Xiao Ye stepped forward, his Posterior Heaven Realm, fifth stage aura erupting into the sky. Four thunderous booms followed as his refined power surged toward Liu Er.
Great Splitting Palm, perfected!
BOOM!
Liu Er's expression twisted in shock. A force equal to his own struck his palm, jarring his body backward. "Posterior Heaven Realm, fifth stage?!" he growled, stabilizing himself. How could a teenager possess such cultivation?
Xiao Ye's rise defied logic. In just over a month, he'd shattered five cultivation stages—a feat unmatched in Qingyang Town. If left unchecked, he'd surpass Xiao Tianxiong and ascend to the Heaven Realm. The Blood Wolf Gang's dominance in Qingyang Town would crumble.
"This brat must die!" Liu Er's eyes burned with murderous intent.
Xiao Tianxiong, trembling with awe, stammered, "Ye'er… how?" His son's growth had shattered all expectations.
"Uncle Liu," Xiao Ye declared, turning to the villagers, "stand down. I'll handle this insect alone."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Their faith in Xiao Ye burned brighter than ever.
The Battle of Will
Liu Er's fists crackled with lightning, signaling his Two-Stage Combat Technique: Thundercloud Break. "You think a One-Stage Technique can challenge me?!" he sneered.
Xiao Ye's eyes narrowed. "Let's see."
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Four layers of Qi collided, shaking the earth. Liu Er staggered, his arrogance crumbling.
"Fifth layer…?" Liu Er panted, his throat dry. Impossible!
Xiao Ye's voice cut through the chaos. "You're not just weak—you're insignificant."
With a roar, Xiao Ye unleashed his Great Splitting Palm again, five layers of Qi now fused into one. The air itself shattered as he charged.
CRASH!
The two forces collided, dust and debris exploding outward. When the smoke cleared, both stood seven steps apart, breathing heavily.
"No way…" Liu Er's face twisted. Even with a Two-Stage Technique, I'm on par with a kid?
"You're not even worthy of my contempt," Xiao Ye said coldly.
Breaking Point
Liu Er lunged, desperation driving him. But Xiao Ye's fist intercepted, shattering his ribs.
"Surrender, and I'll spare your life," Xiao Ye demanded.
Liu Er spat blood, his pride shattered. "I—I'll leave! No retaliation!"
Xiao Ye's foot slammed down. "Prostrate yourself before my clansmen."
THUD!
Liu Er knelt, trembling. The villagers' gazes burned with righteous fury.
"Apologize for every life you've taken!" someone shouted.
Liu Er's face contorted. They'll kill me if I refuse…
With a hidden dagger, he lunged at Xiao Ye.
SNAP!
Xiao Ye gripped his wrist, the blade clattering to the ground. "Die."
CRUSH!
Liu Er's skull caved in beneath Xiao Ye's heel. "This is for Qingyang Town."
Aftermath
The villagers wept, their grief mixing with relief. Xiao Ye turned to Xiao Tianxiong, who knelt, poisoned and broken.
"He died a hero," Xiao Ye whispered.
Xiao Tianxiong smiled faintly. "The village… survives."
As dawn broke, the Blood Wolf Gang retreated, their reign of terror severed.