Chapter 1738: Evenly Matched
The atmosphere in the hall instantly seemed to freeze.
Every gaze locked onto Luo Hanzhou as he stood proudly in the center.
The experts of the Beihan Region were truly extraordinary.
Although sword essence was forbidden during this exchange, the cultivators of the Beihan Region were likewise prohibited from using their vitality power.
Just now, Long Aotian had been defeated purely by Luo Hanzhou's fist technique. There was simply no excuse he could make.
Long Aotian stared fixedly at Luo Hanzhou.
The silver-furred man felt like an ancient divine mountain pressing down upon him.
An insurmountable mountain.
...
...
A monster like Luo Hanzhou could not even be considered a top genius in the Beihan Region?
It seemed the overall strength of the Beihan Region had risen yet again.
The geniuses of the Xijian Region ought to start feeling a sense of crisis.
"So fast!"
"I couldn't even see how he attacked. Can pure body refinement really achieve such terrifying speed?"
"Could it be that body refinement naturally suppresses sword dao?"
The geniuses of the Xijian Region began whispering among themselves.
No one dared step forward to challenge him anymore.
Some even started convincing themselves that body refinement naturally countered sword dao. Otherwise, why would the geniuses of the Xijian Region suffer such crushing defeats against opponents of the same realm?
Xiao Juanyun frowned as he listened.
The weak always had countless excuses.
The moment a person chose to deceive themselves with excuses, the only future awaiting them was to fall behind and be beaten.
"It looks like I'll have to step in myself."
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Juanyun slowly rose from his seat and said word by word,
"Body refinement and sword dao have never shared a relationship of suppression. There are three thousand Great Daos. There are only useless martial practitioners, never useless martial paths. This is true for body refinement, and it is equally true for sword dao!"
As he spoke, Xiao Juanyun had already walked before Luo Hanzhou.
He cupped his fists respectfully.
"Brother Luo."
Those simple words struck the surrounding geniuses of the Xijian Region like a bucket of cold water.
A spark flashed through their eyes.
If a swordsman began doubting the sword dao he cultivated, how much could he possibly achieve in this lifetime?
All eyes immediately turned toward Xiao Juanyun.
At this moment, in this place, Xiao Juanyun represented the final hope of the Xijian Region.
Ling Feng narrowed his eyes slightly and found himself viewing Xiao Juanyun in a better light.
This man's character was quite admirable.
As for the outcome of his battle with Luo Hanzhou, that was still difficult to predict.
Looking at Xiao Juanyun standing opposite him, Luo Hanzhou's eyes seemed to brighten.
Like an eagle spotting worthy prey, blazing battle intent burst from his gaze and shot directly at Xiao Juanyun.
"Brother Luo's fist techniques are extraordinary. I would like to use my sword to learn from them."
Xiao Juanyun gripped his sword and slowly drew it.
As the blade emerged inch by inch from its sheath, his aura continued gathering and rising higher and higher.
"Come."
Luo Hanzhou slowly raised his right fist.
For the first time, a serious expression appeared on his face.
"If the Xijian Region only has people like that, this would be far too boring."
His instincts told him one thing.
Xiao Juanyun was an opponent worthy of fighting.
"Be careful!"
With a sharp shout, Xiao Juanyun slashed out with his sword.
The strike descended like thunder.
"Impressive!"
Ling Feng's eyelids twitched.
From the standpoint of pure swordsmanship, every move Xiao Juanyun made was nearly flawless.
Even more surprising, his sword speed seemed to be slightly faster than Luo Hanzhou's punching speed.
These two were true rivals, genuine experts who had finally met their match.
...
...
Luo Hanzhou changed techniques once again, neutralizing Xiao Juanyun's incoming blade.
The two clashed continuously.
After more than a dozen exchanges, neither held the advantage.
Everyone's attention was completely absorbed by the battle.
Their eyes remained wide open, unwilling to blink as they watched the thrilling duel between these two supreme experts.
Even without sword essence or vitality power, this fight was spectacular beyond compare.
Ling Feng quietly activated the Eye of the Emperor.
Whether it was Xiao Juanyun's swordsmanship or Luo Hanzhou's fist techniques, both contained profound insights that would greatly benefit him.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Explosive shockwaves echoed through the air without end.
Luo Hanzhou and Xiao Juanyun constantly shifted their footing and unleashed attack after attack.
Fist and sword collided relentlessly.
Showers of sparks erupted everywhere, dense as exploding fireworks and dazzling to behold.
Neither side stopped attacking.
Even their defense was built upon offense, using attacks to neutralize attacks while relying on footwork to evade danger.
Within the hundred-zhang-wide clearing at the center of the loft, two figures crossed and recrossed at incredible speed.
Their movements were so fast that only blurred afterimages remained.