Chapter 62

"Brat, you're playing dirty!" Qi Hong roared, his right fist lunging at Hu Gao's face.

"This is called lack of strength..." Hu Gao quickly swung his fist to meet the attack, adding, "Wisdom makes up for it!"

Crimson elemental energy collided, the explosive force of the punches sweeping away the roadside weeds. Both men shouted in unison, surprised by the power of each other's punches.

After one punch, Qi Hong took five or six steps back, rubbing his numb left wrist, and said to Hu Gao, "Brat, it seems I underestimated you just now. But with just these moves, you're far from defeating me. Show me your true strength, or you'll surely lose this battle."

Admiration shone in Qi Hong's eyes, but his aura became even more fierce, like the sea and the abyss, overwhelming everything. It was hard to imagine that a random person from the Dragon Armor Mountains could have such a terrifying aura, far surpassing the pride of the Battle Academy.

"I didn't expect you to be a Body Cultivator as well." Hu Gao also rubbed his numb fist. An eighth-stage Body Cultivator was no easy feat, but such a battle suited him perfectly.

"Good! You're not bad, but the fight should end now." Qi Hong no longer held a grudge over Hu Gao's sneak attack, as they were of the same kind.

Qi Hong's strength lay in his fists. He carried a knife only for convenience in the Dragon Armor Mountains, so he specifically trained his left hand to wield the knife, ensuring it didn't affect his right fist's performance. In battle, he could deliver even more powerful punches, catching his enemies off guard. He didn't use this against Hu Gao out of consideration.

"Roaring Tiger Fist!"

Though his expression was slightly serious, Qi Hong did not retreat. He charged forward, his tiger-like roars shaking the mountains and forests, rapidly closing in on Hu Gao. The sound of the wind was unusually urgent.

"Is this a high-level Human Rank Elemental Technique?"

Hu Gao knew that Qi Hong's previous attack was just a casual one, but now he was using a genuine Elemental Technique, more powerful and intricate. If he didn't show his true skills, he might really not be a match for him.

"An ordinary high-level Human Rank Elemental Technique is like a child's play in front of me..."

A proud smile curved Hu Gao's lips. His figure shot forward, weaving through the air, the fusion of elemental energy and physical strength reaching its peak. His fist, with the sweeping force of the [Qian Qing Palm], shook the elemental energy Qi Hong had unleashed.

Then, with the overwhelming force of the [Shi Shi Mian Palm], he shattered Qi Hong's elemental energy and closed in on him.

Finally, at an odd angle, before Qi Hong could react, he unleashed the relentless force of the [Dian Cang Finger], breaking all distances and stopping just short of Qi Hong's throat.

"You lost, let me rob you now."

Lost?

Feeling the pale fist pressed against his throat, Qi Hong almost couldn't believe what he saw. He had almost used all his strength, yet he lost so quickly, which was unimaginable.

Especially frustrating was that throughout the battle, Hu Gao hadn't even used elemental energy, relying solely on physical strength. He was also surprised by Hu Gao's three transformations in one punch, from scattered to concentrated, and finally breaking through a single point, leaving him no time to react.

Qi Hong understood that this young man's mastery of Body Techniques far surpassed his own, and he felt a bit dejected, giving up resistance.

Was it because the boxing technique was too perfect?

No...

It was the battle awareness, the perfect control of techniques, and the perfect control of strength!

This was simply a battle genius.

Upon reflection, he realized his defeat wasn't unjust.

"Little brother, I wonder if your master is a Burst Essence Realm expert?"

Qi Hong shook his head with a sigh, his aura fading, and asked curiously.

"Why should I tell you? It won't benefit me." Hu Gao shrugged, not willing to say more.

"..."

Qi Hong was quite depressed but didn't say anything.

No matter what, he couldn't escape being robbed, but losing like this was very embarrassing!

Fortunately, he had brought Hu Gao to this secluded place, where no one could see, or he wouldn't be able to survive in the Dragon Armor Mountains...

Hu Gao's victory wasn't easy either. Except for the insane totem of Xiao Wu, he almost used all his trump cards in the final move, anticipating the enemy's moves, fusing two forces, and using his powerful physical strength. Even the jade pendant on his chest continuously released energy to heal his body, keeping him in the best condition.

An eighth-stage Condensation Shadow Realm opponent wasn't easy to deal with!

Actually, Hu Gao was a bit regretful. Although Qi Hong's combat ability was good, he might not have truly entered the Dragon Armor Mountains often, so he lacked the real killing intent. His techniques, while impressive, lacked true lethality. Any gap in his techniques would immediately be exploited by Hu Gao, leading to a decisive blow.

