A Contest of Martial Arts: How Much Higher Stood His Fist?
A deathly silence lingered for a full ten breaths River-Viewing Tower.
Many people's Adam's apples bobbed, but they couldn't utter a sound.
Even the local martial arts masters, including those few martial arts school owners who had spoken out for justice earlier, were now gaping, their eyes filled with bewilderment.
They were all at the Divine Ability Realm, and in Danyang Commandery, they were considered prominent figures.
However, this Divine Ability was far beyond their comprehension.
Their feelings were similar to Yin Tianjue's. The moment that Divine Ability ignited, the laws of this world seemed to suddenly go out of control, and no matter how they called out, there was no response.
It's like----
Has this place temporarily changed hands?
"Could this be... Dharma Aspect Form technique?"
On the top floor, someone finally spoke, their voice hoarse yet filled with an inexplicable fervor. "Young Hero Yu, that Divine Ability you just used, could it be the legendary Dharma Aspect Form technique?!"
Qian Jinqing stood still, her plain dress swaying slightly.
She stared at the spot where Yin Tianjue stood; it was now empty and clean, as if that person had never been there.
Her gaze was questioning.
The light just now was so dazzling that she couldn't open her eyes at all.
Did they escape?
Did Yu Tunzhou's single Divine Ability Yin Tianjue twenty-fifth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, to flee on the spot?
This guy is really that capable?!
She couldn't help but turn her head to look at Wang Shubo beside her.
This powerful figure, who had recently stepped into the External Scenery and entered the ranks of Grandmaster, now had an extremely complicated expression. His gaze towards Yu Tunzhou held a mixture of envy and—and perhaps—apprehension?
Qian Jinqing thought she must have misread it.
"Miss Jinqing," Wang Shubo transmitted his voice, a low sigh in his tone, "Yin Tianjue of the Supreme Origin Sect was killed by Young Hero Yu in a single move, his body and soul annihilated. This move was at the Dharma Aspect level, therefore today's martial arts competition is over."
Qian Jinqing looked blank, her mind suddenly going blank.
They didn't escape, they died?
Not even a body was left?
But didn't Yu Tunzhou only make one move?
The competition hadn't even started yet, how did it end already?
Wasn't he number one on the shortlist for the Dragon and Tiger Ranking Reserve Ranking last time he appeared on it?
Someone's words from not long ago seemed to echo in her mind at this moment - it's normal that you don't understand since you don't practice martial arts.
Qian Jinqing subconsciously glanced at the open space again.
There's nothing there now.
Just a dozen breaths ago, there stood Yin Tianjue, the twenty-fifth ranked member of the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, a direct disciple of the Six Paths of Evil and Demons Supreme Origin Sect, and infamous for his Blood Sha.
Wang Shubo looked at the young man who had changed into a smart outfit, stood tall and straight, and exuded a fiery aura. His expression was particularly complex.
Even many powerful cultivators in the External Scenery may not be able to master even one Dharma Aspect technique in their entire lives.
This isn't a question of whether they can master it; it's that they simply lack the Dharma Aspect Divine Ability to comprehend it!
--
Even the Danyang Qian Household did not have Dharma Aspect transmission.
This person, however, mastered a Dharma Aspect Divine Ability at the Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment. How could anyone not envy such a person?
With just this one move, he's destined for a place in the top ten of the Dragon and Tiger Ranking!
If this had happened a few years ago, say ten years ago, Yu Tunzhou would have almost certainly secured the top spot!
On the rooftop, everyone seemed to regain warmth and color.
The renowned figures of the martial arts world could no longer remain seated, their gazes fixed intently on Yu Tunzhou.
Whispers began to rise from the room, like the buzzing of a swarm of bees. "What did Young Hero Yu mean by those last words? I'm a little confused."
Someone chuckled and said, "A master of Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment fighting against a lesser Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment is naturally a fight between the weak," but now that Young Hero Yu has placed himself in the position of the strong, wouldn't Jiang Yunshang and the others become the strong contenders?
"That's a brilliant statement, truly brilliant. These three are now caught in a dilemma."
"Having annihilated the 25th ranked Dragon and Tiger Ranking in a single move, what is Young Hero Yu's true strength now?"
"This cannot be generalized. Divine Ability are Divine Ability, and they are part of overall strength, but they cannot represent overall strength. After all, Jiang..."
"There aren't one-on-one duels everywhere on the lake."
"That's true, but this Divine Ability is truly terrifying—"
"Huh, why haven't those three reacted yet?"
All eyes turned to Jiang Yunshang and the other two, their gazes varying, some showing sympathy and others pity.
