C16 The Flaw!

Tian Ji's robe billowed suddenly, as a powerful surge of Spiritual Qi radiated from him. With a swift pat to his waist, a Flying Sword burst forth, slicing through the air and hurtling straight toward Feng Yi.

With a piercing whoosh, the sound of the sword cutting through the air sent shivers down the spine. The Flying Sword's speed was unparalleled, and in a mere moment, it nearly struck Feng Yi's chest.

Startled, Feng Yi's figure flickered, narrowly evading the Flying Sword's assault. Once he steadied himself, he was drenched in a cold sweat from the close call.

Tian Ji, however, wore a smirk of derision, his eyes brimming with scorn. The previous strike seemed as though he was toying with Feng Yi, almost as if it were intentional.

"Not a bad evasion technique, but sadly, your cultivation level is too low. I could take you down with just one hand," Tian Ji taunted.

As his words settled, Tian Ji conjured a Magic Spell with one hand, directing the Flying Sword to make another swipe at Feng Yi's left side.

With his other hand, he cast a series of Magic Spells, amassing a formidable Spiritual Force. Suddenly, a fire bird, several feet in size, materialized before Tian Ji, radiating intense heat that caused the very air to warp.

With a gesture from Tian Ji's Magic Spell, the fire bird let out a dull cry and dove toward Feng Yi's right.

With the Flying Sword on the left and the fire bird on the right, Feng Yi's escape routes were effectively sealed. In that instant, Tian Ji launched a punch straight at Feng Yi's chest.

A colossal Spiritual Force erupted from Tian Ji's fist, sealing off the path directly in front of Feng Yi, leaving only the option to retreat backward.

It seemed Tian Ji was deliberately herding Feng Yi into a corner.

"Feng Yi is going to lose," one disciple remarked.

"Indeed, Senior Brother Tian Ji has him cornered with no room to counter," another agreed.

The disciples buzzed with commentary, convinced that Feng Yi stood no chance of victory.

Qing Yuzi, too, was visibly pleased, cheering enthusiastically, much to the chagrin of Tian Yuzi, whose face darkened and lips quivered with unspoken words.

"Senior Brother Tian Yuzi, it looks like my sect will gain another Foundation Stage disciple this year," Qing Yuzi gloated.

"Junior Brother Qing Yuzi, isn't it a bit premature to discuss this now?"

Tian Yuzi was not ready to concede. Feng Yi hadn't given up yet, and Tian Yuzi wasn't about to hand over a Foundation Building Pill to Qing Yuzi without a fight.

"Hahaha, the outcome is already set in stone. What hope do you still cling to?"

Qing Yuzi laughed boisterously, brimming with confidence. Tian Yuzi remained silent, merely furrowing his brow as he intently watched Feng Yi on the platform.

Tian Ji, though not officially under the Sect Master's tutelage, was already the Sect Master's chosen one. The only reason he hadn't joined was due to his continuous seclusion.

If it weren't for the lure of the Foundation Building Pill and the prospect of reaching the Foundation Stage, Tian Ji would not have emerged to compete in the Grand Tournament.

Of course, Tian Ji had his sights set on the top three ranks of the outer sect, where a Foundation Building Pill was also a prize. The competition there was significantly less fierce than in the Inner Sect.

Meanwhile, Feng Yi stood with a stern expression, his body radiating Spiritual Force. Yet, he held back from attacking, his eyes shining as he searched for a flaw in Tian Ji's onslaught.

"Feng Yi, pay close attention. This kid may have sealed off your left, right, and center, but he's left an opening. Find it, and you can easily dismantle his assault."

The voice of Nine-spirit Taoist echoed in Feng Yi's mind. Feng Yi was indeed searching, showing no intention of evading.

"Feng Yi, dodge now! Quick!"

From below the stage, Fatty Hong, seeing Feng Yi standing still, yelled out in distress.

"Has Feng Yi been petrified by fear?"

"He must realize he can't evade Senior Brother Tian Ji's attack, so he's just standing there!"

The disciples buzzed with speculation as Feng Yi became the center of attention. They were all eager to witness his defeat.

"No, that's not it!"

Just then, Tian Yuzi on the stage let out a sharp cry, drawing Qing Yuzi's gaze.

"This Feng Yi, he's actually—"

Before Tian Yuzi could finish, Feng Yi bellowed from atop the platform.

"The flaw is right here!"

In an instant, Feng Yi cast a Magic Spell, summoning a massive sphere of water that enveloped him. Then, transforming into a streak of blue, he dashed straight at the fire bird, leaving the crowd in awe.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle!

A series of ear-piercing noises filled the air as plumes of green smoke billowed, creating a thick fog several meters wide.

Pop!

A crisp sound echoed as the water shrouding Feng Yi's body shattered in an instant. The firebird, in its assault on Feng Yi, rapidly shrank to a mere few inches.

Puff!

The firebird slammed into Feng Yi, emitting a dull thud. A flame scorched a mark on Feng Yi's gray robe, which he quickly extinguished.

In that moment, Feng Yi had moved beyond the reach of Tian Ji's attack. Without pausing, he executed the Wind Cloud Steps to perfection, transforming into a blur of green as he charged directly at Tian Ji.

The sequence unfolded in the blink of an eye. No one could have anticipated Feng Yi's actions, yet they couldn't help but admire him for making the right move.

"Well done, lad! To think of a counteracting strategy against the firebird—impressive! As strong as it is, it's no match for water and can be doused just the same. Excellent!" Tian Yuzi exclaimed, his face alight with excitement, relieved that Feng Yi had managed to evade the attack.

The crowd was astounded, as if they had been introduced to an entirely new world, a novel approach to combat that no one had foreseen.

Now they understood why Feng Yi could remain undefeated on that platform after six consecutive battles.

Even Senior Brother Tian Ji, standing on the platform, wore a look of astonishment, not expecting Feng Yi to so deftly neutralize his attack.

At this moment, Feng Yi, a streak of green, was hurtling toward him at a jaw-dropping speed.

Tian Ji's heart skipped a beat, realizing too late that evasion was no longer an option. Nevertheless, as a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Qi Condensation Stage Great Perfection, he couldn't evade but managed to fiercely cast a Magic Spell.

Buzz!

A resonant hum filled the air as a magic treasure, resembling a copper mirror, emitted a swath of golden light that enveloped Tian Ji.

Bang!

A heavy collision resounded as Feng Yi's palm struck the surface of the copper mirror.

Scraping sounds filled the air as Feng Yi's palm strike sent Tian Ji stumbling back five steps before he could regain his balance.

Feng Yi fared little better, his feet scraping the ground as he was forced to retreat three steps from the force of the blow.

Tian Ji's eyes narrowed, emitting a chilling glint. Anger was etched between his brows; failing to defeat Feng Yi with a single move had dealt a serious blow to his pride.

"Feng — Yi — "

Tian Ji enunciated each syllable with fierce intensity, his teeth grinding audibly. Veins bulged on his forehead like those of a fearsome dragon, adding to his terrifying demeanor.

With a wave of his hand, the Flying Sword flew back into his grasp. Bathed in sunlight, it gleamed with an icy radiance and an aura of lethal sharpness.

"Junior Brother Feng Yi, you've caught me off guard by spotting the weakness in my attack amidst the fray. However, today you are fated to fall to me!"

Tian Ji bellowed, executing the Seven Star Steps. His long sword thrust directly towards Feng Yi's head, exuding a palpable intent to kill.

Feng Yi's heart pounded with alarm as a grim realization dawned on him.

"He's trying to kill me!!!"