Chapter 275: Slaying Gao Li, A Rising Reputation!
"Boom!"
The clash of bodies, the collision of sheer force! In that instant, the sky above roared with a thunderous explosion, as if the very heavens were collapsing. The sound was so loud that many below temporarily lost their hearing.
In the clear sky, a storm of energy swirled violently from the point where the Barbarian Beast Sect leader's body met the silver-clad figure of Mo Yu. It spread out like a tornado, sweeping across the heavens with awe-inspiring force, leaving countless onlookers in shock.
At the point of collision, space itself seemed to distort, with deep creases visible in the sky. The sheer power unleashed by Mo Yu and Gao Li's full-force clash almost tore the fabric of space apart. This terrifying display of strength made many realize that these two Dou Wang (Battle Kings) were fighting with power comparable to that of Dou Huang (Battle Emperors).
The energy storm that arose from the clash expanded to a massive size, towering over the battlefield like a colossal giant. Just as quickly as it had come, the storm began to fade, but not before leaving one corner of the Inner Academy in complete ruins.
When the storm dissipated, the slightly dimmed sky returned to its previous brightness, but the destruction it had left behind was undeniable. Looking down at the wreckage, several of the elders of the Inner Academy couldn't help but twitch their mouths in frustration.
"If this goes on any longer, we might not even need the Fallen Heart Flame to destroy the academy. This battle alone will do it," one elder muttered, seeing the damage caused by the fight.
While the elders grieved over the destruction, the powerhouses from the Black-Corner Region stared in stunned disbelief at the silver-eyed youth still standing tall in the sky. No one had expected Mo Yu to withstand the full power of the "King of Combat," Gao Li, and emerge unscathed.
"That young man's technique must be at least earth-tier in rank. Otherwise, it would've been impossible for him to completely counter Gao Li's Barbarian Flame Beast Body Technique," one of them commented, finally realizing the significance of what had just occurred.
At their level, fighters needed more than raw strength to truly harm or kill an opponent of similar rank. For Dou Wang and Dou Huang powerhouses, only earth-tier techniques or higher could provide a true advantage in battle. Earth-tier techniques were rare treasures across the Dou Qi continent, often created by ancient experts. Even a second-tier faction in the Black-Corner Region would treat a single earth-tier technique as a prized treasure.
Gao Li's ability to establish his reputation in the Black-Corner Region was due in part to his use of a high-level, advanced-mystic-tier body technique—the Barbarian Flame Beast Body Technique. But Mo Yu had countered it with an earth-tier body technique, a far rarer and more powerful art.
Though Mo Yu's cultivation level was at the Dou Wang rank, he was still only at the five-star level, which was significantly lower than Gao Li's peak Dou Wang strength. However, the gap in their cultivation had been bridged by Mo Yu's powerful earth-tier technique.
Throughout the continent, there were many strong cultivators who focused solely on increasing their Dou Qi strength without paying much attention to technique. These individuals often appeared formidable but could be caught off guard by well-trained opponents who had a deeper mastery of techniques. Combat prowess depended on three main factors: one's rank, cultivation method, and techniques. Mo Yu, possessing all three in abundance, was able to challenge and surpass those of higher rank.
The Black-Corner Region fighters now knew that this young Dou Wang would one day make a name for himself, if he wasn't already doing so.
In the distance, Gao Li's once-ferocious expression had turned pale. It was clear that his use of the Barbarian Flame Beast Body Technique had taken a significant toll on him. Even after unleashing such a powerful technique, he had not managed to overpower Mo Yu. Looking at the young man standing firm in front of him, Gao Li felt a wave of frustration and disbelief.
"This little brat's strength is too much. If I keep fighting, I won't gain anything from this," Gao Li muttered to himself, a scowl forming on his face.
Though his technique was formidable, using the essence blood of a fifth-rank magical beast like the Black Armored Giant Rhino put an enormous strain on his body. Gao Li knew he couldn't continue for long. However, Mo Yu posed too great a threat to be left alone. Only by joining forces with Han Feng would he have a chance to eliminate this danger in the future.
As Gao Li's eyes filled with killing intent, Mo Yu's own gaze hardened. With the enmity between them now firmly established, Mo Yu was not the type to show mercy. This was an opportunity to eliminate Gao Li and take over the Barbarian Beast Sect, further expanding the power of Yuan Manor. Moreover, if Mo Yu wanted Canaan Academy's support in his quest to dominate the Black-Corner Region, he needed to prove his strength. There was no better way to do that than by slaying one of the region's most notorious powerhouses.
With his resolve set, Mo Yu didn't hesitate. Flipping his hand, he summoned the Divine Might Black Thunder Spear from his beast ring. As the long spear appeared in his hand, his aura grew even more fierce, combining raw power with a sharp, deadly edge.
In an instant, Mo Yu's body flickered with silver light, and a faint thunderclap echoed through the sky as he transformed into a black streak, hurtling toward Gao Li like lightning.
Sensing Mo Yu's approach, Gao Li's instincts kicked in. With a flap of his Dou Qi wings, he retreated at high speed, hoping to escape the fight.
"Trying to run?" Mo Yu sneered, his voice echoing across the sky. With a flash of lightning, he appeared directly in front of Gao Li, blocking his escape.
