Chapter 44: Arena Fighting
Bai Changlin’s eyebrows slightly raised. This disciple’s Stance Training was not just at Great Accomplishment entry level; even in his casual movements, there was hidden Aura, stronger than the others by a notch.
“Who is he?”
Bai Changlin spoke to inquire. Li Jinshan gestured for Gao Zheng to come forward.
Gao Zheng bowed and answered in a low voice: “Su Yan, a Mountain Hunter from Yun Qian Village. He has a body full of Mountain Hunting skills and is on good terms with Song Qi from Hundred Herbs Hall.”
“No wonder.”
Li Jinshan said: “He is no more than fifteen or sixteen years old, so his Talent must be good. I will go call him over.”
At fifteen or sixteen years old with Stance Training at Great Accomplishment, there were scarcely any in Yun Cang Town, or perhaps none at all.
Stance Training requires practice, combat, and comprehension. Even at fifteen or sixteen with extremely high Compatibility, it still takes time.
Bai Changlin’s gaze shifted slightly, but he slowly said: “No rush, let’s watch a bit more.”
As he spoke, Bai Changlin’s whole body aura stirred. True Essence circulated, Spirit condensed, and a massive White Ape Phantom over two or three zhang tall rose from his body.
Although the White Ape was a phantom, its long fur draped down, its body was pure white like jade, its face was majestic and divine, its eyes held fierce light, truly a ferocious Feral Beast.
As soon as the White Ape True Intent emerged, that powerful aura immediately broke the stance of the vast majority of disciples. They could not hold Stance Training, their bodies trembled, they looked at the White Ape True Intent in panic, their hearts filled with fear.
Only Dian Jing, Li Shun, Ma Xiaodong, Li Ying, Liu Yinglong, and Su Yan remained able to persist.
However, even Dian Jing and the others lasted only a few breaths before their hearts palpitated uncontrollably, they gasped heavily, and their Stance Training broke. They could not hold on.
Stance Training emphasizes form and intent unity. If one cannot maintain that state, losing control in the subtleties turns it into mere wooden stakes.
Only Su Yan was still persisting.
Su Yan’s face was flushed red, veins bulging. At this moment, he felt as if a great mountain was pressing down on him, the ferocious Feral Beast aura nearly crushing him.
‘So this is the power of True Intent. Beast Spirit True Intent adds Power. Is it Martial Arts or Divine Ability technique?!’
Su Yan had imagined punching open the heavens, but this manifestation of Beast Spirit True Intent, like turning Martial Arts into substance, still shocked him greatly.
But he was stubborn by nature. He had endured Poison Skin Powder, so how could he fear this phantom.
His eyes sharpened, veins bulged even more, but his Qi and Blood surged like a river flowing backward, faint white mist diffusing around his body.
“Hahaha, interesting, but Stance Training alone is not enough.”
Bai Changlin finally laughed out loud, his gaze flashing like refined light.
The White Ape True Intent merely opened its eyes, looking at Su Yan like Bronze Bells.
In an instant, Su Yan’s Aura was crushed, his body staggered, and he retreated two steps. He too could not hold his Stance Training.
“Thank you, Master Bai, for your guidance.”
Su Yan cupped his fists, gasping heavily, but his posture remained straight.
【Golden Ape Stance Training: 89/400 (Great Accomplishment）】
Although his Stance Training could not withstand the White Ape True Intent, in that exchange just now, Su Yan seemed to have some realization.
Transformation Realm Stance Training seemed to have some connection with this True Intent.
Bai Changlin withdrew the White Ape True Intent and said: “Stance Training is basic, but if refined to form and intent unity, constantly unlocking its essence and manifesting its divine form, it also helps in condensing True Intent.”
He too had some feeling, so he added this comment. Although Transformation Realm Stance Training was not a prerequisite for manifesting White Ape True Intent, the stronger the Stance Training, the fewer detours one would take later in Visualization of True Intent.
“How long have you been in the Martial Arts School?”
Bai Changlin personally asked. Li Shun and the others stared wide-eyed, their gazes full of jealousy, wishing they were the one standing there.
“Entered a month ago.”
Bai Changlin’s face was calm, but his pupils contracted slightly.
‘In one month, such progress. Even with Hundred Herbs Hall’s help, this Comprehension…’
“Not bad.”
Bai Changlin nodded, then said: “Spar on the stage. Let me see your Fist Techniques progress.”
