Chapter 20: Xiao Chen — Thank You, Junior Brother Jin Gang, for Giving Me the Chance to Use My Ultimate Technique
Clang!
Xiao Chen flipped his wrist and countered with a single sword strike, easily neutralizing Jin Gang's Peerless Fist. He looked calmly at Jin Gang and asked,
"Another Vajra Talisman?"
Seeing his attack had missed, Jin Gang didn't rush to follow up. That punch just now was only a test—it didn't even contain the full force of his fist intent.
But it confirmed his suspicion: this guy Xiao Chen only knew one sword move.
"Of course not. A mere Vajra Talisman combined with my Golden Bell Barrier can't withstand more than a few of your strikes.
And your sword is faster than my fists—cheap tricks like that won't hit you."
Xiao Chen's face showed no emotion. His brows moved slightly, and a look of realization appeared on his face.
"So that means… you're using a talisman treasure."
As soon as he said that, a wave of gasps rose from the crowd.
"Senior Brother Jin Gang actually used a talisman treasure? Looks like this time, things don't look good for Senior Brother Xiao."
"Not necessarily. Talisman treasures can be recharged and are basically like a hundred Vajra Talismans, but if Senior Brother Xiao uses his ultimate technique and exhausts the energy within, he can break through the defense."
"Sounds easy when you say it. Forget that Senior Brother Xiao is just a second-layer Dao Foundation cultivator—even a True Fate cultivator would have a hard time breaking through a talisman treasure quickly."
"…"
Jin Gang smirked at Xiao Chen's words. "That's right. I am using a talisman treasure. If you can break through my defense, the championship is yours. But if not, your legend ends here!"
"Oh? Then I'd like to see just how tough your turtle shell really is today!"
Xiao Chen spoke as he swung his sword again.
Jin Gang remained in place, charging up power again, clearly adopting a stance of 'come hit me if you can.'
After Xiao Chen's sword fell, Jin Gang immediately countered, using this exchange method to drain Xiao Chen's spiritual energy.
Once Xiao Chen ran out of spiritual power, his chance to counterattack would come.
The disciples below the arena were completely stunned.
No one had expected that Senior Brother Jin Gang, known for his ferocity, would adopt such a shameless fighting style.
In the stands—
The various bigshots wore mixed expressions after hearing the two's exchange.
The head of the Body Cultivation Institution laughed aloud. "As expected of Jin Gang—one of the most outstanding disciples of the outer court in the past century. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he's also got a sharp mind!"
In the past, the other seven institutions often mocked the Body Cultivation Institution, saying its disciples were nothing but brainless brutes.
Now who would still dare say they were all brawn and no brain?
If they had no brains, could they have come up with such a flawless strategy?
"Hmph."
The head of the Beast Mastery Institution snorted. "Using a talisman treasure in a competition… and you're actually proud of that?"
The head of the Body Cultivation Institution ignored him and turned away with a smug look.
Only a few, including the Xuanhuo Alchemy King, turned their eyes toward Chu Feng.
Seeing that the kid still looked completely at ease, sipping tea with a relaxed air, they were all at a bit of a loss.
'This brat has completely given up, huh?'
Even when his disciple was in such a tough spot, he looked as carefree as ever.
Xuanhuo Alchemy King chuckled. "Xiao Feng, your disciple's about to lose."
Chu Feng shrugged. "Who said that? Xiao Chen's just warming up. Once he's done, Jin Gang will definitely lose."
???
Every bigshot present had sharp ears and eyes. Naturally, not a single word escaped them.
After hearing Chu Feng's words, everyone had the same reaction: black question marks popping into their minds.
"Xiao Feng, are you trying to bluff us again?"
Xuanhuo Alchemy King clearly didn't believe it.
Chu Feng took a sip of tea, showing an expression of deep satisfaction. Then he slowly said, "No need to rush, seniors. The outcome will be clear in just a moment."
In the arena—
Xiao Chen and Jin Gang were still locked in continuous exchanges.
Even against Jin Gang's turtle shell defense, Xiao Chen remained calm and composed, not even moving his feet once.
And each of Jin Gang's counterattacks was deflected by Xiao Chen using the least amount of effort possible.
After dozens of back-and-forth exchanges—
Xiao Chen broke through one of Jin Gang's punches with a single sword strike, then smiled and said,
"Thank you, Junior Brother Jin Gang."
???
Jin Gang—and the entire crowd—was stunned.
"Senior Brother Xiao, you're not seriously trying to distract me with a line like that, are you? This is a talisman treasure, not the Golden Bell Barrier. Even if I stand here and chat with you, it won't shut off on its own."
Jin Gang smiled as he spoke.
"I know."
Xiao Chen slowly raised his sword. "Ever since I comprehended the sword in the Miscellaneous Dao Institution, no one has ever forced me to use my full strength. Even a True Fate demonic beast would fall in two or three strikes at most.
Today, I finally have the chance to display the supreme technique of the Miscellaneous Dao Institution."
What the hell?
Are you kidding?
The Miscellaneous Dao Institution has a supreme technique?
Everyone, including Jin Gang, looked like their worldview had just been flipped.
Only Chu Feng sat there holding his teacup, speechless. 'This brat… don't tell me he thinks Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin is the Miscellaneous Dao Institution's ultimate technique?'
While everyone was still stunned, Xiao Chen leapt into the air, spun midair with a graceful motion, and slashed his sword outward.
"Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin!!!"
With the call, the sword followed.
In that instant, countless streams of sword qi burst from Xiao Chen's body and rained down on Jin Gang like a torrential storm.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Each sword strike collided against the talisman treasure with a resonating clang.
The energy of the talisman treasure surrounding Jin Gang began visibly depleting at a rapid pace.
The golden light around him gradually dimmed.
Outside the arena, silence fell.
Everyone stood frozen in place, their faces filled with disbelief as they stared at the scene before them.
The Sword Martial King was the first to rise in shock. "What kind of technique is this?!"
Cao Youqian collapsed to the ground. "It's over, it's over… the Miscellaneous Dao Institution's ultimate technique is this terrifying?!"
Chu Feng: 'You're all shocked by just this?'
The crowd of onlookers: w(ﾟДﾟ)w
Boom!
With a loud explosion—
The energy in Jin Gang's talisman treasure was exhausted.
But the sword qi in the sky had not yet dissipated. At that moment, Jin Gang was so frightened he completely forgot to use his Golden Bell Barrier to defend. All he could do was instinctively cry out:
"Master, save me!"
As soon as those words left his mouth, the judge by the arena suddenly remembered his job. He jumped onto the stage and struck out with a powerful palm, dispersing the remaining sword qi before it could land on Jin Gang.
Even so, several streams of sword qi had already pierced Jin Gang.
Fortunately, none of them had struck a vital point. Though Jin Gang was covered in blood, he remained standing dazedly where he was, staring at the just-landed Xiao Chen in utter disbelief.
Across from him, Xiao Chen held his longsword silently. That last strike had consumed a great deal of spiritual energy.
'I'm still not strong enough. Just a hundred strands of sword qi and I'm already nearly drained.'
Seeing Xiao Chen stop attacking, the judge immediately raised his voice and announced, "The winner of this match is Xiao Chen. Jin Gang, do you have any objections?"
Jin Gang finally came to his senses. Recalling the scene just now, his heart trembled and he said dejectedly, "This disciple admits defeat—no objections!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the crowd below the stage erupted like a tidal wave…
====================================================================================
Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44