A Daring Gamble

Thunder magic is profound and its power is immense.

It is said that transcending martial arts is a kind of Immortal Technique.

This vast territory was once called "Thunderous Realm". In that era, those with the talent for thunder magic held a status far higher than other martial artists, and could even trample on those with Pure Immortal Body.

It was the powerful rise of Zen Sea Observing Mist that dethroned Lei Xiao Sect from its ruling position.

The name "Lingxiao" refers to the former Lei Xiao Sect, which it surpasses.

It can be said that although Lei Xiao Sect is the only sect with tens of millions of members in Lingxiao Shengjing, dominating the Eastern Territory with disciples spread across various states and possessing immense power, it is now at its weakest and most decadent state compared to its historical prosperity.

This is why the Lei Xiao Sect is so ambitious and wants to conquer the world.

In their view, they were not rebelling, but rising again, seeking revenge, striving to break out of the Eastern Territory, and restoring the glory of their ancestor.

Disciples of the Lei Xiao Sect who are proficient in thunder magic are naturally top-tier in combat power among those of the same cultivation level.

"Boom!"

In this neighborhood, deafening thunderclaps echoed.

Bright arcs of electricity swirled and flowed, releasing an extremely powerful destructive force.

The young martial artists from various states watching from below the arena were all amazed, gathering in small groups to whisper among themselves. Many of them were seeing a legitimate disciple of the Lei Xiao Sect for the first time, truly experiencing the power of thunder magic, and admitting that their own cultivation level was no match for Luo Zhan.

"Martial artists of the same cultivation level can hardly withstand lightning magic with their protective aura; they must wear high-grade Magic Tool Battle Robe."

"Metal suits won't do; they have to be specially made to isolate and block lightning."

"Using bows and arrows, hidden weapons, or telekinesis for long-range attacks should be able to counter it. However, the attack speed is definitely slower than that of freely controlled lightning, putting us at a disadvantage."

Li Weiyi's movements were swift and agile, like a shadow, unpredictable and ever-changing, as he weaved through the lightning and constantly avoided danger.

"Bang!"

Taking advantage of the moment when Luo Zhan casting his lightning spell, he shattered Luo Zhan's protective electric aura with a single finger.

Immediately afterwards, the next palm strike came crashing down like a tidal wave, the wind howling like a wall of air, knocking him off the stage.

"Lei Xiao Sect Luo Zhan defeated in seven moves."

Luo Zhan, unharmed, quickly stood still below the arena, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

He knew Li Weiyi was very strong, so he kept a calm mindset and didn't try to win. But as a disciple of the Lei Xiao Sect, it would be too shameful to be unable to withstand even ten moves from his opponent!

With the profound demeanor of a grandmaster, Li Weiyi naturally offered some guidance. "The Lei Xiao Sect truly lives up to its reputation as the number one sect in the world. The mystery and domineering power of its thunder techniques are unparalleled. Luo Zhan, do you know where you went wrong?"

Luo Zhan was also reviewing the situation in his mind. "The arena you set up is too small! You can't use your lightning magic at all. If the arena were big enough, you might not be able to defeat me even in ten or a hundred moves, let alone ten."

Luo Zhan considered himself to be very calm and rational, but many people present could hear the resentment in his voice.

Li Weiyi shook his head and sighed, "The strong reflect on themselves, the weak blame others. You haven't seen your own problems clearly at all. You rely too much on lightning magic, so once someone gets close, you lose the ability to defend yourself."

"Furthermore, your lightning magic has a fatal flaw. After unleashing the sixth attack, there's a noticeable period when your magical energy is running low. If you don't address this weakness and allow your enemies to seize the opportunity, they will take your life."

"Today, it is not the Lei Xiao Sect that has been defeated, but you, Luo Zhan."

In martial arts, Li Weiyi often listened to the teachings of Master Urn and Coffin Master, so he spoke with certainty and clarity. He could talk about how the circulation of magical energy affects the moves, and how strength varies under different mental states.

One can also guide these martial arts practitioners from different angles, such as weaknesses and strengths, intentions and spirit.

In short, he needed to find a convincing reason why he, a mortal, possessed extraordinary combat power.

