White Flame Fluff

Swish!

The teleportation light subsided, and Su Bai's figure reappeared beneath the pillar of light in front of the giant arena.

With Zhang Feifei eliminated, only nine beams of light remained in the arena.

The atmosphere was more somber than before.

For the remaining Elite in the arena, Zhang Feifei, the genius Disciple of the Talisman Crafting Court, had always been a troublesome "variable."

As the prized protégé of the Talisman Crafting Court, no one knew exactly how many strange and unusual Talisman were in his Storage Bag.

Regardless of the outcome of the fight, a fierce battle would likely deplete my Spiritual Power, making me extremely vulnerable to the challenges ahead.

Although some people found Su Bai's method of eliminating them so cleverly unpleasant, it objectively solved a major problem for everyone.

Therefore, when Su Bai returned, although no one spoke of it openly.

However, in the gazes of Dongfang Luoyu, Xiao Yifei, and the others, in addition to scrutiny, there was also a subtle hint of gratitude.

Outside, Zhang Feifei, looking utterly dejected, silently steadied herself for a moment amidst the crowd, her pale complexion slightly recovering.

He looked at the figure in the Azure Robe in the arena, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

But eventually, these emotions settled down and transformed into a calm reflection.

"At least... it made me see my biggest weakness right now."

Zhang Feifei muttered to himself.

"Faced with an opponent who is far faster than me and tactically more agile, simply piling on defense is nothing more than waiting to be killed. No matter how strong the defense is, it's meaningless if you can't hit your opponent."

He clenched his fist, his eyes rekindling with fighting spirit. "Mobility... Next, we must focus on researching the crafting and application of Talisman that increase Movement Method speed, disrupt opponents' movements, or restrict movement over a wide area!"

"Su Bai... I'll remember this defeat. Next time, I'll show you the true power of talismans!"

Inside the arena, after Su Bai cleverly outmaneuvered Zhang Feifei by conserving most of his Spiritual Power, a brief silence descended once more.

This silence is different from the previous ones.

Su Bai's stunning [Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven] and his flexible and adaptable tactical style completely shattered some people's plans to pick on the weak first.

The Sword Dao Divine Ability powerful, and the Sword Control Technique is ridiculously fast; if you can't win, you can always run away...

This guy is like a slippery eel, with sharp, venomous fangs!

Many people had similar thoughts.

Challenging him? The risk is too high.

Su Bai stood with his arms crossed, his gaze calmly sweeping over the other eight people, especially the top geniuses who had not yet made a move.

He was happy to see this hesitation; the longer it dragged on, the better for him, as it would allow him to recover more Spiritual Power.

Seeing that everyone was still hesitant, Li Zhao, who was in mid-air, Steward somewhat impatient and spoke again, "If you still cannot make a decision, then let..."

"No need to trouble you, Steward."

A gentle yet clear voice rang out, interrupting Li Zhao.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Qin Lin, the Chief of the Wood Court, slowly stepping out of the pillar of light.

Qin Lin was not particularly famous within the Inner Sect; in fact, he was excessively low-key.

This was his first time entering the second round of the Inner Sect Grand Competition. He usually kept to himself and few people knew his true strength except for the Disciple the Wood Court.

He had an ordinary face and a gentle temperament, like a pine tree in the mountains, unassuming yet possessing a quiet strength.

At this moment, his gaze calmly swept over the crowd and landed directly on Yang Guang, the Chief of the Lightning Court, in the second seat. He slightly cupped his hands and said, "Qin Lin, challenge the second seat."

"Um?"

Yang Guang's brows furrowed immediately, and his expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

He originally thought that his second seat was relatively secure, except that Zhao Shanhe might covet it.

Unexpectedly, the first person to challenge him was none other than the usually inconspicuous Chief of the Wood Court!

A newcomer to the Top Ten dares to directly challenge him, who is widely recognized as a top-three favorite?

Su Bai stood to the side, his eyes slightly narrowed, but he wasn't too surprised.

Even before, when he was observing in the Underground Training Ground, his [Clear Heart Sword Intent] Talent had faintly given him a warning.

The seemingly gentle and peaceful Qin Lin posed a potential threat to him that was no less than that of the icy and proud Zhao Hanshuang!

He even privately assessed that, besides himself, Zhao Hanshuang and Qin Lin were the most likely to be among the top three in this competition.

Qin Lin's original goal should have been the position of the first True Disciple.

Choosing to challenge for the second spot now might be a calculated move, a decision made after careful consideration, to secure a Foundation Establishment Pill first?

Or... do you have other plans?

Su Bai's mind raced with thoughts.

He was also eager to see what methods this Chief of the Wood Court, who posed a strong threat to him, possessed.

Although Yang Guang was displeased, how could he show weakness under the watchful eyes of everyone?

He snorted coldly, tiny arcs of electricity crackling around him. "Since Junior Brother Qin is willing to offer his guidance, I, Yang, will gladly oblige!"

The teleportation beam descended, engulfing the two into the arena.

The starting distance remains three hundred zhang.

