The Clash of Power

The air trembled as Zhao Feng unleashed his full power. Golden Yuan Qi crackled around him, his aura expanding like a raging inferno. The disciples in the audience felt their breath tighten—this was the strength of a ninth-level Qi Condensation cultivator, one step away from the Four Palaces Realm.

Yet, across from him, Li Yuan stood unfazed. His crimson Yuan Qi swirled like a coiled dragon, pulsing with an intensity that sent an eerie chill through the arena.

Zhao Feng smirked. "You're strong, I'll give you that. But this is where your luck runs out!"

He shot forward, his foot slamming into the ground with explosive force. The stone beneath him cracked as he blurred toward Li Yuan, his fists glowing with golden light.

"Falling Sun Strike!"

A massive palm imprint, burning with golden energy, descended upon Li Yuan like a meteor. The sheer force of the attack sent a violent gust through the arena, forcing outer disciples to shield their eyes.

Li Yuan's eyes sharpened. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward, his crimson Yuan Qi surging in response.

With a single punch, he met Zhao Feng's attack head-on.

BOOM!

A deafening shockwave erupted from the clash. Cracks splintered across the platform as the two forces collided in a brilliant explosion of light. Dust and debris shot into the air, momentarily blinding the audience.

When the dust settled, both fighters were still standing—but Zhao Feng had been forced several steps back, his expression darkening.

The crowd erupted in shock.

"What?! Zhao Feng's full-force attack was… stopped?!"

"Li Yuan is a monster!"

Zhao Feng clenched his fists, his confidence wavering for the first time. He had expected Li Yuan to struggle, maybe even put up a decent fight—but to actually match his power? Impossible.

Li Yuan, on the other hand, remained calm. The collision had confirmed what he suspected—his strength had surpassed the ninth level of Qi Condensation. He wasn't sure what realm he had reached, but his body felt stronger, his energy deeper than before.

Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed. He couldn't afford to hold back anymore.

Taking a deep breath, he extended both hands, forming a complex seal. His golden aura surged violently, condensing into a single, glowing spear of energy.

"Golden Sun Spear!"

The temperature in the arena soared. The spear pulsed with terrifying power, illuminating Zhao Feng's face with a fierce glow.

Li Yuan's gaze remained steady. He raised his right hand, his crimson Yuan Qi twisting into a spiral around his arm. The energy felt different this time—denser, heavier, as if it was responding to his will in a way it hadn't before.

Zhao Feng roared and hurled the spear.

The instant it left his hand, the entire platform shuddered. The spear shot forward like a divine judgment, splitting the air with a piercing whistle.

Li Yuan exhaled.

He didn't dodge.

Instead, he clenched his fist and punched forward.

His crimson Yuan Qi surged outward, condensing into a giant phantom fist that hurtled toward the incoming spear.

The two attacks met mid-air—

BOOOOM!

A massive explosion erupted, sending shockwaves through the arena. Outer disciples were thrown off balance as a blinding light filled their vision. The protective barriers around the stage trembled violently, barely containing the force.

When the light faded, Zhao Feng was on one knee, gasping for breath. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. His robes were torn, his energy flickering weakly.

Li Yuan, on the other hand, remained standing. Though his breath was slightly uneven, his aura was still strong—unshaken.

Silence filled the arena.

Then—

"Winner: Li Yuan!" the elder announced.

The crowd erupted.

"Unbelievable! Zhao Feng was one of the strongest outer disciples, but he lost!"

"Li Yuan… just who is he?"

Zhao Feng gritted his teeth, his fists clenched. He wanted to protest, to fight back—but his body refused to move. He had lost.

Li Yuan turned, walking off the stage without another word.

As he stepped down, he felt a familiar gaze on him.

He glanced up and met the violet eyes of the inner disciple girl from before. She was smiling again, her expression unreadable.

A strange feeling stirred in his chest.

But before he could dwell on it, another voice called out—

"Li Yuan."

He turned to see an elder approaching him. This was not just any elder—it was Elder Han, the same one who had given him the warning about the Scarlet Hand.

"You fought well," Elder Han said, his voice calm. "But be careful. Not all battles are fought in the arena."

Li Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. He nodded, understanding the unspoken message.

The tournament was only the beginning.

And whatever lay beyond it… he would be ready.