504: He began to show his talent in the college competition.

The training ground of Tianling Academy was exceptionally noisy today.

The hundred-zhang square bluestone plaza was already packed with Disciples, making it impossible to move. Banners fluttered, drums roared deafeningly, and the air was filled with excitement and tension. The annual Academy Tournament had finally begun.

This tournament was not only a stage for Disciples to display their Cultivation, but also an excellent opportunity for Utility Disciples to be promoted to Outer Sect Disciples, and for Outer Sect Disciples to strive for the Inner Sect. The winning team would not only receive abundant Cultivation resources but also the honor of being personally taught a Cultivation Technique by the Dean. Therefore, every participating Disciple was giving their all, eager to make a name for themselves in this grand event.

On the viewing platform on the east side of the training ground sat the Elders and stewards of Tianling Academy. Old Man Wang was among them, wearing a faded gray robe, looking somewhat out of place among the brightly dressed Elders. But he didn't care, his gaze fixed on a gray figure in the center of the training ground, with a hint of undetectable anticipation in his eyes.

That figure was Lu Shaoyou.

At this moment, he stood side by side with Zhao Yanran, facing their third-round opponents—two Outer Sect Disciples. Both of them were at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining, one level higher than Lu Shaoyou, and their strength was not to be underestimated.

On the surrounding spectator stands, discussions rose and fell.

"Look! That's Lu Shaoyou! The Utility Disciple who punched out a Profound Rank Cultivation Technique!"

"He actually teamed up with Senior Sister Zhao! Senior Sister Zhao is a Genius at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining, her ice-type Spells are exquisite. Their cooperation is probably invincible!"

"Hmph, it's just good luck! A good-for-nothing with a mixed Spiritual Root, even with Senior Sister Zhao's assistance, is no match for Senior Brother Qin Feng!"

When Qin Feng was mentioned, the discussions among the crowd immediately quieted down significantly. Qin Feng, a top expert among Outer Sect Disciples, was at the Seventh Level of Qi Refining, and Cultivated the Profound Rank Low Grade Cultivation Technique,

In the center of the training ground, the referee Elder's voice was as loud as a bell: "The match begins!"

Before his voice faded, the two opposing Outer Sect Disciples launched their attacks first. One held a long sword, using a sharp sword technique to stab directly at Lu Shaoyou's throat; the other formed hand seals, and a scorching fireball whistled out, smashing towards Zhao Yanran.

"Petty tricks!" Zhao Yanran snorted coldly, her jade hand lightly raised, and an ice-blue light barrier instantly appeared. The fireball hit the light barrier with a

At the same time, Lu Shaoyou's figure flickered, his Gale Step executed to its extreme, dodging the long sword's thrust like a ghost. He flipped his wrist, gathering Spiritual Qi at his fingertips, and the Profound Truth of Formation Breaking Finger instantly surged into his mind.

"Break!"

With a soft shout, Lu Shaoyou flicked his finger. A condensed Spiritual Qi finger strike shot through the air, accurately landing on the spine of the sword of the Disciple holding the sword.

"Crack!"

With a crisp sound, the refined iron longsword directly broke. The sword-wielding Disciple's face changed drastically; before he could react, he was kicked in the chest by Lu Shaoyou, sent flying backward, and fell to the ground, losing his combat ability.

The other Outer Sect Disciple, seeing this, was scared Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, and turned to flee. How could Zhao Yanran give him this chance? She waved her jade hand, and several ice cones whistled out, instantly freezing his legs.

"I surrender! I surrender!" the Disciple quickly shouted loudly.

The referee Elder's voice announced the match results: "Lu Shaoyou, Zhao Yanran win!"

Around the training ground, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.

"So powerful! Lu Shaoyou's Formation Breaking Finger is too overbearing!"

"Senior Sister Zhao's ice-type Spells are also too strong! The cooperation between these two is simply flawless!"

Lu Shaoyou and Zhao Yanran exchanged a smile, then walked off the stage side by side. This was their third consecutive victory, just one step away from the finals.

On the viewing platform, Old Man Wang stroked his beard, a relieved smile gracing his lips. Beside him, a middle-aged man in a green Daoist robe was looking at Lu Shaoyou's retreating figure with interest.