For example:

The pinnacle of martial arts knowledge.

Luo Zhan stared blankly, his expression changing drastically. He felt that every word Li Weiyi spoke was the truth, as if Li Weiyi had seen right through him.

"Thank you for your guidance, Young Master Li. Luo Zhan is completely convinced of his defeat. However, I will come back to challenge you again..."

Luo Zhan bowed and secretly pondered how to cover up his mistake.

Li Weiyi's voice was firm and resonant, each word like a nail. "Who is the most powerful fighter among the Fourth Realm of the Five Seas in your Lei Xiao Sect? Bring him here!"

"Young Master Li, Lu Wensheng is here."

A melodious voice then rang out.

Lu Wensheng's body was enveloped in lightning, resembling a serpentine beam of light, traversing a distance of more than ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) before shooting onto the arena.

"Sizzle!"

Countless lightning worms immediately appeared on the ground of the entire arena.

"My God, even Lu Wensheng has been alerted and come out!"

"This is the elder brother of the inheritor of the Lei Xiao Sect, the Nine Springs Pure Immortal Body!"

"The Nine Springs Pure Immortal Body is merely the foundation; Lu Wensheng's greatest strength lies in his lightning techniques. It is said that he has mastered the Eighteen Lightning Strike Array, enabling him to overcome adversity and defeat powerful individuals at the Fifth Realm of the Five Seas multiple times."

"Even those at the same level might not be able to defeat him."

The young disciples of the Lei Xiao Sect stepped forward in unison, full of vigor and exuding an air of superiority.

Li Weiyi focused intently on Lu Wensheng, who stood three zhang away opposite him. "My opponent has finally appeared!"

Lu Wensheng said very politely, "You've played many matches in a row, take a break, I'll wait for you to recover to your peak condition."

"No need, I'm at my strongest right now."

Li Weiyi's Jade Void Breathing Technique is incredibly powerful. Even if the magical energy in his Qi Sea is depleted, it can be restored at an extremely fast speed. Moreover, he hasn't used the magical energy from his third Qi Sea at all during the fight, as he doesn't want to affect his energy accumulation progress.

Lu Wensheng sensed the madness emanating from his opponent and looked at the banners on either side of the arena. "How about we increase the stakes? If you lose to me, you have to hang these two banners on the stone pillars of Peach Plum Mountain's gate for three days."

Peach Plum Mountain is the Ancestral Mountain in the very center of Qiuzhou City, and the location of Zuoqiu Courtyard.

Li Weiyi said, "I can't make that decision... Brother Lu seems to have ill intentions."

"Zuoqiu Ting dared to write such arrogant words, so he should pay the price. If you really can't do it, then let's change it. After you lose, take these two banners to the gate of Peach Plum Mountain and eat them," Lu Wensheng said.

The powerful rebel Rebel Army like Lei Xiao Sect and Dragon Gate came to the Qianlong Lantern Festival not to support Zuoqiu Courtyard Men, but to use this opportunity to suppress Zuoqiu Courtyard and get Du'e Temple to support them.

It can be said that even though Lu Wensheng knew that Li Weiyi's strength was no less than his own, he still regarded him as a lackey, and all he could think about was how to take the opportunity to suppress the prestige of the Zuoqiu Courtyard.

Li Weiyi said, "Brother Lu, what if you're the one who loses?"

"Then I'll eat these two banners in front of all the martial arts practitioners in the world. Is that fair?"

Lu Wensheng naturally had his own calculations in mind.

On the surface, he would only be considered a winner if he defeated Li Weiyi.

In reality, he only needs to withstand ten moves from Li Weiyi to shatter the promise on the banner that "Defeat All Enemies Within Ten Moves." At that point, would Li Weiyi have the face to let him utter such a boast?

As long as he makes bets around the banner, he can remain invincible.

"That won't do. If you eat it, wouldn't I have to go to Zuoqiu Ting to rewrite it?"

Li Weiyi seemed to have become emotional as well, and said, "If I lose, I will lose not only my dignity, but also all the Spring Coin and blood crystals there. I don't care about Brother Lu's dignity; I only want an equivalent amount of money."

