Rumble!
The entire Starry Sky Arena trembled violently. The massive protective barrier groaned under the unbearable pressure.
More than a hundred lord-level experts immediately joined forces, pouring their power into the barrier just to stabilize it.
When the dust finally settled, the sight on the battlefield made everyone gasp.
The entire arena had been split cleanly in half.
One side was shrouded in dark death energy, barren and lifeless. The other half was sealed beneath a thick layer of crystalline ice that sparkled under the lights.
Carlos knelt on the ground. His Reaper's scythe had snapped in two, and his black cloak was torn to shreds, revealing a pale face beneath. Dark blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Clearly, he had suffered severe injuries.
Christina was not in much better condition.
She knelt on the frozen ground, her once elegant gown ripped and tattered. Her golden hair was disheveled, and cracks had formed along the surface of her crystal scepter.
"Cough…" Carlos struggled to his feet. "What… terrifying power."
"You're not weak either," Christina said as she slowly stood up as well. "To wield the Death Principle at that level… you truly deserve your reputation as the top assassin of the Cosmic Mercenary Alliance."
The two looked at each other.
In their eyes, there was no hostility left. Only respect.
"The result is clear," the referee announced as he stepped between them. "The winner is Christina, the Ice Queen of the Stellar Empire."
Although both fighters were badly wounded, Christina's condition was clearly better. In the final clash, her Absolute Zero technique had gained the upper hand.
The entire arena erupted into thunderous applause.
The clash between death and ice had been every bit as spectacular as the earlier battles.
"That was incredible!" Thor exclaimed excitedly. "The fifth-level secret art of the Ice Source is truly terrifying!"
"Carlos' Death Principle is extremely powerful as well," Rowan analyzed thoughtfully. "Especially that technique, Return of the Fallen. If he hadn't run into Christina's Absolute Zero, very few people could have stopped it."
"This is what true prodigies look like," Hong said with admiration. "Each one has their own unique trump cards."
Luo Feng seemed deep in thought.
"It looks like we need to work harder too. The fourth round isn't finished yet. Soon it'll be our turn."
"Exactly," Rowan nodded. "I wonder what kind of opponents we'll face."
With the battle between Christina and Carlos finished, the fourth round for the day came to an end. The host soon announced that the remaining matches would continue the next day.
"That was fun to watch," Thor said as he stretched lazily. "But I'm starving. Let's go eat!"
"Good idea," Rowan agreed. "I know a restaurant nearby that serves cuisine from different star systems."
The four of them left the arena and arrived at an upscale restaurant not far away.
The interior was luxuriously decorated. Each private room had its own gravity control system that could be adjusted to match the guest's home planet environment.
"Give us your best private room," Thor said grandly. "Tonight is my treat!"
The waiter respectfully guided them to a VIP suite on the top floor.
Through the holographic panoramic windows, they could see the night view of Star City. Countless spacecraft flew through the sky, and the Starry Sky Arena still glowed brightly in the distance.
"What should we order?" Hong asked while browsing the holographic menu. "There are dishes here from over three thousand star systems."
"Bring out a few bottles of the best wine first!" Thor said eagerly. "We need to celebrate my draw with Saro today."
"A draw?" Luo Feng laughed. "The referee only stopped the fight because you two were about to destroy the arena."
"Haha! That still counts!" Thor said carelessly. "Come on, let's drink!"
The four raised their glasses and drank. Soon the atmosphere became lively.
"We've been away from Earth for quite some time now," Rowan suddenly said quietly. "I wonder how things are back home."
His words made the table fall silent.
All four of them came from Earth. Although they were currently representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, their hearts still belonged to that small blue planet.
"There shouldn't be any problems," Hong said. "With the Extreme Martial Hall and Thunder Dojo guarding the planet, Earth's defenses are strong."
"That's right," Luo Feng added. "Before we left, Earth's overall strength had already improved a lot. Every major base city has a solid defense system."
Thor took a sip of wine, his eyes distant.
"Do you remember when we first met? Back then, humanity on Earth was still fighting monsters just to survive."
"Who would have thought that one day we would stand on the cosmic stage, competing against geniuses from across the universe," Rowan said with emotion.
