Eternal Heavenly Emperor-Chapter 273 - 264: The Strongest Genius in Ten Thousand Years
"What they call a prodigy is someone who creates miracles when everyone else thinks it’s impossible."
Yuan Tiangang was exactly that kind of prodigy.
He made full use of his physical constitution to create a terrifying method of attack, which was somewhat akin to the Piercing Force Su Wanyue had once used—penetrating an object before taking effect, possessing a similar ingenious effectiveness to the Void Strike.
Perhaps, such techniques should be mastered only by Warriors, just as only War Venerates could achieve Elemental Transformation, but some individuals with exceptional talents can’t be measured by ordinary standards.
Seeing Yuan Tiangang so dominate, the new prodigies waiting for the baptism of the Dragon Pool in the cabin couldn’t help but show a soaring fighting spirit. They were like the calves that did not fear tigers, not holding the same reverence for Yuan Tiangang, believing he was not insurmountable.
Only Ling Dongliu looked entirely dejected. If he didn’t pull himself together, this prodigy would be completely ruined.
Chu Hao was also filled with a will to fight; such an opponent was truly rare.
If the other party could develop his physique to such an extent, couldn’t he also dig a bit deeper? His use of physique had always been confined to using flames for lighting and cooking, and only the Blue Flame had been utilized against enemies, showing that the development was embarrassingly low.
He remembered once compressing flames, forming a flame blade that effortlessly chopped down the hardy trees of the Cold Valley, which even sharp weapons couldn’t cut. However, after that, he immediately advanced to martial master and never used this technique again.
Because at that time his physique was still at the Tenth Tier Martial Disciple, which couldn’t compare with Star Force at all.
But now? He was engaged in Dual Cultivation of body and star, elevating his strength to a level no less than that of Star Force. So, what about the Might of Flames when compressed?
If the other side can form a cutting tool that could slice through everything with the high-speed oscillation of an Air Blade, then what kind of destructive power could he create by compressing flames? Chu Hao suddenly had an epiphany, and his eyes shone even brighter.
"Take this!" Yuan Tiangang had already launched an attack, throwing a punch out.
Chu Hao did not take the punch head-on but used the Sky Stepping Technique, expanding his Derivation ability as much as possible to try to dodge. At the same time, he stimulated his physique, with flames quickly extending over his hands, beginning to compress under his control.
Although he was capable of doing this long ago, could his current physique be the same as back then?
The power of the flames had increased many times over, so even though the technique was familiar, he had to start from scratch and compress the flames again. Fortunately, with previous experience, the process was naturally fast.
"Afraid to take on my attack?" Yuan Tiangang laughed loudly, "Ducking and dodging like this, you will eventually be defeated."
He didn’t know if it was due to having a terrifying Derivation ability himself or if his combat instincts were too strong, but he kept hounding Chu Hao relentlessly. Out of ten attacks, at least two forced Chu Hao to block, or else he would strike a vital spot.
Upon blocking, the Void Strike came into play, exploding inside Chu Hao’s body, causing him tremendous discomfort.
Fortunately, every Body Cultivator had a formidable recovery ability, and also, Yuan Tiangang had only just mastered the Void Strike, so its power hadn’t reached its peak, and the resulting injuries weren’t particularly severe. Chu Hao was still able to recover.
However, if this continued, he would eventually reach his limit and be unable to recuperate from his injuries, at which point he would naturally be defeated.
Chu Hao simply said, "Have a little patience!" The flames in his hand were almost condensed into a sword.
"Chu Hao, if you don’t use your Ultimate Move, you will have to accept defeat," laughed Yuan Tiangang, accelerating his offensive.
He hadn’t yet used Ultimate Moves like "Shattered"; he believed that Chu Hao must also have Ultimate Moves hidden, so this was not a true reflection of Chu Hao’s actual Combat Power.
Chu Hao didn’t reply, but his footwork flowed smoothly like clouds and water.
"Your movement technique is indeed good, but I’m no less adept than you. Can you still dodge this move?" Yuan Tiangang followed closely behind Chu Hao, sending both fists flying towards Chu Hao’s back.
This strike was indeed unavoidable.
But a smile suddenly appeared on Chu Hao’s lips as he quickly turned around, condensing both fists at once and striking back at Yuan Tiangang. Two Flame Blades, each a foot long, appeared on his fists, like two daggers slotted in.
What’s going on?
The crowd watched, baffled. It had been Yuan Tiangang using the Air Blade before, but now he had stopped. Instead, Chu Hao had unleashed the Flame Blade. What was the rhythm here?
Boom!
As the crowd pondered, Chu Hao’s fists collided squarely with Yuan Tiangang’s. Amidst a loud noise, both men reeled back. Chu Hao spat out a mouthful of fresh blood; the Flame Blades couldn’t negate the opponent’s Void Strike, and his internal organs were still damaged. However, Yuan Tiangang was also not feeling great. Wounds appeared on his fists and arms, deep but with no blood flowing because the wounds were charred black by the flames.
Yuan Tiangang’s hands trembled, feeling an intense pain and burning sensation. The Power of Flame had not yet dissipated, spreading from his arms towards his shoulders, causing him great discomfort.
How frightening.
He quickly circulated his Star Force to drive the foreign power from his body.
Both were busy with their own issues, and for a moment, neither made a move to continue the fight.
Hiss, another stalemate.
