Farewell

Hao Meng didn't react at all, just watched Yue Lin's fist strike towards him, causing gasps from the surrounding crowd.

"As expected, a good-for-nothing. Under my fist with seventy percent of my power, he can't even react. The rumors about Hao Meng voluntarily withdrawing from the Heaven Tier Class back then were just an excuse to save face."

Yue Lin imagined Hao Meng's pathetic state after being defeated, believing his swift, thunderous blow would spread his name throughout the academy and even the entire Cangyun Empire, making him famous.

Unfortunately, his wishes were grand, but reality was harsh. The expected crushing victory didn't happen. His fist stopped just an inch away from Hao Meng. An invisible force blocked him and his opponent. No matter how hard he pushed, he couldn't advance an inch.

"Heavens, could it be Yuan Qi Projection? Isn't that a skill only Core Formation Realm experts can use?"

"Yeah, isn't Hao Meng from Qinglan Academy known for his stagnant cultivation?"

"No way, did he break through? No wonder he was so confident facing Senior Yue. He's already a Core Formation Realm expert."

Core Formation Realm: able to project Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi to fight enemies.

Nascent Soul Realm: can use Yuan Qi to manipulate objects. The Flying Sword used by Nangong Wuqing earlier was a typical characteristic of the Nascent Soul Realm. Once one breaks through to the Immeasurable Realm, they can mobilize vast amounts of Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi, their power comparable to moving mountains and seas.

If one succeeds and enters the Tribulation Crossing Realm, they can use any energy in the world, becoming truly invincible.

As for the legendary Ascension Realm, no one knows what the world beyond Ascension is like. Ascending in broad daylight, with celestial phenomena guiding the way, perhaps that is the true end of Immortal Cultivation.

Doubt, astonishment, and discussion rippled behind Yue Lin. Yue Lin's entire face turned red. He never imagined Hao Meng had already broken through to the Core Formation Realm. If he had known, he wouldn't have dared to confront Hao Meng even with a hundred times the courage.

The gap between cultivators of different major realms is immense, a fundamental difference in how Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi is utilized, something that cannot be compensated for by talent or Martial Artifacts and Magic Treasures.

Previously, Li Mu and Hao Meng had both unleashed power comparable to a Core Formation Realm strike. Li Yue was exceptionally talented, exchanging a blow with Nangong Wuqing, who was at the beginner stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, with his perfected Core Formation Realm strength. However, this did not mean they could truly fight an enemy a major realm above them. Nangong Wuqing's previous attack was a failed sneak attack; a further forceful engagement would have meant a complete break with the Li Family, something the Nangong Family would never want to see.

"Is this the best your Cangyun Academy's fists can do? Barely touching me. Perhaps it's because so many people from Twin Phoenix Tower are here. Brother, young men should be moderate."

Hao Meng looked at Yue Lin, who was exerting all his strength, and began to tease him. This remark, filled with one part jest, one part ridicule, one part mockery, and one part condescension, caused the surrounding crowd to erupt in laughter.

"Damn, Senior Hao has changed a lot recently. Could it be that I've corrupted him?"

Li Mu, standing nearby, was also stunned by Hao Meng's sharp wit. If this were a few months ago, he would never have believed that the honest and simple Senior Hao would say such a thing. It seemed that after spending more time with him, even Senior Hao's inner wildness was starting to be unleashed.

"Since your fists are so weak, let's try the fists of our Qinglan Academy. Please, Brother Yue, do enlighten me."

Hao Meng said, not giving Yue Lin any time to react. His right hand shot out like a tiger's claw, firmly grasping the fist aimed at him. Then, his left hand formed into a fist and punched towards Yue Lin's terrified face.

Hao Meng didn't use any Martial Skill for this punch; it was just an ordinary blow. But in Yue Lin's eyes, the momentum felt like a mountain pressing down on him. He desperately tried to pull his fist back, but despite all his strength, he couldn't move. He could only watch as Hao Meng's fist got closer and closer.

With a loud collision of fist and flesh, Yue Lin, who was previously arrogant, had his entire face disfigured by Hao Meng's punch. Blood spilled from his mouth, along with shattered teeth.

