He Ziyun felt a bit helpless. They knew nothing about the opponent''s identity, nor his strength, or what he was good at, so they couldn''t make a choice.


    "Dragon Tiger Hall, have you still not chosen a contestant? If you can''t decide in thirty seconds, I''ll rule this match as a forfeit for you."


    Su He''s urging voice came through, and after thinking it over, He Ziyun finally set his gaze on Yuan Yun. At this moment, they could only let Yuan Yun step in.


    Though Yuan Yun wasn''t the strongest, he was skilled in swordsmanship and an expert in aggressive attack strategies. Using him to probe the opponent''s strength was a good choice.


    As Yuan Yun stepped into the arena, the second match officially began. Yuan Yun drew his steel sword and looked at the opponent, saying, "I excel in using swords. To avoid anyone saying I took advantage, you pick your weapon."


    The middle-aged man said nothing, merely walked to the weapon rack beside the field, and selected a broad-backed big saber. The weight of the saber was hefty and very long, like a guillotine, intimidating in itself. Seeing his opponent also choose a big saber, Yuan Yun''s eyes turned serious instead of yful.


    He was an expert with swords, familiar with all kinds. He clearly understood how heavy the opponent''s saber was. To wield such a big saber, you''d need immense strength. No amateur would choose such a weapon.


    Their eyes met, and both sides remained silent, their gazes gradually bing sharp, like a de piercing the opponent''s body.


    In the blink of an eye, a minute passed, yet neither moved. However, their momentum had reached its peak. Now, they were both searching for the opponent''s w.


    After a while, the audience in the stands grew somewhat impatient. What the heck, all this time and neither made a move, just staring at each other. This wasn''t about who had the fiercer gaze; it was a duel, get into action already, weapons shing is what brings thrill.


    Perhaps the audience''sints were heard, as the middle-aged man''s body leaned slightly forward and finally initiated an attack. At the very instant the middle-aged man moved, Yuan Yun also acted. He raised his steel sword overhead, and with a shout, his body darted forward like an arrow from a bowstring, striking directly toward the opponent''s head.


    ng!


    A crisp sound echoed as the des shed instantaneously. In just a second, both shed over ten times, their movements a blur to the eyes. Those with less skill only saw a faint shadow, unable to clearly see the des.


    After ten seconds, both Yuan Yun and the middle-aged man mutually retreated, maintaining about a five-meter distance.


    "Third brother''s in trouble," said Xu Ming, who had been sitting silently, breaking the quiet.


    Hearing this, Xia Yue chimed in, "Second brother, it''s just started. Is that person really that formidable?"


    "Pay close attention to their breathing, and you''ll understand." Upon hearing this, everyone focused their attention on the breathing of the two. Indeed! After the initial sh, Yuan Yun''s breathing had gradually be rapid, indicating significant exertion. In contrast, the middle-aged man showed no expression, his breathing remaining steady. Theparison made it clear who was superior.


    Qiu Yong frowned, speaking gravely, "Third brother''s swordy emphasizes might, but the opponent''s swordy is no weaker. If he continues to butt heads, third brother might not be a match unless he can switch his attack style and find the opponent''s weak point."


    As they spoke, the middle-aged man raised his saber andunched another offensive. The big saber whistled through the air, the sound alone could make one shiver. Seeing the middle-aged man approach step by step, Yuan Yun shouted, lifting his steel sword to meet him.


    Another head-on sh? Seeing Yuan Yun''s action, Qiu Yong and the others couldn''t help but feel concerned. However, at this moment, Yuan Yun suddenly shifted a step to the left, avoiding the middle-aged man''s frontal attack. As one strike missed, the middle-aged man''s gaze immediately locked onto Yuan Yun again. His wrist turned, and the saber followed through to sh toward Yuan Yun''s head.


    The opponent was incredibly fast. Although the saber was heavy, in the middle-aged man''s hands, it was as agile as an extension of his arm, uninhibited by the de''s weight.


    Yuan Yun did not expect the opponent to react so swiftly. Caught off guard, he quickly raised his steel sword to block the saber''s strike.


    Another ''ng'' resounded, and Yuan Yun slipped, retreating three or four meters. Feeling the pain in his hands, Yuan Yun''s heart sank a little. Such formidable strength! This person didn''t look particrly strong, but his power was astonishing.


    In the split second of thought, the middle-aged man''s attack was already upon him. Seeing this, Yuan Yun gritted his teeth, advancing instead of retreating, waving his steel sword as he charged.


    One step… two steps… suddenly, Yuan Yun crouched and leapt high, jumping from the middle-aged man''s front to his back. Seizing the moment, Yuan Yun swung back with a strike, yet the middle-aged man''s response was swift. He already had the saber raised above his head, blocking the attack.


    Even though one strike failed, Yuan Yun wasn''t disheartened,unching strike after strike like a continuous tide, his Sword Force surging, momentum increasing. After over ten strikes, the middle-aged man''s steps began to slowly retreat, a hint of surprise in his eyes. At this moment, he clearly felt that Yuan Yun''s Sword Force was growing stronger, with each strike outpowering thest, as if his force could umte.


    This transformation added a hint of gravity to the middle-aged man''s stern face. Seeing Yuan Yun''s offensive gaining strength, the middle-aged man''s eyes bulged, and he let out a loud roar. Then, his Sword Force changed,pletely disregarding Yuan Yun''s attack, swinging directly at Yuan Yun''s shoulder.


    Seeing this, the onlookers couldn''t help but exim in shock. This man was too bold, abandoning defense like that—did he intend mutual destruction?


    At that moment, Qiu Yong and the others all stood up from their seats, their eyes riveted on the two in the arena.


    If Yuan Yun didn''t retreat, both would be executed by the opponent''s steel sword. But, if Yuan Yun retreated, the Sword Force he painstakingly umted would dissipate instantly. Once the opponent was prepared, he would be unlikely to find such a good attack opportunity again.


    At this moment, almost everyone''s gaze was fixed on Yuan Yun. Everyone wanted to know, what choice would Yuan Yun make? His choice would decide the oue of this duel.


    As everyone held their breath, only Xu Ming''s attention was on Su He. At this juncture, does the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, as the judge, not intend to intervene?