Chapter 29: Defeating Zeng Li
Zeng Li finally catched up to Ximen Wei, he smiled viciously as he sent a fist forward.
"Welcome my fist!" And with that, both opponents exchanged fists, although Ximen Wei had an iron-like body that is impervious to weapons and spears, Zeng Li clearly had the advantage, his fists rained relentlessly like an endless barrage, making it almost impossible for Ximen Wei to get out of this situation.
If it weren't for Ximen Wei's [Iron Body], he would instantly beaten to a pulp, but Ximen Wei was still waiting, waiting for his opponent to slip up so he can unleash his most powerful Qi Technique, he only has one chance, his energy and qi reserves allows him to only cast one Qi Technique before they deplete. He can overexert himself and exhaust his Extraordinary Meridians, but since he's a Level 2 Qi Trainee now, doing that will be harmful to his cultivation base and most importantly, his foundation.
Plus, it was a challenge, a duel, it's not a life or death battle, overexerting is just stupid, if Ximen Wei finds himself in a dangerous situation, he will simply admit defeat, and the oversees will instantly dissolve the match.
"Hmph, since I can't break through your defenses, how about you try my [Bloodfist]." A layer of blood coalesced itself around Zeng Li's fist, rendering it several times more powerful and elevating it's prowess by couple levels. In terms of conceptualization, this technique is quite similar to [Bloodhand], however, this one is an attack, offensive-type QI Technique that boosts one's power while [Bloodhand] is a utility type technique, it almost boosts all the aspects of one's hand such as strength, speed, grip, etc... But in terms of power and strength, [Bloodhand] is several levels below [Bloodfist]. After all, one is focused on attack while the other is a jack of all cards.
A bloody fist descended upon Ximen Wei, this attack was Zeng Li's most powerful technique yet, clearly his [Iron Body] wouldn't be able to block it. If it hit, the consequences will be dire, and he may lose his life! Admitting defeat is too late because the attack is already upon him.
Gritting his teeth, Ximen Wei finally unleashed the technique he's been holding on.
"[Devilish Paroxysm]."
Ximen Wei's already bloodshot eyes became completely red, an outburst of demonic emotions assaulted his senses and mental faculties, trying to overwhelm and drown him, however, Ximen Wei was a man of two lifetimes, he won't easily go insane.
Thanks to [Devilish Paroxysm], Ximen Wei erupted with unprecedented power, his defense and offense was greatly boosted, and he met Zeng Li's [Bloodfist] with his own!
BOOM!
A small explosion occurred, sending Zeng Li flying to the other end of the arena, on the other hand, since Ximen Wei was already backed into the corner, he was plunged onto the wall.
"W-what happened?" Zeng Li was shocked, both opponent's knuckles were badly mangled, bones could even be seen protruding out, if it weren't for the effects of [Bedevilment], the pain alone would be enough to make both Ximen Wei and Zeng Li scream miserably.
[Devilish Paroxysm] won't last for long, Ximen Wei wanted to take advantage of every second, so he quickly got up and shot straight towards Zeng Li with killing intent, his speed was so fast even Zeng Li, someone who is proficient in movement-type martial arts and footwork techniques, found it hard to keep an eye on him.
In the blink of an eye, Ximen Wei was standing in front of Zeng Li, he kicked viciously towards Zeng Li's stomach, the kick was fast and sudden, Zeng Li had no chance whatsoever to defend it so he was sent flying. He coughed a mouthful of blood in mid-air as he looked towards Ximen Wei viciously.
"[Blood Spit]." An arrow of blood shot towards Ximen Wei from Zeng Li's mouth, it was so fast that even Ximen Wei, under the effects of [Devilish Paroxysm], couldn't dodge it. The [Blood Spit] was aiming for Ximen Wei's head, fortunately, he titled it ever so slightly, making the [Blood Spit] go past his cheeks, leaving behind a scar that was instantly crystallized, the same thing goes for Ximen Wei's knuckles, a layer of crystals appeared over them, clearly the effects of [Wound Crystallization] are still on.
