Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Challenge
The news from the bystanders revealed that the known martial artist that was at the pinnacle of the Hidden Qi’s ninth level was a famous figure in the nearby Martial World. He had a combat record that equaled that of a master in the first level of the Qi Absorption phase.
Yet, a figure of such stature was sent flying with just a slap by Lian Tu.
"Today’s three battles have been utterly predictable."
"How has this man named Lian achieved such an exceptional level of martial arts?"
Around the arena, many faces of martial artists showed dissatisfaction and their eyes could not conceal their astonishment.
"Hmph, I hope the person stepping onto the stage tomorrow has some brains, otherwise it’s not only humiliating for them but also a waste of my time," Lian Tu huffed. Standing tall at eight feet, clad in red martial uniform, he scoffed disdainfully and then turned to leave the arena.
Amidst the sound of anger or sighs, spectators also dispersed.
"Huh?"
A lady in blue suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Junior Sister Lan, what’s wrong?"
The man beside her asked.
After taking a look around, Lan Ning finally said, "Maybe I am seeing things."
She felt like she had seen Shi Xiaole just now. Was that guy planning to challenge Lian Tu as well?
The thought made Lan Ning laugh wordlessly. Shi Xiaole certainly didn’t qualify to challenge Lian Tu if even the Senior Brother was defeated.
When Lan Ning looked at Shi Xiaole, he was looking at her too, but due to his rather cold personality, he did not take the initiative to greet her.
After strolling around Emerald Feather City and seeing that certain people had not taken the bait, Shi Xiaole had no choice but to return to the inn.
For the next two days, he went to watch the battles between Lian Tu and the experts every day. Six consecutive battles gave him a deeper understanding of Lian Tu’s strength.
Undoubtedly, Lian Tu’s internal power and martial arts techniques had already reached the top of the Hidden Qi Realm. His adaptability in battles was even greater than regular sect masters.
Such a person, who had risen from the martial world’s brutal battles since childhood, often had powerful strength and could make extra efforts, which made him a difficult opponent.
Most importantly, according to Shi Xiaole’s observations, Lian Tu seemed to have cultivated some form of external martial arts that made his strength and defense exceptionally powerful.
Ordinary people couldn’t break his defense in one move. On the contrary, they couldn’t withstand his attacks.
In general, Lian Tu was a formidable person and he seemed to have no weaknesses.
It was the last day of the system limit on the third day.
A new round of challenges had begun.
"I wonder who will take the stage today."
"After so many days, those with the capability and courage have basically all tried. The remaining people would just be beaten up if they went up, sigh!"
Some shook their heads, many people wouldn’t have even bothered to come unless they held some hope for a miracle.
Lian Tu stood tall on the stage, sneering at the crowd below, yet after a while, no one came forward to challenge him.
"Seems like there’s no one daring enough to take the stage."
Many local martial artists felt quite frustrated.
Just as the crowd’s minds were wandering, a figure lightly landed on the stage and said, "I am Zhu Qian from the Light Sword Sect. Gracing your highness with another challenge."
"Zhu Qian, isn’t he the eldest disciple of the Light Sword Sect? Wasn’t he defeated by Lian Tu last time?"
"There are no rules that those who have lost can’t challenge a second time. In my opinion, Zhu Qian is a real man, much braver than many who don’t dare to step up."
Lian Tu lifted his eyes, his gaze on Zhu Qian was like that of a ferocious beast. "Still looking for another defeat?"
Completely disregarding this number one disciple of the Light Sword Sect.
Several Light Sword Sect disciples, led by Lan Ning, were furious. Just as they were about to explode, they heard Zhu Qian say, "I lost last time, I may not lose this time."
With his eyes narrowed, Lian Tu said, "It seems there’s no worthy opponents left in the martial world here. Fine, today might as well be the last of my three battles. Make your move!"
Without waiting for him to finish speaking, Zhu Qian had already attacked. His opponent’s arrogance was unbearable; it was as though accepting his challenge was an utterly troublesome task.
Swoosh, swoosh.
With all his strength, Zhu Qian’s sword was like a gust of wind, relentlessly attacking Lian Tu and pushing him back more than ten steps.
Shi Xiaole could tell that Zhu Qian’s use of the Light Sword Great Method was much more flexible than Lan Ning’s.
Zhu Qian and Lan Ning both have reached the peak of the Transformation Phase. However, the peak of the Transformation Phase refers to the understanding of martial art techniques. How to leverage it effectively depends on the individual.
On the stage, Zhu Qian was relentless, not giving Lian Tu any chance to resist and quickly pushing him to the edge of the stage.
"The speed of the Senior Brother’s sword is indeed much faster than last time."
"Under absolute speed, any resistance is futile. As long as he can keep this up, there’s a chance he could win."
A few disciples from the Light Sword Sect were watching the battle nervously, panting heavily.
Lan Ning’s eyes were also fixed on the battle, not blinking at all.
"Your swordsmanship has indeed improved a bit since the last time, but thinking you can defeat me this way is too naive"
Lian Tu had laid low just to understand Zhu Qian’s strengths. Now that he got the idea, he moved his body, he knocked off Zhu Qian’s longsword with his right shoulder.
Under the influence of the martial strength and the real Qi, Zhu Qian’s chain of techniques was broken.
Lian Tu roared aloud, a bloody punch flew out.
Bloody Hand, a third-class superior martial art.
Thud!
