Chapter 229: Striking!

Seeing Liu Yuebai and his companion launch such a shameless sneak attack, many in the spectator stands let out a chorus of hisses, clearly disgusted by their conduct.

Liu Zhengqing, the protagonist on the stage, shook off his daze as he realized both men were attacking him at once. His expression shifted, and golden, metal-attribute spiritual energy surged from within his body, condensing onto his palms. Without a moment's hesitation, he struck out at both of them.

*Bang!* A low, dull sound of flesh colliding echoed out. A storm of spiritual energy rippled outward from the center of the clash like water, causing those seated near the edge of the stage to stumble and nearly fall.

In the instant after the collision, all three figures recoiled. However, Liu Yuebai and his hired aid only retreated five or six steps, whereas Liu Zhengqing was forced back more than a dozen steps before finding his footing, his face turning slightly pale.

It was only now that he truly grasped their strength: both Liu Yuebai and his companion were, like him, practitioners at the peak of the Spirit Perception Realm. Such strength would qualify them as the top of their generation in most places, yet here, at the Liu Clan’s internal tournament, two had appeared at once.

A look of gravity settled on Liu Zhengqing’s face. He had not expected to face such formidable opponents in this round, and it was clear they intended to give him no chance to breathe. Since they had both brought in reinforcements, he was at a disadvantage. Although his metal-attribute spiritual energy was highly aggressive and his innate spirit body was quite talented, he would only have an eighty-percent chance of winning if he were fighting just one of them. Facing both simultaneously, the odds were slim.

Yet, this thought was fleeting; his expression soon hardened with resolve. Regardless of the outcome, retreating without a fight was not in his nature. With his "die-hard" spirit, he felt no fear; even if he were to lose, he would lose with his head held high.

With this thought, to the astonishment of the crowd, Liu Zhengqing allowed his spiritual energy to erupt across his skin and charged straight at the two of them, initiating the attack himself.

Seeing this, many in the audience let out murmurs of admiration. Regardless of the tournament's outcome, such courage was rare, even among the geniuses of the Liu Clan.

Seeing Liu Zhengqing’s seemingly reckless decision to take the initiative, Liu Yuebai and his companion exchanged glances, both seeing a trace of disdain in the other’s eyes. They considered him arrogant for attempting to fight two people at once.

What they did not know was that it wasn't that Liu Zhengqing didn't want a partner; it was that he had none to call upon. Among those he knew, he could barely count two as friends, and neither was in a position to appear. Thus, he had to face this alone.

With a sneer, Liu Yuebai and his companion displayed masterful coordination. One figure flashed forward, throwing two palms that met Liu Zhengqing’s own head-on, while the other shifted position to launch a flanking attack.

Faced with such sharp reactions, Liu Zhengqing showed no panic. After clashing like lightning with the first, he twisted his body with uncanny agility and launched a fierce kick toward the face of the approaching Liu Yuebai.

Liu Yuebai was taken aback. He hadn't expected the former to react so quickly, making the most accurate judgment in such a short time. This level of combat experience was clearly beyond that of the pampered youths in the clan.

Though surprised, Liu Yuebai was no amateur. The thought vanished as he raised his arms to form a defensive barrier, meeting the force of Liu Zhengqing’s leg with a heavy thud.

After their lightning-fast exchange, both sides retreated. Many in the stands let out gasps of surprise. They had not expected someone from the small Jinhuan City branch to possess such skill. In that brief exchange, Liu Zhengqing had actually gained a slight upper hand while fighting two opponents, a situation that left the main clan members feeling embarrassed.

On the seats reserved for the Liu Clan, the Clan Head, Liu Zong, wore a complex expression. A subordinate leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"Clan Head, we have verified Liu Zhengqing’s background. He is the grandson of Liu Zhenlong, who was expelled from the family for being unable to cultivate. He has been living in Jinhuan City, Jinzhou, and joined the Qingxuan Sect about a year ago. He possesses a Grade 5 innate spirit body, and it seems that only six months ago, he was only at the fourth level of the Spirit Perception Realm."

Hearing the report, Liu Zong’s expression shifted. "A Grade 5 innate spirit body, and breaking through from the fourth level to the peak of the Spirit Perception Realm in just half a year... such talent..."

