Jin's spear was once more Coated with Compressed energy, Infused with the element of Corruption along with his 'will' and provided power through Coexistence. It made for an awe-inspiring sight as the three elemental energies erratically revolved around the tip according to his command. The pebbles around him began to float slightly as dust was being moved in a circular motion a few meters around him. Sizzling sounds could be heard in the cavern as the lightning cackled.

Meanwhile, the old man's surroundings were being constantly altered as well. The ground and even the air were being sliced due to his sole presence and the flowing will contained within his body.

An instant later, both of the men had run half the distance between them and collided. The ground cracked and a powerful wave of chaotical energies swept away behind each of them creating giant strides in the ground. It was nothing more than the residual might of the clash yet it destroyed the land tens of meters behind them.

Yet, they were far from done as they continued to clash, creating more and more such marks.

The only reason Jin could endure was his treasures spear. It was a treasure of the sixth grade, capable of being infused with energies in quantities and qualities from experts in the 60s stages. The old man was limited by his existence and couldn't exert enough power to destroy such a treasure. In fact, even a grade 2 sword wouldn't have been broken. But anything under that would have turned to dust with a single slash of his. And Jin was under that grade if one made the parallel.

If Jin failed to block even a single slash, he would die. That was also because this time the old man wasn't missing on purpose. He was targeting Jin's vitals proactively.

While they clashed savagely, the princess had her eyes wide open in disbelief. She couldn't understand what she saw. Coming to observe the trial, she brought with her certain expectations. And they were rather high. Yet, it was so far from the reality...She underestimated this trial so much...

She looked at her ancestor who was smiling in appreciation of the battle and asked him: "Ancestor, what...is going on?"

He chuckled and answered her: "A true Domain isn't simply an extension of oneself or a territory. The Domain lies within oneself. Instead of creating a Domain somewhere, be the Domain and go everywhere. This is the true essence of the technique. To be honest, I am truly impressed by this champion. It is a pity that he is one and not nurtured by his faction. He has incredible potential..."

She was confused about the words spoken by her ancestor but decided to keep them in mind. It was likely beyond her comprehension at the moment but one day, it would no longer be so. Instead, she focused on a more practical question: "Then, what does it change?"

He looked at her and solemnly stated: "Everything"

Seeing her confused expression, he pondered for a moment and decided to try to explain it in simple words: "Between empowering your slash or becoming the image of the slash itself, what do you think would be best?"

She didn't know what to answer for she didn't know. What did it mean to be the image of the slash itself?

As for the ancestor, he wondered if this was still too complex. Maybe it was, judging from her reaction. He pondered some wore and tried something else: "Before, he used the sword. Now, he is the sword. Is it clearer?"

She sighed and admitted: "Not really. It seemed like this is beyond me, ancestor"

He pat her head as he chuckled and reassured her: "Don't worry. With your talent, this kind of technique will soon be within your reach as long as you work diligently"

She nodded fervently. She wanted to please her ancestor so he taught her more and, anyways, she was ambitious enough that she believed his words.

He smiled lightly as he turned back to the screen and said: "Let's observe. You might learn more from it"

She turned her gaze back to the battle and the first thing she saw was a man being sent flying all the way to the end of the cavern, crashing into the wall heavily.

As his energy dwindled, Jin lost strength and, after some time, it was no longer enough. He tried to block a move and ended up being unable to cope with the power behind it. He was sent flying and violently hit the wall. He fell back down and stood once more. He spat some blood and knew that a few of his bones broke from that slash.

This old man was truly terrifying. He didn't even seem to tire... Jin looked at him, seeing the fantasy-like face of the grim reaper over that of the old man. Was he really going to die here? After overcoming so many hardships? No! He didn't want to!

He used the last of his strength to rush forward while screaming loudly in hope to encourage himself. The old man remained calm as he slashed at the figure that reached him. Weapons collided and Jin was sent flying once more.

He crashed even more violently into the wall, creating a crater within. As he dropped to the ground, he couldn't even lift his arms, let even his body. He was having difficulty clenching his spear...and he ended up dropping it. It rolled a few times on the ground, making 'clink' 'clank' sounds. It was the only noise within the cavern.

The old man looked at his defeated opponent. He was still alive but unable to continue. He gazed at the sword in his hands and sighed. He didn't manage to understand anything more from this. Was he truly unable to go further on his path? Such a shame!

As his eyes returned on the fallen enemy, he began to walk forward. This young man, talented as he had been, wasn't enough and now, he was no longer useful.

It was time to end this, once and for all.