The moment the crack in Zhao Kun's Xuanwu defense widened, the atmosphere of the entire arena shifted in a way that even ordinary disciples could feel, as the invisible pressure that had once leaned completely in Zhao Kun's favor now began to tremble, showing the first signs of instability. It was subtle, but undeniable. For someone like Zhao Kun, who had dominated since the beginning, even the smallest loss of control was a crack in his authority.
Zhao Kun's expression darkened, the calm superiority in his eyes finally giving way to something colder and more dangerous. His aura surged violently, waves of dense earth energy exploding outward as the phantom of the Xuanwu Turtle behind him solidified further, its presence becoming heavier and more oppressive, as if an ancient mountain had descended upon the arena.
"You've forced me this far," Zhao Kun said, his voice low and filled with restrained fury. "That alone is worth remembering."
With that, he stepped forward, and the arena trembled beneath his foot. He no longer held back. Every ounce of his Core Formation mid-stage cultivation erupted, merging offense and defense into a single overwhelming force as he launched a crushing strike toward Li Hao, aiming to end the battle decisively.
The air itself seemed to collapse under the weight of the attack.
Yet Li Hao did not retreat.
Standing within his ice domain, his breathing steady despite the pressure, his eyes sharpened as if he had been waiting for this exact moment. The Frost Fang Wolf growled beside him, sensing the shift, its body tense and ready, but Li Hao raised a hand slightly, signaling it to hold position.
Because this strike—
Was the opening he had been preparing for all along.