C22 Three Tricks

Most attendees at the Lin family banquet were relatives, with only two outsiders present: Young Master Pann and Xue Rensheng. The atmosphere was charged with indignation, and many were openly berating Qi Xiao.

"You little rascal, causing a scene at the Lin family's event? Have you got a death wish?"

"Pfft, he's asking for trouble with Lin Pohe. I've heard Lin Pohe's picked up some serious skills this time around!"

"Just look at that table. Thick as it was, he smashed it to bits with one strike. Imagine that on a person – it'd be a broken bone at the very least!"

Lin Pohe was seething with anger at Qi Xiao's remarks and barked:

"Qi Xiao, don't think the Lin family will hold back just because of a marriage contract. It's clear to anyone with eyes that you're nothing but a down-and-out cur. What standing do you have to set terms with the Lin family?"

With a sneer, Lin Pohe regarded Qi Xiao with contempt, snorted, and added:

"Think we're pushing you too far? The Lin family is bullying you, so what are you going to do about it?"

Qi Xiao hadn't expected Lin Pohe, who had once stood up for him, to have changed so drastically. It was a classic case of kicking a man when he's down.

Shaking his head, he declared:

"The dignity the Qi family has lost will be reclaimed by me, Qi Xiao, today!"

Lin Pohe gave Qi Xiao a look of scorn.

"You think you can take me on?"

"Just watch me!"

Lin Pohe was brimming with disdain for Qi Xiao. Returning home this time, he had become an exceptional practitioner of internal martial arts. To the uninitiated, the term 'internal martial arts expert' might mean little, but Lin Pohe knew that even a moderately trained individual like Young Master Pann wouldn't last a moment against him.

Even if Qi Xiao multiplied tenfold, Lin Pohe was confident he could dispatch them single-handedly.

In the realm of martial arts, mastering internal martial arts meant possessing an inner strength that set one apart from the average person.

Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, Lin Pohe stated firmly:

"Look, I'm not underestimating you. If you can withstand three of my moves, I'll let you walk away."

Upon hearing this, the onlookers glanced at the table Lin Pohe had just shattered with his palm and were convinced Qi Xiao wouldn't agree to such terms.

Yet, Qi Xiao just smiled. He hadn't expected the Lins to underestimate him so. He had already recognized that Lin Pohe had mastered internal martial arts, possessing the inner strength that made defeating ordinary folks a breeze.

But Qi Xiao was no ordinary man.

"Alright, since Uncle Pohe has made his challenge, and considering the help you've given me in the past, I'll accept," he declared.

The crowd was taken aback by Qi Xiao's response. He actually had the guts to accept? Quite the bold claim!

"Beat him to death! Beat him to death!"

Lin Cheng also egged Lin Pohe on, convinced that no matter how formidable Qi Xiao was, he couldn't possibly withstand three palms from Lin Pohe!

Seeing Qi Xiao accept the challenge, Lin Pohe's eyebrows lifted in surprise. He had misjudged the situation. What could such a rash kid achieve? He resolved to cripple him on the spot.

"Very well! You've got quite the nerve. Let's see what you're made of!"

Without moving from his spot, Lin Pohe extended his left palm, channeling his inner strength covertly. His palm halted in front of his chest, and with seventy percent of his power, he struck Qi Xiao's chest as swiftly as thunder.

To the bystanders, Lin Pohe's palm seemed featherlight and gentle, almost playful, but Lin Pohe had unleashed his inner strength. He was sure Qi Xiao would suffer at least five broken ribs.

Xue Rensheng watched, his heart pounding with trepidation. He knew the extent of Qi Xiao's terrifying abilities. Although Lin Pohe was a master of internal martial arts, Qi Xiao's skill in catching a sleeve arrow barehanded had left a profound impression. Rensheng doubted Lin Pohe stood a chance against Qi Xiao.

He feared Qi Xiao might unleash a bloodbath.

He even contemplated pleading with the Lin family for mercy.

But then he thought, what did the fate of the Lin family have to do with him? There were plenty of others to do business with, yet Qi Xiao was the only internal martial arts expert he knew!

As Lin Pohe's palm connected with Qi Xiao's chest, Qi Xiao remained stoic, while Lin Pohe's face twisted into an odd expression.

