At this moment, Lin Qian and Qin Feiyu faced each other in mid-air, while the onlookers remained silent.
Qin Feiyu, a prince of the Qin Dynasty, was one of the most powerful and influential figures among the gathered geniuses. His strength was equally revered, which is why many initially believed his words over Lin Qian's.
From their perspective, Qin Feiyu's previous sword strike, although driven by anger, hadn't been at full strength. He aimed to strike Lin Qian quickly, thus reducing the force behind it. Nevertheless, even a weakened strike from a Life and Death Realm heart stage expert should have been too much for someone at Lin Qian's level.
Yet, Lin Qian stood there unscathed, with only a white mark where the sword had struck. The crowd could hardly believe what they were seeing.
"Such a terrifying physique! Can the Body Tribulation really make one's body this powerful?" one young genius muttered, staring at Lin Qian enveloped in scarlet-gold lightning.
A beautiful woman with wide eyes marveled at the scene, "What's even more surprising is his soul glow! Twelve-layered soul glow—did he undergo twelve cycles of Nirvana?"
"Impossible! Ten cycles is already the limit. Twelve cycles can't exist," another genius shook his head, unable to accept what he was witnessing.
Someone nearby scoffed and retorted, "The evidence is right in front of us. Soul glow can't be faked."
"Didn't you notice? He's wielding an ancestral-level martial soul!" someone else gasped, eyeing the black and gold Thunder Night Sword in Lin Qian's hand with a mixture of awe and dread.
"We have to admit, a remarkable figure has emerged among our human race in this Southern Gathering."
Qin Feiyu, standing opposite Lin Qian, also felt the weight of the situation. He wasn't a fool—he could see that Lin Qian's strength rivaled his own, possibly even surpassing it.
However, Qin Feiyu's pride and jealousy clouded his judgment. Why should Lin Qian, a nobody in his eyes, possess such talent? As the third prince of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Feiyu considered himself superior. Yet here was someone with even greater potential.
If Lin Qian were allowed to grow, not only would Qin Feiyu be threatened, but his entire dynasty might suffer the consequences. His decision solidified—Lin Qian must die, no matter the cost.
"This man's talent is too dangerous. If we let him escape today, our future won't be easy," Qin Feiyu said, addressing the princes of Wei and Qiu Kingdoms.
Both princes, allies of the Qin Dynasty, agreed. Their expressions turned hostile, and killing intent filled their eyes.
At the same time, Qin Feiyu silently ordered his five elite guards, the Five Battle Generals, "He cannot escape. Do whatever it takes to kill him here."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The five masked warriors responded in unison, tightening the encirclement around Lin Qian.
But Lin Qian remained unfazed. He floated calmly in mid-air, watching as Qin Feiyu and his fifteen allies surrounded him.
Seeing Lin Qian encircled, Fang Ziqian snapped his folding fan shut and began channeling his soul power. "This is bad. His realm is still lower, and even though he's stronger, there are too many of them. I have to help. If anything happens to him, I can't face the old man at home."
However, just as Fang Ziqian was about to move, a white spear shot past him, the wind from its thrust whipping at his clothes.
Looking at the spear blocking his path, Fang Ziqian turned in confusion to see Zhao Long, who stood resolute. "This is His Majesty's fun. Please don't interfere," Zhao Long said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Realizing he might have to fight Lin Qian's guard if he insisted, Fang Ziqian reluctantly withdrew his soul power. "What kind of situation is this? I'm not even allowed to help?"
When he glanced over at Li Yunfeng and Yang Tianhao, he asked hesitantly, "Are you two really not worried?"
Both Li Yunfeng and Yang Tianhao shook their heads. Having spent time with Lin Qian, Li Yunfeng knew his strength well. Yang Tianhao, having been saved by Lin Qian before, had witnessed his overwhelming power against the Swift Shadow Tribe. Somehow, they both believed that Lin Qian could win this fight on his own.
In mid-air, Lin Qian glanced at the encroaching Qin Feiyu and his group. Seeing the killing intent in their eyes, he smirked. "So, you plan to kill me?"
Qin Feiyu didn't respond verbally. Instead, he simply commanded, "Attack!"
As soon as Qin Feiyu gave the order, his five battle generals sprang into action. Brilliant gold soul power erupted from them, each radiating sharp metallic energy.
The five warriors, armed with golden swords similar to Qin Feiyu's, emanated an aura of unrivaled sharpness. It seemed as if nothing could withstand their blades.
They spread out, taking positions around Lin Qian and linking their energies to form an invisible net, trapping him. The killing intent in their eyes was unmistakable as they charged forward, swords raised.
At the same time, a massive sword formed from condensed gold soul power materialized above Lin Qian's head, ready to strike down.