Holy Fist!

Chapter 417 Your external martial arts are unparalleled in the world!
"Both of you are guests I invited."

"Let's have some tea first, and then we can exchange ideas and skills later..."

The Blade Demon's voice, calm yet slightly hoarse, rang out.

A hundred meters away.

Bai Xiao slowly withdrew his fist, glanced down, and saw that the indomitable golden light on his skin had developed some cracks. This was clearly the effect of the terrifying sword energy unleashed by the Blade Demon just now.

Ahead, wisps of black smoke drifted and dissipated along the narrow, knife-marked ditch, faintly revealing an extremely fierce and bloodthirsty demonic killing intent.

"The Twelve Hells Diagram?"

"No, it should be above the so-called Twelve Hells Diagram."

Bai Xiao's eyes flickered slightly as he thought to himself.

Gui Luotian of the Posuo Hidden Knife Hall had once learned the core inheritance, the Twelve Hell Diagrams, at the Dark World Fighting Tournament. However, the methods unleashed by the Knife Demon before him were even more ferocious and brutal than the Twelve Hell Diagrams.

It's likely related to the forbidden secret weapon that the Blade Demon is rumored to possess.

five minutes later.

Under the pavilion, a group of seven people sat scattered about.

Each person present exuded a powerful aura, their extraordinary presence palpable even when concealed within their bodies. These seven top-tier martial arts masters, hailing from across the world, possessed a multitude of secret techniques. Some were leaders of first-rate sects, while others had forged their own renowned reputations in their respective martial arts worlds. They had gathered here specifically for the Martial Arts Tournament!

Therefore, the seven people who were tasting tea were all potential rivals to each other.

"Please have some tea, everyone."

The Demon Blade himself stood up and poured a cup of tea for everyone around him using a dark gold bronze teapot. The tea was slightly greenish, with a unique fragrance and wisps of steam that invigorated the senses. This was indeed Enlightenment Tea, though it was likely quite old.

All seven people were drinking tea.

The five from the Tianxia Federation showed no change in expression; they had all tasted the Enlightenment Tea before. Only Death Sword from the Xingyao Federation and Lion King from the Saint Luo United Kingdom suddenly brightened up, closing their eyes to savor the tea.

The unique effects of the Enlightenment Tea refresh the mind and invigorate the spirit, bringing a surge of inspiration. Though only for a fleeting moment, it is enough to leave one wanting more. The Lion King opened his eyes, gazing at the Enlightenment Tea in his hand.

I couldn't help but sigh.

"This is the legendary Enlightenment Tea?"

"I heard about it back in Saint Luo. There's a magical Enlightenment Tea Tree in Tianxia. Under that sacred tree, one can achieve enlightenment by leaps and bounds. The tea leaves from the Enlightenment Tea Tree can also greatly enhance a martial artist's comprehension, even at the peak of a sect leader level. Today's experience is truly extraordinary..."

North side of the pavilion.

The oldest person present, dressed in white, spoke up in response.

"Lion King, the Enlightenment Tea we're drinking today is actually quite old; much of its Enlightenment rhythm has dissipated. The fresher the Enlightenment Tea, the better its quality and the better its effects! In this martial arts tournament, anyone who enters the top sixteen will receive Enlightenment Tea as a reward. Those who reach the top eight will receive over a pound of Enlightenment Tea. Its quality will be at least ten years old, and the effect of an equal amount of tea will be twice as good as what we're drinking today..."

Directly opposite.

The Lion King's eyes lit up slightly, and he thought to himself.

"This invitation to the Tianxia Federation was definitely worthwhile."

The old man in white continued his sermon.

"As for the top three, they will even have the opportunity to meditate under the Enlightenment Tea Tree. As for the champion, that will naturally be the forbidden secret weapon, the Water and Fire Immortal Robe."

"Tsk tsk tsk, a forbidden secret weapon, who wouldn't want it!?"

The Lion King put down his teacup and sighed.

"Of course, I want them all."

"However, the probability is extremely low. Among everyone here, I'm afraid only the Blade Demon has a certain degree of confidence. In my opinion, among all the top experts below the Grandmaster level in the entire world, only three are qualified to become the champion of the Martial Arts Tournament. The Heavenly Kingdom of the White Eagle Republic, the Star God Palace Spirit King of the Star Radiance Federation, and the last one is naturally the Blade Demon of the Posuo Hidden Blade Hall."

The others present, looking at the Lion King and the Sword Demon, did not refute this statement but rather expressed their agreement. The white-haired elder added.

"Your demons of Saint Luo, the paladins of the United Kingdom of Acaso, are also renowned. The upcoming martial arts tournament will surely be a fierce battle..."

Upon hearing this, the Lion King opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent. This was because Xiao Gui of the Holy Roman Empire was a maverick peak expert, existing outside the mainstream martial arts world. Yet, it was precisely this very being who had the greatest chance of reaching the Grandmaster level in the future.

