first arena!" The referee's voice trembled slightly as he announced loudly.

coming!

The entire venue erupted in cheers!

"It really was them!"

"The destined showdown! The long-awaited moment has finally arrived!"

"Lu Zhao versus Qin Wuyai! One a rising powerhouse, the other a seasoned veteran—who will emerge victorious?"

"Qin Wuyai is at the peak of Foundation Establishment and possesses the Qin family's legacy; his strength is unfathomable!"

"Lu Zhao is no weakling either; he defeated Lin Dong and Lie Shan in succession, his strength is equally terrifying!"

"This battle will be earth-shattering!"

Everyone was excited. The long-awaited showdown was finally about to begin! This was not just a personal feud between Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai, but also represented a clash between the old and new forces. It was the most anticipated battle of this selection!

On the high platform, several elders also looked solemn. Elder Yan's eyes were filled with expectation, the gray-robed old man's gaze was deep, the stern elder's brows were furrowed, and the elder who was on good terms with the Qin family had a gloomy face.

Ye Qingyi, Zhao Yan, Li Yue, and the others were all on edge, their eyes filled with worry. Qin Wuyai was not comparable to Lin Dong or Lie Shan; he was a true Foundation Establishment Perfection expert, ruthless, and possessed many hidden strengths.

"Junior Brother Lu, be careful!" Zhao Yan couldn't help but shout.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, be careful of his Golden Light Thunder Sword and the Qin family's secret techniques," Ye Qingyi warned telepathically. She had fought Qin Wuyai before and knew how troublesome he was.

Lu Zhao nodded to the three of them, giving them a reassuring look, and then, under the watchful eyes of countless people, slowly stepped onto the number one arena.

Across from him, Qin Wuyai had been waiting for a long time. He stood with his hands behind his back, his golden robes fluttering in the night wind, his body shimmering with golden light and surrounded by lightning, like a god who controlled thunder, exuding a powerful and domineering aura. The way he looked at Lu Zhao was as if he were looking at a dead man.

"Lu Zhao, I told you, your good luck has run out." Qin Wuyai's voice was cold and cruel. "Today, this arena will be your burial ground!"

Lu Zhao remained calm, his gaze as deep as an ancient well, looking at Qin Wuyai as if he were looking at a clown jumping around.

"Enough with the nonsense." Lu Zhao's voice was calm and utterly emotionless. "If you want war, then let's fight."

"Fine! Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish!" Qin Wuyai laughed in fury, his eyes instantly blazing with killing intent!

"Buzz—!"

A longsword, gleaming with golden light and crackling with lightning, appeared in his hand. The sword was three feet three inches long, its blade engraved with intricate lightning runes. Lightning crackled at the tip, and an aura of overwhelming divine might, capable of destroying everything, emanated from it!

"Golden Light Thunder Sword! Qin Wuyai's natal magic weapon, a top-grade magic weapon, said to contain a trace of heavenly thunder power!" someone exclaimed from below the stage.

"Qin Wuyai used his natal magic weapon right from the start; he's aiming for a quick victory!"

"Lu Zhao is in danger!"

Lu Zhao looked at the golden lightning sword, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes. This sword was of extremely high grade and perfectly matched Qin Wuyai's cultivation technique, its power must be terrifying. However, he felt no fear.

"To die under my Golden Light Thunder Sword is an honor for you, Lu Zhao." Qin Wuyai sneered, his spiritual power erupted, and the majestic aura of a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator was released without reservation, causing the light screen around the arena to tremble slightly!

"Lu Zhao, prepare to die!"

Qin Wuyai took a step forward, lightning flashing beneath his feet, and his figure instantly disappeared from the spot. The next moment, he appeared three zhang in front of Lu Zhao, holding a golden lightning sword with dazzling lightning and a sword intent that could destroy everything. He thrust out the sword!

"Golden lightning pierces the sky!"

The sword was drawn, accompanied by a thunderous roar! A golden bolt of lightning, as thick as a bucket, coiled around the sword, transforming into a dazzling rainbow that tore through the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound, heading straight for Lu Zhao's heart! Before the sword even arrived, the sharp sword energy and violent lightning power already made Lu Zhao's skin sting and his hair stand on end!

This sword strike was several times more powerful than the one used against that swordsman! Clearly, Qin Wuyai's first move was a killing blow, intended to kill in one strike!

A gasp of astonishment erupted from below the stage! Everyone was awestruck by the power of that sword strike! A full-force attack from a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak of their cultivation was indeed terrifying!

Ye Qingyi, Zhao Yan, and Li Yue's hearts jumped into their throats!

On the high platform, the elders' gazes sharpened. Qin Wuyai's sword strike already possessed some of the flair of a Golden Core sword cultivator; its power was not to be underestimated. Lu Zhao, could you withstand it?

