As Jiang Chen's proud voice fell, he stood with his hands behind his back, completely unshaken. His calm gaze swept over Lin Yu.
"Go on, then," Jiang Chen said faintly. "Let's see how much ability the so-called number one genius of Cangshan City actually has."
---
"You killed my father and destroyed the Lin family! This hatred cannot coexist with heaven—you must die!"
Lin Yu's handsome face twisted into a terrifying snarl. A surge of fury exploded from him as his aura skyrocketed to its peak. With a shout, he charged at Jiang Chen, his fist hurtling forward like a streak of lightning, aimed directly at Jiang Chen's chest.
---
However, Jiang Chen didn't move.
He stood as still as a statue, his posture casual and relaxed, as though Lin Yu's oncoming attack was no more threatening than a light breeze.
The crowd gasped, their faces filled with shock and confusion.
"What's Jiang Chen doing? Does he actually intend to take Lin Yu's attack head-on?"
"I'll be damned! Even if he's strong, this is just reckless. Is he trying to show off, or is he asking to die?"
"Standing still against Lin Yu's full force? What an idiot! This guy's completely lost his mind!"
The students could hardly believe their eyes. In their view, even a warrior in the Foundation Opening Realm wouldn't dare take Lin Yu's attack without defending himself.
Yet Jiang Chen remained motionless, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
---
Boom!
Lin Yu's fist landed squarely on Jiang Chen's chest with devastating force.
For a moment, everyone held their breath. Then, something incredible happened.
Jiang Chen merely took a half-step back, stabilizing himself almost instantly. Meanwhile, Lin Yu was thrown backward, stumbling more than ten steps before he finally regained his footing.
The courtyard fell deathly silent.
---
"I… what?!"
"This… this can't be real!"
"Did Jiang Chen just take Lin Yu's full-powered punch with his bare body? And Lin Yu was the one who got knocked back?!"
The students stared at Jiang Chen in utter disbelief, their minds reeling.
Jiang Chen looked at Lin Yu, the faint smirk still playing on his lips. "Lin Yu," he said contemptuously, "your punch is far too weak. Was that supposed to hurt?"
---
"Jiang Chen, don't be so arrogant!" Lin Yu roared furiously, his face red with rage and humiliation. "I'll make you regret this!"
With a wave of his hand, Lin Yu summoned a surge of energy. The air trembled as a massive, transparent palm began to form, expanding to a size of two to three feet in an instant.
"Black Rank Primary Martial Art: Shocking Cloud Palm!"
Lin Yu's voice thundered through the air as the giant palm shot forward, shrouding Jiang Chen entirely with its overwhelming force.
---
The crowd gasped again.
"Lin Yu's using a Black Rank martial skill!"
"That's it. Jiang Chen's done for. No one can take an attack of this level head-on!"
Yet as the massive palm approached, Jiang Chen still didn't move.
Not only did he remain rooted in place, but his eyes actually lit up with excitement.
---
Boom!
The giant palm struck Jiang Chen squarely, engulfing him in a surge of energy that shook the ground. Dust and debris exploded into the air, obscuring Jiang Chen from view.
The crowd watched with bated breath, waiting for the dust to settle.
---
Moments later, as the lingering energy finally dissipated, Jiang Chen's figure reemerged.
He was completely unscathed.
Standing tall and proud, he looked at Lin Yu with the same calm expression as before.
The students froze in shock, their mouths hanging open as they stared at the unbelievable scene.
---
"No way… Lin Yu's Shocking Cloud Palm didn't even scratch him?"
"This is insane! Is Jiang Chen even human?!"
"Lin Yu ranks third on the Lingyun Academy Ranking, and he couldn't hurt Jiang Chen—who didn't even defend himself!"
The students couldn't believe their eyes. Lin Yu had used a powerful Black Rank martial skill, yet Jiang Chen remained unharmed. It was as if his body was made of steel, impervious to any attack.