The duel began. Haofeng's opponent was named Feng Wuhen, hailing from the Gale Sect, a sect renowned for its speed. Feng Wuhen's figure was erratic, like a phantom amidst a driving wind, and he wielded a glowing, multicolored longsword. Wherever the tip of his sword pointed, the air seemed to be torn apart. However, Haofeng appeared entirely at ease. His movement technique was agile, and every dodge was executed with precise timing, as if he could foresee Feng Wuhen's next move. Finally, during a clever close-quarters skirmish, Haofeng drew upon a mysterious force, his speed surging instantly. With a single punch accompanied by the sound of tearing wind, he directly drove Feng Wuhen back several paces, knocking the longsword from his hand. Pale-faced, Feng Wuhen cupped his hands in defeat. Haofeng advanced to the top 64 with an overwhelming advantage, and thunderous applause erupted from the spectators below.
On the other side, Limo's opponent was Leidong from the Thunderclap Sect. Dressed in tight martial attire, Leidong was surrounded by crackling electric arcs, and every punch he threw was accompanied by a deafening rumble of thunder. On the combat stage, lightning and sword qi intertwined. Limo used his sword as a guide, his swordsmanship flowing like a dragon, and every stroke precisely sliced through Leidong's offensive. Yet Leidong was no ordinary fighter; relying on his profound understanding of the power of lightning, he constantly sought opportunities to counterattack amidst the sparks. Just as the two were evenly matched and locked in a stalemate, Limo abruptly shifted his sword stance, simplifying the complex to break a myriad of techniques with a single sword, aiming straight for Leidong's vital points. Although Leidong managed to evade the fatal strike, he lost his combat capability due to the lingering shockwave of that sword, and Limo successfully advanced.
In Yunche's battle, his opponent was Yu Wushuang from the Jade Clear Sect. Yu Wushuang wielded a white jade fan and carried himself with an elegant demeanor, but the fan concealed hidden lethality, and every wave carried fierce sword qi. Yunche smiled calmly; with a movement of his body like a swimming dragon emerging from the sea, he instantly closed in on Yu Wushuang. As the two clashed, the power of the Nine Suns collided with the Jade Clear sword qi, making the space above the combat stage look as though fiery clouds and clear breezes were interweaving—a breathtaking sight that concealed deadly intent. Operating the *Nine Suns Scorching Heaven Art*, Yunche enveloped his body in the flames of the nine suns, neutralizing Yu Wushuang's sword qi one by one before seizing the momentum to counterattack. Ultimately, amidst a deafening roar, Yunche concluded the battle with a "Nine Suns Flame Burst." Yu Wushuang was defeated and forced to retreat, while Yunche easily advanced to the top 64, drawing gasps of astonishment from all around.
In Hanyue's battle, her opponent was Jian Wuhen from the Sword Sect. Jian Wuhen possessed peerless swordsmanship and fierce sword intent; every thrust went straight to the heart, seemingly capable of perceiving his opponent's every flaw. Yet facing Hanyue, he felt unprecedented pressure. Hanyue's movement technique was light, like an elf beneath the moon. Drawing upon the power of the *Mystic Ice Ninefold Art*, she condensed the spiritual energy around her into a crystal-ice shield, blocking Jian Wuhen's attacks one by one. At the same time, she did not forget to seek opportunities to counter, sending volleys of ice arrows shooting toward Jian Wuhen like falling stars, forcing him to retreat step by step. Ultimately, in a contest of ice and sword, Hanyue completely froze Jian Wuhen with a "Frozen Myriads" technique, winning the victory and smoothly entering the next round.
In Chiyan's battle, his opponent was Yan Huoling from the Luminous Fire Sect. Yan Huoling was likewise well-versed in fire-type spiritual energy, and the moment the two stepped onto the stage, they resembled two burning flames, colliding to emit a dazzling radiance. On the combat stage, flames surged and heat waves rolled, making all the spectators feel an unprecedented scorching warmth. Relying on the formidable might of the *Blazing Flame Scorching Heaven Technique*, Chiyan continuously unleashed fierce fire attacks, while Yan Huoling responded with agile movement techniques and exquisite fire-control skills. The two traded blows in a fierce, deadlock battle. Just as everyone thought it would turn into a war of attrition, Chiyan suddenly let out a roaring shout, his entire body's flames surging violently to transform into a giant fire phoenix that charged straight at Yan Huoling. Although Yan Huoling fought back with all his might, he ultimately proved unable to withstand this destructive power and was swallowed by the flames of the fire phoenix. Chiyan won the match with an absolute advantage.
### Other Prodigy Battles
Shuiling's Er of the Azure Waves Sect faced Yun Yi of the Cloud Hidden Sect. Yun Yi excelled in invisibility arts, attempting to launch a sneak attack on Shuiling'er from the shadows. However, relying on the flexibility and versatility of the *Azure Waves Rippling Art*, Shuiling'er easily neutralized Yun Yi's offensive, forced him out of his stealth state with a "Water Dragon Chant," and then pursued her victory to ultimately win.
Shawuhen of the Yellow Sand Sect faced off against Storm Crazy of the Storm Sect in the desert. Shawuhen utilized the *Drifting Sand Escape Art* to maneuver freely across the desert, dodging Storm Crazy's fierce attacks while continuously launching sandstorm assaults, ultimately trapping Storm Crazy beneath the quicksand in a meticulously laid trap to secure victory.
Youying of the Shadow Sect engaged in a thrilling assassination and counter-assassination duel against Yuying of the Shadow Moon Sect under the cover of night. Both were skilled in the arts of concealment and assassination, and the combat was exceptionally intense. In the end, relying on a profound understanding of the *Shadow Secret Tome* and maximizing the surrounding environment, Youying successfully found Yuying's flaw, scoring a one-hit kill to win the match.
As these magnificent duels concluded one by one, the top 64 list for the Prodigy Tournament was finally settled. These were the true prodigies of the major sects; the first round had merely been mutual probing among them, and the real good show was yet to come. As for Haofeng and Limo, they had exceeded everyone's expectations, yet neither of them knew that this trip was fraught with extreme danger and undercurrents shifting beneath the surface.
"Brother Li, this Prodigy Tournament is nothing much after all. The opponents I drew are so weak," Haofeng remarked.
"Indeed, that prize is ours for the taking," Limo agreed.
"Let's go." The two walked toward the tavern.