Chapter 29: Clash of Ideals

The tension in the arena was palpable. Every disciple, elder, and sect leader watched with bated breath as Jiang Cheng and Luo Qingfeng faced each other. The contrast between them was striking—Jiang Cheng, the epitome of refined sect cultivation, and Luo Qingfeng, a rogue cultivator who relied on raw talent and unrestrained methods.

"You think your sect teachings make you superior?" Luo Qingfeng scoffed. "Let's see how they hold up against real battle experience."

Jiang Cheng remained calm, his hands resting lightly at his sides. "Strength without direction is like a blade without a wielder. Let's see if you can back up your arrogance."

Without warning, Luo Qingfeng lunged forward, his palm striking toward Jiang Cheng's chest like a crashing wave. His speed was astonishing—far beyond what most core disciples could handle.

Yet, Jiang Cheng moved like flowing water, sidestepping effortlessly with Cloudstep, his footwork so refined that he seemed to vanish for an instant. The moment Luo Qingfeng's strike missed, Jiang Cheng countered with a swift Heaven Blitzing Step, appearing behind his opponent and launching a devastating palm strike infused with Vajra Diamond Body's immense force.

Boom!

Luo Qingfeng barely managed to block, skidding several meters back. His eyes widened in surprise. "Not bad… but you'll have to do better!"

Summoning a dark, chaotic energy, Luo Qingfeng's aura surged violently. His battle style was unpredictable, mixing explosive strength with erratic movements. He unleashed a barrage of attacks—each one powerful enough to shatter boulders.

Jiang Cheng's expression remained impassive. He flowed between the attacks like a breeze, using Speed of the Wind God to evade at impossible angles. Then, with a sudden shift, he activated Impenetrable Fortress, standing firm against a powerful strike, absorbing the impact with ease.

Luo Qingfeng gritted his teeth. "Damn sect techniques… always so structured. Let's see how you handle chaos!"

Suddenly, his attacks became erratic, feinting in one direction before striking from another. He was like a storm with no pattern, forcing Jiang Cheng to adjust mid-battle.

A smirk played on Jiang Cheng's lips. "If chaos is your weapon, then I'll show you how order dismantles it."

He countered with Heaven Body Fortification, reinforcing his body's durability before launching into a flurry of hand-to-hand techniques. His fists became a blur as he struck with Dragon Subduing Fist, his blows carrying the force of roaring dragons.

Luo Qingfeng was overwhelmed, forced onto the defensive. Yet, just as Jiang Cheng prepared to end the fight, he sensed something sinister—Luo Qingfeng's aura darkened unnaturally, and strange, black veins appeared on his skin.

Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed. "Demonic energy…"

Luo Qingfeng laughed wildly. "You're sharp! Let me show you true power!"

As he unleashed a terrifying, corrupting force, the spectators gasped. This was no longer just a battle—it was proof that dark forces had infiltrated the cultivation world.

And Jiang Cheng would be the one to root them out.

The real fight was just beginning.