Hearing the surrounding chatter, Jiang Yunshang expressionless, but the hand holding the knife trembled slightly uncontrollably; only he knew the horror in his heart.
Dharma Aspect Form Techniques!
This is definitely Dharma Aspect Body technique!
The Yu Tunzhou is only at the Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment; being able to unleash External Scenery Divine Ability is already an unexpected stroke of luck. How could it possibly master the Dharma Aspect Form techniques in the present moment?
Even Yin Tianjue powerless to resist, annihilated without a trace by this attack; how could I possibly be his match?
Jiang Yunshang a deep breath, suppressing the horror and fear surging in his heart.
He told himself that with the level of "Yu Tunzhou," it was impossible to repeat such Dharma Aspect Divine Ability in a short period of time!
Even for the top five on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, this is the most precious of all treasures.
Let alone reuse, even using it once could cause significant backlash!
only----
What reason could I possibly have to challenge Yu Tunzhou now?
A thought suddenly occurred to Jiang Yunshang, who took a step forward and said in a deep voice, "Yu Tunzhou!"
The sound echoed in the empty rooftop, and everyone was slightly taken aback, turning their heads to look.
Jiang Yunshang's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "You used your Divine Ability to defeat the enemy today, but I imagine you won't be able to use them again anytime soon. I, Jiang Yunshang, do not wish to take advantage of you, so today we will not compete in terms of Qi and Blood or Divine Ability, but only in the Way of Martial Arts!"
The room fell silent for a moment after these words were spoken.
The crowd's gazes varied; some frowned, some sneered, and some seemed lost in thought.
Not comparing Qi and Blood, not comparing Divine Ability, but only comparing the principles of martial arts?
That would then depend solely on their respective martial arts skills: whether Jiang Yunshang's swordsmanship is superior, or Yu Tunzhou's fist technique is superior.
Zhang Luyun felt as if a new path had opened up before him; Jiang Yunshang reputation!
He stepped forward and declared loudly, "Indeed, Brother Jiang's words are exactly what I think. I, Lu, only wish to compete with Young Hero Yu in martial arts!"
As for Wang Junmu, the more he thought about it, the heavier his heart became.
He may have looked burly and rough, but he was actually extremely meticulous. At this moment, he was thinking, so what if this Divine Ability could only be used once in a short period of time?
Yu Tunzhou's use of the Dharma Aspect Divine Ability to instantly defeat Supreme Origin Sect's [Blood Sha] today Yin Tianjue be described as eliminating evil and upholding justice, and is destined to be met with cheers in the martial arts world.
If the three of them were to challenge Yu Tunzhou at this moment, even if they won, they would only be seen by people in the martial arts world as taking advantage of someone in distress, and their victory would be dishonorable!
It did bring fame back then, but it was infamous!
Thinking of this, Wang Junmu's brows relaxed, he took a step back, and said in a booming voice, "Young Hero Yu, you have rid the world of a future demon today, I admire you. Let bygones be bygones!"
"That Divine Ability power was incredibly strong just now, and the backlash must be considerable, right? I, Wang Junmu, will never take advantage of someone in distress, therefore, today's battle will continue into the future!"
"If we have the chance in the future, we'll have another great battle!"
He clasped his hands in a salute and took the initiative to point out that Yu Tunzhou might be harmed by the Divine Ability, speaking with conviction.
Since they can't gain fame from Yu Tunzhou, they can try to gain fame from Jiang Yunshang and others.
With them as a foil, if word gets out about what happened today, I'll at least be seen as a "righteous and upright man" in the martial arts world!
Upon hearing this, many people around nodded slightly. Given the precedents of Jiang Yunshang and the other two, Wang Junmu's choice was barely acceptable.
Someone chuckled softly, "As expected of a scion of the Aristocratic Clan, he can still speak of taking advantage of others in such a dignified manner."
Jiang Yunshang ignored him, his eyes fixed only on the figure of Yu Tunzhou.
He had no way back. If he didn't even manage to fight back and returned in such a sorry state, what would his clan think of him?
That uncle would also completely discard him like trash!
"You want to compete with me in martial arts?" Yu Tunzhou paused, his expression slightly strange. "Are you sure?"
"That's right, I won't use the Blood Qi Furnace." Jiang Yunshang took another step forward, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and said in a deep voice, "The two of us will simply exchange blows, our understanding of martial arts will be the only measure!"
He had been practicing the clan's Profound Thunder Saber Technique for four years, and had mastered its blade intent three years ago, while Yu Tunzhou had only been practicing it for a full six months!
Even if Yu Tunzhou inherited the fist techniques of that Great Hero Mo, how long has it been since then?