Faced with this earth-shattering sword strike, Lu Zhao's eyes flashed with a sharp light! Instead of retreating, he took a step forward!

Within his body, the Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique was operating wildly, and the annihilating dragon energy surged and roared! In his sea of ​​consciousness, the annihilating sword intent resonated!

"Well done!"

Lu Zhao let out a long roar that shook the surrounding area! He pointed his fingers like a sword, and a bright gray-gold light shone from his fingertips as the sword intent of annihilation erupted without reservation! A terrifying sword intent that was desolate, ancient, domineering, and annihilating soared into the sky, standing shoulder to shoulder with Qin Wuyai's thunderous might!

"Annihilation - Slash!"

Lu Zhao pointed out! The gray-gold light at his fingertip flew out of his hand, swelled in the wind, and transformed into a gray-gold sword aura several meters long. With a chilling will to annihilate everything and end all things, it did not dodge or avoid, but slashed fiercely at the golden lightning rainbow!

A clash of titans! A head-on confrontation!

"boom--!!!"

The gray-gold sword energy and the golden lightning collided violently in the center of the arena!

A deafening roar shook the entire arena! Blinding light instantly engulfed the stage! A violent energy storm, like a raging sea, raged wildly! The protective light barrier around the stage shook violently, groaning under the strain, and cracks instantly appeared on it, as if it would shatter at any moment!

"Reinforce!" On the high platform, Lei Wanjun snorted coldly, raised his hand and waved, and an even more powerful barrier of light descended, firmly protecting the arena.

Below the stage, all the disciples were stunned by the earth-shattering collision, holding their breath and staring intently at the arena that was being swallowed by the storm of light and energy.

The light lasted for more than ten breaths before slowly dissipating.

The smoke and dust gradually settled.

The arena was a scene of utter devastation. The once smooth ground was now riddled with crisscrossing trenches and bottomless craters, as if struck by a meteorite.

Two figures slowly emerged from the smoke and dust.

Lu Zhao stood tall and imposing, his blue robe stained with a few specks of dust, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth. Yet, his posture was upright, his gaze sharp as lightning, and a gray-gold light slowly circulated around him, repelling the violent aftershocks of energy. At his fingertips, the gray-gold light dimmed slightly, but remained steadfast and unwavering.

Opposite him, Qin Wuyai stood with his sword in hand. His golden robe was torn in several places, making him look somewhat disheveled, but his aura remained strong, and the killing intent in his eyes was even more intense. The golden lightning sword in his hand still flickered with lightning, but there was a tiny crack on the blade! Clearly, he had not gained the upper hand in the previous clash; on the contrary, his magical artifact had been damaged!

"They're evenly matched?!" someone in the audience exclaimed in surprise.

"Lu Zhao... he withstood Qin Wuyai's full-force sword strike? And it seems he even damaged Qin Wuyai's magical artifact?!"

"This...how is this possible?! He's only at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment!"

"That sword strike... what terrifying sword intent! I felt my very soul tremble!"

"Just how strong is Lu Zhao?!"

Everyone was deeply shocked by what they saw! Lu Zhao, who was at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, actually withstood a full-force attack from Qin Wuyai, who was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, in a head-on confrontation, and did not fall behind! This completely overturned their understanding!

On the high platform, several elders also showed expressions of surprise. Lu Zhao's displayed strength had once again exceeded their expectations.

"This lad... is truly remarkable." The gray-robed elder couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "A ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, he fought head-on against a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator without being defeated, and even gained a slight advantage... Such combat prowess is nothing short of monstrous!"

"That sword intent of annihilation is indeed domineering and unparalleled. Even the Golden Light Thunder Sword, which contains the power of heavenly thunder, is difficult to completely resist." Elder Yan's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"The outcome of this battle is uncertain." The elder, who was on good terms with the Qin family, had a gloomy expression.

On the arena, Qin Wuyai stared at the cracks on the sword, his eyes blazing with fury and killing intent! He was heartbroken over the loss of his natal magic weapon, and even more furious that Lu Zhao could hold his own against him! This was an utter disgrace to him!

"Good! Good! Good!" Qin Wuyai exclaimed three times, his voice as cold as ice from the depths of hell. "Lu Zhao, I underestimated you! But that sword strike was just an appetizer! Next, I'll show you just how insurmountable the gap is between the peak of Foundation Establishment and the ninth level!"

He took a deep breath, and golden light shone brightly around him. The lightning became even more violent, and an even more terrifying aura slowly emanated from his body!

"Lu Zhao, you have every reason to be proud that you forced me to use this move!"

Qin Wuyai's voice, like thunder, boomed across the arena.

"Next, I'll show you the secret technique of my Qin family—Golden Light!"