Yang Guang clearly did not want to repeat the same mistake as Su Bai and Zhang Feifei's chase, and he also intended to finish the battle quickly and intimidate others.

The moment he landed, without any probing, his Lightning Attribute Spiritual Power erupted from his body!

Yang Guang was enveloped in dazzling silver-white lightning, transforming into a twisted bolt of lightning that tore through the air at an astonishing speed, shooting straight toward Qin Lin in the distance!

The Lightning Court's signature Quasi-Second Tier Law Technique— [Advanced Lightning Escape Technique]!

This technique is derived from First-Tier Superior-Grade [Lightning Escape Technique].

Through the improvements made by generations of sages in the Lightning Court, its speed in straight-line advance and short-range bursts is unparalleled among Qi Refining Stage Law Technique!

In the past, Lightning Court's Disciple firmly held the title of the king of speed among the Inner Sect precisely because of this technique.

With Yang Guang pushing it to its limits, the speed of this leap even made Su Bai secretly compare it, realizing that if he didn't fully activate the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique," he would probably be slightly inferior in terms of instantaneous burst speed.

Almost simultaneously with activating his Lightning Release, lightning surged wildly in Yang Guang's right palm. Countless fine and violent electric snakes were compressed and condensed within it, transforming into a deep Thunderball no bigger than a fist, yet radiating a terrifying and destructive aura!

Inside the Thunderball, electric currents flowed, emitting a faint, low rumble, as if imprisoning a miniature hell of lightning.

One of the most powerful killing Secret Art of the Lightning Court Qi Refining Stage — the Quasi-Second Tier Law Technique [Palm Thunder Prison]!

This technique compresses the raging power of lightning into a tiny space, and once released or in contact with a target, it will unleash terrifying destructive power far exceeding that of ordinary Thunder Method.

However, it is extremely difficult to control and requires strict control of Spiritual Power. It is very easy to lose control after leaving the body. Therefore, the most suitable way to use it is like Yang Guang is doing now, using [Advanced Lightning Escape Technique] to close the distance and personally press the Destructive Lightning Seal onto the opponent!

In Lightning Court, those who can master this technique are all the best among their peers.

As the lightning struck halfway through its strike, Yang Guang seemed to already see Qin Lin's protective Spiritual Power shattered by the [Palm Thunder Prison], and him being teleported away in a sorry state.

Faced with this lightning-fast and overwhelmingly powerful attack, Qin Lin on the other side of the arena remained calm and composed.

He did not retreat, nor did he cast any defensive Law Technique. He simply raised his right hand seemingly casually and gently waved it towards the empty space on either side of him.

Several tiny, almost imperceptible brown specks of light flew from his fingertips and silently disappeared into the hard ground of the arena.

The next moment, something unexpected happened!

"Click... click click!"

Just ahead of Yang Guang's advance, where those brown dots of light landed, the ground suddenly cracked open!

Thick vines, their bodies a bronze hue and covered in strange wood grain, burst forth from the earth at an incredible speed, growing rapidly, like giant pythons suddenly awakening from their slumber!

These vines are no ordinary plants; their texture subtly gleams with a metallic sheen and is incredibly tough.

Even more terrifying was its growth rate. With the blessing of Qin Lin's unique Wood Attribute catalytic Law Technique, in just half a breath, it transformed from a seed into a massive, layered Copper Wall copper and iron covering an area of dozens of feet in Fang Yuan, like a giant animal trap, which rushed towards Yang Guang!

"What the hell?!"

Yang Guang's pupils contracted sharply, and alarm bells rang in his mind.

But at this moment, his [Advanced Lightning Escape Technique] speed had reached its Peak, and his [Palm Thunder Prison] was ready to be unleashed. The arrow was already on the bowstring; how could he easily change course?

"Break through!" he roared, not slowing down but instead pouring more Spiritual Power into the Thunderball in his right hand, and slammed it down hard on the giant copper-colored vine net blocking his way!

Boom! Sizzle--!

[Palm Thunder Prison] collided violently with the bronze vines!

A blinding flash of lightning exploded instantly, and the violent power of the lightning raged wildly, charring and shattering any vines it touched!

Its power is indeed astonishing.

But there are just too many of these vines!

And as if it had a life of its own, new shoots quickly sprouted from the broken part and continued to twine around.

More importantly, the vines were far more resilient than Yang Guang had anticipated; the speed at which lightning destroyed them couldn't keep up with their frenzied growth!

Yang Guang felt as if he had punched into an endless, resilient jungle; the immense impact was gradually dissipated, and his speed suddenly decreased.

He swung the Thunderball, charging left and right, with lightning constantly exploding and charred vine fragments flying everywhere. But the vines surging from all sides grew more and more numerous and denser, gradually forming a vine cage that kept shrinking around him!

"Not good!"

Yang Guang's heart sank; he realized he was temporarily trapped by these strange vines!

[Palm Thunder Prison] is powerful, but its continuous activation consumes a tremendous amount of energy, and it also prevents the user from using other Law Technique to escape.

Just then, Qin Lin, who had remained standing still, made another move.