Zhu Qian staggered back a few steps, his blood churning. By the time he stopped, Lian Tu’s second punch had already arrived, instantly reversing the situation.
"Let me show you my self-created decisive swordsmanship!"
Upon seeing that he was about to lose again, Zhu Qian suddenly shouted, his longsword held high in both hands. The tip of the sword scraped the air, drawing a perfect arc.
Although the sword seemed light and harmless, causing no threat, it made Lian Tu’s face change and he hastily retreated. With a hissing sound, a few drops of blood fell into the air.
That was Lian Tu’s blood.
"Very well, you have finally managed to damage my skin."
Lian Tu’s eyes turned cold, he raised his hand, revealing an inch-long wound on his right arm.
"Damaged your skin?"
Zhu Qian’s pupils contracted. It was as if he had lost all of his strength, and he said, "I admit defeat."
The thrust was something he had spent much effort studying specifically to fight against Lian Tu. After observing Lian Tu’s previous fights, Zhu Qian thought his move would inflict a severe injury on him.
However, Lian Tu’s vigilance and reaction speed exceeded his expectations. In the end, he had merely scratched Lian Tu’s skin.
How ridiculous.
"You merely scratched my skin and you hope to end it with one simple forfeit?"
Lian Tu roared with laughter, and with a fierce punch, sent Zhu Qian sprawling off the arena, coughing up blood.
"Senior Brother!"
"You’ve gone too far, Lian!"
A few disciples from the Light Sword Sect were furious. They couldn’t bear watching their Senior Brother being humiliated.
However, Zhu Qian simply raised his hand weakly and blocked them, "Enough, defeat is defeat. Do not make matters worse."
People who practice the Devil Path’s martial arts cannot be judged by ordinary standards. Zhu Qian was worried that his younger brothers would anger Lian Tu and bring about even more terrible consequences.
"With Zhu Qian’s strength and aptitude, he’s considered one of the top masters in the Hidden Qi Realm in this part of the Martial World. Yet, he still couldn’t defeat Lian Tu. I don’t think anyone can defeat him."
After the fight, a white-haired old man sighed loudly, resonating with many others.
"This Lian Tu is indeed talented. If only we could recruit him into our Black Evil Gang."
In a high-rise building not far away, a few people in black clothes were seated. The boss of the Black Evil Gang spoke regretfully.
"Boss, this man, full of himself just because he has some ability, has repeatedly denied our Black Evil Gang. Should we send someone..." Someone on the side made a throat-cutting gesture.
The boss of the Black Evil Gang suddenly focused his eyes on the arena, "Let’s discuss this later. Someone else is challenging him."
Around the arena, the noise and discussion were boiling over.
Even Lian Tu was taken aback.
The challenger who had just stepped up was too young. No, he was a teenager. His face still held a hint of childishness.
"You want to challenge me?"
Lian Tu said in a low voice.
"Correct."
Shi Xiaole nodded.
The scene under the stage became even more lively.
Most people didn’t want to kill the excitement in order to save the face of the local Martial World, but they certainly didn’t expect a child to act as the fill-in.
"Shi Xiaole, what are you doing, come down now!"
Lan Ning shouted from underneath, her pretty face full of surprise and shock.
She finally realized that she hasn’t been hallucinating in the past few days, and this kid in front of her was indeed incredibly audacious!
"Shi Xiaole? Is he the one who defeated Junior Sister Lan in the grand contest at the Golden Phoenix Tower?"
Zhu Qian looked at Shi Xiaole, a quick glint of light flashing through his eyes.
"Heroes indeed come from the young. Youngster, for your courage, I will give special attention to you."
With his extensive experience in the Martial World, Lian Tu quickly recovered from his initial shock and noticed something exceptional about Shi Xiaole.
Shi Xiaole was too calm.
This calmness came from within, radiating from his blood and bones. It could not be faked without great self-confidence and forcefulness.
Interesting.
Lian Tu licked his lips, "I hope you can take a few more of my blows."
The next moment, Lian Tu’s foot stomped on the ground. His whole body shot up, carrying an immense momentum as he lunged towards Shi Xiaole with a punch.
The force of the punch arrived before the fist itself.
Shi Xiaole could feel a sense of oppression. However, his fighting spirit was burning like a flame, spreading throughout his body.
Clang!
A bloody blade light burst out from Shi Xiaole’s arm and viciously cut into the air, instantly colliding with the bloody fist.
With a loud bang.
Lian Tu didn’t halt his attack, while Shi Xiaole took a step back.
"Only one step back?"
Someone exclaimed incredulously.
"Excellent!"
Lian Tu laughed wildly, vigorously circulating his internal power. Both of his fists were like a raging river, continuously attacking Shi Xiaole.
Boom, boom, boom...
Lian Tu’s onslaught was a demonstration of what it meant to be imposing and relentless.
Under Lian Tu’s consecutive attacks, Shi Xiaole could only focus on defense. Several times, he was just inches away from being sent flying by a punch. The scene left many spectators’ heart pounding.
Shi Xiaole had to admit, even Lian Tu who was equally skilled in internal strength and brute force was a notch higher than Chu Lin. Coupled with his ruthless moves and accurate responses, the situation was getting exceedingly unfavorable.
"Is this all you’ve got?"
Lian Tu sneered.
Shi Xiaole remained silent. Suddenly, he performed a backflip, discarded his blade, and drew his sword, causing strong sword light to shine.
