Death God: Starting from Refining Essence into Qi

The so-called "Instant Hammer" is a technique created by Hiruzaburo by combining hand-to-hand combat and instant step techniques. Its principle is to achieve "sequential stance" at the elbow, and then transform the subsequent "kick" and "instant step" into an instantaneous burst of punch, as if "launching" the fist.

This move compresses spiritual energy to the extreme at the fist's edge, simulating the Instant Step for a sudden dash; its speed and power are self-evident.

However, since the spiritual energy consumption of Shunpo is already considerable, and it also condenses a large amount of spiritual energy, the burden on the body and spiritual energy is also extremely significant.

This move came swiftly. Even though Zhou Sanlang had warned him beforehand, he didn't have time to dodge.

Xuan Chen turned his shoulder and shifted his stance, gathering spiritual energy in his arm as well, and blocked the attack with his upper arm. Whether it was a collision of spiritual pressure or a collision of bodies, a muffled thud exploded on the martial arts stage.

The students below the stage were completely silent.

It was common knowledge that the difference in spiritual power between the two sides in the battle was significant, as the test was conducted upon enrollment. In reality, Xuan's spiritual power was already far higher than the level tested at the beginning of the semester. This was because, through Qi refining, Xuan's spiritual power had been completely purified into pure Qi.

The ability to successfully deflect this attack wasn't solely due to the strength of the arms. While technique is important, fundamental physical strength and spiritual energy density are equally crucial.

The trainees never imagined that the final would turn into a situation where Xuan was dominating Zhou Saburo. Even when Zhou Saburo unleashed this seemingly powerful move, he was unable to reverse the tide.

If the stalemate continues, the one who will be unable to hold on first will inevitably be Zhou Sanlang, who has consumed more spiritual energy.

After his attack failed, Houzaburo attempted to use Shunpo to create distance. However, he was focused on developing his technique, and the preparatory phase of Shunpo was too obvious, allowing Gen to interrupt him. His spiritual energy surged uncontrollably, and Houzaburo was once again caught in a relentless barrage of attacks.

"Xuan... didn't give Zhou Sanlang a chance at all," a student murmured.

"It's not that we don't give him opportunities, it's that we don't let him perform at all," another person whispered. "Look, every time Zhou Saburo tries to change his move, Xuan intercepts it beforehand. This isn't a difference in strength or speed..."

"It's the 'first of first' in Kendo," Master Rin'o whispered the answer.

She could see it clearly: Xuan's every move was based on anticipating his opponent's intentions. Xuan's anticipation wasn't precognition, but rather judging the opponent's subsequent moves based on their initial actions and intercepting them in advance.

On stage, Houzaburo's breathing had begun to become erratic.

The sustained high-intensity offense and defense was incredibly taxing, but the psychological pressure was even more agonizing. He considered himself to have top-tier martial arts skills among his peers, but against Xuan, every move was seen through, every technique neutralized. How could he possibly win?

This can't go on.

Houzaburo took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, his gaze sweeping across the ground—as both of them moved, Xuan's wooden sword lay three inches from their feet. If only there was a split second...

The opportunity is here.

Xuan Yi threw a straight punch at his face. This time, Zhou Sanlang didn't block, but instead leaned back sharply, simultaneously flicking his right toes upwards—

The wooden knife on the ground flew up.

Zhou Sanlang reached out to take it.

Just as his fingertips touched the hilt of the knife, Xuan's left hand shot out like lightning, preemptively placing it on the back of the wooden sword.

Hiruzaburo's heart sank.

Xuan gripped the knife and pulled it back, using the force to spin around, his right elbow slamming into Zhou Sanlang's chest like a heavy hammer.

Zhou Saburo had no choice but to abandon his attempt to catch the sword and instead raise his arm to block it.

"Bang!"

The heavy impact made his arms go numb and he staggered backward.

Xuan seized the opportunity, spun his sword, gripped the hilt, and used Flash Step—

"Whoosh!"

Zhou Sanlang froze.

Because a wooden knife was already pressed against his shoulder.

Time seemed to stand still.

The audience was completely silent.

Zhou Sanlang stared blankly at Xuan, who remained calm in front of him, sweat dripping from his forehead onto the training platform with a soft "tap" sound.

After a long while, he slowly exhaled and lowered his arms.

"I lost."

After a brief silence, deafening cheers and gasps erupted from the audience. The students discussed excitedly, some applauding Xuan's Instant Step, others marveling at Zhou Saburo's moves.

Xuan sheathed his sword and bowed, saying, "You flatter me."

Zhou Sanlang shook his head with a wry smile, rubbing his numb arm: "There's no question of giving way... I'm completely convinced."

He bent down to pick up his wooden sword: "Your freestyle fighting style has become its own unique style, does it have a name?"

"Wing Chun," Xuan explained. "After throwing the knife to attract your attention at the beginning, I used the instant step to close the distance, which allowed me to take advantage of close-quarters combat. By seizing the center line, I could intercept your free-fighting attacks in advance."

"No wonder it felt so hard to exert force," Hiruzaburo realized. "Most of my attacks were blocked before I could even put any power into them."

"Your slashing technique is solid, and your strength is also great. If we maintain distance and fight using slashing techniques, I might not be able to win," Xuan said truthfully.

"A win is a win." Zhou Sanlang patted Xuan on the shoulder, then suddenly grinned. "Anyway, the championship stays with Shifengyuan, so it's not a loss."

The two walked off the training platform side by side, and the students below spontaneously made way for them. Omaeda Yusuke squeezed through, his face contorted with exaggerated indignation: "Xuan! You can't use this against me. I was hoping Hiruzaburo would understand! To be honest, are you holding back a few moves?"

"You'll know when you can force me to use my ultimate move." Xuan didn't give a direct answer, but instead made a rare joke.

On the viewing platform, Qianri slowly leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile curving his lips.

Bee Sect Assistant whispered, "Young Master Xuan's practical combat talent is even higher than he showed before."

"It's not talent," Qianri said softly, "it's 'thinking.' He doesn't rely on brute force; he's always looking for the most efficient solution. Throwing his sword to lure the enemy into parrying, engaging in close combat, and intercepting to break through their moves—this is the strategy he believes is best suited to deal with Zhouzaburo."

Qianri looked down at Xuan, who was surrounded by students below the stage, a complex expression flashing in his golden eyes.

"First, there was his talent in Kido, then Shunpo, and now Hakuda. Such enviable talent, and he's so diligent. Luckily, he was born into the Shihouin family. Other families would definitely want him to marry into their families, but Gen is only from a branch family, so the other families might try to make some kind of deal... It's really a headache."

The academic year competition has officially come to an end.

Chief Instructor Shihōin Muneyoshi ascended the main arena to announce the final rankings and rewards. As the champion, Gen would accompany the Chief Instructor to the Heavenly Armory to obtain his own Zanpakutō ahead of schedule.

On his way out of the training ground, Xuan could feel the envious and jealous gazes of the students on him.

Xuan was somewhat anxious. The school year competition had lasted for almost the entire day, and perhaps because of the prolonged battle, the feeling of his soul being torn apart seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.

Fortunately, Xuan was no longer as bewildered as he had been a year ago.

The task at hand is now clear: obtain a Zanpakuto, continue to grow stronger until you can resolve the hidden dangers, and then take another look at this world.

Soon, Gen will obtain his own Zanpakuto.