C312 As Expected of a Madman!(1)

Woo Zhengyang and Qian Banruo didn't have any real animosity between them; becoming rivals was just something that happened. Originally, it was just a matter of competing to see who would win, but thanks to the meddling of Simon and Laura, the two ended up developing a strange sense of mutual respect.

This unexpected outcome might be the most valuable result of Simon and Laura's actions, something they never anticipated.

As they locked eyes once more, there was no hostility, only a shared competitive spirit.

Raising her sword, Qian Banruo spoke up, "I've always been the one making the first move. Let me see what you've got! I heard you have a special technique, that you once took down Helian Bozhong with just one finger. Show me your strongest move!"

Woo Zhengyang's reputation had its ups and downs, from his rise to fame to avoiding battles with Moh Lunhui. It wasn't until his fight with Helian Bozhong, where despite Helian using the "Heavenly Sword Technique," Woo Zhengyang defeated him with a single finger strike, that his name soared once again.

Not just Qian Banruo, but nearly everyone believed that aside from the uncertain Killing Array Technique, Woo Zhengyang's finger technique was his strongest move. People were puzzled why these two prodigious talents had their most powerful techniques centered around finger strikes rather than weapons.

Was it just a coincidence, or was there something more to it?

When Moh Lunhui also used the killing array technique, particularly an illusion array, everyone's curiosity deepened. Could it really be just a coincidence? Or were the two destined to be eternal rivals?

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Martial Realm, Qian Banruo and Woo Zhengyang were unaware of these developments. Qian Banruo's thoughts were straightforward: since it was a showdown, it was only natural to use the strongest techniques. Even in defeat, it would be worthwhile.

Woo Zhengyang had been hesitant. He held great respect for Qian Banruo, both for her combat skills and her character. She was a worthy opponent for him to draw his sword against. Now that Qian Banruo herself mentioned the "Silky Hair Soft Finger," Woo Zhengyang didn't need to make the decision.

"Alright, I'll use the finger technique!" he agreed, though he still pondered over it.

The "Silky Hair Soft Finger" was originally a martial art designed for surprise attacks, delivering a fatal blow. Even though Woo Zhengyang had refined it with the power of the golden vortex, its core purpose remained unchanged. In his last encounter with Helian Bozhong, Woo Zhengyang's straightforward and powerful attack was due to Helian Bozhong's "Heavenly Origin Sword Technique," which also harnessed Heaven and Earth Vital Energy. Helian Bozhong could barely control it, allowing Woo Zhengyang to easily capitalize on the situation.

Everyone witnessed the power of Woo Zhengyang's finger, but little did they know its true strength lay elsewhere. Now, with Qian Banruo's request, Woo Zhengyang hesitated for a moment before deciding to fulfill her wish.

He brought his index and middle fingers together, slowly gathering the vital energy of the universe at his fingertips. Visible was the energy itself, but unseen was the soul energy Woo Zhengyang infused into it.

Under the control of his soul energy, the universal energy transformed into white threads that swirled around his fingers. With each rotation, more energy was absorbed, merging with the threads.

"This really is akin to the Heavenly Sword Technique!" Qian Banruo exclaimed in admiration upon seeing this.

"Not necessarily," Woo Zhengyang replied with a slight smile, as his fingers moved toward Qian Banruo.

Surprised by Woo Zhengyang's sudden action, a flicker of confusion crossed Qian Banruo's usually calm face.

The power of the Heavenly Sword Technique lies in its ability to harness vast amounts of universal energy, allowing practitioners to exceed their usual capabilities. However, Woo Zhengyang's technique, though it also gathered universal energy, seemed to collect too little.

Despite being several times faster than the Heavenly Sword Technique, without a substantial amount of energy to back it up, speed alone might not pose much of a threat. Even techniques relying solely on one's own energy could be more powerful than this!

In the next moment, the confusion on Qian Banruo's face shifted to a hint of astonishment. Woo Zhengyang's gesture seemed ordinary at first, but as he extended his finger, the surrounding vital energy surged at ten to even dozens of times its usual speed, converging toward his fingertip. This phenomenon was accelerating rapidly.

The fierce vital energy whipped into a violent storm, causing the clothes of both Woo Zhengyang and Qian Banruo to flutter wildly. When Woo Zhengyang's finger was about two feet from Qian Banruo, the immense vital energy at his fingertip seemed to condense into a tiny sun. Though it was only the size of a marble, it was incredibly dazzling and bright.