The moment Zhao Xuanqi spoke, an uproar immediately erupted among the surrounding disciples.

The members of the Wind Shadow Hall and the few Inner Sect Disciples following Liu Changfeng also had looks of astonishment flash through their eyes.

They had never expected that Zhao Xuanqi would establish such a rule right from the start!

’In the Wind Shadow Hall, the strong are respected? He actually dared to make such a bold declaration? Doesn’t he know he only got this position through the Hall Master’s favor?’

If Liu Changfeng hadn’t been present, there would have likely been many more voices of dissent.

In fact, even Liu Changfeng was momentarily stunned. Zhao Xuanqi had told him he would deal with the issue of morale, but he hadn’t said he would do it this way.

’Can Zhao Xuanqi do it?’

Liu Changfeng fell silent. His first instinct was to doubt, but after thinking it over, even he wasn’t so sure.

Ever since Zhao Xuanqi had fully mastered Double Palm Qi Surge and completed the initial stage of Forged Skin, he had been able to hold his own when they sparred. Although Zhao Xuanqi spent most of the time on the defensive, dodging, Liu Changfeng still had to give their exchanges his full attention. And every time he defeated Zhao Xuanqi, it was only because his opponent had run out of stamina under the battle’s high intensity.

’Come to think of it, I’ve never truly managed to gauge the full extent of Zhao Xuanqi’s foundation.’

’This kid...’

Liu Changfeng took a deep breath, an indescribable feeling rising in his heart.

’Perhaps he really did have that kind of strength.’

"What, I’ve already put it so plainly, and none of you want to give it a try? If you admit you’re inferior to me, then from now on in the Wind Shadow Hall, my word is law."

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly, looking directly at the three Inner Sect Disciples of the Wind Shadow Hall.

This was the method he had prepared.

He had no interest in spending too much time and energy on winning people over. Therefore, he planned to use the simplest, most direct method.

For a Martial Artist, strength is truth.

Under Zhao Xuanqi’s gaze, the three Inner Sect Disciples exchanged a glance. After a moment of silence, the one standing in the middle slowly stepped forward.

This man stood about six-foot-three, his palms as large as fans. His knuckles were prominent and distinct, making them stand out.

Zhao Xuanqi knew him: Shanghai Mountain, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Wind Shadow Hall.

Among the three Inner Sect members of the Wind Shadow Hall, this man was the strongest and most senior. He had joined the Martial Arts Hall eight years ago and was originally considered a promising candidate to become a True Disciple and take over the Wind Shadow Hall. But then Zhao Xuanqi had cut in. It was impossible that this man held no objections.

"Junior Brother Zhao, within the Wind Shadow Hall, my Cultivation is slightly superior. If you can defeat me, then from this day forward, everyone in the Wind Shadow Hall will follow your lead."

Shanghai Mountain said to Zhao Xuanqi, his expression calm.

"Very good. I also keep my word. If you beat me, you’ll be the one who calls the shots in the Wind Shadow Hall."

A wild smile touched the corners of Zhao Xuanqi’s mouth.

Shanghai Mountain didn’t reply to Zhao Xuanqi’s words, instead turning to look at Liu Changfeng, who stood to the side.

"Within the Wind Shadow Hall, the Hall Master decides everything."

Liu Changfeng made his stance clear, causing Shanghai Mountain’s eyes to narrow slightly.

The center of the field was cleared, leaving a vacant area twenty meters in diameter. All the disciples formed a circle, ready to watch the match.

After word got out, some disciples from nearby strongholds even took the time to run over, just to see the excitement.

For a moment, even the courtyard walls of the security bureau headquarters were covered with people.

"Junior Brother Zhao, I will not hold back. Be careful."

Shanghai Mountain had already removed his shirt, revealing his muscular upper body. He slowly assumed a ready stance, the Qi and Blood in his body surging violently under his control.

BANG!!

A muffled sound came from within his body as the muscles in his arms bulged instantly, veins popping out on their surface.

Both his forearms and upper arms turned a deep red. The Qi Surge nearly passed his shoulder blades to spread across his chest and back.

This meant his Cross-Training method was already advancing toward the peak of Tiger Form Fist’s Cross-Training.

Even more eye-catching were his already large palms. Now a purplish-red, they had swollen a full size larger from the pooling Qi and Blood, looking utterly terrifying.

This man was also highly accomplished in fighting style; he was one of the few in the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall who had mastered the Black Tiger Style’s Finger Technique.

His stance was drawn in at the chest and abdomen, and a cruel light glinted in his eyes.

