The other disciples curiously looked over. They too wanted to know what kind of match it would be. After all, the Gossamer Steps technique was not like offensive techniques which could be judged based on power.
Rustam softly chuckled. "The essence of the Gossamer Steps technique lies in two areas, speed and neutralization power."
Ezra gave a faint nod. The technique allowed one to make the body ethereally aerial, causing one's speed to rise to a level that ordinary people would find difficult to match.
The Gossamer Steps technique also gave the ability to neutralize any force that struck the body, making these two aspects the essence of the technique.
"Hence, today's match will be based on your speed and neutralization power in the Gossamer Steps. However, I will seal Roshi's spiritual energy to 2nd Level Core Formation for fair match."
Elder Rustam gazed at the majestic green mountain before him as he suddenly took a deep breath before abruptly blowing.
~WHOOOO~
The breath of spiritual energy that emerged was akin to the milky way. It swept through the air, completely covering the green mountain.
Boundless spiritual energy whizzed about the mountain like a million astral winds, booing and hissing. A faint but enormous pressure spread from it.
Everyone watched this scene in shock. A breath of spiritual energy from the elder could be said to be earth-shaking, such power was practically immeasurable.
"This mountain has already been enveloped by my spiritual energy. Once you enter, you will be exposed to my energy pressure, making you feel as if you are carrying a mountain on your back. Besides this, the astral winds my spiritual energy has turned into will attack you.
You will be unable to avoid, and can only bear the attacks with your bodies. This will reveal how much power your Gossamer body can neutralize." Rustam grinned.
The numerous disciples cried out in shock when they heard this. To reach the peak, the two of them would have to rely on their speed while neutralizing the astral winds. It was a very appropriate test for the Gossamer Steps technique.
"How about it, do the two of you feel this is fair?" Rustam looked towards Ezra and Roshi.
A serious look appeared on both their faces, but they still nodded in the end.
"Since the two of you have no objections…"
Rustam waved his sleeve as two paths opened at the foot of the mountain, before his voice sounded like thunder.
"Let the match begin. Let us see which of you is more adept at the Gossamer Steps technique!"
Energy astral winds wreaked havoc on the lush, green mountain, like blades made from wind as they swept past, shredding even the air to pieces.
Under the countless watching gazes, Ezra Zephyr and Roshi stood at the foot of the mountain. The two looked at each other, iciness appearing in their eyes.
"Ezra, I admit that you have some talent. In a few more years, you will likely have a place in the Spirit Devouring Mountain." Roshi's eyes were ice-cold. Soon after, he let out an icy chuckle as he said, "However, your mistake was to hop out now. The current you still does not have the qualifications!"
The prince laughed and responded, "You can save these words for when you reach the peak before me."
"Stubborn fool." Roshi shook his head, mockery flashing in his eyes.
A split second later, thundering black lightning simultaneously erupted from Ezra Zephyr and Roshi's body released a dense green spiritual energy. The two transformed into flashes of light as they charged into the green mountain enveloped by berserk spiritual energy.
The instant they entered, Ezra and Roshi's figures paused slightly.
It was due to the suppression from elder Rustam's spiritual energy, making the air akin to a quagmire. The movements ordinary individuals who entered would be greatly restricted, making it difficult for them to advance.
"Gossamer form!" Shouted Ezra and Roshi.
Nearly half of their figures began to gradually became gossamer under the crowd's watching gazes as their speed rapidly rose, fast as lightning.
A series of gasps rang out in the vicinity of the green mountain, clearly shocked by the speed Ezra Zephyr and Roshi had displayed.
"Although the Gossamer Steps technique is only at the mid tier Gamma layer skill, it does have its merits." Paul Channa's eyes narrowed, smiling as he observed the rapidly moving figures on the mountain.
Drake's expression remained indifferent. "No matter how fast they run, they will only be rabbits, still merely prey in the eyes of a real predator."
"Who do you think will win?" Asked Paul.
Drake uncaringly replied, "It will depend on how much Roshi has concealed his abilities."
While the two were conversing, the two figures on the mountain seemed to leave behind a trail of mist as they advanced. It was at this moment that the spiritual energy that enveloped the mountain began to rear its fangs.
Spiritual energy darted forth transforming into countless glowing windy knives.
These knives seemed to cover the sky and land as they swiftly descended upon the two figures.
Ezra and Roshi were unable to dodge, having no choice but to receive the attacks with their bodies.
Therefore, in a short span of a dozen breaths, fresh blood began to appear on their bodies, cut after cut appearing one after another.
Even so, anyone could see that Ezra and Roshi had used the gossamer parts of their bodies to receive the attacks.
Although their bloody appearances looked extremely miserable, the majority of the force had been neutralized by the Gossamer Steps technique.
From start to end, their figures were neck to neck.
In the short span of a few minutes, the duo had already reached the halfway point.
Even till now, however, both parties were still equal.
Roshi's gaze swept across Ezra from the corner of his eyes. Soon after, iciness flashes in his eyes as the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"It's time to show you the difference between us!"
With a thought, the yarns in his body instantly lit up. In a short few breaths, the number of yarns in his body rose from 30 plus to 45.
He had clearly began to reveal his hidden strength.
As more and more yarns were knitted, everyone saw Roshi's body grow more and more gossamer as faint mists began to spread around it.
~WHOOSH~
His speed soared, over taking Ezra Zephyr in a single breath. His body met the innumerable spiritual energy knives head-on as he rocketed towards the peak.