Chapter 139: Shaking the Entire Arena, Mighty Tiger Fist, Qian Long Bang!

"I… did I just see that right? That boy actually managed to hold his own against Senior Brother like this?"

"Even with his Burst Secret Technique activated, Senior Brother still couldn't gain the upper hand?"

"Is this kid really just a Jin Gu Jing cultivator?"

Every martial artist watching the clash between Lu Qing and Kuiwu Dahan couldn’t hide their shock.

Now, under Lu Qing’s full-powered display, it was clear—his cultivation level was still firmly within the Jin Gu Jing realm.

But precisely because of that, their astonishment only deepened.

They couldn’t fathom how Lu Qing had managed to fight on equal footing with a Martial Zong Shi whose inner organs were fully refined.

If it were merely a matter of sword technique mastery, one could explain it—perhaps Lu Qing possessed extraordinary talent in the art of the blade, having already grasped a level of refinement far beyond ordinary swordsmen.

But cultivation? That was real, tangible, and allowed no room for deception or shortcuts.

By all logic, no matter how strong a Jin Gu Jing cultivator might be, they should never stand a chance against a Zong Shi-level warrior whose inner foundation was complete.

The gap in cultivation was simply too vast—two completely different realms.

Yet here, before their eyes, Lu Qing had shattered that logic.

A Jin Gu Jing youth, facing off against a full-fledged Zong Shi, and matching him blow for blow.

The onlookers were stunned—not just by the spectacle, but by the sheer impossibility of it all.

An actual Sword Intent… though only a faint trace, it's already enough to overpower Wang Cangyi, the senior disciple. But how is this boy’s body so strong? How can he sustain such a peak burst for so long, with his aura still unbroken?

On the city gate, the Cloth-Clothed Youth stared down below, his eyes flickering with a strange aura.

He was inwardly shaken.

He hadn’t expected the boy—whom he’d met only once before—to possess such terrifying martial talent.

To have already awakened Sword Intent at the Jin Gu Jing stage? Even a mere trace of it was already monstrous.

What baffled him even more was Lu Qing’s physical constitution.

The boy’s body was far stronger than any normal youth should be—able to endure such a grueling battle with a Zong Shi-level warrior without faltering.

Even the true disciples of the top sects in Zhongzhou would struggle to achieve this.

Only the heirs from those few legendary hidden realms might come close.

The Cloth-Clothed Youth shifted his gaze sideways.

There, Wang Cangyi’s face was ashen, his expression dark and stormy—deep in thought, his mind roiling with silent fury.

A chill ran through the youth’s heart.

He instinctively tightened his guard.

"Old Doctor… how did Lu Qing’s strength grow so suddenly?" Ma Gu stammered, standing beside the ox cart.

He’d always known Lu Qing was exceptional—far beyond a typical Jin Gu Jing cultivator.

Back in the nameless valley, the boy had once forced a Nei Fu Jing warrior to retreat with a single slash.

But that was due to surprise and superior technique.

In a true fight, against the explosive power of a Nei Fu Jing warrior, Lu Qing would still have had to retreat.

And now? Only a short time later, he was clashing head-on with a fully refined Zong Shi and not losing.

The speed of his growth was terrifying.

"I don’t know," the Old Doctor shook his head. "I’ve never interfered with A Qing’s cultivation. I had no idea he’d reached this level."

Beside him, Wei Zian and Wei Fu Ren were utterly speechless.

They couldn’t believe the quiet, gentle Lu Xiao Daifu could unleash such terrifying battle spirit.

As everyone stood in stunned silence, the fight between Lu Qing and Kuiwu Dahan took another turn.

Clang!

The two war blades clashed again.

But this time, already battered and cracked, the blades couldn’t endure the force.

With a sharp crack, both blades shattered completely, leaving only short stubs of blade attached to their hilts.

"Damn!" Ma Gu gasped, about to throw his own sword.

But then, Lu Qing and Kuiwu Dahan simultaneously tossed their broken hilts aside.

They stepped forward, bare-handed, charging at each other.

"Let’s go!"

"Perfect!"

Both fighters, caught in the heat of battle, decided to continue with fists and feet.

Roar!

This time, Lu Qing struck first.

With a tiger’s stride, each step shook the solid ground beneath him.

His blood surged through his body, and from within him came faint, echoing tiger roars—like a beast awakening.

In an instant, he closed the distance and unleashed a punch.

The air around him twisted violently, howling like a storm.

The air in front of his fist, unable to disperse fast enough, compressed under the sheer speed, forming a dense, explosive energy sphere.

It surged toward Kuiwu Dahan with overwhelming force.

That’s… intense?!

Kuiwu Dahan’s eye twitched.

He’d assumed that without his weapon, Lu Qing would be defenseless.

After all, he’d trained in his sect for years—his martial arts weren’t just limited to the sword.

