Chapter 18: Heavenly Insight Eye
The arena was filled with anticipation as the next match was announced. Feng Yi, the quiet and unassuming Outer Disciple, was set to face Liang Chen, a prodigy from the Liang Clan, one of the main clans of Red City. This battle was for the 900th position—a critical milestone that separated menial disciples from those with a chance to rise higher in the sect.
Whispers swept through the crowd as the two combatants entered the ring. Liang Chen was renowned for his mastery of Spirit Qi techniques and his family's signature style, the Stone Earth Barrage, a technique that combined overwhelming offense with impenetrable defense. Feng Yi, on the other hand, was an enigma to most, his quiet demeanor hiding the depth of his cultivation.
The Battle Begins
The elder overseeing the match raised his hand. "Begin!"
Liang Chen wasted no time, summoning a wave of Spirit Qi that formed into boulders hovering in mid-air. With a flick of his hand, the boulders launched toward Feng Yi, each strike carrying devastating force. Feng Yi dodged gracefully, his movements precise and calculated, his calm demeanor unbroken.
"Is that all?" Liang Chen taunted, summoning more boulders to intensify his assault.
Feng Yi's eyes narrowed as he activated his first technique, Phantom Step, a body movement technique that allowed him to blur out of sight momentarily. He weaved through the barrage, closing the distance between them.
When Feng Yi was within striking range, Liang Chen shifted to a defensive stance, activating the Granite Shield, an earth-based defensive barrier. Feng Yi's strikes landed but were deflected harmlessly by the glowing barrier.
"You're not breaking through this," Liang Chen said smugly.
Feng Yi didn't reply. Instead, his eyes flashed with a golden hue as he activated his trump card: Heavenly Insight Eye, an ocular technique that transcended the Mortal Realm. The crowd gasped as the technique revealed itself, its brilliance shocking even the elder overseeing the match.
With the Heavenly Insight Eye, Feng Yi could perceive weaknesses in his opponent's techniques and movements. He focused on the Granite Shield, his golden eyes analyzing its structure until he spotted a flaw. In a swift motion, Feng Yi struck the weak point, shattering the barrier with precision.
Liang Chen staggered, his defense compromised. But he was far from finished. Channeling his Spirit Qi, he unleashed the Stone Earth Barrage, surrounding himself with floating shards of stone that he directed toward Feng Yi in rapid succession. The arena became a storm of debris and power.
Feng Yi relied on his Phantom Step and the predictive ability of his ocular technique to evade the assault. With each dodge, he moved closer to Liang Chen. Finally, Feng Yi unleashed his finishing move: Ethereal Palm, a strike infused with Spirit Qi that bypassed defenses and struck directly at Liang Chen's core.
The impact sent Liang Chen sprawling. He tried to rise but collapsed, breathing heavily. The elder stepped forward and declared, "Feng Yi is the winner!"
The crowd erupted in applause and disbelief. "He's at the third stage of Muscle Refinement!" someone exclaimed. The revelation of Feng Yi's cultivation level and his Heavenly Insight Eye left everyone stunned.
Da Cai's Inspiration
As the crowd dispersed, Da Cai returned to his quarters, the memory of Feng Yi's battle replaying in his mind. The precision, the control, the harmony between techniques—it was a revelation. He sat cross-legged, channeling his Spirit Qi through his body.
As he focused, a flash of inspiration struck him. Combining his cultivation methods in a new way, he felt a breakthrough. His Qi surged, breaking through the barriers within his body. A wave of warmth washed over him as he stepped into the second stage of Muscle Refinement.
Da Cai opened his eyes, his resolve stronger than ever. "If Feng Yi can rise so high, so can I."