C148 A Powerful Physical Body

If it had been anyone else, Qi Yun might have simply responded with a gracious smile. But the speaker was none other than Qin Buyi, a man whose rate of cultivation advancement was so enigmatic that it left others baffled.

With a chuckle, Qi Yun remarked, "Qin, from anyone else, I'd take such words as a compliment. Coming from you, though, it feels like you're overestimating me."

"Next to your achievements, my own progress seems insignificant."

"Qin, I noticed a hint of concern on your face earlier. Is something troubling you?"

"If you're willing to share, perhaps I could offer some insight or advice."

After a pause, Qin Buyi replied, "Elder Qi, if you were facing an opponent whose cultivation was several times stronger than yours in the near future, what would be your strategy?"

Qi Yun quickly grasped the implication of Qin Buyi's question and responded, "Qin, are you referring to your upcoming duel with Wang Chengfeng during the Middle Period of Mahayana?"

"Let me share my perspective. As a swordsman, I believe in standing firm, even to the point of breaking rather than bending."

"No matter how insurmountable the challenge, I commit myself fully, regardless of any predestined outcome."

"Yet, with your exceptional talent, I'd say your odds against Wang Chengfeng are quite favorable."

"With a few more months, you could effortlessly ascend through several more stages and easily overpower Wang Chengfeng."

Qin Buyi realized that Qi Yun had slightly misunderstood him, substituting Ying Qian of the Half Immortal Stage with Wang Chengfeng of the Middle Period Mahayana. Still, the essence of the message wasn't far off. Despite this, Qin Buyi couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.

The ease with which Qi Yun suggested breaking through multiple stages was almost laughable. Did he truly believe that advancing through the stages was so simple? As cultivation levels rose, the resources needed for even the slightest progress had increased exponentially.

Yet, it was Qi Yun's earnest encouragement that resonated with Qin Buyi.

Grateful, Qin Buyi expressed his thanks, "I appreciate your wisdom, Elder Qi. I'll give it everything I've got."

After parting ways with Qi Yun, Qin Buyi left Area 1 and soared towards Area 6, where Ye Hui resided. Upon seeing Qin Buyi descend from the sky, Ye Hui, who was in the midst of sword practice, greeted him with curiosity, "Mr. Qin, have you come for a specific reason?"

Qin Buyi cut to the chase, "Come on, hit me."

"What... What?" Ye Hui was baffled by Qin Buyi's abrupt request.

"Come on, hit me, and give it everything you've got," Qin Buyi reiterated.

Perplexed, Ye Hui sized up Qin Buyi and ventured cautiously, "Mr. Qin, did that last Azure Phoenix Thunder Calamity from the Mahayana Middle Period scramble your brains?"

It was a reasonable question. After all, who in their right mind asks to be hit with full force?

Qin Buyi chuckled, "Brother Ye Hui, what's on your mind?"

"I'm here to test the resilience of my body. Just go ahead and attack without holding back."

Now Ye Hui got the picture. Clutching his sword, he warned, "Mr. Qin, blades are blind. Even a light strike from me could gash you open. Are you sure about this?"

Qin Buyi, full of anticipation, urged, "Bring it on, attack me."

Seeing Qin Buyi's eager look, Ye Hui couldn't help but silently fret, "This is bad. The lightning must've fried Mr. Qin's brain."

"In all my years of cultivation, I've never seen anyone so eager to take a beating."

"I need to get a message to Bao Shui and the rest to come here. If anything happens to Mr. Qin, I'd be at a loss for words trying to explain it."

Ye Hui quickly sent a message to Bao Shui and Ying Le, summoning them.

Moments after the message was sent, the other four arrived in haste.

Qin Buyi, seeing the unexpected gathering, asked, "What brings you all here?"

Bao Shui and Ying Le turned their gaze to Ye Hui, who sheepishly scratched his head and admitted,

"I didn't want to risk hurting Mr. Qin, so I called them over as witnesses."

Hearing this, Qin Buyi couldn't help but laugh, "Go ahead and attack with confidence. With your level of cultivation, you won't be able to injure me."

Stung by Qin Buyi's blunt words, a flicker of anger sparked in Ye Hui's eyes as he retorted, "If Mr. Qin is so sure of himself, then witness my blade."

"Gray Night Divine Sword – Night Glow!"

In an instant, as Ye Hui drew his long sword, darkness enveloped him, spreading outward relentlessly.

Then, a streak of brightness sliced through the dark.

"Gray Night Divine Sword – Daylight!"

The sword, like a black hole, exerted a formidable pull, swallowing the surrounding darkness.

Once the darkness merged into the blade, it turned jet-black, yet it radiated a blinding light.

"Gray Night Divine Sword – Duality of Day and Night!"

A sword light, split between shadow and shine, burst forth from Ye Hui's long sword, hurtling directly at Qin Buyi.

"Clang!"

The sword light, a mix of black and white, struck Qin Buyi, ringing out like the clash of steel. As the glow faded, only a white mark remained on Qin Buyi's body, leaving no further harm.

Ye Hui, witnessing this, struggled to come to terms with it. He quickly approached Qin Buyi, scrutinizing the impact point of his sword light.

Bao Shui and the others crowded around, their curiosity piqued as they circled Qin Buyi, as though beholding a wondrous treasure.

Within moments, the white mark on Qin Buyi vanished.

Ye Hui felt a profound blow to his pride; that strike was his mightiest technique.

Yet it hadn't even breached Qin Buyi's defenses, leaving behind only a fleeting white mark.

With a somber tone, Ye Hui conceded, "Mr. Qin, since your breakthrough to the Tribulation Crossing Stage, your physical defenses are formidable."

"I gave it my all, and still couldn't penetrate your defenses. I must admit, you've truly earned my respect."

Qin Buyi, having anticipated this outcome, reassured Ye Hui, "Brother Ye Hui, don't sell yourself short. Your offensive power is quite impressive among your equals."

Bao Shui chimed in, "Mr. Qin's defense is indeed a revelation."

Ying Le remarked, "Indeed, it's my first time witnessing such an incredible physical defense."

Yu Ye chimed in, "Ye Hui is a standout in the early stages of Tribulation Crossing, yet his attack couldn't penetrate Mr. Qin's defenses. Mr. Qin's formidable physique is truly peerless at his level."

Wang Dan glanced at Ye Hui, whose expression bore a hint of injury, and respectfully gestured to Qin Buyi, "Mr. Qin, may I have the honor of testing your strength as well?"

The others perked up at his words. Wang Dan, being in the Middle Period of Tribulation Crossing, possessed an attack potency significantly greater than Ye Hui's.

Ying Le mused internally, "Perhaps Wang Dan can push Qin Buyi's physical limits."

Bao Shui and the rest shared Ying Le's sentiment.

Qin Buyi didn't decline, responding promptly, "Brother Wang Dan, go ahead with your attack."

Wang Dan called out, "Mr. Qin, I'll give it my all. Be on your guard."

"Shooting Star, Heavenly Fire Shattering Meteor!"