One ranked fourth on the Dragon Ranking, the other seventh.
Both could be called top young Astral Force experts.
Although their duel stayed within a small area, that only highlighted their strength and the finesse of their punches and kicks.
"Lin Lie has plenty of fighting spirit, but not enough staying power."
"He lost twice before this. His state of mind is unsteady."
"He's already lost the initiative."
Everyone seated there was an expert, and naturally they could all discern the signs.
Lin Lie attacked relentlessly for a long stretch, his Astral Qi consumption soaring. His punches gradually grew sluggish, their explosive power losing its initial sharpness, and his breathing quietly became heavier.
Situ Xun's breathing, by contrast, remained relatively steady. The Astral Qi around him was condensed like mercury, and he always held something in reserve. In the next instant, he keenly caught a flaw in Lin Lie's offensive and abruptly switched from defense to attack.
Situ Xun's palm strikes changed. His punches and kicks followed a meticulous pattern, alternating speed and slowness with perfect timing. His elusive palm shadows slipped precisely into the gaps between Lin Lie's moves, every blow landing where his opponent's force was weakest.
A palm came crashing in. Astral Force erupted in an instant, and heavy inner force slammed into Lin Lie's shoulder.
Lin Lie felt a vast, weighty power invade his meridians. His qi and blood surged violently, and he staggered several steps back.
Before he could steady himself, Situ Xun closed in, unleashing a chain of punches and kicks. Palm shadows flew and fierce gusts followed his kicks as he delivered several exquisite swift attacks within a few breaths. Seizing the fatal opening when Lin Lie's old force had been spent and his new force had yet to arise, Situ Xun sank