From the fake emperor to the concubine

What suffocated Zhang Yunfan the most was that Zhuo Liqun had almost completely integrated the true essence of the Mind-Strike martial arts into every attack.

Each thrust of the halberd carried with it a pure, refined, all-encompassing, and terrifying intent that could destroy everything.

This made him feel as if he were fighting against the will of the entire world, and an overwhelming sense of despair overwhelmed him like ice water.

Fortunately, Zhuo Liqun strictly suppressed his cultivation level to the Qi Refining stage.

Despite the relentless and fierce onslaught, like a raging sea, each strike was powerful and oppressive.

However, even when restricted, Zhang Yunfan could always detect subtle gaps and changes in the transitions between their offensives.

Zhang Yunfan gritted his teeth, focusing all his energy on the battle, and struggled to hold on.

He looked extremely disheveled, staggering, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat, and his breathing was heavy and rapid.

However, thanks to the resilience that was awakened and the initial understanding of the true meaning of "striking without thought", they were always able to hold on by a hair's breadth, find a foothold in the storm, and not be defeated or directly lost.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator who had been so arrogant and had been the first to mock Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun.

Seeing the two fighting so fiercely, their moves seemed slow and laughable to him, and he couldn't suppress his sense of superiority again, openly mocking them loudly.

"Hmph, two insignificant insects, even their fight is so ugly, yet they actually have the nerve to show off their skills in front of us. They are truly ignorant of their own limitations and utterly laughable!"

He put on a high-pitched voice and waved his hand dismissively: "Considering your ignorance and stupidity, I'm too kind to bother with you."

"Now! Right now! Get out of here! Let me have some peace and quiet. If I'm in a good mood, I might be merciful and let you leave alive. Otherwise... hmph!"

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "I'll send you two fools on your way to the afterlife!"

Although this person was dressed as a chivalrous knight, his demeanor and expressions were full of affected and effeminate mannerisms.

What's even more unsettling is that this guy seems to have a thick layer of makeup on his face, and from a distance, a nauseatingly sweet and cloying scent mixed with cheap perfume and body odor hits you right in the face.

This person's every move was affected and affected, and when he spoke, he habitually raised his pinky finger, which made people feel a strong sense of physical disgust at first glance.

Unfortunately, this guy was completely oblivious to his own limitations. Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, he became even more smug and arrogant.

He proudly raised his face, which was covered in white powder, his chin almost reaching the sky, and his voice was deliberately high-pitched and thin, like a rooster being strangled: "Didn't you hear what I said? Get out of here!"

His noisy provocation was not answered by any words, but by a sudden, more intense clang of metal against metal!

Ding Ding Ding!
Dang Dang Dang!
The crisp, ear-piercing impact sound, like a sudden downpour striking sheet metal, rang out continuously, instantly drowning out his shrill voice.

After the initial disorientation and chaotic struggle.

Under immense pressure from Zhuo Liqun, Zhang Yunfan, with his astonishing fighting instincts and comprehension, gradually mastered the offensive rhythm and power characteristics of Zhuo Liqun's fierce combat techniques.

He could no longer just dodge and retreat in a sorry state. Instead, he began to anticipate the movements of his feet, adjust his body, and gradually use his greatsword to block and neutralize some of the opponent's attacks!
Furthermore, this kid innovatively incorporated the essence of the condensed intent from the "Mindless Strike" technique, which he had only recently mastered, into his defense.

When that pure, focused defensive intent is attached to the sword, it can effectively neutralize, and even partially offset, the locking and annihilation intent contained in Zhuo Liqun's attack.

Seeing Zhang Yunfan use his No Thought Strike like that.

Zhuo Liqun's sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, suddenly flashed with an astonishing light, as if he had discovered a rare treasure!
Such a simple yet incredibly practical application was something he, as the creator of this technique, had never even considered before.

They immediately slowed down their relentless offensive, deliberately giving Zhang Yunfan a chance to catch his breath and counterattack, allowing him to launch a full-scale attack.

While defending, he focused intently on learning and comprehending Zhang Yunfan's method of applying the true meaning of "no thought, one strike" to defense.

After all, it was a core technique he created himself, and Zhuo Liqun understood it to the core.

