Chapter 46: Sparring II

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    Seventh Level of the Inner Realm.

    That is the level of the Qi emanating from Liu Jin right now. That is the level he has reached after Nine-Headed Snake Gods venom was removed from his body. In only one month, Liu Jin went all the way from the First Level of the Inner Realm to where he is at now.

    It is, without a doubt, a tremendous transformation.

    For a moment, Liu Jin wants to look at Xiao Nans face. He wants to see how his Elder Brother is reacting to his improved condition. He also wants to see Elder Huis face, though for vastly different reasons. However, Liu Jin finds the strength of will to abstain from doing such things. He is still in the middle of a match. His gaze must not leave his opponent.

    That is why the only thing Liu Jin has eyes for is the shock on Xiao Fangs face.

    How!

    The question he has been thinking for the last several seconds is finally voiced. The Young Master of the Xiao Sect cannot comprehend what is right in front of him.

    Impossible! Its impossible!

    Even as Xiao Fangs arm cuts through the air in anger, he still does not move from his place. Xiao Fang knows better than to attack while his mind is so disorganized.

    In the grand scheme of things, the Seventh Level of the Inner Realm is not worth speaking about. It is a level most people will eventually reach throughout their lifetimes. That is especially true for people who live in Eastern Port City. Most enter the Nascent Realm at some point during their adulthood.

    However, Liu Jin is twelve.

    Liu Jin is merely a twelve-year-old boy. He has not even reached adolescence. To be so few steps away from the Nascent Realm at such a young age is a sign of talent in Eastern Port City. Even in the Xiao Sect, reaching those heights so early is worthy of praise.

    In fact, it is fair to say Liu Jins level has now surpassed that of a mere Outer Disciple.

    At the same time, that is all it means.

    No matter! Xiao Fangs voice rings through the room. Hes still angry, yet the initial shock has faded.

    It is a pity, but Liu Jin was in no position to take advantage of that momentary shock. He must endure three of Xiao Fangs attacks. Those are the conditions for Liu Jins victory. Even if he tried to attack while Xiao Fang was shocked, there is no guarantee the attack would have worked.

    In the worst-case scenario, a sudden attack would have made Xiao Fang regain his senses sooner than expected.

    It is better for Liu Jin to use the pause Xiao Fang gave him to plan his next course of action and quietly recover. Getting the timing of their exchange right was not as easy as he made it seem. Xiao Nan and Elder Hui probably realize what happened, but that is fine.

    What is important is Xiao Fang hasnt.

    Seventh Level of the Inner Realm may seem impressive to some. Indeed, Ill congratulate you on finally not being such an embarrassment!

    Xiao Fangs bold words are there to attack him as well as to give himself confidence. Liu Jin understands this, but

    Hearing him talk is annoying.

    However, the Seventh Level of the Inner Realm is still just the Seventh Level of the Inner Realm!CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

    Xiao Fang jabs a finger at his chest.

    It means absolutely nothing to me!

    Xiao Fangs Qi flares up then. He is someone who came into this fight with the intention of holding back. In his first attack, Xiao Fang only used enough strength to easily defeat someone in the First Level of the Inner Realm, that and nothing more. However, Xiao Fang knows the truth now.

    There is no reason for him to hold back now.

    Liu Jins muscles unconsciously tighten as he feels the full might of Xiao Fangs Qi.

    Nascent Realm, Fifth Level.

    Thats fine. At least this much, he has planned for. No, rather than say he has planned for this, it is more accurate to say that Liu Jin knew this was his only shot at winning right from the start.

    Art of the Roaming Thief.

    Liu Jin waits until the last thousandth of a second to use the technique. Against Xiao Fangs superior speed, the move is beyond risky, yet it is the only way.

    Throughout the past three years, Art of the Roaming Thief is a technique that has remained beyond his reach. He has been able to use it a few times but never reliably. His modified Qi flow did not allow him to use a technique as complex as Art of the Roaming Thief.

    However, his Qi flow is not the same as it was before.

    Liu Jin is free from Nine-Headed Snake Gods poison. His Qi now flows through Nine-Headed Snake Gods Veins with impeccable precision, allowing Liu Jin a greater degree of control than ever before. His Qi answers his call and molds to his needs.

    It is over in an instant.

    Once again, Xiao Fang is left hitting nothing but air. However, there is no Liu Jin in front of him this time. Xiao Fang looks around wildly, searching for his opponent.

    That is three moves, Young Master Xiao Fang.

    Xiao Fang turns around and sees Liu Jin standing there, on the very edge of the sparring ring. The older boy doesnt say anything. His brain is still struggling to comprehend what just happened. He refuses to accept it, yet the truth is undeniable.

    Xiao Fang has lost.

    Liu Jin has won.

    Someone claps.

    Excellent. A most formidable bout between young disciples of our esteemed Xiao Sect, Xiao Nan says as he steps between them. Dont you think so, Elder Hui?

    Is it then that Liu Jin finally turns his gaze back to Elder Hui. The mans face is blank, but only for a moment. Soon, a grandfatherly smile is placed on his face. It looks faker than any of the smiles Old Jiang has used for Su An.

    Quite so. It warms this old mans heart to see the next generation is so talented.

    Indeed. Indeed. Little Brother, you did well enduring against a superior opponent. The timing of your attack was precise, though it must be said you took an attack you shouldnt have. Hopefully, experience will temper that.

    Ill do my best to meet Elder Brothers expectations, Liu Jin says, bowing his head.

    Good. Now, Dearest Cousin, your mastery of Ground Contraction and Void Fist is to be commended. Your cultivation level cannot be denied. However, you allowed your temper to get the best of you too easily. I hope this fight serves to temper those tendencies. Still, that you were able to use Void Fist under those conditions is commendable.

    As expected, Xiao Nan noticed it.

    Well, it is only to be expected. Under normal circumstances, there is absolutely no way Liu Jin would endure Xiao Fangs Void Fist. Perhaps if he had a few more months or even a year, but not so soon after passing Nine-Headed Snake Gods trial.

    is certainly a good thing. Liu Jin blinks. He got distracted while Xiao Nan spoke. The next Eastern Port City Tournament is bound to be an interesting one. However, there is simply no way we can have an Outer Disciple representing us.

    Liu Jin blinks.

    ~~~

    Thirty minutes later, Su Ans head rises as Liu Jin finally passes through the checkpoint.

    Boss! She immediately stands up and runs up to him. She takes in his ragged clothes and tired state. What happened? Is everything okay? Did Boss win? Well, of course Boss won, bu

    I was promoted.

    Huh?

    Liu Jin looks up at Su An, thoroughly confused. He holds up an armband for her to see.

    I am an Inner Disciple now.

    ~~~