"I wonder how many people will participate in this martial arts tournament?"

After a moment of silence, he changed the subject.

Lion King actually wanted to aim for the top eight; a full pound of Enlightenment Tea would last him a long time. But if all the world's most renowned and powerful figures came, Lion King wasn't confident he could achieve a high ranking.

"The Light Eagle will definitely come."

"He had already informed me in advance."

From the main seat, the Blade Demon spoke calmly and slowly.

During his travels around the world, he clashed with the Light Eagle of the White Eagle Republic several times, but neither side could gain the upper hand and the fight never reached a final stage. This martial arts tournament, however, presents a perfect opportunity for them to settle their personal grudges. Therefore, the Light Eagle will definitely come; both sides are determined to defeat the other completely.

Under the pavilion.

As everyone sipped tea, they discussed the martial arts tournament and occasionally shared anecdotes from their respective martial arts worlds, making it a true tea gathering.

As they spoke, everyone present began to elaborate on their respective martial arts theories.

All of them are top-tier experts; when their minds clash, it's inevitable that they'll feel the urge to fight.

So, some people started sparring right next to the pavilion to put their previous arguments into practice. Among them were Bai Xiao and Shan Quan, both masters of external martial arts, each with their own philosophy. If one had to categorize them, Bai Xiao leaned more towards offense, while Shan Quan leaned more towards defense, preferring to remain unchanged in the face of any change.

Beside the pavilion, beside South Lake.

Two strong, tall figures stood quietly in the sunlight.

Bai Xiao wore a black and gold fighting suit with a dragon and elephant pattern that shone brightly.

Shan Quan, dressed in a gray bodysuit, exuded a calm and steady aura, his two powerful arms resembling solid blocks of gray-white marble. He spoke slowly.

"Master Bai, I never imagined that you would reach such a level in such a short time. Chen Xiu once mentioned you to me, and I originally wanted to invite you to join my Mountain-Moving Fist, after all, geniuses in external martial arts are few and far between..."

"Now it seems I underestimated you."

Directly opposite, Bai Xiao remained silent, only slowly clasping his hands in a fist salute.

Shan Quan paused for a moment, then understood and clasped his hands in greeting.

His earlier display of arrogance was somewhat overly condescending, reflecting the perspective of an elder looking at a junior, tinged with a sense of appreciation for talent. However, in reality, the two were on the same level, both being top-tier experts who could be invited by the Blade Demon.

Perhaps it's because Bai Xiao's rise to fame was too recent; even though news of his killing of Golden Armor Saint Rong circulated some time ago, it didn't attract much attention from the leaders of many top sects. Golden Armor Saint Rong had only recently reached his peak, and his various techniques were still immature. If they were to take action, they could also kill him.

Although Bai Xiao is still a master of a Transcendent Realm sect, his ability to fight beyond his level is quite special. However, his battle record doesn't surpass that of other peak sect masters. Therefore, most people simply regard him as an ordinary peak sect master. Unless, of course, Bai Xiao displays even more astonishing performance in the future.

"please!"

Beside the courtyard.

Shan Quan took a deep breath, and the gray-white clothes on his upper body were instantly torn apart. His entire body swelled inch by inch, revealing bulging muscles and bulging blue veins, his heart pounding like a savage beast. Visibly, the muscles on Shan Quan's body writhed, gradually transforming into the outline of marble. It was as if a heavy mountain was looming over his body.

Its terrain is connected to mountains, as stable as the earth.

"You should go first."

Ahead, Bai Xiao's voice rang out.

He stood there like an iron tower, completely still.

Their sparring session on external martial arts was simple: they each threw a punch at the other. Using their own weapon against his defense, the difference in strength was easily determined. "Good!"

Mountain Fist was equally unrestrained, stomping his foot directly on the ground, creating a deep crater with a thunderous roar. He resembled a wild elephant, rampaging across the earth, accompanied by a whirlwind. If you included his aura, Mountain Fist was practically a mountain pressing down, about to smash the bamboo forest in front of him to pieces.

"Ding!"

"Roar!"

Almost in an instant.

Bai Xiao stood firmly on the ground, his pupils gleaming with golden light, exuding an awe-inspiring majesty like a celestial being. Terrifying beams of platinum energy roared from his body, striking the ground with a thunderous boom. In a trance, it seemed as if a phantom of a celestial being enveloped Bai Xiao's body, surrounded by five dragons and ten elephants, sacred beasts. There, too, was the Xuanwu Thunder Embryo, forming an invisible fortress.

"Bang!!!"

The mountain fist strike landed.

It was like a majestic mountain peak colliding with a golden god.

The immense impact swept outwards, the ground rumbled and rubble flew everywhere. The howling winds flattened large swathes of bamboo forest in the distance.

"Kakakaka..."

The fog dissipated, revealing the center of the field.

