Just when Lin Feng and Elder Cheng were doubtful about Mu Jinyu.
Mu Jinyu stood still, watching Wu Lei's ultimate killing move "Cloud Sea and Lone Peak," formed by the fusion of two Sword Intents, with increasing admiration in his eyes.
"Interesting. Since that's the case, let me show you what masterful 'Great Freedom Heavenly Wood Sword Qi' looks like!"
As soon as Mu Jinyu finished speaking, he flicked his fingers.
Instantly, streams of Heavenly Wood Sword Qi shot forth. Following the wind, they grew into massive trees and smashed Wu Lei's "Sword Intent Scroll" to pieces!
"What is this?!"
Seeing this scene, Lin Feng immediately straightened his back in excitement, his face filled with astonishment.
Elder Cheng also widened his eyes in disbelief and muttered, "This is master-level 'Great Freedom Heavenly Wood Sword Qi,' but how is this possible? Hasn't he only been in the Heavenly Sword Faction for ten days or so?"
It was no wonder they were so agitated.
Martial Techniques, Techniques, Divine Skills—after cultivation, their levels generally change noticeably, ranging from initial insight, integration, masterful skill, mastery level, and finally transcendence!
Mu Jinyu had previously demonstrated "Great Freedom Heavenly Wood Sword Qi," but only ordinary Heavenly Wood Sword Qi appeared, unable to change into actual giant trees for attacks, which clearly indicated he was just at the initial insight stage.
But even reaching the initial insight stage was surprising to them.
After all, this was a Wood Attribute Divine Power that had been collecting dust in the Scripture Pavilion for years, with no one able to master it.
Mu Jinyu's ability to reach the initial insight stage in just ten days was truly impressive.
This proved that his Wood Spirit Root aptitude was indeed extraordinary!
However, reaching the masterful skill stage in just ten days was astonishing but still somewhat acceptable. To reach the masterful skill level, though...
That was something they found hard to accept!
"This is a monster-level genius!"
The same thought occurred to both Lin Feng and Elder Cheng at the same time.
"Our Heavenly Sword Faction will produce a True Dragon!"
Not to mention the shock in Lin Feng and Elder Cheng's hearts, Wu Lei decided to risk everything in one final move, wielding a Sword Intent in each hand to pressurize and kill Mu Jinyu, but was immediately countered by Mu Jinyu's "Great Freedom Heavenly Wood Sword Qi," causing him to spit blood and fly backward!
"Puff!!"
In midair, Wu Lei couldn't stop vomiting crimson blood but refused to be defeated so miserably. Forcing himself to control his body, he barely managed to stand at the edge of the competition platform, avoiding being thrown out directly!
Unfortunately, Mu Jinyu wouldn't give him any chance!
After unleashing his master-level "Great Freedom Heavenly Wood Sword Qi," he wouldn't stop.
Thus, just as Wu Lei stabilized himself on the edge of the platform, dozens of Sword Qi rushed towards him, transforming into massive trees with infinite strength, crashing down on him!
With a loud "bang," Wu Lei's trembling hands tried to block the attack but were immediately crushed, sending him flying off the competition platform.
"Puff!"
He spit another mouthful of blood, his head tilted, his vision darkened, and he lost consciousness entirely!
"Brother Wu!"
Many Outer Sect disciples watching the battle exclaimed in surprise when they saw Wu Lei being defeated miserably by Mu Jinyu.
They immediately rushed forward to care for him!
Seeing this, Elder Cheng sighed helplessly, maneuvering quickly to Wu Lei's side, signaling everyone to step back, and then checked his pulse.
Afterward, he took out an Elixir from his Storage Bag and let Wu Lei consume it, stabilizing his injuries before instructing those close to Wu Lei to take him back to his residence for recovery.
Mu Jinyu observed this and slowly stepped down from the competition platform.
Actually, he had held back against Wu Lei.
If he had gone all out, with Wu Lei's limited strength, he would have been crushed into a pulp by the massive trees!
Even though Wu Lei had mastered Sword Intent, absolute strength overwhelms any skill; more techniques only add to the misery in the face of overwhelming power!
Chen Qiuqiao stood below, watching Mu Jinyu slowly descend from the platform, looking lost and somewhat dazed!
'How... How is he this strong?!'
Even Wu Lei, who had two Sword Intents, was easily defeated by Mu Jinyu. Although Chen Qiuqiao was very arrogant, he didn't think he could defeat Mu Jinyu to prove to the Sect Leader and others that he was a more talented disciple deserving of the Heavenly Sword Faction's resources.
He only felt that if he went all out, the best he could achieve against Mu Jinyu was a draw with mutual injuries, which seemed meaningless!
What then of the duel he had longed for and dreamed of with Mu Jinyu?
This moment severely impacted Chen Qiuqiao's confidence!
He felt worse off than when he had received the Pass Token from Mu Jinyu earlier.
Although humiliated then, he was fired up, eager to restore his honor!
But now, he felt disheartened, staring into an unclear future.
Li Xiaoxiao also watched Mu Jinyu stepping down with a serious expression, feeling that he was the true obstacle to her taking first place!
Simultaneously, her eyes shone with fascination when looking at Mu Jinyu.
This was the heartfelt admiration for a powerful member of the opposite sex.
'Unfortunately, he seems to have a wife…'
Li Xiaoxiao felt inexplicably sad inside.
Mu Jinyu was one of the few men in the Heavenly Sword Faction who truly captured her heart.
...
With Wu Lei defeated and Mu Jinyu stepping down, the competition continued uninterrupted.
But watching the fight between two disciples in the First Layer of the Divine Transformation Realm on the platform felt lackluster to everyone.
They had just witnessed the peak battle between Wu Lei and Mu Jinyu, where master-level Sword Intent clashed with Divine Skills—what a spectacle!
Now, the duel between the disciples in the First Layer of the Divine Transformation Realm seemed dull.
Soon, Jian Ruyan also stepped onto the platform, facing Brother Wei, who had won the Pass Token with his strength during the selection test.
This immediately lifted everyone's spirits.
After witnessing Wen Rou's previous battle, they knew that Wen Rou and Jian Ruyan's abilities were extraordinary, worthy of challenging Chen Qiuqiao and Li Xiaoxiao!
Brother Wei wasn't weak either, a top contender to replace the Inner Gate position after Wu Lei and the others transitioned.
Therefore, this battle was worth watching!
However, the audience was again disappointed.
Although Brother Wei had displayed impressive skills in the previous round to win the Pass Token, his strength was ultimately only at the Third Layer of the Divine Transformation Realm; he had no resistance against Jian Ruyan!
After Jian Ruyan won, the twenty-five duels quickly ended.
And another round of battles began.
With fifty eliminated and twenty-five remaining, there would be only twelve duels, leaving one person to advance directly to the next round!
Finally, drawing lots determined who would advance.
As luck would have it, the one to advance from the twelve-to-six round was Mu Jinyu!
Mu Jinyu was indifferent to advancing directly, but when he noticed Jian Ruyan was the first to step onto the platform, a playful expression appeared on his face.
Because her opponent this time was Chen Qiuqiao!