Even with Liu Zong’s composure and experience, he felt a jolt of shock. While a few in the Liu Clan could match this speed, it was only because they had the resources of the entire clan at their disposal. Liu Zhengqing had no such luxury. Under these circumstances, he must have endured unimaginable hardship to reach this point.

The battle continued. After suffering a minor setback in the first round, Liu Yuebai and his ally stabilized their rhythm. Their offense and defense became seamless, leaving no openings. As the fight dragged on, their coordinated tactics gradually forced Liu Zhengqing onto the defensive.

Under this pressure, Liu Zhengqing, who had previously been holding his own, began to panic, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Yang Yan, watching from beneath the stone stage, frowned. If this continued, it would only be a matter of time before Liu Zhengqing lost.

Sure enough, as time passed, Liu Zhengqing’s disadvantage became clear. Eventually, he could only parry, unable to strike back. When he was forced to take another joint attack head-on, he let out a muffled groan. His face went pale, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth—he had sustained minor injuries.

Seeing Liu Zhengqing stagger back, spitting blood, Liu Yuebai and his companion didn't miss the chance. Giving him no time to breathe, they stomped the ground and soared into the air, throwing a punch at the reeling Liu Zhengqing.

Having just suffered a heavy blow, Liu Zhengqing’s internal spiritual energy was lagging. If he took this hit, he would be knocked off the stage, signaling the end of his tournament.

Though he felt deep resentment, he knew he was helpless. Without a reinforcement, he had done his best. Facing two opponents of equal rank, he had already anticipated this outcome; lasting this long was already an accomplishment.

It was just a pity that he would likely never realize his grandfather's wish.

***

In a corner of the spectator stands, an old man with graying hair trembled, his eyes locked onto Liu Zhengqing, who was about to be struck. His aged hands, hidden within his sleeves, clenched tightly.

He knew in his heart that Liu Zhengqing had tried his hardest. Reaching this point on his own had not been easy, and only he, the grandfather, knew the suffering the boy had endured for so many years.

From the time he was three or four, the little boy had begun grueling physical training under the old man's strict commands, only stopping when he was utterly exhausted. As he grew older, the old man took him to the outskirts of the Dayun Mountain Range to fight against Demonic Beasts.

The boy, not yet ten, never had the chance to enjoy a carefree childhood. It seemed he had been burdened with a weight that made it hard to breathe from the very beginning.

Yet, the young boy never complained or showed resentment. He could see a glimmer of hope in the old man's eyes, and perhaps it was that very hope that had kept the old man’s own frail body standing until now.

As he grew, Liu Zhengqing understood his grandfather's obsession. He no longer needed urging and threw himself into training. He had lived this life for sixteen or seventeen years. Perhaps after this match, that life would end, but he felt no relief—only frustration and despair.

Everything they had strived for over the past decade was shattering in a single day. He couldn't help but wonder what all these years of bitter cultivation had been for.

*BOOM!*

On the stage, a low sound of impact echoed. The crowd’s eyes froze, followed by gasps of disbelief.

"Who is that? I didn't even see him! How did he suddenly appear on the stage?"

"Right! His speed is terrifying. I didn't feel him move at all, yet he’s already there, blocking the joint attack from Liu Yuebai’s team!"

"He looks even younger than Liu Zhengqing, yet he blocked their attack so easily. Could he be a Spirit Connection Realm expert?"

"If his age is truly what it seems, his talent is heaven-defying. Even the geniuses raised within the Liu Clan can't compare to such a young expert!"

"Regardless of his talent, he’s causing trouble at the Liu Clan’s tournament. He's in for a world of hurt tonight!"

"I don't think so. Do you really think someone with that kind of cultivation at such a young age doesn't have a powerful backing?"

"Fair point. Either way, we’re in for a good show. Let’s just sit back and watch."

The scene on the stone platform erupted into a clamor of shock and disbelief.

*Step, step, step.*

As they retreated, Liu Yuebai and his ally looked stunned. Their joint attack could force even a peak Spirit Perception Realm practitioner to be cautious, yet this youth had blocked it with a single palm, looking entirely effortless. The terrifying rebound force had sent them back dozens of steps, their blood churning and their faces turning pale.

