On the battle ring, Fenley and Dalen stared at each other from a distance.
Both were geniuses who stood out among thousands, but Fenley had the edge in reputation and prestige. However, Dalen had more fans, and the reason was simple-he was handsome.
As soon as he entered the ring, cheers erupted from the crowd. Most voices belonged to young women who had formed an energetic cheer squad. They encouraged and chanted his name like fans meeting their favorite celebrity.
But it wasn’t just the women that were drawn to him. Dalen’s looks held a certain charm for another group as well. Some bold men, ignoring the awkward glances around them, openly declared their affection. Their behavior was bordering on wild obsession.
“Dalen! I love you more than a dog loves a good belly rub.”
“Dalen! I’d do anything for you.”
“Dalen! Do you know the difference between you and the stars? The stars are up there, but you’re in my heart.”
The fanatical outbursts came from men holding banners and shouting cheesy lines. Their voices were even louder than the women’s cheer squad. 1
It was quite a sight, and the surrounding spectators were unsure how to respond. While it took real courage for men to express their love for one another, it was something most people needed time to adjust to.
“Looks like Mr. Shade is quite the popular guy. He even got men swooning over him.”
“Sometimes, being good-looking can be a bit of a hassle.”
Crystal and Ruby shared a knowing glance and could barely hold back their laughter. Beneath their amusement lay an unexpected thrill at his striking looks. If he happened to be into men, the sisters realized it would undoubtedly turn things up a notch.
In the battle ring, Dalen was unfazed by the cheers and shouts around him. He had been through it countless times and was accustomed to it.
As the tension in the air grew thick with anticipation, Oron wasted no time and announced the start of the match.
“I’m Dalen Shade from the Shadow Citadel.” Dalen nodded respectfully.
“I’m Fenley Hudson from the Celestial Alliance.” Fenley returned the gesture impassively.
Any contestant who made it to the top eight was no pushover. Even with complete confidence, he knew better than to underestimate his opponent. He knew that every opponent deserved his full effort. Even the slightest misstep could cost him everything in a match like this.
“It’s been a while, Mr. Hudson. I’ve been looking forward to learning from you today,” Dalen said, slowly pulling out a folded fan from his waist.
This was the weapon he had held back during his previous match with Jude. But now he wasn’t going to hold back when facing Fenley.
“Make your move.” Fenley stood with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding a commanding presence.
“Then, I won’t hold back!” Dalen shot forward like an arrow released from a bow. As he closed in, he flicked his wrist. Three poisoned needles shot from the fan, and each one targeted Fenley’s vital points.
“Child’s play!”
Fenley didn’t dodge. With a heavy stomp, the ground beneath him cracked open with a loud noise.
A powerful surge of internal energy burst forth like a raging storm. It deflected the poisonous needles before continuing toward Dalen with unstoppable force.
Dust and debris swirled in the air. The energy wave distorted the atmosphere with sheer power, tearing through everything in its path.
This was the strength Fenley displayed after breaking through to the ultimate grandmaster level. Just a single stomp could send chills down anyone’s spine.
“Huh?”
Dalen’s eyes narrowed as he realized he couldn’t withstand Fenley’s attack. With a quick push from the ground, he launched himself into the air like a hawk taking flight. He narrowly avoided the powerful wave of internal energy that swept toward him.
Fenley sneered. “What a fool.”
Suddenly, a blinding light radiated from his body, and a colossal ethereal divine spirit materialized behind him. He raised his hand, and the spirit mirrored the motion as it slammed down on Dalen, who was still in the air.
The spirit’s palm shadow came crashing down with the weight of a mountain, accompanied by a thunderous roar as if it aimed to flatten Dalen.
Fenley’s mastery of the Four Elements of God’s Technique had reached terrifying new heights since his breakthrough. His attacks were now more devastating than ever.
“Split!”
As the massive palm loomed closer and escape seemed impossible, Dalen quickly formed a hand seal with his fingers. Instantly, his body divided into three and darted off in different directions.
“Hmm?” Fenley hesitated momentarily and couldn’t discern which was the real Dalen and which one to chase.
“Spectral Clone Technique? How does he know that?”
“Wait! Isn’t that Jude’s signature move? Where did Dalen learn it?”
“This guy seems to have a lot of secrets. You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Dalen’s sudden use of the Spectral Clone Technique sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Everyone knew Jude had two signature moves-Spectral Sprint Technique and Spectral Clone Technique. These techniques were the reason he secured the tenth spot on the Legendary List.
They had assumed that the Spectral Clone Technique was his exclusive move, so it was a shock to see Dalen use it.
As expected, no contestants in the top eight could be taken lightly.
