C15 Kill Qin Zhiri!
Qin Zhiri had launched multiple full-force attacks on Qiao Mao, to no avail. His frustration had reached a boiling point.
As a Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven Martial Dao Great Master, it was humiliating for him to face a junior at Mortality Transcending Level Four Heaven and not be able to inflict even the slightest injury, despite exerting all his might. The shame and rage he felt were overwhelming.
Qin Zhiri's roar was bestial as he stamped his feet, causing the ground to tremble. His fists were enveloped in a tumultuous surge of Spiritual Energy, conjuring a Giant Elephant phantom.
The appearance of the Giant Elephant phantom unleashed a formidable pressure that weighed heavily on Qiao Mao, making him feel as if he were being crushed.
Qiao Mao swiftly increased the distance between himself and Qin Zhiri. His expression was grave, his eyes wary. Without hesitation, he activated his Wind Thunder Palm technique.
Though Qiao Mao's rank was merely Mortality Transcending Level Four Heaven, he had managed to defeat those of higher levels thanks to the combat experience from his past life. However, the chasm between Mortality Transcending Level Four Heaven and Level Seven Heaven was vast, and his experience alone couldn't bridge it.
"I must resort to using it," Qiao Mao declared, his gaze intensifying as he employed the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique. Spiritual Energy within him erupted, swelling like a massive tidal wave.
As he executed the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique, he felt a torrent of power rushing to converge within his limbs and veins.
It was akin to clutching a lit bomb, ready to detonate at any moment and unleash an immense force.
"Barbarian Elephant Ground-shaking, Barbarian Elephant Soaring to the Heavens."
With the Giant Elephant phantom formed, Qin Zhiri unleashed a series of shockwaves. Each wave seemed to carry the might of a colossal Barbarian Elephant, thundering forward with enough force to obliterate anything in its path.
"Little bastard, you're done for!" Qin Zhiri launched his martial skill at Qiao Mao, his face twisting into a cruel smirk. "Once I've finished you off, I'll go after your mother. She'll witness your death firsthand."
Qiao Mao's eyes narrowed, a fierce resolve kindling within him. "You won't get the chance," he retorted icily.
Qiao Mao could see that Qin Zhiri had mastered the Barbarian Elephant Spell to the point of Great Perfection. Qin Zhiri's strike was immensely powerful, so much so that even a Martial Dao Great Master of his caliber might struggle to defend against it.
Yet, Qiao Mao had immense faith in the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique. After all, it was a divine skill from the Nine-heaven Divine Dragon Tower, capable of imprisoning the fiercest demons. Without any further hesitation, Qiao Mao simultaneously activated the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique and the Wind Thunder Palm. He gathered a terrifying force of Thunder Power in his hand and struck directly at the oncoming blast of energy.
Qin Zhiri, seeing Qiao Mao daring to meet his attack head-on, was initially thrilled. But as their attacks collided, his face instantly turned ashen.
The Thunder Power in Qiao Mao's hands erupted, disintegrating the shockwaves that filled the air and shattering the illusion of the Barbarian Elephant.
Qin Zhiri's face contorted with horror, his heart pounding in shock. He had spent decades perfecting the Barbarian Elephant Spell to reach Great Perfection and could not fathom how Qiao Mao had so easily withstood his blow.
But Qiao Mao was not done. He persisted with the Wind Thunder Palm and the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique, the relentless power within him amplifying the Wind Thunder Palm's might several-fold.
With a palm strike imbued with ferocious energy, Qiao Mao hit Qin Zhiri squarely in the chest. Qin Zhiri coughed up blood and was sent hurtling backward, landing with a thud and dying instantly.
After slaying Qin Zhiri, Qiao Mao inhaled deeply. He seemed unsteady on his feet for a moment, nearly collapsing to the ground.
However, Qiao Mao paid no mind to his own state, overwhelmed with elation. He had always known the strength of the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique, but its formidable power still took him by surprise. Even with over two centuries of experience from a past life, he couldn't contain his excitement.
Throughout the ordeal, Zhen Gui remained silent. Shocked to her core, she whispered to herself in awe, "How can my son be so powerful?"
Qin Zhiri may not have been the top expert in Martial Sun City, but he was a Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven Martial Dao Great Master. His status was respected everywhere.
Yet, he was slain by Qiao Mao. Zhen Gui even doubted whether Qiao Mao was truly her son.
Qiao Mao gazed at Zhen Gui, steadying himself as he walked over to her. He released the seal binding Zhen Gui and said with a gentle smile, "Mother."
In that moment, the tension in Qiao Mao's spirit and body eased, and he collapsed onto the ground.
"Mao, what's wrong?" Zhen Gui, concerned, quickly helped him to his feet.
"Mother, I'm alright," Qiao Mao reassured her with a grin, though he felt a twinge of nervousness. The combined might of the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique and Wind Thunder Palm was formidable, but it had drained all the Spiritual Energy from his body. At this point, any Mortality Transcending Level Six Heaven warrior could defeat him.
Qiao Mao chuckled ruefully to himself. In his past life, he had attained the Celestial River Stage and had never been worn out, even when battling the Nether Clan's army of a million. Yet today, he was exhausted from dispatching a single Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven Martial Dao Great Master.
"It looks like I'll need to concoct some Spirit Explosion Pills next time, and I must enhance my cultivation as soon as possible."
The Spirit Explosion Pill could temporarily boost a person's cultivation by one level. Despite its significant side effects, it was preferable to being completely devoid of Spiritual Energy.
Once Qiao Mao appeared to be truly unharmed, Zhen Gui let out a sigh of relief. She then focused on regaining her strength, aiming to return to her peak condition.
A soft glow enveloped Zhen Gui as pale yellow Spiritual Energy billowed from within her. Her aura climbed steadily until it plateaued at a stable level.
Qiao Mao, too, swiftly recalibrated his state. His recovery was notably quicker than Zhen Gui's, thanks to his practice of the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique.
Once Zhen Gui had regained her cultivation, Qiao Mao inquired, "Mother, I noticed the Spiritual Energy was pale yellow while you were cultivating. Have you been practicing the Qiao family's Essence Sun Spell?"
Zhen Gui was taken aback, not expecting Qiao Mao to recognize her cultivation technique. She nodded in confirmation, "Yes, that is indeed the Qiao family's Essence Sun Spell."
Qiao Mao's brow furrowed ever so slightly. He was well-acquainted with the Essence Sun Spell, having acquired this cultivation technique from the Qiao Main Family in his past life.
"However, given my mother's talents, her cultivation shouldn't be advancing at such a sluggish pace after practicing the Yellow Rank High Grade Essence Sun Spell," Qiao Mao mused, perplexed.
With just one look, Qiao Mao could discern Zhen Gui's potential. While her innate ability might not rival Qiao Dou's, she was undoubtedly among the elite in Martial Sun City. Having practiced the Yellow Rank High Grade Essence Sun Spell, she should have already transcended to Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven, perhaps even reaching the Spirit Wheel Stage.
Yet, Zhen Gui's cultivation level was stalled at Mortality Transcending Level Six Heaven. When measured against a Martial Dao Great Master, her power fell short by an entire tier, leaving Qiao Mao riddled with doubts.