I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

“What does my little sister think?”

From upon the high platform, Huahuo turned to Master Rong and asked, the black flames just now were so stunning that even she found them astonishing, clearly no ordinary item.

“The flames are indeed noteworthy, even Great Crossing Realm Cultivators might not hold on for long, but for us, it’s ineffective. Lacking the enhancement of Immortal Spirit Qi, they ultimately can only burn objects from the Lower Realm,”

Master Rong’s gaze at Li Xiaobai flitted with a touch of fervor, but then she regained her composure. Hellfire was a good treasure, but it was not yet enticing enough for her to make a move.

Without the mix of Immortal Spirit Qi, such treasures already held little significance for cultivators of their realm.

“But for a cultivator of his age, it can be considered an unparalleled rare treasure. Xiao Liuzi’s eyesight has always been good, and this time he has brought back a true genius indeed, a powerhouse of the Great Crossing Realm in his early twenties, one wonders how he cultivated.”

“It seems we didn’t have such extraordinary Magic Treasures to help us back in the day.”

Huahuo sighed, looking at the astonishingly talented Li Xiaobai, reminiscing about the past. None of the geniuses in her memory seemed comparable to him.

“It must be some extraordinary encounter he came upon. At such an age, only my second sister comes to mind that could match him,”

Master Rong spoke calmly. The Sea-Calming Divine Needle, the treasure that stabilized Aolai Country, had been entrusted to Liuren in their youth because of her exceptional talent. Yet even Liuren had barely stepped into that stage near the age of forty, incomparable to Li Xiaobai’s innate gift.

“Once this matter concludes, make a sincere apology and offer compensation, and avoid making enemies,”

Huahuo spoke slowly.

“Understood,”

Master Rong replied with a pursed smile, for that had been her intention from the start.

On the stage, the shock brought by Hellfire had not yet completely faded when several groups of geniuses took the stage for their matches. The remaining ones fought brilliantly, engrossing the spectators. This, indeed, was what a true competition should look like, while Li Xiaobai’s performance was utterly one-sided, utterly tasteless.

However, the subsequent duels Li Xiaobai encountered all ended without exception with his opponents conceding.

It was a joke; stepping onto the stage could really lead to loss of life.

That eerie and frightening black flame left an indelible shadow in everyone’s heart; nobody wanted to be instantly killed.

“Next up, Situ Guixiong versus Long Xue!”

the Great Elder announced.

Due to the limited number of participants, after a few rounds, the competition swiftly moved into the semifinal stage.

As opponents conceded, Li Xiaobai automatically advanced, while Long Xue and Situ Guixiong now vied for the last spot. The victor would face Li Xiaobai to determine the final outcome.

In everyone’s eyes, this match was a foregone conclusion. Even though they had always flattered Situ Guixiong, everyone was clear about the reality—it would undoubtedly be an overwhelming victory for Long Xue.

Their performance within the Linglong Pagoda was too dominant, and the powerful suppression that surpassed the highest level of pressure in the Pagoda lingered in their minds to this moment. Thinking back to how they trembled beneath its weight on the steps, their bodies quivered slightly.

It was a kind of fear that stemmed from their body’s instinct.

On the platform, Situ Guixiong cupped his fists and bowed, his smile intended to be suave and debonair. “I never thought I’d have the honor of facing Immortal Long today, truly a fortune in my three lifetimes. I hope Immortal Long will show mercy,” he said.

“I will, Young Master, please make your move,” said Long Xue with a nod, speaking directly and without pretense.

“Hehe, I greatly admire Immortal Long’s cultivation level. Might I inquire if, after this matter is concluded, you would honor my Situ Household with a visit?” continued Situ Guixiong, still harboring a desire for Long Xue. To him, the beauty before his eyes was a natural marvel; every frown and smile was captivating, making it impossible to look away.

“I am here solely to participate in the martial arts competition, to exchange pointers with the outstanding talents from various clans. I harbor no other thoughts. Please, Young Master, make your move,” said Long Xue, her expression neutral, her voice calm. Yet, her eyes involuntarily glanced toward Li Xiaobai below. Seeing no reaction from him, she couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

She was entangled by Situ Guixiong’s persistence, yet he had no reaction, which was disappointing.

“If that is the case, then I must apologize for any offense. Please do not take it personally, Immortal!” said Situ Guixiong, noticing Long Xue’s expression and darkening in mood as well. It seemed that the woman he yearned for had been captivated by Li Xiaobai.

He felt a surge of anger in his heart. What was so good about Li Xiaobai anyway? He was simply a bit stronger in his cultivation, but beneath the surface of a young man, who knew what kind of decayed, ancient monster was hidden.

With that, his internal cultivation technique roared into life within his Dantian, and layers of fierce aura swept out, whipping up a wild wind on the platform. Situ Guixiong’s hands formed fists as his figure vanished in an instant, launching a fierce attack on Long Xue.

“Great Extension Fist Seal!”

A pair of massive fists thundered down upon the stage, one black and one white, embodying the Yin and Yang Qi, merging and grinding, seeking to crush everything they touched.

Feeling the fierce wind rushing toward her face, a hint of appreciation flashed in Long Xue’s eyes.

Although Situ Guixiong’s actions had been lacking to date, it was undeniable that he was indeed talented. At a young age, he had reached the fourth layer of the Transcendence Tribulation Stage and had some genuine skill.

It was just a pity that, having encountered Li Xiaobai and herself, he was utterly crushed during what should have been his moment to shine.

“Great Extension Fist Seal!”

Long Xue’s face suddenly became solemn, a flash of ferocity in her eyes. Her fists evolved Yin and Yang Qi, casting the same Great Extension Fist Seal. This was a cultivation technique passed down by the Situ family, not some secret technique. While many had learned it, it ultimately fell short of the exclusively devoted practitioners from the Situ family.

By daring to use the Situ family’s move against a Situ cultivator, Long Xue was displaying extreme confidence and also a clear provocation.

A flash of irritation crossed Situ Guixiong’s eyes. Being looked down upon and underestimated by the goddess he admired felt like a volcanic eruption in his chest. He mobilized all of his Spiritual Power from within his Dantian, pushing his cultivation technique to its limit, until his eyes turned black and white, giving him a fierce and terrifying appearance.

He wanted to prove his strength to her.

But when their fists collided, his expression drastically changed. It was an overpowering force that, in an instant, shattered his defense, and the backlash of his Spiritual Power sent him flying backward.

“Ugh!”

Situ Guixiong coughed up blood at the edge of the platform, his eyes filled with fear.

In that moment, he sensed that Long Xue was not practicing the fist seal to a profoundly high realm. Rather, she had used a sheer volume of Spiritual Power to forcefully build up the seal and defeat him.

What was mere show in form—a Spiritual Energy fist—had beaten him in a single blow!

What level of Spiritual Power reservoir could this be?