This person was the Dean of Tianling Academy, Lu Shou's Personal Disciple. He looked at Lu Shaoyou, a thoughtful glint flashing in his eyes, and murmured to himself, "A mixed Spiritual Root, yet able to grow stronger with each battle, and even perform Cultivation Techniques... This kind of fortuitous encounter is exactly like Dao Venerable Lu Chen a hundred years ago. Interesting, truly interesting."

Soon, the opponents for the finals were determined—it was the favorite to win, Qin Feng, and his teammate, an Outer Sect Disciple at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining.

On the final arena, Qin Feng wore a golden Outer Sect Disciple uniform, with a sturdy build and arrogant eyes. He scrutinized Lu Shaoyou, a mocking smirk playing on his lips: "Kid, I didn't expect a Utility Disciple like you to reach the finals. However, meeting me means you're out of luck. Surrender obediently, and you'll suffer less."

Lu Shaoyou frowned slightly, a cold sneer in his heart. This Qin Feng was just like Zhang Lei and Li Wei before him, arrogant and conceited.

Zhao Yanran stepped forward, blocking in front of Lu Shaoyou, and said coldly, "Qin Feng, don't be so arrogant! On the competition stage, strength is king. It's not yet known who will win!"

Qin Feng scoffed, "Strength is king? Just you two? A good-for-nothing with a mixed Spiritual Root, and a woman who only knows petty tricks, are you worthy of contending with me?"

The referee Elder, seeing the tension between the two, quickly shouted, "The match begins!"

No sooner had his voice fallen than Qin Feng suddenly burst forth. He clenched his fists, Spiritual Qi surged wildly, and faint lion phantoms even appeared on his fists.

"Mad Lion Fist!"

With a roar, Qin Feng threw both fists, accompanied by a whistling sound that tore through the air, smashing fiercely towards Lu Shaoyou. The force of his fists was incredibly overbearing, shaking the bluestone floor of the arena slightly.

"Such powerful fist strength!"

On the spectator stands, there was a chorus of gasps. A full-force strike from the Seventh Level of Qi Refining was indeed extraordinary!

Lu Shaoyou's eyes narrowed, but he did not choose to meet it head-on. He knew that his Cultivation was inferior to his opponent's, and a head-on clash would surely lead to defeat. He once again used Gale Step, his figure like willow catkins in the wind, lightly dodging Qin Feng's attacks.

"Dodge? How long can you dodge?" Qin Feng roared, his fist speed getting faster and faster, forcing Lu Shaoyou to retreat steadily.

Seeing this, Zhao Yanran quickly stepped in to help. She formed hand seals, and countless ice cones shot towards Qin Feng. But Qin Feng's protective Spiritual Qi was extremely thick, and the ice cones shattered instantly upon impact.

"Senior Sister Zhao, don't worry about me!" Lu Shaoyou shouted loudly, "You tie down his teammate!"

Zhao Yanran nodded at his words and turned to attack Qin Feng's teammate.

On the arena, only Lu Shaoyou and Qin Feng remained.

Qin Feng, seeing Lu Shaoyou constantly dodging, grew even more arrogant: "Useless! Only know how to dodge? Have the guts to take one of my punches head-on!"

Lu Shaoyou ignored his taunts and continued to dodge. His gaze was fixed on Qin Feng's fists, searching for a weakness.

As time passed, Qin Feng's attacks became more frantic. His Spiritual Qi consumption was immense, and his fist speed gradually slowed down.

Finally, Lu Shaoyou found his chance!

Qin Feng threw a punch, its force spent, revealing a subtle opening in his chest.

"Now!"

A glint flashed in Lu Shaoyou's eyes. He suddenly stopped dodging. He circulated all the Spiritual Qi in his body, gathering it in his fists. At the same time, he deliberately charged towards Qin Feng's fist.

"Bang!"

Fists collided, and a dull thud echoed.

Qin Feng only felt a powerful rebound force, making his arm numb. And at this moment, a crisp sound rang out—

"Clatter."

An ancient Jade Slip fell from Qin Feng's embrace, rolling to Lu Shaoyou's feet.

