This means that the Ling Family has returned to the starting point again. Moreover, this time their achievements might be even worse than the previous tournament.

Ling Hai and Ling Feng had expressions of utter disbelief on their faces. They simply couldn't believe that their pillar of strength, Ling Yuxuan, had actually lost.

They were still waiting to see Ling Yuxuan show his might, break into the top ten, vanquish all opponents, and even enter the top five, top three, personally defeating Ling Chen to fulfill their wish.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, everything turned to dust.

Some are joyous, some are in sorrow; on the other side, the Heavenly Wolf Family breathed a sigh of relief. If Gui Tianchou were defeated, the Heavenly Wolf Family would be completely decimated, and their performance would undoubtedly be dismal.

After the outcome was decided, the birth of the top ten in the tournament quickly reached the final match.

Xing Youfa from the Xing Family against the second-ranked genius from the Kong Family.

In the end, Xing Youfa used the Xing Family's unique skill "Interrogating Heaven's Wheel" to defeat his opponent and secure the last spot in the top ten.

Thus, the top ten of this Heavenly Sword Tournament were all born.

The names of the ten were displayed on the golden rankings: Peerless Sword, Li Yifeng, Sima Xiaoyao, Liu Mengru, Murong Ziying, Gui Tianchou, Kong Wenju, Xing Youfa, Tang Haotian, and Ling Chen.

They symbolize the strongest ten of the younger generation of the Central Dynasty.

The ten stood atop the arena, each exuding an astonishing aura. Their auras coalesced into different visions—dragon shadows, phoenix shadows, tigers, and elephants—all at once, the skies above the arena changed colors, dragons and phoenixes roared, dragons fought tigers, creating a chaotic celestial scene.

Countless gazes fell upon those ten figures, carrying threads of admiration and respect.

However, besides Ling Chen, everyone else had been expected by most from the start to be popular candidates to enter the top ten.

Since the tournament began, nearly two days had passed. Others were fine, but those who entered the top ten had experienced the exhausting trials before, and now some were in poor condition, and others were injured, such as Gui Tianchou, who couldn't fully recover in a short time.

If the top ten ranking battle commenced immediately, it would certainly introduce unfair elements.

At this moment, Ling Chen suddenly sensed fluctuations spreading through the Void. He abruptly lifted his head, seeing Empress Yunyao, seated upon her throne, suddenly standing up.

With a snow-white wrist, she gracefully moved her hand in the Void, and a gathering of terrifying, seven-colored energy formed, radiating dazzling brilliance.

Swoosh!

As Empress Yunyao opened her jade-like hand, the seven-colored energy swiftly expanded, splitting into ten beams, shooting out in different directions.

The ten beams of energy landed on Ling Chen and the other top ten competitors of the tournament, with Ling Chen feeling a fragrant breeze envelop him, and in the next moment, the fatigue vanished, his True Qi surged like a fountain, and his vitality quickly returned to its peak state.

Not only Ling Chen, but even Gui Tianchou, who had been injured in the battle with Ling Yuxuan, found his wounds healed and regained his vitality.

This made Ling Chen marvel in his heart: what kind of method is this, possessing such instant recovery effects?

"This is the effect of the Holy Heart Decision, a supreme cultivation technique practiced by Empress Yunyao."

Next to Ling Chen, Liu Mengru whispered.

"Holy Heart Decision?"

Ling Chen's heart stirred, thinking that the level of this Holy Heart Decision must be exceptionally high.

"Holy Heart Decision is the cultivation technique of the Imperial Clan; its level has reached the pinnacle of Holy Grade. It's currently known as the highest-level, most mysterious cultivation technique among the Nine Great Families," Liu Mengru continued to explain.

Hearing this, Ling Chen nodded. The level of this Holy Heart Decision must far surpass the Ling Family's Ling Tian Sword Scripture.

At least such feats, enabling talents at the level of the Sky Apex Realm to fully recover in a flip of a hand, sound like incredibly extraordinary matters.

This Empress Yunyao, second only to Taibai Sword Immortal on the Green History Wall, indeed is extraordinary.

"Rest a while, gentlemen, and continue the tournament after an incense stick's time."

After casting her spell, Empress Yunyao returned to her throne, her slightly languid voice echoed.

"Yes."

Ling Chen and the others all bowed in salute. After Empress Yunyao sat down, it was evident that the previously overwhelming aura rapidly dissipated.

Back in the Ling Family area, Ling Lie and Ling Zhen rushed to Ling Chen, exhorting him on some precautions.

"Hmph, this damn lucky fellow."

Seeing this scene, Ling Hai and Ling Feng were naturally displeased. What was Ling Chen's capability to enter the top ten, his strength wasn't deserving at all.

"With insufficient strength, even if you enter the top ten, you'll just be at the bottom."

Ling Han Ye coldly remarked.

However, Ling Yuxuan remained silent, not speaking. Defeated by Gui Tianchou, though he was incredibly reluctant, defeated was defeated; it was his shame. Whatever he said now would be the words of a loser, only making others think him narrow-minded and repugnant in character.

Therefore, Ling Feng and Ling Hai could freely speak ill of Ling Chen, while he didn't utter a word.

Nonetheless, his heart was extremely hostile towards Ling Chen. He originally intended to personally teach Ling Chen a lesson in this Heavenly Sword Tournament, but now, before meeting Ling Chen in the top ten, he himself was eliminated first.

Now, Ling Chen bears all of the Ling Family's hopes. His position as the top genius was usurped by Ling Chen. The greater Ling Chen's achievements, the dimmer this first genius of the Ling Family became.

"Ling Yu, the top ten competition differs from before; each pair will have one match, then ranks will be determined based on the number of victories."

Ling Lie looked at Ling Chen with a solemn expression, "This means you will face those nine individuals, with more victories granting a higher rank."

"Understood."

Ling Chen nodded. This means he has to battle nine matches consecutively. The opponents are all top-tier geniuses, which is undoubtedly a high-pressure situation.

But the pressure is the same for everyone; it's all about who lasts until the end.

"The ranking battle of the top ten tests not only strength but also stamina and strategy, for there's not much rest time between each match. Depleting too much in one match will be detrimental to later matches."

Ling Zhen continued, "Hence, once facing opponents like Peerless Sword and Liu Mengru, you can choose to concede to preserve strength."

Ling Lie nodded promptly, expressing agreement.

"Alright, I will act within my limits."

Ling Chen agreed on the surface, but inwardly, he didn't take it to heart. He was not inclined to concede directly; even against Peerless Sword or Liu Mengru, he intended to fight and see who truly was the King of the young generation.