Throwing a punch

Xu Qi'an's gaze left Cao Qingyang and first looked at Yang Cuixue, Fu Jingmen and others not far behind him, as well as the stunningly beautiful Xiao Yuenu.

He swept past the members of the Martial Alliance, then scrutinized the Lotus Daoists of the Earth Sect, as well as the secret agents of the Prince of Huai, who were dressed in black robes and wore masks.

The spies wore masks, obscuring their expressions, but their eyes burned with raw hatred.

It was this Xu Qi'an caused such a commotion in the capital, forcing His Majesty to issue an edict of self-reproach, resulting in the Prince of Huai's disgrace after his death, his remains being unable to be buried in the imperial mausoleum, and his memorial tablet being unable to be placed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The mysterious expert from Chuzhou fought five opponents single-handedly, displaying overwhelming ferocity. The Prince of Huai died at his hands. The spies hated him, but they had no complaints. The law of the jungle is what it is.

But Xu Qi'an's behavior infuriated and disgusted them. He was nothing but an ant; when the Prince of Huai was alive, he could have easily killed him with a single finger. It was only because the Prince of Huai was dead that he acted like a clown, jumping around and making a name for himself by stepping on the Prince of Huai.

It's truly hateful and infuriating.

As for the Lotus Daoists, they were even more blatant. Some sneered, some sneered, and some showed provocative expressions as they looked at Xu Qi'an.

"A bunch of clowns, nothing to worry about!"

Xu Qi'an shook his head and looked away.

The Prince of Huai's spies and the Lotus Daoist priests raised an eyebrow.

"Alliance Leader Cao, the lotus seeds are about to ripen and cannot withstand strong winds and waves, so no formations have been set up here." Xu Qi'an looked at Cao Qingyang again and said in a deep voice:

"You don't want to ruin the lotus seeds, do you?"

Cao Qingyang nodded nonchalantly. "What I want is lotus root. Lotus seeds are just an extra. If you have them, that's great. If not, it's fine too. Now, tell me, Xu Yinluo, how do you want to play this game?"

Xu Qi'an took the black and gold longsword from his waist and casually tossed it aside. With a "thud," the sword and its sheath fell onto the edge of the pool.

He looked at Cao Qingyang, raised his chin, and said, "Without using any internal energy or weapons, let's have a contest of physical skills!"

Clever!

Xiao Yuenu nodded slightly from a distance. In doing so, she had essentially brought Alliance Leader Cao to a similar level to herself.

Without unleashing their inner energy, the power of a third-rank martial artist cannot be fully utilized; and without weapons, and since Alliance Leader Cao excels in swordsmanship and sword intent, the strongest offensive techniques are excluded.

Finally, given how much Cao Mengzhu values Xu Yinluo, he will definitely give him face.

People who live in the underworld are like that; they value face above all else.

"Alright, let's settle this with physical combat! If I haven't defeated you by the time the lotus seed matures, I won't even touch it."

As expected, Cao Qingyang nodded in agreement.

The "spectators" outside the arena were taken aback. Leader Cao was giving Xu Qi'an a lot of face by making a promise in front of everyone, which meant there would be no breach of contract.

In other words, as long as Xu Yinluo can survive until the lotus seeds mature without being defeated, Alliance Leader Cao will not compete for the lotus seeds.

The disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society prayed silently, hoping that Xu Yinluo could hold on longer.

Aunt Jinlian's invitation to Young Master Xu for assistance was truly a brilliant move. Qiu Chanyi revealed a look of delight; this Alliance Leader Cao had broken through all obstacles in one go, his momentum unstoppable.

He had never yielded to either Chu Yuanzhen or Li Miaozhen. But when it came to Young Master Xu, he was willing to make such a significant concession.

Young talents like Master Xu, whose reputation is at its peak, are rare in this world.

She grew increasingly enamored and infatuated with Young Master Xu.

This... this Cao Qingyang actually made such a huge concession? The White Lotus Daoist nun was completely astonished. She realized that she had underestimated Xu Qi'an's reputation.

"Even in a contest of physical skills, the Alliance Leader cannot possibly lose. It all depends on how long Xu Yinluo can last," Fu Jingmen said.

"Xu Yinluo seems to be skilled in swordsmanship as well," Yang Cuixue analyzed.

Listening to their discussion, Xiao Yuenu said in a soft, charming voice:

"Alliance Leader Cao possesses unparalleled physical prowess, but Xu Yinluo is also invincible. Moreover, both of them excel in swordsmanship rather than physical combat. It seems like a fierce battle is brewing."

At this moment, Tian Shu, the secret agent not far away, interjected with a sneer, "A battle of dragons and tigers? What if I told you that Xu Qi'an is just a sixth-rank martial artist?"

