Though Lin Xiao felt deeply embarrassed, he maintained a righteous tone. “This Eastern Domain Competition is teeming with talent. Low-grade Mysterious Stage techniques will likely be commonplace among participants. This was just a simple test!”
Tang Yan’s heart jolted. While his speed and combat skills were exceptional, they wouldn’t amount to much against absolute power.
Unbeknownst to Lin Xiao, his mindset had shifted multiple times during this spar with Tang Yan.
At first, he’d only intended to probe Tang Yan’s strength.
When Tang Yan forced him to employ fourth-rank Mysterious Stage power, a mix of curiosity and slight disdain stirred within him.
When Tang Yan seamlessly chained his moves together for the first time, Lin Xiao was surprised and began to take him seriously.
When Tang Yan flawlessly blended martial techniques with his strikes, Lin Xiao inwardly acknowledged his prowess.
And when Tang Yan’s attacks precisely targeted his weaknesses—leaving Lin Xiao, with fourth-rank strength, merely holding his own—his focus shifted from testing Tang Yan to a matter of winning or losing.
For an Earth Stage expert, even one restricted to fourth-rank Mysterious Stage power, to be preoccupied with victory against a third-rank fighter was absurd. If this got out, it’d be unthinkable.
“It’s over. If Daddy hadn’t cheated and used a Mysterious Stage technique, Tang Yan might’ve won,” Lin Dongxue mused to herself.
Her lack of confidence in Tang Yan wasn’t unfounded. Facing fourth-rank strength combined with a Mysterious Stage technique, even an average fourth-rank fighter would struggle—let alone Tang Yan, who was only at third rank.
Sensing the explosive power of Six Shadows Slash, Tang Yan knew ordinary attacks wouldn’t suffice.
To counter it, he’d need a martial technique!
Should he use Thousand Mountains Fist as his main offense, then envelop his fist with the Heaven and Earth Creation Fire?
Or perhaps the devastatingly powerful Flame Burst Palm?
Both methods could suppress Lin Xiao, Tang Yan was certain. But even though Lin Xiao was trustworthy, Tang Yan wasn’t ready to reveal these trump cards too soon.
With one of Lin Xiao’s shadowy strikes closing in, Tang Yan gritted his teeth and settled on Thousand Mountains Fist.
Judging by the name “Six Shadows Slash,” it likely had only six attacks. He’d meet it head-on with Thousand Mountains Fist. Even if a seventh strike emerged, he could still counter with a seventh punch from Flame Burst Palm.
Determination flashed in Tang Yan’s eyes. If he had a chance to compete, he’d take it!
*Boom!* His vortex dantian spun rapidly, spiritual energy surging outward like a geyser. A dull sonic boom reverberated as Tang Yan threw a punch at Lin Xiao.
After over a month of training under the waterfall, Tang Yan had immense confidence in the power of his Thousand Mountains Fist, even against a fourth-rank opponent!
*Boom!* One of Lin Xiao’s shadowy figures collided with Tang Yan, producing a muffled sound.
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The shadow of Lin Xiao’s straight punch dissipated instantly.
“Huh?” Lin Xiao let out a surprised grunt. In such a short time, this kid’s technique had unleashed such formidable power—matching his fourth-rank strike without losing ground!
“Let’s try again!” Though astonished, Lin Xiao remained convinced of Tang Yan’s inevitable defeat.
A second shadowy fist, like a meteor, streaked toward Tang Yan.
Without pausing, Tang Yan spun around. *Boom!* The second strike of Thousand Mountains Fist roared forward unrestrained.
*Boom!* Another muffled blast sent dirt flying across the courtyard.
Lin Dongxue circulated her true energy, sweeping away the airborne soil with a flick of her sleeve. She hurriedly looked at the two fighters, her mouth slightly agape.
Tang Yan’s spirit remained unshaken, his stance unwavering. Once again, he’d held his own!
“Again!” Lin Xiao faltered inwardly. A third shadow, carrying even greater momentum, barreled toward Tang Yan with crushing force.