The more profound and close to the principles of martial arts, the more difficult it is to grasp its essence!
"Okay," Yu Tunzhou nodded in agreement.
Jiang Yunshang reached his optimal state of mind. He drew his sword, his gaze no longer fixed on Yu Tunzhou, but on the blade, a hint of sincerity appearing in his eyes.
A sharp edge slowly emanated from him.
The surrounding crowd's expressions tightened slightly. Even those Divine Ability experts couldn't help but nod slightly. Although they despised Jiang Yunshang's actions, this young man did indeed possess some strength.
That sword intent alone was enough to overwhelm their disciples and followers.
Jiang Yunshang's feet were slightly apart, the tip of his knife pointing diagonally at the ground, precisely three inches below Yu Tunzhou's feet.
This is the starting stance of the Profound Thunder Saber Technique - [Thunderclap Yet to Sound].
The atmosphere around them suddenly became oppressive, and everyone felt as if they could faintly hear thunder.
It was like a midsummer afternoon, with dark clouds covering the entire sky, and rumbling thunder churning within the clouds countless times, just short of that final, earth-shattering explosion!
Someone's expression turned grave as they whispered, "The Jiang Household's Profound Thunder Saber Technique emphasizes momentum. This strike is like a thunderclap, held back yet unleashed. Under such pressure, opponents often reveal their weaknesses. I wonder how Young Hero Yu will handle it—"
"Yu Tunzhou, I'm drawing my sword."
Jiang Yunshang a low voice, feeling that under the pressure of the opponent's momentum to "annihilate Yin Tianjue", his strike had reached an unprecedented peak!
At this moment, he had gathered his strength to the fullest, his eyes were exceptionally bright, and he finally looked up, his gaze falling from the blade onto Yu Tunzhou, but his heart sank suddenly.
Yu Tunzhou, ten steps away, still stood quietly in the same spot, his hands behind his back, his expression calm, and his posture unchanged.
He had gathered a full force of sword intent, but it was as if he had crashed into a bottomless pool of water, without even causing a ripple.
Jiang Yunshang forced himself to calm down, his hand gripping the hilt of the knife tightened suddenly, and the sword intent around him abruptly condensed into a single point.
With a sudden swift movement, the sound of the blade cutting through the air was like a thunderclap, and the thunder hidden in the clouds finally struck down at that moment!
Ten steps is nothing more than a blink of an eye!
Just as the blade was about to strike, Jiang Yunshang, who had already opened his eyes, suddenly felt a blur before his eyes, and the figure in front of him became indistinct.
Not only him, but all the onlookers felt as if their vision blurred and the figure of the young man in black robes became indistinct.
He was clearly standing there, but in everyone's perception, he appeared as a Ten-Thousand-Ren High Mountain stretching across the heavens and earth.
This is— Martial Intention Suppression!
Jiang Yunshang shaken.
The power of Yu Tunzhou's Fist Intent was so strong that it could induce hallucinations in him?!
What exactly is this Fist Intent?
The thought flashed through his mind, but Jiang Yunshang did not stop. Instead, he poured all his Martial Dao will into this strike.
Undeterred and unyielding, with no turning back!
The next moment.
A figure was slammed off the River-Viewing Tower and sent flying outwards.
Jiang Household guard Lei Yuan's pupils shrank suddenly, and he darted out, rushing out of the River-Viewing Tower.
Wang Junzi blinked, suddenly feeling glad he hadn't followed the trend.
Just now, when the Yu Tunzhou Fist Intent launched, it was like a towering mountain, with the momentum of "no matter how fierce the wind and thunder, I will remain unmoved", as if it was going to take Jiang Yunshang's knife head-on.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Yu Tunzhou's imposing Fist Intent suddenly collapsed, like a towering peak that crumbled in an instant.
In the blink of an eye, the Fist Intent was like the reversal of yin and yang, reaching the ultimate in subtlety, prompting many local masters present to subconsciously shout "Bravo!"
Yu Tunzhou slowly retracted his fist and stood with his hands behind his back.
He didn't look at Jiang Yunshang, who had been sent flying by a punch from River-Viewing Tower, but calmly said, "A month ago, I had a feeling in Pinghu County."
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "A thousand years of Martial Dao, winding through mountains—but how many truly stand atop those mountains, worthy of the title ' Ten-Thousand-Ren High Mountain '?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shaken.
"Therefore, this boxing style was created to express my feelings."
Yu Tunzhou paused, then elaborated on the ambition contained in this punch, "This punch is named [Ten-Thousand-Ren High Mountain], and it is the first move of my fist technique."
Everyone was shocked. This punch wasn't taught by the Great Hero Mo, but rather created by Yu Tunzhou himself?
