Trump Cards, Each Stronger Than the Last!

"Have you looked over the information on today’s opponent?" Hong asked. His voice remained calm, but concern glimmered in his eyes.

Luo Wen nodded. "I have. My opponent is Deng Long, the Bone Swordmaster from the Temple of Destruction. They say he controls a special Law of Bones that can materialize into all kinds of weapons. He’s also a Psychic Master. While he doesn’t possess a true psychic weapon like I do, his mastery of Spiritual Power has already reached the peak of the Star-Level."

Hong nodded thoughtfully. "The Law of Bones is indeed rare. Unlike ordinary material laws, it lies somewhere between life and death, possessing unusual resilience and malleability. This will be a challenging match."

Luo Wen took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes. "I’ll give it everything I have. Watching your match yesterday gave me a great deal of insight, especially the way you controlled the Law of Light. It gave me a new understanding of my own Law of Fire."

Hong smiled faintly. "Everyone’s insights are different. Don’t deliberately imitate others; forge your own path. The Law of Fire may be common, but if you can perfectly combine it with your Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, it can still unleash astonishing power."

Luo Wen nodded respectfully. "I’ll remember your teachings."

Just then, Thor’s voice came from the living room. "Hey! What are you two whispering about in there? Come out and have breakfast! Today’s Luo Wen’s big day!"

Luo Wen and Hong exchanged smiles and walked out together.

In the living room, Thor was already seated at the dining table, eating with gusto, while Luo Feng elegantly sipped a cup of tea. When he saw the two emerge,

he nodded in greeting.

"Luo Wen, are you ready?" Luo Feng asked, encouragement in his eyes.

Luo Wen nodded firmly. "I’m ready, Brother Luo Feng."

Thor grinned, flashing a row of white teeth. "Don’t be nervous, kid. That so-called Bone Swordmaster sounds like some pretentious fool. With the glory of our Black Dragon Mountain Empire behind you, how could you possibly lose?"

Luo Wen looked gratefully at the three of them. "With your support, I feel even more confident."

Hong said softly, "After breakfast, we’ll review the tactics once more. Your strength is enough to handle this round, but it’s always good to be thoroughly prepared."

The four enjoyed a lavish breakfast, then studied Deng Long’s fighting style and possible countermeasures together. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was time for the match.

The Universe Arena’s spectator stands were already packed. Today marked the beginning of the second round, and the atmosphere was even more fervent than yesterday. The flags of the great empires fluttered throughout the stands, with the black dragon banner of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire standing out the most. Its golden dragon pattern seemed lifelike against the black background, exuding an invisible majesty.

"Up next is the third match of the second round," the host’s voice echoed through the arena. "Luo Wen of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire versus Deng Long of the Temple of Destruction!"

As the host’s words fell, the holographic display showed information on the two contestants:

Luo Wen, son-in-law of the Emperor of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, master of the Law of Fire, and wielder of one of the Nine Great Psychic Weapons, the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade.

Deng Long, core disciple of the Temple of Destruction, master of the Law of Bones, highly proficient in psychic manipulation, known as the Bone Swordmaster.

The stands immediately erupted, especially the section filled with supporters of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. Their cheers nearly blew the roof off.

"Luo Wen! Luo Wen! Luo Wen!" they shouted, cheering on their empire’s contestant.

Though the Temple of Destruction was not an empire but a mysterious organization spread throughout the universe, its influence was no less than that of any great empire. Its supporters were relatively quiet, but the fervor in their eyes was no less intense.

Luo Wen stood at the entrance to the contestant tunnel, making his final adjustments. He wore a combat suit specially made by the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. Golden dragon patterns were embroidered on the dark blue fabric, making it both magnificent and practical.

"Don’t be nervous." Luo Feng patted his shoulder. "Treat this as a chance to learn. Win or lose, give it your all

and show your strength."

Luo Wen took a deep breath and nodded. "I won’t let you down."

"Go," Hong said calmly. "Remember the strategy we discussed, but be ready to adapt to the situation."

Thor grinned. "Show him what you’ve got! Let that Bone Swordmaster see the might of our Black Dragon Mountain Empire!"

With their encouragement, Luo Wen’s confidence surged. He held his head high, walked out of the tunnel, and stepped onto the arena platform.

