Although Kongming possessed the Diamond Shield, a secret technique of Buddhism, my Qiankun True Law was not to be underestimated.
The first profound principle, the "Break" character, could unleash immense power in an instant.
Among those of the same tier, few could withstand this move from me.
Coupled with my suppression of Kongming's cultivation and the elemental advantage.
It was only natural that Kongming's Diamond Shield was shattered by my Break character sword slash, and he was forced back a few steps.
However, what I did not expect was this.
Even with such an advantage, I had only managed to break Kongming's Diamond Shield and stagger him back a few steps.
Although surprised, I acknowledged the formidable nature of the Buddhist Diamond Shield.
Nevertheless, with the Diamond Shield broken, he was bound to lose.
My movements did not falter.
This was the opportune moment to defeat Kongming.
I thrust my sword directly at Kongming. His face turned pale with shock as he attempted to raise his Zen staff to block.
But he was ultimately too slow. My sword pressed against his chest.
I followed up by saying,
"Master Kongming, you have lost!"
Kongming was defeated.
Seeing this, Kongming planted his Zen staff firmly on the ground with one hand.
He raised his other hand to his chest:
"Namo Amitabha, Uncle-Master Qin's Daoist arts are transcendent.
This humble monk is sincerely convinced. Well done, well done."
I retracted my long sword and clasped my hands in a salute:
"My apologies!"
Without hesitation, the monk Kongming turned and walked off the stage.
But as he left, many noticed.
Kongming's steps were light and unsteady, clearly not as firm as when he ascended the stage.
While the Diamond Shield was powerful, it was also a technique Kongming had forcefully employed.
The excessive consumption of spiritual energy left Kongming with little strength to continue fighting.
On the side of the stage, the referee, Master Jing Ye, announced:
"Qin Ze achieves his third consecutive victory."
As soon as the words fell, a wave of exclamations erupted from below the stage.
"I can't believe Kongming lost too."
"What kind of spell did this Qin Ze use to unleash such immense power in an instant?"
"This must be some kind of secret spell. Ross was also defeated with a single punch like this before."
"This guy is truly formidable."
"..."
Outside the stage, the clamor continued.
Simultaneously, interest in my Break character grew.
However, the Qiankun True Law was a cultivation method unique to our lineage.
From my grand-master, to my master, my uncle-master, and now myself.
Only three people across three generations had mastered it.
Naturally, many had never witnessed it.
However, some senior experts and renowned figures recognized my Qiankun True Law and remarked with considerable surprise:
"This young friend appears to be practicing the Qiankun True Law."
"Indeed, I also recognized it. It's unexpected that this secret art, hidden for decades, has resurfaced in the martial world."
"He must be Long Teng's disciple!"
"..."
Many elders were heard whispering amongst themselves, discussing the matter.
Through my secret art, they had already deduced some of my background.
Yet, I remained calm.
There was no hint of elation.
I knew that the battles ahead would only become more challenging.
I had to adjust my mindset, quietly recover my spiritual energy, and prepare for the next challenge.
Soon, the fourth challenger emerged from the various sects.
The senior disciple of the third generation of the Maoshan Sect, Nanyang.
Nanyang was a strikingly handsome individual with high cultivation, and he was well-liked within the Daoist community.
At this moment, clad in a Maoshan sect's green Daoist robe, he leaped onto the stage.
As soon as Nanyang appeared, many young female disciples in the audience let out cries of admiration:
"Wow, it's Senior Brother Nanyang from Maoshan!"
"Ah, Senior Brother Nan, go for it! You're the most handsome."
"Brother Nanyang, you're the best!"
"Qin Ze on the stage, you'd better prepare to be defeated by Senior Brother Nanyang!"
"..."
This scene caused the young male disciples of other sects to roll their eyes repeatedly.
It created a stark contrast with the entrance of Zhang Zhi from Kongtong.
Moreover, they could not even voice their displeasure.
Because besides his handsome looks, Nanyang's Daoist arts were indeed very powerful.
Being the senior disciple of the Maoshan Sect was sufficient testament to his abilities.
In the major sects, the senior disciple was usually the future successor of the sect.
And becoming a senior disciple was not merely a matter of being an early apprentice or joining early.
It required a disciple to be outstanding in all aspects to possibly attain the position of senior disciple.
This Nanyang was precisely such an individual.
Listening to the exclamations of the female Daoist practitioners, I felt completely overwhelmed.
Being handsome truly had its advantages...
Nanyang, naturally, paid no heed to the cheers and clasped his hands in a salute towards me:
"Nanyang of Maoshan, Brother Qin, allow me to learn from your masterful techniques!"
"Please!"
I replied, retracting my wooden sword and holding the Seven Star Fire Sword.
Nanyang did not hesitate and his entire being vibrated.
Dao energy was instantly released, at the mid-stage of the Profound Core realm.
Furthermore, Nanyang's Profound Core was unlike Zhang Zhi's and Kongming's earlier manifestations; it was already very stable.
Although I had touched the threshold of the peak Profound Core realm, facing Nanyang, whose cultivation was already stable.
In terms of cultivation level, I was essentially unable to suppress Nanyang and held no advantage.
This battle, I surmised, would become somewhat difficult.
Before Nanyang even closed the distance, he drew a talisman, holding his sword finger between his index and middle fingers.
He chanted:
"Heaven is round, Earth is square, establish the center.
Body-Binding Spell; Haste, as per the law,敕!"
He pointed at me.
The talisman turned to dust with a "boom."
The next moment, a strange energy surged towards me.
My Dantian's pulse points were suddenly "blocked" by this energy.
In an instant, I felt my entire body become as heavy as if it were filled with lead, making it impossible to even take a step.
"Holy crap, it's the Maoshan Body-Binding Technique!"
"No way, I heard this spell rapidly consumes spiritual energy. Nanyang using such a spell right at the start, he's going all out against Qin Ze!"
"No need to go all out, Qin Ze has already fallen for it, there's basically no hope for him!"
"..."
A clamor arose from the audience.
No one had expected.
That right at the beginning of the fight, I would fall prey to the Maoshan Sect's strongest of the three talismans, the Body-Binding Talisman.
To break free from it would likely not be an easy or quick matter.
And Nanyang was already advancing to attack.
In at most one second, I would have to admit defeat...
----
Today is Wusheng's birthday, so I'm taking a small break and only writing one chapter.
I wonder if any fellow readers share the same birthday as me!
Hahaha!