Just then, the Ancient Sage's meridians finally stabilized. Without wasting a second, he unleashed his strongest move once again.

"Lightning Matrix!"

A huge mouthful of blood burst from his lips. His face went deathly pale as he activated the secret technique. Disregarding the harm he was inflicting on his body, he struck Felix. This time, he unleashed the true Lightning Matrix, not the lighter version he used against Felix previously.

"Bring it on!" Felix was completely fearless now. Although his energy was locked in place and his body was paralyzed, he radiated power.

"I'm about to compete in the Rank-Ascending Competition. There's no way I'll die here."

It was like something inside him snapped. Felix suddenly burst into motion. Instead of passively handling the attacks, he charged straight toward the three lightning palms crashing down on him.

Even the Ancient Sage was shaken. He could hardly believe that a battle could escalate to this level.

When the smoke finally cleared,