After the first exchange, Qin Xuan refused to accept the result and struck again, but there was simply no way he could overcome Wang Qiang.
"This Wang Qiang is that strong?"
At that moment, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Sixth-level Half God — for someone of the younger generation, that was extraordinary. Truly one of a kind.
What mattered even more was that, despite both being sixth-level Half Gods, Wang Qiang was able to suppress Qin Xuan.
"Qin Xuan's being suppressed. He can't beat this Wang Qiang."
"No wonder, no wonder the Divine Body Heavenly River invited this Wang Qiang instead of that rumored Yuwen Yanri."
"This Wang Qiang may dress strangely, but he's genuinely ferocious."
The discussions among the crowd never ceased, and coupled with the fact that he was indeed being suppressed by Wang Qiang, Qin Xuan grew furious.
He was, after all, a prodigy who had been renowned for years — the pride and banner of the Firmament Immortal Sect.
If he were to lose to Wang Qiang today, his reputation would be completely ruined, and he would never be able to hold his head up again.
With that thought, his will shifted, and a surge of tremendous aura erupted from within him.
His cultivation rose by one level.
Seventh-level Half God!!!
Soon, the aura transformed again, and his cultivation climbed by yet another level.
Eighth-level Half God!!!
Boom— But at that very moment, a wave of pressure descended from the sky.
Both Wang Qiang and Qin Xuan were frozen in place, unable to move.
It was pressure targeted specifically at the two of them.
"If you wish to fight, then take it to the Combat Platform. Fighting privately — do you take our Nine Heavens Peak for nothing?"
Alongside the voice, several figures stepped forward.
Upon seeing this group, the prodigies quickly parted to either side, clearing a path.
They were monks, with a group of young monks behind them — the same ones who had arranged accommodations for all the prodigies earlier.
But the monk at the lead was no child.
He was a tall and well-built young man with a slight beard. Though he appeared youthful, he carried a mature air about him.
In his hand he held a string of Buddhist beads, each one extraordinary. Upon every bead was inscribed a grand formation.
At that moment, his left hand formed a seal while his right hand gripped a single bead.
That bead blazed with brilliant light, and the aura it exuded was identical to the pressure bearing down on Qin Xuan and Wang Qiang.
It was clear — he was the one channeling the formation's power.
But the key thing was, Chu Feng recognized this person.
"Liu Kuo?"
Liu Kuo — back at the Strongest Trial hosted by the Totem Dragon Clan…
Long Xiaoxiao had earned the title of Strongest at the initial Martial Ancestor level.
Chu Feng had earned the title of Strongest at the late Martial Ancestor level.
Long Muxi had earned the title of Strongest at the initial Half God level.
And the title of Strongest at the late Half God level had gone to this very Liu Kuo.
Though he was a monk, he spoke with a brash and boisterous manner — quite the character.
Despite his formidable strength, he had no airs about him whatsoever. Quite unlike an ordinary monk, he was the type who didn't fuss over trivialities.
Chu Feng had actually thought quite favorably of him at the time.
But he never could have imagined that Liu Kuo held such a position — that he actually governed the Nine Heavens Peak?
"Could it be… he's a disciple of the Nine Peak Master?"
Soon, the possibility occurred to Chu Feng.
As the saying goes, a great teacher produces great students. Given Liu Kuo's abilities, his master must naturally be formidable too.
And judging by his current position, it was most likely that he was indeed the Nine Peak Master's disciple.
However, given the particular circumstances, Chu Feng chose to avoid any suspicion and refrained from greeting him.
As for Liu Kuo, he had already passed through the crowd and arrived at the center of the plaza, becoming the most conspicuous presence in the entire gathering.
Liu Kuo withdrew his seal. The light on the Buddhist beads faded, and the pressure suppressing Qin Xuan and Wang Qiang dissipated immediately.
But neither Qin Xuan nor Wang Qiang made any move to resume fighting.
After all, this was the Nine Heavens Peak, and this person commanded such a formation. They didn't dare let their guard down.
"Allow me to introduce myself. This humble monk is Liu Kuo."