His fist and foot techniques were formidable, even surpassing his third brother.

Lu Qing might be a prodigy in swordsmanship—perhaps even mastering a Zong Shi-level refinement at such a young age.

But his fists? That couldn’t possibly be on par with his.

But now, feeling the sheer pressure of that punch, Kuiwu Dahan realized he was wrong—and terribly so.

Lu Qing’s fist technique was beyond his own!

But it was too late to retreat.

In a flash, Lu Qing’s fist struck him.

Instinctively, Kuiwu Dahan felt—he couldn’t step back.

If he retreated, Lu Qing would seize the initiative instantly.

With such mastery in his fists and that relentless, unstoppable momentum, once the advantage was lost, it would be impossible to regain.

He’d be crushed before he even had a chance.

To preserve his position, he had to stand firm—and block.

In a split second, Kuiwu Dahan dropped into a low stance, planted his feet, and crossed his arms—like a sealed barrier—launching himself to meet the punch head-on.

Boom!!

Under the gaze of countless martial artists, Lu Qing’s roaring tiger punch struck Kuiwu Dahan’s arms.

The force exploded outward, warping the air around them—distorting their silhouettes into blurred outlines.

For a moment, the onlookers saw Kuiwu Dahan’s body shift backward by one step.

But his stance remained intact—unbroken.

Yet the battle wasn’t over.

Seeing the retreat, Lu Qing pressed forward without mercy.

He lunged another step, dragging his foot—his shoes instantly ripped apart—and the ground beneath him twisted like soft rice cake.

Power surged from the earth.

Amidst a roar of tigers, Lu Qing delivered another punch.

Kuiwu Dahan had no choice but to endure.

Boom!!

The second punch struck, and again, Kuiwu Dahan staggered back.

Lu Qing didn’t stop.

Another step. Another punch.

Boom, boom, boom…

Each time Kuiwu Dahan retreated, Lu Qing advanced.

Nine times in total—until finally, Lu Qing halted, his body rooted in place.

Kuiwu Dahan stood still, still holding his defensive stance.

Now, both men were drenched in steam, white mist swirling around them.

Their bodies burned from the intense blood and qi circulation—sweat vaporizing instantly.

The ground around them was a wreck—craters, cracks, a ruin of its former smoothness.

"What… what kind of fist technique is that?" Kuiwu Dahan finally spoke, voice strained.

"Mighty Tiger Fist," Lu Qing replied calmly.

"Mighty Tiger Fist… a fine name. Fierce as a divine tiger. No wonder it’s a Zong Shi-level technique."

"Being defeated by such a technique… I have no words."

With that, a spray of blood mist burst from Kuiwu Dahan’s mouth.

His body slumped backward, collapsing.

Lu Qing’s relentless barrage had shattered his inner energy.

His organs were damaged.

He could no longer fight.

Lu Qing turned and walked away.

Not because he didn’t want to deliver the final blow—but because he was utterly drained.

And as he left, he felt it: a faint, cold killing intent lingering around him.

It came from Wang Cangyi.

He was certain—if he tried to finish Kuiwu Dahan, Wang Cangyi would attack without hesitation.

Whether he could kill him? He didn’t know.

But the situation would spiral out of control.

No one knew what a Xian Tian Jing cultivator might do once their mind snapped.

Ripple!

When the crowd saw Kuiwu Dahan fall and Lu Qing walk away, their shock erupted into chaos.

"Am I dreaming? That boy… actually defeated a Martial Zong Shi?"

"Can a Jin Gu Jing really defeat a Nei Fu Jing Wan Man?"

"And his fists… they’re that powerful?"

The martial artists couldn’t believe their eyes.

They thought they might be hallucinating.

The disciples of the Tian Cang Sect were utterly devastated, their faces pale.

"Senior Brother… lost?"

"This boy… this boy…"

On the city wall, the County Magistrate stared at Lu Qing’s retreating figure, his mouth trembling.

He wanted to speak, but no words came.

Even the Cloth-Clothed Youth stood frozen, mouth slightly agape.

After a long silence, he exhaled slowly.

"Indeed, the young are the heroes of the age. This boy… he may just have the right to climb onto the Qian Long Bang."

"What? Zhi Rui, you think he’s worthy of the Qian Long Bang?" The County Magistrate gasped.

"Is that so surprising? Don’t you think he’s earned it?" the Cloth-Clothed Youth asked.

The County Magistrate glanced at the fallen Kuiwu Dahan.

Then he nodded.

"Right. A Jin Gu Jing cultivator defeating a Nei Fu Jing Wan Man Zong Shi in open combat? If that doesn’t qualify for the Qian Long Bang, then the whole system is a joke."

Wang Cangyi, already grim-faced, turned even darker.

"Zhi Rui, are you suggesting this boy should be placed on the Qian Long Bang?"

