Chapter 41: Forcing My Hand

On the arena, two figures moved as swiftly as lightning, their swords reflecting the harsh sunlight with a cold gleam. Fierce winds whipped about, sword energy surged, and the clash of metal echoed incessantly.

Yin Tianfang and Liu Feng fought at breakneck speed, leaving behind fleeting afterimages.

"Clang!"

"Bang!"

Their swords collided, palms met, and both bodies trembled, retreating in unison. Around the platform, spectators stared in astonishment; in just a few moments, the two had exchanged a hundred moves, yet neither gained an advantage!

"Gravity Technique!" Liu Feng struck out with his palm, the air trembling as an invisible giant hand crashed toward Yin Tianfang. The Gravity Technique was originally used for sword flight, to draw flying swords, but in Liu Feng's hands, it became an offensive move—a testament to his extraordinary talent in cultivation.

The unseen hand, laden with oppressive force, swept toward Yin Tianfang, stirring a fierce storm. Yin Tianfang remained calm, raised his hand, and unleashed a palm strike. The air exploded with thunderous sound, as if something burst between them; the force surged outward like a ring, shaking the arena with its impact.

On the viewing platform, many family heads and elders of the Profound Dao Sect watched the fierce battle with keen eyes. The strength of these two, among the outer disciples of the Profound Dao Sect, was unparalleled.

"This boy is truly formidable," some elders thought in awe. Yin Tianfang’s youth was obvious to all. To possess such powerful cultivation at his age was terrifying potential. Elder Xuan Yin, however, remained calm; Yin Tianfang's true cultivation was concealed by a secret art, revealing only the third layer of Qi Condensation.

The secret art was taught by Elder Xuan Yin himself; even the numerous elders of the Profound Dao Sect and the family heads present could not discern Yin Tianfang’s real strength.

"This boy went into seclusion recently, probably to show a higher cultivation in public without arousing suspicion. But if he truly is at the third layer of Qi Condensation, defeating Liu Feng might be difficult," Elder Xuan Yin mused.

At that moment, Liu Feng let out a clear cry; his sword suddenly slipped from his grasp, transforming into a streak of light racing toward Yin Tianfang. Simultaneously, Liu Feng formed hand seals, conjuring a massive water dragon. The dragon roared, fierce and terrifying, radiating overwhelming power.

As the flying sword and water dragon rushed toward Yin Tianfang, several fireballs shot forth like meteors, trailing closely behind.

In an instant, Liu Feng unleashed three attacks—his assault was relentless, cutting off every escape for Yin Tianfang. Everyone watched, shocked; such force was astounding, and among the outer disciples, no one could withstand it. Even inner disciples at the fourth layer of Qi Condensation would struggle to escape unscathed.

"Admit defeat now!" Nuo Lan cried out anxiously.

On the viewing platform, the elders of the Profound Dao Sect tensed, ready to intervene at any moment. Their discerning eyes saw the ferocity of the attack and doubted Yin Tianfang could withstand it. They prepared to step in once Yin Tianfang was injured, to rescue him.

Sharp sword light, a fierce water dragon, and fiery spheres rushed toward Yin Tianfang, their power so intense his expression turned grave.

He took a deep breath, raised his eyes to the sneering Liu Feng opposite, slowly lifted his hands, and unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy. His palms slammed together, the air quivered as if two giant hands collided. The roaring water dragon and fireballs shattered instantly, and the cold gleaming flying sword halted midair under this strike.

"What tremendous cultivation!" The elders of the Profound Dao Sect were astonished. This was an application of the Gravity Technique, but to wield it so powerfully required immense internal strength. To possess such force at the third layer of Qi Condensation—his talent was truly fearsome.

"Elder Xuan Yin, is this your disciple?" the elders inquired.

"No," Xuan Yin replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the arena, indifferent to the others. The elders took no offense; after receiving his answer, their eyes flickered, each harboring their own thoughts.

The flying sword returned, Liu Feng gripped it, staring coldly at Yin Tianfang. Though Yin Tianfang displayed only the third layer of Qi Condensation, his spiritual power was far thicker than Liu Feng’s.

"I admit, in a battle at the same level, I am no match for you; my spiritual power is not as robust," Liu Feng said calmly, unperturbed by the defeat of his attack.

"But..." he continued, voice loud and echoing across the martial grounds, "do you think this is enough to defeat me?"

A thunderous roar erupted, heaven and earth surged with spiritual energy, and Liu Feng’s aura exploded—he had broken through to the fourth layer of Qi Condensation!

The vast spiritual energy of heaven and earth poured in, surging through Yin Tianfang’s body, his aura soaring far beyond before. The powerful force stirred swirling winds, sweeping across the arena. Liu Feng’s black hair whipped wildly, his eyes shone brilliantly, and he stamped his foot, shouting coldly, "At the same realm, I am inferior, but now I am a level higher—can you defeat me?!"

His snort boomed in the air, Liu Feng waved his hand, and sparkling droplets hovered in midair. He formed rapid hand seals, countless droplets transformed into dazzling ice spikes, shimmering with rainbow hues in the sunlight—beautiful yet deadly.

"Go!" With a sweep of his hand, the ice spikes rained toward Yin Tianfang like a storm. Yin Tianfang raised his hand, his mind moved, and he again cast the Gravity Technique.

But this time, the countless ice spikes easily broke through the Gravity Technique’s restraint, still hurtling toward him.

If those spikes struck him, Yin Tianfang would be riddled with holes in an instant. Some disciples of the Profound Dao Sect turned away, unwilling to witness such a bloody scene.

"Admit defeat now!" Nuo Lan shouted anxiously, rushing to the edge of the arena, nearly stepping onto it. Hearing the anxious voice behind him, Yin Tianfang glanced back and smiled at Nuo Lan.

"No need to worry," Yin Tianfang replied with a smile, turning to face the storm of ice spikes. He exhaled softly and murmured, "So you’re forcing me to use my full strength."

Nuo Lan, close by, caught his words, though softly spoken. Her anxious face froze for a moment.

"Boom!" An aura no less imposing than Liu Feng’s erupted from Yin Tianfang…