Hao Meng simultaneously released his right hand that was holding Yue Lin. The foremost person of Cangyun Academy immediately collapsed like a puddle of mud on the ground, having lost consciousness.

"Is this the strongest person from your Cangyun Academy? Tsk tsk, I just casually threw a punch, and he fainted."

Hao Meng, in front of dozens of Cangyun Academy students, wiped the blood from his hands and said.

The entire place fell silent. The people from Cangyun Academy exchanged glances. Their strongest fighter was defeated with a single punch, and the opponent hadn't even used a Martial Skill. The gap was too vast. Even if they were unconvinced, they didn't dare to step forward.

"Is this the power of the Core Formation Realm? It's incredible. The might of a single punch silenced everyone. This is what Immortal Cultivation should be like: one man standing guard, ten thousand men cannot pass."

Li Mu watched Hao Meng's breathtaking punch, his eyes shining brightly. After reaching the Core Formation Realm, the control over one's internal Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi greatly increased. Every trace of Yuan Qi filled the body, allowing for free manipulation and both offense and defense. The combat power was worlds apart from before the breakthrough.

"I'm so looking forward to it. I wonder what it will be like when I break through to the Core Formation Realm. At that time, new areas in the Simulation System's talent tree, shop, and other functions should also open up. Just thinking about it makes me excited."

Li Mu clenched his fists secretly, resolving to cultivate diligently in the coming period and find his own breakthrough opportunity. With the help of the Simulation System, Li Mu was very confident he could keep pace with these geniuses.

At some point, the Cangyun Academy contingent, carrying the unconscious Yue Lin, retreated from Twin Phoenix Tower in disarray. The previously arrogant black-clothed youth didn't even dare to glance at Hao Meng as he fled. This one-sided victory quickly spread throughout Qinglan City among the many scions of noble families present that night. The news of Hao Meng, the eldest son of the Hao Family, finally breaking through to the Core Formation Realm after years of accumulation and preparation, also spread like wildfire.

The next day, outside the north gate of Qinglan City, three figures stood facing each other.

"Senior Hao, have you really decided to go out and travel?"

"Brother, please don't go, Xiaomeng can't bear to part with you."

The speakers were Li Mu and Hao Xiaomeng, and standing opposite them was a sturdy young man grinning brightly.

"Now that I've broken through to the Core Formation Realm, staying in the city offers no further improvement to my cultivation. Our Hao Family's Dragon Tiger Fighting Saint Fist and Junior Brother Li's family sword style are similar; they both require combat to break through. Therefore, I must leave this safe zone and experience real life-and-death struggles to advance further."

Hearing Hao Meng's words, Li Mu nodded in agreement. Cultivators who only grow in greenhouses, even if they luckily break through, will only become useless decorations that don't know how to fight and will eventually be consumed by this cruel Immortal Realm.

"Xiaomeng, after I leave, you must listen to your Brother Mu while you're at the academy. Your talent is extremely high, cultivate diligently, and strive to catch up to me as soon as possible, understand?"

Hao Meng reached out his large hand and ruffled Xiaomeng's head. Looking at his sister, who was already in tears, his eyes were filled with obvious affection.

"Then I'm off. Junior Brother Li, I'll trouble you to look after Xiaomeng. I spoiled her since she was young. Our mother passed away early, and Father is always busy with family affairs, so she doesn't have many friends."

"Don't worry, Senior. With me here, no one will bully Xiaomeng. I look forward to your triumphant return for the Sect Selection in two years. We'll have a drink together then, brothers."

Li Mu readily accepted Hao Meng's request. Sometimes, the bond between men has nothing to do with the time spent together; a moment of mutual appreciation often solidifies them as brothers for life.

"Then, Junior Brother, we'll meet again in two years. At that time, Senior wants to properly learn the power of the Li Family Sword Style."

Hao Meng said no more, turned, and left with a hearty laugh. The sunlight shone on the young man's tall figure, leaving behind an increasingly imposing silhouette.