Holy Fist!

Chapter 433 Reaching the Pinnacle of a School Master! (6k)

Bai Xiao's gaze was fixed straight ahead.

"Dark red."

With a call, a crimson light, like the glow of sunset, quickly enveloped the entire martial arts tournament. A mysterious force acted upon the "Victory Stance" quest, continuously extracting victory points from it.

"Hua Hua Hua..."

The four-digit winning score quickly dropped to a single digit.

Two or three breaths later.

Bai Xiao blinked, and red light focused on his retina.

[Dark Red Modifier]

Potential Points: 488.8 → 593.8

The number of potential points is close to six hundred, which is a sufficient replenishment.

“Next up are the quarterfinals, the semifinals, and the final – a total of three battles. If I can earn as many potential points as Kamius, the Fist of Dark Light, in each battle, my total potential points might break the four-figure mark and reach over a thousand for the first time!” Bai Xiao’s eyes gleamed.

He felt that this was not impossible. Because the competition format after the quarterfinals of the martial arts tournament was quite different from what was happening now. Before the quarterfinals, all participants faced off in pairs, with the winners advancing to the next round.

However, after the quarterfinals, the eight contestants were directly divided into two groups of four. Each group engaged in a free-for-all battle, exchanging blows with each other. The complexity of those battles and the sheer volume of information involved far surpassed anything seen before the quarterfinals. Each quarterfinalist would simultaneously face three other quarterfinalists. Sometimes, they needed to be wary of their coordinated attacks. Other times, they might find themselves in sync with the other quarterfinalists, choosing the seemingly weakest opponent to eliminate first.

In a group of four, only the last two can remain standing and advance to the next round. The intensity of the battles and fights during this process is incomparable to anything seen before the quarterfinals. If Bai Xiao were to fight a match in this mode, the victory points he would gain from the undefeated stance mission might be far more substantial than imagined.

"The rewards at that time will indeed be very tempting."

"But we also need to prepare for the worst. What if, during the quarterfinals, the other three contestants attack me simultaneously, trying to eliminate me first? I probably wouldn't be able to handle that now. Especially if someone like Blade Demon Light Eagle is among them; they are the biggest threat to my chances of winning..."

Bai Xiao pondered quietly, his mind racing.

"Therefore, before the quarterfinals, I need to gain the power to withstand a three-on-one attack. Even in the worst-case scenario, I need to stand firm and remain calm! Tonight... I must break through to the peak of the sect master level!"

Gradually, he came to his senses and raised his head.

His sharp gaze pierced through the glass of the hall, looking toward the battlefield.

As expected, as the martial arts tournament progressed, many exciting matches unfolded in the round of 16 to the quarterfinals. The first match was between Bai Xiao and Camus, and the second was between Demon Bear Simon and Soul-Devouring Spear Tang Qi. Both of these players were top experts in the third tier of this martial arts tournament.

Bai Xiao's gaze swept across the distance, lingering briefly on Tang Qi.

He had originally thought that Tang Qi, the Soul-Devouring Spear, was famous because of the Soul-Devouring Spear he wielded. He never imagined that at this very moment, while Tang Qi was fighting the Demon Bear Simon, he was carrying several large spears made of mithril and black iron on his back.

The gun barrel, with its horizontal and vertical shafts, looked like spider legs growing out from behind.

These spears possessed astonishing power; they could be used as melee weapons in close combat or thrown at incredible speeds. Fueled by burning spirit and propelled by secret techniques, combined with decades of honed skills and methods, they were launched like missiles. Some struck the ground, creating craters tens of meters in diameter. Others pierced mountain cliffs, carving circular holes.

At this moment, even Simon the Demon Bear, a master of external martial arts who had defeated Ao Feng the Heavenly Dragon, was beaten until he was covered in blood and roared incessantly. Looking from afar, a gigantic ancient bear formed from black energy was repeatedly struck by the Xuan Iron Spear, staggering and covered in wounds. Finally, with two iron spears embedded in its chest, it leaped with all its might, but was still knocked away and swept aside.

