The Four Guardians, who were closely monitoring the match, were quite perplexed and sorely confused. When they witnessed the Ancient Battle Spirit manifest, while Zhou Xue Xian was batting Song Ye, they recognized her as the reincarnation of their Master.

But their Master had the mutated spiritual root of ice. Even if their Master’s soul went through the cycle of reincarnation and reincarnated as Zhou Xue Xian, with their Master’s immense soul force, even if she did not have her memories, she should have awakened the same mutated spiritual root.

Jin Bai couldn’t help feeling uneasy. It is normal for reincarnated souls to change form and acquire attributes different from the original. But their Master’s cultivation was within the True Immortal Realm. As a Divine Immortal, her reincarnation shouldn't have changed and weakened to such an extent!

Still, with the appearance of the Ancient Battle Spirit, it is certain that Zhou Xue Xian is their Master’s reincarnation. Something must have happened to her soul which caused this unexpected turn. But as long as she recovers her memories and cultivates to the height of her previous power, then everything would be alright and there is nothing to fear.

Jin Bai continued his silent contemplation as he closely watched the match. The two people battling on stage have been exchanging blows for half an incense stick’s time already. Usually, this length of time is negligible. Cultivators could battle nonstop for days or even weeks, nonstop, with no end or result.

But Ye Xiao Lan and Zhou Xue Xian are merely Core Formation Stage practitioners. To be able to carry on for such a long period of time while using high tier techniques, is a testament of their talent and a display worthy of praise.

Another series of explosions sounded and shook the arena. Zhou Xue Xian and Ye Xiao Lan separated once again after a series of brutal exchanges.

Zhou Xue Xian breathed in deeply and spat out a mouthful of blood as she stared at Ye Xiao Lan. Both looked wordlessly at each other, closely watching each other’s movements. They didn’t launch another series of attacks but neither did they let their guards down.

In truth, Zhou Xue Xian was starting to struggle. She hasn't used the first form of the Myriad Form Asura Blade Arts again, knowing that it would be useless now that Ye Xiao Lan is guarded against it.

But using the Heaven Defying Sword Technique and Heaven Cleaving Saber Technique, simultaneously, is taking a toll on her body.

The saber arts is swift and concise, like lightning it could deal a deadly blow in just a few flashes. The sword arts, on the other hand, lingers in form. Like fire it slowly burns, little by little it builds up momentum until it explodes into an fiery inferno.

These contrasting elements are the reason why Zhou Xue Xian decided to learn the different blades techniques on different hands. And though she trained the saber arts first, using her right hand, not many people know that she is more gifted and stronger using her left.

So far, the techniques she’d been utilizing with her left is on par with Ye Xiao Lan’s sword arts. But Zhou Xue Xian couldn’t find an opening to fully utilize the capability of her right. Unless she manages to find an opening, she would soon fall short against Ye Xiao Lan.

Ye Xiao Lan was also strained. Using the second form of Soul Fusion for an extended period of time is draining his spiritual energy faster than he anticipated. And with Zhou Xue Xian’s double blade wielding technique, he had his hands full constantly attacking and defending at the same time. If he cannot defeat Zhou Xue Xian, he’d have to release the Soul Fusion technique and battle in a worse form.

Both combatants have their own situations to consider. But neither is willing to give in to the other. They know that the next clash will decide the match.

The arena was brimming with anticipation, no one deigned to blink for fear of missing the crucial moment of the match. The moment that would decide the winner between the two, almost equally matched, fighters. But no one understood the complexity of the match aside from those who were seated in the high viewing platforms.

Ye Xiao Lan’s cultivation is higher than Zhou Xue Xian, coupled with his Soul Fusion technique, he’s more than a level above his opponent when it comes to fighting prowess.

But Zhou Xue Xian made up for her lower cultivation using two extremely powerful blade techniques and wielding a pair of incomparable blades. Though Soul Fusion is hard to break, the blade arts she displayed during the initial stage of the match is on par with Soul Fusion, if not of higher caliber.

If Ye Xiao Lan wants to win the match, all he needs to do is employ the same tactic he’s been using until now. And slowly whittle away his opponent’s strength by relying on his superior realm. But with Ye Xiao Lan’s heroic and honest personality, he would not want to win in such an underhanded manner.

Zhou Xue Xian, on the other hand, could counter that tactic by unleashing another powerful and unprecedented strike, like the one she displayed before. Based on that move, it was clear that it was only an initial form to a series of techniques that Zhou Xue Xian personally developed. If she could unleash another strong form, something that Ye Xiao Lan cannot anticipate, with a more powerful outburst, she could win.

Right now, to the spectating crowd, it might look like Zhou Xue Xian is at a disadvantage. But with Ye Xiao Lan’s rapidly draining strength, it is unclear who will come out on top if the two clashed and released everything they’ve got.

Zhou Xue Xian thought for a moment and smiled wryly to herself. She cannot let it go. She knows that if she goes down this road, she might lose the chance to participate in the next phase of the conclave. But with Ye Xiao Lan standing proudly in front of her, how could she allow herself to back off?

Ye Xiao Lan seemed to have anticipated Zhou Xue Xian’s decision. And like her, he was also unwilling to give up the opportunity to cross blades with a worthy opponent.

Both wordlessly moved in preparation for the final clash.

Ye Xiao Lan unleashed the full extent of his Soul Fusion technique and removed a restriction placed on his ancient sword. The sword hummed in anticipation in response to Ye Xiao Lan’s bold actions.. A sharp blade aura emanated from Ye Xiao Lan’s body as he and the sword became one. A fierce roar of a Qilin was heard as the purple flames that surrounded Ye Xiao Lan’s body blazed with renewed vigor.