The subtle and profound interplay between stillness and movement contained within this fist technique captivated even these martial arts masters with Divine Ability abilities, not to mention the immense power emanating from it.
An elderly martial arts master, at the Late Divine Ability Stage, suddenly recalled the explanation about the Yu Tunzhou in the Dragon and Tiger Reserve:
[----This young man first consulted the Martial Ancestor Fist at Luofu Temple, then unleashed his fist to disperse the Martial Fortune. The magnitude of his spirit and the weight of his Fist Intent are rarely seen throughout history----]
The old curator murmured, "It turns out it's all true—"
If old friends or disciples have doubts, ask them.
This man shook his head with a wry smile. A little over a month ago, when he first saw that Dragon and Tiger Ranking, he had also shaken his head and sighed [Star Palace].
Jiang He is going downhill, yet he so Form Refinement elevated a young man who has just started working to such a high position.
But looking at it today, is the top spot on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking's Reserve Ranking really that high?
He sighed softly. A little over a month later, the Dragon and Tiger Ranking would be updated, and this young man would truly rise to the top and become famous throughout the world!
now.
Yu Tunzhou's gaze fell on Zhang Luyun, his expression calm and undisturbed. "It is not that I am boasting, but in terms of fist techniques alone, I am quite confident. Jiang Yunshang is not yet qualified to compete with me in the way of martial arts."
"Zhang Luyun, you should use your Blood Qi Furnace. The reason I accepted your three challenges was to see how many punches you, Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment, could withstand."
Zhang Luyun stood there, his face pale and ashen, feeling caught in a dilemma.
Jiang Yunshang now was so powerful that he himself was not confident he could withstand it, yet the person in front of him easily overwhelmed it!
"How?"
Yu Tunzhou waited a moment, but Zhang Luyun didn't react. He frowned and said, "You look down on me and are unwilling to fight me?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he took a step forward.
An even stronger Fist Intent than before, like a mountain range pressing down, suddenly spread out and locked onto Zhang Luyun.
Zhang Luyun gritted his teeth and swayed.
Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes, and Zhang Luyun's figure had already disappeared from the spot.
"Alright, I'll also like to experience your boxing skills!"
Zhang Luyun's figure was like a wisp of smoke, scattered by the river wind, turning into fleeting afterimages that circled around the Yu Tunzhou.
"The Zhang Household's ' Cloud Traces and Mist Concealment '!" Someone recognized the lightness Cultivation Method and nodded, saying, "This young man has already mastered it."
Zhang Luyun's figure on the top floor sometimes moved like a fleeting shadow, sometimes like a falling leaf in the wind, making it impossible to predict where he would land next.
He didn't make a move, keeping a close eye on Yu Tunzhou.
The latter's Fist Intent was as solid as a mountain; no matter how he probed, he couldn't find the slightest flaw!
Only at this moment did he realize what Jiang Yunshang been facing!
Zhang Luyun took a deep breath, his gaze suddenly sharpening.
His figure shifted from wandering to approaching, no longer drifting aimlessly, but beginning to contract rhythmically like a large net, slowly closing in.
Since there are no weaknesses, let's launch a full-scale attack!
Zhang Luyun's Blood Qi erupted like a furnace, and he suddenly unleashed a palm strike. This palm strike still seemed light and airy, but it concealed murderous intent; it was the Zhang Household's unique [Cloud and Smoke Palm].
If this palm strike lands solidly, the force will seep into the body like mist, damaging the opponent's meridians and internal organs from within!
But the palm strike suddenly stopped.
Zhang Luyun abruptly withdrew his hand and stepped back, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt. When he opened his eyes, Yu Tunzhou was still standing there.
But why, in his perception just now, was the latter's figure like starlight reflected in the pool water—seemingly clear, yet impossible to grasp in reality?
Many people outside the arena were puzzled as to why Zhang Luyun, who was about to land a blow, suddenly withdrew his hand and retreated in a panic.
If everyone didn't know the relationship between Zhang Luyun and Yu Tunzhou, they would all suspect that Zhang Luyun was a plant hired by Yu Tunzhou.
"Master, what happened to Zhang Luyun?" someone asked in confusion.
A martial arts school owner said in a deep voice, "Young Hero Yu just now, his body and mind seemed to be floating in the Void, breaking free from Zhang Luyun's aura lock."
He paused, then didn't reveal the real key point.
In today's battle, Zhang Luyun was completely suppressed by Yu Tunzhou, both in Martial Intention and aura. No wonder Zhang Luyun was suspicious and retreated on his own initiative.
If a martial artist's mind is in turmoil, even the strongest fighter can only unleash 80% of their potential; how can they possibly win?
