C36 One Punch

Under the watchful eyes of everyone on the field, Zhang Tao issued a cold shout, charged toward Lin Xuan, and unleashed a punch.

"Rock Crushing Fist!"

This punch was infused with formidable power.

Zhang Tao pulled no punches.

He aimed to swiftly defeat and grievously wound Lin Xuan.

It was payback for Lin Xuan upstaging him in the Test Hall.

As the disciples around them sensed the intimidating force of the punch, their expressions shifted subtly.

They could tell the punch was so powerful that perhaps even someone at the Late Enlightenment Stage might not be able to withstand it.

Rumor had it that just three days ago during the talent test, Lin Xuan was still at the Early Enlightenment Stage.

In the span of three days, it was unlikely Lin Xuan could have advanced to the Middle Enlightenment Stage, much less the Late Enlightenment Stage.

Victory for Lin Xuan seemed virtually impossible.

All eyes turned to Lin Xuan, curious to see his response.

They were eager to gauge the strength of this top-tier new disciple and wondered if he could punch above his weight class.

Yet Lin Xuan, standing not far off, maintained a serene demeanor throughout.

As Zhang Tao's attack came in, Lin Xuan met it with a punch of his own.

"Jade Shattering Fist!"

The force of the punch was so intense it seemed to rip through the air.

Its might was no less remarkable.

Then, in a moment that captured the attention of all present, their fists collided.

A dull thud echoed.

After the exchange, Lin Xuan remained standing, his expression as calm as ever.

He slowly withdrew his fist as if the clash had been inconsequential.

Across from him, Zhang Tao's face contorted in pain.

A cry of agony filled the air as he stumbled backward as if struck by a boulder, retreating dozens of meters before collapsing.

His right arm was a bloody mess, clearly broken.

The crowd was visibly shaken by the turn of events, their eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at Lin Xuan.

A hush fell over the field.

But it was short-lived, as a buzz of conversation quickly rose again.

"Lin Xuan didn't just win; he also disabled Zhang Tao's arm?"

"I bet Zhang Tao's threat angered Lin Xuan, prompting that devastating blow."

"Lin Xuan is indeed the premier genius. Three days ago, he was at the Early Enlightenment Stage, and now he's capable of instantly taking down someone at the Late Enlightenment Stage!"

"I'd wager that among all the Outer Sect disciples, he's definitely a prodigy. It won't be long before he's recognized as a master of the Outer Sect."

"Still, Zhang Tao won't be easily bested. He's got a cousin, Zhang Mingliang, who's at the Qi Gathering Stage. How Lin Xuan plans to handle him is anyone's guess."

"Lin Xuan has unrivaled potential among the newcomers. For the next three months, the older disciples can't lay a finger on him unless he willingly accepts a challenge. After that period, given Lin Xuan's gifts, he might just be capable of taking down Zhang Mingliang."

"That makes sense."

The disciples buzzed with conversation, their eyes locked on Lin Xuan, a mix of astonishment and disbelief coloring their faces.

Even Zhang Tao, who had advanced to the Late Enlightenment Stage, couldn't withstand a single punch from Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan's displayed strength had already positioned him as the top beginner-level disciple.

Witnessing this turn of events, everyone came to realize that Lin Xuan was truly the foremost genius.

He lived up to the hype, and then some.

His power even surpassed what the rumors suggested.

Meanwhile, Lin Xuan ignored the crowd. He gazed into the Void at his attribute panel, where energy points surged once more, and he nodded subtly.

With an icy demeanor, he strode toward the fallen Zhang Tao.

Zhang Tao, sprawled on the ground, stared up at the advancing Lin Xuan.

"How can this be? It's not possible!"

He refused to believe he had been so swiftly defeated by Lin Xuan.

Yet the acute pain in his arm was a constant reminder of the harsh reality.

He was outclassed by Lin Xuan, in both talent and strength.

Whether he accepted it or not, the fact remained.

It dawned on Zhang Tao that Lin Xuan's talent far exceeded his own, beyond anything he had imagined.

Just three days prior, Lin Xuan was at the Early Enlightenment Stage.

But now, Zhang Tao couldn't even withstand one blow from him.

Lin Xuan's talent was truly terrifying.

Reflecting on this, Zhang Tao was filled with regret for ever crossing paths with Lin Xuan.

His arrogance and envy had led him to this downfall.

He wasn't a fool; he knew who to provoke and who to leave alone.

Lin Xuan's talent far surpassed his own.

Regrettably, his realization came too late.

Lin Xuan approached Zhang Tao and said in a low voice,

"Zhang Tao, I'm not one to seek conflict.

But if you dare to cross me, don't blame me for being ruthless. Consider this a lesson.

Should you provoke me again,

next time, I won't hesitate to take your life.

Your noble status won't protect you from arrogance here.

This is the Drifting Cloud Sect.

I am the top prodigy among the new disciples. Even if I were to kill you, my punishment would be minor.

But you? You'd be crippled for life."

His icy stare cut through Zhang Tao like a knife.

Zhang Tao shuddered, his eyes wide with terror.

He knew Lin Xuan wasn't bluffing.

Lin Xuan meant every word.

Zhang Tao quickly bowed his head, murmuring,

"I understand."

He couldn't meet Lin Xuan's piercing gaze, his voice quivering.

"Remember your words today!"

Lin Xuan clapped Zhang Tao on the shoulder, stood up, and walked over to Lin Yun and the others.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Zhang Tao's cronies didn't dare to move a muscle.

These underlings, whom Zhang Tao had strong-armed into following him over the last three days, were silent.

If Zhang Tao could be taken down in a flash by Lin Xuan, what chance did they stand? They remained silent.

Lin Xuan addressed Lin Yun and his companions,

"Alright, the issue is settled. You can return to your training. It's not easy to get into the Drifting Cloud Sect, so don't squander the chance."

"Thanks, Xuan!"

They expressed their gratitude repeatedly.

They had now truly seen the extent of Lin Xuan's power.

All three together couldn't take on Zhang Tao, yet Lin Xuan had sent him flying with a single punch.

The gap in their abilities was vast.

They fully understood the disparity between themselves and Lin Xuan.

Their reverence for Lin Xuan deepened even further.

Involuntarily, they began to address him as Brother Xuan.