362: Chapter 361 Qin Yi VS Si Hongbin

Upon hearing Qin Yi's answer, Si Zhengxiong did not get angry; instead, he turned his gaze toward Si Yao.

Feeling helpless, Si Yao had a wry smile on her face as she softly persuaded him, "Grandfather, it's just the location of a piece of meteoric iron. It won't affect our Si Family. Please just tell Qin Yi."

Si Zhengxiong looked at his granddaughter, then at the fearless Qin Yi, and finally let out a long sigh. "Sigh. Forget it. I originally wanted to use this opportunity to bring you two together. Now it seems it was just my wishful thinking; you two are destined to meet but not be together."

His tone carried a trace of regret. After a brief pause, he continued, "Qin Yi, I can tell you the source of the meteoric iron. However, before that, I need to see your strength for myself. I heard from Yao Yao that you defeated Si Hongfei without breaking a sweat. Is this true?"

"You flatter me, Elder Si. It was just luck," Qin Yi said modestly.

"There's no need for modesty in front of me! If you truly relied entirely on luck, then I'm afraid you won't be able to go to the source of that meteoric iron."

"Why is that?" Qin Yi asked in confusion.

Si Zhengxiong's expression turned serious as he explained, "The Southwest is covered in primeval forests, and the depths are filled with swamps and toxic miasma, making it exceptionally dangerous. Without sufficient strength to protect yourself, it's easy to get in, but returning in one piece is as difficult as reaching the heavens. Although you are only Yao Yao's 'fake' boyfriend, I cannot knowingly let you take such risks."

"Thank you for the warning, Elder Si. How do you intend to test this Junior?"

"Hongbin, come in," Si Zhengxiong called out toward the door.

The door opened in response, and Si Hongbin walked in quickly, bowing respectfully. "Elder Si, what are your orders?"

"Mhm," Si Zhengxiong nodded and turned his gaze to Qin Yi. "Qin Yi, Hongbin is at the Mid-stage Dark Force. If you can defeat him, I will tell you the detailed situation of that meteoric iron's location. But if you cannot, for your own safety, I'm afraid I'll have to keep it to myself."

Hearing this, Si Hongbin turned to look at Qin Yi, and Qin Yi looked back at him. Since the 'Eye of Truth' was still active, Si Hongbin's attribute panel immediately appeared.

[Name: Si Hongbin]

[Gender: Male]

[Identity: Personal bodyguard to the Si Family Clan Chief, one of Si Zhengxiong's adopted sons]

[Age: 37]

[Realm: Mid-stage Dark Force]

[Cultivation Technique: Eight Extremities Fist (Major Achievement), Blazing Sun Fist Technique (Minor Achievement), Movement Technique — Swimming Dragon Technique (Major Achievement), Internal Skill — Blazing Sun Heart Method (Minor Achievement)]

[Favorability: 30]

[opposite-sex intimacy value: 0]

Qin Yi's gaze fell upon that internal Cultivation Technique, and he felt a bit puzzled. Why is it the Blazing Sun Heart Method? Could it be a simplified version of the 'Blazing Sun True Art'?

Qin Yi quickly assessed the situation in his mind. He had even fought Zhang Yu, who was at Peak Anjin. Facing Si Hongbin at the Mid-stage Dark Force, he should have a significant chance of winning.

Thus, Qin Yi stood up to meet Si Hongbin's gaze and cupped his fists in a salute. "Brother Bin, please go easy on me!"

"Mr. Qin is too polite. I've long wanted to test the person who could easily defeat Hongfei." The corner of Si Hongbin's mouth curled up, revealing a hint of Battle Intent as he gestured with his hand. "Mr. Qin, please step into the courtyard."

Si Yao leaned in close to Qin Yi and warned him in a low voice, "Qin Yi, be careful of Brother Bin's Blazing Sun Fist Technique. It's fierce and swift; do not be careless."

"Don't worry." Qin Yi gave Si Yao a reassuring look and made an 'OK' sign before following Si Hongbin into the courtyard.

Si Yao pushed Si Zhengxiong's wheelchair to the front of the main house, preparing to watch the match between Qin Yi and Si Hongbin.

In the open space paved with bluestone in the courtyard, Qin Yi and Si Hongbin stood facing each other.

The mountain wind from the forest blew through the courtyard, fluttering their clothes. An invisible murderous aura permeated the air.

Si Hongbin's eyes were sharp, and his aura was condensed. His cultivation at the Mid-stage Dark Force was fully revealed, making him look like a leopard ready to pounce.

