154: Chapter 154 Battle against Xiang Ben

Xiang Tian keenly sensed that gaze.

He looked up, his pupils shrinking abruptly, and he let out a low, involuntary shout.

"Xiang Hua!"

His brows furrowed tightly, involuntarily.

She was the Fourth Uncle's daughter, from back when they were competing for the position of Young Lord in the branch Family of the Xiang Family.

He had slapped her once.

Earlier, when he returned to the Family, he hadn't seen her anywhere.

He hadn't expected her to have come to the main branch as well.

The next second.

A stream of Divine Sense entered Xiang Tian's mind.

"Xiang Tian, I will definitely not let you leave the Xiang Family alive!"

Xiang Tian's eyes turned cold. Not showing the slightest weakness, he retorted with his own Divine Sense.

"Xiang Hua, I am your cousin. How dare you harbor murderous intent toward me? It seems you still need to be taught a lesson!"

"Hmph! I will repay the humiliation of that day a hundredfold; I will definitely make you pay a painful price!"

Xiang Hua's Divine Sense carried overwhelming rage, then unwillingly withdrew.

Beside him, Xiang Xiaozhi observed all of this, her dark brows knitting together tightly.

With a puzzled expression, she tugged on Xiang Tian's sleeve. "Brother Xiang Tian, why is that woman glaring at you so viciously? Do you know each other?"

Xiang Tian shook his head helplessly. "Don't worry about her; she's just an unreasonable lunatic."

He mused to himself: Even if he had slapped her back then, it shouldn't have reached the point of life-or-death enmity, right?

However, having said that.

Over the past six months, Xiang Hua's cultivation had improved extremely quickly.

Looking at the aura around her, she had actually already reached the Martial King Realm!

This rate of improvement was not at all inferior to his own.

Seeing Xiang Tian's strange expression.

The suspicion in Xiang Xiaozhi's eyes deepened, and she leaned in close to him.

She whispered, "Brother Xiang Tian, tell me honestly, that woman—she isn't someone you abandoned in the past, is she?"

Hearing this, black lines immediately appeared on Xiang Tian's forehead.

He reached out and flicked her forehead lightly.

He said irritably, "What nonsense are you spouting! Thinking all sorts of messy things."

Unable to resist Xiang Xiaozhi's curious gaze.

Xiang Tian had no choice but to briefly explain his cousin relationship with Xiang Hua and the conflict during the branch Family competition to this imaginative young girl.

"Ah? So you're cousins!" Xiang Xiaozhi quickly covered her mouth.

Recalling what she had just said, her cheeks instantly flushed bright red.

She lowered her head in embarrassment.

After realizing what happened, she lifted her head again, clutching her small fists with a face full of indignation.

"Even if you are cousins, she shouldn't want to kill you just because of a slap. That's too hateful!"

Xiang Tian looked at her puffed-up appearance and smiled helplessly.

He flicked her forehead again. "This is a grudge between her and me; it has nothing to do with you. You are not allowed to get involved, understand?"

"Hmph!" Xiang Xiaozhi covered her forehead and snorted coldly.

She deliberately turned her head away.

But she still secretly kept an eye on Xiang Hua in the corner of the arena with the corner of her eye.

"Bang—!"

Just at that moment.

A dull, thunderous sound suddenly exploded on the fighting ring, interrupting their argument.

Everyone looked toward the sound and saw Xiang Yuan being fiercely struck in the chest by a palm from Xiang Jue.

He fell heavily from the ring, and the moment he hit the ground.

A mouthful of blood spewed out, and then his eyes closed, and he passed out cold.

"Brother!" Seeing this, Xiang Xiaozhi's face turned deathly pale, and she screamed.

She rushed over and knelt beside Xiang Yuan.

Xiang Tian's brows also locked tightly, his gaze casting coldly toward Xiang Jue on the ring.

And at this moment.

Xiang Jue's gaze happened to land on him, carrying a hint of provocation and disdain.

Xiang Jue slowly took a step and walked toward the edge of the ring.