"Still, Earth's status in the universe is very low," Hong said seriously. "If the four of us hadn't risen so quickly, other civilizations might have divided the planet long ago."
"Which is why we must grow stronger," Luo Feng said firmly. "Only true strength can protect Earth and our home."
"Exactly!" Thor slammed the table. "Once this tournament is over, our strength will rise again. If anyone dares to threaten Earth, they'll have to get past me first!"
"Still," Rowan said thoughtfully, "Earth must have something unique about it. The four of us rose far too quickly. I suspect Earth's environment has something to do with it."
"That's true," Hong nodded. "Earth may appear backward compared to other planets, but its environment is very suitable for cultivation. Especially mental power. It develops much faster there."
"And those ancient ruins," Luo Feng added. "I've always felt that Earth's history isn't as simple as it looks."
As the conversation continued, the topic eventually returned to the tournament.
"Tomorrow it's our turn," Luo Feng said. "Rowan already fought once and did very well."
"You're exaggerating," Rowan replied modestly. "My match against Ador was a narrow victory."
"Your technique Starfire Ignition: Unity of All Phenomena was incredible," Thor praised. "You pushed the Fire Principle to its limit."
"Luo Feng, your opponent tomorrow is Shadow Mode. Are you confident?" Hong asked.
"It shouldn't be a problem," Luo Feng replied calmly. "The Shadow Principle is tricky, but my Metal Principle happens to counter it."
"Metal Principle?" Rowan said in surprise. "I thought your main focus was the Space Principle."
"The Space Principle is far too profound," Luo Feng explained. "I've only just scratched the surface. But the Metal Principle has already reached the fourth level."
"Fourth level?" Thor stared in disbelief. "You've been hiding your strength!"
"And your spiritual power," Hong added. "As far as I know, it has already reached the peak of the ninth level of the stellar rank."
Luo Feng simply smiled, saying nothing.
Clearly, he still had more hidden cards.
Late into the night, the four drank until they were slightly tipsy, but their fighting spirit only grew stronger.
"Tomorrow, let those so-called geniuses see the power of Earth!" Thor declared, raising his glass.
"For Earth!" the four said together.
The next morning, the Starry Sky Arena was once again packed with spectators.
The remaining matches of the fourth round were about to begin.
The first match was a highly anticipated duel:
Zone 12
Black Dragon Mountain Empire
Luo Feng vs Shadow Mode of the Abyss Empire
Luo Feng slowly walked onto the battlefield.
His black armor glimmered under the sunlight. A black-patterned blade rested across his back, its surface covered in mysterious golden runes.
"That's the legendary Black Pattern Blade!"
Someone in the audience gasped.
"It's forged from a special alloy that perfectly conducts the power of the Metal Principle!"
"Even his weapon is extraordinary."
Across from him stood Shadow Mode, dressed in a tight black combat suit. His entire body seemed ready to melt into the shadows at any moment.
"I've heard you're strong," Mode said in a low voice. "I hope you won't disappoint me."
Luo Feng said nothing.
He slowly drew the Black Pattern Blade.
The moment the blade left its sheath, a razor-sharp aura filled the air.
"Begin!"
As soon as the referee spoke, Mode vanished using Shadow Stealth.
Luo Feng remained still.
He closed his eyes as his spiritual power spread outward like an invisible tide.
"Found you."
His eyes snapped open as he slashed diagonally.
Clang!
Metal collided.
Mode's figure was forced out of the shadows. His shadow dagger clashed with Luo Feng's blade, sending sparks flying.
"Fast reaction," Mode said as he retreated. "But we're only getting started."
He formed a hand seal.
The battlefield instantly darkened. Countless shadow tendrils rose from the ground, writhing toward Luo Feng like living creatures.
"Shadow Binding!"
Luo Feng remained calm.
The golden patterns on his blade suddenly lit up.
"Metal Principle: Edge."
Golden blade energy shot outward, slicing every shadow tendril apart. The cutting power of the Metal Principle was displayed perfectly.
"You've got some skill," Mode said grimly. "Then try this. Shadow Clones: Hundred Phantoms!"