After all, he was a True Intent Realm Martial Artist. The more interested he was in Su Yan, the more he wanted to see.
Su Yan’s gaze flickered slightly, the corner of his mouth curving up.
‘Personally selected for the stage spar, so I will be the first one up.’
Gao Zheng was at the lowest position beside his Master. Looking at Su Yan, he was extremely surprised.
‘This Junior Brother actually has such ability. For that matter in the Desolate Mountains, why not let him handle some and sell him a favor?’
With his Master’s approval, Li Jinshan stepped forward and loudly declared: “In that case, Junior Brother Su will defend the stage. Fellow Junior Brothers, each rely on your abilities. Stance Training is Stance Training, fighting is fighting. If you show something outstanding, there may still be a chance.”
Martial Artists revolve around one word: “strive.” Strive against self, against others, against heaven.
Even if Stance Training is inferior, should one not strive for the opportunity?
His words were like overturning lanterns, igniting the flames in the hearts of the remaining thirty-plus Outer Disciples present.
Su Yan’s gaze was calm, his breathing adjusted and restored. He paced to the open ground in the middle of the courtyard, his eyes sweeping over the crowd.
“Fellow Senior Brothers, Su requests your guidance.”
As his words fell, for a moment, no one dared to step up.
Even Ma Xiaodong, Li Ying, and Liu Yinglong had flickering gazes, uncertain of his background.
Li Shun was filled with jealousy. Though shocked and suspicious, his vicious gaze glanced at four or five Lake Household companions in the crowd, immediately signaling with his eyes.
Those few were his followers, originally planning to go up and wear others down. Now seeing his signal.
They had no choice but to steel themselves: “Please grant guidance, Junior Brother Su.”
One stepped forward, tall and sturdy, a burly man build.
As soon as he came up, he used Monkey Leap Step to charge straight at Su Yan, his arms’ Muscle and Bone crackling, Power fully unleashed.
Su Yan just waved his hand, grabbed the fist, shook his hand, and sent him flying.
“Next.”
As Su Yan said “next,” his gaze turned to Li Shun.
“Interesting.”
On the viewing platform, whether Bai Changlin, Li Jinshan, Elder Zhao Tianwen, or Elder Li Chuan, all showed smiles in their eyes.
Outer Disciples had their own conflicts; they naturally saw this clearly.
However, none took it to heart.
It was a pity that this Skin Refining Minor Accomplishment Apprentice could not test Su Yan’s ability.
Having lost seven parts courage before fighting, with Fist and foot techniques only roughly grasped, how could he win.
Su Yan’s gaze was calm, yet like a Knife falling on Li Shun.
Li Shun felt like thorns on his back, but he did not step forward.
Gritting his teeth, he signaled again, and the originally planned several lackeys went up one after another.
“Second.”
“Third.”
“Fourth.”
Three more came up in succession, all at Skin Refining Minor Accomplishment Realm, with Strength not less than several hundred jin, but none were Su Yan’s match in one exchange.
All were struck down by him in one blow. Bruised faces were light; two of the darker-handed ones were directly knocked out.
“Good skill, at least Minor Accomplishment Fist Techniques.”
“Minor Accomplishment? Arms like iron, body moving like an ape—this is Great Accomplishment Fist Techniques.”
Zhao Tianwen had just spoken when Elder Li Chuan beside him narrowed his eyes and corrected him.
“This…”
Zhao Tianwen’s eyes widened. Stance Training Great Accomplishment, Fist Techniques Great Accomplishment—this ability was also Skin Refining Great Accomplishment. Was this Talent really that good?
The Lake Household people were all beaten by Su Yan. Now, even if Li Shun wanted to send someone up, no one could.
‘Damn bastard, how is he so strong. I don’t believe you still have strength left.’
A fierce glint flashed in Li Shun’s eyes. Gritting his teeth, he cupped his fists and stepped forward.
“Please grant guidance, Junior Brother Su.”
He strode to the center, truly in a dilemma. If he did not go up, not only would the Lake Household people look down on him, but Bai Changlin and the others would not let him enter the Inner Sect.
No other reason—since he had made a move, how could he shrink back halfway timidly. With such mentality, he could not enter the Inner Sect.
Su Yan smiled: “Finally here. Let’s fight.”
Mid-Autumn update is a bit late. There will be another update later for the second chapter. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone!