"Xiang Tian, I heard that you have recently risen to fame and possess powerful strength. I would really like to spar with you and see just how much capability you actually have."

Xiang Tian raised an eyebrow.

"Judging by your appearance, you suddenly appeared today to compete for the position of Young Lord. I'm afraid it's not just for the Young Lord position, but specifically to find a reason to fight me?"

Having his intentions exposed, Xiang Jue's expression darkened instead.

He chided imperiously, "You are right! As a cousin, you dared to be so ruthless, beating your own cousin in public. You are simply a beast! I am here to seek justice for Xiang Hua and teach you a lesson!"

Xiang Tian was momentarily stunned, his brows furrowing even tighter.

He hadn't expected Xiang Jue to come looking for trouble because of Xiang Hua.

Just at that moment.

A coquettish voice suddenly came over: "Big Brother Xiang Jue~"

Xiang Hua emerged from the crowd and sprinted toward the ring.

In the blink of an eye, she threw herself into Xiang Jue's arms.

Her posture was delicate, and her face was full of grievance.

Xiang Tian watched this scene and instantly understood the reason behind it.

Xiang Hua leaned in Xiang Jue's arms, twisting her body.

Her voice was soft and sweet: "Congratulations, Big Brother Xiang Jue, for successfully winning this round. You are one step closer to the position of Young Lord."

Xiang Jue waved his hand dismissively. "A mere piece of trash at the Early Stage of the Martial Emperor Realm is worthy of being my opponent? Winning against him was just a trivial matter."

As he spoke, he reached out and wrapped his arm around Xiang Hua's waist.

His eyes were ambiguous, and his tone was frivolous. "This Young Master can still accompany you for hundreds of rounds tonight and dote on you properly."

As the words fell, Xiang Jue embraced Xiang Hua.

His figure flashed, and he instantly vanished from the arena.

Only a cold Divine Sense was left, entering Xiang Tian's mind: "Xiang Tian, just wait for Xiang Jue to kill you! Hahaha!"

Xiang Tian dismissed this with disdain and couldn't even be bothered to reply with his Divine Sense.

He secretly made up his mind: After this competition ended, he would definitely teach this woman, Xiang Hua, who had no respect for her Elders and twisted right and wrong, a good lesson.

"Number 99 versus Number 66! Will both contestants please ascend the ring as soon as possible!"

Just at that moment.

The Second Elder's aged and resounding voice came, breaking the silence of the arena.

Xiang Tian regained his focus and looked down at Xiang Xiaozhi, who was still tending to Xiang Yuan.

He urged, "Xiaozhi, take your brother back to treat his injuries first and take good care of him. I'm going to compete."

After speaking, he didn't linger and leaped up.

His figure landed lightly on the ring.

Opposite him, a burly man with a face full of flabby flesh was already standing there.

The man stared at Xiang Tian, his eyes full of hostility and disdain.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Xiang Tian, I've finally been matched against you! Today, I will definitely teach you, this so-called 'Prince,' a lesson and let you know the power of our Xiang Family's main branch!"

Xiang Tian smiled faintly, his tone calm. "Since you want to fight me so much, today, I will grant your wish."

"Go, Xiang Ben! Teach him a lesson and stop him from being so arrogant!"

"Exactly! An outsider from a branch Family thinks he's worthy of being a Prince? Daring to run wild in the main branch—he simply doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth!"

"Xiang Ben, crush him! We support you!"

...

Below the ring.

A crowd of Xiang Family disciples who couldn't stand Xiang Tian started jeering.

Hearing this, Xiang Ben felt his blood boil, and the Battle Intent in his eyes grew even stronger.

He shouted, "Take this punch!"

He leaped up, his massive fist wrapped in a powerful gust of wind.

It smashed fiercely toward Xiang Tian.

That punch carried immense power, and a slight whistling sound echoed in the air.

Xiang Tian's brows furrowed slightly, and he became secretly vigilant in his heart.

This strength was actually even more powerful than he had anticipated.

It far exceeded his current capacity to endure!

He dared not take it head-on and shifted his body slightly to the side.

