"Very good, Ling Yu, you are indeed a worthy opponent recognized by me, Peerless Sword. If you surrender now, you wouldn't be qualified to be my opponent."

Peerless Sword's lips curved into a smile, the fighting spirit within him reaching an extreme. The wave at his brow was growing more intense, and the Sword Spirit Embryo was ready to emerge.

Completely ignoring Peerless Sword's words, Ling Chen's thoughts quickly flashed through his mind, rapidly thinking of countermeasures. At this moment, he couldn't come up with any move to counter Peerless Sword's madness.

The Sword Spirit Embryo, even as an embryo, is a hundred times sharper than sword qi. The only flaw is that it is not yet fully formed and would be fragile. But Peerless Sword clearly has a way to overcome this defect; otherwise, he wouldn't dare to release the Sword Spirit Embryo to confront him.

Even in peak state, wielding the most powerful Blazing Thunder Cut might not counter the Sword Spirit Embryo, especially when his True Qi is virtually depleted to one-tenth, leaving him almost powerless.

At this critical juncture, never mind not being able to use Ascending Green Lotus or Blue Lotus Capture; even if he could, it would be of no use.

"You really are stubborn. Can't win yet refuse to surrender, that's obstinate."

As Ling Chen's mind raced with thoughts, a voice long-awaited suddenly echoed in his mind.

It was the Human Emperor.

After months of recuperation within the Heavenly Mansion Ring, the Human Emperor's aura had noticeably strengthened, more stable than before.

"As one who wields a sword, there should be sharpness, rather break than bend, undaunted and fearless. Just as Peerless Sword said, if I surrender, what kind of Peerless Swordsman would I be."

Ling Chen shook his head, his eyes glimmering, "Moreover, under immense pressure, it may also be a chance to break through myself. Perhaps I can find a way to defeat Peerless Sword."

"You think too much. None of the techniques you currently have can withstand this blow. If no one saves you, in your current state, you are indeed likely to be slain on the stage!"

The Human Emperor poured cold water on Ling Chen.

Hearing this, Ling Chen frowned; from others, he would doubt their words, but from the Human Emperor, it was probably true.

"As things stand, there is only one way to withstand Peerless Sword's strike."

Just as Ling Chen's heart sank, the Human Emperor's voice sounded again.

"What method?" Ling Chen looked hopeful.

"By using Sword Spirit against Sword Spirit!"

The Human Emperor's voice suddenly became sharp, "That kid has formed the Sword Spirit Embryo, and you too have formed the Sword Spirit Embryo. Since he dares to release it, you release yours, see whose Sword Spirit Embryo is stronger!"

These words were like thunder, deafening, enlightening Ling Chen. Yes, he too had formed the Sword Spirit Embryo before the Sword Immortal Jade Tablet. If the opponent could, why couldn't he?

"But I don't know how to release the Sword Spirit Out of Aperture."

But soon, Ling Chen frowned again. This matter wasn't as casual as imagined.

"It's simple, I'll teach you, you learn on the spot!"

The Human Emperor's voice resonated like a bell.

"What if I can't learn it quickly?"

"Then just die."

"..."

Although Ling Chen was very dissatisfied with the Human Emperor's irresponsibility, at this moment there was indeed no better choice, either fight for this slim chance of hope or immediately step off and admit defeat!

Surrender was naturally impossible, so he had to fight for this slim chance of hope. Peerless Sword's momentum was about to be completed; time was running short, and he could be attacked by Peerless Sword at any moment.

"Start immediately!"

Ling Chen made up his mind.

"Listen clearly."

The Human Emperor directly conveyed information to Ling Chen, note by note, entering Ling Chen's consciousness.

"Gather Sword Intent, unite heart and spirit, preserve essence and soul, concentrate spiritual energy at the top..."

Following the Human Emperor's guidance, Ling Chen was wholly immersed, wholeheartedly focused.

Thump thump thump thump!

At this time, on the stage, around Peerless Sword, currents began to cut through the air due to the overwhelming aura emitted by Peerless Sword. All his Sword Momentum had condensed into the shape of a Sharp Sword, towering over a hundred feet, with its edge pointing directly at Ling Chen.

"Peerless Sword's momentum is about to culminate!"

Sima Xiaoyao, Murong Ziying, and others turned pale, each feeling a dreadful sense of soul-stirring fear from it.

However, at this moment, under such fierce assault, Ling Chen remained still, eyes closed tight, his white robe and black hair fluttering in the gale, as if his slender frame might be swept away by the wind at any moment.

"Hopefully, the Empress will uphold her promise."

Ling Lie's full attention was on Ling Chen, thinking to himself, if Empress Yun Yao didn't intervene, he'd rush onto the stage to rescue Ling Chen.

Puff puff puff!

The space was pierced through, the sound of rupture echoed like cannon fire, perforated like a sieve, and amid everyone's gaze, half of a sword emerged from Peerless Sword's brow, entirely black, exuding an aura of destruction.

"Ling Yu, take this attack!"

Peerless Sword's gaze suddenly fell on Ling Chen, followed by a ground-shaking roar, the half-sword at the brow fully shot out, revealing a purely black Light sword, about three feet long. Although not striking in appearance, its aura was terrifying.

Zoom!

The black Light sword broke through the Void at lightning speed toward Ling Chen, warping space, leaving a collapsing trail, and sparking countless fires.

Yet Ling Chen remained motionless, seemingly unaware of the impending crisis, appearing as if he had completely given up.

"Is it really time to intervene?"

On the throne, Empress Yun Yao knitted her brows; if she delayed further, even she might not save Ling Chen.

Swish!

Before she could move, Ling Lie, from the Ling Family area, disregarded everything, rushing toward the stage. Empress Yun Yao didn't act, but he couldn't wait.

But just as he reached halfway, in front of his sight, Ling Chen's body suddenly trembled, and the next moment, those tightly shut eyes abruptly opened, shooting radiant light.

"Sword Spirit, Out of Aperture!"

A low shout suddenly came from Ling Chen's mouth. "Zoom," a three-foot Light sword of blue-yellow color shot out from Ling Chen's brow without warning, piercing the Void, fiercely colliding with Peerless Sword's black Sword Spirit!

PS: Xiao Xian is clumsy, so he releases immediately after writing, not wanting everyone to wait for long. The next chapter will decide the Heavenly Sword Tournament's outcome.