The ripples had already dissipated, and the golden sphere's appearance was becoming increasingly clear.
The golden sphere was only six meters in diameter, but its surface was covered in rune inscriptions that glittered like chains, sealing the sphere shut—impenetrable and utterly indestructible.
Crack—
Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out as the sphere shattered. Countless fractures spread across its surface, growing wider and wider, until it split apart completely.
"Oh heavens, this…"
Once the sphere broke apart, the spectators' eyes widened—even Chu Feng's brow furrowed, a flicker of unease crossing his gaze.
For what emerged from the shattered sphere was none other than Dongfang Zexuan, and the Dongfang Zexuan before them was vastly different from before. His body was no longer clad in barrier armor; instead, his very flesh had turned golden.
Now his body gleamed as though forged from pure gold, radiating a brilliant golden light and an aura far more formidable than before.
Moreover, the twin flame blades in his hands had transformed into a pair of golden twin sabers, their power vastly increased.
"So the Third Prince has finally resorted to this forbidden technique?"
"To have pushed the Third Prince this far—this kid from the Spirit Alliance has some skill after all."
"But now that the Third Prince has used this move, this battle is as good as over."
At that moment, while the members of the World Alliance looked tense, the elders of the Dongfang Imperial Bloodline all wore the same curve upon their lips—a confident smile, the joy of certain victory.
Boom—
Dongfang Zexuan moved. A single step forward sent tremors through heaven and earth, and a wild, invisible aura swept across the plaza like a storm.
Whoosh—
Having unleashed that terrifying pressure, Dongfang Zexuan became a streak of golden light and closed the distance to Chu Feng in an instant. The golden twin sabers in his hands sliced forward as two crescent arcs of golden radiance, bearing down on Chu Feng like the scythes of death—carrying a lethal, lethal aura.
Boom—
Chu Feng swung his flame sword to block, but the moment the two weapons clashed, there was no metallic ring. Instead, an ear-splitting explosion erupted.
Along with the blast, a powerful wave of energy materialized into visible flames that swept outward in all directions.
Most critically, that shockwave surged only toward Chu Feng—Dongfang Zexuan was completely unaffected.
The force was tremendous. Despite Chu Feng's considerable strength, he was knocked back by the blast.
"Damn it—this aura actually slows my movements."
In that instant, Chu Feng cursed inwardly. The moment the shockwave struck him, he felt his limbs grow numb, his movements restricted.
But even so, Chu Feng did not panic. His footwork shifted, and the flame wings behind his back flared violently as he shot backward. He had to keep his distance from Dongfang Zexuan.
"Trying to run? That depends on whether I let you." Seeing Chu Feng retreat, Dongfang Zexuan mocked him as he gave chase—this was the perfect chance to defeat Chu Feng, and he would not let it slip away.
"Run? You've got that wrong. I'm simply changing how we exchange blows." Even as he rocketed backward, Chu Feng gripped his flame sword tight and swung it repeatedly. One fire dragon after another surged forth, swarming toward Dongfang Zexuan.
But Dongfang Zexuan's combat strength had been dramatically enhanced. Not only were his attacks fiercer, his movements had become swifter and more agile.
Chu Feng's offensive couldn't scratch him—and worse, Dongfang Zexuan's attacks now completely overwhelmed him.
In a heartbeat, the tide of battle had turned dramatically. The one who had held the advantage moments ago was now at a severe disadvantage.
And Dongfang Zexuan pressed his assault with ruthless ferocity, showing absolutely no mercy.
His fury drove him on. Setting aside the humiliation of being mocked by Chu Feng, being suppressed in front of everyone was enough to enrage him beyond measure. He had to teach Chu Feng a painful lesson.
"Elder Zuo." Seeing that things were going badly, Su Rou cast a pleading glance toward Zuo Tianzun. She couldn't bear for her Brother Chu Feng to come to any harm on her account.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, Dongfang Zexuan won't lay a finger on Chu Feng." Zuo Tianzun understood what Su Rou meant and gave her a reassuring look.
Seeing that Zuo Tianzun was prepared to protect Chu Feng, Su Rou's heart settled—though only halfway. Until this battle was truly over, she could not feel completely at ease.
"What's the matter? Where did all that arrogance from before go?"