Ling Feng's next opponent was Disciple Zhang Wei, now Level 10 after consuming a forbidden strength pill. His muscles bulged grotesquely, veins pulsing with dark qi.
"No tricks will save you now," Zhang Wei growled.
The gong rang.
Zhang Wei charged like a berserk bull, fists cratering the stone floor. Ling Feng triggered **[Combat Analysis]**, but the system glitched:
**[Error: Host's Cultivation Too Low to Analyze Target.]**
*Crap.* Ling Feng ducked a punch that shattered the arena's barrier talismans.
**[Environmental Hazard: Arena Integrity 40%. Collapse Imminent.]**
Ling Feng rolled, snatching a fallen disciple's sword. He channeled his meager qi into the blade, but Zhang Wei swatted it aside like a twig.
**[Health: 50/100]**
**[Broken Ribs: -30% Stamina.]**
*Think like a gamer. Every boss has a pattern.*
He noticed Zhang Wei favoring his left side—a half-healed wound from a spirit beast hunt. Ling Feng feinted right, then slammed a **[Crafting]'-enhanced talisman onto the injury.
**[Improvised "Qi Disruption Talisman" Activated.]**
**[Zhang Wei's Cultivation Temporarily Sealed.]**
The brute roared, collapsing to his knees. Ling Feng pinned him with the shattered sword.
"Yield."
Zhang Wei spat blood. "Never!"
Ling Feng leaned in, whispering, "That pill's rotting your core. Yield, and I'll tell you how to fix it."
**[Persuasion Check: 60/100 (Success).]**
"...I yield."