He dodged the attack lightly, his movements fluid and without any hesitation.

Xiang Ben's punch missed, smashing heavily onto the ring.

He turned his head and looked at Xiang Tian.

He chided with a face full of mockery, "I thought you were so strong! It turns out you're just a coward who only knows how to dodge, not even daring to take one of my punches!"

Xiang Tian stood where he was, his expression indifferent.

He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Big guy, if you have the ability, catch up to my speed first!"

"You're courting death!" Xiang Ben was thoroughly provoked and roared.

He raised his fist again and smashed it toward Xiang Tian.

Punch after punch, faster and faster, the wind of his fists was sharp.

"Hehe, can't hit me, can't hit me!" Xiang Tian's movements were agile.

He dodged flexibly on the ring.

While dodging, he also deliberately teased Xiang Ben.

"Damn it! Stand still!" Xiang Ben chased, panting heavily.

The veins on his forehead popped, and his face was bright red.

Yet he couldn't even touch the corner of Xiang Tian's clothes.

It is well known that those with powerful strength often have correspondingly slower speed.

Xiang Ben was naturally burly and possessed astonishing strength, but speed was his shortcoming.

And Xiang Tian's advantage was precisely speed.

Facing Xiang Ben's fierce attacks at this moment, he was naturally at ease, dodging with ease.

"You can't catch me~ Can't catch me~" Xiang Tian teased deliberately while dodging.

Enraged, Xiang Ben's fury burned, and his attacks became increasingly impatient and chaotic.

Such chasing and dodging continued for half an hour.

Xiang Ben gradually became exhausted, his breathing rapid.

His steps became sluggish, and every punch he threw.

Required a huge amount of effort, and his face turned from bright red to deathly pale.

"If you... have... the ability... fight me... head-on... stop hiding..." Xiang Ben held his knees, gasping for air.

His speech became intermittent, but his eyes remained stubborn, staring fixedly at Xiang Tian.

Hearing this, Xiang Tian suddenly stopped his dodging.

A faint smile curled on the corner of his lips.

"You said that yourself, don't regret it."

As the words fell, nine golden short swords appeared out of thin air.

Hovering in front of him.

"Go!"

Xiang Tian let out a low shout, and the nine golden short swords instantly turned into nine golden afterimages.

They shot toward Xiang Ben at high speed, sealing off all his retreat paths.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!..."

"Sshh—!"

Seeing this, Xiang Ben's expression changed abruptly.

He quickly raised his fists, struggling to defend himself, and managed to knock away eight short swords in succession.

But he was still a step too slow; the last short sword grazed his arm.

Leaving a deep wound, blood instantly gushed out, staining his sleeve red.

"Despicable and shameless! Xiang Tian, you actually used hidden weapons!" Xiang Ben cursed, holding his bleeding arm with a face full of rage.

Xiang Tian waved his hand dismissively. "All is fair in war; you can only blame yourself for reacting too slowly and having inferior skills. Besides, this isn't a hidden weapon; it's my life-bound Magical Artifact. The main event is still to come!"

As the words fell, he formed hand seals with both hands.

He shouted lowly, "Phoenix Slash!"

A scorching red crescent appeared out of thin air, wreathed in raging flames.

Emitting a terrifying aura, it slashed fiercely toward Xiang Ben.

Seeing this, Xiang Ben's face changed completely.

By now, he had already been worn out by Xiang Tian, his physical strength exhausted.

He had no extra strength to counterattack, and he barely had the energy to dodge.

"Haa—!"

He gritted his teeth, using the last bit of spiritual energy in his body.

With a loud shout, he formed hand seals: "Golden Shield! Golden Bell Shield!"

A golden light barrier appeared out of thin air.

It transformed into a huge golden bell, shielding him firmly inside.

"Boom—!"

"Clang—!"

The Phoenix Slash, wrapped in raging flames and powerful momentum, slashed directly onto the golden bell.

The violent collision sound was deafening, and the ring shook violently.

A powerful wave of air spread out in all directions.

"Crack—!"

