Chapter 52: Seizing First Place

*Ssh-sssh-sssh!*

Even though it was just an ordinary punch, the sound of the astral qi tearing through the air was still enough to make one's scalp tingle.

"Break!"

Ling Xiao did not use astral qi; he simply pushed the *Bull Demon Technique: Savage Bull Transformation* to its absolute limit.

Instead of retreating, his body surged forward. His fists struck in rapid succession, like the repeated thrusts of bull horns or the continuous pounding of a terrifying hammer.

With an incredibly domineering posture, he struck directly against Ling Yihang's punch, which was infused with astral qi.

One punch failed to push him back!

Then two punches!

Two punches failed to push him back!

Then three!

Regardless, while Ling Yihang's ordinary punch possessed terrifying power—enough that other Elite Hall disciples likely couldn't neutralize it without using astral qi—Ling Xiao could!

The Mountain and River Martial Soul had bestowed upon him immense strength and a physical body, and more importantly, true qi several times more potent than that of a martial artist of the same level.

A head-on collision was absolutely within his capabilities!

In an instant, the sound of bursting air rang out continuously, sending clouds of dust flying across the martial stage.

The violent turbulence of terrifying true qi and astral qi even blew away a massive ceremonial flag on the stage that weighed over two hundred pounds.

Ling Yihang's expression shifted slightly as he spoke, "To be able to block my astral qi-infused punch using only true qi... you have every reason to be proud."

"It's nothing," Ling Xiao replied indifferently.

"I admit I underestimated you, but how will you block my next move?"

"Sky Eagle Claw!"

This time, Ling Yihang employed a martial technique.

And it was a high-level technique: the Sky Eagle Claw.

Failing to take Ling Xiao down in one move had indeed surprised him and felt somewhat embarrassing, given how boastful his previous words had been.

This move was different. His body soared into the air, and as he lunged, his right hand took the shape of an eagle's claw, sweeping directly toward Ling Xiao's head.

In that instant, Ling Xiao felt as if he were facing not a person, but a flying demonic beast.

The power of this strike was extraordinary. Ling Xiao did not dare to meet it head-on; after all, the opponent was using a high-level technique reinforced by astral qi. If he were caught, even if he weren't injured, he would likely be rendered helpless.

*Whoosh!*

The Soaring Cloud Steps were instantly deployed. Ling Xiao's body shot out like a soaring dragon, leaving nothing behind but a faint afterimage.

Ling Yihang's claw slammed into the martial stage. The stage itself could not withstand the force of the astral qi, and several cracks spiderwebbed across its surface.

The onlookers gasped in unison.

If that had landed on a person, their bones would have been shattered.

Just as Ling Yihang raised his eyes to speak, he suddenly felt a flash of red light before his eyes. When he looked up, he saw a crimson fist.

A high-level technique?

No, this was even more violent than a high-level technique!

It was approaching the power of a top-tier technique!

A berserk punch!

It arrived before Ling Yihang's face almost instantaneously.

"I never said I wouldn't strike back!"

Accompanied by Ling Xiao's voice, this punch was utterly unavoidable.

Ling Yihang's pupils constricted sharply. He realized he had truly underestimated this Ling Xiao; the boy was terrifying even without using astral qi.

It seemed he would have to reveal his true strength, otherwise, he would suffer a massive loss of face today.

In fact, he had only used fifty percent of his power for his second move.

"Get lost!"

No disciple of the Elite Hall had ever pushed him to such an extent!

Not even Ling Yixue!

Driven by resentment, he struck with a sudden surge, instantly boosting his power to seventy percent.

He was still unwilling to expose his full strength.

With another punch, Ling Yihang's strike was equally peerless and domineering, colliding directly with Ling Xiao's fist.

"The one who should get lost is you!"

*BOOM!*

Without any suspense, Ling Yihang's body was sent hurtling backward. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he performed several mid-air somersaults before finally managing to land on the ground.

"You!"

Ling Yihang stared at Ling Xiao on the stage in shock.

"You have actually condensed astral qi! And it is so powerful!"

He had miscalculated. He had only used seventy percent of his power, but Ling Xiao's final punch had utilized one hundred percent.

With this disparity, Ling Yihang naturally suffered a crushing defeat.

