On the battle platform, Sebastian dispelled the formation.
Harshith quickly leapt off the platform, his face still filled with lingering fear.
The current round of duels ended swiftly, with 40 participants advancing to the next stage.
Cadmus once again announced the rewards for those who made it to the next round. This time, the rewards were even more generous: a high-grade enchanted garment, a Pure Essence Pill, and additionally, a storage space ring.
It's important to know that storage space rings were incredibly valuable. Even among Swordity's disciples, only a small number owned such rings, as even the smallest one cost at least one thousand spiritual stones.
For Sebastian, who already possessed an expansive storage space ring and wealth worth a million spiritual stones, these rewards meant very little. His sole aim was to secure a spot in the top ten to gain access to the forbidden area.
This time, there was no more drawing of lots. The matchups were straightforward as the first participant faced the second, the third faced the fourth, and so on.
Faylin was number seven, and she went up during the fourth match. This time, her opponent was another female disciple with the same four-star demigod rank.
Although their cultivation levels were the same, Faylin quickly established a dominant position as soon as the battle began.
She possessed a wind-based physique and practiced wind-based techniques rather than the standard Swordity skills. Her incredible speed left her opponent with no chance to counterattack.
Moreover, Faylin's beauty and graceful movements made her seem as if she were performing a dance rather than engaging in combat. Her elegance mesmerized the audience, leaving them cheering and thoroughly entertained.
Unfortunately, the battle ended too quickly. In just five or six moves, her opponent had no choice but to concede defeat.
Shortly afterward, it was Sebastian's turn to fight again. This time, his opponent was a lean male disciple named Keagan Hill, with a cultivation level of five-star demigod.
Keagan held his sword pointed at Sebastian, saying coldly, "I saw your battle with Harshith. I have to admit that you're a genius when it comes to formations. You've managed to set one up, unnoticed, during the fight.
"Take this!" Keagan shouted as he attacked first, launching a fiery sword energy toward Sebastian. Its searing heat aimed to incinerate everything in its path.
Sebastian didn't dodge. Instead, he raised the Harmony Blade to meet the attack.
With a loud boom, the sword energy exploded upon impact with the Harmony Blade, causing Sebastian to stumble back three steps.
"It looks like this Sebastian guy isn't as tough as we thought," someone in the audience said with a sneer. "Keagan's attack was just a probing strike, and he's already struggling to handle it."
"He's a genius with formations, no doubt. Especially for being able to set them up in the heat of battle. If his opponents aren't prepared, they could easily fall into his trap.
"But his biggest ace has already been played. Now that everyone's on guard, setting up another formation is impossible. He's bound to lose this time."
"That's true," another person chimed in. "His skills may be decent, but he doesn't stand a chance against Keagan."

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