A scream rang out, and everyone's gaze snapped to the source.
It was Jiang Hao, who had attacked proactively, now spitting blood, looking at Zhang Ergou with utter disbelief.
"You're not... how could you be?" Jiang Hao asked, his gaze fixed on Zhang Ergou, lingering fear in his eyes.
"How could I? Hmph, and you call yourself a heavenly pride disciple with this level!" Zhang Ergou scoffed at Jiang Hao. "It seems your top-ten ranking was obtained through back channels."
"What happened? Why is Senior Brother Jiang Hao standing still?"
"Yeah, didn't Senior Brother Jiang Hao launch the attack just now? Why did I hear the scream coming from him?"
"Me too, I thought I misheard!"
Wasn't Zhang Ergou at the end of his rope? Jiang Hao still couldn't quite comprehend it. Could it be that Zhang Ergou was deliberately deceiving him?
Just moments ago, Jiang Hao had poured all his strength into that attack. Not only did Zhang Ergou withstand it completely,
but in the blink of an eye, he had struck Jiang Hao with a palm, directly hitting his chest.
The impact made Jiang Hao cough up blood continuously. Zhang Ergou's strike had also used his full strength, which was impossible for a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the middle stage whose spiritual energy was supposed to be depleted.
In that fleeting moment, Jiang Hao distinctly felt that Zhang Ergou's internal spiritual energy was still abundant, far surpassing his own.
How was this possible? Did he not possess a dantian?
Zhang Ergou clenched his fists, glaring at Jiang Hao opposite him. His spiritual energy surged within him as the pills he had consumed earlier finally took effect.
He had spent so long evading, and though he managed to dodge Jiang Hao's attacks each time, the feeling of being relentlessly pursued was unpleasant.
Especially when the opponent was Jiang Hao, whom he disliked.
"What, look, Zhang Ergou's mental state has changed!" someone exclaimed from the spectator stands.
"Indeed, this fellow is too monstrous, simply unbelievable!"
"To have lasted this long against Jiang Hao without falling, and he's the top direct disciple of Qiuyang Peak!"
Zhang Ergou's robes fluttered as if in a wind, his previously dispirited state completely gone, astounding the surrounding disciples.
"This young one has given me too many surprises today," said the Heavenly Dao Elder, stroking his beard. "His recovery speed is too rapid!"
"Senior Brother, my judgment wasn't bad, was it!" Chi Yu said with a look of delight.
"Now, accept my wrath!"
On the stage, Zhang Ergou glared at Jiang Hao, roaring loudly, his voice shaking the heavens.
Ah...!
Jiang Hao's mind was also clouded. When had he ever suffered such humiliation? He roared and lunged at Zhang Ergou, his face flushed crimson.
As the top direct disciple of Qiuyang Peak, he possessed a unique pride. To have used all his techniques and still not defeat a weakened Foundation Establishment cultivator in the middle stage...
This was an immense disgrace to Jiang Hao!
Bang!
With a loud collision, the two exchanged another blow, both being forced back.
As soon as he regained his balance, Zhang Ergou pushed off the ground, lunging at Jiang Hao like a ferocious lion.
Seeing Zhang Ergou charge, Jiang Hao could only raise his fist to block in desperation. Zhang Ergou, meanwhile, abandoned all defense.
He went into a direct offensive against Jiang Hao, his fighting style incredibly brutal.
Zhang Ergou landed a punch, and Jiang Hao retaliated with a palm...
Although it was a strategy that inflicted a thousand injuries to gain eight hundred, Zhang Ergou, utilizing the close-quarters combat skill of Lion's Heart Fury, inflicted far greater damage on Jiang Hao.
What the heck is going on?
Everyone watching the battle stage was dumbfounded. This kind of "injure a thousand, damage yourself eight hundred" fighting style seemed like a foolish choice.
Zhang Ergou was like a raging lion, exuding a terrifying aura. Being stared at by him, Jiang Hao even felt like he was being targeted by a ferocious beast.
Shaking his head, Jiang Hao managed to dispel this peculiar sensation.
Pfft!
Pfft!
Both were battered by each other, spitting blood continuously. Jiang Hao had completely gone mad now, unleashing his magical skills without regard for his own safety.
The fierce and bloody battle on the stage sent shivers down the spines of the disciples in the stands.
If this continued, the fight would only end when one of them fell.
"Junior Sister, the disciple you've chosen seems a bit unhinged!" Shi Wuhen said to Chi Yu beside him, his usual cold demeanor gone.
"This kid has also surprised me greatly. His sheer determination to win is even astonishing to me," Chi Yu said, taking a deep breath and looking at the blood-soaked Zhang Ergou on the stage.
Battle!
On the stage, both were now like blood-soaked figures, but their roars continued. They furiously attacked each other, as if driven mad to defeat their opponent.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
The continuous sounds of clashing palms echoed, and the dazzling magical skills on the stage left everyone gaping.
Bang!
With a thunderous impact, they exchanged another palm strike, both sent flying backward and landing on the bluestone floor of the stage.
Staining the bluestone floor with blood...
Now, Jiang Hao's hair was disheveled, his former handsome and dashing appearance long gone. His clothes were in tatters, and blood seeped from numerous wounds.
Zhang Ergou was no better off; he had even more wounds than Jiang Hao, his exposed flesh looking terrifying.
After this prolonged battle, both had their spiritual energy completely depleted. They struggled to stand up, swaying unsteadily.
At this point, neither had the strength to unleash any magical skills.
Despite this, they staggered to their feet and charged at each other again, determined to knock the other off the stage.
Their battle had devolved into the most primitive form of hand-to-hand combat: a punch for a punch, a palm for a kick.
What followed was a scene that left the spectators stunned.
The two fought like children who had never cultivated, fists landing on flesh, kicks connecting with bodies.
"Is this still a battle between cultivators?"
"This is beyond absurd. What deep hatred do these two possess?"
"Zhang Ergou is amazing! A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator in the middle stage, facing two direct disciples consecutively and still holding on. It's incredible!" Xiao Qingyu exclaimed, watching the stage with shock.
"What kind of belief is sustaining this kid to this point!" Wang Teng sighed.
"Zhang Ergou, go for it! Kill that scumbag Jiang Hao, and we'll all drink celebration wine with you when you come down!" The chubby Xiong Bao stood up and shouted towards the stage.
In the stands, other heavenly prides were also moved. Even they, facing two direct disciples in succession, would likely have no strength left to fight back.
What kind of monstrous talent was Zhang Ergou?
"This is impossible!" In the stands, the disciples of Xiayang Peak and Qiuyang Peak wore grim expressions. Zhang Ergou's performance had exceeded all their expectations.