He collapsed heavily to the ground, unable to fight.

Before the referee announced the result of the match, Simon barely raised his head, looked at Tang Qi with a ferocious and bloodstained face, coughed violently a few times, and asked from a distance.

"Tell me, what kind of marksmanship is this?!"

"Tattoo..."

A figure slowly walked over from the messy ground.

A strange sense of nostalgia rose on Tang Qi's face.

"Siyu Spear".

"Silk Jade Spear!?"

Simon the bear, his face blank, muttered to himself.

"This spear technique is clearly extremely violent, so where is the subtlety of its movements?"

"No, it's the 'si' in 'longing,' not the 'si' in 'threads.'"

"Yu'er, my Yu'er."

Tang Qi gripped the spear in his hand as if he were caressing the bones of his lover's hand.

"Once upon a time, there was a girl who loved me, her name was Yu..."

"Alright, stop talking!"

Simon raised his hand and slapped his forehead, then immediately fainted.

"Tang Qi wins!"

……

In the waiting hall.

As a spectator, Bai Xiao watched the remaining seven matches.

From around 1 p.m. until about 6 p.m.

During this process, he witnessed one of the most significant battles ever fought.

The demon of the Holy Roman Empire versus the sword demon of the Heavenly Xia Federation.

This battle was the most intense and valuable since the start of the martial arts tournament. The Blade Demon, among the top masters of his respective schools, was firmly in the first tier, already taking steps towards the Grandmaster realm. The Demon Spirit, on the other hand, was in the second tier, only lacking the foundation of the first tier. Everyone was incredibly excited and eagerly anticipating a great battle between these two masters.

However, their performance on the field was unexpected.

Xiao Gui lost the match with incredible speed. He was severely injured, a slashing gash almost splitting his body in two from left to right. No one knew what happened in that instant; by the time everyone reacted, Xiao Gui was already flying backward, blood gushing from his chest. And the Blade Demon slowly withdrew his invisible blade.

For a moment, a cacophony of noise erupted from the audience, echoing through the valley, creating a sound like a massive sing-along at a concert. Eardrums vibrated, the deafening roar nearly shook the valley to its core.

"What just happened?!"

"Is that all? Isn't Xiao Gui in the second tier, second only to the likes of Dao Mo and Guang Ying? If ranked sequentially, he should at least be fourth or fifth. How could he be so easily defeated by Dao Mo... collapsing at the first touch?"

"I can't understand it, I can't understand it at all!"

Among the people present.

A few people who could see the truth were waiting in the lobby.

Bai Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of seriousness flashing across his face.

He could sense that the demon was not easily defeated, and the gap between it and the Blade Demon was not as large as it appeared. The scene that had just occurred was likely related to the Blade Demon's forbidden secret weapon, perhaps some kind of forbidden power.

The Demon Blade is definitely taking this seriously.

However, the battle unfolded with such overwhelming force that it appeared as if the Blade Demon had effortlessly defeated the Demon Demon, eliminating him on the spot.

"What a ruthless swordsman..."

"No wonder he's revered as a half-step Grandmaster in the Eastern Martial Arts World!"

Bai Xiao slowly withdrew his gaze.

He glanced at the others in the other directions; their gazes were all solemn, their brows slightly furrowed. Anyone who wanted to win the martial arts tournament faced a formidable obstacle. Without defeating the Blade Demon, they could not claim the ultimate crown!
Time flies, and it's 6:20 PM.

As dusk settled, the sky was bathed in twilight, with layers of fiery clouds piling up on the horizon, their lower edges trailing a ring of undulating, flame-like waves. The sun was nearing its setting, its very outline disappearing below the horizon.

Battle Plaza area.

The host in red reappeared and then announced loudly.

"Today's match is now over."

"The quarterfinals will be held tomorrow morning."

"Let's call it, 'Discussion on Taoism in the Clouds and Mountains'!"

Waiting hall.

Bai Xiao's mind went blank as he glanced at the remaining contestants around him.

Blade Demon, Light Eagle, Spirit King.

