Chapter 2265 Experts Emery stepped into the arena, his every movement calculated as he prepared to face Grand Magus Knox, the towering combat expert from Hall 33. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. All eyes were on them, as the outcome of this battle would determine the fate of their halls in the advancement challenge. Among the thousands of spectators, many were unfamiliar with Emery. They saw only a Full Moon Magus, a rank considered inferior to the status of a Grand Magus like Knox. Moreover, Emery had missed the last tournament, leaving his capabilities largely unknown to the wider audience. Whispers of mock rippled through the crowd, predicting the outcome of Emery's demise. Grand Magus Knox, as a veteran combatant, had prepared thoroughly, gathering intelligence on all potential challengers, and was well aware of Emery's reputation. "I guess you'll be fighting with a sword?" Knox asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and confidence as he studied Emery's stance. Emery didn't respond verbally. Instead, a slight smile played on his lips as he reached for his weapon. In a swift motion, he drew out the [Savage Blade], its edge gleaming menacingly in the arena's light. The muscular, middle-aged Grand Magus Knox narrowed his eyes as he took out an uncommon weapon—a double-edged sword. With a smirk, he lifted the weapon for all to see, proclaiming, "This sword has tasted the blood of countless sword magus. I've battled thousands and killed hundreds with this blade... Let's see if you fare any better." Knox's voice carried a weight of experience, and the confidence in his words sent a ripple of tension through the crowd. He didnt underestimate Emery and activates his special technique. His muscles bulged grotesquely, veins pulsing with raw power as his battle strength surged to new heights. Not one to be outdone, Emery responded in kind, activating his [Twilight Transformation], enhancing his physical abilities. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened, and with a surge of willpower, he unleashed [Immortal Gate Stage 8], feeling the familiar yet exhilarating rush of power flood his body. [Battle Power increased by 80] [Battle Power increased by 50] [Battle Power increased by 20] [Battle Power increased by 256] [Battle Power 668 (1074)] With their power levels surging, the two warriors faced each other, their eyes locked in a silent challenge. The atmosphere grew thick with anticipation. Then, without warning, they charged at each other, swords drawn. The first clash was like the eruption of a thunderstorm. The force of their collision sent shockwaves rippling through the arena, triggering the protective barrier that surrounded the fighting area. The sound echoed through the stands, rattling the spectators to their cores. BAMMM!! BAMM!! BAMM!! With a fierce growl, the general launched into a relentless combo of attacks, each one faster and more powerful than the last. Emery found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with the onslaught. After a dozen clashes, VIA managed to provide Emery with a detailed analysis of his opponent: [Knox] [Grand Magus Realm, One Cosmos] [Law of Earth 45%] [Law of Combat 20%] [Soul Force 789] [Battle Power 883 (1312)] The information flashed before Emery's eyes, confirming what he had already suspected. Emery realized that Knox's power level was on par with Dongbai, the hybrid lizard he had faced before, but this time, the challenge was even more daunting. Knox was a true combat magus, his strikes were precise and devastating, each blow calculated to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of Emery's Dao Sword technique. It was clear that the general had an acute understanding of combat, able to dissect his opponent's style with frightening accuracy. He was a true martial arts and weapons freak, someone who had dedicated his life to perfecting his craft. Emery knew he needed to up the ante. Channeling the raw, chaotic energy of Khaos into his body. He felt his battle power surge, his muscles tightening with newfound strength. With the dark energy that he was now harnessing, he activated his darkness spell [Spatial Bending]. This gave him the ability to launch sudden, unpredictable attacks from Knox's blind spots, aiming to catch the general off guard. With a swift motion, Emery disappeared into the shadows, reappearing just as suddenly behind Knox, his [Savage Blade] swinging with lethal intent. But Knox was not so easily caught off guard. In a split second, the general twisted his double-edged sword, splitting it into two long blades, each one a mirror of the other. With one blade in each hand, he seamlessly switched between offensive and defensive maneuvers. The general's new style was both adaptive and intuitive. Even without directly seeing Emery's attacks, Knox seemed to sense them, his blades moving to intercept each strike with uncanny precision. His experience as a seasoned combatant was on full display as he predicted Emery's tactics, countering each move with a level of skill that left the audience in awe. "Amazing," Emery muttered under his breath, a rare smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I am deeply impressed." The general's prowess was undeniable. His reputation as a high hall instructor at the Magus Academy was well-earned, and it was clear why so many combat-driven acolytes flocked to his hall. The truth was, Emery could have overpowered Knox if he unleashed his Primal Form. But he knew better than to reveal such a trump card in front of a massive audience—especially when so many eyes were watching closely. As the clash continued, Emery realized he needed a different approach. The raw power of his current strategy wasn't enough to gain the upper hand. With a calculated decision, Emery sheathed his [Savage Blade] and reached for his [Embernight Sword]. The moment he drew the sword, the atmosphere in the arena shifted. The [Embernight Sword] pulsed with latent energy, its dark metal gleaming ominously under the light. This weapon was not just a sword—it was a conduit for explosive power, more suited for his Axis Mountain Sword technique. Emery shifted his stance, adopting a form that was less familiar to many. Few knew the depths of this style, and even fewer had ever seen it in action. The first strike he unleashed was a shockwave, a powerful arc that radiated from the blade with a force that seemed to split the air itself. The ground beneath them trembled as the explosive energy of the sword met Knox's defenses. "Very good! Well done!!" Knox bellowed, his eyes alight with excitement. The general was enjoying the challenge. This move effectively neutralized Knox's previous advantage and forced him to adapt and relearn.