Luo Wen stood at one end of the platform and saw a tall man already standing opposite him. The man wore a snow-white robe embroidered with strange runes, giving him a mysterious and imposing air. A bone mask covered his face, revealing only a pair of deep-set eyes and making it impossible to discern his true features.

"Luo Wen of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire." Deng Long’s voice was low and hoarse, carrying a metallic quality. "I’ve been looking forward to this match. I heard you possess the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, one of the Nine Great Psychic Weapons. Today, I finally have the chance to witness it."

Luo Wen nodded slightly, maintaining proper etiquette. "Deng Long of the Temple of Destruction. The title Bone Swordmaster is renowned throughout the universe as well. It is an honor to face you."

A trace of approval flashed through Deng Long’s eyes. "Worthy of being the son-in-law of the Emperor of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire—your manners are impeccable. But on the battlefield, manners are useless. I hope your strength is as impressive as your courtesy."

Luo Wen did not respond. Instead, he focused his mind and prepared for the coming battle. He could sense the powerful aura emanating from Deng Long, a strange energy between life and death. It had to be the legendary Law of Bones.

"The match is about to begin. Both contestants, prepare yourselves." The referee’s voice echoed through the entire arena.

Luo Wen took a deep breath. His Spiritual Power began circulating through his body, while the Law of Fire activated as well, shrouding him in a faint red glow.

Deng Long began gathering his own power. A pale light radiated from his body, the manifestation of the Law of Bones. At the same time, powerful Spiritual Power erupted from within him, forming an invisible domain that enveloped the surrounding area.

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"1

"The match begins!"

The instant the referee’s words fell, Deng Long attacked first. He raised his right hand and spread his five fingers. With a low incantation, his fingers abruptly lengthened and transformed into five sharp bone blades that stabbed toward Luo Wen.

This method of attack caught Luo Wen by surprise, but his reactions were not slow. He swiftly retreated several steps and waved his right hand, forming a wall of flames before him to block Deng Long’s attack.

"A flame defense. Not a bad choice," Deng Long said approvingly. "But one of the characteristics of the Law of Bones is that it does not fear flames."

As his words fell, the five bone blades actually pierced through the wall of flames and continued toward Luo Wen.

Luo Wen’s heart tightened, and he immediately changed tactics. His Spiritual Power erupted in an instant, forming an invisible shield that blocked the five bone blades. At the same time, he flipped his right hand, and a blade glittering with starlight suddenly appeared in his grasp—the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade.

The Starlight Sky-Rending Blade was one of the Nine Great Psychic Weapons. It was formed from pure Spiritual Power, yet materialized through a special technique into a real weapon. Countless specks of light shimmered across its blade, as if the stars of the heavens had been compressed together, radiating heart-palpitating power.

"It’s here!" Excitement flashed through Deng Long’s eyes. "You’ve finally revealed your weapon!"

Luo Wen did not reply. Instead, he launched his attack directly. Holding the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, he flashed forward and appeared before Deng Long in an instant, slashing at his opponent’s chest.

Rather than retreat, Deng Long advanced. His right arm suddenly extended and transformed into a long bone sword, colliding with the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade.

Clang!

The sound of metal striking metal rang across the entire platform, and dazzling sparks burst from the point where their weapons collided.

Everyone in the stands was stunned by the scene. When they saw the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade in Luo Wen’s hand, cries of astonishment broke out even more fiercely.

"Is that the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, one of the Nine Great Psychic Weapons?"

"It’s so beautiful! Look at that starlight!"

"As expected of a contestant from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire—his trump cards are each stronger than the last!"

In the contestants’ area, Hong, Luo Feng, and Thor were also watching the match closely.

"Luo Wen’s psychic control is becoming more and more precise," Luo Feng commented. "The energy flow of the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade is extremely stable."

Hong nodded. "Yes, his talent in psychic power is truly outstanding. But that Deng Long is no simple opponent either. The way he combines the Law of Bones with psychic power is very unique."

Thor, meanwhile, looked thoroughly excited. "Well done! Luo Wen, give him another slash!"

