C194 The Stalemate!(1)

A Martial Disciple had just taken down a Peak Martial Master with a single strike. This scene left the remaining four members of the elite squad visibly shaken. The opposing side had set up their formation to force Woo Zhengyang, the team's main strength, to take the lead. They assumed that a mere Martial Disciple would be the weakest link in the enemy's lineup, one they could easily eliminate to continue their dominance. Yet, the outcome was the opposite—their Peak Martial Master was dead.

It seemed as if he didn't even resist, effortlessly slain by Woo Zhengyang. Although the Peak Martial Master managed to swing his sword before dying, its power was significantly diminished. The protective aura around the blade dissipated, allowing Woo Zhengyang to seize it with ease.

The four Blade Men, the only ones who understood the true power of Woo Zhengyang's strike, finally breathed a sigh of relief. While Woo Zhengyang's attack was potent enough to kill a Peak Martial Master, it also left him vulnerable. If the illusions of the Ink Night Sword Washing Arts failed, the situation could have turned against him.

Throughout, Woo Zhengyang remained calm. He trusted that his unexpected sword technique would yield extraordinary results. Even if something went wrong, he was confident he could survive. His real concern was always the four Blade Men.

Woo Zhengyang's worst fears came true!

After their own swordsman fell, the opposing team's Array Master was the first to react, pulling back their formation. At the same time, their Bow Man received orders to attack!

In one-on-one situations, a Bow Man serves as a counterbalance, hesitant to act during close combat because a wrong move could lead to disaster. But this time, the Bow Man had no choice but to follow orders. Faced with a life-or-death crisis, he unleashed an extraordinary display of archery, firing four arrows simultaneously at Woo Zhengyang, the Blade Man, the Hammer Man, and the Spear Man!

Meanwhile, the other three opponents launched a relentless assault, desperate to take down at least one of their adversaries and even the odds. The air was filled with the clash of blades, the hum of arrows, and the roar of battle.

Woo Zhengyang struggled to remain calm, issuing commands while his longsword worked tirelessly to cover all angles, hoping to ensure everyone could retreat safely. But the enemy's ferocity was overwhelming.

In the chaos, the Blade Man was caught off guard by a hidden arrow and was sent flying, while the Hammer Man took a hit to the back, coughing up blood. If not for Woo Zhengyang's quick intervention, forcing the enemy's Hammer Man to retreat, the situation could have been far worse.

When the two teams finally separated, the Peak Team was down to four members, while Woo Zhengyang's Kill Squad remained intact with five, though the Blade Man and Hammer Man were seriously injured.

The standoff continued between the two sides.

“Impressive! I never expected such a remarkable individual from a small, remote country. Kid, you have no opponents left. Why not join us? Together, we could face even the strongest Shape Gathering Stage experts without fear!” the Array Master across from him suggested.

Woo Zhengyang had just defeated their swordsman, and now held 9,780 portions of the No Life Sword. Apart from the fifteen replicas held by Shape Gathering Stage experts, the rest were in Woo Zhengyang's possession. The sword in his hand, while not quite the King’s Sword, was undeniably close.

According to the Array Master, Woo Zhengyang could now retreat in triumph and wait for the next wave of battle.

Hearing this, the Blade Man and Hammer Man remained steady, but the Bow Man and Spear Man, who had always been a bit wary of Woo Zhengyang, took a few steps back.

Noticing this, Woo Zhengyang smiled slightly and said, “Relax, I don’t abandon my teammates!”

With that, he handed a few pills to the Hammer Man and Blade Man. Though not the legendary spirit pills like Loong Zhiwu, they were still high-quality treasure pills.

After taking care of his team, Woo Zhengyang turned to the opposing side and said, “If you had managed to take one of us down earlier, we would have lost! But since you didn’t, it’s you who will ultimately be defeated!”

“Arrogant!” the Array Master snapped, directing his elite team to charge at Woo Zhengyang and his group. Since persuasion had failed, they had no choice but to fight, determined not to give Woo Zhengyang’s team a chance to recover.

Just then, a sudden rumble echoed across the sky, growing louder and more intense, as if it might tear the heavens open. Woo Zhengyang and his companions barely had time to react before they were ushered back into a sealed room, receiving new orders from their weapons.

The portal to the Shape Gathering Stage had opened, and the third round of the deadly challenge was upon them! The transition was bizarre; the second round hadn't truly concluded, yet they were rushed into the third without a moment's pause, as the room's doors swung open!

Then, new instructions were issued. They had half an hour to reach No Life Square, or they would perish from the deadly essence invading their bodies! Within an hour, they had to determine the final five No Life Envoys, or the game would end, resulting in everyone's death!

This time, two commands came in quick succession! The unusual circumstances made Woo Zhengyang realize something significant was happening.