On the other hand, Zeng Li's knuckles were still bleeding, seeing this, he too casted the same Qi Technique, making a layer of crystals appear over his wounded hand.
"Damn you, Ximen Wei. You were clearly so weak before, what Qi Technique did you use that made you so strong in a heartbeat?"
Unfortunately for Zeng Li, Ximen Wei was not in the mood for a talk, his [Devilish Paroxysm] can wear off at any moment, so using his boosted speed, he appeared in front of Zeng Li and launched a quick succession of fists.
Ximen Wei's fists, powered by [Devilish Paroxysm], were incredibly powerful, every single one of them was not a tad bit less than a fist powered by both [Strengthen], [Iron Fist] and even [Enfeeble].
In order to defend against them, Zeng Li had to rely on Qi Techniques, otherwise his weak body would instantly crumble if a single fist hit!
"[Bloodshield]!"
"[Bloodshield]!!"
One shield after another was broken, Zeng Li was at his wits' end and his energy and qi reserves were depleting rather quickly.
'Shit, if only I had a technique like [Iron Body].' Zeng Li was defending for his life as he gritted his teeth.
"[BLOODSHIELD]!!!!" Zeng Li was frenzied, he had no way to defend against Ximen Wei's barrage of fists, on the other hand, it wouldn't be too long before Ximen Wei's [Devilish Paroxysm] would end.
"I ADMIT DEFEAT, STOP!" Finally, Zeng Li gave up, and Ximen Wei stopped. The moment Ximen Wei stopped, his [Devilish Paroxysm] wore off, and instantly a wave of weakness washed over him, he felt dizzy and had the urge to vomit, but he bore through it and leaned over the arena's walls, gasping for air.
The same could be said for Zeng Li, both were resting and gasping for air. Their energy and qi reserves are emptied, and both were seriously injured.
Ximen Wei had a hole in his shoulder, while Zeng Li's ribs are broken due to the earlier kick, both opponent's knuckles were badly mangled, it was a gruesome sight to behold, howsever, none of them felt a damn thing, they were basking in the moment of rest they're currently having and at the same time, fought the urge to lapse into unconsciousness.
The fight was ruthless and cruel, despite being from the same sect, and even fellow Heaven tier talent disciples, none of them held back. Unfortunately this is how it is in the Immortal Devil Sect, unless one side vastly outstripped the other in terms of strength, then the ensuing fight would be something along the likes of this. In facts, fights like this are quite common amongst the disciples of the Immortal Devil Sect, with some of them even having deaths.
On the other hand, other sects, despite allowing fights and battles between disciples, forbid seriously injuring or killing the opponent, Ximen Wei didn't know whether it was his fortune or misfortune to join a sect such as the Immortal Devil Sect.
On one hand, their techniques, manuals and magical arts alongside their experts are powerful enough to rank in the top ten sects of the Divine Star Continent, on the other hand, their policy and training system is so cruel and rigid where the disciples are left to fend off for themselves.
'So at my current level of power, [Devilish Paroxysm] only lasts for five seconds, and allows me to burst with this much of power.' Ximen Wei was analyzing his earlier battle, and coming up with solutions and fixes to his shortcomings and weaknesses.
'Zeng Li only uses fiend-path and blood-related Qi Techniques, which puts less tax on his Extraordinary Meridians, and allows him to burst forth with even more power since they are a matching set. I really need a set of space-time path Qi Techniques if I want to utilize my 100% of my power.'
Healers dispatched by the main sect descended onto the arena and picked up both Ximen Wei and Zeng Li to the healing area, the main reason why disciples fight recklessly is because the sect will heal almost all of your injuries after the fight.
'I also need to pick up martial art skills and fighting techniques, without relying on any Qi Techniques whatsoever, Zeng Li was able to force me into a corner just by relying on his raw fists despite me having [Iron Body].'
