With their match already at the center screen, even the inner court disciples at the side couldn't help but react to Xu Qi's methods. They're mostly gaping at his shamelessness to provoke his opponent.
Lan Hua said, "What an uncouth way to win but it's not really against the rules. Angering your opponent who's stronger than you carries risk and yet he's so... casual about it. Does he know no fear?"
Yang Fan gruffly sneered beside her, "It's quite entertaining though. He's got some nerve. And his opponent is so pathetic he can't even land a hit."
Then Bai Yuexin emotionlessly murmured, "Uncouth it may be, but it certainly is... effective. He's targeting his mentality, turning him into a fool."
And lastly, Sun Yufeng who's the only one with an ugly expression, "I've never seen someone so shameless. And to think Xiao Yue actually favors him. Zhou Feng, you're stronger than him! Don't fall for his provocations!"
He cheered but his words fell on deaf ears as Xu Qi's psychological warfare continued to dismantle Zhou Feng's composure.
Xu Qi's eyes flickered with malicious intent as he whispered, "You know, if you keep going like this, you're just going to be remembered as the tragic heroine who couldn't even get the favor of your own love interest. Should I give you a hand? I'm sure Zhang Han would love his bro to court him."
"Stop slandering us, you trash!" Zhou Feng's face was beet-red with fury. His qi started to go berserk even without Xu Qi's Celestial Eloquence's influence.
And hearing the crowd's laughter, his rage continued to be fueled, making him more reckless with every swing of his fiery fists. That allowed Xu Qi to continue weaving through them with Zhou Feng's only achievement being searing the hem of his sleeve. It's like a wild beast just flailing his arms. If not for that, Xu Qi had to spend a lot of effort just to dodge. There's still a bit of suppression even though he's just a stage higher.
In any case, with Xu Qi's words hitting a nerve, the fight turned into a spectacle that had everyone's attention. Even the other four highlighted fights seemed to be forgotten as every spectator's attention focused on how this unusual match would end.
Despite all the attention, having decided not to lay low like a scared little rat who lives off the crumbs and the occasional discovery of a large chunk of meat, Xu Qi had prepared to overcome someone who was a stage higher than him. And it's not even Zhou Feng but Zhang Han.
With Ling Lian as her standard as the strongest among the outer court disciples, he easily gauged the extent of Zhou Feng's abilities. By utilizing his finesse with words and enhancing it with his Celestial Eloquence, it became another form of attack.
"Why don't you take a breather, Zhou Feng? I think you've proven enough to Zhang Han. After this, you can ask him to comfort you. I'm sure he'll understand."
As he said that, Xu Qi glanced at Zhang Han with a smirk plastered on his charming face.
He knew that the mere mention of his name would only serve to fuel Zhou Feng's anger, making him even more volatile.
With that, the air thickened with the scent of scorched earth and the crackle of Zhou Feng's qi and his resonance with the primal element of fire.
The females in the crowd watched with bated breath, some whispering to each other as their eyes sparkled with intrigue.
Unbeknownst to Xu Qi, his words, though playful and only intended to provoke his opponent, had started to make them form suspicions about the two men's relationship. Their eyes darted alternately between Zhou Feng and Zhang Han, making the latter uncomfortable as he retreated to an obscure spot, hiding himself from their gazes.
Seeing that, Xu Qi couldn't help but chuckle.
He then turned his attention back to his opponent. "Too bad, looks like Zhang Han doesn't want your affair to be known to everyone, I apologize."
Zhou Feng's fiery aura grew more erratic as his movements became jerky and unpredictable. His face, a mask of fury and embarrassment, was a stark contrast to Xu Qi's calm and playful, smiling expression.
Of course, Xu Qi knew all his provocations wouldn't be enough. The rule was to knock down his opponent or throw them out of the stage, not embarrass them.
He whispered to the ground beneath Zhou Feng's feet and the primal element of earth responded to his words.
The ground trembled slightly, a subtle tremor that only Zhou Feng could feel.
"Is the earth shaking for you too, Zhou Feng? Maybe it's the world telling you to get down on your knees and serve your beloved"
The crowd's chuckles grew louder as they watched the fiery cultivator stumble, his fierce gaze never leaving Xu Qi. Xu Qi's words had painted a picture so vivid, so embarrassing, that even the stoic Elder Liu couldn't help but crack a smile.
Taking the opportunity that Zhou Feng had lost his balance, Xu Qi performed his Wind Whisper Art, the gust of wind surrounded his fist as he threw a punch, the unorthodox use of commanding the primal elements as an Elemental Whisperer amplifying the strength of the martial art.
Zhou Feng hurriedly tried to block but each punch and kick he delivered contained power that the struggling young man couldn't fathom.
He tried to counterattack but Xu Qi's movements were as unpredictable as the whispers of the wind. He recognized the martial art as he already fought other disciples practicing it. However, Xu Qi's iteration of it was not only smoother and more elegant but it was also accompanied by a new quip, a fresh insult wrapped in the guise of his charming smile.
The crowd couldn't help but laugh harder, some even shouting out their own suggestions to Xu Qi.
Zhou Feng could feel his heart ache, wondering what kind of sin he committed to be subjected to such humiliation, forgetting that it hadn't been long since he arrogantly called the young man 'trash'. But that's just how it is for people like him. They will not recognize their wrongdoing but will agonize if they start to suffer. Xu Qi's words stung like a thousand bees, numbing his body.
He forced himself to stand up, gathering his remaining qi to mount a counterattack.
Or so he believed he had a chance for a comeback.
Accompanied by the whistling of the wind, Xu Qi delivered his final punchline, "You know, I heard that the Phoenix's tears can cure any ailment. Perhaps if you cried harder, your heart would be healed from your unrequited love."
At the same time as that, his gust-propelled fists followed, squarely hitting Zhou Feng's chest and sending him flying out of the ring.
The cheers and laughter grew wild as Zhou Feng soared through the air almost comically, he spun like a fidget spinner from Xu Qi world, a comet of fire and fury, only to land with a thud outside the ring.
Only when they saw Zhou Feng twitching did everyone realize that Xu Qi effortlessly turned the match to his advantage by playing with his opponent's emotions.
Before the winner could be declared by the elder, Xu Qi faced the audience and bowed as if he had just finished a grand performance.
"Xu Qi! You're so cool!"
The females cheered louder than ever, some of them even tossing flowers and handkerchiefs onto the stage. The males, however, were a mix of amazement and envy. They had never seen someone so casually humiliate and defeat an opponent of higher rank. They started considering making amends with him just to avoid getting the same treatment.