Chapter 456: Crushing the Prodigy

Lin Xiao’s gaze was deep and steady. Even as An Baichen cursed him, he showed no sign of anger. He raised a hand and curled a finger toward An Baichen.

“Very well. I’ve more or less seen all that Tiger-Crane Fist has to offer. Let’s end this pointless fight. Whether I have any other moves, you’ll know soon enough if you try them yourself.”

Seeing Lin Xiao finally willing to face him directly, An Baichen took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the fury in his chest, regaining his calm.

No matter what, he was someone who had cultivated to his level at a young age and had ample combat experience. He naturally understood that anger and recklessness were great taboos in a fight.

Though Lin Xiao’s movement technique exceeded his expectations, An Baichen absolutely did not believe Lin Xiao was stronger than him.

Every prodigy has their pride and confidence.

An Baichen was a dazzling prodigy, guided by a famous master since childhood. He began martial cultivation at the age of eight, reached Clear Force at seventeen, and Dark Force at twenty-one. Now at twenty-eight, he was already on the verge of breaking through to mid-stage Dark Force.

It was well known that the further one advanced in traditional martial arts, the harder progress became. Countless Dark Force experts had made no further breakthroughs after reaching the realm. For An Baichen to be so young and already nearing mid-stage Dark Force, both Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall and even the Four Poles Sect placed great hopes on him.

At this rate, reaching Dark Force peak was highly likely, and even Flowing Force Grandmaster was within a sliver of possibility.

Of course, the chance of becoming a Flowing Force Grandmaster was slim, but even reaching Dark Force peak was standing at the pinnacle of Southern martial circles. Among the seven great powers of the South, the Four Poles Sect had only two peak Dark Force experts.

It was these two peak Dark Force masters who upheld the fame of the Four Poles Sect.

To reach such a level, An Baichen had relied on more than just talent and background.

Others only saw his prestigious lineage and status, but knew nothing of the suffering he endured, the sweat he shed, and the endless resources he consumed.

But all his efforts were worthwhile. He had become an admired figure for countless young martial artists, ranked sixth on the Southern Newcomer Ranking, enjoying endless applause, wealth, and beauty, all at his fingertips.

With such a background, how could An Baichen believe that Lin Xiao was stronger than him?

An Baichen cast a gaze filled with killing intent at Lin Xiao. Internal energy surged within him as he closed his eyes slightly. When he opened them again, a brilliant light burst forth.

He poured all his anger, hatred, killing intent, and power into the next strike. With this one move, he would determine victory—or even beat the man before him to death, if it came to that.

Sensing the undisguised murderous intent, a flash of cold light flickered through Lin Xiao’s deep, shadowy eyes.

An Baichen shifted his stance, legs staggered forward and back, body leaning in, spine taut like a drawn bow. Both fists clenched tight, internal energy surging to his fists. In an instant, his fists turned a dark green-black, his entire aura exuding danger.

“If you can take this next move, I’ll admit defeat on the spot.”

An Baichen’s voice was calm, yet beneath the surface lay a cruel killing intent. “But if you can’t, and happen to die from it, don’t hold a grudge.”

Before Lin Xiao could respond, An Baichen stomped down with force. His figure shot forward like a black blur, dashing straight at Lin Xiao.

Fifteen meters vanished in an instant.

An Baichen appeared before Lin Xiao in the blink of an eye. His speed was nearly imperceptible. Using the momentum of his charge, both fists, coiled and hidden at his waist, exploded forth like cannonballs, aiming ferociously at Lin Xiao’s chest and abdomen.

Tiger and Crane Roar in Unison.

The ultimate killing strike of the Tiger-Crane Fist.

As An Baichen’s fists struck out, the air seemed to echo with low tiger growls and sharp crane screeches!

“Finally, something interesting.”

Faced with An Baichen’s strongest blow, Lin Xiao remained unhurried. He drew his left hand from his pocket and shook his body. Instantly, his entire skeleton emitted a crisp and violent crackle—louder and more rapid than An Baichen’s.

After the tremor, Lin Xiao’s figure remained unchanged. Only his eyes gleamed with divine light, and his hands—fingers bent like claws—took the forms of tiger and dragon, reaching to meet An Baichen’s fists!

Thunderbolt Fist.

Lin Xiao did not use his Flowing Force strength. That would have been too boring. He didn’t even activate internal energy—merely roused a portion of his body’s vital essence.

Even so, it gave An Baichen immense pressure.

To An Baichen, Lin Xiao now exuded a dangerous aura, like a beast awakening from slumber, baring its ferocious fangs.

‘Is this your true strength?’

An Baichen’s eyes widened, blood vessels faintly surfacing. He poured every ounce of his internal energy into his fists, which swelled visibly.

‘With this kind of strength, and you dare look down on me? Courting death!’

These thoughts flashed through his mind, yet his body did not pause. His fists, carrying enough force to shatter stone, slammed toward Lin Xiao’s claws.

A deafening roar erupted as violent energy surged from their clash, spreading outward in waves and stirring up a cloud of dust!

An Baichen’s charging body came to a sudden halt, as if someone had pressed pause. His fists remained extended, his face flushed red, as if on the verge of bleeding.

In contrast, Lin Xiao’s face remained expressionless. Aside from his brightened eyes, there were no changes.

His body stood firm like a mountain, not retreating a single step!

Crack!

The hard marble floor suddenly shattered beneath An Baichen’s feet. His legs sank into it, leaving two deep footprints. His body swayed, and his red face turned pale in an instant.

“This can’t be… It’s not possible! I don’t believe it!”

An Baichen’s eyes filled with disbelief as he glared at Lin Xiao. His handsome features twisted, and he forced out three words through clenched teeth.

He could not accept that, as a heaven-blessed prodigy—ranked sixth among Southern youths and hailed as the rising star of the Four Poles Sect—he would lose to someone younger than himself.

In that moment, An Baichen’s heart suffered a massive blow. His confidence and pride nearly collapsed. He even forgot to retract his fists. His whole being seemed lost, eyes dazed and spiritless.

“How could this be?”

“Senior Brother lost in one move?”

“Who is that man? So powerful!”

It wasn’t just An Baichen; everyone watching was stunned.

All eyes were wide, staring at Lin Xiao as if staring at a monster.

No one expected that in a head-on clash, with no tricks or surprises, An Baichen, ranked sixth on the Southern Newcomer Ranking and giving his all, would be defeated so easily.

No, not just defeated—crushed.

Completely, utterly crushed.

Compared to An Baichen’s full effort, Lin Xiao’s performance was effortless. Not even a drop of sweat beaded his brow.

The contrast made the result crystal clear.

Who was strong and who was weak—it was obvious at a glance.

Staring at the composed Lin Xiao, the crowd felt an indescribable mixture of emotions—fear, awe, shock, amazement—all rising like sediment stirred from the depths.

“Such overwhelming strength… I’m starting to believe what that Jiangnan martial artist said, that he defeated Lei Qianting from the capital.”

Someone murmured from the crowd.

Others who heard the remark couldn’t help but feel the same.

They all suddenly realized that Jiangnan’s martial world… might really have produced an extraordinary figure.