Indeed, Qi Cultivators should not only rely on Qi Techniques and Magical Arts for combat, casting those will deplete his energy and qi reserves, which will allow his opponent to take advantage of his weakness and sum up the fight. Qi Cultivators should also rely on skills, martial arts and other techniques to fight. Although their power may not be as great as a Qi Technique and a Magical Art, they are definitely not to be underestimated, because some superb martial arts carry with them a little hint of qi that'll multiply their power by several folds, it almost uses little to no qi and the amount of power they can unleash is astonishing.
'I need to pick up a footwork technique as well! Zeng Li was able to attack and retreat whenever he pleased thanks to his footwork technique, even when I tried to caught him off guard and launched a sneak attack, he dodged!'
After evaluating his shortcomings, and now that all Ximen Wei's injuries are almost healed, he paid the four-story pagoda visit for martial arts and footwork techniques, thankfully compared to Qi Techniques and Qi Condensation Manuals, they were quite cheap, almost every single disciple, even if they were copper-tier, can afford them!
When he was exploring the catalogue, he came upon quite a few interesting martial arts and techniques.
'[Swordheart's Ninety-Nine Stances], a sword technique that is quite cheap but pretty good, it is divided into three parts, basic, proficiency and mastery, upon reaching the mastery level, one will be able to imbue his sword attacks with a tinge of qi...'
The sword is a widely used weapon in the cultivation world, almost every single cultivator uses it because it's light and super efficient, on the other hand, sword techniques that allows one to imbue his attacks with qi are quite rare, Qi Cultivators who possess these kind of sword techniques are feared even by people of the same rank, they are definitely not to be underestimated.
'[Indomitable Spirit], a common martial arts technique that focuses on hand-to-hand close combat, Zeng Li is probably a practitioner of this technique, and he must've have reached the proficiency level as well, worthy of a 4th Heaven-tier talent. This technique is beginner-friendly in the basic parts but it gets exceedingly hard once you reach the proficiency level, however, it is viewed by many as a must-ve technique.'
'And there's this [The Devil's Dance] footwork technique, a superb movement technique of the Immortal Devil Sect, developed by Sect Leader Demonfire himself and the latter parts of this technique allows you to imbue your feet with qi to reach unprecedented levels of agility and speed.'
After thinking for a long time, Ximen Wei picked [Indomitable Spirit] because it was absolutely necessary to him at the moment, a footwork technique can wait for now. The martial arts technique costed around 18 points, which is quite cheap compared to other martial ats and techniques.
Book in hand, Ximen Wei went back to his residence to study it and prepare himself for the next battle in the battle arena.
Meanwhile, in the main castle of the Immortal Devil Sect, inside one of the large towers, two men could be seen seated in a table, drinking immortal wine and indulging in exquisite food.
One was a handsome looking young man who wore white robes, his skin was fair and smooth, without any blemishes, his eyebrows were sharp and his hair was neatly kempt.
This was the Qi Lord of the Immortal Devil Sect, Sect Leader Demonfire.
Seated on the other end of the table was a tall young man with violet hair that draped over his shoulders, he wore many ornaments and clothes that radiated intense power, clearly the things he's wearing are not ordinary things, they are powerful protective Qi Artifacts!
This was the sole space-path Qi Expert of the Immortal Devil Sect, held in high regards by even the Sect Leader himself, Elder Murong Xi.
"So what do you think of him?" Demonfire casually said as he sipped on wine.
"Since the patriarch himself assigned me to be his Dao-Protector, I naturally wouldn't dare to disobey. If you want my honest opinion about this kid, he's not bad, he's only ten years old and has already opened eight Extraordinary Meridians, plus his aptitude allows him to cultivate any path he wants, he can even train in the legendary trio-path Qi Condensation Manuals and have a trio-colored Qi Core, allowing him to control three qi-paths." Elder Murong replied.
"You're right, his talent and aptitude are indeed extraordinary. But I feel like he has an affinity for both space and time, maybe him ending up cultivating the [Five Niyamas of Space and Time] is the work of fate itself."
"You're absolutely right sect leader, although he possesses a superb aptitude for almost any path, he has a natural affinity with the space path and time path qi particles, he is more harmonious with them." Elder Murong nodded.