"Whether he qualifies isn’t up to me. But I will report this battle in full to the Tian Ji Lou headquarters. The final decision rests with them."

Wang Cangyi’s expression darkened further.

Once the tale was sent to the headquarters, the entire world would know: Wang Cangyi’s disciple had been defeated by an unknown Jin Gu Jing boy.

And worse—should the boy actually ascend the Qian Long Bang, every major sect in the land would begin courting him.

Then, how could he ever reclaim his honor?

A fresh wave of murderous intent stirred within him.

But he looked at the Cloth-Clothed Youth’s calm face and suppressed it.

Instead, his thoughts turned once more to the treasure of the Wei Family.

If he could claim that artifact…

Then, ascending beyond Xian Tian Jing, why would he fear the petty Tian Ji Lou?

He could crush anyone who displeased him—no matter how high their rank.

Not just a lowly disciple.

Not even the Tian Ji Lou’s master himself.

He’d stomp them into the ground without a second thought.

With that, Wang Cangyi’s resolve hardened.

No matter the cost, he would take the Wei Family’s treasure.

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother!"

The Tian Cang Sect disciples rushed to Kuiwu Dahan’s side.

But he just stared up at the sky.

He’d thought—if he endured Lu Qing’s onslaught long enough, he’d find a flaw, a chance to strike back.

But he hadn’t anticipated Lu Qing’s endurance.

It wasn’t Lu Qing who ran out of strength.

It was his secret technique that had expired—his inner energy shattered.

Who was this boy?

A Jin Gu Jing cultivator with stamina greater than a Nei Fu Jing Wan Man?

"Senior Brother, are you okay? Don’t scare us!"

One disciple, near tears, pleaded.

"I’m fine… help me back," Kuiwu Dahan murmured, voice weak.

A disciple stepped forward to support him.

Just as they reached the city gate, a jade bottle fell at Kuiwu Dahan’s feet.

A cold voice echoed from above:

"Useless trash. Swallow it."

"Master…"

Kuiwu Dahan clutched the bottle, shame burning in his chest.

The other disciples shivered at the Second Elder’s icy tone—none dared speak.

"Brother!"

While the Tian Cang Sect disciples were in despair, the ox cart greeted Lu Qing like a returning hero.

Xiao Yan dashed forward the moment he returned.

"Brother, was it awesome? Were you amazing?"

Lu Qing caught her, smiling.

"Amazing? I was incredible."

Xiao Yan nodded furiously, her eyes sparkling.

"Super amazing! You’re the best!"

"Lu Xiao Daifu, you were incredible!" Wei Zian gaped, awestruck.

"Lu Qing brother… you actually defeated a Martial Zong Shi?" Ma Gu stammered, trembling with excitement.

"Just being safe is enough. Just being safe," Wei Fu Ren sighed with relief, beaming.

"A Qing, are you hurt?" the Old Doctor asked.

"No. But my energy is nearly gone. From now on, I’ll rely on you, Master."

"Don’t worry. Rest. Old man like me may not fight well, but I can still protect you."

For the first time, the Old Doctor sounded bold—stirred by his disciple’s battle.

"Then I’m counting on you, Master."

Lu Qing nodded, pulled out a jade bottle, and swallowed a Blood-Nourishing and Qi-Invigorating Pill.

He needed to recover.

"Master Wang, what now? Still unwilling to give up?"

The Cloth-Clothed Youth stood calmly on the city wall.

"Give up? Ha! The word ‘give up’ doesn’t exist in my dictionary," Wang Cangyi laughed.

"Zhi Rui, if you want me to retreat, better go persuade Wei Shanhai. Hand over the item, and I’ll leave."

"So you’re determined to keep fighting?"

"Why should I? My sect still has dozens of disciples here. The boy is exhausted. Just one word from me, and who can stop me?"

The Cloth-Clothed Youth fell silent.

He feared that very thing.

If Wang Cangyi had the nerve to order his disciples to attack, the Old Doctor would surely intervene.

And that would give Wang Cangyi the perfect excuse to draw blood.

This wasn’t inside the city.

The law’s authority was weak here.

Even if Wang Cangyi triggered a Xian Tian-level battle, as long as he didn’t slaughter ordinary martial artists, even the Sheng Shan wouldn’t dare intervene.

After all, this world was ruled by strength.

No matter how high the authority, they wouldn’t punish a Xian Tian Jing over a minor clash.

As the Cloth-Clothed Youth grew anxious, his expression suddenly shifted.

He looked sharply toward the horizon.

Wang Cangyi’s face lit up with joy.

"Hah! Wei Shanhai, you actually dared to come out?"

Before he finished speaking, Wang Cangyi vanished from the gate.

An instant later, a terrifying Xian Tian pressure descended upon the crowd.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end