Chapter 82: Collapsing at the Slightest Blow

In truth, in the age of antiquity, warriors didn’t distinguish between body tempering, essence condensation, or vein opening. In the little courtyard of the Daoist temple, Daoist Pang sipped his steaming morning tea and spoke with heartfelt emotion, “Back then, our ancestors, to resist the endless hordes of savage beasts, continually explored the depths of their own potential.”

“And thus, the earliest martial arts were born!”

“In fact, all methods of cultivation in this world, whether Daoist or martial, trace their origins back to those beginnings.”

As he answered Fang Xiao’s questions, Daoist Pang was visibly moved, revealing a side of himself rarely seen: “Fang Xiao, those ancestors who spilled blood and sacrificed their lives to preserve the civilization of humanity—they will forever be worthy of respect and reverence!”

“Anyone who forgets them, or even slanders them—”

“Such a person cannot be called human!”

Fang Xiao nodded silently.

Though Daoist Pang had digressed, his words were indeed worth remembering.

“The division between warriors and cultivators into distinct realms and stages…” Daoist Pang drew the conversation back, “That came much later, even inventing the so-called nine levels within a realm. Honestly, it’s rather pointless.”

“What difference is there between the second and first stages of body tempering?”

“Dividing things into early, middle, and late stages is sufficient.”

“Fang Xiao, you are different from others. You need not let these rules and regulations bind your hands and feet.”

“As long as you possess strength, you may set the rules!”

“If you cannot, it simply means you are not yet strong enough!”

He looked at Fang Xiao with an unprecedented seriousness. “Fang Xiao, I hope to live to see the day you become the strongest being in this world!”

Daoist Pang once harbored such a dream himself.

But it had been swiftly shattered by the harsh reality of blood and defeat.

He understood—

It was mostly due to his own limitations.

Now, Daoist Pang placed his hopes upon Fang Xiao.

For the latter was far more resolute and tenacious, possessing the confidence and courage to challenge anything.

So long as he did not die, he would surely reach the summit!

Fang Xiao grinned, showing his teeth. “Alright!”

And so, the two made an agreement.

Though it seemed almost a jest,

After Fang Xiao rode away on his large blue donkey,

Daoist Pang sat motionless in the little courtyard, pondering for a long time, like a statue frozen in time.

...

For the next two days,

Fang Xiao trained by day at the Six Rivers Academy, and at night went with Daoist Pang to the mass grave to hunt monsters.

All the experience he gained,

He invested wholly in the “Qianyang Dragon-Tiger Art: Essence Condensation Chapter.”

Through this cultivation method, Fang Xiao gained a clear understanding of the Essence Condensation realm.

He also mastered higher-level techniques for activating and wielding the Qianyang Dragon-Tiger energy.

With each increment of experience invested, Fang Xiao’s martial foundation became ever more solid and unshakeable.

His strength and cultivation increased daily.

Until the fourth day after he accepted Gao Hong’s challenge.

That morning, Fang Xiao had just arrived at the martial hall.

The same academy student who had previously delivered the challenge letter stopped him in his tracks. “Junior Fang, Senior Gao is already waiting for you at the dueling platform. Come with me.”

He was accompanied by two companions, who eyed Fang Xiao like wary predators, as if afraid he might run.

Fang Xiao was a little surprised. “So early?”

Of course, he knew today was the day he and Gao Hong would duel on the platform.

But he hadn’t expected the other to be so eager.

“Senior Gao has caught the eye of an innate master from Jingyuan Prefecture!”

The student’s face brimmed with pride and excitement, “He’s operating on a whole different level from us. After this match, he’ll head to the prefecture city and become a disciple of the master!”

His voice rang loud and clear, so that everyone inside and outside the martial hall could hear.

Exclamations and murmurs flared up one after another.

“Alright,” Fang Xiao said, “let’s go.”

He couldn’t help but wonder—

So Gao Hong had caught the master’s eye, not their mother’s.

Back in the village, even when Er Gouzi found two extra cow patties, he never flaunted it with such gusto!

Shaking his head, Fang Xiao followed the group toward the training ground.

Behind them trailed a crowd of academy students eager for the spectacle.

In fact, ever since Fang Xiao had accepted the challenge,

His duel with Gao Hong had become the talk of the Six Rivers Academy.

Everyone knew who Gao Hong was.

And many were familiar with the “oddity” that was Fang Xiao.

Thus, today’s duel drew intense attention.

Some even set up secret betting pools, wagering how many moves it would take for Gao Hong to defeat Fang Xiao.

As for the outcome—there was no suspense.

No one bothered to open bets on victory or defeat.

So when Fang Xiao arrived at the dueling platform, the training ground was already ringed by a crowd of a hundred or more.

And the numbers continued to swell.

On the lofty platform,

A man in white stood with hands behind his back, his narrow eyes exuding cold contempt.

Gao Hong!

A paragon, famed as the son of Heaven’s pride!

Whether in dress, appearance, or bearing, this young man easily outshone Fang Xiao.

Especially when Fang Xiao stepped onto the platform,

Standing five paces from Gao Hong,

Facing him—

The contrast was all the more striking!

So much so that laughter rippled softly around the platform.

Compared to the “gentleman on the road” that was Gao Hong, Fang Xiao looked like a farmer fresh from the fields: mud still clung to his feet, his linen shirt was gray with dust.

His faded satchel, the belt around his waist, and indescribably worn shoes—

All radiated a strong rustic flavor!

Though many of the academy students were used to Fang Xiao’s usual attire,

They still found it amusing.

Fang Xiao ignored the myriad gazes around him.

He appraised Gao Hong, sensing a familiar aura—

That innate pride and arrogance,

And the lofty air of superiority!

As Fang Xiao stared, Gao Hong merely smiled faintly, saying nothing.

In the next instant, a stern-faced middle-aged instructor leapt onto the platform.

He glanced around, then spoke gravely: “Gao Hong, Fang Xiao, in friendly duels between academy peers, you must stop short—under no circumstances may you fight to the death. Do you understand?”

Fang Xiao nodded. “Understood.”

Gao Hong gave a casual nod, his haughty demeanor stirring many girls’ hearts in the crowd.

“Very good,” said the instructor. “When the coin falls, the match begins!”

Ding—

With a flick of his finger, he sent a yellow-bronze coin spinning into the air.

It tumbled down between Fang Xiao and Gao Hong.

Pa!

At the instant the coin hit the ground,

Fang Xiao, already poised, struck out with both fists without hesitation.

The perfected Demon-Subduing Fist!

In a flash, his muscles and bones rang out within;

His organs roared like tigers and dragons!

A fierce surge of Qianyang Dragon-Tiger energy flooded into his fists.

Boom!

As soon as Fang Xiao unleashed his punch, the force had barely reached full strength.

Yet Gao Hong, on the opposite side, was already sent flying like a kite with a broken string.

He crashed heavily dozens of steps away on the training ground.

The son of Heaven lay on the earth,

His clothes torn, his body convulsing, blood gushing from his mouth.

He struggled to raise his right hand, trembling as he pointed toward Fang Xiao on the platform, as if to say something.

But before a word escaped,

His head lolled to one side—

He fainted dead away!