Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Herbert suppressed his anger and looked at the stall owner.

"I'll offer four hundred pounds."

The stall owner's eyes lit up.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent.

Xilun stopped what he was doing.

He glanced at the stall owner.

A struggle flashed across the young man's face as he instinctively protected his injured leg, which was clamped in a wooden board.

Four hundred pounds.

That's enough to buy a decent bottle of medicine, and there's still plenty left over.

His brother is dead.

He didn't want his injury to further damage his foundation.

"This senior brother..."

The young man gritted his teeth and looked at Xilun.

"I haven't taken your money yet."

"Medicinal herbs should naturally be sold to those who offer the highest price."

Elena's eyes turned cold.

"You just said three hundred pounds."

The young man avoided her gaze.

"I only made an offer; no deal was made."

Elena was about to speak when Siren raised his hand to stop her.

Temporary transactions within the camp are conducted without contracts.

As long as the money and goods have not been exchanged, the stall owner's temporary price increase does not violate any rules.

It's hardly fair or ethical.

There's no need to argue about it.

I'll offer five hundred.

West End Road.

The young man's breath hitched.

Herbert frowned sharply.

It wasn't that he didn't have more money, but he had already spent most of his savings on potions and protective gear before entering the Blackwater Abyss.

The remaining gold tickets should be used to acquire black crystals; they cannot all be wasted on a herb whose purpose is unknown.

Moreover, if the price continues to rise, then the stall owner will have complete control over the business.

Herbert stared at Celen.

"Junior brother, are you really unwilling to give in?"

Siren placed five hundred pounds of gold notes in front of the stall owner.

"First come, first served".

""

Herbert remained silent for several breaths.

A burning sensation was churning within my chest.

He had been in the inner court for over a decade and had experienced struggles along the way.

Often, reason doesn't matter; whoever has the bigger fist has the right to take what they need.

But he didn't want to become mortal enemies with Xilun.

The two had no prior grudges.

He only wanted to get the medicine to heal his hidden injuries and reach the third-tier extreme realm before his physical body deteriorated.

"How about this?"

Herbert spoke slowly.

"In wondrous realms, treasures have always been possessed by the strong."

"We will not use weapons, but exchange three blows with our fists and feet, without dodging. Whoever retreats, or who cannot withstand the first blow, will have this herb taken by the other. What do you say?"

After he finished speaking, he looked at the stall owner.

"No matter who wins, I guarantee you'll get five hundred pounds."

The stall owner nodded quickly.

"Can."

Elena looked displeased.

"Herbert, you've been practicing close-combat body-forging techniques for over a decade, and you've already reached the third-stage perfection. Asking to forgo weapons seems rather picky."

Herbert remained unfazed.

"Junior Brother Xilun has completed the third stage of the Golden Thunder Vortex Scripture, so his physical body is also quite strong. Besides, I didn't force him; he could have refused."

As long as Xilun refuses, the herb will still fall into his hands.

The stall owner was already swayed by the higher price.

Xilun looked at Herbert.

Thirty-two years old.

He had been at the third-tier physical level for over ten years.

He possessed immense strength and a robust physique. His palm joints were covered in thick calluses, and a faint trace of fiery energy lingered between his fingers.

The other party is not fighting for face.

It is truly necessary to use the Crimson Sun Spirit Grass.

But Xilun also needs it.

The five main materials for a flawless golden body are extremely difficult to find. If you miss this opportunity, you don't know when you will be able to find it again.

When interests clash, there is no need to back down.

"Can."

Xilun nodded slightly.

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

The disciples who were trading at other stalls heard the commotion and gathered around. In a short while, the open space was filled with people.

"Are you really going to fight?"

"It's only a three-move exchange; it's not a life-or-death battle."

"You can't dodge it; it's all about foundation and strength. Herbert rarely loses in this area."

"Sirlen was too impulsive. He might win with the Thunder Spear, but how can he fight Herbert with just his fists and feet?"

On the other side of the camp, Randall, who had just bought the potion, also came over.

Upon seeing the two people in the field, he stopped in his tracks, his expression turning strange.

Herbert's physical body was quite famous in the Inner Court.

Judging solely by his punches, kicks, and ability to withstand blows, he might even be qualified to challenge for a spot in the top twenty.

Randall recalled Xiren's deep and reserved aura from earlier, but he didn't think he would be easily taken advantage of.

"Step back."

Herbert walked to the center of the open space, tore off his outer robe, revealing his muscular upper body.

A dark red aura slowly rose along the skin.

The scar on his chest turned bright red under the exertion of his strength, like a wound about to burst open.

Xilun handed the Thunder Spear to Elena.

