Ji Jiucheng looked at Xu Zimo with a calm gaze. The spear in his hand radiated a sky-piercing spear intent.
A crimson aura surged around the spear.
The surrounding space first cracked, then completely collapsed.
Explosions echoed around them.
"This must be the Seventh Prince’s self-created spear technique," some knowledgeable people in the crowd whispered curiously.
"Yes, it’s said to be called ‘Heaven-Grasp Spear,’ a move the Seventh Prince developed after grasping the true essence of the Spear Dao and merging it with the Dao of Space," someone nearby explained.
"At such a young age, the Seventh Prince already has these accomplishments. He might have a real shot at becoming the next emperor."
...
On the platform, the aura from Ji Jiucheng’s spear was hellish and murderous, so potent it became tangible.
Behind him, a massive illusory spear materialized, identical in form but far larger in size.
The surrounding space could no longer withstand the spear’s pressure.
If it weren’t for Wenren Jingshi suppressing the area, the space for a hundred miles around would have been obliterated.
In the sky above, wind surged and clouds rolled. The crimson energy dyed the spear blood red, looking like it was engulfed in flames.
As Ji Jiucheng moved, the enormous spear formed from his spear intent followed closely behind.
He pointed his spear forward.
The giant illusory spear seemed guided by that motion.
In an instant, it shot toward Xu Zimo.
This move was incredibly fast, imbued with spatial power.
Without mastery of spatial principles, it would be impossible to dodge.
Moreover, the spear intent was deadly, almost solidified from pure killing will.
In less than a breath, the massive spear was in front of Xu Zimo.
But Ji Jiucheng had never expected that one of the ten styles of Xu Zimo’s Demon was the Realm Demon.
This move represented the pinnacle of spatial power.
As the space around him distorted, and the spear surged through the void toward his chest, Xu Zimo smiled and shook his head.
To someone at the peak of the Empyrean Meridian Realm like him, this was child’s play. It didn’t stir the desire to fight.
Ji Jiucheng had talent, yes, but he was still just at the Imperial Meridian level.
In martial arts, each step in the late stages is like crossing a chasm.
The gap was hard to imagine, impossible to take seriously.
Xu Zimo slowly raised his right hand and gently pinched his fingers together.
To many watching, the motion seemed ordinary and unimpressive.
But just like that, he pinched the speeding spear between his fingers.
Between his index and middle finger.
The spear, like a raging dragon, roared and thrashed violently, trying to break free.
But it was useless.
Xu Zimo didn’t move an inch, just smiled at Ji Jiucheng’s stunned face.
The wind from the spear intent fluttered his robe and hair, but he remained still.
The force of the spear waned quickly, strong at first, then fading, and finally disappearing.
The giant spear faded away. Xu Zimo stood calmly, having done nothing but pinch with two fingers.
The entire crowd fell silent.
Everyone was stunned, especially the younger generation, whose minds were like turbulent waves.
"That’s it?" someone whispered in disbelief.
"Was Ji Jiucheng’s technique just weak, or is the opponent too strong?" another murmured.
Not just the younger ones, even many seasoned experts were shaken, unable to snap out of it.
They knew how strong Heaven-Grasp Spear was.
But to stop it so casually with two fingers, none of them could do that.
After a moment, Tranquil Prince recovered and smiled as he looked at Xu Zimo.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
"What do you mean, Father?" his son Yue Chang asked.
"This world really is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers," Yue Yunfei shook his head. "I misjudged him."
Even the birthday celebrant Wenren Jingshi sat there stunned.
He sighed inwardly: “I’m getting old. My grandson really hid his strength well, what a surprise.”
He glanced at Wenren Tianming.
In his plan, Tianming had the best temperament and talent of this generation, clearly the best hope for Heaven’s Will.
Even against Ji Jiucheng, he had confidence.
But now, who knew what kind of impact this would have on Tianming’s Dao Heart.
“Xu Zimo,” Emperor Ji Yunzou muttered to himself.
He remembered this name being mentioned when the Yellow Division reported recently, with high praise.
He hadn’t had time to look into it, and now they met like this.
...
“I lost,” Ji Jiucheng said, staring solemnly and warily at Xu Zimo.
He took a deep breath and said heavily, “I said I’d only use one spear. I lost.”
“No need to end it like that. I know you’re not satisfied,” Xu Zimo said, shaking his head casually. “Use whatever technique you want. To me, one spear or a million makes no difference.”
Ji Jiucheng’s eyes sharpened.
He gripped his spear tighter.
Though he didn’t care too much about fame or glory, he was still the Seventh Prince of the Phoenix Perch Empire, renowned across the land.
Xu Zimo’s words clearly showed he didn’t take him seriously.
His aura surged again. He clearly wanted to continue.
But Ji Yunzou’s voice came from below.
“Jiucheng, step down. You’re not on the same level. Even a hundred more fights won’t change the outcome.”
“Father...” Ji Jiucheng paused, reluctant.
“You want to humiliate yourself?” Ji Yunzou frowned. “You represent the royal dignity.”
In the end, Ji Jiucheng could only nod helplessly.
He held his spear and walked slowly off the stage.
“That’s it?” Xu Zimo said with some boredom. “I was hoping to return the courtesy, take your spear and give you a punch.”