Soul-Devouring Spear Tang Qi, Blazing Sky Pasi, Ghost Mastiff Rhine, Holy Knight.

Plus myself.

The eight finalists have all been selected.

Some of them might not qualify for inclusion based on the rankings. However, sometimes luck is also a part of one's ability.

After the match was declared over.

Many spectators and participants left Yunshan Valley. From the air, they appeared as small black dots, heading towards Donghai City.

Inside the valley.

Only the top eight remained, awaiting their rewards.

It continued until 6:40.

Bai Xiao then got into the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School's car and headed towards the Elephant Mountain on the outskirts of Donghai City. A black briefcase was now prominently displayed in the back seat.

……

7 p.m.

Located in the backyard of the newly built mountain gate of the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School at Qunxiang Mountain.

White Owl stood quietly in an open space.

He had just checked the prizes for the top eight in the martial arts tournament: a total of one jin and one liang of Enlightenment Tea. That's about eleven liang.

The quality of tea varies.

On average, it takes about eight to nine years.

It was actually better than Bai Xiao had imagined. The Martial Arts Association, as the organizer of the martial arts tournament, did not just barely meet the minimum requirements for rewards.

Perhaps it's because this is a world-class event?

In short, this is a good thing for White Owl.

"Hey..."

He slowly exhaled a breath of scorching air, and the light in his eyes gradually focused.

"despair."

With a light step, Bai Xiao soared into the air like a rocket, instantly flying towards the mountainside of Qunxiang Mountain.

Beneath a mountain wall, an antique courtyard stands quietly.

The entire courtyard seemed to appear out of thin air, with no road connecting it to the front. Behind it, a clear mountain spring flowed down, tinkling and melodious, with a secluded pool, green stones, and large trees. Add to that a pavilion in the center, and the whole place felt like a dynamic ink painting.

"despair."

In the pavilion in the middle of the secluded pool.

A figure dressed in a black and gold fighting suit suddenly appeared.

Bai Xiao glanced at the beautiful natural scenery around him and quietly sat down cross-legged. He was positioned right in the center of the pavilion, which in turn was located in the center of the secluded pool. Behind him, spring water gurgled and a small waterfall cascaded down the mountainside.

The water vapor is unusually abundant.

Ahead, the antique courtyard was lit up, illuminating the area in the distance. Although not as clear as daytime, it wasn't too dark either.

"Before attempting to break through to the pinnacle of the martial arts style."

"Do everything you can to push yourself to the absolute limit."

Bai Xiao took a deep breath.

He stood tall and straight, his whole body like a sturdy pine tree.

Within sight, four top-tier secret techniques floated silently in mid-air: "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top" and "Five Qi Converging at the Origin."

"Thunder and Fire Burn the Body" and "A Single Thought Conquers the Vast World".

Especially the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and the Five Qi Converging at the Origin, those were prepared by Bai Xiao for forbidden secret techniques. He had to elevate these to perfection in advance.

"These secret techniques were originally top-tier, or close to top-tier. After breaking through their limits, they could probably reach the half-step forbidden level..."

Bai Xiao looked ahead, his mind suddenly focusing.

[Skill: Three Flowers Gathering at the Top of the Body, Three Flowers in the Mud Pill (1/2300)] +
……

……

……

All four skills now have a dark red plus sign next to them.

"Fortunately, I have enough potential points."

"It is entirely possible to upgrade these in one go."

With a thought, Bai Xiao began to activate his cheat code.

"Dark Red, upgrade all!"

Instantly, the mysterious power of the crimson modifier enveloped and covered the entire martial arts main class. The status bars of the four skills were slightly shaking and blurring.

Time passed by minute by minute.

At a certain moment, Bai Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in his pupils.

[Your profession "Martial Arts Master" has been upgraded to +1020 experience!]

[Skills "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top" and "Five Qi Converging at the Origin" gain +2300 experience!]

[Skills "Thunderfire Incineration" and "A Single Thought Captures the Vast Universe" gain +2200 experience!]