"Mr. Qin, please." Si Hongbin cupped his fists in a polite salute, but his Battle Intent rose along with it.

"Brother Bin, excuse my offense." Qin Yi took a deep breath and assumed the Three-Body Stance opening of Xingyi Quan.

The two of them moved almost simultaneously.

Si Hongbin's Eight Extremities Fist was fierce and overbearing, every punch carrying a gust of wind that seemed to tear through the air. Qin Yi didn't dare to be careless, deploying his Xingyi Quan to its full extent and meeting the attacks head-on with solid strikes.

The sounds of "bang bang bang" from their collisions were constant.

Si Hongbin's original intention was to test the depths of Qin Yi's abilities first, considering he was only at the Mingjin Stage.

However, the more he fought, the more alarmed he became. This kid's punching power was surprisingly immense, and every collision made his arms go numb. Only then did he understand why Si Hongfei had lost to Qin Yi—this Qin Yi was simply a monster!

"I can't go on like this." Thoughts flashed through Si Hongbin's mind as his figure suddenly became elusive, his footwork as agile as a swimming dragon. Simultaneously, his fist technique changed abruptly, the wind from his punches carrying a scorching heat that made the surrounding air turn scalding.

Qin Yi felt a wave of heat rushing toward him and immediately felt his pressure double.

That scorching wind brushed past his cheek, bringing a stinging, burning pain. It forced him to retreat repeatedly while activating the 'Divine Movement Hundred Changes' movement technique, leaving behind several afterimages in the field.

After creating some distance from Si Hongbin, Qin Yi was secretly shocked: "Is this the Blazing Sun Fist Technique?"

He could feel that if he had been directly hit by that punch just now, it wouldn't have been a simple injury. That scorching internal breath seemed capable of directly damaging the Meridians.

On the sidelines, Si Yao's palms were also sweating. She naturally knew the power of her family's Blazing Sun Fist Technique. Seeing Qin Yi being forced back step by step, she couldn't help but worry for him.

Si Zhengxiong, watching from the side, had his eyes light up at this sight. He looked up at Si Yao and asked, "What movement technique is this? It's even better than our Si Family's 'Swimming Dragon Technique'."

Si Yao also shook her head in confusion and replied, "I haven't seen Qin Yi use it before."

Hearing this, the way Si Zhengxiong looked at Qin Yi changed as he secretly speculated: Could this kid also be from one of the Ancient Martial Arts Families? But none of the current Ancient Martial Arts Families in the Dragon Kingdom have the surname Qin. It seems I need to investigate this kid thoroughly.

Meanwhile, the duel continued.

Qin Yi gritted his teeth, constantly looking for opportunities to counterattack while dodging.

Xingyi Quan changed in a thousand ways in his hands, sometimes as fierce as a tiger, sometimes as agile as a dragon.

The two of them grappled in the field, their fists crossing in a back-and-forth battle.

But the power of the Blazing Sun Fist Technique was too overbearing. Qin Yi could feel his sleeves being scorched by the wind from the punches, and his skin felt waves of stinging pain.

If this continued, he would eventually be injured by that scorching wind.

"No choice then," Qin Yi sighed inwardly.

His gaze focused as he once again activated the 'Eye of Truth'.

Simultaneously, the 'Supreme Soul Suppressing Art' quietly operated, and an invisible spiritual wave pressed toward Si Hongbin.

Si Hongbin, who was in the middle of a fierce attack, suddenly felt a pang of palpitations, and his movements involuntarily slowed by half a beat.

In that split second, Qin Yi moved.

Pushing 'Divine Movement Hundred Changes' to its limit, Qin Yi's ghost-like figure slipped into Si Hongbin's opening, delivering a precise Cannon Punch directly to the other's ribs.

This punch concentrated all his strength and seized that fleeting opportunity.

"Bang!"

Si Hongbin let out a muffled groan and staggered back several steps before barely managing to steady himself.

He clutched his ribs, his face filled with disbelief. He had clearly held the upper hand just a moment ago, so how did it change in the blink of an eye...?

Si Hongbin took a deep breath, his True Qi condensing once more. He didn't believe he would lose to a kid at the Mingjin Stage. Just as he was about to throw another punch, Si Zhengxiong's steady voice came from behind.

"Hongbin, step down." Elder Si clapped and smiled, but his eyes carried an unquestionable authority. "Today's match is Qin Yi's victory."

"Elder Si, I can still..."

"Enough." Before Si Hongbin could finish, Si Zhengxiong raised his hand to interrupt him. His tone was light but carried deep meaning. "You, with a cultivation at the Mid-stage Dark Force, grappled with someone at the Mingjin Stage to this extent. What more is there to say? Step down." These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Si Hongbin's heart.

