"Li Xuan, please guide me."
As Li Xuan's words fell, the black-robed man visibly froze. However, he soon cupped his fists and bowed, "Qian Bu Er."
Li Xuan was also taken aback. This black-robed man's surname was Qian, could he be from the Qian family?
Thinking this, Li Xuan immediately glanced at Qian Bu Er's sleeve. Indeed, there was an embroidered character 'Qian' on his sleeve. However, from what Li Ming Kai had told him, the heir of the Qian family was named Qian Duo Duo, and he was a fat man.
The Qian Bu Er before him should be considered among the elite of the younger generation in the Qian family. With this thought, Li Xuan's expression turned serious.
"So you're a strong practitioner from the Qian family. Please," Li Xuan said, gesturing.
"You are also extraordinary. I believe a battle with you will be very meaningful. However, I won't hold back," Qian Bu Er nodded slightly, seemingly pleased with Li Xuan's gesture. He then moved, charging straight at Li Xuan.
Seeing this, Li Xuan activated the physical strength of his fifth-level Immortal Spirit Body. With a thought, he unleashed a punch at the charging Qian Bu Er.
*Bang!*
Fist met palm, instantly erupting in a thunderous roar. Fortunately, each arena was equipped with soundproof barriers; otherwise, the sheer vibration would have been enough to affect other contestants who had started their battles simultaneously.
As the roar subsided, Li Xuan and Qian Bu Er both retreated. Clearly, their first exchange was a probing move. Having gauged each other, they charged at each other once more.
"Qian Body Technique, Grounding Gold Treasure!"
Qian Bu Er let out a low cry, and the exposed skin on his arm rapidly turned golden yellow, like a golden right arm. He struck directly at Li Xuan's face with a punch.
Seeing this, Li Xuan knew well that the Six Great Clans and Four Hidden Sects possessed considerable heritage, so superior body refinement techniques were to be expected. And Qian Bu Er's current display of physical strength was undoubtedly the Qian family's unique Qian Body Technique.
According to Li Ming Kai, this Qian Body Technique was a formidable art developed by a Qian family ancestor based on the structure of coins. Through continuous refinement, it was in no way inferior to the body refinement techniques of other families.
"Unparalleled Overlord Fist!"
With this thought, Li Xuan channeled his physical strength and met Qian Bu Er's right fist head-on.
*Boom!*
Two streams of golden and yellow light intertwined, instantly engulfing Li Xuan and Qian Bu Er. The deafening roars continued unabated.
As the light gradually dissipated, the figures of Li Xuan and Qian Bu Er slowly reappeared in the eyes of the spectators.
However, those among the audience who were intently watching the battle between Li Xuan and Qian Bu Er widened their eyes in unison as the two appeared. Some viewers even stood up in shock.
Qian Bu Er's golden right arm was covered in cracks, and he was kneeling at the edge of the arena. His handsome face was devoid of color.
In contrast, Li Xuan stood calmly on the arena, his gaze serene as he looked at Qian Bu Er. His left fist, which had just struck, was slowly retracting.
"Thank you." Seeing Li Xuan's action, Qian Bu Er grunted, then bowed slightly to Li Xuan. His tone clearly indicated an intention to surrender.
"Do you wish to continue?" Li Xuan asked with a slight smile.
Qian Bu Er gave a wry smile and shook his head. "I didn't expect your physique to be so powerful. Even if we fought again, it would be difficult for me to win, let alone now that I am heavily injured. I concede this match."
After speaking, Qian Bu Er took a deep breath and leaped off the arena. The cultivators watching from various factions exchanged confused glances.
They clearly found Qian Bu Er's quick surrender difficult to comprehend.
"Brother Bu Er, why did you surrender so quickly?" As Qian Bu Er jumped off the arena, a girl, about seventeen or eighteen years old, quickly walked up and supported him.
After glancing at Li Xuan on the arena, she spoke, her words also filled with confusion.
Qian Bu Er sighed softly. "If he hadn't held back, I would have likely died on the arena by now. Although no one saw it, I know very well in my heart. At the last moment, he withdrew at least thirty percent of his strength. Even so, it was incredibly difficult for me to withstand it."
Qian Bu Er paused and continued, "If he hadn't withdrawn that thirty percent of his strength, I would likely not have only sustained these injuries. Therefore, even if we continued fighting, I would have no chance of winning."
The girl looked at Li Xuan, who was now walking off the arena, with lingering apprehension. Then she turned to Qian Bu Er and said, "I didn't expect him to show mercy. But Brother Bu Er, you are always the most formidable in my heart!"
Qian Bu Er smiled faintly, about to reach out and stroke the girl's head.
However, the pain in his arm caused him to falter, his arm suspended mid-air. Seeing this, the girl immediately said, "Brother Bu Er, let me help you down to rest first."
Qian Bu Er nodded slightly, casting a complex glance at Li Xuan, who was already observing other battles, before slowly leaving with the girl. xxs1
*Boom!*
As Li Ming Kai suddenly turned and unleashed a palm strike, the white-robed man fighting him had no time to react. He was instantly struck in the abdomen and sent flying backward. The battle ended.
Seeing Li Ming Kai win, Li Xuan smiled and nodded. As Li Ming Kai descended, Li Xuan walked towards him.
"Congratulations, Brother Li," Li Xuan called out with a smile.
Li Ming Kai turned and glanced at Arena Number Nine before looking at Li Xuan. "Brother Li, did you win or lose? No, judging by your expression, you must have won."
"I won by a narrow margin," Li Xuan replied with a smile.
"Tsk tsk, the guy you fought was the most promising among the younger generation of the Qian family, aside from Qian Duo Duo. Yet, even such a formidable opponent fell to your hands. It seems your strength is not as simple as it appears on the surface," Li Ming Kai said with a smile, appraising Li Xuan.
Li Xuan chuckled. "From what I observed of your battle, it seemed you didn't use your full strength either."
Li Ming Kai burst into laughter, then his gaze shifted to Nangong Xue Rui, the heir of the Nangong family, who had also descended after winning her match.
Seeing this, Li Xuan could only shake his head with a wry smile. His gaze then shifted to the other contestants who were still engaged in battle.
Time passed, and as one contestant after another descended, the first round of the finals gradually drew to a close.
"In fifteen minutes, the winners of the first round will commence the second round. All winners, please prepare yourselves!"