"Challenges are determined by the Awakener, not the Guardian Spirit," the referee steward announced firmly.
Xena Xiao quickly interjected, "My Guardian Spirit's choice is my choice."
Ethan's challenge to Liana Xiao's Guardian Spirit shocked many, especially because Xena didn't attempt to stop him. After all, Liana's Guardian Spirit was a powerful deity from hundreds of thousands of years ago. Even though it was currently limited to the ninth level of the Purification Stage, its battle skills and experience far surpassed that of an ordinary Guardian Spirit at the same level.
In their eyes, Ethan was merely a low-tier Guardian Spirit; his battle experience and mastery of techniques likely couldn't compare to Liana's Guardian Spirit. Many believed he stood little chance of winning.
"I'll accept the challenge on behalf of my Guardian Spirit," Liana sneered, a cruel glint in her eyes.
She communicated silently to her Guardian Spirit, "Break Ethan apart. If you can completely destroy him, even better!"
Though Guardian Spirits were hard to kill, they could be shattered by a sufficiently powerful attack, reducing them to mere energy. A Guardian Spirit that lost its consciousness would die, leaving the Awakener severely weakened and their cultivation potential crippled. Liana's intent was clear: she wanted to eliminate Ethan entirely.
"Yes, Host," responded Liana's Guardian Spirit.
With a heavy thud, Liana's Guardian Spirit appeared—a figure clad in black armor, brandishing a long spear. His presence exuded a deadly aura, with eyes filled with bloodthirsty intent. This was a battle-hardened, ancient powerhouse.
The Xiao family members recognized Liana's Guardian Spirit: it was Owen Godshock, a prodigious disciple of a powerful sect from hundreds of thousands of years ago. Although that sect had long since faded into history, as an ancient prodigy, Owen was still a force that could easily overwhelm most mid-tier Guardian Spirits, let alone a low-tier one.
The duel began, and Owen launched his assault.
"Godshock Strike!" Owen merged with his spear, transforming into a streak of lethal light that charged toward Ethan with ruthless killing intent.
"Insight," Bart Xiao murmured in awe from his seat on the high platform.
Above the Perfection stage of any martial technique lay the stage of Insight, where even the simplest move could be amplified to devastating effect. As a peak Blood Transformation Stage fighter, Bart was striving to reach this level himself. Witnessing Owen Godshock—a high-tier Guardian Spirit—execute such a technique impressed him greatly.
With his experience and skill, Owen's Insight-infused move posed a threat comparable to that of a powerful Purification Stage opponent. A mere low-tier Guardian Spirit should, by all logic, be unable to withstand it.
Many of the Xiao family's elders sighed in disappointment, certain that Xena's Guardian Spirit was about to lose.
Yet, despite the doubts of the spectators, Xena watched with calm confidence in Ethan's abilities.
At that moment, Ethan moved.
Both his hands glowed golden, transforming into radiant, powerful palms that made him appear nearly as a figure of solid gold. He had activated his Indestructible Vajra Physique and Vajra Palm to their fullest potential. His formidable aura reverberated through the Guardian Disc's protective field.
Even though the Guardian Disc was designed to emulate the effects of a martial domain, Ethan's power began to strain its boundaries. If not for the artificial limitations on his current power level, he could have shattered the Guardian Disc with ease.
"Die!" Owen Godshock's spear shot forward, aimed directly at Ethan's head.
But just as the spear tip neared his face, Ethan's right hand shot up, gripping the spear tightly in his golden hand.
Every spectator froze in shock.
Owen Godshock's deadly Godshock Strike was stopped in its tracks, and the Insight-filled aura embedded within it dissipated under Ethan's grip.
"Nice technique, but it's a pity you're facing me!" Ethan sneered as he wrenched the spear from Owen's hands and threw him aside with incredible force, causing the entire Guardian Disc to tremble.
In a split second, Ethan followed up, streaking forward in a golden flash and driving his fist toward Owen's chest. But just before Ethan's punch landed, Owen's form dissipated into energy.
"So, he was recalled in time," Ethan thought with a hint of satisfaction.
Standing on one of the Guardian Disc's platforms, Liana Xiao was pale, her expression filled with panic and frustration. Recalling her Guardian Spirit had injured her mentally, leaving her shaken and exhausted. It would take her at least a month to recover fully.
"Liana Xiao, your Guardian Spirit has lost. Please leave the stage," the referee announced.
"Yes," Liana replied, hanging her head in defeat, desperate to flee from the judgmental stares around her.
For the first time, she felt humiliated and furious at her Guardian Spirit's inadequacy.
The third round of the family competition became Ethan's stage. Refusing to leave the ring, he continued issuing challenges to other Guardian Spirits. His intimidating strength made them back down, each opponent choosing to forfeit rather than face him.
In the end, only two Guardian Spirits remained in the ring: Ethan and Toby Xiao's ancient Vine Guardian.
Then, unexpectedly, Toby Xiao spoke up, conceding, "I forfeit on behalf of my Guardian Spirit!"
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