His words caused an uproar and sparked much discussion.

Upon reflection, the assembled heroes suddenly realized that they truly had no concept of Xu Yinluo's rank.

First, the Nightwatchers's silver gong can be used by both eighth-grade Spirit Refining Realm and fifth-grade Transformation Realm experts, so it's not based on rank. Second, Xu Yinluo's early exploits include single-handedly holding off thousands of rebel troops in Yunzhou and engaging in magical battles within Buddhist School sects—all of which involve fighting beyond one's level.

The only criterion they could use to judge was that Xu Yinluo had killed that mysterious young master last night, and the young master himself was not weak, and he also had two peak fourth-rank guards.

Therefore, in everyone's mind, Xu Yinluo, even if he was not a fourth-rank, was at least a fifth-rank Transformation Realm expert.

"Is Xu Yinluo only a sixth-rank official? If so, how could he have killed that young master?"

"How could a sixth-rank official break into the palace and kidnap two dukes? Don't believe his nonsense."

"But this group seems to be affiliated with the imperial court, and they must know Xu Yinluo very well."

"Why say all this? We'll know once they fight."

Cao Qingyang scrutinized Xu Qi'an: "You're only a sixth-rank? That's a bit of a surprise."

According to the intelligence gathered, Xu Qi'an's latest achievement was overpowering the outstanding disciples of both the Celestial Person and Human factions. Although he used Confucian School Law Technique books, outsiders assessed that he was also a fifth-rank cultivator, and the difference was not significant.

It turned out to be a sixth-rank martial artist.

Xu Qi'an did not respond, but smiled faintly, "I would appreciate any guidance from Alliance Leader Cao."

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly flew up, accompanied by a muffled "thump" under his feet, and a fierce knee strike came straight at him.

During the process, a spot of gold paint appeared between his eyebrows and quickly spread throughout his entire body.

Cao Qingyang stepped forward and took the initiative to meet Xu Qi'an's knee strike with his left hand, while his right palm was reversed and placed against Xu Qi'an's chest.

When!

Like a giant bell being struck, Xu Qi'an was sent flying backward, tumbling to dissipate the force before regaining his balance.

"He really hasn't reached the fifth rank." Fu Jingmen was taken aback.

A commotion arose immediately, and the crowd whispered among themselves. Those with keen eyes, having just exchanged blows, could immediately discern Xu Qi'an's skill level.

The Heaven and Earth Society disciples' faces darkened, and their hearts sank as well.

Although they practiced the Daoist School system, they were still quite familiar with the martial arts system. After all, the martial arts system was not as mysterious as other systems because there were simply too many people who walked this path.

The fifth rank of Transformation Force represents the pinnacle of martial arts. Before the fifth rank, while a martial artist's close-range attacks are formidable, they are not enough to instill fear in high-ranking experts from other systems.

Martial artists of the fifth rank and above are what instill fear in high-ranking individuals from other systems.

A martial artist with the Transformation Realm has perfect control over their physical strength, ignoring inertia and imbalance. Once someone gets close to them, they will face a barrage of attacks until a winner is decided, or they can use special methods to create distance.

Xu Yinluo is not yet a fifth-rank official, so there is no point in fighting this battle, and delaying the battle is wishful thinking.

After Xu Qi'an regained his footing, an image automatically appeared in his mind: Cao Qingyang appeared beside him and chopped at the back of his neck with a hand chop.

Without time to think, following his martial arts instincts, he crouched down and then rolled forward.

The moment he finished this set of movements, Cao Qingyang appeared beside him and swung a hand chop.

The hand strike naturally missed its mark. A look of surprise flashed in Cao Qingyang's eyes. His figure disappeared again, descending from the sky and smashing down with a punch.

But before he could make his move, Xu Qi'an suddenly staggered, as if he were a drunk person who had lost his balance, and slid two steps to the left, perfectly avoiding the attack.

"First, get used to the rhythm. His attacks are too fast; I can't keep up. Focus on dodging and wait for an opportunity to counterattack."

With his extraordinary keen senses, Xu Qi'an repeatedly foresaw Cao Qingyang's attacks and frantically dodged them.

To onlookers, the two looked like they had played a game of cat and mouse.

Finally, after dodging Cao Qingyang's whip kick by leaning back, Xu Qi'an seized the opportunity to counterattack. Using his right foot as a pivot, he spun around and landed behind Cao Qingyang.

The next moment, a barrage of attacks rained down—punches, knee strikes, elbow strikes. Dozens of moves were unleashed in an instant, causing Cao Qingyang's steel body to rattle loudly.

