Chapter 26

"What did Zhuge Xiang take out?" As everyone watched Zhuge Xiang tear open the experience scroll, a faint light enveloped him, and the people below the dueling platform began to murmur. Clearly, they did not expect that at this point, Zhuge Xiang still seemed to have his own trump card.

"Indeed?" Lu Yuling's eyes flickered slightly, a faint smile on her lips, her gaze filled with anticipation. She wondered what effect the item Zhuge Xiang had taken out would have.

Lei Potian's face darkened, but since it had come to this, he had no choice but to fight. Regardless of what trump card Zhuge Xiang had, or what means he now possessed, he had to defeat him. Gripping his large battle axe, he controlled the bloodthirsty vines to sweep towards Zhuge Xiang. If the vines could bind him, he would win for sure.

At this moment, Zhuge Xiang's aura suddenly changed, as if he had broken through a critical point. His aura instantly increased significantly. Originally weaker than Lei Potian, he now had the strength to stand on equal footing. The crimson qi became even more violent, confronting Lei Potian from a distance.

"Breakthrough? He actually broke through to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm? How is this possible?" Sensing the change in Zhuge Xiang's qi, Lei Potian's pupils contracted sharply. The aura of the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm was unmistakable, but how could someone who had only comprehended qi for half a month reach the third level?

"Am I not mistaken? Did Zhuge Xiang really break through to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm?" Even Niu Geng, who had lived under the same roof as Zhuge Xiang for a year, widened his eyes as if he were seeing Zhuge Xiang for the first time.

Niu Geng believed he knew Zhuge Xiang well, always striving to comprehend qi, working harder than others. However, his talent was not very good. Why did he seem like a different person now? Could this be what they called a combat genius?

Even Lu Yuling's clear eyes showed surprise. Although she had high expectations for Zhuge Xiang, directly advancing to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm was unexpected. But then her expression calmed, realizing that the item he had taken out must have helped him break through.

" Ding, gained 100 experience points."

" Ding, level up, current level: third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm, gained 1 skill point."

" Ding, successfully learned 'Burst Step'."

Regardless of others' surprise, Zhuge Xiang remained focused on the battle. After breaking through to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm, he naturally gained a skill point. He learned the skill 'Burst Step,' which required the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm. A sudden understanding emerged, and Zhuge Xiang automatically grasped the skill.

Burst Step (Beginner Level): Movement speed +100%, movement distance within 5 meters. Description: Gather qi at the soles of the feet and release it in a burst, instantly increasing speed. Consumes 10 MP, 10-second cooldown.

Seeing the details of the Burst Step skill, Zhuge Xiang was delighted. Even at the beginner level, it could instantly increase movement speed by 100%. Although it was not a sustained increase like the Phantom Step, the sudden burst of speed was extremely practical in battle.

As the bloodthirsty vines swept towards him and Lei Potian, Zhuge Xiang smiled, a smile of absolute confidence. Raising his Blood-Refined Blade, he locked onto his opponent and mentally shouted, "Burst Step..."

How fast was Zhuge Xiang now? At the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm, his speed was already fast, and with the Bloodlust Technique, it increased by 50%. The Star Chaser Boots further increased his speed by 30%. With the Burst Step, his speed doubled.

A simple calculation: under the effect of the Burst Step, Zhuge Xiang's speed was about four times that of a third-level Qi Cultivation Realm disciple. How fast was that?

With a loud crack, the stone tiles under Zhuge Xiang's feet shattered, showing the immense force of the qi burst. Zhuge Xiang transformed into a blood-colored blur, appearing in front of Lei Potian like lightning.

At this speed, even disciples who had comprehended qi could barely see his movements, while those who hadn't were completely unable to follow him. It seemed as if Zhuge Xiang had teleported in front of Lei Potian.

The terrifying speed made the bloodthirsty vines seem slow. Zhuge Xiang easily passed through them, and in front of Lei Potian, his Blood-Refined Blade transformed into a fierce blade of light, slashing down.

"So fast!" Lei Potian's pupils contracted to pinpricks, clearly shocked by Zhuge Xiang's unimaginable speed.

The terrifying and swift blade slashed down. Lei Potian, who had fought beasts in the Endless Mountains for half a year, reacted instinctively, raising his arm to block with the flat of his battle axe like a shield. The impact was so strong that he was forced back several steps.

Although both were at the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm and had mastered the Bloodlust Technique, the difference in their attacks and defenses was clear. Zhuge Xiang's full attack versus Lei Potian's hurried defense made the difference even more apparent. With Zhuge Xiang's terrifying speed and the added force, Lei Potian could not withstand it.

Not letting up, seeing Lei Potian forced back, Zhuge Xiang retracted his Blood-Refined Blade, lowered his center of gravity, and prepared to launch the Blood Thunder Slash. Clearly, he was taking advantage of Lei Potian's inability to control his retreat.

Lei Potian finally stopped, but by then, Zhuge Xiang's Blood Thunder Slash was almost ready. Even if he rushed forward, it would be too late. Before Zhuge Xiang could attack, Lei Potian shouted, "I concede!"

In this state, Lei Potian knew he could not defeat Zhuge Xiang, especially with his unimaginable speed. Although the bloodthirsty vines were still there, he had no way to deal with Zhuge Xiang's speed. It was better to concede early, especially since the Bloodlust Technique's one-minute cooldown was almost over.

Zhuge Xiang also needed to conserve his strength for the final battle, so he quickly dispersed his qi and deactivated the Bloodlust Technique. Due to the level-up, his attributes were restored, and the Bloodlust Technique had only been active for a few breaths, so the aftereffects were minimal. In contrast, Lei Potian was already panting, clearly suffering from the aftereffects.

"Did he win? Zhuge Xiang actually defeated Lei Potian? Am I seeing this right?" As the host announced Zhuge Xiang's victory, the crowd below erupted. This duel was as exciting as the final battle would be.

"Of course, Zhuge Xiang broke through to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm and has a terrifying step technique. With such speed, it's no wonder he won," some people said, impressed by the speed that left a residual image.

"Heaven, with Zhuge Xiang's current strength, he is sure to be the first," others said. Since he had defeated Lei Potian, Lu Yuling and Ling Wufeng, who were on par with Lei Potian, would have no chance against him.

The crowd continued to discuss, but Zhuge Xiang paid no attention, slowly descending from the dueling platform. The pain in his feet was gradually fading.

Although the Burst Step was powerful, gathering qi at the soles of the feet and releasing it in a burst put a great strain on the foot meridians, causing intense pain. Fortunately, the pain subsided quickly, and the 10-second cooldown was likely due to this.

After defeating Lei Potian, he only gained 70 experience points, with no rewards for a higher-level battle or any items. This left Zhuge Xiang feeling helpless. Checking his experience bar, he saw that he needed 4600 points to reach the fourth level of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

"Great, you actually won and broke through to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm. It's incredible," Niu Geng said happily as Zhuge Xiang descended the platform, his joy as if he had won himself.

"Congratulations, winning this battle, your rise is imminent. I look forward to our match," Lu Yuling said, approaching Zhuge Xiang.

"Really? It seems you are confident in defeating Ling Wufeng," Zhuge Xiang said with a smile, his eyes flashing. Since she looked forward to their match, she clearly believed he could defeat Ling Wufeng.

"Second round of the top four, Ling Wufeng versus Lu Yuling," the host announced as the bloodthirsty vines were cleared from the dueling platform.

Smiling at Zhuge Xiang, Lu Yuling did not respond, her skirt fluttering as she ascended the platform. At the same time, Ling Wufeng appeared, and the second and final match of the top four began...