As the appointed referee, Hun Dun naturally noticed something was off with Hun Dan—but so what? It wasn't his concern.
His attention was fixed on the glowing Sword Orb forming in Hun Xiu's hands. His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of shock crossing his expression.
That technique—if he wasn't mistaken—was a high-tier Earth-rank Dou Technique, the Dustwind Sword Art.
Though it was only Earth-ranked, its destructive power rivaled that of Heaven-rank Dou Techniques.
What shocked Hun Dun wasn't that Hun Xiu could use such a technique—It was how well Hun Xiu wielded it.
There was no way a mere Dou Huang (Emperor) should be able to display a high-level Earth technique with such perfection.
The higher the rank of a Dou Technique, the more terrifying the energy consumption.
Most Dou Kings and Dou Emperors could barely manage a high Earth-rank technique, and even then, with poor results.
But Hun Xiu?His execution was nearly flawless.This wasn't how a Dou Huang should fight.
The Sword Orb continued to expand, showing no signs of stopping.Energy from the heavens and earth kept flooding into it like a tide.
The overwhelming pressure radiating from the orb filled the entire arena.
Everyone felt it.
An icy dread crawled up their spines—a chilling aura of death rising from deep within their souls.
They looked up…
…and saw Hun Xiu floating mid-air, the Sword Orb gleaming ominously in his hand.
Their pupils dilated in disbelief.
"Hiss…"Gasps of shock swept through the crowd.Everyone was deeply shaken.
Hun Dan stared at the completed Sword Orb in the air.
His face had long since turned pale with fear.
He could sense it—this attack wasn't something he could survive.
His knees began to tremble uncontrollably, and the cold of death settled over him like a shroud.
Just as Hun Xiu was about to unleash the attack, Hun Dan cried out in panic:
"I surrender! I—Hun Dan—surrender!"
But…
He was too late.
The Sword Orb had already been released.
Once unleashed, it was like a wild, unbridled stallion—impossible to control.
In an instant…
The sky filled with sword light.The once-compact orb now split into countless blades, all streaking toward Hun Dan.
Hun Dan: "…"
Staring blankly at the sea of blades hurtling his way, his mind went blank.
His body went limp, crumpling to the ground in despair.
He muttered to himself:
"So… I was too late after all?"
"Goodbye, my goddess… Huan'er… I'll always love you…"
BOOM!
The swarm of swords descended.
It seemed certain Hun Dan's life was over.
Even he believed that.
But just then—
In that split second before impact—
Hun Dun appeared in front of Hun Dan like a phantom.
His palm rose silently.
A powerful, invisible barrier surged into existence, shielding Hun Dan and the entire dueling platform.
The audience—already sensing the chaos—had long since fled the scene.
These days, if you didn't have some real strength, you didn't dare "watch drama and eat melons" (i.e., be a bystander).
BOOM!
The thunderous roar of impact shook the sky.Under that sound, everyone felt the heavens tremble.
"Pfft!"
Hun Dun's face paled.
A mouthful of blood sprayed from his lips.
The young members of the Hun Clan on the platform were visibly shaken.
This was an Elder.
And yet even Elder Hun Dun—after taking just one of Hun Xiu's attacks—was in this state?
What if Hun Dun hadn't intervened?Where would they be now?
But Hun Dun had no time to wonder what they were thinking.He muttered under his breath:
"I let my guard down."
Then—
With a slight exertion, terrifying Dou Qi surged through his body and condensed in his palm.
The barrier around the platform flared with light, pushing outward.
The vast storm of sword shadows, sword light, and sword intent… slowly began to fade.
Hun Dun lowered his hand and looked at the white-robed youth still floating in the air.
He spoke calmly:
"Match One—Hun Xiu, victory."
"Thank you."Hun Xiu cupped his fist toward Hun Dun respectfully, then turned and walked toward the main viewing platform.
There, Gu Xun'er stood waiting for him.
As he approached, she leapt from her seat and dove into his arms.
"Brother Hun Xiu, you were amazing!" she chirped.
Smooch!And with that, she planted a kiss right on his handsome face.
Gu Yuan, watching nearby, had been smiling up until that moment.
Now, his expression darkened instantly, his face turning green with jealousy.
Hun Tiandi, however, maintained his usual smile.
Hun Xiu was stunned.
He hadn't expected the little one to kiss him.And the feeling… was…
Well, it wasn't like the stories.
No sparks.No heavenly bliss.
Only… confusion.
As he snapped out of it, Hun Xiu rubbed Xun'er's head, then pinched her cute little cheek.
"Xun'er, who told you to kiss me?" he teased."Was it your father?"
Gu Yuan's face turned sour again.
"You little brat. Keep dreaming," he thought bitterly.
Gu Xun'er blinked her big eyes and said sweetly:
"Does Brother Hun Xiu not like it?"
"How could I not?" Hun Xiu smiled."Brother Hun Xiu loves it."
Then his tone grew serious:
"But Xun'er, you must promise me—don't go around kissing others. And don't let anyone else kiss you either, okay?"
"Okay~"Xun'er nodded with half understanding."Xun'er understands."
Smooch!Then, taking advantage of Hun Xiu's distraction, she gave him another kiss.
"Brother Hun Xiu is an exception." she said brightly.
Gu Yuan's expression darkened even further.His jealousy turned him several shades greener.
He now deeply regretted bringing Xun'er along.
He no longer wanted to look at her.
But Xun'er was blissfully unaware of her father's internal agony.
If she had known, she would've cheered—Because she wanted nothing more than to stay in the Hun Clan, with Brother Hun Xiu.
Hun Xiu picked her up and sat her on his lap.Then he sat in her chair, wrapping one arm around her gently.
His gaze turned back to the dueling platform.
The competition was still ongoing.
But everyone was still in shock from Hun Xiu's performance.It took quite a while for them to recover.
Eventually, the next match was called.
This one was Hun Qiu vs. Hun Huan'er.
After a brief clash, Hun Huan'er emerged victorious.
After all—
Hun Huan'er was a Dou Huang, while Hun Qiu was only a Dou Wang.
A Dou Wang versus a Dou Huang? The outcome was never in doubt.
"Hun Huan'er, victory."
Then:
"Hun Tianxin, victory."
"Hun Fengxin, victory."
"Hun Feng, victory."
"Hun Tianlin, victory."
...
Eventually, all 25 matches of the third day were completed.
According to clan tradition, the Hun Clan Tournament lasts five days.
On Day Four (tomorrow), the top four finalists would be determined.
And on Day Five, the final two would battle for the championship.
Hun Xiu looked forward to tomorrow—and the day after that—with great anticipation.