Xiao Yuenu's beautiful eyes were slightly dazed. She suspected that Alliance Leader Cao was going easy on Xu Yinluo and giving him face.

"Something's strange. He seems to be able to anticipate Alliance Leader Cao's movements and make effective predictions." Fu Jingmen slowly clenched his fists, somewhat eager to try, and said:

"It's making me really itchy to get my hands on it."

How did he do that? Yang Cuixue frowned. Xu Yinluo's abilities had surpassed a martial artist's intuition about danger, as if he possessed the ability to foresee the future.

"Huh? Isn't he not even a fifth-rank official yet? How come he's the one dominating Alliance Leader Cao?"

"Alliance Leader Cao wasn't taking it seriously, perhaps he was just giving Xu Yinluo face and giving him a way out."

The crowd was abuzz with discussion.

This reason is acceptable to most people; in the world of gangsters, the most important thing is to give others face.

How can you survive in the underworld if you don't give people face? Especially when the other party is the righteous and loyal Xu Yinluo.

"Alliance Leader Cao, time is precious. How long are you going to keep entangled with that Xu fellow?" The female spy Tian Shu said coldly, "Let me remind you, Alliance Leader Cao, this boy is very strange. Don't let yourself be caught off guard."

Cao Qingyang could feel the ferocity of the opponent's attack, and the pain was clearly felt. Although it was just pain, it was rare for a sixth-rank martial artist to have such power.

He turned around and kicked Xu Qi'an away, but Xu Qi'an still noticed in advance, and the other party even used the kick to create distance.

"You seem to be able to predict my attacks in advance? What kind of technique is that?" Cao Qingyang frowned and asked curiously.

"A unique skill," Xu Qi'an said.

"Then I'll take this as an intuitive instinct of the Spirit Refining Realm."

Cao Qingyang stretched his neck and said calmly, "Do you know that martial artists have a fatal weakness in their instincts, and that is..."

Xu Qi'an's pupils suddenly contracted, and he squatted down again, rolling forward.

Bang!

Cao Qingyang appeared in front of him and kicked him away. The kick was solid, sending him flying like a cannonball, smashing through the artificial hill, cracking the bluestone pavement, and embedding himself deeply into the wall.

Looking at the disheveled young man, Cao Qingyang laughed and said, "As long as your speed is faster than its warning of danger, you won't be able to react effectively."

"I get it, it's basically CPU overload." Xu Qi'an pulled himself out of the wall, grinned, and said, "Warm-up over."

This time, he lunged forward, but Cao Qingyang turned the tables on him with a single move, and a barrage of punches rained down on his face.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

One crisp, explosive sound after another rang in Xu Qi'an's ears. Each punch, heavier and faster than the last, kept hitting his face.

The impact caused the protective golden statue to shake, and the ground to crack.

When he throws a punch, the force travels in a straight line, with the arm muscles exerting force in one direction.

Why can't I do it like him? Why does my power dissipate during the punch?

The "concentration" of the Heaven and Earth One Slash only lasts for a moment, and I only learned it for a moment, so I can't maintain this state for long.

As Xu Qi'an was being beaten, he observed the changes in his opponent's aura. He discovered that every punch Cao Qingyang threw had the same power, as if they were perfect copies.

Martial artists below the fifth rank, as well as ordinary people, simply cannot guarantee that the power of each of their punches will be exactly the same.

He collapsed all his Qi and Blood, twisted it into a single force, and then kicked Cao Qingyang in the abdomen, sending him flying.

This kick, which combined all the power into one, has reached the level of a fifth-grade practitioner.

Transformation Realm? No, not yet. He's only one step away from Transformation Realm. Cao Qingyang suddenly realized, retreated a distance to dissipate his force, and then pounced again, giving Xu Qi'an no chance to catch his breath.

To everyone else, it was a one-sided beating. Cao Mengzhu was unparalleled in martial arts and his attacks were fierce, forcing Xu Yinluo to jump or roll and constantly dodge.

Occasionally, a counterattack would break out, but after one or two moves, it would be countered, followed by another round of one-sided beatings.

When!

Cao Qingyang punched Xu Qi'an's crossed arms, placed his palm on Jin Cancan's chest, and suddenly exerted force. Xu Yinluo was sent flying backward uncontrollably, but Cao Qingyang grabbed his ankle and forcibly pulled him back.

Another fierce physical attack.

Fists pounded relentlessly on Xu Qi'an's chest, abdomen, and face. Unable to maintain his balance, Xu Qi'an staggered backward, utterly defenseless.

"It must be said that the Vajra Divine Skill of Buddhist School is a top-tier protective skill in the world."