After thinking for quite some time, Elder Murong faced sect leader Demonfire.
"I want to take this kid as my personal disciple, what do you think, sect leader?"
"That's wonderful to hear, Elder Murong. But don't be overprotective of him, the patriarch clearly stated that we are only allowed to protect him from fourth-rank threats and above before he becomes a Rank 2 Qi Expert. So if a Rank 1 or Rank 2 Qi Expert tries to kill him before he achieves Qi Ascension, don't intervene!"
"Since it's the patriarch's instructions, I will naturally obey. I will officially take him on as a disciple once he becomes a Level 3 Qi Trainee."
And with that, both of the figures went on their way. When Elder Murong heard that he had to protect Ximen Wei from fourth-rank threats and above, he was not fazed in the least. Why? Because he was a space-path Rank 3 Qi Expert!
Space-path is an unorthodox, unfathomable and mysterious path, with the right Qi Techniques and Magical Arts, Murong Xi can explode forth with the power of a Qi Lord! Something many people would find impossible!
That's the advantage of cultivating one of the unorthodox paths, compared to orthodox ones such as fire, earth, water, wind, thunder, etc... space-path alone is totally capable of suppressing them.
That's why sect leader Demonfire had to treat Murong Xi, a peak-stage Rank 3 Qi Expert, as he would treat his peers. Demonfire is a fire-path Qi Lord, while Murong Xi is a space-path Qi Master, although the latter is merely a Qi Master, he is totally capable of unleashing attacks that can shake Demonfire.
The curtains of night fell, moon light shined over the trees and vegetation of the Tang Mountains. A group of three thousand elites could be seen making their way very carefully in the woods.
"Halt." Song Laohu barked. Instantly, everyone stopped in their places.
"Patriarch Song, what's the matter?" One of the Rank 1 Qi Experts on his side couldn't help but ask. "Did we get discovered?"
"No, we have the [Nightcloak] pearl masking our presence, unless one of the elders of the Immortal Devil Sect deliberately scan this area, they won't be able to notice us." Song Laohu replied.
"Then what's the matter?"
"Just wait and see."
After waiting for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, a figure radiating a majestic aura descended from the skies, it was a middle aged man with a dashing aura who wore daoist robes.
When the various Qi Experts saw the incoming figures, their expression changed and they quickly became wary, of course, Song Laohu stayed calm and even had a smiling expression on his face.
"Senior apprentice brother, you've finally came!" Song Laohu said welcomingly.
"Oh, junior apprentice brother, it's been a while, how have you been?" The incoming figure said.
This newcomer is not a mere Rank 1 Qi Expert, he was a Rank 2 Qi Expert, a figure on par with Long Gen and the Green Lotus City Lord, he was going to lend a hand to Song Laohu and assist in them launching an attack against the Immortal Devil Sect.
"Junior apprentice brother, master has asked you to be wary of the Immortal Devil Sect when you attack, supposedly they have figures that even master would find hard to fight against. I know you have the [Heavenlock Space Cage] Jade Talisman and [Solarfire Dust] on your possession, but it's better to be safe than sorry." The newcomer warned Song Laohu.
When the other eight Rank 1 Qi Experts heard of the [Solarfire Dust], they actually wore confused expressions, they've lived for countless years, but it's their first time hearing of such a treasure, but since it's mentioned in the same breath as the [Heavenlock Space Cage] talisman, it surely must be extraordinary.
Now, they looked at Song Laohu in a new light, and they felt more confident in this surprise assault, and now that a Rank 2 Qi Expert is accompanying them to the Immortal Devil Sect, their chances are greater.
As for Song Laohu's master? They didn't dare to ask questions about that figure, because sometimes the less you know, the better it is.
And just like that, the group of three thousand soldiers, nine Rank 1 Qi Experts and an illustrious Rank 2 Qi Expert headed towards the Immortal Devil Sect, the abode of demons and devils, a place even the most formidable powers of the Divine Star Continent fear.
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