Palm Hit Attack . . .
The bystanders collectively sighed, feeling a sense of missed opportunity for reconciliation.
"Nevertheless, if Feng Monarch insists, I shall accept the challenge. Just stand here, unmoving, and endure a palm strike from you. Not to mention a single strike, one hundred or one thousand, it matters not," Bu Jingtian declared with brimming self-assurance.
Cha Eun Xiao's smile remained steady as he replied, "Excellent! It's a deal!"
Bu Jingtian laughed, his stance unwavering. "Let's proceed. In truth, Feng Monarch, do not deliberate too much while you're still alive. The more you care, the more vulnerabilities you expose. You are now under my control precisely because you care excessively. Are you attempting to vent your anger by offering me a foolish palm strike?"
"Let me impart more wisdom. The greater your concern, the more weaknesses you reveal! The more susceptible you become to manipulation!" He erupted into unrestrained laughter. "Henceforth, you will be governed by your countless frailties. A man riddled with vulnerabilities will forever bow to others…"
The dozens of men standing behind Bu Jingtian were all alert and attentive.
This served as a stern warning for them too.
"Contemplate how to overcome this Feng Monarch, gentlemen!"
"I will take his dan beads. No matter what, I cannot slay him as I owe him this favor. But you are different. You are at liberty to engage with him without reservation. I can exploit his vulnerabilities, so why can't you?"
In addition, his words clearly conveyed his position. "Although Feng Monarch may assist me, regardless of what befalls him, I will not come to his aid. You are free to act as you please. Do not concern yourself with my standing."
Cha Eun Xiao rose with a broad smile adorning his face, seemingly unperturbed by Bu Jingtian's remarks. He stated, "Bu Jingtian, the renowned No. 1 Cultivator indeed. How valiant... Very well, let's proceed. Should you endure a single palm strike from me, I will fulfill my end of the bargain by crafting those dan beads for you. A deal is a deal!"
Bu Jingtian's smile dripped with disdain as he agreed, "Very well, a deal is a deal. Setting aside the question of my survival, if I so much as twitch when you strike me, I doubt I could shamelessly remain in the martial world."
With measured steps, Cha Eun Xiao advanced toward Bu Jingtian, maintaining his composure as he remarked, "Words spoken cannot be retrieved. I shall invest my full power into this strike aimed at your head. It is a critical point on your body. Either you shall perish, or I shall fail."
Bu Jingtian chuckled, "Feng Monarch is a forthright individual. You have made your intentions clear, and I accept them. Proceed. Every part of my body is invulnerable. Loquacity will not aid you. You should be concerned for your own well-being. When an egg collides with a rock, the rock remains unscathed, but the egg shatters."
This was an unequivocal statement. "I do not require your concern for my condition. Focus on your own welfare!"
Cha Eun Xiao received this without offense and simply chuckled. "I shall proceed now. Watch your head."
Bu Jingtian remained nonchalant, remarking, "Proceed!"
Cha Eun Xiao smiled and leaped into the air. As he descended, he deftly rolled up his sleeves, revealing a delicate, alabaster hand that extended from within. Bathed in sunlight, it appeared crystalline and pure.
This hand possessed an elegant, ethereal quality.
With its long, slender fingers and fair complexion, it resembled the hand of a lady, even more exquisite than that of a woman.
He gradually descended, and the hand, clear as crystal, took precise aim at Bu Jingtian's head.
Bu Jingtian's laughter carried an icy edge, his gaze locked forward, unwavering, as if he paid no heed to the approaching hand poised to strike his head.
The impending palm strike appeared deceptively feeble, devoid of any discernible power.
Despite Feng Zhiling's proclamation that he would employ his full strength, the strike failed to exhibit such force.
All eyes were trained on this pivotal moment.
"Watch closely. Following this strike, the legendary Bu Jingtian shall undoubtedly meet his end. The final chapter of his legend unfolds before us," Ling Wuxie observed, his attention riveted on the unfolding spectacle in the sky.
Perplexed, Xiu of the Heavens and Wan of the Clouds exchanged surprised glances. They remained unsure of what to say.
While their cultivation might have been constrained, their keen perception as formidable cultivators remained intact.
From their perspective, regardless of the circumstances, the impending palm strike appeared bereft of any power. This feeble blow lacked the potential to even swat a fly, let alone harm a man.
"Why are you so certain of this outcome, Ling Wuxie?" they inquired. Trusting in the veracity of their own observations, they harbored doubts about Ling Wuxie's supposed foresight. They couldn't fathom how he might possess knowledge beyond their own senses.
Ling Wuxie replied nonchalantly, "Direct your gaze not at me, but at Feng Zhiling! Following this palm strike, if Bu Jingtian survives, Feng Monarch shall become another's pawn henceforth. Bu Jingtian must perish! I must admit, I'm uncertain of how he shall accomplish Bu Jingtian's demise, but after this blow, Bu Jingtian shall undoubtedly meet his end. Otherwise, this challenge would amount to nothing more than a pointless jest. A jest without value."
"People like Feng Monarch are not meant to be controlled!"
He continued, "Observe him, a man of unwavering pride. Were he not confident in his ability to dispatch Bu Jingtian, he would not have initiated this confrontation. It would have been wiser to consult with his master. If his master were present, there would be no need for such protracted explanations. Geniuses often walk a solitary path."
The two ladies regarded Ling Wuxie with evident irritation, but soon redirected their attention to Feng Zhiling. Their unspoken thoughts conveyed their skepticism of him. They seemed convinced that he was merely a braggart, someone who delighted in feigning superiority over others. They also harbored the belief that he dared not claim superiority over their master.
However, they had an unspoken plan in mind. They would wait and watch until Feng Zhiling's endeavor ultimately failed, at which point they intended to subject him to humiliating scorn. Their goal was to force him into embarrassed silence.
As the conversation between Ling Wuxie and the two ladies unfolded, Cha Eun Xiao's pallid hand underwent a dramatic transformation just moments before making contact with Bu Jingtian's head. It transitioned from a pale complexion to a radiant, golden hue.
At this precise juncture, the golden hand was in its prime, resplendent.
Above Bu Jingtian's head, it resembled a miniature sun, casting its incandescent brilliance upon the scene.
However, the exact movements of Feng Monarch's hand eluded perception, as it became a radiant blur.