Free Web NovelChapter 582: Chapter 399: Bloodthirsty Butcher, Demon Blood Ape God! (Double-Length Special)
"I just didn’t expect this Zhao Jingzhuo to have opened the Ninth Martial Vein; this doesn’t match the results of my investigation..." Yang Zhen was surprised by the cultivation strength Zhao Jingzhuo displayed.
"He must have made a breakthrough recently, even his aura hasn’t stabilized yet," Song Changming speculated.
But no matter what, opening all the Martial Veins is an undeniable level of cultivation that can crush the majority of Little Flag Masters in terms of realms.
Even Tang Le Mountain showed a few signs of seriousness when looking at Zhao Jingzhuo, indicating that the opponent’s strength was enough to threaten him.
After the battle, Zhao Jingzhuo gracefully leaped down, quietly returning to his original spot, with a cold expression and without saying a word.
Such a low-pressure atmosphere also made some Little Flag Masters who wanted to congratulate him keep their mouths shut and avoid trying to be friendly.
After that, Xu Yuan took the stage.
It must be said, Xu Yuan’s cultivation talent is indeed extremely high, not much older than Song Changming in age, yet his Qi Refining Cultivation was higher than more than half of the Little Flag Masters present.
Combining with his greatest reliance, the Blazing Divine Thunder, he set the stage for a one-sided battle from the start.
Eventually advancing to the next round without surprise.
"Congratulations, Brother Xu," Yang Zhen said.
"No big deal," Xu Yuan waved his hand indifferently, but the smile at the corner of his mouth couldn’t be hidden.
"Brother Xu, your personality has changed a lot over the years," Song Changming suddenly said.
"Really, how has it changed?" Xu Yuan was stunned and couldn’t help but ask.
"You’ve become more shameless," Song Changming said bluntly.
"..."
He still remembered that when they first met, Xu Yuan gave the impression of being more indifferent.
But after spending more time together, he realized it was all just a façade.
The duels concluded one after another, none taking too long, and there were no truly evenly matched battles.
This first round of duels, it seems, was determined by the Military Department’s discussions and not by random selection.
The intention isn’t hard to guess; it seems to be to eliminate a batch of less promising and weaker candidates in the first round.
Then proceed with strong contenders to select the truly strongest one.
And Song Changming waited until the end before his name was called.
He would face none other than Liao Junmao, who first talked to them.
Actually, only the two of them hadn’t yet appeared, so it wasn’t surprising.
"Brother Song, don’t drop the ball; I’m waiting to face you in the next round," Xu Yuan said.
"Hmm." Song Changming didn’t say much and left Stone Peak, going into the air, where he saw Liao Junmao flying towards him.
"Brother Song, I didn’t expect we’d be paired up in the end," Liao Junmao squinted and smiled.
"It’s just a coincidence," Song Changming nodded.
"The Military Department’s arrangement for the first-round opponents was very clear on strength, but who knows who is stronger between us in this last group..." Liao Junmao smiled coldly.
His face smiled, but there was no laughter in his eyes, more of a cold indifference.
"Perhaps you’ve heard of me, I’ve got some peculiar habits on the battlefield, to put it bluntly, I’m a bit bloodthirsty, but I don’t think it’s wrong, a soldier with some bloodlust is normal..."
Song Changming listened silently, unsure what the other was getting at.
"Brother Song, if things get intense in a while, and we accidentally hurt each other, I hope we can be understanding and not blame each other, alright?" Liao Junmao slowly drew his long saber, saying bit by bit.
His words carried a hint of fear.
"No problem." Song Changming remained composed and agreed immediately.
"Hey, don’t be reckless." An official warned Liao Junmao with a frown.
"Relax, I know my limits, at most there will be some blood, but no one will get hurt," Liao Junmao said, as a wild Sword Intent ignited around him, drawing the attention of other Little Flag Masters.
"Liao Junmao, this butcher’s swordsmanship is remarkable, that kid opposite is in trouble..."
"Hard to say, the opponent just held off Tang Le Mountain! And... isn’t he Song Changming, do you remember the incident back then?"
"Come on, a rumor is still a rumor. From the scene back then, it’s true that the Shi Clan Elders was dead, but whether he was the killer is hard to say, maybe he was just a pawn pulled out to take the blame in a higher-up conflict..."
"Yes, claiming to have counter-killed an Innate Perfection Realm Noble Family Elder, that’s a bold statement indeed!"
"Just watch, whether it’s just an empty reputation, we will know today."
The presence of Song Changming’s name triggered a wave of murmuring from outside.
The match began inside the arena.
"Brother Song, please!" Liao Junmao was the first to speak.
"Please," Song Changming nodded.
As the words fell, Liao Junmao moved instantly, his body spinning in mid-air, the long saber dragging a majestic Sword Qi through the air, tracing an arc.
As one strike slashed downward, it seemed like a great mountain pressing down.
Song Changming stood still, unfazed.
Both wielding sabers, he could see that Liao Junmao’s fierce and powerful swordsmanship was indeed superb, enough to rank in the top three solely in terms of skill among their group of Little Flag Masters.
It was clear that all of his talent points were invested in the Sword Tao.
After watching the duel, this person’s strength was qualified to become a winner and enter the next round of competition.
But unfortunately, he encountered Song Changming as his opponent in the first round.
Seeing the approaching long saber, Song Changming also drew his Changshou Saber.
Clang!
Liao Junmao’s saber flew out of his hand, clattering against the barrier above, rippling waves of energy.
Liao Junmao’s arm bled from the tiger’s mouth, and half his body felt numb.