This opponent was completely different from Zhou Ze and Kaiser. In terms of both strength and combat experience, he could be called one of the best below the level of a True Disciple.

"No need to hold back."

Zhao Xuanqi’s expression was calm as he also assumed a Black Tiger Style stance. The Qi and Blood surged in his body, and his palms suddenly swelled, turning a purplish-red.

Cross-Training Qi Surge!!

Seeing the state of Zhao Xuanqi’s palms, the other disciples present had their expressions change slightly. ’How long has it been since he officially joined? He’s already reached the realm of Cross-Training? Weren’t there rumors that his innate constitution was poor?’

’However, he has only just entered the realm of Cross-Training; there still seems to be a gap between him and Shanghai Mountain.’

Forged Skin! Yijin! Bone Strengthening!

Forged Skin trains the skin and membranes of the body, Yijin strengthens the muscles, and Bone Strengthening makes the bones as tough as steel.

However, the Tiger Form Fist emphasizes the training of the fists, palms, arms, chest, and back, so the effects of Cross-Training are most obvious in these areas. Only someone as exceptionally talented as Liu Changfeng could train the bones and muscles of his torso and waist to be as strong as those of his arms, chest, and back.

In reality, the physical strength from Cross-Training is related to the Qi Surge.

The areas that the Qi Surge can cover are often where the Cross-Training is most profound.

Covered by his Qi Surge, the bones and muscles of Shanghai Mountain’s arms were exceedingly strong, to the point where he could even block the slash of a blade with his bare arms. Both his power and defense were far greater than someone who had just begun Cross-Training!

This kind of gap is very difficult to overcome!

Therefore, he was extremely confident!

SWISH!!

Shanghai Mountain was the first to move. His feet tapped lightly, and his whole body pounced like a tiger ambushing its prey, crossing a distance of five steps in a single leap!

Yet just as he was about to close in, his feet came to a sudden halt. His stepping technique and figure swayed left and right like a pendulum, ever-changing, as if a great tiger were toying with its prey.

The switch between the assault and the stepping technique was extremely fast and strange, giving one an unsettling and nauseating feeling, as if they were about to vomit blood.

If facing an enemy, their response and footwork would be instantly disrupted, revealing an opening.

This was not a combat technique from the Nine Tiger Forms, but a personal technique Shanghai Mountain had developed through battle.

Tiger Play!!

This one move alone revealed that his foundation in combat was extraordinary.

However, his combat technique seemed to have no effect on Zhao Xuanqi.

Zhao Xuanqi remained in his fist-fighting stance, as if completely unfazed by anything Shanghai Mountain was doing, countering endless changes with constancy.

’This kid...’

’How can he be so composed when he’s in the weaker position? He’s not dodging or evading my attack?’

For a moment, Shanghai Mountain couldn’t tell if his opponent was highly experienced or just a fearless novice.

’In that case...’

Shanghai Mountain took a deep breath. No longer probing with his Stepping Technique, he abruptly swung out a claw, aiming for Zhao Xuanqi’s shoulder blade.

The sound of whistling wind erupted in an instant.

However, just as his claw had swung out and was still in the Power Generation phase, Zhao Xuanqi, who had been standing motionless, suddenly exploded into action.

Shanghai Mountain clearly saw a terrifying glint, like that of a Fierce Beast, flash in his opponent’s eyes.

Zhao Xuanqi’s body had suddenly pressed forward, closing in on the claw Shanghai Mountain was about to strike with.

’This guy...’

Shanghai Mountain’s heart jolted. He of course understood that Zhao Xuanqi’s move wasn’t a death wish. His opponent was closing the distance to prevent his own attack from generating full power, thereby limiting his strength!

This method was called "Intercepting Fist"!

’Such quick reflexes! Such strong decisiveness! Such great courage!’

Intercepting Fist—closing in on an enemy’s attack to limit their Power Generation. Shanghai Mountain had only ever heard of such a technique in rumors; he never expected to see it before his very eyes!

What Shanghai Mountain didn’t know was that in that moment, to Zhao Xuanqi’s senses, the world seemed entirely different from how others perceived it.

The wind brushing against his skin, the surge of air currents stirred up by the techniques exchanged in the duel, and... the faint threat in his opponent’s line of sight—all these things were causing Zhao Xuanqi’s skin to change naturally, providing constant feedback to his body.

After completing the initial stage of Forged Skin using the techniques of the Hundred Beasts Mystic Gate, Zhao Xuanqi’s skin and membranes had not only become tougher but also far more sensitive.

The Hundred Beasts’ Intent was beginning to reveal itself!