Chapter 363: The Duel

Tang Heng had already taken a strong dislike to Lin Xiao and felt increasingly unwilling to accept him.

Unlike Lei Qianting, he lacked the keen judgment to discern true strength. While he could tell Lin Xiao was not ordinary, he did not believe Lin Xiao was particularly formidable either.

‘Just a brat barely in his early twenties? Younger than me? Even if he has some skills, how strong could he possibly be?’

His master was being far too cautious.

Like all geniuses, Tang Heng had unwavering confidence in his own strength. He never believed that anyone in this world could surpass him.

Just as he was about to make a move, Lin Xiao suddenly spoke.

“Hold on.”

Tang Heng halted for a moment, then sneered. “What’s wrong? Getting scared? Want to beg for mercy?”

Lin Xiao completely ignored him. His gaze passed over Tang Heng’s figure and landed directly on Lei Qianting.

“Master Lei, before we begin, I have a question.”

“What question?” Lei Qianting asked.

“Are we fighting to determine victory, or fighting to the death?”

Lei Qianting raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the question. “And if it’s victory? And if it’s death?”

“If it’s just for victory, I’ll hold back and let your disciples walk away unharmed.” Lin Xiao’s tone was indifferent. “But if it’s to the death, then I must warn you, I hit hard. I might accidentally kill your disciple.”

“Ridiculous!”

“Arrogant!”

Two sharp voices echoed through the hall almost simultaneously—one from Tang Heng and the other from Ji Wei.

Tang Heng nearly exploded with rage, his fists clenching tightly as a cold, murderous intent flashed in his eyes. “Kid, if you think you can kill me, then go ahead and try. But if you can’t, be careful, I’ll kill you instead.”

Ji Wei’s usual warm smile vanished. When she was not smiling, her entire demeanor became chilling, exuding an aura that kept others at a distance.

She had grown up alongside Tang Heng since childhood. Hearing Lin Xiao say such words right to her senior brother’s face, even her normally composed nature could not suppress the cold glint in her eyes, as though she wished to pierce a hole through Lin Xiao.

Compared to his disciples’ strong reactions, Lei Qianting remained remarkably composed. A true master’s ability to maintain his composure was unparalleled.

“There is no enmity between us. A match to determine victory is sufficient. There’s no need for death,” Lei Qianting said solemnly. “However, since Master Lin is so confident, Ji Wei, you should join in as well. Learn from Master Lin’s skills.”

“Master, I don’t need Junior Sister’s help. I alone am enough,” Tang Heng declared angrily. “This brat is all talk. Look at him, does he look like some expert?”

Without giving Lei Qianting a chance to stop him, Tang Heng launched his attack.

He stepped forward, body sinking slightly like a drawn bow, and punched straight toward Lin Xiao’s chest.

This punch was as fast as lightning, fierce and domineering. The force behind it roared like thunder, and his fist turned a dark cyan-black hue, demonstrating his refined control of internal energy.

A dull impact sounded as Tang Heng’s fist struck Lin Xiao’s chest squarely.

A flash of joy flickered in Tang Heng’s eyes.

‘Got him! This guy was just bluffing all along.’

He immediately exhaled, channeling a surge of internal energy to shatter Lin Xiao’s ribs and send him flying.

However, the next moment, Tang Heng’s face froze.

His fist felt like it had slammed into an immovable steel wall.

A powerful rebound force traveled up his arm, numbing his wrist and causing sharp pain in his knuckles. The internal energy he had infused into the punch dissipated like a stone sinking into the ocean, without the slightest effect.

“Impossible!”

Tang Heng blurted out in disbelief, his expression filled with shock. Instinctively, he raised his other fist and struck again, this time with even greater force!

His second punch landed, but the result remained the same.

Lin Xiao stood completely still. He hadn’t moved an inch. His expression remained unchanged.

Tang Heng’s face twisted with frustration, and he went berserk, throwing a rapid flurry of punches. Each one carried immense force, delivered with his full strength.

Yet, the outcome was utterly hopeless.

Lin Xiao merely stood there, looking down at him with a cold, indifferent gaze, like a divine being gazing upon mortals from the heavens.

At this moment, Lei Qianting’s expression darkened.

His estimation of Lin Xiao’s strength had risen yet again.

Initially, he had let his disciple fight first because he didn’t want to appear as if he was bullying the younger generation. He had taken Lin Xiao seriously, but not overly so. Now, he realized he had still underestimated Lin Xiao.

Tang Heng’s punches weren’t weak. Each one contained Dark Force—powerful enough to pierce steel.

But against Lin Xiao, they were utterly ineffective.

There was only one explanation: Lin Xiao’s physical body was simply too strong.

“If this is all you’re capable of, step back,” Lin Xiao said calmly. His voice carried a chilling finality. “Such feeble attacks are useless against me.”

“No… Impossible… Impossible!”

Tang Heng’s eyes filled with madness. He clenched his teeth and continued attacking in desperation.

Yet Lei Qianting remained silent, watching with an unreadable expression.

“Senior Brother, I’ll help you!”

At last, Ji Wei could not remain still. She drew her longsword from her back and leapt into the air. The gleaming steel blade arced downward, slashing toward Lin Xiao’s shoulder.

Ji Wei’s longsword was incredibly sharp, forged through countless temperings. If the strike landed, Lin Xiao’s arm would likely be severed on the spot.

Hearing Ji Wei’s voice, Tang Heng snapped out of his stupor, his eyes flashing with determination. He roared, gathering all his strength into his right fist and launching an uppercut straight for Lin Xiao’s chin.

This attack—Sky Piercing Cannon Fist—was his full-powered move, infused with both his anger and hatred. It was on a completely different level from his previous attacks.

“Finally, something worth my time.”

A cold light flickered in Lin Xiao’s eyes.

His hands moved—one reaching up, one reaching down. His fingers curved like steel hooks, radiating an eerie metallic sheen.

One hand shot toward Ji Wei’s sword.

The other intercepted Tang Heng’s fist.

Ji Wei’s longsword struck Lin Xiao’s hand. But instead of cutting through, it produced a sound like metal striking metal. Sparks flew.

Her pupils constricted in shock.

Lin Xiao grabbed the sword mid-strike.

Then, with a single shake of his wrist, the finely forged steel blade warped and twisted as if made of paper.

It crumpled, becoming completely useless.

Ji Wei’s body trembled violently, her hands torn and bleeding. She could no longer hold onto the sword.