Without Gao Meng's reminder, everyone's faces had already turned pale.
Upon seeing Xie Zhong's sword strike, the memories in the hearts of the onlookers were thoroughly awakened!
They recalled that Xie Zhong had once traveled across oceans to various nations in pursuit of sword mastery.
His stay in Dongying (Japan) was the longest.
Back then, Xie Zhong, with his single sword, challenged the Dongying samurai spirit.
He was often seen in grand arenas, sparring and competing with renowned local sword masters.
This Iai-giri strike must be a product of that wandering period!
Judging by its intent alone, it had already grasped the essence of Iai-giri.
After all, Iai-do emphasizes a single, decisive strike!
From the current display, Xie Zhong's move clearly harbored such an intention.
However, the execution of the sword draw was entirely different.
The crucial point was that no one performing Iai-giri would launch themselves into the air, thereby offering a clear opening for the opponent.
Yet, in terms of destructive power, this move seemed even more potent!
One could imagine that with this single strike, not only Song Qiao.
But the entire arena beneath their feet would likely not be spared!
"Run!"
"Everyone get away!"
A loud shout erupted from the crowd, and people scrambled in panic.
Fearing they would be caught in the terrifying aftermath of Xie Zhong's strike.
Those directly in the path of the sword felt a chill that pierced their bones, as if they were about to be torn apart!
But Song Qiao, facing the sword directly, remained calmly in place.
He tilted his head back, watching the ancient sword descend, his expression devoid of any panic.
This made Xu Rou anxious and worried, fearing Song Qiao had been paralyzed by fear. She quickly shouted.
"Quickly dodge! Is this guy frozen at a critical moment!"
Even Gao Meng was feeling uncertain.
While she knew her master's strength was unfathomable, Xie Zhong's current strike was exceedingly domineering and powerful.
The sword, attacking faster than anticipated, might cause her master to misjudge its trajectory.
Considering the consequences of even the slightest misstep, Gao Meng couldn't help but shout from the sidelines.
"Master! Be careful, do not underestimate him!"
"What are you making such a fuss about? Master knows."
Song Qiao looked back at Gao Meng and smiled faintly.
Suddenly, his smile vanished, and he clasped his hands together, reminding them.
"Master will only demonstrate this once, so watch closely!"
Gao Meng blinked, staring blankly at Song Qiao's posture, and murmured.
"When did Master start practicing Buddhism?"
Song Qiao's clasped hands were not a prelude to a Buddhist chant.
Instead, it was to intercept Song Qiao!
Since even Iai-giri had been employed, this round of the assessment was a sword duel.
Concerning the way of the sword, it was only natural to use a sword to kill.
Song Qiao had no sword in hand, so after clasping his hands, he pressed his fingertips together and pushed forward!
Zeng!
As Song Qiao moved, a loud humming sound filled the arena!
It was merely his hands, yet it felt as if dragon's roars emanated from his fingertips.
The piercing hum spread to the onlookers, making them feel a sense of awe, their expressions turning solemn.
As if the slightest disrespect would result in them being torn apart by the overwhelming sword intent!
"What a sharp sword!"
Everyone exclaimed in unison, their eyes fixed on Song Qiao's hands with eager anticipation.
Yet, they could not discern anything resembling a sword.
Only his hands, pointed directly at Xie Zhong's descending blade!
As Xie Zhong's sword fell, Song Qiao lightly tapped the ground and leaped into the air.
His joined hands sliced through the air, like a sharp sword, striking directly at Xie Zhong's chest!
Crack!
Just hearing the sound, Gao Meng couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect as she watched Song Qiao's retreating back.
"Master held back."
"Yes, such a sharp sword. There shouldn't be a sound when it pierces."
Xu Rou nodded gently, also gazing at Song Qiao's back with emotion.
Song Qiao descended slowly from the air, landing steadily on the ground.
And before him, a spray of blood fell like raindrops from the sky.
Just as everyone was surprised that Song Qiao was still alive after being struck,
They saw Xie Zhong's body fall heavily to the ground like a cannonball!
Thump!
The dull thud struck everyone's hearts like a massive hammer.
It was only then they realized belatedly that it wasn't Song Qiao who was spitting blood.
But Xie Zhong!
That cracking sound had directly broken several of Xie Zhong's ribs!
Not only that, his lungs were also affected, suffering severe damage.
Coupled with the impact of the fall, his chest blood surged, and he nearly choked.
A sweet taste rose to his throat, and he spat out two mouthfuls of blood.
Xie Zhong was now in a pathetic state, his ancient sword lying forlornly beside him.
"He actually... lost."
"Who is this guy, exactly?"
Everyone stared at Song Qiao in astonishment, their fear akin to seeing a monster.
Previously, when people spoke of Song Qiao, there was always a hint of disdain.
And behind his back, they would mock him without hesitation, calling him someone who got in through connections.
But now, after defeating two examiners consecutively, the whispers of doubt had completely vanished!
The crowd now looked at Song Qiao with not only shock and confusion but also a sliver of reverence and awe in their hearts.
This did not include Lu Ming.
Seeing his master heavily injured, and especially witnessing Song Qiao seize the spotlight,
He clenched his fists, his lungs nearly bursting with anger.
He raised his hand and pointed accusingly at Song Qiao, his face flushed as he shouted.
"Bastard! To inflict such grievous harm on an examiner during the assessment, you are simply..."
"Simply what?" Song Qiao glanced at him and retorted with a cold snort.
"Your master's sword strikes were all aimed at my vital points, and he even used Iai-giri in the end."
"The fact that I didn't kill him is already showing mercy. Stop spewing your twisted logic at me!"
Xie Zhong, being severely injured, made it purely a hardship for him to stand up and speak.
Therefore, other staff members in the arena announced the result of the assessment.
"Now, I will announce! The second round of the assessment..."
"Xie Zhong of Yi Xing Sword, defeated!"