"Blazing Fire Palm!" "Flying Serpent Step!"
On the open ground, Zhang Mingliang activated his movement technique, sending scorching palm strikes wreathed in flames toward Lin Xuan.
But each time, Lin Xuan dodged them effortlessly.
After a dozen attempts, even Zhang Mingliang, a Qi Condensation realm cultivator, was panting heavily.
Lin Xuan, however, remained calm and composed.
Not a single attack had landed on him.
The surrounding outer disciples watching were all stunned.
Setting everything else aside, Lin Xuan's movement technique alone had already surpassed most early-stage Qi Condensation cultivators.
It was likely only comparable to experts at the mid-stage Qi Condensation realm or above.
Yet Lin Xuan, who was only at the Acupoint Opening realm, had managed to cross an entire major realm in terms of movement technique.
This left the disciples deeply shaken.
Only then did they fully understand why the Third Elder had praised Lin Xuan as having the potential to become a true disciple upon first meeting him, making him the top newcomer in terms of potential.
This movement technique alone spoke volumes.
At the very least, his talent had already surpassed everyone present.
Even all the other new disciples.
The title of the number one genius among the new disciples was well-deserved.
On the other side, Zhang Mingliang's group of lackeys watched, their hearts filled with shock as they exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to do.
This was a duel between Lin Xuan and Zhang Mingliang.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, they dared not interfere.
All they could do was watch in silence.
Among the crowd, Zhang Tao's expression grew even darker.
The fear in his eyes deepened.
He hadn't expected Lin Xuan's level of genius to be so high, once again surpassing his expectations.
Just three days ago, Lin Xuan was at the early Acupoint Opening realm and had instantly killed him, a late-stage Acupoint Opening cultivator.
Now, he had crossed an entire major realm.
His movement speed was even beyond that of his cousin Zhang Mingliang, a Qi Condensation realm cultivator.
Such a display was nothing short of astonishing.
Having practiced martial arts for over a decade and being a direct descendant of a prominent county clan, Zhang Tao had never heard of or seen anything like this.
Even witnessing it now, he was filled with deep disbelief.
It was a long while before he snapped back to reality.
Confirming that what was happening before him was not an illusion.
The fear in his eyes grew even more intense.
At the same time, a hint of regret began to surface in his heart.
Lin Xuan's talent was so formidable that it exceeded his imagination.
Why had he provoked such a super genius back then?
One misstep could bring disaster not only to himself but also to his entire family!
At this moment, Zhang Tao was even hesitating whether to apologize to Lin Xuan after the duel and beg for forgiveness.
But doing so would damage his pride.
He was still somewhat reluctant.
Nevertheless, another thought had already taken root in his mind.
Regardless of who won or lost this duel, he would no longer provoke Lin Xuan.
Even if Lin Xuan lost, he wouldn't humiliate him further.
Because Lin Xuan was a genius disciple valued by the Third Elder.
At most, he could only cause Lin Xuan some physical pain for now; he couldn't truly harm him.
Otherwise, if the Third Elder became angry, neither he nor his family could bear the consequences.
And if Lin Xuan remained unharmed, deepening the enmity, what then?
With Lin Xuan's terrifying talent, it wouldn't take a few years for him to become a true expert.
By then, if Lin Xuan sought revenge.
He and his family would likely suffer greatly, possibly even be crippled.
So, after weighing the pros and cons, he decided it was best not to provoke Lin Xuan anymore.
Back on the field.
After several fierce attacks failed to land on Lin Xuan, Zhang Mingliang's expression turned extremely grim.
He hadn't expected that as a Qi Condensation realm cultivator, his movement technique would be inferior to Lin Xuan, who had only been a disciple for three days and was still at the Acupoint Opening realm.
He had underestimated Lin Xuan.
But he couldn't afford to lose this battle.
Otherwise, he would lose all face, and most of his savings would be wiped out.
So, Zhang Mingliang stopped in his tracks, ceasing his attacks, and sneered:
"Lin Xuan, dodging all the time—what kind of hero is that? If you've got the guts, fight me head-on and see who's stronger!
You were the one who initiated this duel. If you're just going to keep dodging, I'll leave, and we'll call it a draw.
Don't even think about getting those three inferior spirit stones!"
Since Lin Xuan had used provocation, he didn't mind returning the favor.
"Yeah, fight the boss head-on!"
"Just dodging isn't what a martial artist does!"
"You can't win by dodging alone!"
"..."
On the side, Zhang Mingliang's lackeys joined in with jeers and provocations.
The other outer disciples watching sneered coldly.
Look at the gap in their cultivation levels.
And he still wants a head-on fight? Shameless, isn't he?
But Zhang Mingliang was still an outer sect expert, and none of them were his match.
So, they just watched coldly, not daring to speak up.
But then, something happened that made everyone's jaws drop.
"Sure, why not."
From the other side, Lin Xuan replied calmly.
The crowd froze in disbelief, almost thinking they had misheard.
But Lin Xuan remained composed.
"So this is the strength of the Qi Condensation realm?"
Lin Xuan murmured to himself.
After testing for so long, he now had enough confidence.
It was time to end this.
"Good! You said it!"
Zhang Mingliang's eyes lit up with joy.
He refused to believe that Lin Xuan's movement technique could surpass his, showing his talent in speed.
But in a head-on clash, he was at the Qi Condensation realm, a full major realm above Lin Xuan.
How could Lin Xuan possibly withstand it?
Behind him, Zhang Mingliang's lackeys erupted in cheers.
The surrounding disciples sighed inwardly.
In the end, youth and pride made him fall for the provocation.
They just hoped Lin Xuan wouldn't suffer too badly.
If he was severely injured and had to recuperate for months, he might be overtaken by other promising disciples.
As for Lin Xuan winning, they barely considered it.
For an Acupoint Opening realm cultivator to decisively defeat a Qi Condensation realm opponent—even among the true disciples of the entire Flowing Cloud Sect, few could do it.
Let alone Lin Xuan, an outer disciple.
At this moment, no one on the field believed Lin Xuan could win.
But Lin Xuan remained utterly calm, his expression unchanged.
Then, Zhang Mingliang let out a low shout and charged at Lin Xuan.
"Blazing Fire Palm!"
With a single palm strike, a fiery palm print accompanied by scorching waves of heat pressed forward.
Afraid of any more surprises, Zhang Mingliang didn't waste words and struck directly.
He aimed to defeat Lin Xuan in one blow.
As the palm print descended, Lin Xuan stood his ground without dodging. Zhang Mingliang's face lit up with joy.
He added even more force to his strike.
Now, let's see if you don't get seriously injured!
But the next moment, Lin Xuan made his move.
"Wind-Pushing Palm!"
He sent out a palm strike of his own.
Under Lin Xuan's explosive power, its momentum surged.
With one palm, a gale howled.
In an instant, it dispersed the incoming heatwave.
Before Zhang Mingliang's blazing palm print could land, it was mostly dissipated by the powerful gust.
The force within it even stopped Zhang Mingliang in his tracks, as if an invisible wall stood before him.
Preventing him from advancing even half a step.
"How is this possible?!?!"
Zhang Mingliang roared inwardly, utterly refusing to believe it.
And then, Lin Xuan moved.