.
.
CLANG!
The clash of two swords echoed throughout the Dragon King's Palace.
A terrifying shockwave erupted, forcing even Alexander and Adrian to retreat several steps.
The barrier surrounding the arena trembled violently.
The Dragon Spirit narrowed its enormous eyes.
"So..."
"The prophecy has begun."
Knox slid back three meters before stopping.
Across from him, Orion stood completely unharmed.
The white-robed genius smiled confidently.
"Impressive."
"You survived my first strike."
Knox looked at the slightly numb hand holding his sword.
"So you're stronger than the rumors."
Orion chuckled.
"The heavens have never disappointed me."
Golden spiritual energy surged around Orion.
Behind him, a majestic golden halo slowly appeared.
The disciples outside the arena gasped.
"That's..."
"Heaven's Blessing!"
Alexander frowned.
"So the rumors were true."
Seraphina asked quietly,
"What is Heaven's Blessing?"
Alexander answered without taking his eyes off Orion.
"It is said the heavens themselves protect him."
"The stronger the enemy..."
"...the stronger his luck becomes."
[Ding!]
Passive Skill Detected: Heaven's Favor (SSS).
Effect:
Increases combat potential during battle.
Greatly reduces fatal damage.
Attracts opportunities and fortune.
Warning: Destiny Level is Extremely High.
Knox smiled.
"So you're the heavens' favorite child."
Orion pointed his sword forward.
"And you're the one they wish to erase."
"Sounds about right."
Without another word—
Both vanished.
BOOM!
Their swords collided dozens of times within a single second.
Neither gained the upper hand.
The palace floor cracked.
Dragon statues shattered.
Even the Dragon Spirit watched with interest.
Orion suddenly raised his left hand.
A golden spear materialized from pure spiritual energy.
Divine Art—Heaven Piercer!
The spear shot toward Knox like a falling star.
Knox calmly raised his palm.
"Void Art..."
"Black Horizon."
A wall of darkness appeared.
The golden spear disappeared into it.
For a moment...
Nothing happened.
Then the spear emerged from another shadow—
Directly behind Orion.
His eyes widened.
He twisted his body at the last moment.
The spear grazed his shoulder.
A line of blood appeared.
Silence filled the palace.
Orion looked at the wound.
Then at Knox.
"...You redirected my own attack."
Knox shrugged.
"It seemed wasteful to throw it away."
The audience erupted.
"He injured Orion!"
"The Child of Heavenly Fate is bleeding!"
Adrian clenched his fists.
"Knox has become even stronger..."
Orion's smile slowly faded.
"I underestimated you."
The halo behind him expanded.
Golden lightning danced across the arena.
The heavens outside the palace suddenly darkened.
The Dragon Spirit frowned.
"Heaven is responding to him..."
BOOM!
A pillar of golden light descended from the sky and enveloped Orion.
His cultivation surged.
Nascent Soul Second Stage...
Third Stage...
Fourth Stage!
Seraphina's expression changed.
"He broke through?"
Alexander shook his head.
"No."
"The heavens temporarily lent him power."
Knox sighed.
"That's unfair."
Orion laughed.
"The heavens favor those they choose."
Knox smiled coldly.
"Then I'll simply beat both of you."
The Supreme Villain System suddenly rang.
[Ding!]
Destiny Suppression Activated.
Analyzing Heaven's Favor...
Analysis Complete.
Weakness Found.
Knox's eyes flashed.
A crimson line appeared in his vision.
It connected Orion...
To the golden halo behind him.
The System spoke again.
Destroy the halo.
His destiny will weaken temporarily.
Knox's smile widened.
"So that's the source."
Orion frowned.
"What source?"
Knox didn't answer.
Instead—
He sheathed his sword.
The entire palace became silent.
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
"He's using that technique..."
Void energy gathered around Knox.
The air itself was swallowed by darkness.
Even light began disappearing.
The Dragon Spirit stood up.
"This move..."
Knox slowly drew his sword.
The blade left its sheath with a soft metallic sound.
"Void Emperor Sword Art..."
"First Form..."
The arena trembled violently.
"...Eternal Night."
A single black slash crossed the battlefield.
It wasn't fast.
It wasn't loud.
It simply erased everything in its path.
Orion's instincts screamed.
For the first time in his life...
He felt death.
He roared.
"Heaven's Blessing!"
The golden halo expanded to protect him.
BOOM!!
The black slash collided with the halo.
The entire Dragon King's Palace shook.
Cracks spread through the barrier.
For several seconds...
The two forces struggled.
Then—
CRACK!
A small fracture appeared on Orion's halo.
His eyes widened.
"No..."
Another crack.
Then another.
Finally—
SHATTER!!
The golden halo exploded into countless fragments.
The heavens outside instantly became quiet.
The pressure surrounding Orion rapidly declined.
He staggered backward, coughing blood.
The impossible...
Had happened.
Someone had broken Heaven's Blessing.
The Dragon Spirit looked at Knox in disbelief.
"A technique capable of cutting destiny itself..."
"Who created such a sword art?"
[Ding!]
Heaven's Favor temporarily suppressed!
Reward:
Villain Points +20,000
Authority Progress +0.5%
Hidden Achievement: Destiny Breaker
Orion slowly stood up.
Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.
Yet...
He smiled.
Instead of anger...
His eyes burned with excitement.
"Excellent."
"Finally..."
"I've found someone worthy of being my rival."
Knox pointed his sword toward him.
"I didn't come here to become your rival."
A cold smile appeared on his face.
"I came here..."
"...to become your nightmare."
The atmosphere turned deathly silent.
The decisive phase of the battle...
Was about to begin.
End of Chapter 19