Bai Xiao remained standing on the ground, his feet like pile drivers, carving out two deep trenches over a hundred meters long. On his chest, a massive, greyish-white fist, like a shooting star, stood firmly, emitting violently vibrating golden-red sparks. Fine cracks appeared in the golden light shimmering in that area, but were instantly repaired by the Five Dragons and Ten Elephants.

Mountain Fist was unable to break through White Owl's defense.

The two powerful forces were continuously annihilated, turning into distorted air currents.

"Shh!"

Two seconds later.

Shan Quan stopped moving, withdrew his fist, and looked at Bai Xiao in surprise.

"No wonder the lion king's claw didn't hurt you just now."

"Your physical training is unparalleled in the world!"

His pupils contracted slightly; those in the same profession understand each other best. Shan Quan sensed the terrifying power of Bai Xiao's external martial arts. In his view, the physical body before him was like a celestial being, indestructible and imperishable, neither increasing nor decreasing. Its blood and qi surged like the smoke of war, and its inner vitality rivaled that of a primordial beast.

"His internal cultivation is far superior to mine!"

Shan Quan thought to himself.

The only thing he can be thankful for is...

My own external training should be no worse than Bai Xiao's.

"It's my turn."

Ahead, Bai Xiao slowly dissipated the golden light emanating from his body.

He looked quietly at Shan Quan and spoke.

"Shh."

Mountain Fist immediately assumed a defensive stance again, his entire being resembling a stable and massive mountain peak, the mountain range winding and coiling like a divine dragon, its roots firmly planted in the earth. Even missile bombardment would not cause much damage.

"please!"

He just finished speaking.

In his sight, a golden phantom appeared before Shan Quan as if in a flash. Bai Xiao unleashed a punch, and the Kunpeng soared, carrying the blazing sun in its beak!
"Boom!!!"

An extremely terrifying force caused the air to vibrate and escape, the earth to crack inch by inch, and countless ripples to rise on the surface of South Lake in the distance.

"Oh!"

Shan Quan's pupils contracted, and he was sent flying like a rocket launching into space. His mountain-like aura was completely useless; the entire mountain was uprooted by the terrifying force. The sacred beast Kunpeng, with its wings spread wide enough to blot out the sky and its broad back capable of carrying a mountain, was a testament to its immense power.

"call out!"

He instantly and violently darted hundreds of meters away, completely unable to resist.

Suddenly, the figure of the Blade Demon appeared in the center of South Lake.

“Huahuahuahua…”

The aura of a half-step grandmaster helped Shan Quan continuously buffer his movements, allowing him to stop smoothly with his feet on the lake surface, where ripples spread.

"What a fine Dragon Elephant Pavilion Master!"

"This martial arts tournament, besides Dao Mo and his group, will likely become his stage as well! Those old friends in the East have greatly underestimated him..."

Shan Quan's chest heaved violently, and he felt a slight stinging pain in his mind.

His martial will was actually shattered by Bai Xiao's brute force!

Mountain Fist had never seen anything like this before.

In the past, only the will of martial arts could contend with the will of martial arts. But Bai Xiao's strength was simply insufficient to contend with it.

With enough power, all so-called barriers and obstacles become meaningless!
"call out!"

"call out!"

After a few seconds.

Two figures returned from South Lake and went back to the pavilion.

Under the pavilion.

The Lion King's gaze remained fixed on the White Owl, his eyes growing increasingly wary. He realized that his initial arrogance had indeed been a significant mistake.

How could someone who could be invited by the Blade Demon be an ordinary Transcendent Realm expert? Their special nature is probably even more troublesome than that of a typical Peak Realm expert!

"Trouble..."

The Lion King thought to himself.

Just as he was distracted, Bai Xiao's voice came from afar.

"I've heard that the Holy Lion Fist is one of the twelve top-tier fist techniques of the Holy Luo United Kingdom! When mastered to a high level, every movement is like a holy lion traversing among beasts, exceptionally domineering and incomparably powerful. Lion King, our exchange just now was far too brief; it was over before I even had a chance to experience it..."

"Now, how about we continue our exchange?"

In the distance, the strong, tall man stood expressionless, yet an aura of extreme malice emanated from him. His eyes radiated indifference and coldness.

This causes the air to be slightly distorted and deformed.

The Lion King took a deep breath. Actually, the best course of action now was to refuse.

However, while he could manage privately, with so many powerful figures present, he couldn't afford to appear weak. Moreover, the most crucial aspect of cultivating the Holy Lion Fist technique was possessing the pride of a lion king, looking down on everything, only then could the technique grow stronger and stronger. If the lion king retreated, being watched by so many powerful figures would be a minor matter; the very pride he cultivated in the Holy Lion Fist would regress instead of progress, and that would be disastrous.

Now, the only thing to do is to have a good fight!
He would like to see...

When everyone truly goes all out, who will be the ultimate winner?

(End of this chapter)