Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

The bald young man lifted his gaze, his dull gray eyes glancing sideways at Chen Cheng before closing once more.

「On Cloud Platform Hall's side.」

Han Chuo's brow furrowed slightly. "Who is that kid?"

"Chen Cheng."

Han Tianqi said with a calm smile.

"I've looked into him. A month ago, he had just condensed his Fourth Pillar of Blood Qi. Ye Yang was treating him like a precious treasure, going on about how his foundation was incredibly solid, and how his Blood Qi and Power were stronger than others of the Same Tier... He even passed the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting on to him."

He paused for a moment before adding.

"What I didn't expect was that in just one short month, he would actually reach the Fifth Pillar. According to my informant, he didn't receive that many resources from Dragon Mountain Hall. He must have some other connections and has been burning through a ton of Treasure Medicine and Treasure Beast resources."

"He won't cause any unexpected trouble, will he?"

Han Chuo's gaze sharpened, and he scrutinized Chen Cheng once more.

At his age, he had seen too many young geniuses rise from obscurity. He knew there was always someone stronger out there, so he couldn't help but be cautious.

"Hah, Father, you're worrying too much. This Chen Cheng just broke through a little quickly, that's all. It's nothing impressive."

Han Tianqi glanced at the distant bald young man, the smugness in his tone impossible to conceal.

"I invited Yu Shi here through my connections with the Bai Family's Cangying Hunting Manor. You haven't known him for long. In time, you'll realize he's the kind of person who defies all common sense. He is, in the absolute sense of the word, invincible among those of the Same Tier!"

Han Tianqi paused, his tone growing distinctly heavier.

"You are well aware of my strength, but if Yu Shi were to condense his Sixth Pillar of Blood Qi, even I... would have to concede defeat!"

Han Chuo didn't reply, his gaze also shifting to the bald young man named Yu Shi.

The image of him defeating Ye Qiluo just moments ago was still vivid in his mind.

Who was Ye Qiluo? She was Ye Yang's own daughter, the new head senior disciple of the Dragon Mountain Middle Courtyard Inner Hall. Even if she wasn't at the absolute peak of those in the Same Tier, she was certainly among the top ranks.

And yet, she had been defeated instantly with a single punch.

Yu Shi's strike had been simple and direct, clean and decisive—like a butcher slaughtering a chicken.

At this thought, Han Chuo's lingering worries finally began to dissipate, and his gaze shifted back to Han Tianqi.

He knew his son's strength well. Just a moment ago, he had crushed Zhu Mingyuan, who was of the Same Tier, and he had previously defeated Cao Zhao. His son had fully earned the reputation of being far stronger than his peers.

For his son to personally admit he would be no match for someone, that person couldn't possibly be all talk.

"Then let's see."

Han Chuo raised an eyebrow, a barely perceptible smile gracing his lips.

"Let's see how many breaths that Chen Cheng can last against Yu Shi."

"Breaths?"

Han Tianqi curled his lip.

"Father, how about we make a bet? I guarantee Yu Shi will cripple that Chen Cheng in a single move. If he takes even half a move more, I'll admit I've lost!"

"...No bet."

Han Chuo shook his head, still maintaining his rock-steady demeanor, but he couldn't quite hide the smile playing on his lips.

First crippling Ye Yang's beloved daughter, then his beloved disciple.

This kind of psychological blow was far more satisfying to Han Chuo than any physical injury to Ye Yang could ever be. It was gratifying, cathartic, and utterly addictive!

「On the other side.」

When the members of Dragon Mountain Hall saw Chen Cheng step forward to accept the challenge, their first reaction was shock and surprise, followed by an immediate urge to talk him out of it.

The opponent's strength was plain for all to see.

No one wanted to see Chen Cheng suffer the same fate as Ye Qiluo.

However, Chen Cheng exuded a resolute aura, one that promised he would see his words through to the end.

He simply stood on the fighting stage, back straight and gaze level, and by his presence alone, he tore a rift in the oppressive atmosphere of the arena.

The aura that emanated from his very being was not one of killing intent or battle lust. It was something deeper, steadier—a presence that would not waver even if the heavens themselves were to fall.

At that moment, everyone clearly realized that trying to talk him out of it would be useless; in fact, it would only serve to diminish their own side's morale.

Cao Zhao and the other disciples all clenched their fists and gritted their teeth. Though they said nothing, the worry in their eyes was being replaced by a different kind of light.

It was admiration!

In their eyes, for Chen Cheng to take this most difficult and dangerous step under such circumstances was incredible. Even if he were to lose, it would be a defeat in glory, absolutely worthy of their admiration and respect.

"Chen Cheng."

Ye Yang took two steps forward, coming to Chen Cheng's side.

Back during the annual assessment, Ye Yang had once advised Chen Cheng to give up, but all Chen Cheng sought was peace of mind.

It wasn't recklessness, much less a show of bravado.

Rather, it was about certain things in life—if you don't do them, you can never move past them.

Such a Heart Nature should be upheld!

Ye Yang would not try to dissuade him again.

He simply lowered his voice and gave a quick warning.

"Your opponent's earlier strike—it wasn't one of Cloud Platform Hall's Martial Arts. It might not even belong to any school..."

"It must be something he figured out himself—some sort of Force Application Technique that allows for an instantaneous explosion of speed and Power."

He paused, his voice growing even heavier.

"It was only for an instant, so I couldn't fully analyze it... But one thing is certain: the edge of that instantaneous burst... no one of the Same Tier can block it!"

"You must be on your absolute highest alert. The moment he unleashes that burst, do everything in your power to evade its edge!"

"Do not, under any circumstances, try to block it head-on! Remember that!"

"..."

Chen Cheng listened in silence, neither nodding nor verbally acknowledging the advice. From beginning to end, his gaze remained locked on his opponent.

Ye Yang gave Chen Cheng one last look, then turned and led the Dragon Mountain Hall contingent off the stage.

The sound of footsteps echoed for a moment before quickly fading into silence.

On the fighting stage, only two people remained.

Wind descended from the high heavens, surging and sweeping across the arena. It whipped against their faces like a blade of ice. Below the stage, the crowd couldn't help but duck their heads and squint, some even turning their backs to shield themselves from the gale.

Chen Cheng alone stood firm, as immovable as a mountain.

He allowed the cold wind to pour into his collar, whipping his robes and sending his hair into a frenzy, yet he did not move a single inch.

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