Tong He. Just from the name, it was obvious he was intricately connected to Tong Tian.

And it was precisely because of Tong Tian that Tong He was so intent on killing Wen Qingye. The murderous intent in his eyes was plain to see as he slowly advanced on him.

Yann Xiangyang shot to his feet. "Wen Qingye is on his way to the Celestial Profound Sect! He’s as good as a disciple already. You dare kill him?"

The Thousand Rivers Secret Land was the designated trial ground for the Celestial Profound Sect. If Wen Qingye were to be killed here in a vendetta by another country, it would go against the sect’s entire purpose. Should they investigate, the Divine Wind Country wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences.

Tong He snorted, not even sparing Yann Xiangyang a glance. "Wen Qingye and I are having an open and honorable duel. How is this a vendetta?"

As he spoke, Tong He’s eyes swept over everyone present, his gaze thick with menace.

The Third Prince hurriedly nodded. "That’s right. It’s an open and honorable duel between Wen Qingye and Tong He. I can testify to that."

Yann Chuxue started to rise, but when she saw Wen Qingye still sitting calmly in his place, she grabbed the restless Yann Xiangyang and shook her head.

Seeing this, everyone felt a shiver run down their spines and involuntarily turned to look at Wen Qingye.

It was obvious: the Third Prince and Tong He were planning to kill Wen Qingye!

’An expert at the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm... could Wen Qingye possibly be a match for him?’ Everyone smiled bitterly as despair welled up inside them. ’Looking at the fresh blood on the ground... does heaven truly intend to destroy our Celestial Martial Country?’

Tong He slowly walked to the center of the hall, and everyone scattered, terrified of getting caught in the crossfire.

Seeing Tong He charge at Wen Qingye, Ling Wei’s heart clenched. She shot to her feet and cried out, "Liu Ying, Huang Yi, stop him!"

Liu Ying and Huang Yi nodded and prepared to move forward.

"No need!" Wen Qingye waved his hand, his eyes fixed on the menacing Tong He. He said expressionlessly, "I was just thinking I’d like to see how formidable a top expert from the Divine Wind Country really is. Stay back."

Hearing Wen Qingye’s words, Ling Wei’s brow furrowed, her fingers digging into the wooden table.

Wen Qingye rose to his feet, picked up the sword resting beside him, and smiled calmly. "Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm... I’d also like to see if you’re a match for me."

His words echoed through the hall. Upon hearing them, the crowd could only exchange bitter smiles, remaining silent.

Tong He let out a heavy snort. "You’re one arrogant brat. But what I’m curious about is why you’re unharmed."

"I didn’t drink the wine, so of course I’m fine," Wen Qingye chuckled.

"A pity. That means your death will be a struggle," Tong He said, shaking his head in mock regret. "But don’t worry, I won’t let you struggle for long."

"The matter of the throne is already settled. Tong He, you shouldn’t have come to my Celestial Martial Country." Wen Qingye drew his sword without another word. Tong He’s taunts caused not a single ripple in his heart. In a duel to the death, his mind was as tranquil as the deep sea.

’Ling Wei, since I’m leaving anyway, I might as well lend you a hand!’

A rare seriousness filled Wen Qingye’s eyes. With a burning gaze and a slide of his feet, he shot forward like a soaring dragon, closing the distance to Tong He in an instant.

’So fast!’

Tong He’s pupils constricted. Wen Qingye’s speed was incredible. He couldn’t sense the sword itself, but he could feel its piercing sharpness. He hastily thrust his palms forward.

As expected of an expert at the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm, a single push from Tong He’s hands unleashed an overwhelming force, like mountains toppling and seas overturning. The faces of everyone present paled, and they broke out in a cold sweat for Wen Qingye.

"Break!"

Wen Qingye roared, the sword in his hand glowing with a cyan Sword Aura, lashing out like a gale sweeping across the earth.

"CHHSS! CHHSS!"