Indeed, he had been pushed to such a degree by a young man at the Mingjin Stage.

Si Hongbin took a deep breath and suppressed his unwillingness. "Yes."

Qin Yi withdrew his fist at the right moment, cupping his hands while breathing slightly. "I've been lucky, Brother Bin. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I might not have lasted until now."

Si Hongbin shook his head with a bitter smile. "Mr. Qin, there's no need for modesty. I am thoroughly convinced by your strength." He gave Qin Yi a deep look before stepping to the side.

Just then, the System's notification sound rang in Qin Yi's Sea of Consciousness.

[Ding! Detected that Si Hongbin's favorability toward the Host has increased by 10 points. Current favorability: 40!]

[Ding! Detected that Si Zhengxiong's favorability toward the Host has increased by 10 points. Current favorability: 60!]

Si Zhengxiong's gaze lingered on Qin Yi for a long time, a trace of complexity flashing in his eyes. This kid not only had extraordinary strength but also knew how to save face for others after winning. This Heart-Nature was truly rare, and his favorability toward Qin Yi also increased a bit.

Si Zhengxiong laughed loudly. "Young man, you are quite good. You can seize an opportunity while at a disadvantage and turn defeat into victory. No wonder Yao Yao would have you be her 'fake' boyfriend."

Qin Yi steadied his breathing and met Si Zhengxiong's appreciative gaze. "Elder Si, can you tell this Junior the location of the meteoric iron now?"

"Haha, of course. Follow me." As Si Zhengxiong spoke, he looked at Si Hongbin. Si Hongbin immediately stepped forward to take the wheelchair and pushed Si Zhengxiong toward the outside of the courtyard.

Si Yao and Qin Yi followed behind. She couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "What's the origin of that movement technique you just used? I've never seen such a strange movement technique before."

Qin Yi gave a sly smile. "If I said I created it myself, would you believe me?"

"I believe you! You're so amazing, you even created the Basic Body Forging Art yourself. A mere movement technique is naturally no problem for you." Si Yao agreed with her words, but her eyes clearly said, "I'd be a fool to believe you."

The two looked at each other and smiled, tacitly choosing not to probe further.

Walking in front, Si Zhengxiong heard the young people joking behind him, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up. If Yao Yao could have someone like Qin Yi as her partner, he could rest easy.

Soon, the four of them arrived next to several tall and straight ancient trees outside the courtyard.

Si Zhengxiong pointed toward a distant mountain peak and said to Qin Yi, "Do you see that mountain peak that looks like it was chopped by a knife or an axe? That is where the meteoric iron fell."

Qin Yi looked in the direction of Si Zhengxiong's finger. Sure enough, amidst the distant clouds and mist, a towering and steep mountain peak faintly emerged.

Qin Yi gazed at it intently, his consciousness sinking into his Sea of Consciousness. "System, is that mountain peak a Dragon Vein?"

[Ding! Replying to the Host, the distance is too great to judge. Please position yourself within it so the System can make a further judgment.]

"Elder Si, how far is that place from here?"

"Not far, about fifty or sixty kilometers. However, as they say, 'the mountain looks close but it's a long way on foot.' The magnetic field there is chaotic, so a helicopter definitely won't be able to reach it. If you want to go, you can only drive. Once you reach ten kilometers from the foot of the mountain, you'll have to hike in." Si Zhengxiong explained in detail. "As for that piece of meteoric iron, I found it halfway up the mountain back then. As for where it originally was—whether it landed there or rolled down from the summit—I don't know."

"Grandfather, you didn't reach the summit back then?" Si Yao asked curiously.

"No." Si Zhengxiong shook his head. "There was no path past the halfway point. To go any further, you'd have to rock climb. Once I found that meteoric iron, I came back down."

"Besides the difficult mountain path, are there any other dangerous places on that mountain?" Si Yao followed up.

"On the road to the foot of the mountain, there are many poisonous creatures and swamps. As for wild beasts and the like, they aren't really dangerous to us Martial Artists. Besides, so many years have passed, and wild beasts on the mountain have become very rare. If you do encounter any, avoid them if you can. After all, they are national protected animals; it's better not to kill if you can help it."

Si Yao looked at Qin Yi with concern. "Qin Yi, do you really want to go?"

"I'm going. Why wouldn't I? I'm already here," Qin Yi laughed.

"Alright, then I'll go with you!" Si Yao said, her eyes full of excitement.