Chapter 490: Duel of Destiny

Buzz-buzz—buzz—buzz.

A series of high-frequency buzzing sounds filled the air. Bathed in brilliant lights, the Death Duel Cage now shimmered with a dark red glow as a massive surge of Spirit Energy swirled within.

At the entrances on both sides, twenty-four referees and Protectors exchanged glances before nodding at the high-level stands in the back.

They had confirmed that all protective measures were activated, ensuring that no mishaps would occur.

But…

On the right side, several referees clad in black uniforms shared subtle, knowing looks, each feeling a slight jolt of unease.

They all noticed an odd glimmer in each other’s eyes.

Looks like everyone’s placed their bets…

Theoretically, with twenty-four Third-Stage Advanced Awakeners ready at any moment, the battle could be halted in just 0.1 seconds.

But if someone were to hold back… even the briefest hesitation could mean the difference between life and death.

During the inspection, they even noticed that the Spirit Energy channeled into the protective dome was fluctuating abnormally.

Among them, a slightly younger Third-Stage Advanced Awakener, his eyes straining, couldn’t help but steal a glance at Yenir, who was about to step onto the arena.

He recognized the youth; he had even been present on the trial day.

Hesitant to speak as he watched Yenir approach, he was met by a few nearby referees fixing him with cold, disapproving stares.

Their icy expressions said it all—they wouldn’t allow him to utter a word!

A chill ran through him when he realized that one of those subtly intimidating figures was a member of the Military; the young referee’s face went pale as understanding dawned.

So… this is the tide of events.

…………………..

“It’s starting, it’s starting!”

“How many seconds until it’s over?”

“Fifteen seconds—it has to be fifteen seconds!”

“I’m betting on nine seconds!”

“Are you all this ruthless? Am I the only one calling thirty seconds? I reckon Committee Member Lu will show mercy; the power gap is too vast. He’ll force that kid to surrender on his own, give him some dignity!”

“Get out of your minds! This is a Death Duel! The kid started it himself—so why hold back!?”

The argument grew heated, with faces flushed in anger.

As everyone staked their wagers, the crowd erupted like wild beasts, shamelessly discussing the situation regardless of their status.

Even though not long ago some had openly praised Yenir’s talent, at this moment nothing mattered.

Whether you sided with a faltering junior committee member or backed Lu Tianming made no difference at all.

Even the more astute Middle-Level Officials had realized this might be a contest between old power and new forces.

A third party, represented by the Special Operations Department, was ready to shake up the old guard.

It was, without doubt, the most incredible—and highest-profile—’battle’ in Huaguo’s history.

Many quick-thinking onlookers had secretly set up recording devices to broadcast the Death Duel live.

By now, the Death Duel had become entangled with too many vested interests.

Outside, across the major factions in the Huaxia Battle Zone, numerous Third-Stage combatants had wagered heavily, willing to pay top dollar just to witness the outcome firsthand.

One had to admit, the web of interests had drawn the entire Battle Zone’s attention to this duel.

“The Death Duel will commence in sixty seconds. Both sides, please prepare yourselves.”

“Red Side Death Duel Participant: Yenir.”

“Blue Side Death Duel Participant: Lu Tianming.”

“Now, the rules will be announced.”

“Within the Death Duel arena, you may use any equipment, abilities, or items without restriction.”

“This is an unrestricted Death Duel—time is unlimited, and life or death is on the line! In the absence of special circumstances, we will not intervene!”

At the center of the cage, a Third-Stage Advanced Awakener stood suspended in mid-air, solemnly finishing the announcement of the rules.

Even as he spoke, he knew that the claim of ‘no special circumstances’ was nothing but a façade.

A duel between two committee members was, in itself, a special circumstance.

However…

After subtly nodding at Lu Tianming, the rule-reading Third-Stage Advanced Awakener initiated the countdown.

As his gaze inadvertently swept over Yenir, who stood calmly on the other side, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

Though still only a Third-Stage Beginner, didn’t he seem to have grown just a bit stronger?

It didn’t really matter. Even if the kid had concealed his true strength and miraculously leaped to mid-level in such a short time, the gap between them was like night and day.

On the duel platform, clad in a full set of Black Battle Armor and wielding dual blades, Lu Tianming stared coldly at Yenir, his opponent.

To him, Yenir seemed as fragile as a blank sheet of paper—even in his ordinary Combat Uniform, one careless swing could split him in two.

Suppressing the murderous intent within, Lu Tianming feigned magnanimity as he turned to Yenir and chuckled lightly, saying:

“Yenir, it’s hard to imagine that the two of us would have to face off in a Death Duel.”

“I know you’re too young and headstrong.”

“Allow me, Lu, to offer some advice: sometimes, being overly proud turns into sheer arrogance. When I was your age, I was far more modest.”

“Don’t think that just because you’re talented no one will challenge you! There’s always someone better—beyond this world, someone greater!”

Standing sideways with his knife in hand, Lu Tianming shook his head as if delivering a lecture.

“Blades have no eyes. I’m afraid that if we’re not careful, I might actually kill you. Why make it so difficult?”

“If you’re willing to sincerely apologize, I, Lu, won’t hold it against you.”

A force erupted from him like the weight of Mount Tai as Lu Tianming unleashed his signature Third-Stage Advanced aura, instantly overwhelming the space.

A cold laugh escaped him—he would never let that kid off the hook with his mindset!

But a pretty line must be delivered!

It was Lu Tianming’s endless sacrifice for the greater good, and Yenir’s reckless defiance, courting his own death!

That fool—if he ever managed to kill Yenir, not even the Prime Minister would blame him!

This kid is downright idiotic!

As for the ore incident, it was merely a lesson for the kid’s underlings—to teach them the rules!

Before he could add another word, Yenir, who had been standing silently at the edge of the duel platform, suddenly spoke up:

“Old dog, are you finished talking?”

“Today, only one of us will walk out alive!”

“Buzz.”

In a flash of white light, the Elemental Blade—engulfed in roaring orange flames—materialized instantly in Yenir’s hand.