Chapter 367: Ice Mastery (2/2)

Ma Xiaoru knew that any actions of House of Ma and Li would affect the intricate balance of power of the world. Striking a balance among major households was essential for maintaining a harmonious and peaceful confederation, especial when the Zergs were still lurking at their doorstep. Due to its unique situation, House of Ma had become the pivotal point where the unity of the confederation rested upon. Whenever House of Li showed singes of weakening, House of Ma would help them re-exert its former influence. On the other hand, if House of Li grew too powerful, House of Ma would need to adopt other necessary means to counter the Li's clout.

Although Li Zhedao was a martial arts genius, he was a political amateur. Therefore, House of Ma had often come to House of Li's aid due to Li Zhedao's constant missteps in the political realm. However, things had changed ever since Li Shiming had risen to power. Not only was he capable, but he was also dangerously ambitious. It was impossible to expect him to be content with the status quo. If the power of House of Li were not being kept in check, Li Shiming's ambition would disrupt the world's balance and bring chaos to the world.

With House of Ma's help, Li Zhedao was managing to claw House of Li out of the rock bottom, and there was no doubt that his powerful son would not only recover House of Li to its full glory, but he would also seek to exert even more influence in the confederation. The responsibility of keeping the Li's ambitions in check weighed heavily on House of Ma. Wu Xin knew that with the marriage between her daughter and Li Shiming, the struggle to maintain balance would become even more difficult, if not outright impossible.

Looking at the infatuated expression on Ma Xiaoru's face, Wu Xin remembered her teenage years and the foolish thing she had done.

In the second section, a much-anticipated battle had started. It was the match between the heir of the Gong-son Family and the most popular fighter on the earth—Li Shiming.

The two had already exchanged a few rounds of attacks, and Li Shiming had tasted the power of his soul mastery opponent. Gong-son Wuce had started the fight with waves of aggressive attacks, while Li Shiming was able to hold his ground, carrying out the fight prudently.

”Li Shiming, draw your sword! You won't be able to defend yourself if you don't!” Gong-son Wuce shouted.

Gong-son Wuce was one of the most renowned warriors on the Moon before Patroclus had announced his completion of the Tactics of Vayu.

”Please.” Li Shiming gestured the Ivantian to carry on the fight, but without any intention of using the Sword of Vayu.

Gong-son Wuce had not only reached the pinnacle of a level five warrior's power, but he also had the soul mastery at his disposal. Defeating any one of the heirs of the Great Houses would be a confidence boost for the Ivantian, and ready him for the next goal—Einherjar.

Li Shiming had wanted to finish the fight quickly. However, the unique power of his opponent had piqued his interest, and he wanted to wait and see what kind of coup de grace the Ivantian had up his sleeve.

Gong-son Wuce tilted the sword upright while charging up his soul energy. In a blink of an eye, he showered the audience with magic.

”Scales of the Ice Dragon”

A sphere made out of floating symbols appeared in front of the Ivantian, as thousands of sharp icicles shot out from the ball towards Li Shiming.

Li Shiming's brows furrowed. He was prepared for the sudden burst of aggression as he countered the icy attack with punches, shredding the icicles into tiny pieces.

However, even as the icicles fell to the ground, Li Shiming felt an intense bitter-coldness coming at him. He suddenly realized why his opponent had suggested him to use his weapon to block the attack, because the icicles were only the first wave of attack.

Energy waves thrust about around Gong-son Wuce, tousling his long dark hair. With a sweep of the blade, another wall of floating text and symbols appeared.

”Rage of the Ice Dragon!” The Ivantian shouted out the name of his coup de grace, as an ice dragon suddenly emerged from the wall.

”Is that an illusion?”

Guan Dongyang had already proven to everyone that mastery was not an illusion. Gong-son Wuce had repeated the same trick, except for this time, it was an ice dragon instead of a fire drake.

Li Shiming was caught off guard, and had lost the time to evade the attack, so he was forced to turn on his soul energy shield. The ice dragon opened its mouth trying to swallow Li Shiming whole, as it lunged onto the energy shield.

”Bang!”

It was such a terrible strike that the entire arena trembled on impact.

Gong-son Wuce looked toward the direction of the impact, but all he could see was dust and smoke. When the dust and smoke finally settled, he watched as an ice sculpture appeared in front of him—Li Shiming was frozen in his place.

Layers upon layers of ice caked over the body of Li Shiming, and the weight of the ice itself would be able to crush ordinary people into pulp. Gong-son Wuce had finally proven to the world the power of mastery, and opened everyone's eyes to a new dimension of cultivation.

Gong-son Wuce waited patiently. Ten seconds later, if Li Shiming were not able to get out of the ice, he would have won the battle.

This was the first time Gong-son Wuce had used his coup de grace, and he was exceedingly satisfied with the results.