At this moment, switching from offense to defense and applying this defensive, thoughtless intention is naturally easy, and the essence is grasped almost instantly.

After only a few moves, Zhang Yunfan, who had just gained a little respite, suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable.

When he was resisting Zhuo Liqun's relentless attacks, which were like a raging torrent, Zhang Yunfan had already fought very hard. His muscles ached all over and his spiritual energy was almost exhausted.

Now, as Zhuo Liqun slowed down his offensive, signaling for him to go all out, Zhang Yunfan was horrified to find that the situation he was facing had become even more difficult, and the pressure had increased exponentially.

The feeling was as if I had fallen into a deep, unfathomable, terrifying vortex, where every attack was easily neutralized and absorbed by the opponent, only pulling me deeper and deeper.

An invisible, powerful force pulled him down, dragging him helplessly into a dark abyss of despair that was indescribable.

Zhang Yunfan wanted to forcefully withdraw and retreat, first creating a safe distance to regroup before making any further moves.

However, he discovered that his sword stance and even his entire body were being pulled by Zhuo Liqun's seemingly passive but actually profound defense, as if he were stuck in a sticky quagmire and could not break free from this terrible, ever-tightening vortex.

Even though the opponent had suppressed their cultivation to the Qi Refining stage, they were still able to display such terrifying control.

What a sight it would be if Zhuo Liqun were to break free of his restraints and unleash his full power!

Zhang Yunfan simply couldn't imagine it!

It was clearly just a duel between two cultivators at the Qi Refining stage; their moves were simple and unadorned, and their power was also restricted.

However, many truly discerning experts present looked extremely grave, their eyes filled with astonishment and doubt.

The level of sophistication in their understanding and application of martial arts techniques, and their almost instinctive fighting style, displayed by both sides, even surpassed that of some Foundation Establishment cultivators present.

Zhuo Liqun was a renowned master in the Foundation Establishment stage. Having immersed himself in martial arts for many years, his level of skill was astonishing, but not entirely surprising.

But that Zhang Yunfan...

He was just an insignificant Qi Refining stage cultivator who, under normal circumstances, they wouldn't even bother to give a second glance.

However, the terrifying comprehension and adaptability he displayed in battle were so strong that even those of them who were well-informed felt a chill down their spines and were filled with apprehension!

Some people's eyes flickered, and a hint of cold killing intent, barely perceptible, crept into their gazes as they looked at Zhang Yunfan.

Although they couldn't understand why Zhang Yunfan, with such extraordinary martial arts talent, was still stuck at the Qi Refining stage—it seemed utterly illogical—this immense confusion did nothing to quell the intense killing intent fueled by jealousy and fear within them, a desire to nip it in the bud.

Wei Siling was also stunned, completely unable to believe her eyes.

Of everyone present, she had undoubtedly known Zhang Yunfan the longest.

That's why she was even more deeply shocked by the talent displayed in front of her, which far exceeded her understanding!

To be able to instantly comprehend and imitate a single move containing the true essence of martial arts that one witnessed at a critical moment of life and death is astonishing in itself.

As it turned out, not only did this guy learn it, but he was also able to use it so flexibly that he even inspired Zhuo Liqun, the creator of this move, to the point that Zhuo Liqun humbled himself and learned from him.

This...this is too exaggerated, too unbelievable!
Wei Siling couldn't help but compare Zhang Yunfan to the exceptionally talented person she remembered.

Their Candlelight Sect's leader, revered as the most talented and radiant figure in three thousand years, is probably far less terrifying than the martial arts comprehension that Zhang Yunfan is currently displaying at such a young age.

With such extraordinary talent, breaking through to the basic Qi Refining stage should be as easy as drinking water and eating.

But why is this kid's actual cultivation level so low, almost bizarrely low?
The more Wei Siling pondered the enormous contrast and contradictions, the more quickly her initial shock transformed into an indescribable, chilling feeling that sent shivers down her spine!

Then, thinking back to the terrifying being hidden in Zhang Yunfan's sea of ​​consciousness.

Wei Siling couldn't help but wonder if this guy was the reincarnation of some terrifying being.

Otherwise, there's really no way to explain his terrifying talent.