Elena took the spear and whispered, "He has an old lung injury, but his blood and energy are very strong. If we fight head-on, he will most likely use the power of the Crimson Furnace after the second move."

"I know."

"Don't be careless."

Silen nodded and walked up to Herbert.

The two were about 10 feet apart.

Herbert was nearly two meters tall with broad shoulders, and stood there like a dark red stone wall.

Compared to him, Xilun appeared much taller and more slender, and his wrists, exposed outside his sleeves, were even quite well-proportioned.

But deep within that wrist lay three golden lightning patterns, powerful enough to tear apart sea beasts.

Herbert raised his fists.

"The first move."

As soon as he finished speaking, his feet suddenly sank into the ground.

The rubble exploded.

The burly figure charged forward, his right fist slamming into Xilun's chest like a battering ram.

There are no fancy moves.

Only the purest power.

Before the fist even landed, the violent air pressure caused Xilun's robes to billow backward.

Xilun did not use the Thunder Pattern.

He also clenched his fist.

The power of the Overturning Sea Technique rises from the soles of the feet, passes through the calves, tendons, waist, abdomen, shoulders, and back, and finally gathers entirely in the right arm.

He threw a punch at her.

boom!

A dull thud echoed through the camp.

The ground beneath their feet sank simultaneously.

The shockwave spread outwards, overturning animal hides on several nearby stalls. The disciple closest to the scene paled slightly and quickly channeled his energy to defend himself.

Herbert's arm muscles suddenly tensed.

He felt as if he hadn't hit flesh and blood.

Instead, it hit a rising sea.

Before the first layer of power had dissipated, the second layer of surging energy had already begun to flow along the surface of the fist, followed by the third layer, the fourth layer...

One after another.

Unending.

Herbert grunted, his feet sliding half a foot backward through the gravel.

Xilun stood still.

Not moving.

The onlookers suddenly fell silent.

Randall's eyes narrowed slightly.

There is no lightning pattern.

Xilun just used only the power of the Overturning Sea Technique and his pure physical body.

Herbert shook his numb right hand, and the disdain on his face completely disappeared.

"it is good."

He gave a low shout.

"The second move!"

The dark red energy suddenly receded into his body.

Herbert's skin quickly turned red, and a heavy, bellows-like breathing sounded from his chest.

With each inhale, his muscles would expand a little more, and the veins on his forehead would bulge.

The Crimson Furnace Body Refining Method.

The lungs and internal organs are the furnace, and qi and blood are the fire.

He didn't hold back.

The rising heat from Herbert's body was reflected in Xilun's eyes.

The next moment, Herbert clasped his fists together, raised them high above his head, and slammed them down!

The air was forced open by the fist.

A heavy pressure enveloped Xilun.

This punch wasn't just aimed at the head; it used immense force to seal off the surrounding space, leaving no room for escape.

Of course, Xilun was not prepared to dodge.

His knees dipped slightly.

The Overturning Sea Technique is in operation.

The internal energy suddenly split into nine streams, flowing into the right arm from different routes.

The water swirled between the fists, like a constantly collapsing vortex.

The feat of overturning the sea.

Tide-suppressing style!

Xilun twisted his waist and threw a punch.

The two fists collided violently, one above the other.

boom!

A thunderclap seemed to strike the center of the open space.

The ground beneath their feet cracked simultaneously, several meters below.

Herbert's arms trembled violently.

The nine layers of surging energy in the Xilun Fist erupted one after another. The first layer resisted his downward force, the second layer dispersed the energy, the third layer rushed into his wrists, and the remaining power surged up his arms like a burst dam.

Herbert's face flushed red.

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to withstand the first six surges of energy.

As the seventh ball landed, he stepped back with his right foot.

As the eighth step landed, his left foot also retreated.

The ninth surge of energy exploded out with a deafening roar!

Herbert's arms were jolted high into the air, and he stumbled back three steps, each step leaving a deep crater in the ground.

The crowd was deathly silent.

"impossible……"

Someone murmured unconsciously.

Herbert used the Crimson Furnace Body Refining Technique.

Yet they were still pushed back head-on.

Xilun didn't activate a single golden lightning pattern from beginning to end!

Elena held the Thunder Spear, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes.

She knew this would be the outcome.

After Xilun completed the third transformation of the Golden Thunder Vortex Scripture, his body could no longer be measured by ordinary third-stage perfection standards.

In addition to the Thunder Dragon Heart, the Dragon-like Tendons, and the large amount of black crystals he had just refined, even an inner court expert at the pinnacle of physical strength might not be able to easily suppress him.

Herbert looked down at his hands.

The tiger's mouth split open.

Fresh blood dripped from between his fingers.

The punch also triggered a long-standing wound in his chest, causing a burning pain to surge up his throat.

