Chapter 30

That was a pair of fiery red beast skin boots, surrounded by a faint, fiery breeze.

According to the rules of the Lichen Sect, disciples competing in martial arts within the sect were not allowed to use any spiritual artifacts or elixirs. Although the Lichen Academies, which were subordinate to the Lichen Sect, were just part of the sect's assets, the rules for small competitions were the same as those on the main mountain.

Zhuang Tong naturally did not dare to openly violate the sect's rules in front of the supervisor. However, the pair of boots on his feet were even more terrifying than ordinary spiritual artifacts. They were made from two complete 'Fiery Wind Mink Skins,' which were excellent materials for refining artifacts. Once completed, they would at least have eight layers of magical prohibitions. Due to their crimson fur, they were highly sought after by many noblewomen, making them worth a fortune, even more valuable than the Blood Essence Pill given to him by Beiting Wan'er.

However, Zhuang Tong's boots had not undergone any refinement, yet they almost completely preserved the Fiery Wind Mink's ability to control the wind and resist fire. Moreover, the two skins were perfectly symmetrical and fused together, enhancing each other's abilities.

Not a spiritual artifact, but stronger than an ordinary four-layered magical prohibition spiritual artifact!

Was this Zhuang Tong's trump card? The materials were wasted, but it avoided the Lichen Sect's rule against using spiritual artifacts.

It was no wonder he was so confident that he could pull him down from the top position. With these boots, which were almost equivalent to a spiritual artifact, Zhuang Tong's strength was now on par with a cultivator at the first level of the Qi Condensation stage. Just this pair of boots alone could increase the power of his Gale Flame Leg Technique by nearly double!

A few days ago, he indeed had no way to win, and the chances of victory were slim.

However, it was only a few days ago—

Even so, Zhuang Wudao couldn't help but secretly sigh. The Zhuang family was really not just any ordinary rich family. Just the cost of having a master craftsman make these identical mink skins was at least four hundred taels of gold! It was enough to make one envious and resentful!

He had been mixing in the city for over a decade and had some experience, but he still couldn't resist mocking, "Your shoes are really nice! Is it worth it to be so extravagant just for this top position? The previous methods were one thing, but now you're even using external help. Are you really that lacking in confidence?"

"They are really nice! Just the master from the southern city, Master Xue, spent two hundred taels of gold to make these boots for me, which is even harder than refining an eight-layered magical prohibition spiritual artifact!"

Zhuang Tong's expression was calm, showing no trace of shame. He said firmly, "I am determined to win the position of top disciple! As the saying goes, even a lion hunting a rabbit will use all its strength, let alone when the opponent is a mad tiger like you? I cannot afford any surprises in this battle. Besides, after the small competition, these Fiery Wind Boots can still be refined into a spiritual artifact, so how can it be considered a waste? You, Zhuang Wudao, practice martial arts just to rise in status, while I, Zhuang Tong, joined the Lichen Academy to protect my clan in the future. What you see as extravagance, I see as value! The reasoning behind this is beyond the understanding of a street ruffian like you, as the saying goes, 'How can a sparrow understand the aspirations of a hawk?'"

Zhuang Wudao was speechless. Well, he had brought this on himself by asking.

He also knew that the Zhuang family was supporting Zhuang Tong with all their might to secure the position of a true disciple of the Lichen Sect, to seek protection under the Lichen Sect's wing in the future. However, no matter what Zhuang Tong's reasons were, he should not have used such ruthless methods against Ma Yuan. In his eyes, this was unforgivable!

Seeing that Zhuang Wudao was silent, Zhuang Tong sneered again, "If you are willing to admit defeat now, I can let you leave with dignity. I won't hold anything against you for the past three years. Otherwise, if anything happens to you, don't blame me—"

Before he finished speaking, Zhuang Wudao shook his head and said, "Admit defeat? Since you know I have the reputation of a mad tiger, you should know my character. Do you think it's possible?"

This guy had been suppressed by him for three years, only able to stay in the second position, and it seemed he had accumulated a lot of resentment.

"Indeed! Brother Wudao has always been brave and fierce!"

Zhuang Tong clenched his fist, and his joints crackled like popping beans. "I have an impatient personality and can't wait any longer. We are both at full strength and undamaged. Why don't we start the battle early?"

Zhuang Wudao laughed loudly, "If we start early, so be it. What's the problem?"

At this moment, a wave of heat from the Qingyun Sword behind him entered his body, and Yun's voice echoed in his mind.

"This person has the help of an artifact, cultivating both internally and externally. Do you, the sword master, need assistance?"

Zhuang Wudao frowned inwardly. Did he, Zhuang Wudao, need the sword spirit to intervene every time he faced an opponent? Was he a useless person?

Although both were cultivating both internally and externally, Zhuang Tong's strength was incomparable to Beiting Wan'er's. The Gale Flame Leg Technique and the Piercing Armor Sharp Finger Technique were not on the same level! A pair of Fiery Wind Boots could not make up for the difference.

The only concern was exposing his unfamiliarity with his newly increased strength in front of a large audience. However, he had a way to solve this problem. The key was that Zhuang Tong's strength was too weak to force him to reveal his true abilities.

Just as he was about to refuse, he heard Yun's voice in his mind again, "Although I have suffered great damage, I can help the sword master control your strength. This will allow you to use the Dragon Subduing Tiger Fist Technique without any worries."

Control strength?

Zhuang Wudao was stunned. So, during the battle on the ferry with Beiting Wan'er, he didn't need to hand over control of his body to the sword spirit?

"Why didn't you say this earlier?" He felt somewhat frustrated and angry.

"I didn't have the chance."

Yun's voice was still calm, without any hint of emotion, and continued, "However, the sword master should know that to help you cultivate the Bull Demon Yuanba Body, I have consumed a lot of the elemental spirits and my own essence. After the battle with that woman today, I can only help you control your strength for a moment."

Zhuang Wudao was inwardly puzzled. Did the sword spirit also have its limits?

However, a moment was enough. A mere Zhuang Tong didn't need a whole moment.

As he was thinking, Wei Que, signaled by Zhuang Tong, loudly announced, "Today's academy small competition is to allow disciples to showcase their skills and test their cultivation progress. It is also an opportunity to exchange martial arts and understand the importance of practical combat! When fellow disciples compete, friendship comes first, and victory second. You two should remember this!"

As he finished speaking, the silk handkerchief in Wei Que's hand was thrown high into the air and slowly drifted down to the ground.

Zhuang Tong's body