Defeat

The punch Yi Tian delivered was a thoughtful fusion of basic principles from the Thunderbolt Force Form and techniques gleaned from observing other contestants' battles. Yi Tian was cautious not to display the full capacity of the Cloud Ascension Physique, well aware that doing so would raise too many questions and provoke suspicion.

Moreover, to prevent any serious injury to Xuefeng, he modulated the power of his punch, deftly applying the technique in a way that dispersed the force throughout Xuefeng's body rather than concentrating it in one area. To the onlookers, however, all they witnessed was a blisteringly fast strike from Yi Tian, landing on Xuefeng's midriff and sending him hurtling across the stage.

The hall reverberated with cheers as Xuefeng slid to a halt. After a few moments to regain his bearings, he slowly rose to his feet. Seeing that Xuefeng had recovered, Yi Tian began to advance once more. Emerging from his daze, Xuefeng looked at Yi Tian with a complex blend of awe and trepidation. The unexpected punch had caught him off guard, leaving him unable to predict the outcome.

Xuefeng suppressed the anxious thoughts in his mind and steeled himself for the next round of their bout. Adopting the stance based on martial arts he had practiced since his youth, he moved forward with renewed determination. In a short time, he had closed the gap between them, launching a powerful punch straight towards Yi Tian's chest.

As he watched his fist approach Yi Tian, Xuefeng braced himself for a counterattack, ready to retreat at a moment's notice. But it appeared Yi Tian was always one step ahead. The stillness of Yi Tian as Xuefeng's fist neared alerted him that something was amiss. Relying on his intuition and experience, he started to withdraw his arm. Yet, in the brief instant it took to initiate his retraction, Yi Tian's foot collided with his side.

The abruptness of the kick left Xuefeng's body unprepared to mount a defense. He was once again sent flying, tumbling and rolling on the stage floor. This time, however, a sharp pain radiated from his ribs. Picking himself up, Xuefeng steadied his stance, the twinge in his side indicating a possible fracture in his ribs.

Xuefeng blinked several times, attempting to regain his bearings. The kick he had received had such disorienting power that it sent a shock throughout his body, coupled with the stinging pain in his ribs. Despite this, the will to continue the battle remained strong in him. His eyes focused on Yi Tian, who hadn't moved from his original stance.

The roar of the crowd's cheers echoed in Xuefeng's ears as he regained his composure. Emitting a spirited yell to bolster his courage, Xuefeng launched himself at the unmoving Yi Tian. Channeling all his might into his legs, he sprang forward, his leg outstretched, intending to force Yi Tian to block his move and provide an opening for a counterattack.

To Xuefeng's surprise, Yi Tian's arms fluidly transitioned into a front fist stance, striking out decisively. A resonating thump echoed as Xuefeng's foot met what felt like a solid wall, but it was in fact Yi Tian's fist. In an unexpected maneuver, Yi Tian unclenched his fist and seized hold of Xuefeng's foot. Pulled forward, Xuefeng attempted to retaliate with a punch aimed at Yi Tian's head.

Yet, with an uncanny precision, Yi Tian evaded the fist by twisting, allowing Xuefeng's momentum to continue unchecked. Positioning his elbow, Yi Tian caught the advancing Xuefeng in the stomach. Securing Xuefeng, who was now draped over his elbow, Yi Tian hoisted him onto his shoulder. In a swift motion, he lifted and slammed Xuefeng down onto the stage.

An agonized cry escaped Xuefeng as his back collided with the stone-tiled stage, cracks spider-webbing out from his point of impact. The winded Xuefeng lay motionless, pain lancing through his back and ribcage. Seeing Xuefeng's lack of effort to rise, the announcer waved his arms and declared, "Winner, Yi Tian!"

A thunderous cheer swept through the crowd, their astonishment palpable at the effortless display of martial prowess by Yi Tian. Those observing from the third floor were equally flabbergasted. Numerous elderly branch heads, aware of the impressive martial skills demonstrated by Yi Tian, also pondered the potentials that could stem from such talent. Many resolved to share their witness accounts with their respective families and allies.

...

At the apex of the establishment, within Yi Tian's private viewing room, Li Wei's hands, driven by a storm of emotions, clutched the railing like a lifeline. His gaze followed the servants as they gingerly ferried the injured Xuefeng away. Eventually, he spun around, releasing a sigh as profound as the ancient ocean, and succumbed to the allure of the lavishly designed wooden chair.

Li Wei found himself ensnared within a maelstrom of sentiments. The initial jolt of surprise at Yi Tian's dismissal of his plea. The ensuing shockwave generated by Yi Tian's unforeseen martial spectacle. The blistering anger that coursed through him as he grappled with his ignorance of his friend's true capabilities. He had considered the possibility that Yi Tian had been veiling his strength, but swiftly discarded the thought, fully aware of Yi Tian's temperament and habitual tendencies. And so, the enigma continued to torment him, like a relentless specter.

Hoisting himself from the comforting embrace of the chair, Li Wei filled his lungs with a calming breath and made his exit from the room. As he embarked on the descent down the grand staircase, a determination solidified within him. A conversation with his father, he decided, would likely provide more enlightenment than the futile task of speculation. Despite his reservations about his father's somewhat excessive admiration for Yi Tian, he yearned to uncover the underlying reasons.

As he delved deeper into the staircase, two figures emerged, moving with a haste mirroring his own. They were none other than the esteemed third young master, Yi Wang, and his trustworthy ally, Zhou Quan.