Engraved on the Jade Slip were three powerful characters—Startling Thunder Fist!

Lu Shaoyou was overjoyed. He hadn't expected a Cultivation Technique to drop at this critical moment!

Without thinking, he kicked the Jade Slip aside and simultaneously extended his Divine Sense into it. The Profound Truth of Startling Thunder Fist instantly flooded his mind.

This was a Yellow Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique, with fierce and overbearing fist techniques. When punched, there was a faint sound of thunder, and its power far surpassed Stone Shattering Fist!

"You're courting death!" Qin Feng saw that Lu Shaoyou not only didn't dodge but dared to provoke him, and immediately flew into a rage. He once again gathered Spiritual Qi and smashed towards Lu Shaoyou's chest.

"Good timing!"

Lu Shaoyou roared, and Startling Thunder Fist was instantly unleashed.

Faint lightning flickered on his fists, and the fist wind howled, indeed carrying a hint of thunder.

"Startling Thunder Fist!"

With a fierce shout, Lu Shaoyou threw both fists, colliding heavily with Qin Feng's fists.

"Boom!"

This time, it wasn't a dull thud, but like a startling thunderclap!

A powerful shockwave spread out, and the bluestone floor of the arena instantly cracked with several spiderweb-like fissures.

Qin Feng only felt an overwhelming force, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the arena, spitting blood, and unable to get up again.

The entire venue fell silent!

Everyone stared wide-eyed at Lu Shaoyou on the arena, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

Lu Shaoyou, at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer, actually defeated Qin Feng, who was at the Seventh Level of Qi Refining?

How was this possible!

On the viewing platform, the Dean suddenly stood up, a glint flashing in his eyes: "Good fist technique! Good lad! This child will surely achieve great things!"

Old Man Wang was also full of excitement, his hand stroking his beard trembling slightly.

The referee Elder recovered himself and loudly announced: "Finals, Lu Shaoyou, Zhao Yanran win!"

As his voice fell, deafening cheers erupted around the training ground.

Lu Shaoyou slowly retracted his fists, feeling the surging Spiritual Qi within him, his heart filled with joy. This victory not only won him the championship of the Academy Tournament but also gave him the powerful Startling Thunder Fist Cultivation Technique.

Just then, a Jade Slip fell out from the Startling Thunder Fist Jade Slip, rolling to his feet. On it were engraved six characters:

Lu Shaoyou picked up the Jade Slip, and just as he was about to examine it, he felt a soft small hand gently tugging at his sleeve.

He turned to look, only to see Zhao Yanran standing gracefully beside him, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes carrying a hint of shyness and admiration. She took out an ice-blue jade pendant from her embrace and handed it to him: "Lu Shaoyou, this Cold-Resisting Jade Pendant, I personally refined it, and I'm giving it to you."

The jade pendant felt cool to the touch, yet carried a hint of gentle warmth. Lu Shaoyou's heart stirred. He took the jade pendant and said softly, "Thank you, Senior Sister Zhao."

Zhao Yanran's cheeks grew redder, and she turned and ran off the arena.

On the spectator stands, a burst of good-natured laughter erupted.

Lu Shaoyou held the jade pendant in his hand, a warm current flowing through him. He looked up at the viewing platform, meeting the Dean's gaze. The Dean nodded at him, his eyes full of appreciation.

And at this moment, no one knew that deep within the earth veins of the training ground, a node connected to the myriad realms spirit net was slightly vibrating due to the earth-shattering battle that had just occurred.

Above the node, black and white dao rhyme slowly circulated, creating a faint resonance with Lu Shaoyou's Spiritual Qi.

This resonance, like a stone thrown into a lake, rippled subtly through the network of the myriad realms spirit net.

Far away on the Hongmeng Dao Platform in the Hongmeng Ultimate Realm, the eyes of the eight phantoms simultaneously opened slightly.

Their gazes, spanning the distance of space and time, fell upon the gray figure in the Tianling Academy training ground, with a hint of contented smiles in their eyes.

A new legend was quietly rising.

And of all this, Lu Shaoyou was oblivious. He was currently immersed in the joy of victory, completely unaware that his path of cultivation was already closely intertwined with the fate of the entire myriad realms.