Chapter 434: Chapter 434: The Battle with Qing Jianzi

“I won’t be holding back!” Qing Jianzi declared, his smile fading and his expression turning serious.

Fang Lin also stopped his banter, his face full of gravity.

The martial arts platform was spacious enough for them to unleash their full potential in the duel. Protective arrays enclosed the area, ensuring bystanders wouldn’t be affected.

This battle was not about victory, but an exchange of skills. Nevertheless, neither Fang Lin nor Qing Jianzi let their guard down or took each other lightly.

The two of them were about ten steps apart, staring intently at each other, neither of them making the first move.

In reality, the duel had already commenced. They were both waiting for the other to strike first since whoever did would inevitably reveal a weakness.

Time trickled by. Those watching from the audience were growing impatient. Nobody dared to speak out of turn, fully aware that the venerable elders present would not tolerate any disruption.

Just when everyone’s attention was centered on the two competitors on the platform, Fang Lin and Qing Jianzi both moved almost simultaneously.

Qing Jianzi’s punch was fierce and domineering, while Fang Lin countered with an equally powerful blow.

Boom!!!

Their fists collided in an instant, resembling two unyielding rocks smashing into each other, producing a dull thud.

Fang Lin retreated, surprise flickering across his face. Qing Jianzi also stepped back, his brows furrowed.

“Again!” Qing Jianzi barked. Fang Lin did not show any signs of fear. The spectators watched, tongues clucking, as the two continued to exchange blows, muscle against muscle.

Under such impact, the advantage of Fang Lin’s physical strength began to surface. Although Qing Jianzi also possessed substantial strength, it proved inferior to Fang Lin.

Everyone could see Fang Lin gaining the upper hand; Qing Jianzi found himself continuously being forced back, almost to the edge of the martial arts platform.

The disciples of Martial Sect anxiously watched. Was their invincible senior brother Qing Jianzi about to lose to Fang Lin today?

On the other hand, the disciples of Pill Sect were cheering jubilantly, rallying for Fang Lin. If Fang Lin were to defeat Qing Jianzi, it would be a glory for the entire Pill Sect. They would no longer feel inferior when they met with the disciples of Martial Sect.

“This young man, his body is incredibly resilient,” Xing Tianxiao, the head of the Martial Sect, exclaimed from a distance, looking somewhat amazed by the duel on the platform.

“This young man must have tempered his physique with precious treasures; otherwise, at such a young age, it would be difficult to achieve such a level,” an elder from the Martial Sect commented.

“Although he has a strong physique, Qing Jianzi hasn’t shown his full power yet. The outcome of this duel is still uncertain,” another elder asserted.

Many nodded in agreement. Although Qing Jianzi appeared to be at a disadvantage at present, the duel had only just begun; neither he nor Fang Lin had unleashed their real talent.

Retreating continuously, Qing Jianzi was on the brink of reaching the edge of the platform. At that moment, he unleashed a piercing howl, causing everyone present to wince in pain.

Fang Lin, being closest, bore the brunt of it. He felt an instant buzz in his head, his vision blurred, and his body swayed.

“Not good!” Fang Lin gasped. He had never seen Qing Jianzi wield such a divine power before.

In a flash, Fang Lin stepped back but not before being hit by Qing Jianzi’s palm, leaving him breathless.

Qing Jianzi managed to reverse the situation in an instant and, seizing the opportunity, transformed himself into a violent gust of wind, dashing straight toward Fang Lin.

Qing Jianzi hit Fang Lin with three consecutive strikes on different parts of his body. After the third blow, Fang Lin started to feel uncomfortable, like his meridians were blocked and his inner strength was inhibited.

“Acupoint manipulation?” Fang Lin was astounded. He hadn’t known Qing Jianzi possessed the knowledge of acupoint manipulation. Although the strikes were not powerful, they restricted Fang Lin’s inner strength.

Facing Qing Jianzi’s relentless attacks, Fang Lin employed the Power of the Breaking Peak. The enormous beast shadow emerged, protecting him.

At the same time, a white elephant roared into existence behind Fang Lin. The mammoth creature stomped toward Qing Jianzi with its massive legs.

Not taking any chances, Qing Jianzi struck his Nine Palace Bag and drew a black greatsword as large as a door panel.

“Back off!” Qing Jianzi swung the greatsword, and a black shadow of the sword darted out, slashing through the white elephant.

With a loud bang, the white elephant disintegrated. Qing Jianzi grunted and staggered backwards.

Fang Lin also shuddered, turning slightly pale. His White Elephant Trampling Mountain had been broken by Qing Jianzi.

Nonetheless, it was not easy for Qing Jianzi either. The impact of the White Elephant Trampling Mountain left him feeling queasy with his vitality in turmoil.

Fang Lin had now managed to clear his blocked meridians, and his inner strength flowed freely again. He dashed forward, employing the Nine Heavens Step Skill, disappearing from sight like a phantom.

What Qing Jianzi despises most was Fang Lin’s movement technique; it was, indeed, troublesome. His own skills did not include movement techniques, so he found it particularly vexing.

Fortunately, Qing Jianzi had a countermeasure. He wielded the black greatsword in defense behind him while drawing out a silver longsword, guarding vigilantly against the elusive Fang Lin.

Upon seeing Qing Jianzi’s defense, Fang Lin couldn’t help but approve. He knew the complexity of his Nine Heavens Step Skill well. Attempting to follow the Nine Heavens Step was essentially futile.

The only effective counter was to adapt and respond to changes.

In response, Fang Lin drew his Bone Club and charged at Qing Jianzi from the side.

Cling!!!

Qing Jianzi swung his sword into Fang Lin’s Bone Club, eliciting a metallic clash. Staggering, Qing Jianzi was sent retreating.

Fang Lin, however, found a cut on his wrist, inflicted by the stray sword Qi.

Qing Jianzi realized he was in trouble. Fang Lin was too strong, and fighting with him directly wouldn’t be smart. He quickly shifted gears and displayed a sophisticated set of sword techniques to counteract Fang Lin’s brute strength.

Fang Lin, despite his strength, was limited by the sword techniques and slowly started losing his advantage.

Adept at swordplay, Qing Jianzi had attained a high level of sword proficiency. With a sword in his hand, his strength increased by at least thirty percent.

Furthermore, his sword techniques were extremely practical and precise, with no unnecessary moves. Each strike was aimed to kill.

Despite this just being a training match, Fang Lin still felt a sense of danger.

The duel on the platform continued to intensify, with the audience thoroughly enjoying the display of raw power and finesse. This was the showdown between the most talented disciples of Pill Sect and Martial Sect.

“Fang Lin, when do you plan to stop holding back?” Qing Jianzi roared as he parried Fang Lin’s attack and retreated, yelling at the top of his voice.