"Thank you for the match," Ling Xiao said.

In truth, Ling Xiao was not feeling well either.

Though he had won, his astral qi was completely exhausted, and his body felt incredibly strained.

To be honest, facing Ling Yihang, who had already broken through to the fourth level of the Martial Vein stage, his victory had been quite fortuitous.

But a win was a win!

"You lost," Ling Xiao said calmly.

"How is it possible that he has also mastered the conversion of qi into astral qi? And he is clearly much stronger than Ling Feng, second only to Ling Yihang!"

The head referee stood up once again, equally shocked.

Ling Xiao had provided him with far too many surprises.

First, mastering a basic technique to the state of perfection.

Then, the *Soaring Cloud Steps*.

Then, using true qi to break through to astral qi.

And now, an astral qi attack with nearly all three martial veins fully condensed.

This was simply too ferocious!

Ling Yihang was utterly unwilling and dissatisfied with his defeat, but his temperament was far better than Ling Feng's.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "I admit I lost, but I lost due to underestimating my opponent. This wasn't a satisfying fight. I hope we can truly settle this in the grand finals!"

With that, he turned and left without a moment's hesitation.

Those familiar with him knew he was undoubtedly going to cultivate. This defeat was a profound humiliation to him, and he would certainly seek to reclaim his honor in the finals.

"Ling Yihang versus Ling Xiao—Ling Xiao wins!"

After a long moment of excitement, the head referee finally remembered to announce the result.

"Heavens, Ling Xiao actually won!"

"I never expected this! Ling Yihang, who has reached the Awakening stage and the fourth level of the Martial Vein, was no match for Ling Xiao. Just how terrifying is this boy?"

"Yeah, it looks like this year's grand finals are going to be spectacular!"

"I wonder how far this dark horse can go!"

"This is a literal leap across ranks! It's incredible! I've heard of it before, but I've never seen it in person!"

"A dark horse has defeated the top genius and the number one expert of the Elite Hall. Does that mean Ling Xiao is now the number one in the Elite Hall?"

"Yes! He's amazing!"

Although the elimination rounds had concluded, the scene erupted like a volcanic explosion.

To many, Ling Xiao defeating Ling Yihang seemed impossible, yet he had done exactly that.

Ling Yixue was also extremely agitated. Standing there, her heart could not settle for a long time.

Only about half a month ago, Ling Xiao was merely a martial artist at the first level of the Martial Vein stage. Now, he had actually surpassed her!

She didn't even need to fight to know she wouldn't be his match.

In terms of both the quantity and quality of his astral qi, she was inferior to him.

Ling Yu was so enraged that she actually spat out a mouthful of blood.

Why!

Why!

Why could this little beggar become so strong!

The number one of the Elite Hall!

Even if Ling Xiao stopped here and only reached the grand finals, he had already successfully created a miracle!

This feeling made Ling Yu's heart swell with unbearable frustration!

Utterly miserable!

"Ling Xiao! Ling Xiao!"

Below the stage, thunderous cheers erupted. Having maintained an undefeated record throughout the elimination rounds, Ling Xiao's popularity had soared to a terrifying level.

He had eclipsed Ling Yihang, Ling Yixue, and Ling Feng.

After all, everyone loves to see a dark horse.

Most people were ordinary citizens; they craved seeing someone break through shackles and shatter the rules!

Thus, without a doubt, the Ling Xiao who was bullied only half a month ago had risen powerfully to become their idol.

The number one of the Elite Hall was absolutely well-deserved!

As Ling Xiao walked down from the martial stage, the crowd automatically parted to create a path for him.

This was the worship and awe reserved for a hero!

Anger and despair flickered in Ling Tie Shou's eyes as his clenched fists finally relaxed.

What did anger matter? Ling Xiao's terrifying strength and rate of progression had already driven him to despair.

Ling Chong was trembling all over with fear.

He never dreamed that Ling Xiao would become this strong—that he could even defeat Ling Yihang!

Ling Fei gave a bitter smile and muttered to himself, "Fortunately, I didn't go looking for trouble with him later, otherwise, I'd be in deep trouble."

Ever since he lost to Ling Xiao in lightness skills, he truly hadn't done anything excessive, and he felt immensely relieved.

(End of Chapter)