Even though no one revealed the key information, Zhang Luyun realized part of the truth, and his face flushed red.
He actually scared himself away?!
The Qi and Blood furnace within his body, Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment, suddenly exploded, and billowing energy surged forth from every pore of his body like white mist.
At that moment, Zhang Luyun unleashed both palms simultaneously, and the white mist that filled the sky suddenly contracted, forming an impenetrable net that fiercely enveloped the Yu Tunzhou in the center.
The white mist was then shattered by bursts of Fist Intent!
Many people gasped in surprise, because Yu Tunzhou had vanished from their senses for a fleeting moment just now.
At this moment, Yu Tunzhou remained motionless, his feet firmly planted on the ground. Yet, in everyone's perception, every inch of the Void on the top floor was filled with his presence, and every wisp of wind carried the Fist Intent.
Zhang Luyun felt his scalp tingle; the Fist Intent was everywhere, and the force of the fist was impossible to find!
One instant ago, the Fist Intent aimed directly at the back of his neck, and the sudden chill forced him to twist his body and dodge.
The next instant, a punch struck his nose, sending him flying.
"Disperse!"
Zhang Luyun roared, unleashing his full Qi and Blood without reservation. He unleashed his Cloud Mist Palm Force in all directions, attempting to completely shatter the omnipresent Fist Intent.
But just as he unleashed his full power, at the very moment when his old strength was exhausted and new strength had not yet been generated.
The Fist Intent, which seemed to have scattered into the Void, condensed into a single point in an instant.
Below the level of Divine Ability, many people have never clearly seen how Yu Tunzhou threw his punch.
Zhang Luyun's frantic palm strikes suddenly stopped.
His eyes widened as he looked down at his chest. An extremely powerful fist force slammed into him from that spot, crashing into his meridians and causing his Qi and Blood to collapse on the spot.
At that moment, all of Zhang Luyun's strength was released like a flood that had been released from a dam.
His knees buckled, and he collapsed to his knees with a thud, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with despair.
In the end, he still couldn't see where the punch came from!
On the River-Viewing Tower, the local martial arts masters looked at Yu Tunzhou with newfound respect.
Yu Tunzhou killed Yin Tianjue today with a single move of his Dharma Aspect Divine Ability, which was achieved by borrowing the power of the Divine Ability power.
But the two battles just now were purely a crushing defeat in terms of martial arts skill!
This child is definitely not just relying on Divine Ability powers!
His mastery of boxing techniques far surpasses that of his peers, and this is the true foundation of Martial Dao in the future!
This child truly has a bright future!
A middle-aged man suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "Young Hero Yu, your two fist techniques are truly marvelous! If you don't mind, please come to my [Azure Fang Martial Arts School] sometime, and I, Lu, would like to learn a few moves from you!"
Qian Jinqing stood still, her plain dress swaying in the river breeze. She didn't understand Martial Dao, but she could judge people.
The man who just spoke was the owner of the local Azure Fang Martial Arts School. It wasn't far from the External Scenery, yet he took the initiative to invite Yu Tunzhou to the Azure Fang Martial Arts School for a sparring match.
Just how skilled is this guy in boxing?
"Young Hero Yu, was that punch you just used also your own creation?" an old man asked loudly.
Yu Tunzhou raised his eyes and chuckled, "Not long ago, I traveled alone Coming Dragon River for hundreds of miles. One night, I saw the Tianhe reflected on the water's surface. I looked up at the moon in the sky and felt a pang in my heart—the rivers Mortal Realm earth flow for eight thousand miles and eventually return to their source, but where does the Tianhe in the sky end?"
"I hope that one day, I can, like a nighttime stroll Coming Dragon River, Mind Wanders the Heavenly River, and use the waters of the Tianhe to wash away all sorrows of the past and present."
Therefore, this punch is named [Mind Wanders the Heavenly River].
97
With the waters of the Tianhe, let us wash away all sorrows of the past and present.
The crowd stood there, stunned, staring at the young man who was beaming with pride when he talked about his own boxing style.
They genuinely felt that this person before them might eventually reach a place that none of them could ever attain.
"Gentlemen, today's business is finished, farewell."
Yu Tunzhou bowed respectfully and said loudly. Without waiting for anyone's reaction, he walked straight towards the stairwell, his steps unhurried and steady, as if this was just an ordinary after-dinner stroll.
The crowd instinctively made way for them.
Qian Jinqing watched the figure disappear on the rooftop, feeling a mix of melancholy and relief.
Our ancestors were overthinking things.
This guy is very, very far away from her, not just physically, but in a way that's like comparing heaven and earth.