Qiu Bupo slowly withdrew his hand, then nodded.
"Cloud Dispelling Hand. It really is Cloud Dispelling Hand. It looks gentle, but the true qi behind it is incredibly fierce."
As he spoke, Qiu Bupo gazed at his palm, as if savoring the clash they had just shared.
Situ Hong gritted his teeth. The hesitation and confusion in his eyes gave way to resolve.
There was no shame in losing to Peak Master Qiu.
But losing to Peak Master Qiu while shrinking back and holding himself in check—that would be shameful.
Especially with so many Feather Peak disciples watching the fight.
"Come!"
With a low shout, Situ Hong charged at Qiu Bupo again.
He used Cloud Dispelling Hand once more.
His strike aimed for Qiu Bupo's lower left abdomen.
Qiu Bupo's eyes dipped briefly, and he immediately saw through Situ Hong's intent. He took half a step back and raised his left leg to block.
But at that very moment, Situ Hong's palm technique suddenly changed.
The Cloud Dispelling Hand that had been aimed at Qiu Bupo's lower left abdomen shifted in an instant, turning toward his neck.
At the same time, the force behind the palm strike grew fiercer.
The earlier Cloud Dispelling Hand had been nothing but a feint. The technique Situ Hong was truly using was another of Feather Peak's seven great arts.
Wind Splitting Palm!
Qiu Bupo's eyes narrowed, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
That smile seemed to hold many meanings.
Contempt, disdain, scorn, arrogance, and—
Cruelty.
His left leg, which had been raised to block Situ Hong's strike, snapped up like a spring. True qi gathered at the tip of his foot, and he kicked toward Situ Hong's abdomen.
Situ Hong had no way to dodge.
He had only followed the