In an instant, over a hundred copies of Mode appeared across the battlefield.
"Lots of numbers. But none of them are real," Luo Feng said coldly.
His spiritual power expanded again.
Within moments he locked onto the true body.
He swung his blade.
"Metal Principle: Army Breaker!"
A massive golden slash swept across the battlefield. Every clone vanished instantly, forcing Mode's real body into the open.
"Damn it!" Mode cursed.
"Shadow Domain!"
Darkness swallowed the entire battlefield. Even sunlight could not penetrate the black void.
Inside the darkness, Mode moved like lightning.
"In my domain, you're blind!" his voice echoed from all directions.
Luo Feng stood calmly in the darkness and smiled.
"Is that so? Then you underestimate spiritual perception."
His mental power surged like a radar, scanning the entire domain.
Nothing could escape it.
"There!"
Luo Feng spun and thrust his blade behind him.
Slash!
The blade pierced Mode's shoulder. Blood sprayed into the darkness.
"Impossible!" Mode shouted in shock. "How can you see me in complete darkness?"
"Spiritual perception is more reliable than eyesight," Luo Feng replied calmly. "And your Shadow Domain doesn't suppress my Metal Principle."
Golden light suddenly erupted from his body.
The Metal Principle was fully unleashed.
He shone like a golden sun.
"Metal Principle: Dawn!"
A wave of golden light tore through the darkness. The shadow domain began collapsing under the pressure.
"No!" Mode roared unwillingly. "Shadow Devour!"
He unleashed his strongest attack.
Countless shadows gathered into a massive black dragon that lunged toward Luo Feng.
"It's over."
Luo Feng raised his blade high.
"Metal Principle: Fourth Secret Art. Diamond Cleave."
A towering golden blade formed in the sky. Even space trembled beneath its power.
Boom!
The golden blade collided with the shadow dragon, unleashing a devastating shockwave.
When the dust cleared, Mode lay on the ground with a deep slash across his chest.
Luo Feng still stood calmly, golden light flickering along his blade.
"The winner is Luo Feng of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Luo Feng's performance stunned everyone.
He had demonstrated not only mastery of the Metal Principle but also terrifying control over spiritual power.
"Luo Feng keeps getting stronger," Thor said in amazement.
"Fourth level Metal Principle and peak stellar-rank spiritual power," Hong nodded. "That's terrifying."
"And he still hasn't used all his cards," Rowan said thoughtfully. "He didn't even touch the Space Principle."
On the battlefield, Luo Feng sheathed the Black Pattern Blade and calmly walked back toward the stands.
His expression remained relaxed, as if the fight had been nothing more than a casual spar.
"The next match! Hong of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire versus Leo, the Light Knight of the Stellar Empire!"
"My turn," Hong said as he stood up.
His presence felt as solid as a mountain.
"Good luck," Luo Feng said, patting his shoulder.
Hong nodded and walked toward the battlefield.
His opponent Leo was already waiting, clad in silver armor and holding a radiant sword of light. A holy aura surrounded him.
"A Light Knight," Hong said with narrowed eyes. "Interesting."
The two faced each other as a new battle prepared to begin.
Meanwhile, Luo Feng returned to the audience and accepted the energy drink Rowan handed him.
"Nice work," Rowan said with a smile.
"It wasn't bad," Luo Feng replied modestly. "Mode's Shadow Principle was tricky. If my Metal Principle hadn't countered it, the fight would have taken longer."
"Your spiritual perception was impressive too," Thor said. "Tracking someone in total darkness isn't easy."
"I owe that to Earth's unique environment," Luo Feng said. "Training spiritual power there is incredibly efficient."
The four continued chatting, but their eyes remained fixed on the battlefield.
Hong and Leo had already begun fighting. The clash between light and earth was just as intense.
"It looks like today will be another exciting day," Rowan said.
"Yes," Luo Feng nodded. "And tomorrow is the fifth round. The opponents will only get stronger."
"So what?" Thor grinned confidently.
"We're the strongest four from Earth."
The four exchanged smiles.
In their eyes burned the same unstoppable fighting spirit.