Your skills "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top," "Five Elements Converging at the Origin," "Thunder and Fire Burning the Body," and "A Single Thought Encompassing the Thousand Worlds" have reached the "Ultimate Realm"!

His gaze quickly moved downwards, then fixed on a spot.

[Dark Red Modifier]

Potential point: August 413.8

The next second, Bai Xiao shuddered, as if he could no longer suppress the aura within him. Every pore on his body suddenly opened, spewing out a surging, platinum-gold aura that swept and rippled across the surrounding area. The intense magnetic field expanded outwards, causing ripples to appear on the surface of the water.

He sat cross-legged, with his eyes lowered and closed, like a Buddha.

Numerous powerful changes rapidly occurred within Bai Xiao's body, like the roar of a surging dragon and elephant. The wildly surging blood and qi were suppressed inch by inch, restoring calm, and all power was once again under control.

The three flowers gathered at the top of the head, making it even more sacred, and floated in mid-air. The three celestial flowers seemed to overlap, faintly forming a halo behind the head.

Within the chest and abdomen, the five vital energies converge and circulate. It's like a multicolored, rapidly spinning top. Its purpose is similar to a gyroscope, constantly rotating at high speed to maintain the balance of the entire instrument.

If it stops turning, the massive instrument will be severely damaged.

The lightning and fire engulfed his body, increasing its power even further. It was as if dark red magma flowed between his pores, and thick bolts of lightning crackled and popped.

The "One Thought, One World" technique, after the third stage, unlocked an unprecedented fourth stage. The acceleration increased from a maximum of nine times to twelve times!
"No one in this world possesses as many top-tier secret martial arts techniques as I do. All my hard work and effort along the way have not been in vain..." Bai Xiao murmured to himself, his voice filled with emotion.

Then, he slowly finished his practice, his aura swirling back like a vortex.

Bai Xiao stood motionless at the edge of the pavilion.

"Crash..."

Something was rapidly surging up from below the pool.

A few seconds later, a crystal lotus platform for enlightenment floated on the water.

"despair."

He strode forward and walked up.

Bai Xiao sat cross-legged again in the center of the lotus platform. As the entire platform floated around in the pool, he felt a sense of unrestrained freedom.

He calmed himself down and gradually adjusted his condition to its best.

As the night deepened, the bright moon hung high in the sky.

Just then, Bai Xiao suddenly opened his eyes.

He picked up the enlightenment tea next to him and gulped it down in one go.

It was as if it had swallowed a whale whole.

"Om..."

At the same moment, he activated his Pure Heart talent, entering a meditative state. The sounds of insects chirping, leaves rustling, and water splashing that had been echoing in his ears began to fade away rapidly.

Even the entire world resembled a splashed ink painting. All the colors faded, the outlines disappeared, leaving only a blank canvas.

In this world, there is only Bai Xiao.

Seated cross-legged on a lotus platform, floating on the white sea.

Oblivious to everything, my heart is at peace.

The effects of the Enlightenment Tea brought a sense of clarity to his mind. At the crown of his head, a continuous stream of inspiration flowed down like a gentle stream.

The tinkling sounds soothe the spirit.

At this moment, dozens of secret martial arts techniques and methods he had cultivated and improved upon flashed through Bai Xiao's mind at an extremely fast pace. It was like a revolving lantern, allowing him to review his own martial arts path once again.

"Om..."

Below, the crystal enlightenment lotus platform began to glow and radiate heat, instantly resonating with Bai Xiao in an unknown way. The grandmaster's insights within were involuntarily drawn out. A vast and majestic rhythm rapidly flowed out, transforming into wisps of blood-red mist that soaked and shrouded the surrounding water surface in a hazy mist.

Perhaps it was because Bai Xiao drank too much Enlightenment Tea at once.

This time, the Grandmaster's will emanating from the Crystal Enlightenment Lotus Platform was more intense than ever before. It even materialized into human figures on the water's surface.

It was blurry and indistinct; only the general outline of the limbs could be clearly seen.

