Ling Xiao stood poised, his aura flowing steadily.
He disliked wasting true essence.
Every attack had to be precise.
The analytical power of his Mountain River Martial Soul gave him the smartest way to fight.
Roar~~
The cry of a giant elephant echoed.
Incredibly, it came from the strange whistling of Jin Ming’s fists.
Pfft—
Below, weaker outer sect disciples spat blood, overwhelmed by the terrifying pressure in the sound, scrambling to flee farther away.
Undoubtedly, Jin Ming’s punch could kill a First-Tier Mortal Realm warrior of soul or internal energy, and most half-step grandmasters would be obliterated.
This seemingly ordinary punch was already more terrifying than Tuoba Shan’s fully charged killing move.
Ling Xiao could dodge.
But he didn’t!
He aimed to shatter Jin Ming’s pride in his physical strength, creating a more shocking impact.
Divine Prison King Fist—Bull Head Split! Horse Face Shatter!
Dual fists, different techniques.
Ling Xiao knew his strengths.
The Divine Prison King Fist was the best choice against Jin Ming.
His punch, in both spectacle and power, matched Jin Ming’s Mammoth Charge.
Yet, he still targeted Jin Ming’s weakest points.
But Jin Ming was no easy foe.
At the critical moment, he slightly altered his attack’s direction, thwarting Ling Xiao’s attempt to exploit his weakness.
Their clash was solid, unadorned, and brimming with raw power.
Boom!
Bang!
The collision of their terrifying forces caused an outer sect disciple, standing too close, to burst blood vessels, bleeding uncontrollably.
Others clutched their heads, forced to retreat further.
The spectacle was thrilling, but it was deadly.
Moments later, both stepped back.
Ling Xiao drifted lightly, retreating over ten meters before stopping, his gaze cold and sharp on Jin Ming.
Jin Ming staggered back a dozen steps, his face showing surprise.
Clearly, it was an even clash.
But Jin Ming was the one shocked, having assumed Ling Xiao’s true essence was heavily depleted. He’d aimed to crush him immediately, boosting his reputation with a stunning victory.
“This Ling Xiao is extraordinary, clashing head-on with a monster like Jin Ming without losing ground!”
“Jin Ming focuses on physical cultivation, aiming to ascend to Mortal Realm through bodily potential, but Ling Xiao’s movement is peerless, and his body is top-tier. Could all three of his potentials be exceptional?”
“I heard he has a rare treasure body, with all three potentials balanced.”
“Good grief, he’s the real monster. How does he have the energy to enhance all three potentials?”
The clash left the crowd stunned.
Those hoping Ling Xiao would fall to Jin Ming gnashed their teeth in frustration.
Jin Ming was the most displeased.
From birth, his parents had soaked his body in medicinal herbs, steering him toward body refinement.
Though his talent wasn’t as freakish as some, his head-start training made him a body cultivator capable of defeating First-Tier Mortal Realm warriors.
Yet today, Ling Xiao had blocked his attack.
Ling Xiao’s physical condition rivaled his?
At eighteen, Jin Ming was four years older than the fourteen-year-old Ling Xiao. The age gap gnawed at him, making him feel foolish compared to this prodigy.
“This Jin Ming isn’t as clumsy as he looks. His reactions and combat skills far surpass those three idiots from before!” Ling Xiao stood, analyzing Jin Ming’s fighting style.
It was the first time someone had evaded his flaw-targeting attack.
Fascinating, truly fascinating.
Fighting such an opponent was perfect for addressing his weaknesses in combat technique.
He’d never considered what to do if his flaw attacks were countered.
But today, he felt he could learn something from this battle.
“Ling Xiao, I didn’t expect your body to be so formidable, but sadly, this isn’t my true form!” Jin Ming said, his expression calming.
Though Ling Xiao had surprised him, he still had trump cards.
“Next, I’ll show you a nightmare. There’s still time to regret.”
“I’m a curious sort. I’d love to see what you call your true form,” Ling Xiao said honestly, doubting Jin Ming’s strength was limited to this, especially since he hadn’t played his own trump cards.
“Fine, since you want to see, I’ll indulge you. Just don’t regret it!” Jin Ming sneered, his body suddenly glowing with eerie red light.
A red glow enveloped him. Ling Xiao tested it by kicking a brick, which was instantly pulverized.
This guy was clearly prepared for sneak attacks, having set up this defense.
The defensive layer was formidable but couldn’t attack and consumed heavily.
Attacking it would be more costly than beneficial for Ling Xiao.
It was like facing a hedgehog’s shell, immobile for now.
Attacking might defeat Jin Ming, but it would come at a heavy cost.
Besides, Ling Xiao wasn’t afraid of Jin Ming and saw him as a key to refining his skills.
Defeating him too soon would be a waste.
“Beast Frenzy Body!”
With Jin Ming’s roar, his aura suddenly condensed, focusing entirely into his body.
In that instant, Ling Xiao felt he faced not a man but a ferocious beast.
Jin Ming’s physique transformed dramatically.
His once lean frame grew to over two meters tall, muscles taut and forged, exuding a beastly aura.
“Impressive, this must be your true strength,” Ling Xiao said, taking a deep breath, not daring to be careless. His body shimmered with golden light, forming a layer of dragon scale armor as if crafted from gold.
Against a strong opponent, Ling Xiao never underestimated.
But if Jin Ming’s abilities stopped here, it wouldn’t force his full strength, the Heavenly Dragon Scale Armor alone would suffice.
Mammoth Trample!
A thunderous boom.
Jin Ming stomped the ruins, a deafening roar accompanied by swirling dust.
A true essence shockwave surged from the ground toward Ling Xiao.
Ling Xiao stomped, halting the shockwave.
But his brow suddenly furrowed.
Jin Ming had vanished.
Not only was his figure obscured by the dust, but his aura had disappeared too.