Zhou Xue Xian, in turn, spurred the Ancient Battle Spirit faster. She crossed the two blades above her head and expertly flicked them forward. A cry of the phoenix rang out and a mighty roar of the dragon burst forth as fire and lightning streaks surrounded her body, Zhou Xue Xian held the Azure Phoenix Sword and the Black Dragon Saber on a backhand grip and stood an on wife stance. In order to defeat Ye Xiao Lan, she was prepared to unleash Asura’s Fangs, the second form of the Myriad Form Asura Blade Arts.

The final showdown was set.

When the two combatants made a move, the whole arena shook from the combined force of their techniques. The barrier surrounding the stage cracked and was on the verge of collapse. The spectating crowd felt the ominous aura that leaked through the barrier and it caused fear to rise in their hearts.

“Not good!” The Emperor of Wuxing exclaimed as he flew down the viewing platform towards the stage.

Two more streaks of blinding light followed and all three arrived on the stage just in time to stall the participants.

The Sect Master of Jiàn Sect, Ye Xiao Lan’s Master, was one of the people who flew down to the stage.

When the old man saw that Ye Xiao Lan removed a layer of restriction from his sword, he knew Ye Xiao Lan met an opponent he wanted to conquer and prepared himself for the worst.

But how could he allow his succeeding disciple to do such a thoughtless act? Although he commanded Ye Xiao Lan to win and become the champion of the Conclave of Immortals. He did not want him to do so while compromising and harming his future.

The sword that Ye Xiao Lan is carrying is from the sword mound in Jiàn Sect. When a disciple cultivates the secret sword technique of Jiàn Sect to perfection, they are allowed to enter the sword mound and find their destined sword.

The sword will choose its master, not the other way around. And Ye Xiao Lan’s sword was the most elusive and the most mysterious sword within the sword mound.

For some reason, the sword was sealed with dozens of restrictions that only its chosen wielder can remove. So although its current form is merely a spiritual tier weapon, no one really knows how powerful the sword is once it’s completely free from its shackles.

Because Ye Xiao Lan’s cultivation is not that high, the restrictions he could remove are not that many. But before this final clash, he forcefully removed a layer that should have been removed when he steps to the Peak of Nascent Soul Stage.

It was a blessing that Ye Xiao Lan hadn't drawn his sword before the Sect Master of Jiàn Sect flew down. If he had, who knows how strong the backlash would be.

The Sect Master of Jiàn Sect sighed as he kept his fingers firmly locked around Ye Xiao Lan’s sword hand. He looked kindly at his simple-minded apprentice and said, “I think that’s enough for today, Ah Lan.”

Jin Bai used a more forceful approach when he stopped Zhou Xue Xian. The Ancient Battle Spirit is difficult to control once it’s been fully awakened. And the only way to stop it is to arrest its momentum and cut off it’s connection in order to prevent it from going wild.

Amongst all the beings within all the realms, Jin Bai is the only person who knows how to accomplish this since he is the person their previous master trusted most. And the person who has been with her the longest. Jin Bai had seen the Master lose control of the Ancient Battle Spirit and wreaked havoc numerous times, when her cultivation realm was still shallow.

Striking a series of acupoints, to momentarily sever Zhou Xue Xian’s ability to utilize spiritual energy, is the only way to stop the Ancient Battle Spirit. But this method needs precise control and a proper order in order to work. If the method is done wrong or if the acupoints are hit incorrectly and in a disordered manner, there is a high possibility that Zhou Xue Xian would be crippled.

But there is no other choice. If Jin Bai did not stop her, Zhou Xue Xian would have lost control of the Ancient Battle Spirit and would have unleashed an attack that would cause a severe backlash that could endanger her life.

The Emperor of Wuxing mentally sighed in relief when he saw that both combatants and their fearsome techniques were under control.

As hosts of the tournament, they want to see a good fight between the participants. But that doesn’t mean they want to see them cripple each other.

This battle, between Zhou Xue Xian and Ye Xiao Lan, was merely an exhibition match before the final phase of the conclave. The outcome of the match will not affect their ranking for the next phase. To see these prodigies fall, on this stage and under such circumstances, cannot be allowed to happen.

“The two of you have displayed great talents but it’s enough for today. Go back and recuperate. If fate wills it, you will meet again, on the same stage but at a later time.” The Emperor of Wuxing stated as he eyed both parties. “For now, we will declare this match a draw!”

Neither combatants had any objections with the ruling. They understand that if they continued to fight neither of them would win against the other unless the other is seriously injured and unable to fight. This sort of battle cannot be fought and decided on the arena. Since they had no animosity towards each other, there was no reason to continue the match and risk further injuries.

Under the fervent gaze of the crowd, the two participants bowed in respect towards each other and turned to leave the stage.

Zhou Xue Xian and Ye Xiao Lan’s most anticipated match ended in a draw, decided by the hosts of the conclave. This news spread far and wide within the Imperial Capital and beyonds its sturdy walls.

In most cases, a draw is a very unfavorable conclusion for a battle well fought. But everyone, who were lucky to witness the match, were more than satisfied with the outcome.

For days after the event, Zhou Xue Xian and Ye Xiao Lan’s names were on the mouths of every man, woman and child within the Imperial Capital. With that, the third phase of the Conclave of Immortals came to a satisfying conclusion.