"Young Master Li..."

Qi Wangshu felt that Li Weiyi had lost her temper and was acting on impulse, and that she shouldn't have agreed to this unreasonable bet.

Lu Wensheng's move is aimed at the first inheritor and the Zuoqiu Courtyard.

"Don't worry about me! He tried to trample on my dignity first. This battle is inevitable," Li Weiyi said.

Sitting in his chair, Qi Xiao frowned and reminded him, "Li Weiyi, Lu Wensheng is a formidable opponent even one realm above you. It's best not to act rashly. If you lose, the Zuoqiu Courtyard will also lose face."

Lu Wensheng glanced at the three large boxes and one small chest, containing over two hundred thousand Spring Coin —an enormous sum. He didn't have that much wealth, nor did he want to fight a battle he couldn't win, and he hesitated...

"Ten moves, ten moves to take down Lu Wensheng, I will never disgrace Zuoqiu." Li Weiyi gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"Good! What a bold move! The bet is settled!"

Lu Wensheng immediately agreed, fearing that Qi Xiao would cause trouble and ruin the whole thing.

Qi Xiao's face was cold and stern. He stood up angrily, not wanting to associate with someone who had lost their mind.

Qi Wangshu held on tightly, pleading desperately, before finally managing to get him to stay.

The two fighters on the ring had already assumed their fighting stances.

One exuded surging magical energy, full of fighting spirit. The other unleashed lightning, and a towering figure of Battle Intent materialized.

Knowing that Li Weiyi was incredibly fast, Lu Wensheng made the first move. With a flick of his fingers, five lightning serpents, each several meters long, materialized and flew towards Li Weiyi.

Li Weiyi was well aware of the strength of his opponent and was more serious than ever before.

To conceal one's true strength in front of such a powerful opponent, while simultaneously appearing to go all out to defeat them, is no easy task.

Clear Void Cicada Evasion Step was unleashed, revealing his superb agility as he weaved among the five lightning serpents, closing in on Lu Wensheng.

"This is your true mastery of movement techniques!"

Lu Wensheng believed he had forced his opponent to reveal his true strength, but he remained calm and composed. He unleashed a palm strike carrying lightning, clashing head-on with Li Weiyi who was closing in.

"Boom!"

The two men suddenly joined together and then separated, each taking three steps back.

While secretly shocked by Li Weiyi's terrifying power, Lu Wensheng calmly said, "I'm not Luo Zhan! My magical energy and physical body are both cultivated; I have no weaknesses. You are indeed very strong. Among those at the Fourth Realm of the Five Seas, there are few who can match my strength."

"But if that's all you have to offer, you'll inevitably be defeated within ten moves."

"Lightning Strike Array!"

Lu Wensheng pointed to the sky.

"Compassionate Sail Opening Light!"

Li Weiyi unleashed a single finger strike, the beam of light powerful and potent.

Forced into a corner, Lu Wensheng had no choice but to stop casting the Lightning Strike Array and unleash a bolt of lightning that annihilated the incoming beam of light.

"Bang! Bang..."

The finger techniques and lightning clashed fiercely, neither side willing to concede.

However, the finger technique only has one beam of light, while lightning has many beams, so it can be said that Lu Wensheng always had the upper hand.

Qi Xiao stared intently at the arena. "If we can maintain a fast pace and prevent Lu Wensheng from unleashing the Eighteen Lightning Strike Array, we still have a chance to win. But that will have to wait until after a hundred moves!"

Qi Wangshu and Zuoqiu Baiyuan were more nervous than anyone else, constantly counting the moves they exchanged.

"Seven moves, eight moves... nine moves..."

"Nine moves!"

Someone shouted.

Meanwhile, Li Weiyi, whose body was charred black by lightning on the arena, roared, pressed his hands to his temples, and then quickly formed hand seals, chanting a spell that no one could understand. "Compassionate salvation, freedom throughout heaven and earth, cause and effect reversed, the Dao Birth to chaos..."

"Whoosh!"

It's still the same Compassionate Sail Opening Light technique, but the power of the finger strike has greatly increased.