He made a mysterious Method Formula seal with his left hand, and with a slight flick of his right hand, he scattered another handful of tiny seeds covered in white down.

These seeds did not fall to the ground, but were suspended in mid-air under the guidance of his Spiritual Power, and were then infused with a pure and gentle Wood Attribute Spiritual Power.

Buzz~

A strange wave of Spiritual Power rippled outwards.

The seeds swelled and expanded at a visible speed, transforming into fluffy, pure white... Dandelion?

Dozens of pure white "Dandelion" floated up lightly, slowly, as if moving with the wind, drifting towards the lightning-streaked Battle Group ahead.

Their speed appeared so slow, their posture so harmless, so out of place with the intense battle unfolding on the field.

Yang Guang, trapped among the vines, naturally noticed the Dandelion drifting by.

He was initially puzzled, but then a strong sense of vigilance arose in his heart.

The Law Technique Qin Lin cast at this moment could not possibly be just for show!

"We can't be trapped here!" Yang Guang's eyes hardened, and he made a decisive decision.

He suddenly hurled the [Palm Thunder Prison] Thunderball in his hand, which was already quite depleted but still incredibly powerful, towards the densest part of the vines in front of him!

"Burst!"

Boom--!!!

A deafening, Thunder roar erupted!

The blinding lightning instantly engulfed a large swathe of vines, forcefully blasting open a gap several meters wide. The violent shockwave tore the surrounding vines to shreds.

Yang Guang transformed into a bolt of lightning, seizing the fleeting opportunity, and shot out from the gap. He activated [Advanced Lightning Escape Technique] again, his target aimed directly at Qin Lin in the distance!

Although it took a lot of effort, he was still confident as long as they got close!

The instant he broke free of the vine-bound cage and his vision cleared, he witnessed a scene that sent chills down his spine—

Those white "Dandelion" that were originally floating slowly seemed to be instantly infused with a violent soul under Qin Lin's simple hand seal!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The sound of something cutting through the air was sharp and piercing!

Dozens of Dandelion suddenly accelerated, as fast as arrows released from a bow—no, faster than arrows!

They trailed faint white contrails, like dozens of white shooting stars streaking across the night sky, precisely blocking all of Yang Guang's possible angles of evasion, and shooting towards him head-on in a perfect semi-circle!

The speed, timing, and angle were so precise that it seemed as if Yang Guang's escape route and speed had been calculated in advance!

This is not a fluffy ball floating in the wind at all; it is a deadly attack poised to strike!

Yang Guang's face turned ashen. He had just broken free with all his might, but his old strength was exhausted and new strength had not yet been generated. Even the [Advanced Lightning Escape Technique] could not change his direction instantly.

What's even more critical is that the distance between the two sides has already closed, and the speed of these meteors is beyond imagination!

There's no way to avoid it!

"No--!" Yang Guang only had time to hastily erect a lightning shield around his body.

The next instant, a swarm of white "meteors" roared in!

Bang bang bang bang bang--!!!

The explosions were so dense they were heart-stopping!

A blindingly bright milky-white flame erupted, instantly engulfing Yang Guang and the lightning surrounding him!

The flames weren't scorching hot; instead, they carried a chilling sensation that burned away Spiritual Power, frantically disintegrating Yang Guang's protective lightning.

A terrifying shockwave from the explosion swept outwards, causing even the Disciple watching from afar to feel a stinging pain in their faces.

The flames and light slowly dissipated.

Qin Lin remained standing in the same spot, his clothes fluttering, his expression calm, as if he had only done a trivial matter.

He looked toward the center of the explosion, where there was no one, only a charred patch on the arena floor and the lingering aura of violent annihilation in the air.

A faint Spatial Fluctuation swept by, and Yang Guang's figure appeared under the pillar of light outside the arena. He staggered, his face was ashen, his aura was weak, and his Robe of Law were charred and torn in many places.

Clearly, at the last moment, the formation identified it as a "fatal threat" and teleported it out for protection.

He lost, lost decisively, and didn't even manage to get within thirty feet of Qin Lin!

The entire arena fell silent; everyone was stunned by this sudden and overwhelming victory.

Qin Lin withdrew his gaze and looked at Yang Guang, who was still not fully recovered from the shock outside the arena. He explained in a calm tone, but his voice clearly carried throughout the entire arena:

"This is ' White Flame Fluff,' a specially cultivated Spirit Plant seed. After being catalyzed by Secret Method, its velvet contains extremely unstable pure wood spirit energy, which will violently explode upon contact with Spiritual Power."

"The power of a single flower is comparable to the full-force attack of Qi Refining Great Perfection Cultivator."

He paused, then added, "Just now, I catalyzed a total of thirty-six flowers."

After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

Comparable to a full-force attack from thirty-six Qi Refining Great Perfection Cultivator simultaneously?

And it hit even when the route was carefully planned and there was no way to avoid it?

Everyone gasped, and their gazes toward Qin Lin completely changed.

This usually unassuming Chief the Wood Court possesses a terrifyingly hidden strength and ruthless, decisive tactical mind!