C467 Ape Strike Technique(2)

Woo Zhengyang's decision to keep fighting was seen as unwise by many. When he let Zhan Yifei make the first move, even more people shook their heads in disbelief. Woo Zhengyang was strong and had the confidence to back it up, but the gap between him and the Azure Sun Martial Mansion was something everyone had noticed over the past few days. Against the talented disciples of the Martial Mansion, caution was paramount—how could anyone afford to be arrogant?

Now, with Zhan Yifei making the first move and Woo Zhengyang not even daring to defend himself, choosing instead to step back, people wondered how he planned to continue the fight. Was he just going to step off the stage? As everyone grew increasingly frustrated, Woo Zhengyang retreated again, this time taking three steps back. Those watching below were exasperated, thinking his arrogance had finally led to embarrassment.

On the stage, Woo Zhengyang wasn't concerned with what others thought. Zhan Yifei's martial technique had opened a new door for him. Suddenly, he realized that the techniques he had been practicing, like the Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist and Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm, couldn't compare to Zhan Yifei's skill set. The difference wasn't in power but in practicality. The Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist was undoubtedly powerful, but it was just a punching technique. In contrast, Zhan Yifei's martial art was a seamless blend of techniques, not limited to punches or kicks.

This martial technique might not match the sheer power of the Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist, but its execution is as fluid as flowing water. What seems like simple ape-like movements transform into a martial art imbued with hidden attacks when combined with the force of one's vitality.

Zhan Yifei's martial skill reminded Woo Zhengyang of his own Dragon Countering Nine Steps! At first, practicing the Dragon Countering Nine Steps felt awkward for Woo Zhengyang, and others felt the same. That's why many gave up on it, considering it useless.

However, Woo Zhengyang persisted and eventually combined the Dragon Countering Nine Steps with other martial techniques, unlocking its formidable potential. In this moment, Woo Zhengyang suddenly realized he had been on the wrong path all along.

Both the Dragon Countering Nine Steps and Zhan Yifei's Ape Strike Technique are ancient martial arts, perfectly suited for Body Tempering cultivators. Initially, Woo Zhengyang treated the Dragon Countering Nine Steps as a leg technique, but later discovered it could also serve as a movement technique.

From start to finish, Woo Zhengyang never truly grasped its essence. He couldn't even reach the Great Completion Stage, and even at the Perfection Stage, the power it unleashed was only slightly stronger than ordinary martial arts.

Now, witnessing Zhan Yifei's execution of the Ape Strike Technique, Woo Zhengyang realized he had underestimated the true value of the Dragon Countering Nine Steps all along.

"Dragon Countering Nine Steps" isn’t just a leg technique or a body movement; like the "Ape Strike Technique," it’s a comprehensive martial skill, and an extraordinary one at that. Woo Zhengyang was clearly dedicated to the "Ape Strike Technique." Given his age and skill level, he must hold a significant position at the Azure Sun Martial Mansion. His high regard for the technique indicates its formidable power within the mansion.

However, "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" surpasses the "Ape Strike Technique" in both agility and explosive power, even when Woo Zhengyang hasn’t fully grasped its essence. He believes that after this realization, the true potential of "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" will finally be unleashed. Even if he doesn’t acquire other techniques at the Azure Sun Martial Mansion, understanding the true essence of "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" is a tremendous opportunity.

In a flash, Zhan Yifei, transformed into an ape, closed in again. With a thought, Woo Zhengyang stepped into the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps." This time, he didn’t concern himself with the various limitations of the technique or try to forcefully amplify his steps. Instead, he executed the steps in the most comfortable manner possible.

To the onlookers, Woo Zhengyang finally made his move. Yet, his actions weren’t offensive or defensive; it seemed as if he was naively walking towards Zhan Yifei, welcoming the attack.

As Woo Zhengyang lunged forward, a slight smile played on Zhan Yifei's lips. His arms seemed to multiply, one reaching for Zhengyang's neck, another aiming for his throat, a third striking toward his abdomen, a fourth targeting his lower region, and the last two spreading wide, ready to envelop Zhengyang completely.

In that moment, the true power of the Ape Strike Technique was revealed, leaving the onlookers below utterly astonished. They had never witnessed a martial skill executed with such extraordinary finesse. With so many attacks, blending reality and illusion, it seemed impossible for Zhengyang to evade.

In the blink of an eye, Zhengyang collided with Yifei's embrace. The crowd couldn't help but sigh, convinced that Zhengyang, having lost the advantage, was destined to be defeated.

But then, Zhengyang's demeanor suddenly shifted. In an instant, he became as fluid and graceful as a fish swimming freely in the vast ocean. In a fleeting moment, he appeared behind Yifei.

"How is that possible?"

"How did he get there?"

Everyone was stunned, their disbelief palpable as they watched the unexpected turn of events in the ring!