"Come on, Big Head, let your master see your progress these past few years!"
Master Luo, with one hand behind his back and the other palm facing upwards, extended it towards Lu Datou. It seemed like an invitation, but it was actually a starting posture.
"Hmph, the master-disciple bond between us was severed long ago. Stop calling yourself 'master' so presumptuously!"
Lu Datou snorted coldly and took a step forward, covering over ten meters in an instant to stand before Master Luo.
"Once a master, always a father. Master is always master!"
A sharp glint flashed in Master Luo's eyes as he suddenly struck out with a palm towards Lu Datou.
Boom!
The palm strike was accompanied by a deafening sound of air being torn apart.
The surrounding guests quickly retreated, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.
Fortunately, the banquet hall was spacious enough!
"Not everyone is worthy of being a master!"
Facing Master Luo's powerful palm strike, Lu Datou showed no fear and unleashed a palm of his own.
Seeing this, even an amateur could tell that Xi Yuan's skills were indeed taught by Master Luo.
Their movements were identical, and even their stances were the same.
However, subtle differences revealed the disparity. Chen Xiao noticed that Lu Datou's palm strike was more forceful, while Master Luo's was more inclined towards softness.
Bang!
Boom—
Their palms collided, erupting in a burst of fire that shot towards the ceiling of the hall!
The flames vanished as quickly as they appeared. The two palms separated immediately, and both men were forced back.
Lu Datou retreated three steps, while Master Luo only took one.
However, Lu Datou was unharmed, while a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of Master Luo's mouth.
Zhou Zhishan's heart sank at this sight.
His suspicion was confirmed. Although Lu Datou's skills were taught by Master Luo, Master Luo was, after all, advanced in age…
"Heh heh heh… Not bad, not bad, Datou. Your progress these past twenty years has indeed been significant. No wonder you hold a position among the Four Heavenly Rankings."
Master Luo let out a sinister chuckle. He remained confident, showing no signs of panic.
His words sounded like a teacher instructing his disciple.
Lu Datou's expression soured. "If you spout any more nonsense, I'll knock out all your false teeth!"
"You unfilial child…"
Lu Datou's threat to kill him had elicited no response, but the threat to his false teeth made him accuse Lu Datou of being unfilial.
Master Luo forced a dry laugh. "However, I haven't even used my full strength yet, so you shouldn't be so arrogant!"
As he finished speaking, Master Luo's figure flickered, and he lunged towards Lu Datou.
"Coincidentally, I was just warming up!"
Lu Datou smiled proudly, his figure becoming ethereal.
What followed next left everyone present stunned and speechless.
The figures of the two men in the arena moved so fast that they were impossible to track.
All they could see were flashes of fire, like brilliant fireworks being set off in the center of the hall.
The entire exchange lasted only a few dozen seconds, but for the spectators, it felt like an eternity.
They were even more nervous than Master Luo and Lu Datou.
After all, they might only witness a battle of this caliber once in their lifetime.
A few dozen seconds later, the two figures reappeared before the crowd, and it seemed that the outcome had been decided.
Lu Datou's face was flushed, and sweat beaded on his forehead, a result of the immense physical exertion from the battle.
However, Master Luo's condition was far worse than just expending energy.
His hair was disheveled, and he spat out more blood.
His clothes were tattered and scorched, and countless torn wounds covered his body.
Indeed, youth was a powerful advantage, and Xi Yuan lived up to his name as one of the Four Heavenly Rankings!
"You lost."
Lu Datou said indifferently, "It's true that you taught me the Great Sun Fiery Spirit Art, but I've cultivated it to the ninth level, while you're still at the seventh level, just like twenty years ago."
"Heh heh, excellent, excellent!"
Master Luo's eyes were filled with admiration. "Even my own master only cultivated the Great Sun Fiery Spirit Art to the eighth level. For you to reach the ninth level before the age of sixty, Datou, you are truly the most talented among my disciples!"
Lu Datou snorted, "I don't want to waste words with you. In consideration of our past relationship, I'll give you a chance to end it yourself. Hurry up and do it!"
Master Luo chuckled softly and retorted, "What if I refuse?"
"Then I will!"
Lu Datou's figure flashed, and he surged forward, his palm aimed directly at Master Luo's face!
However, just as he reached Master Luo, a golden light suddenly flashed.
The golden light was so blinding, like staring directly at the midday sun. Everyone instinctively covered their eyes and turned their heads away.
When the golden light subsided, and they looked back at the two figures, they were shocked to find Lu Datou lying on the ground.
Blood was gushing from his mouth uncontrollably.
As for Master Luo, he caused the crowd to gasp in astonishment.
He was now enveloped in a golden radiance, making him impossible to look at directly.
Countless dazzling beams of light erupted from his pores, making him appear like a deity!
What was this? Had a god descended?
The scene before them left everyone in a state of stunned disbelief, their shock immeasurable.
Even Chen Xiao couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
This Master Luo was undoubtedly the strongest martial artist he had encountered so far!
"Datou, your master will teach you a lesson today. Master is always master!"
Master Luo's voice was muffled and carried an echo.
His words were not spoken with his mouth but emanated directly from his body.
Lu Datou's face was filled with terror. "What kind of heretical technique is this?"
"Heh heh heh—"
A sinister laugh emanated from Master Luo's body.
"Datou, twenty years ago, my Great Sun Fiery Spirit Art had already reached the seventh level. Did you never wonder why my cultivation hasn't progressed at all in these past twenty years?"
Lu Datou's heart tightened. He had indeed considered this question… but at the time, he hadn't figured it out and had thus stopped thinking about it.
Now, Master Luo had provided his answer.
"Because for the past twenty years, I have been living in obscurity, solely to break through to the highest realm of martial arts – the Divine Realm!"
"My efforts have not been in vain. My twenty years have finally paid off!"
Lu Datou's shock was profound. He pointed at Master Luo, his voice trembling as he asked, "You, you… you have entered the Divine Realm of martial arts?"