"Who are you? How dare you disrupt the Liu Clan's tournament!" The referee, startled by the sudden turn of events, flashed onto the stage and shouted at Yang Yan with a hostile expression.

"Haha, I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm just the reinforcement invited by Liu Zhengqing. This isn't against the rules, is it?" Yang Yan replied to the angry referee with a smile, showing no fear.

"A reinforcement?" The referee’s expression shifted. The stage was equipped to detect the age of those on it, and it had issued no warnings. This meant the youth was indeed under twenty. Given how easily he had neutralized the attack, it was clear he was at least a "half-step" into the Spirit Connection Realm, if not fully there.

A Spirit Connection expert under twenty—the referee knew what this meant. This youth had a high probability of reaching the legendary Spirit Sea Realm—a level of power only their own Clan Head possessed.

"Yang Yan? Is it really you? You’re not dead?!"

Amidst the shock of the crowd, one person remained silent—until Yang Yan turned to smile at him. Liu Zhengqing let out a roar of excitement.

"What? You were hoping I’d die?" Yang Yan joked, walking over to pat his shoulder.

Before his hand could land, he was pulled into a bone-crushing hug. "Brother! It’s so good to see you’re alive! So good!"

***

Feeling the heat of his friend’s embrace and hearing his excited shouts, a warm current flowed through Yang Yan’s heart. He reached out and hugged the young man back.

As the two men embraced, the referee looked toward the Clan Head for guidance. This situation was unprecedented. The youth’s background was clearly not simple, and while he hadn't broken any tournament rules, the situation was too sudden to handle alone.

"Young friend, from which faction do you hail? Perhaps I know your elders," Liu Zong asked from his seat, struggling to suppress his shock. A seventeen-year-old Spirit Connection expert was something he hadn't achieved in his own youth. He didn't believe this boy was a nobody.

Yang Yan and Liu Zhengqing finally pulled away from their reunion. Yang Yan patted Liu Zhengqing on the shoulder. "Rest on the side for now. I’ll handle the rest."

Liu Zhengqing nodded without hesitation and retreated to the sidelines. He knew Yang Yan’s talent and strength better than anyone—after all, Yang Yan was the first true rival he had ever encountered.

"Clan Head Liu, I am not from any great family. Like Liu Zhengqing, I am merely an ordinary disciple of the Qingxuan Sect," Yang Yan said, turning to bow slightly toward Liu Zong.

Liu Zong frowned. With his experience, he knew Yang Yan was fobbing him off. While the youth was respectful, he sensed a strange detachment and intentional distance. He did not believe a mere ordinary disciple of the Qingxuan Sect could reach the Spirit Connection Realm at sixteen or seventeen. Since when did Spirit Connection experts become so common?

"I see. Since you are his reinforcement, you are naturally qualified to participate. We shall speak after the match," Liu Zong said, masking his irritation with a smile.

Yang Yan nodded and turned his gaze toward Liu Yuebai and his companion.

"I didn't expect that guy to be able to hire someone like you, but do you really think you can defeat both of us on your own? Isn't that a bit naive?" Liu Yuebai sneered.

They had felt Yang Yan’s strength in that brief exchange. While surprised, they relied on their years of experience to conclude he wasn't a true Spirit Connection expert—at most, he was a "quasi-Spirit Connection" practitioner. They believed their combined strength could handle anyone short of a true expert.

Yang Yan ignored them, crossing his arms and watching them with a mocking, half-smile.

"You brat, you're courting death!" Being looked down upon by someone three years younger than them made Liu Yuebai and his companion furious. They were the pampered geniuses of the Liu Clan; no one had ever dared to look at them with such disdain.

Driven by rage, they unleashed their full spiritual energy, their peak Spirit Perception Realm aura erupting.

"Thunderbolt Fist!"

"Blazing Palm!"

With murderous roars, they charged at Yang Yan like cannonballs, aiming their powerful attacks at his vitals.

Yet, Yang Yan remained motionless, arms still crossed, waiting quietly for their attacks to arrive.