Tang Yan pivoted sharply, meeting it with the third strike of Thousand Mountains Fist—clean and decisive.
*Boom!* The shadow dispersed after the clash, and Tang Yan’s body still hadn’t budged an inch!
Lin Xiao couldn’t describe his emotions at that moment…
Higher-grade martial techniques were notoriously difficult to master. Going from novice to proficient required grueling practice.
Yet Tang Yan wielded his with effortless mastery. How many times had this kid trained to refine a Mysterious Stage technique to such perfection?
A prodigy! An absolute prodigy!
*Boom!* The fourth attack—Tang Yan didn’t retreat a step.
*Boom!* The fifth assault—still an even match.
*Boom!* After the sixth strike, Tang Yan showed no signs of faltering!
And with that, Lin Xiao’s technique reached its end!
Seeing Lin Xiao cease his attacks, Tang Yan’s heart stirred. A faint smile curved his lips. “City Lord, watch out!”
Under Lin Xiao and Lin Dongxue’s astonished gazes, Tang Yan shifted his stance slightly. A terrifying aura erupted from him, rising like a storm.
Borrowing the momentum of his spin, Tang Yan launched another punch at Lin Xiao.
Thousand Mountains Fist, seventh strike!
His feet slammed into the ground, his right fist surging with the ferocity of a wild beast toward Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed. Sensing the fierce, menacing force, he felt a twinge of danger.
There was no dodging this, but with only fourth-rank strength, he couldn’t counter in time!
*Boom!* A terrifying aura suddenly burst from Lin Xiao. Just as Tang Yan’s punch roared forth, it was repelled by an even greater force.
*Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!* Tang Yan stumbled back five steps before steadying himself, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
Lin Dongxue stared in shock at the scene before leaping up and pointing at Lin Xiao. “Daddy, you cheated!”
Lin Xiao’s face was flushed with embarrassment. In the heat of the moment, he had unintentionally unleashed power beyond the fourth rank of the Mysterious Stage.
By the time he realized Tang Yan was only at the third rank, his attack was already in motion. Even though he’d tried to pull back as much force as possible, Tang Yan still suffered a minor injury.
“It was a reflex—I instinctively used my full strength. Tang Yan, are you alright?” Lin Xiao hurriedly pulled out two medicinal pills and handed them to Tang Yan.
Tang Yan didn’t hesitate. He swallowed them straight away, suppressing the churning in his chest.
Though his face remained pale, a spark of excitement gleamed in his eyes. “City Lord, I won.”
Lin Xiao’s expression wavered at Tang Yan’s words, his mind drifting.
Just a few months ago, this boy—once branded a spoiled wastrel by all of Cloud City—had displayed a strength today that was nothing short of breathtaking.
“Good! Good! Good!” Lin Xiao exclaimed three times in a row, bursting into hearty laughter. “With your skill, Cloud City is bound to hold its head high this time!”
“I’ll do my best,” Tang Yan replied with a smile.
Lin Dongxue’s bright eyes fixed on Tang Yan, finding the young man increasingly appealing. Noticing her stare, Tang Yan grinned and asked, “Miss Lin, why are you staring at me like that?”
Lin Dongxue’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, her gaze shy yet shimmering. Still, her almond-shaped eyes sparkled as she marveled, “You’re amazing!”
“Miss Lin, you’ve got extraordinary talent and unmatched wit. With the right path of cultivation, you’ll outshine me,” Tang Yan said earnestly.
Back on Cangyun Mountain, Tang Yan had witnessed Lin Dongxue’s combat ability skyrocket firsthand. He held her aptitude in high regard.
“Tang Yan, how about we make another bet?” Lin Dongxue suddenly piped up.
“Oh? What’s the wager?” Tang Yan asked, intrigued.
“If you take first place this time, I’ll owe you a million taels of silver. If you don’t win, you take me on a half-month training journey. How’s that?”
Lin Dongxue was scheming quietly to herself. Even if it was just half a month, under Tang Yan’s guidance, her strength would surely leap forward another level.