Xiao Zhan and the First Elder were both extremely puzzled.
The latter asked somewhat blankly, "Is the Great Dao truly that profound?"
Although he asked, anyone could see the doubt in the First Elder's eyes. Clearly, Xiao Zhan and the elders didn't take his words seriously at all. After all, the so-called Way of Longevity was too astonishing and unheard of. To advance from a mere third-rate martial artist to a level capable of contending with a first-rate peak, half-step Houtian, in just three months seemed like a pipe dream. If his teacher hadn't been present, the elders of the clan would probably have thought he was talking in his sleep.
Given this situation...
Xiao Huohuo took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and completely disregarded the doubt in the First Elder's and his father's eyes. He said very seriously to the Third Elder, "Third Elder, have a competition with me." "Father and the elders will then know if what I'm saying is true."
"This..."
Xiao Zhan and the elders exchanged glances. They could all see the bull-like determination in Xiao Huohuo's eyes. This kid was serious! He truly believed he had the ability to contend with the Third Elder!
The Third Elder was now a bit intimidated. He raised his thick eyebrows, and his usually amiable face showed a hint of solemnity. "Young Clan Leader, a competition between martial artists is no child's play." "Once we start, it's hard to say if we can stop at a touch. If you get injured, it won't be good..."
The Third Elder spoke very tactfully, looking troubled. It was true that martial artists could stop at a touch, but only when their realms were not too far apart. To be honest, he hadn't fought anyone below the second-rate realm since breaking through to first-rate martial artist. It wasn't that first-rate martial artists, unlike the reclusive masters in storybooks, could control their strength at will. After all, their flesh and blood had already reached a very strong state. With steel bones and iron muscles, every punch and move stirred up a gust of wind. Every strike was like rivers pushing waves, difficult to stop. Only by breaking through to the Houtian realm could one completely solidify and control their own Martial Dao power, achieving free control. He spoke the truth only to make Xiao Huohuo fearful and retreat.
However, the latter looked understanding and nodded thoughtfully, "Third Elder, don't worry, I won't hurt you."
As soon as he said this, everyone's faces stiffened, and then turned into a strange bitter smile. They really shouldn't let this kid read too many storybooks; he really thought he was that capable.
At this moment, seeing that they couldn't persuade Xiao Huohuo, everyone turned their gaze to Chu Feng, saying anxiously, "Grandmaster, Huohuo's..."
Chu Feng, who was still drinking tea, put down his teacup and chuckled as if watching a good show, "Just let him try." "With me here, there won't be any problems." Chu Feng also wanted to see what level Xiao Huohuo's strength was equivalent to among martial artists now. With Chu Feng's words, the others felt a bit more at ease. Xiao Zhan still frowned and warned, "Huohuo, be extra careful." "If you feel something is wrong, call for help immediately, understand?" Being hit by a half-step Houtian was no joke.
In front of the hall, in the open space, an old man and a young man took their stances. The Third Elder stared at the young man in front of him. After hesitating for a moment, he took a step forward, and a fierce punch immediately came towards him. His footwork was unpredictable, yet he strode with the wind, his sleeves slapping violently against his arms as he threw the punch. Swoosh!
In just a breath, the slapping of sleeves sounded like falling rain, dense and chilling.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhan's expression trembled.
The Third Elder before him was using the Xiao Family's most basic martial art, the Flame Plunder Fist.
The fist technique emphasized speed and infinite variations, making it impossible to defend against.
Although this fist technique wasn't very powerful and was mostly used to probe opponents, in the hands of the Third Elder, a Half-step Houtian, it still carried immense force.
Even a second-rate disciple within the clan would be suppressed and dare not be careless when facing it!
The thought flashed through his mind.
In an instant, the Third Elder appeared before Xiao Huohuo, his fist shadows raining down like pear blossoms.
Surprisingly, the youngster didn't dodge. With a confident smile, his body suddenly emitted a faint red glow.
At this moment, Xiao Huohuo's body moved like an eel, twisting and turning amidst the barrage of fist shadows. He didn't even take a step back!
It seemed Xiao Huohuo could pinpoint the direction of the Fierce Fist strikes. His head dodged with minuscule movements, each sidestep and turn narrowly avoiding a fist.
Not a single one of the swift, wind-carrying Fierce Fists managed to hit Xiao Huohuo!
This scene made everyone gasp. Xiao Zhan said dazedly:
"When did Huohuo's reaction speed become so agile?"
As he spoke, Xiao Zhan and the remaining two elders simultaneously glanced at Chu Feng.
They were certain Chu Feng had taught Xiao Huohuo some supreme body technique, enabling his movements to become so unpredictable and agile.
Chu Feng, who was also observing the fight, was unconcerned.
During this time in the dense forest, Xiao Huohuo had been confronting tigers, leopards, wolves, and jackals, and occasionally catching pheasants and mountain hares for him. This had honed his reaction speed to that of a startled rabbit.
This reaction had no technique to speak of; it was purely based on spiritual energy enhancement, greatly increasing his body's agility and speed.
Even so, it was more than enough to deal with this so-called Half-step Houtian martial artist.
As expected, the two stopped.
After a set of Flame Plunder Fists, Xiao Huohuo was still at ease, not even out of breath, while the Third Elder was panting heavily.
Xiao Zhan's face lit up with joy:
"As expected, the guidance of a Grandmaster is extraordinary."
"Although only his body technique and speed have improved, they already far surpass ordinary people."
"Perhaps if he's given more time..."
Suddenly, Xiao Zhan stopped.
He saw Xiao Huohuo in the hall curve his lips into a smile:
"Third Elder, since you're done."
"It's my turn to make a move!"
As his voice fell, everyone looked at Xiao Huohuo in shock.
Xiao Huohuo's aura erupted without restraint. The nine spiritual energies within his body surged violently, reaching their peak!
His speed was even more astonishing than the Third Elder's.
With a flash of red light and a gust of wind, he appeared before the Third Elder.
Wind!
The sudden punch produced a piercing sonic boom.
This single punch carried a force of perhaps ten thousand jin!
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