"By the way, there should be many adventurers in the Dragon Armor Mountains now, right?" Hu Gao glanced at Qi Hong and asked casually. He wanted to find someone with extensive combat experience to truly enhance his own combat skills.

He was very clear about his situation, having perfect control over techniques and strength, and a terrifying physical condition, making him a raw gem of a battle genius.

"Right, especially in the Flame Valley, there are now at least dozens of small and large adventure teams." Although he didn't know why Hu Gao asked, Qi Hong nodded.

"These adventurers should have many good things, right?"

Qi Hong understood now. This young man was planning to target the adventurers. He couldn't help but sigh, as although Hu Gao's battle awareness was strong, his combat experience and cultivation were far behind the adventurers.

"Little brother, these adventurers are always on the move, completing tasks and seeking treasures. They definitely have many good things, but the gap in strength between you and them is quite significant." Although they were still enemies, Qi Hong didn't want Hu Gao to take unnecessary risks.

Hu Gao's eyes lit up. His question was indeed a bit redundant. Adventurers would definitely have treasures, no need to ask.

He looked at Qi Hong with a slight surprise and smiled, "Since you're not too bad, I won't make things too difficult for you. Give me your best treasure."

When he heard the first part, Qi Hong was a bit suspicious, but the second part made his lips twitch. This guy really had the nerve to ask for the best treasure.

Qi Hong instinctively wanted to take out a random treasure to fool Hu Gao. He had a few treasures on him, but he soon saw that Hu Gao's expression was calm, showing no concern about being deceived. Was this what they called confidence?

Qi Hong was momentarily indecisive. He wanted to fool Hu Gao but was worried it wouldn't work...

"Don't make me waste more effort. I know you have a treasure, a weapon, not as good as the defensive inner armor, but better than the sword in my hand. Hurry up and take it out, I'm waiting."

Hu Gao squinted and smiled at Qi Hong, as if he knew what the latter was thinking.

"..."

Qi Hong really wanted to ask Hu Gao: How did you know?

In the end, Qi Hong sighed, as if resigning himself to fate, and took out a box from his chest, handing it to Hu Gao, his face full of pain.

"I thought you wouldn't want to give it up."

Hu Gao snatched the wooden box, not even looking at Qi Hong's face, and opened it. Inside was a silver iron ball the size of an egg. At first glance, it seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, it emitted a dangerous aura, making even Hu Gao feel a bit uneasy.

This was definitely not an ordinary item, but he didn't recognize it, so he looked at Qi Hong.

Qi Hong rolled his eyes, feeling very depressed and frustrated, but knowing he wasn't completely out of danger, he said, "This iron ball is called the Wind and Thunder Pearl. I got it two years ago. It contains a large amount of energy, which can explode when triggered by elemental energy. Two years ago, I got three, and now only one is left."

"How powerful is it?" This was what Hu Gao was concerned about.

"Hehe, the Wind and Thunder Pearl's power won't disappoint you. When it explodes, it can match the full force of a first-stage Body Realm martial artist. Its coverage area is five meters." Qi Hong was excited talking about the Wind and Thunder Pearl, but the excitement quickly faded when he realized it was now someone else's property, leaving him very depressed.

"Wow, that's really powerful. Hehe, it's a good thing..." Hu Gao didn't hesitate, immediately discarding the wooden box and putting the pearl in his pocket.

A first-stage Body Realm martial artist's full force, with a five-meter coverage area, was a great treasure for him now.

If he encountered an enemy or beast he couldn't defeat and couldn't escape, this thing would be a lifesaver.

Seeing Hu Gao quickly put the Wind and Thunder Pearl in his pocket, Qi Hong felt like crying. Hu Gao saw it as a lifesaver, but he had used the previous two to save his life twice.

"Um, do you have a map of the outer area of the Dragon Armor Mountains? Give me one."

Hu Gao pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"A map? I have one."

The map wasn't very valuable, so Qi Hong quickly took one out and handed it to Hu Gao.

Hu Gao opened the map and carefully examined it, noting several important locations. He found that the Flame Valley was about seventy to eighty miles away. With his current strength, it would be dangerous to traverse that distance.

Even if he didn't encounter adventurers, he might not gain any benefits. Hu Gao abandoned the idea of rushing to the Flame Valley and decided to find a place to improve his strength first.

"You go back first, I need to leave."

Hu Gao put away the map and disappeared into the dense shrubbery.