C29 Defeating Han Loong

After repelling Han Loong with a single blow, Lu Chen materialized in front of him with ghost-like speed. A cold chuckle escaped him as he unleashed a fierce punch, the wind from his fist carrying a torrent of Origin Energy that showed no mercy as it barreled towards Han Loong.

Han Loong was quick to react, raising his sword to block once more. However, as fist met sword, his face contorted with a new fear. A shockwave far more terrifying than the last punch coursed through the blade, threatening to shatter his very organs.

With a retch, a gush of crimson blood spilled from his lips. Lu Chen's strike sent Han Loong flying, his heels dragging deep furrows in the earth before he stumbled and collapsed to the ground.

Looking up, his face ghostly pale, Han Loong's eyes were wide with terror as he stared at Lu Chen.

How could this be? This man was merely a Layer Two Body Refining cultivator, yet he had managed to defeat him with such ease... No, it couldn't be!

The onlookers were equally stunned, their hearts pounding like drums. They stood frozen, mouths agape, throats working as if to scream, to release the shock that gripped them, but no sound would come. It was as if an invisible hand had seized their voices, rendering them silent despite their efforts.

Lu Chen, hands clasped behind his back, gazed down at Han Loong with a sneer. "Is this the vaunted strength you're so proud of? It's hardly impressive."

"You... You've done it now, boy. You've completely infuriated me. Prepare to die."

Enraged, Han Loong's eyes blazed with fury. He let out a roar and lunged at Lu Chen.

"With one sword, I command the heavens!"

Mid-leap, Han Loong shifted his grip, wielding the sword with both hands. As he uttered the command, a formidable surge of Origin Power burst forth from his body, enveloping the blade.

In an instant, the Origin Power around the sword intensified to an alarming degree, radiating a dazzling light. The sword's energy erupted, exuding a terrifying force that sent shivers down the spines of all who witnessed it.

"A quasi-Spirit Rank skill, One Sword Dominates the World!" An elder disciple among the crowd, with keen eyesight, recognized the sword technique Han Loong was employing and couldn't help but exclaim aloud.

As his words echoed, a chorus of astonished gasps rose from the onlookers.

"What? A quasi-Spirit Rank skill? Lu Chen is in trouble now."

"Indeed. Lu Chen may be highly talented, but he's too conspicuous. Of all people to provoke, he had to challenge Senior Brother Han Loong. It's truly regrettable."

"I just wonder how many moves Lu Chen can withstand!"

Lu Chen lifted his head to face the sword, his pupils narrowing. The sword posed a slight threat to him, but it was merely a slight one.

"Buzz!"

He lifted his foot and stepped forward, sending a ripple of energy emanating from the sole of his boot. Simultaneously, a robust force surged from within his body like an erupting volcano, his aura skyrocketing to an intimidating level in a mere moment.

Feeling the overwhelming presence emanating from Lu Chen, Han Loong's expression changed midair, a sense of unease welling up within him.

This unease was a source of humiliation for him.

"Die!"

With a ferocious yell, Han Loong channeled all his energy into his long sword and slashed viciously towards Lu Chen. The sword gleamed brilliantly, its energy compressed into a pale streak of sword qi that cleaved through the air.

Unfazed, Lu Chen let out a low cry and executed the first technique of the Devil Elephant Fist, Devil Elephant Rampage!

His fist, infused with a fearsome force, met the descending long sword head-on.

"Boom!"

A thunderous blast rang out, reverberating like thunder and causing everyone's eardrums to ache. A visible shockwave then radiated from the point of impact, rippling outward in concentric circles.

"Thud! Thud! Thud..."

Those who were too close to the clash, caught off guard, were struck by the residual energy and sent flying, their screams trailing behind them as they left streaks of blood in their wake.

The misfortune of those caught in the aftermath went unnoticed as hundreds of eyes remained glued to the smoke-shrouded battlefield.

"How's it going? Did Senior Brother Han Loong win?"

"Absolutely. Senior Brother Han Loong unleashed a quasi-Spirit Rank skill. Lu Chen was utterly defeated..."

His words were cut short by a muffled groan. Amidst the smoke and dust of the battlefield, a figure was flung out like a kite with its string severed.

"Quick, who's that flying out?"

"Ah! It's Senior Brother Han Loong! Senior Brother Han Loong has been defeated!"

The onlookers were stunned, gazing at the figure sprawled on the ground like a lifeless dog. It took them a moment to recover from their astonishment.

As the dust settled, a tall and imposing figure stood firm like a towering pine. His calm presence alone was enough to evoke the illusion of an insurmountable mountain.

With the crowd looking on in a mix of fear and admiration, Lu Chen took a deep breath and approached the unconscious Han Loong.

Lu Chen bent down, reaching for the Identity Badge at Han Loong's waist.

"Hold on!"

Just then, a slightly hoarse voice echoed from behind.

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow and turned to see the speaker, a young man in his twenties, clad in blue, with a rather ordinary face and a large blade slung across his back.

"Good heavens, it's Senior Brother Yuanba!" someone in the crowd gasped.

"Yuanba? Who's that? Is he strong?" A newcomer asked a veteran disciple beside him, his face full of curiosity.

The veteran disciple replied with grave seriousness, "He's incredibly strong! Rumor has it that Senior Brother Yuanba is nearing the peak of Essence Gathering Layer Three. He's even slightly more powerful than Senior Brother Han Loong and is likely ranked within the top twenty of the outer sect."

"So, between him and Senior Brother Lu Chen, who's stronger?" the newcomer inquired eagerly.

As he mentioned Lu Chen, he instinctively added "Senior Brother" to his name, clearly indicating that Lu Chen's prowess had earned the respect of all, making the title of "Senior Brother" well-deserved.

"Um... This..." The senior disciple fumbled awkwardly, struggling to find his words.

Lu Chen regarded the newcomer with a detached air.

"Han Loong was wrong to disrupt your training, and you've already given him his due. As fellow sect disciples, let's show some leniency and put an end to this matter for my sake. Can we agree to that?"

Yuan Ba's tone appeared courteous, yet it carried an undertone of an irrefutable command.

Lu Chen felt a surge of revulsion at this. If the tables were turned and he had been defeated by Han Loong, would Yuan Ba have spoken up for him? The answer was a definitive no.

No sooner had Yuan Ba finished speaking than Lu Chen retorted with an icy rebuke, "Get lost! Who do you think you are?"

Yuan Ba's face stiffened, and his gaze turned steely. "Do you realize whom you're speaking to?"

"Didn't you hear me? Leave now, or I'll take you down too!" Lu Chen's glare was icy as he spoke, his body emanating a powerful surge of Yuan Power.

Yuan Ba's mouth twitched in anger. Among the top twenty outer disciples, who would dare to speak to him in such a manner? Most egregious of all, this man had the audacity to tell him to leave without a shred of respect, even threatening to beat him up in front of everyone.