Chapter 491: Unpredictable Ascension

Spirit Energy exploded. Under the glow of orange flames, the auras of both sides collided, distorting the air with a striking impact.

Even though his energy was suppressed, Lu Tianming’s Spirit Energy was more formidable. In an instant, the very man who had once underestimated him displayed a sudden change in expression.

This level of Spirit Energy intensity…

“Third-Stage Mid-level!?”

“You’re already at Third-Stage Mid-level!?”

Stunned, he was briefly taken aback.

Even as an enemy, Lu Tianming couldn’t help but feel a touch of disbelief upon witnessing Yenir’s unabashed burst of Spirit Energy.

That kid—how quickly did he jump from beginner to mid-level!?

What the hell is this talent!? Could it really have taken just one month!?

No, it definitely couldn’t have been only one month!

With the oppressive aura from before the battle gone, Lu Tianming took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on Yenir across from him.

In that moment, his murderous intent surged again, accompanied by a deep surge of caution.

According to his intel, Yenir hadn’t even spent a month hunting mutants to level up. The kid had barely any time to improve after the trial—first the Dungeon, then the East Sea!

That could only mean Yenir’s sudden power boost was linked to his journey to Far Frontier!

Just a few days!? Over a week to leap from beginner to mid-level!? Such a pace…

Damn, this is absolutely insane!

Unable to comprehend how Yenir managed it, Lu Tianming’s apprehension soared beyond measure!

A mere rank jump, yet it posed a tremendous threat!

At this rate, if Yenir keeps advancing, it won’t be long before they’re on the same level!?

Meanwhile, all twenty-four judges by the Death Duel platform turned their gaze toward Yenir, their faces etched with shock.

Just like Lu Tianming, they clearly sensed that Yenir’s Spirit Energy fluctuations were no longer at the beginner stage.

Moreover, the rich, pure intensity of his energy hinted at an approach toward advanced levels.

Was it just an illusion?

“Is that all the confidence you’ve got!?”

“You only reached mid-level and already dare to challenge me!?”

“This is truly laughable!”

After a brief change in expression—and discarding the notion that a mere fraction of his power could take down the kid—Lu Tianming silently resolved to go all out.

He could not afford to lose this Death Duel, and he intended to win in spectacular fashion by utterly demolishing that little brat!

With the sudden turn of events, he naturally became even more vigilant.

“You talk too much.”

Standing casually on the right side of the Death Duel platform with his sword in hand, Yenir spoke coldly. Though his stance was relaxed, his mind was fully immersed in the system.

There was no need to hide his true power anymore.

He now possessed enough strength to defend himself.

Even though his rapid advancement was almost unfathomable, a genius is naturally extraordinary! With the Supernatural Plan in place, his progress would only accelerate!

While Lu Tianming was barely restraining his urge to kill him, Yenir was already figuring out how to take down Lu Tianming even under heavy protection!

From his perspective, every one of the twenty-four judges was a top-tier advanced fighter, capable of generating protective Spirit Cages at will and even withstanding a Peak Third-Stage attack!

That meant if he wanted to kill Lu Tianming, he had to act before anyone could react—even before any system tool could respond!

“I can’t muster the power to surpass Peak Third-Stage with one strike…”

“But…”

He let out a cold laugh. With his keen perception, he had already noticed something amiss among the judges before stepping onto the stage.

Yenir was well aware that behind this orchestrated Death Duel, Lu Tianming had undoubtedly set traps. These protective measures were bound to fail at the crucial moment!

Come to think of it, he even had to thank Lu Tianming for digging his own grave!

Meanwhile, as the countdown hit thirty seconds, numerous high-ranking Military officials on stage, noticing the unusual movements, couldn’t help but murmur among themselves.

They too had noted that Yenir’s strength was no longer at the beginner level.

Just seconds ago, this Death Duel seemed a foregone conclusion—but now, a twist was emerging.

“Surely, this kid doesn’t still have a hidden trump card, does he!?”

“I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off.”

It’s unlikely. While Third-Stage Mid-level might seem a bit exaggerated, one rank lower wouldn’t cause a stir. Beyond Third-Stage, every level represents nearly a tenfold increase in power!

Not to mention, Committee Member Lu was among the best of the advanced ranks, barely a step away from Peak Third-Stage!

In the stands, several high-ranking Army officers who had staked their bets early instinctively argued back, but under the leadership of General Ge, their expressions turned sour.

Some even wagered that Yenir wouldn’t last five seconds!

As members of the Army system, they likely knew Lu Tianming’s true strength. That’s why, before the battle, unlike others still clinging to their six- or seven-year-old records as Third-Stage fighters, they unhesitatingly chose the shortest betting options.

In their view, if the Death Duel were unrestricted it might be one thing, but the severe limitations placed on Lu Tianming were too much…

The moment they got close, Lu Tianming could unleash his full might—a single strike could split Yenir in half! Even a minor beginner, multiplied tenfold, would be a pushover!

But now…

They exchanged uneasy glances as anxiety set in.

Unlike those who marveled at Yenir’s insane leveling speed and talent, some of them now began to feel a tinge of resentment!

If this battle didn’t end quickly and the kid kept fleeing to stall for time…their bets would go down the drain!

Unbeknownst to them, driven by greed, they too secretly hoped for Yenir’s downfall—perhaps even more than they did for Lu Tianming.

In the stands, Zhao Hongtu, muscles taut, keenly observed the officers. After muttering a curse under his breath at these bastards, he cast an even more anxious look toward Yenir.

That kid truly managed to surprise him!

Yet even Third-Stage Mid-level, impressive as it was, still fell short in his eyes!

Unlike the others, he now worried that Yenir’s arrogance might lead him into a direct showdown with Lu Tianming!

“Where is Fang Hao!? That guy still hasn’t shown up!?”

As the battle was about to begin, and knowing that this Death Duel could go awry, he felt a surge of irritation.

He wasn’t good with speed—Fang Hao was! He desperately needed to safeguard the kid, and Fang Hao’s unwavering support was indispensable!

“Uncle… will my brother win?”

Clinging to Zhao Hongtu’s side, Ye Xiaoan whispered timidly, her fist clenched in front of her.

Though she didn’t understand everything, growing up in the lower ranks had taught her that apart from the uncle who treated her brother kindly, everyone else harbored deep hostility toward him.

They said her brother wasn’t even a match—he was just courting death…

Zhao Hongtu instinctively lowered his head, and listening to Ye Xiaoan’s worries, managed only a strained smile.

But before he could speak, an overwhelming aura of ferocity and a ten-second countdown rang out simultaneously.

Boom!!

From outside the arena, the roar of a sonic boom, rushing at full speed, approached rapidly!

Fang Hao has arrived!

In the blink of an eye, Fang Hao disregarded any instinctive hesitation, barreled in recklessly, and, glowing with a flash of blue like a cannonball, crashed into the arena.

Boom!!

Without a hint of hesitation, after bursting in like he was in a life-or-death rush and ignoring the astonished stares, Fang Hao roared at Yenir atop the platform.

“Yenir! End the Death Duel!”

“Come with me!”

With an anxious gaze, after having flown thousands of kilometers in one go, Fang Hao was furious and worried as he glared at the kid who hadn’t returned his messages.

In his eyes, the danger of this Death Duel had spiraled completely out of Military control!

And there was no other reason—according to his intel, the betting money outside had soared to a staggering 33.6 billion!

He had even uncovered the involvement of many high-ranking officials!

This wasn’t just a duel between Yenir and Lu Tianming—it was a battle between Yenir and several factions!

Under such horrifying stakes, someone was already out to get Yenir!