The golden bell only lasted for a single breath of time.

Fine cracks appeared on the body of the bell.

"Damn it!" Xiang Ben was trapped inside the Golden Bell Shield, his brows locked tightly.

Only at this moment did he completely understand.

Xiang Tian's previous dodging was not out of fear of him at all.

It was to deliberately exhaust his physical strength, waiting for this moment when he was spent!

"You're quite persistent." Xiang Tian's voice came slowly.

"Since that's the case, let me show you this move again. I hope you can still hold on."

As the words fell, the flames around him became even hotter.

He shouted lowly again, "Phoenix Flame!"

A surging red flame erupted from his body.

Like a burning fire dragon, it swept toward the direction of the golden bell.

Instantly wrapping the entire bell within it, the scorching temperature.

Made the air of the entire arena become hot and dry.

"Ah—! So hot! Too hot!" Xiang Ben inside the Golden Bell Shield could no longer hold back.

He let out a painful scream.

His skin was burned by the heat of the flames, turning bright red.

"Hehe, finally can't hold on?" Xiang Tian chuckled.

"I advise you to admit defeat early. If this continues, even if you don't die, you will be burned into serious injury; it's not worth the loss."

"I, Xiang Ben... when have I ever lowered my head to anyone? Even if I die... I will never admit defeat to you!" Xiang Ben said through gritted teeth.

Even while enduring the scorching of the raging fire, he refused to make any compromise.

The clothes on his body had long been burned to tatters by the heat of the flames.

One piece after another, and at this moment, they were almost completely burned away.

"Tsk tsk tsk," Xiang Tian shook his head.

"Xiang Ben, I think in the future, you shouldn't be called Xiang Ben anymore; you might as well change it to 'Running Naked,' since the clothes on your body are almost burned away anyway."

Xiang Ben was so angry that he trembled all over, his face flushed red.

A mouthful of old blood almost spewed out again, but he was completely helpless.

He could only be trapped inside the Golden Bell Shield, enduring the scorching of the fire and Xiang Tian's mockery.

The crowd below the ring held their breath at this moment.

They didn't dare to breathe, everyone breaking into a cold sweat for Xiang Ben.

In the eyes of the crowd.

Xiang Ben was trapped in a sea of raging fire.

Because of the obstruction of the Golden Bell Shield, only a small amount of Phoenix Flame could touch his body.

But even so, that scorching temperature.

Was enough to make him endure tremendous pain.

"This Xiang Tian's strength is truly a mystery! Even Xiang Ben, who is known for his powerful strength, is being played in circles by him and is simply no match for him."

"Yes, yes! It seems we were indeed too shallow before, underestimating this Xiang Tian who came from the branch Family. His strength is far more powerful than we imagined."

"It seems his Opportunity is truly not something we can imagine. In the future, we had better provoke him less."

"..."

Below the ring, the crowd whispered and discussed one after another.

The gaze they cast toward Xiang Tian, from the initial mockery and disdain.

Gradually turned into awe and wariness; no one dared to jeer at will anymore.

Nor did anyone dare to look down on this young Prince of a different surname.

And Xiang Tian on the ring.

Still stood there leisurely, his expression indifferent.

Not at all affected by the surrounding discussions.

He looked down at Xiang Ben, who was already in a sorry state inside the Golden Bell Shield.

Then he raised his eyebrows slightly and said in a calm tone, "Since one strike isn't enough, then I'll come with a second one. I want to see how long you can hold on."

As he spoke, he formed hand seals with both hands again.

The flames around him became even hotter.

Above the ring, a huge red crescent appeared again.

The flames were raging, and the momentum was even more powerful than the previous Phoenix Slash.

"Phoenix Slash!"

Xiang Tian shouted lowly, and that huge Phoenix Slash.

Slowly descended toward the direction of the Golden Bell Shield, carrying a world-destroying momentum.

Xiang Ben inside the Golden Bell Shield, watching the increasingly approaching Phoenix Slash.

His face turned completely pale, and his eyes were full of despair.

"Bang—!"

"Crack—!"