Those masters who could truly discern the exquisite nature of the clash between Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun at the level of martial arts essence held their breath and watched intently.

After all, even they can benefit from this level of martial arts confrontation.

Meanwhile, many cultivators who were not at a high enough level and were just watching the spectacle grew increasingly impatient, finding the clumsy battle tedious and boring.

The one who jumped out earlier, yelling that Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun should get lost or he would take action against their effeminate cultivators.

Seeing that the two players were completely absorbed in their own battle rhythm and were locked in a fierce and evenly matched fight, no one paid any attention to him.

This blatant disregard made him feel as if he had been slapped hard across the face in public, his cheeks burning with pain.

It was as if every gaze cast upon him by those around him had turned into endless mockery and contempt.

"Fine, fine, fine!" The effeminate cultivator trembled with rage, his voice sharp and piercing.

"You two worthless pieces of trash, you're asking for it, aren't you?"

"Since you two are so ungrateful, then you might as well go to hell together!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly pushed his hands forward!
Two jet-black winds, exuding a chilling aura, suddenly condensed and, carrying a sharp whistling sound as if countless vengeful ghosts were wailing in their ears, viciously pounced on Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun, who were locked in fierce combat!

His sudden, unexpected attack stunned everyone present.

"What's wrong with this guy? Why did he suddenly launch a sneak attack out of nowhere?" someone asked their companion in a low voice, looking bewildered.

"Perhaps... he has a personal grudge against those two in the arena?" someone nearby speculated, their tone uncertain.

“That shouldn’t be the case.” The other person frowned and recalled, “Judging from the arrogant tone he used just now, he was clearly seeing these two for the first time and didn’t know them at all.”

Someone, with an incredulous expression, lowered their voice and said, "Could it be that this guy really felt that being ignored by those two was a slap in the face, and couldn't stand it, so he attacked out of anger and embarrassment?"

Although most of the cultivators present could not fathom the true depths of Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun.

However, as people who have been through thick and thin in the cultivation world, they still have basic common sense and generally would not rashly get involved in such unclear life and death karma in front of everyone.

Those experts who could see the strength and foundation of Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun found the behavior of this effeminate cultivator utterly absurd and inexplicable!
"Idiot!" someone coldly spat out two words, their eyes looking at him as if he were already dead: "This level of martial arts intent clash is not something someone like you can casually interfere with. You're courting death!"

The other person curled his lips into a mocking smile: "There's no shortage of these self-righteous idiots in this world who don't know their own limitations."

The effeminate cultivator, consumed by shame and anger, unleashed his full power without holding back.

The yin winds that were pushed out by both hands howled and swirled wildly, and black mist filled the air. The resentment and death intent contained within, along with the piercing ghostly howls, gave it a rather intimidating aura.

Although Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun were highly focused on each other, every move and stance captivated their attention.

However, cultivators in the midst of fierce battles possess incredibly sharp spiritual senses, and their perception of the killing intent around them is almost instinctive.

The yin-style cultivator had just made his move, and the yin wind he had gathered had not yet reached him.

Almost simultaneously, Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun accurately sensed the approaching chilling killing intent!
"when!"

A crisp, metallic clang suddenly rang out!

As if telepathically connected, the two used the powerful recoil from the violent collision of their weapons to twist their bodies simultaneously.

They all turned their attention to the reckless attacker and launched a fierce counterattack!

Zhuo Liqun's halberd struck first despite being behind, as fast as a lightning bolt tearing through the darkness.

At the tip of the halberd, the pure and condensed essence of martial arts, unleashed without reservation, was unleashed.

The seemingly malevolent dark winds and black energy were as fragile as a sheet of paper in the face of this all-destroying intent, instantly shattered and disintegrated.

The halberd tip, its power undiminished, struck the effeminate cultivator's chest with unparalleled precision.

boom

A muffled thud that made your teeth ache was followed by the cracking sound of bones shattering.

The effeminate cultivator didn't even have time to scream before half his body exploded like a watermelon struck by a heavy hammer under this terrifying blow. Blood and flesh flew everywhere!
Zhang Yunfan's movements were slightly slower than Zhuo Liqun's. (End of Chapter)