Meng Han had already left his seat. He stole a glance over there and mumbled, "This guy is so arrogant, he really has some strength!"
Li Xian laughed and said, "Again!" boosting morale. Wolf Saber took out a long saber from his back, clenched it in his mouth, and lay almost flat on the ground.
This was extremely difficult to maneuver, essentially walking into a trap and exposing his weakness. But his waist and abdomen stretched and contracted, moving with incredible speed, sliding and dodging like a snake.
This move of his was both strange and fierce. Imagine ordinary martial artists in a duel. Their moves are intended for opponents in front, behind, on the side, above... very few think of opponents crawling on the ground.
Even if there are techniques to counter underground enemies, they are few, rarely practiced in depth, to avoid wasting time. Although the "wolf" in Wolf Saber is deliberately chosen.
The word "wolf" in Martial Arts techniques often implies ruthlessness, ferocity, speed... Yet Wolf Saberâs "Blowing Smoke Palm" had no signs of "ruthlessness," "ferocity," or "speed." It takes a subtle approach, catching the enemy unprepared.
He abandoned his hands and feet, sticking his abdomen to the ground. This fast-moving martial art, called "Serpent Breath of the Ground," was neither a lightweight skill nor footwork, but a "Health Care and Healing" martial art.
The aim is to crawl on the ground, feel the earthâs rhythms, nurture the body through breathing, alleviate fatigue, and even lie still like a snake for months without eating or drinking anything.
However, during practice, Wolf Saber discovered his abdomen was soft, with extension and contraction far surpassing others, possessing the Rebirth Appearance [Water Belly Appearance]. After mastering the "Serpent Breath of the Ground," he suddenly found he could move like a snake at incredible speed.
Using this trait, he devised the "Ground as Water," "Abdomen as Boat," "Hands and Feet as Rudders," "Mouth Holding Knife" ground-hugging sword technique, specifically targeting the opponentâs lower body.
He moved with great speed, reaching Li Xian in an instant with his abdomen stretching and contracting during the serpent breath. The saber in his mouth scraped towards Li Xianâs ankle. Li Xian lifted his foot to dodge, palm-hitting the ground, spinning and leaping into the air, the saber in his mouth rotating along, scraping towards Li Xianâs neck and arm...
This move was invincible. Others seeing him using this martial art might predict he would continue attacking the lower body, hence guarding their feet tightly. Who would have expected his next move, spinning his body, making the saber in his mouth slash from below to the opponentâs upper body?
Against this move, ordinary martial artists would at least have their arms severed, or at worst, beheaded on the spot. Li Xian leaned back to dodge once more.
Wolf Saber wriggled his belly, attempting to pass under Li Xianâs crotch. With this move, Li Xianâs lower body was in jeopardy. Even if not fatal, it would be a lifelong regret. Li Xian thought, "Good... This martial art is quite vicious. This person is indeed strong..."
He stepped on Star Steps, turning to avoid. Wolf Saber felt this kid was amazing; several surprise attacks were deftly evaded. He was about to play another card when he suddenly felt a ground tremor.
He saw Li Xian stamp his foot, transmitting great force into the ground, sending Wolf Saber flying off the ground. His "Serpent Breath of the Ground" relied entirely on abdominal ground-crawling, rolling, or moving laterally, making actions unpredictable. Martial arts experts could anticipate the next moveâs angle, strength, and position from an opponentâs step changes, but his ground-hugging movement defied logic. He often used this technique to maneuver easily.
But being separated from the ground, shaken airborne, he felt as if he lost his limbs, abruptly losing the power to move. He did not expect his proud technique to be broken this way.
Panic-stricken, he hurriedly retracted his hand for defense. But Li Xianâs kick hit him squarely, sending him flying off the stage, rolling another five zhang, crashing into a tree trunk. The trunk shook with a loud boom, causing those hiding in the shade nearby to scatter and flee.
Suddenly, silence.
Ding Zelin, Wang Changjiang, Bao Zhixian... exchanged glances, all extremely shocked. The battle seemed evenly matched, but in reality, Li Xian had a significant advantage.
"If this strange martial art of Wolf Saber were used on me, I too would have a hard time countering it. This guy... is truly a formidable enemy on this journey!"
Nangong Liuli clapped her hands, saying, "Good! Oh..." seeing Li Xian was quite strong, happily defeating another strong opponent.
Suddenly, her cheeks flushed: "Nangong Liuli oh Nangong Liuli. Youâre so delighted by Hua Xiaozâs victory. Are you rushing to throw yourself at him?"
Shi Yufei felt secretly satisfied. His sharp eyes deduced that Li Xian hadnât used his full strength. Since his strength surpassed Wolf Saber, naturally, he would also prevail over Ding Zelin and others. The Flower Cage Sectâs martial arts were elegant and gentle, persistently entangling... accustomed to clever wins and joint attacks.
What they lacked were fierce, direct students who could stand alone. He thought, "Iâll test his skills, see how formidable he is." He then said to General Envoy Yan Hao, "In my view, in such a duel, this kid is sure to win."
Yan Hao said, "Iâm not so sure. Ding Zelin and the others arenât poor, with their martial arts mutually restraining each other. Victory and defeat are common matters. This one..." He didnât know Li Xianâs name.
Ye Cheng smiled and said, "Flower Wucuo."
Yan Hao said, "Flower Wucuo defeating Wolf Saber is indeed because of martial arts counteraction. But it might not mean he can defeat Ding Zelin, Bao Zhixian, Wang Changjiang, and the others."
Shi Yufei thought for a moment. Although Yan Haoâs words had reason, he had always been an astute observer, rarely wrong. Although Yan Hao mastered Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, geomancy... he was far inferior in martial arts dueling.
Shi Yufei said, "Letâs do this... These duel rules need some changes. Let Flower Wucuo stand on the stage, and let others attack at will."
Ye Cheng said, "Grand Envoy... wouldnât this be too unfair? If Flower Wucuo is continuously attacked, his Qi power depleted, heâs sure to lose."
Shi Yufei said, "I remember this grand event has three prizes. Beautiful companion, merit money, treasure... These three sets of rewards are originally for the top three."