Gao Li's eyes widened in shock. Despite his quick reflexes, Mo Yu's speed had caught him off guard. Desperately, Gao Li swung a powerful fist toward Mo Yu, his strike as heavy as a meteor crashing down.
But instead of backing down, Mo Yu moved forward. His right hand, holding the black thunder spear, intercepted Gao Li's punch with a resounding clash. At the same moment, Mo Yu's left fist shot forward, landing a clean blow on Gao Li's chest.
"Boom!"
Though flames flared up to deflect the attack, much of the impact was absorbed, and Gao Li was sent stumbling back several paces. Mo Yu didn't waste a moment. He pressed his advantage, launching a relentless series of attacks—fist after fist, spear thrust after spear thrust. Gao Li, despite his strength, found himself overwhelmed and unable to keep up with the younger man's speed and precision. Each strike from Mo Yu drained more of his energy, and soon Gao Li was struggling just to keep himself on his feet.
The students watching from the ground couldn't believe their eyes. Mo Yu, their fellow student, was dominating a peak-level Dou Wang powerhouse, leaving him with no room to counterattack. Their admiration and awe for Mo Yu grew with every passing moment.
"Humans naturally admire strength," Mo Yu thought to himself as he noticed the fervent gazes of the students below. As a student of the Inner Academy, Mo Yu had stepped up in a time of crisis to defend the academy, driving back an intruder. It was no surprise that people were looking up to him now.
"Roaring Lion!"
In the sky, Mo Yu's silver eyes glinted sharply. With a fierce shout, he gathered an immense amount of energy into his spear. With a resounding crack, the spear shot forward like a bolt of lightning, aimed directly at Gao Li's chest.
"Bang!"
A muffled explosion echoed through the sky. The fiery aura that had been protecting Gao Li's body was finally extinguished, and the black thunder spear pierced deep into his chest.
"Gah!"
With his defense broken, Gao Li's face twisted in agony. Blood spurted from his mouth as his body plummeted to the ground like a meteor, crashing into the ruins below and sending debris flying in all directions.
The battlefield fell silent. The fall of a peak-level Dou Wang was a significant blow to the Black-Corner Region's forces.
"Today, your death will mark the rise of my name!" Mo Yu declared, his voice filled with murderous intent as he thought about his ambition to rule the Black-Corner Region.
To survive and thrive in a place like the Black-Corner Region, one needed more than just strength; they needed a fearsome reputation. Gao Li, though the leader of a second-rate sect, was still well-known across the region. His death at Mo Yu's hands would not only earn him the respect of the academy but would also cement his fearsome reputation in the region.
Without hesitation, Mo Yu's wings shimmered, and his body shot toward the crater where Gao Li had fallen like a bolt of lightning.
"Gao Li, prepare to die!" Mo Yu roared as he descended into the ruins, his spear raised to deliver the final blow.
A surge of energy radiated from the impact, shattering nearby rocks into dust. Deep cracks spread across the ground like a spiderweb, and then, a pained cry echoed through the battlefield.
"Ah!"
A figure covered in blood leapt out of the ruins, hovering hundreds of meters above the ground. It was Gao Li, though now his appearance was pitiful—bloodied, battered, and gasping for breath.
"Mo Yu! Do you really intend to kill me?" Gao Li rasped, his voice hoarse like the cry of a dying wolf.
"You're from the Black-Corner Region, Gao Li. Isn't it a bit ridiculous to ask for mercy?" Mo Yu sneered, his eyes locked on his target. His Dou Qi surged within him, ready to deliver the final strike.
Gao Li's face flushed with anger and shame. After a brief pause, he forced a smile. "Perhaps this has all been a misunderstanding. Consider the transformation pill a gift from me to you..."
"A gift? Now that you mention it, there is something I want from you," Mo Yu replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
A spark of hope flickered in Gao Li's eyes. "What is it? Name it, and I'll gladly give it to you if you spare my life!"
"The thing I want is... your life!" Mo Yu's voice turned cold, and in that split second, his body flickered out of sight, leaving only a faint trace of spatial energy behind.
"No!" Gao Li's eyes widened in terror. Realizing that Mo Yu had vanished using spatial power, the same power he had used to escape from him months before, Gao Li cursed himself for forgetting about it. Panic surged through him as he hurriedly bit down on his lip and spat out a mouthful of blood, using the essence blood of a magical beast to reignite his flames.
As the fire roared to life, his aura surged once more. Scales formed across his body, and Gao Li took on the appearance of a human-shaped rhinoceros.
"You won't kill me that easily, brat!" Gao Li roared defiantly. "Barbarian Flame Beast Body Technique—Giant Rhino Armor!"
But as the flames enveloped Gao Li's body, Mo Yu reappeared out of thin air. His spear thrummed with power as he prepared to unleash one final, devastating attack.
"Let's finish this, Gao Li!" Mo Yu smirked, spinning his spear at incredible speed, drawing in the surrounding energy.
"Nine Heavens Thunder Cloud Splitter!"
With a burst of raw power, Mo Yu's spear struck with the force of a thunderstorm. The terrifying energy cut through Gao Li's defense like it was nothing. Blood and broken organs sprayed into the air as Gao Li's body was ripped apart by the attack.
The thunderous energy continued to surge for several seconds, and by the time it dissipated, nothing remained of Gao Li but ashes, scattered to the wind.
Gao Li was dead.
(End of Chapter)
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