C19 The Power of Falling Cloud Palm!

Yet, as the crowd anticipated Lin Xuan's look of shock, disbelief, and even panic, he instead flashed a sly grin and said coolly, "Heh, Lin Lang, did you really think your taunts goaded me into this duel?"

"I'm telling you, they didn't!"

"Hmph, even now you refuse to admit defeat. Very well, since you're brimming with confidence, why not try and withstand my technique?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Lang felt his pride wounded. With an indignant snort, he prepared to strike at Lin Xuan!

But Lin Xuan was undaunted, laughing heartily, "It's about time!"

After speaking, Lin Xuan's demeanor became earnest. Despite his unwillingness to concede any ground verbally, he was well aware that Lin Lang was no Lin Tong. Lin Lang's cultivation was deep, and his combat experience was certainly on par with Lin Xuan's. Lin Xuan knew he was in for a tough fight!

"Hmph, I'll destroy your cultivation first, then we'll see if you can still muster a smile!"

As expected, Lin Xuan's laughter was taken by Lin Lang as mockery, and in a fit of rage, he lunged at Lin Xuan!

"Surging Tide!"

In front of Lin Lang, a massive wave of spiritual energy materialized, stirring the surrounding spirit energy into a violent tempest that rolled towards Lin Xuan with overwhelming force.

The spectators below the stage watched with alarm!

"This... The same Tidal Wave Spiritual Skill, yet when Senior Brother Lin Lang employs it, the power is immense!"

Lin Tianyi's brow furrowed, his face etched with astonishment.

"I never imagined Senior Brother Lin Lang to be this formidable. To think he could wield such might with a low-tier Spiritual Skill, Lin Xuan is doomed!"

"Is this the Initial Stage of mastery?"

"Without a doubt, Senior Brother Lin Lang has truly brought this Spiritual Skill to the Initial Stage!"

While the crowd below buzzed with excitement, Lin Xuan remained composed and clear-headed. He faced the oncoming tidal wave without flinching.

"If I were up against Lin Tianyi, I could counter with the Storm Wave. But facing Lin Lang, who has mastered the Spiritual Skill to the Initial Stage, a direct confrontation would be folly. I must sidestep his sharp edge!"

With this thought, Lin Xuan instantly executed the Moon Shadow Step, rapidly retreating to evade the roaring tidal wave headed his way!

In a blink, Lin Xuan's silhouette flickered, leaving only a lingering afterimage before vanishing from his original spot.

"What? He actually dodged it!"

The crowd's faces shifted with shock once more, unable to believe that Lin Xuan had managed to sidestep the attack!

"I knew you possessed a highly sophisticated spiritual technique. Did you really think I'd come unprepared?"

Yet, in that moment, Lin Lang, who had been at a distance, unexpectedly materialized beside Lin Xuan, blocking his escape. With a hearty laugh, Lin Lang launched a punch. Caught off guard, Lin Xuan had no choice but to hastily counter!

"Spirit Fire!"

Suddenly, Lin Xuan's fist blazed with a layer of eerie green flames. This spiritual technique could either shape fireballs for ranged assaults or amplify the force of his punches!

But that wasn't all. In the briefest of moments, Lin Xuan inwardly chanted, "Great Strength!"

The next second, their fists collided, unleashing a fierce windstorm from the point of impact, swirling outwards!

Lin Lang, too, staggered back, his expression darkening as he glanced at his bloodied fist, inwardly shocked.

"How is this possible?"

Lin Lang had not anticipated Lin Xuan's swift response, nor that he would deploy a spiritual technique in such a fleeting timespan.

And what baffled him even more was Lin Xuan's formidable strength; despite Lin Lang's full-force attack, he failed to secure any advantage!

Lin Xuan, reeling from Lin Lang's powerful blow, also retreated several steps, his fingertips marked by a streak of blood...

"Did you all see that? Senior Brother Lin Lang seems to be wounded..."

"What? How can that be?"

"Lin Xuan, too. Their first clash ended in a dead heat. This is truly fascinating!"

Beneath the martial arts platform, what was assumed to be a lopsided battle took a surprising turn. Lin Xuan's fierce onslaught allowed him to match Lin Lang blow for blow, with neither gaining the upper hand!

"Is this... for real?"

Lin Yumo's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at Lin Xuan with a hint of suspicion.

The very next moment on the martial arts platform, Lin Xuan grabbed his chance and taunted Lin Lang with a chuckle, "Heh, Senior Brother Lin Lang, surely that's not the full extent of your strength?"

How could he keep up his bravado after such a taunt?

"Hmph... Kid, don't get cocky. I was merely going easy on you, using only 70% of my power. But your luck's about to run out!"

Lin Lang offered up a forced explanation. While Lin Xuan remained unconvinced, the spectators below had a collective moment of clarity.

"Ahh, that explains it. I was puzzled how Senior Brother Lin Lang could be so evenly matched with Lin Xuan!"

"Heh, now it all makes sense!"

"I had no idea Senior Brother Lin Lang was holding back. You really had me worried for a second there!"

Back on the platform, Lin Lang took a more serious stance against Lin Xuan. He had expected an easy victory, but Lin Xuan was proving to be a tough nut to crack.

"Heh, Senior Brother Lin Lang, bring out any other tricks you have up your sleeve!"

Lin Xuan's laughter was noncommittal in response to Lin Lang's words.

"A fine display, Lin Xuan. Very well, I shall indulge you!"

No sooner had he spoken than Lin Lang launched another assault on Lin Xuan. This time, he shed all underestimation and unleashed his most formidable finishing move.

"Falling Cloud Palm!"

Boom!

With Lin Lang's bellow, a clap of thunder echoed from the heavens. He then gently vibrated his arm, initiating the starting gesture of the Falling Cloud Palm.

The palm, channeling the power of the cosmos, transformed the spirit energy into boundless clouds that took the shape of a hand, nearly engulfing the entire stage. It descended silently, leaving Lin Xuan with no room to escape.

"I was puzzled how Lin Tianyi never knew that spirit technique, and yet Lin Tong mastered it. It turns out you were the one who taught him..."

Lin Xuan had his revelation.

At that instant, the crowd erupted, their eyes wide with astonishment as they watched the two combatants on the stage.

"This is the true essence of the Falling Cloud Palm... The heavens draped in cascading clouds, this spirit technique is overwhelmingly strong!"

"If I'm not mistaken, Senior Brother Lin Lang has also cultivated the Falling Cloud Palm to the Initial Stage. Lin Xuan is in trouble now!"

"The Falling Cloud Palm at the Initial Stage... Senior Brother Lin Lang truly lives up to his reputation as the prodigy of our Lin family. He's incredibly strong!"

Yet, in the blink of an eye, another peal of thunder erupted from the cloud-filled heavens!

"Boom!"

"What... Is that the Falling Cloud Palm too, and at the Initial Stage?"

From the audience, someone gasped, their throat dry with astonishment.

Lin Xuan hadn't manifested the Falling Cloud Palm as a sky-obscuring spectacle; instead, he had focused it entirely into his palm. After all, the Falling Cloud Palm was known for its dual methods of application!