He has already lost.

He retreated after both moves.

According to the agreement, the Crimson Sun Spirit Grass should belong to the Western Regions.

But when he looked up at the crimson herb, a deep sense of resentment appeared in his eyes.

If he misses this opportunity, he may never find anything to heal his hidden injuries again.

Without a complete lung, he could not continue to refine his strength.

Unable to reach the extreme realm, nor able to break through to the fourth rank.

Is this where all these years of arduous training must end?

Herbert took a deep breath.

A tearing pain shot through my lungs.

"There's a third trick."

He spoke in a hoarse voice.

Xilun looked at him calmly.

"You've already lost."

"I know."

Herbert wiped the blood from his tiger's mouth.

"But the agreement was for three moves."

He wanted to see just how big the gap really was.

I also want to give it one last try before giving up completely.

Herbert retreated to a distance of ten feet.

This time, he didn't throw a punch immediately.

He closed his eyes and slowly adjusted his breathing.

Dark red energy contracted within his body like flames, surging entirely towards his injured lungs and internal organs.

With each contraction, his face grew paler, while the temperature of his body surface continued to rise.

The surrounding air gradually distorted.

Randall frowned.

"Has Herbert gone mad?"

The Crimson Furnace Body Refining Technique is most averse to continuous bursts of power.

If the fight continues, even if he obtains the spiritual herb, his internal injuries may worsen.

Siren saw Herbert's determination but did not stop him.

He respected the other person's desire to move forward.

But respect does not mean yielding.

Herbert suddenly opened his eyes.

His eyes were bloodshot.

The next moment, he took a step forward, and his right fist, carrying a rolling heat wave, slammed straight into Xilun's face!

Xilun neither dodged nor avoided.

Three golden lightning patterns lit up simultaneously on his left wrist, right arm, and between his eyebrows.

hum!

Pale golden lightning ran through his entire body.

The eagle-shaped Thunder Spirit flashed past in the distance.

His tendons were taut like a bowstring, and the Thunder Dragon's heart pounded heavily, pushing its violent power into every inch of his flesh.

Xilun took half a step forward.

Punch.

No moves were used.

Only when the three lightning patterns, the power of the Overturning Sea Technique, and the perfect physique are unleashed simultaneously.

The moment their fists collided, Herbert's expression changed drastically.

The image of Xilun seemed to have vanished from his sight.

Instead, a thunder dragon leaped out from the towering ocean tide.

boom!

The dark red energy shattered instantly.

Herbert's right arm emitted a teeth-grinding sound of bones grinding together, and his massive body flew backward as if hit head-on by a heavy artillery shell.

boom!

He stumbled back several steps, his back slamming hard against a gray, withered tree.

The tree trunk cracked instantly.

Cracks spread upwards from the point of impact, and the object finally broke off with a crash above everyone's heads.

Herbert landed and knelt on one knee.

A sweet taste in my throat.

A mouthful of blood spurted onto the gravel.

The blood was mixed with faint black clumps, which were scabs accumulated from years of hidden injuries to the lungs and internal organs.

He looked up and stared at Xiren in disbelief.

"you……"

The words had barely left his mouth when he was struck by another violent cough.

"How can he be so strong?"

Xiren withdrew his fist.

The three lightning patterns sank back into the flesh and blood.

"Thank you for your concession."

The surroundings remained silent.

Everyone stared at the tall, slender figure in the center of the open space.

Three moves from the front.

Neither dodge nor avoid.

Xilun maintained an absolute advantage from beginning to end, and his final punch shattered Herbert's proud Crimson Furnace Power.

This is no longer the level of strength expected of someone ranked forty-seventh.

The twenty-sixth inner courtyard appeared so fragile in his presence.

Randall slowly exhaled.

His earlier judgment was correct.

Xilun is no longer just close to the top twenty in the inner court.

In terms of physique and explosive power alone, he has probably truly reached that level.

The stall owner was the first to come to his senses.

He glanced at Herbert, then at Xilen, his expression slightly embarrassed.

"This medicinal plant..."

Siren took out two hundred pounds of gold notes and placed them in front of him.

The stall owner was stunned.

"Isn't it five hundred?"

"Previously it was an auction."

"Herbert has already lost," said Siren. "No one else is bidding now."

"The original price was three hundred. I previously bought a useless piece of ore from you, which cost me an extra hundred."

"So here's another two hundred for you."

The stall owner opened his mouth.

He wanted to argue that the ore wasn't useless, but after glancing at the broken, withered tree not far away, he silently accepted the gold note.

"Two hundred it is..."

Xilun bent down and took the Crimson Sun Spirit Grass.

He took out an empty jade box from his bag, put the roots and soil of the herbs into it, and then sealed the fire element with a spirit-sealing talisman.