Seeing this, the crowd exclaimed in astonishment. The battle had taken many twists and turns; just a moment ago, Yuan Tiangang had been chasing Chu Hao around the arena, but in the blink of an eye, they were evenly matched again.
Yuan Tiangang, staring at the Flame Blade in Chu Hao’s hand, shook his hands, and the Air Blade began to whirl again. He dared not confront such fierce flames with his bare fists—just like how Chu Hao previously dared not take his Void Strike. Otherwise, that would not be courage, but stupidity.
Whoosh, whoosh. Both figures sprang up, each lunging at the other fiercely.
Boom, boom, boom. Air Blades and Flame Blades repeatedly collided, sparking skyward trails of flames. The void itself was constantly being torn open, forming dark vortexes.
It was as if fireworks were being set off, an incredibly beautiful spectacle.
The speed of their figures was astonishing, darting left and pushing right. Martial Masters couldn’t even catch their traces, and even Low Tier Martial Sects couldn’t make out the details of their combat. They could only see their figures crisscrossing, followed by a series of "fireworks" bursting forth.
Both were fearsomely powerful.
As the battle raged, everyone believed that the strongest contenders of this Fledgling Dragon List were three individuals—Chu Hao, Yuan Tiangang, and the Barbaric Girl. The Barbaric Girl lost to Yuan Tiangang, not because she was outmatched in strength, but due to the time constraints of the fight, and her realm was just a bit higher than Yuan Tiangang’s, so she was judged to be the loser.
In reality, considering the girl’s age, it should have been Yuan Tiangang count as the defeated one.
Now, as Chu Hao and Yuan Tiangang fiercely fought, no one would be surprised by either’s victory or defeat, for they had both proven their might.
In the last Fledgling Dragon List, Yuan Tiangang dominated the rankings, standing unparalleled and proudly at the top. But this time, there were three strong rivals at a near-even match in strength.
Looking over the entire Fledgling Dragon List, new talents emerged, their overall strength a notch above the last.
Cang State was about to welcome a golden age of martial arts. Perhaps, in a few years, a War God would emerge to restore Cang State’s prestige.
Thinking of this, everyone’s scalp tingled with excitement.
This was a glory belonging to everyone, akin to an Olympic competition where an athlete from one’s own country snags a gold medal. Even if you don’t personally know them, you’d naturally feel a strong sense of pride.
"Ha!"
Chu Hao and Yuan Tiangang continued their intense battle, with only one thought in their minds—to defeat the opponent.
Fight, fight, fight, fight.
The two greatest talents fully released their brilliance, overshadowing the younger generation of Cang State, who could only prostrate and pledge allegiance under their feet.
Soon, 20 minutes had passed, yet Chu Hao and Yuan Tiangang were still locked in an undecidable struggle.
In the fierce confrontation, both were covered in wounds. Yuan Tiangang possessed the "Splitting Technique" secret technique, which allowed him to avoid a great deal of damage, while Chu Hao’s advantage laid in his formidable physique—not only could he take hits, but his recovery was astoundingly remarkable.
Neither could gain the upper hand.
"It’s time to decide the victor," Yuan Tiangang declared, stopping a hundred meters in front of Chu Hao, his fighting intent soaring as if tangible.
Chu Hao nodded, saying, "As you wish!"
With a flick of his right hand, the Deep Blue Sword was already in his grasp.
What!
Seeing Chu Hao draw a weapon, everyone outside the ring was stunned. Could it be that Chu Hao’s greatest skill was actually swordsmanship?
My god, if using just his fists he could fight Yuan Tiangang to a standstill, how much would his combat power increase by wielding his best sword technique?
Yuan Tiangang was also slightly shaken but didn’t take it to heart. His Splitting Technique feared no attack, whether you used bare hands or a sword, what difference did it make to him?
"Come and fight!" he roared, and with a whoosh, his figure lunged forward toward Chu Hao.
Chu Hao’s expression was solemn; his right hand flourished the sword, unleashing the Mad Thunder Sword Technique.
Thunderclap Miles!
What a terrifying strike, but what was the use if it couldn’t hit him?
As the sword strike approached, Yuan Tiangang’s body eerily split in half from the lower abdomen, and the sword passed right through the gap.
Swish, the sword swept past, and Yuan Tiangang was cut in two.
But everyone knew that this wasn’t due to the Treasured Sword’s strike. In the next instant, Yuan Tiangang’s two halves seamlessly rejoined. His face went deathly pale, clearly, the act of splitting and rejoining his body was a huge drain on him.
But Yuan Tiangang’s advance was unhesitating as he continued his assault on Chu Hao.
Impressive!
Chu Hao thought to himself. It was the first time he had seen a Thunderclap Miles executed in such an "effortless" manner. Fortunately, there were very few people in the world with a Spatial Physique, and not every person with such a physique happened to possess this kind of "Splitting" characteristic.
He shook his longsword, and the second move, Heavenly Thunder Strike, was already in motion.
Rumble rumble. A cloud of dark storm suddenly appeared above Yuan Tiangang’s head, with white lightning roiling inside it, as if he had committed some unpardonable sin and now the heavens were about to deliver divine punishment upon him.
Clang, a fearsome bolt of lightning poured down, aiming directly at the top of Yuan Tiangang’s head.
(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it on Qidian.com with recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users may read at m.qidian.com.)