A mysterious suction force erupted from Qi Xiao's chest, latching onto his palm with an unyielding grip. His arm quickly went numb, and he lost all control over it.

"Uncle Pohe, show no mercy! This vile kid deserves to be crippled," urged Lin Cheng, mistaking Lin Pohe's gentle strike for restraint and pleading for a more severe attack.

The onlookers shared this belief, all expecting Lin Pohe to unleash his full might.

With a tremendous effort, Lin Pohe wrenched his hand free, only to find it had become numb and unresponsive, dangling limply at his side.

Qi Xiao, still smiling, looked at Lin Pohe and teased, "What's the matter, Uncle Pohe? That was just one palm strike. You still owe me two more."

Lin Pohe realized then that Qi Xiao was no easy target, possibly shielded by a protective artifact or versed in some dark martial art. Yet, he couldn't afford to appear weak in front of the Lin family.

With a cold huff, he dismissed his previous attack, "Hmph! I spared you with a mere 10% of my strength, thinking to leave you with a sliver of life. But since you scorn my leniency, prepare to face my full wrath. This next strike will send you to meet your ancestors!"

Lin Pohe held nothing back this time. He charged his strength for ten full seconds, his right hand balled into a fist, channeling his potent inner force.

"Ha!"

This punch was extraordinary. Unlike the previous one, which was a blend of soft and hard, this was a raw display of ferocity, akin to a tiger pouncing, capable of splitting stones.

His roar alone sent ripples through the air, leaving bystanders gasping for breath.

Sensing Lin Pohe's full commitment, Qi Xiao reciprocated, not sparing any effort. He fortified his chest with Genuine Qi and concealed a strand of sword qi within.

Lin Pohe's fist connected with Qi Xiao's chest, not ensnared this time. However, the instant his fist made contact, he was filled with regret.

If this ferocious punch were to hit a rock, even a boulder the height of a man would be pulverized. Yet Qi Xiao stood before him like an immovable mountain, unshakable and towering!

Furthermore, he felt an even stronger force surge from Qi Xiao's chest, striking his right hand and rendering his entire arm useless in a flash.

The moment Lin Pohe's internal force collided with Qi Xiao's protective Genuine Qi, it unleashed a blast more intense than the previous sound wave, sending the nearest bystanders reeling backward, nearly toppling over.

"Good grief, is this... is this for real? It's way over the top!"

Lin Pohe's right hand was more severely injured than his left, hanging limply, unable to be raised. His face turned beet red, clearly in extreme pain.

The onlookers were astounded to see Qi Xiao still standing nonchalantly, unaffected. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts could sense the might of Lin Pohe's punch. How could Qi Xiao withstand such a blow without batting an eye?

Wasn't this the same man who was considered a simpleton before? Was it all an act?

Lin Suxin and the others exchanged puzzled looks between the battered Qi Xiao and the assailant Lin Pohe. How could it be that Qi Xiao was unscathed, while Lin Pohe looked as though he was the one who had been struck?

"Uncle Pohe, how are you holding up?"

Qi Xiao asked with a grin, nearly driving Lin Pohe to spit blood in frustration.

To everyone else, Qi Xiao seemed to be modestly inquiring about his own martial prowess, having withstood two of Lin Pohe's moves. But to Lin Pohe, the question was a clear taunt.

Struggling to contain his rage and not vomit blood, his arms hung weakly by his sides. Yet he maintained the facade of a master, replying:

"Hmm, to have such skill at such a young age is quite impressive. Well done, indeed!"

The Lins in attendance were bewildered by Lin Pohe's sudden praise for Qi Xiao. Hadn't they just been ready to tear him apart moments ago? Why the sudden change of heart?

Lin Pohe found himself in a predicament, unable to admit that Qi Xiao had already crippled both of his hands.

He was about to utter some pleasantries to dismiss Qi Xiao and preserve his dignity when Qi Xiao unexpectedly beat him to the punch.

"Uncle Pohe, if you don't deliver the third palm strike, I'll make my move. Surely someone of your standing wouldn't shy away from accepting a single palm strike from me, right?"

Lin Pohe was taken aback by the challenge!