On the platform, Luo Wen and Deng Long had already exchanged dozens of moves, both displaying an extremely high level of combat skill. Deng Long’s Law of Bones was indeed bizarre. He could freely alter the shape of his body, extend bones outside himself, and form all kinds of weapons and armor. Even when struck, he could quickly reassemble his bones and heal his injuries.

Luo Wen, meanwhile, dealt with Deng Long’s attacks with ease through the coordination of the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade and the Law of Fire. Not only was the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade incomparably sharp, it could also have its trajectory controlled through psychic power, allowing for unexpected attacks. At the same time, his Law of Fire continued evolving,

becoming more than simple flame attacks. He could precisely control temperature and methods of combustion, creating specific interference against Deng Long’s Law of Bones.

"You’re stronger than I imagined," Deng Long praised as he maneuvered against Luo Wen. "Not just because of that psychic weapon,

but because your control over the Law of Fire has also reached a very high level."

Luo Wen was unmoved by the praise. He knew the match had only just begun, and his opponent had yet to reveal many more trump cards. "You’re strong too," he replied briefly, slashing again. "But I can tell you still haven’t used your full strength."

Surprise flashed through Deng Long’s eyes, followed by appreciation. "You have a good eye. In that case, I’ll stop hiding."

With that, he suddenly retreated several hundred meters, opening the distance between himself and Luo Wen. Then he formed seals with both hands, chanted an incantation, and became enveloped in a layer of pale light.

Ultimate Esoteric Art: Myriad Bones Form an Army!

As Deng Long’s words fell, countless white bones suddenly drilled out of the ground across the platform, rapidly assembling into skeleton warriors. These skeleton warriors wielded all kinds of weapons and radiated a sinister aura as they charged at Luo Wen.

Luo Wen’s expression darkened. He had not expected Deng Long to be able to create so many skeleton warriors. Though these skeleton warriors were not individually powerful, they were numerous. Moreover, they seemed to contain a portion of Deng Long’s psychic power and possessed a degree of intelligence; they were not mere puppets.

Fire Domain: Scorching Flames Incinerate the Heavens!

Luo Wen raised both hands, and intense red light erupted from his body. The next instant, the entire platform was engulfed in a sea of flames. The skeleton warriors turned to ash the moment they touched the fire, but Deng Long remained completely unmoved. His Law of Bones formed an invisible barrier that cut off the invading flames.

"Flames are useless against me, Luo Wen." Deng Long’s voice brimmed with confidence. "My Law of Bones has already reached the realm where it fears no elemental attack."

Luo Wen smiled faintly. "Is that so? Then what about this?"

With that, he waved his right hand. The Starlight Sky-Rending Blade suddenly flew from his palm, carving a graceful arc through the air as it shot straight toward Deng Long. At the same time, Luo Wen’s left hand suddenly lit up. A ball of pure flame condensed in his palm before he hurled it toward the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade.

Something miraculous happened: the instant the flame touched the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, it was absorbed into it. The weapon’s blade, which had originally shimmered with starlight, transformed into a burning sword. The starlight and flames merged perfectly,

forming an unprecedented type of energy.

Starfire Flowing Blade! Luo Wen shouted, his Spiritual Power erupting at full force as he controlled the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade’s flight path.

The blade fused with starlight and flames passed through Deng Long’s bone barrier at astonishing speed, striking directly for his throat. Deng Long was startled and hurriedly raised his right arm, transforming it into a bone shield to block the attack.

Boom!

The Starlight Sky-Rending Blade collided with the bone shield, erupting in a burst of dazzling light. When the light faded, everyone was shocked to discover that a massive gash had been cut into Deng Long’s bone shield, while the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade hovered in midair, its flames and starlight still blazing fiercely.

"How… how is this possible?" Deng Long stared at his bone shield in disbelief. "My Law of Bones should fear no elemental attack!"

Luo Wen explained calmly, "Ordinary flames truly have little effect on your Law of Bones. But my Law of Fire has already reached a realm where it can burn souls. Combined with the psychic enhancement of the Starlight Sky-Rending Blade, the resulting Starfire Flowing Blade can not only cut through matter but also burn souls. Your Law of Bones is an energy form that lies between life and death, so naturally, it will be affected as well."

Shock flashed through Deng Long’s eyes, followed by deep wariness. "I never expected your understanding of the Law of Fire to have reached such a realm. It seems I truly underestimated you."