Wen Qingye’s Sword Qi sliced directly through Tong He’s Primordial Qi, but it quickly lost momentum and dissipated into the air.

Seeing this, Tong He’s expression changed. "Wen Qingye, you truly are one of the top geniuses in the Sixteen Countries."

Tong He knew his casual strike had contained at least eighty percent of his power, yet Wen Qingye’s sword strike had seemed to gain the upper hand. How could he not be stunned?

’Wen Qingye must die. If he lives, I’ll never be at ease! The Divine Wind Country will never be at ease!’ As Tong He stared at Wen Qingye, the murderous intent in his heart flared even more intensely.

Tong He strode forward, his palm rising from his hip. Ferocious Primordial Qi surged wildly through his body, gathering from every limb and channel into his hand.

"Kasyapa Palm Technique!"

A golden light emanated from Tong He’s palm, radiating magnificent power. As he struck, an aura both tyrannical and righteous clung to the blow. Everyone’s Heart Spirit trembled, their eyes drawn involuntarily to the golden glow on his hand.

Wen Qingye’s brow twitched as he watched the palm technique approach. ’Buddhist Sect Martial Arts are inherently domineering. Combined with Tong He’s immense cultivation, its power is even more staggering. But I have no way to evade this; I can only meet it head-on.’

Wen Qingye gripped his sword with both hands. Instantly, a cyan light erupted from the blade. A sharp Gang Wind radiated from the One Thought Sword, scattering in all directions.

"Fourth Form of Four Symbols Sword Technique! Windbreak!"

Wen Qingye took a step forward, his posture like one standing firm amidst the ocean’s churning waves, his sword poised to cut through endless gales and stormy seas. A wild, untamed aura erupted from him, blanketing the entire hall.

"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!"

A massive roar echoed out, like thunder rumbling right next to everyone’s ears.

"Get out, quick! The hall is about to collapse!"

"Get out of here!"

Watching the great hall begin to crumble, everyone scrambled frantically for the exit.

"BOOM!"

The moment the last person made it out, the great hall finally gave way, collapsing entirely amidst a sky-filling cloud of dust and debris.

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"

But soon, even more violent sounds echoed in their ears. Amidst the billowing dust over the ruins, two figures could be seen moving ceaselessly.

Sword Qi flared, and golden light flashed!

Wen Qingye and Tong He traded blows, constantly clashing. A trickle of blood escaped the corner of Wen Qingye’s mouth, but his sword never slowed. If anything, it grew even faster.

The longer Tong He fought, the more stunned he became. He struck with greater and greater force, but Wen Qingye’s counterattacks only grew more powerful in response.

BOOM!

With a single step, ripples of Primordial Qi burst outward.

Tong He let out a low roar, his arms blurring into countless phantoms. Wreathed in shimmering golden light, he launched a furious assault on Wen Qingye.

Wen Qingye’s gaze was sharp, tracking the trajectory of the golden light. The One Thought Sword in his hand began to move—an upward slash, a diagonal strike, a horizontal sweep, a straight thrust.

CLANG!

The golden light clashed with the Sword Qi once more.

’My Fist Technique is completely useless against him!’ Tong He realized. ’Wen Qingye’s Swordsmanship has reached the pinnacle of perfection, a realm so profound it’s beyond the ken of ghosts and gods. No attack technique works on him!’

A vicious glint appeared in Tong He’s eyes as several beams of golden light shot out from behind him. He seemed to be bathed in the glow, taking on an air of solemn dignity.

FWOOSH!

Tong He struck out with his palm again, churning up a vortex of golden energy.

Wen Qingye shot upward at an angle to meet the immense, golden Palm Seal. With a diagonal sweep of his sword, cyan ripples burst forth and shattered it.

But in that same moment, Wen Qingye’s left hand had not been idle; he had already taken out the Copper Mirror.

"Not good! It’s an Exotic Treasure!"