These human figures continuously practiced their individual moves, gradually disassembling them and finally connecting them into a unified whole. Like a shadow puppet painting, they recorded many insights.

White Owl breathed softly.

All the pores on my body suddenly opened.

"Shhhhhhhhhh..."

Instantly, from all directions, countless blood-smoke humanoid figures were enveloped by a massive vortex, entering Bai Xiao's body like swallows returning to their nests.

They ate and drank excessively, devouring their food in large gulps.

He trembled violently, as if he had encountered some powerful tonic. His mental state began to rise rapidly, and his feet felt like they were equipped with rocket boosters. Bai Xiao's secret martial arts resonated and trembled simultaneously, as if a certain martial will was about to be born, and he was about to break through the limit of the master of the Transcendent Realm.

"Empty, empty, empty..."

The earth shook violently, and the sky trembled.

In this pure white world, he suddenly opened his eyes.

"Moo!!!"

"Roar!!!"

White Owl was shocked to discover this.

He was sitting cross-legged on the back of a colossal, ancient, glass-like elephant, as heavy as Mount Tai, its back reaching to the heavens. Every movement he made was like that of the divine tortoise that Nuwa used to mend the sky, its limbs supporting the four corners of heaven and earth, influencing the entire world.

And Bai Xiao also saw...

This ancient elephant god is coiled around a mythical dragon that gleams with golden light. Its winding scales resemble a mountain range stretching for thousands of miles.

If you look closely, you can still find it.

Ganesha and the Holy Dragon are one entity, not two separate beings!

Like the Black Tortoise, the tortoise and snake are one, an eternal rock.

The creature beneath the white owl was ancient and savage, like something out of a myth.

Every move he made spoke of unprecedented domineering and violence, as if he could crush and shatter the entire world, traverse the void, and establish a new heaven and earth.

"Dragon and Elephant!?"

A name inexplicably appeared in his heart.

That wasn't taken by Bai Xiao, but rather a kind of premonition.

"Between heaven and earth, in the void..."

"Could there really be such a mythical creature? Called the Dragon-Elephant!?"

He had countless questions in his mind.

But, the next second.

A tremendous force, expanding like a vast ocean, erupted from Bai Xiao's body. Even his terrifyingly sculpted physique felt a tearing pain. Bai Xiao let out a muffled groan.

"Crack!"

Before my eyes, everything seemed like an illusion, shattering instantly.

He snapped back to reality and opened his eyes.

Golden light shone brightly from its pupils, shooting far into the sky. Like a searchlight, it flew countless meters over the suburbs.

"The will of the dragon and the elephant..."

Bai Xiao muttered to himself, looking down at his hands.

Behind him, a colossal phantom, resembling a mythical creature, emerged from the void, standing silently like a statue.

"In addition, there is the aura of a master who has already been tempered to the extreme."

Bai Xiao suddenly stood up.

The terrifying aura and power that he had been desperately suppressing within his body finally ceased to be concealed. With a deafening roar, a tsunami surged across Mount Qunxiang. The continuous, overwhelming power expanded rapidly, completely engulfing the entire mountain peak.

"Rumble, rumble, rumble..."

The surrounding area was as if an earthquake had struck. Leaves rustled and shook, and pebbles vibrated and bounced. Birds and beasts all lay prostrate, trembling, as if kneeling in worship of some supreme being. Some even defecated and urinated, their livers and gallbladders ruptured, and they were so frightened by the aura that they died in the forest.

Tomorrow morning, this place will likely be a scene of carnage.

A herd of elephants in the mountains.

Bai Xiao remained completely still.

He felt that his power and realm were rising rapidly.

Rapid increase, explosive increase, surging increase!

In the blink of an eye, Bai Xiao seemed to see a bottleneck blocking his path. With a thought, he gathered his strength and gently smashed into it.

Click!
That bottleneck, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, was crushed and broken through.

"boom!"

Bai Xiao's eyes lit up, and a burst of white light erupted.

His aura was no longer concealed and was revealed among the elephants in the mountains.

The pinnacle of the martial arts style!!!
(End of this chapter)