"I think it's the Turtle Shell Divine Skill; I'm ashamed to admit I can't match that ability to take a beating."

"Tsk tsk, I feel sorry for Alliance Leader Cao's hand, it hurts so much."

"Xu Yinluo, hold on for another incense stick's time. Who knows, you might be able to climb the martial arts rankings with your Tortoise Shell Divine Skill."

"Haha, senior brother, isn't the Martial Arts Ranking only for martial arts masters? Xu Yinluo is an official of the imperial court. Oh, I forgot, he's no longer Yinluo."

These sarcastic remarks, of course, came from the Lotus Daoist of the Earth Sect, as well as from the mouths of the Earth Sect disciples.

The evil Daoists of the Earth Sect are constantly venting their inner darkness and malice.

Tianji and Tianshu exchanged a glance; their years of tacit understanding allowed them to comprehend each other's meaning.

Once Cao Qingyang breaks Xu Qi'an's Vajra Divine Skill, they will seize the opportunity to strike and take the little thief's life.

Li Miaozhen tried to intervene several times, but Chu Yuanzhen stopped her each time.

"Don't be impulsive. He won't be in any danger, but if you intervene in the fight, the duel between Cao Qingyang and Xu Qi'an will be over, and the situation will get out of control," Chu Yuanzhen warned in a deep voice.

Master Hengyuan clasped his hands together and sighed deeply.

Such a formidable opponent is enough to make one feel hopeless. He has done his best, and we hope that Xu Yinluo will do his best as well.

Lina's right hand hung down, its skin covered with fine white threads resembling silkworm silk, healing her injuries.

She gritted her teeth and said angrily, "If my father were here, he would smash his dog's head in with one punch."

Li Miaozhen retorted sarcastically, "Your father?"

Chu Yuanzhen coughed and reminded him, "The leader of the Power Gu Clan was already a third-rank official twenty years ago."

Li Miaozhen: "Oh, then it's nothing."

When!

A deafening noise interrupted their conversation. Looking closely, they saw Cao Qingyang punch Xu Qi'an, causing him to kneel on both knees and creating two deep craters in the ground.

"I'll throw five punches. You should carefully observe and understand them. After five punches, I'll break your golden body." After Cao Qingyang finished speaking, he threw the second punch, hitting him on the head.

When!

The Vajra Divine Skill seemed unable to defend against such a terrifying attack, and its power dimmed somewhat.

When!

With the third punch, the gold paint dimmed again. With the balance shifting, Xu Qi'an could no longer remain unharmed and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Qiu Chanyi burst into tears, covering her mouth with her hand as tears rolled down her cheeks.

The other disciples also had tears in their eyes, feeling that Xu Yinluo had already done everything he could, and that they would have no complaints even if he admitted defeat now.

When!

The fourth punch, with its gold paint peeling off like a Buddha statue that had fallen into disrepair, was a sign that the Vajra Divine Skill was shattering.

Blood flowed from Xu Qi'an's seven orifices, his vision blurred, and the force of the punch continued to reverberate and vibrate within his body, ravaging his muscles, bones, and internal organs.

This vibration acted like a fuse, igniting cell by cell, causing them to vibrate together and resonate.

He found out.

He now understands the profound meaning of the fifth-grade Transformation Realm.

Cao Qingyang used this brutal and ruthless method to instill in him the profound meaning of the fifth-grade Transformation Realm.

Cao Qingyang clenched his fists, assumed a fighting stance, and prepared to unleash his fifth punch.

Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen attacked simultaneously, followed by Lina and Hengyuan. On the other side, the White Lotus Daoist nun could no longer stand idly by.

Anyone could see that with that punch, Xu Yinluo was likely in grave danger.

"Alliance Leader, show mercy!" Xiao Yuenu cried out in alarm.

"Alliance Leader, please show mercy! Don't kill Xu Yinluo!" Yang Cuixue cried out.

Tianji and Tianshu simultaneously unleashed their blades, slashing towards Chu Yuanzhen and the others, clearly intending to stop them.

The Lotus Daoists grinned maliciously.

Xu Qi'an saw a fist reflected in his pupils, growing larger and larger. The shockwave from its impact tousled his bangs, and his martial artist's intuition sent him a dangerous signal.

His face was somewhat dazed, his expression stiff, as if he hadn't yet recovered from the dizziness, but his fists clenched instinctively, and some dormant cells in his body awakened at that moment.

Some cells that were previously uncontrollable or unusable have become incredibly active at this moment.

All the strength in the body is concentrated into one, and every cell is exerting force in one direction.

He used all his strength to meet Cao Qingyang's fist and threw a punch.

P. S.: Something came up today, I'll continue writing the next chapter.