As soon as Elder Mu Jian gave the signal, Liu Qingfeng moved.
A surge of crimson energy erupted around him, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished.
Lin Xuan barely had time to react before a powerful force slammed toward his chest. He twisted his body at the last moment, avoiding the direct impact, but the sheer pressure sent him skidding backward.
Fast!
The Inner Sect disciple was leagues beyond Wang Renshu. This wasn’t just raw strength—it was controlled, refined power.
Zhao Feng whistled from the sidelines. “Yeah… you might be in trouble.”
Liu Qingfeng grinned, standing tall. “Disappointed? The Outer Sect might have been a playground for you, but the Inner Sect? This is where true cultivation begins.”
Lin Xuan steadied himself. His golden qi flickered around his body, stabilizing his footing. His meridians pulsed with the inheritance’s power, but he needed to gauge Liu Qingfeng’s true strength before making a move.
A CLASH OF POWER
Liu Qingfeng didn’t wait. With a flick of his fingers, his sword roared to life, flames dancing along its blade.
Boom!
He slashed forward, and a crescent wave of fire surged through the air, racing toward Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan’s instincts kicked in. He raised his hand, channeling the golden qi he had absorbed from the inheritance. Runes flickered around his palm, and with a single motion, he countered.
BANG!
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The impact sent shockwaves through the hall, shaking the pillars. The elders watching remained composed, their gazes sharp.
Elder Mu Jian stroked his beard. “He blocked it… with raw qi manipulation. Interesting.”
Liu Qingfeng’s expression changed slightly. He hadn’t expected an Outer Sect disciple to deflect his attack so effortlessly.
“So, you’re not just lucky after all.” Liu Qingfeng tightened his grip on his sword. His aura flared, and his cultivation realm surged.
Lin Xuan’s eyes narrowed. Peak Foundation Establishment.
This was a true test.
PUSHING BEYOND LIMITS
Lin Xuan exhaled sharply. He couldn’t rely solely on defense—he had to attack.
With a single step, his body blurred forward. His palm glowed with golden light, and a rune-covered fist shot toward Liu Qingfeng’s chest.
Liu Qingfeng reacted swiftly, raising his blade in defense—
BOOM!
The moment Lin Xuan’s strike landed, an explosion of energy erupted between them. The sheer force cracked the stone beneath their feet.
Lin Xuan followed up instantly, unleashing a barrage of strikes. Liu Qingfeng was forced backward, his feet dragging against the stone floor.
The elders exchanged glances.
“He’s keeping up,” one murmured.
Elder Mu Jian watched closely. “No… he’s suppressing Liu Qingfeng.”
BREAKING EXPECTATIONS
Liu Qingfeng gritted his teeth. “Not bad… but let’s see how you handle this.”
His flames intensified, spiraling around his sword like a burning dragon. His qi condensed into a single piercing thrust, aiming directly for Lin Xuan’s heart.
The attack was fast—too fast.
Lin Xuan’s pupils shrank. He had no time to dodge.
But then—
Something inside him awakened.
A strange energy surged through his meridians, and his golden qi reacted on its own.
A barrier of ancient runes appeared in front of him.
Liu Qingfeng’s blade clashed against the runes—
CRACK!
His attack shattered instantly. The backlash sent Liu Qingfeng flying backward, blood trickling from his lips.
The hall fell silent.
Lin Xuan stared at his own hands, his heart pounding. What was that?
A NEW PATH OPENS
The elders observed quietly. Finally, Elder Mu Jian stood.