Collapsing into Tears

"What an impressive Cloud-Parting Palm."

A student said in shock, "Tao Yun must have cultivated this martial art to the realm of perfection. Each strike contains an extreme, yielding force with terrifying destructive power. If he were to strike a waist-high boulder, he could likely shatter it into dust. It's no wonder they say his martial prowess rivals Zhou Tai'an; this palm strength is no joke."

"Isn't that the truth?" Another tall student added, equally shocked and with a grave tone, "Although Tao Yun looks quite delicate, he is at least a Martial Apprentice Sixth Heaven powerhouse. This level of strength is beyond what an ordinary student can compare to. Xia Ping is so arrogant; he's definitely going to suffer for it."

"If they were trading blows, Xia Ping might have a hope of winning, but by taking this palm strike head-on, even a Martial Apprentice Seventh Heaven expert would be severely injured on the spot and carried off for treatment."

"This Xia Ping is done for. One strike and he'll be in the hospital for months."

"It's wonderful. Finally, someone can teach this bully a lesson and avenge Brother Zhou."

"Heaven has finally opened its eyes, letting that kid's brain turn to mush."

Many students were overjoyed, glaring viciously at Xia Ping on the arena stage.

However, in reality, Xia Ping was completely fine. When Tao Yun's palm struck his body, it was immediately blocked by a layer of true energy shielding.

This unique true energy shield vibrated continuously, frantically dissipating the force of Tao Yun's palm and transmitting it to every corner of Xia Ping's body, creating a strange resonance that tempered his physique.

That energy was even absorbed by Xia Ping, much like a Kunpeng drinking water. Not only did it fail to cause him any harm, but it actually caused the power within him to surge.

"How impressive. Is this the Northern Underworld Body Protection Art? It's too powerful." A sharp glint appeared in Xia Ping's eyes. Even though he knew from the system that this technique was supreme, he was still taken aback when he witnessed its true power.

After all, the power of Tao Yun's palm was no joke; it was a peak strike from a Martial Apprentice Sixth Heaven expert. An ordinary student would have to retreat three steps just facing such a blow.

Yet, he was standing right there, motionless, easily resisting the move. One could only imagine what kind of miraculous technique this Northern Underworld Body Protection Art truly was.

"You, you're fine?"

Tao Yun stared at Xia Ping standing before him, dumbfounded. He couldn't believe his eyes. Even a Martial Apprentice Seventh Heaven expert would be severely injured by that strike.

But what was going on with this kid? He was still standing there alive and well, completely unscathed. Most bizarrely, he even wore an expression of enjoyment. It was terrifying.

"Keep going. Is that really the extent of your strength?" Xia Ping stood his ground, hands behind his back, motionless, still looking at Tao Yun with disdain.

He wanted to continue testing the power of the Northern Underworld Body Protection Art; the power of a single strike simply wasn't enough.

"Damn you, take this!"

Tao Yun's face flushed red; he was thoroughly provoked. If he couldn't even defeat someone who stood still and let him strike, wouldn't that mean his dozen years of martial arts training had been in vain?!

A powerful aura surged from his body. He planted his feet in a horse stance and unleashed the essence of the Cloud-Parting Palm—Moon-Veiled Cloud-Cloak, Overturning Clouds and Rain, and Mountain-Toppling Sea—executing all three forms in rapid succession.

Bang! Bang! Bang!!!

Each palm strike contained a terrifying force of a thousand catties, slamming fiercely into Xia Ping. Such power could crush a boulder into powder; an ordinary student would be left severely injured and vomiting blood after just one hit.

The surrounding audience could feel the force behind every strike Tao Yun unleashed; the power was undeniable. A single palm was enough to kill a ferocious tiger.

Had this been a thousand years ago, in an era before martial arts flourished, this would already be the strength of a martial arts master.

"Not bad, not bad."

Xia Ping stood motionless, feeling the sensation of each strike hitting his body. While such power could severely injure an ordinary student, it was useless against someone who had cultivated the Northern Underworld Body Protection Art.

As the terrifying palm force struck his body, it was immediately converted into a strange vibration, tempering his physique and constantly stimulating his body's potential.

He felt waves of warmth surging within him. It seemed the energy of the Golden Potion, hidden deep within his body, was finally being thoroughly stimulated, tempering his physique and strengthening his true energy.

Energy that would have normally taken at least a week to digest and absorb was being assimilated in a short time under the pounding of Tao Yun's attacks, his body growing stronger bit by bit.

"As expected, this Northern Underworld Body Protection Art is a supreme auxiliary cultivation technique. Being beaten actually increases the body's efficiency in absorbing energy and even has the effect of tempering the physique. It's simply too strong."

Xia Ping was satisfied to the extreme. He felt his body tingling, with waves of scorching energy flowing out to strengthen his physique. The opponent's attacks were like a blacksmith's hammer; not only did they fail to harm him, but they were actually helping him purge impurities from his body.

"How is this possible? You're completely fine? Are you kidding me?"

Tao Yun had struck several times, exhausting his true energy and displaying the ultimate techniques of the Cloud-Parting Palm until he was nearly spent. He had assumed that even if the opponent didn't die, he would be severely injured.

He had even felt a hint of regret, wondering if he had gone too far. But after he finished, he realized the kid was still standing there alive and well, completely unscathed, not having moved a single step.

"Fine? What do you mean 'fine'? Your palm strength is as soft as a girl's. How could you possibly hurt me?" Xia Ping stood with his hands behind his back, still looking at Tao Yun with that faint, indifferent expression.

"This, this!"

Hearing this, Tao Yun's martial heart collapsed. His face turned beet red. He had used his full-powered Cloud-Parting Palm, yet in front of this man, it was as soft as a girl's? How could this be?!

"Why are you still standing there? Keep using your strength. I haven't enjoyed enough yet. Keep massaging me." Xia Ping urged. It was a rare opportunity to test the power of the Northern Underworld Body Protection Art, and he didn't want to miss it.

If he could be struck a few more times, he would be able to quickly digest the energy of the Golden Potion. In a few more days, once his dantian was filled with true energy, he would be able to break through the sixth meridian and reach the Martial Apprentice Sixth Heaven realm.

"No! My Cloud-Parting Palm isn't for massaging you! I am very strong, I am not a girl!" Hearing this, Tao Yun suddenly burst into tears, wailing loudly with watery eyes, finally unable to take it anymore.

"You, you're a bully!"

After dropping those words, he actually broke down and fled from the arena, bawling his eyes out.