After doing all this, he got up and walked toward Herbert.

Herbert had already stood up, leaning against the tree stump.

My right arm is still shaking.

The pain in his chest was slightly less than before the fight. After spitting out the mouthful of blood mixed with black scabs, the difficulty in breathing that had plagued him for years was somewhat relieved.

But he was not happy about it.

The Crimson Sun Spirit Grass still fell into Xilun's hands.

"You win."

Herbert's voice was deep.

"I will not argue anymore."

Xilun nodded.

"This is not the herb you need."

Herbert was taken aback.

"What do you mean?"

"This herb is extremely fiery and can indeed strengthen the body's vital energy, but it may not be able to repair the lungs and internal organs."

Xilen glanced at the scar on Herbert's chest.

"Your hidden injury stems from the backlash of your fiery energy. Continuing to take gunpowder may temporarily clear the blockage, but it may also worsen the injury."

Herbert's expression changed slightly.

"Do you recognize it?"

Xilun didn't answer, but simply took out a bottle of Blue Soul Potion and tossed it over.

Herbert caught it instinctively.

The pale blue liquid in the bottle swayed gently, exuding a warm, soulful aura.

"Blue Soul Potion?"

"It can't heal your hidden injuries, but it can alleviate the backlash from just now."

Herbert held the medicine bottle, remaining silent for a long time.

Why?

"Herbal medicine is herbal medicine, and competition is competition."

Xilun turned around and retrieved the Thunder Spear.

Herbert was simply creating opportunities for himself.

There was no sneak attack, nor any assassination attempt.

Although the atmosphere was tense during the three exchanges, there was always room for maneuver.

If Xilun hadn't stopped most of the lightning energy from the final punch, Herbert's fate would have been far more serious than simply spitting out blood.

The interests of the two parties are in conflict.

However, they are not mortal enemies.

There's no need to make an enemy over a medicinal herb.

Herbert watched Xiren's retreating figure, his hand slowly tightening.

A bottle of Blue Soul Potion is quite valuable.

He wanted to throw the medicine bottle back, but ultimately didn't.

The pain in my lungs is still intensifying.

Now is not the time to be stubborn.

I owe you a potion.

Herbert said in a deep voice.

"I'll return it after I get out."

Xilun didn't stop walking, he just raised his hand and waved.

The people in the camp automatically parted to make way.

Those disciples who had previously believed that Xilun was doomed to defeat all avoided his gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.

Some people looked excited and whispered the three collisions they had just witnessed, as if they could already foresee a new change in the rankings of the inner courtyard.

"Sirlen won against Herbert in a head-on confrontation."

"And they didn't use any weapons."

"That last punch was definitely the third rotation of the Golden Thunder Vortex Scripture."

"He's only been in peak physical condition for six months, how can his strength be so formidable?"

"Forty-seventh? Are you kidding me? He's at least in the top twenty!"

"There are just too many dark horses this year!"

The murmurs gradually spread as the two left.

Herbert stood beside the broken tree, tilted his head back, and drank the Blue Soul Potion.

The cooling medicinal power surged into his chest, suppressing the burning pain left by the Crimson Furnace Body Refining Technique.

He watched Xilun's figure disappear into the gray mist, his eyes filled with resentment and a hint of complexity.

A loss is a loss.

There is no excuse.

But he hadn't reached a dead end yet.

The Blackwater Abyss is not yet closed.

If he can find enough black crystals to temper his energy to over 70%, and then try to exchange them for a fourth-tier medicine to treat his lungs and internal organs after he leaves, he still has a chance.

Herbert put the empty medicine bottle into his pocket and put his robe back on.

Outside the camp, the gray fog was cold and gloomy.

Siren and Elena traveled northeast.

Elena held the two swords, glancing at him from time to time.

"What do you want to say?"

"Sirlen asked."

"I'm wondering just how much strength you're still holding back."

Not many.

"You said the same thing last time."

Elena scoffed, "So you killed Luca in the lair, severely injured Samuel, and casually dealt with a Tier 3 Extreme Black Soul Beast. Now even Herbert can't withstand three punches from you."

Xilun corrected, "He caught the first punch."

"Is this important?"

"Quite accurate."

Elena choked for a moment.

Looking at Xilun's serious expression, she suddenly felt much more relaxed.

Based on your performance just now, where do you think you'd rank?

Xilun pondered for a moment.

"Herbert has a solid foundation, but he has old internal injuries that prevent him from fully utilizing his abilities."

"If we consider weapons and life-or-death tactics, he is stronger, but I did not use my Thunder Spear, Styx Breath, or Blood Lock."

"so what?"

"Top twenty in the inner court."

Xilun gave his assessment.