Chapter 51

Having already witnessed Gu Yang’s formidable strength in previous battles, Qi Tianhe didn’t dare underestimate him from the start.

He immediately unleashed the powerful true energy unique to the peak of the Tenth Layer of the Condensation Realm. His right hand clenched into a fist, instantly enveloped in a swirl of blue true energy.

“This punch is called Frostwind Fist!” he declared. “A perfected mid-tier Earth-grade fist technique.” “Can you take it?”

With that, he launched forward, his fist…brimming with immense true energy…hurtling straight toward Gu Yang’s face.

In the next moment, a mysterious force erupted!

Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd of disciples.

It was… fist intent!

Thirty percent fist intent!

“Thirty percent fist intent?!” “Qi Tianhe never used fist intent in his previous matches… He was hiding it all along!” “He’s pulling out his trump card right away. Looks like he wants to crush Gu Yang with overwhelming force and prove his dominance.” “This punch… it could probably kill a Core Formation Realm cultivator!” “Not probably…definitely! Senior Brother Qi’s Frostwind Fist is already perfected. He once used it to kill a first-layer Core Formation expert!” “Damn… killing someone a whole realm above? That’s insane!” “So this is the power of the top true disciple?” “Gu Yang’s going to lose!”

The crowd of true disciples buzzed with discussion. Seeing Qi Tianhe reveal his trump card, most of them naturally leaned toward his victory. After all, the strength he displayed now was already comparable to the Core Formation Realm.

Although the peak of the Condensation Realm and the Core Formation Realm were technically adjacent, the gap between them was massive…almost insurmountable.

Once a cultivator in the Core Formation Realm condensed their true energy into a vortex, it transformed into true essence. And true essence was far superior to mere true energy.

To defeat someone in the Core Formation Realm while still in the Condensation Realm… Was like reaching for the heavens!

Yet Qi Tianhe had done it. That alone proved how terrifying his strength was.

“Not bad. Looks like Gu Yang’s going to lose,” said the Grand Elder of the Frostwind Sect from the stands, stroking his beard with satisfaction. His expression remained calm. Though Gu Yang’s talent was extraordinary, defeating their top true disciple was still wishful thinking.

The other elders didn’t speak. They simply watched the duel intently.

Facing Qi Tianhe’s full-powered punch, Gu Yang’s expression turned serious.

He had to admit… The power behind this punch was indeed overwhelming.

But he showed no fear.

As the punch roared toward him, the howling wind whistled past his ears. Gu Yang slowly raised his fist…still without using any true energy or technique…and threw a punch of his own.

It looked utterly ordinary.

The next moment, the two fists collided mid-air!

A terrifying shockwave exploded outward.

The entire arena trembled violently.

Fortunately, the judges had anticipated such a clash. Several elder referees quickly acted together to stabilize the dueling platform.

Powerful gusts of wind swept in all directions.

Gu Yang staggered backward.

In this clash… He had been overpowered.

He retreated dozens of steps before finally regaining his balance. His blood surged wildly, and even his right fist trembled slightly.

“He’s strong, no doubt about it,” Gu Yang muttered, shaking out his hand. He wasn’t surprised by the outcome.

He had known from the start that relying on brute strength alone wouldn’t be enough to overpower this move like he had done before.

Still, he had wanted to give it a try.

“Gu Yang got pushed back!” “That’s the first time he’s lost a direct clash of fists, right?” “He still didn’t use any true energy. Isn’t that a bit arrogant?” “No, it’s confidence! Look…his blood might be churning, but he’s not actually injured.” “His body is ridiculously tough.” “Even so, it looks like he’s going to lose.” “Yeah, the top true disciple is just too strong!”

The crowd couldn’t help but sigh in amazement. They were puzzled by Gu Yang’s refusal to go all out, but they didn’t hold out much hope for him.

The gap in strength was simply too vast.

Even if Gu Yang used fist intent or techniques, he might still not be able to defeat Qi Tianhe.

That punch… could kill a Core Formation cultivator!

If Gu Yang didn’t have such a monstrous physique, he would’ve been seriously injured by now.

Seeing Gu Yang retreat, Qi Tianhe smiled.

He clearly heard the crowd praising him…and he relished it.

“Gu Yang, you’re strong, no doubt. But unfortunately, this isn’t your era yet,” he said smugly. “Maybe in the next True Disciple Tournament, no one will be your match. But for now… step aside.” “Surrender. I don’t want to hurt you.”

He raised his chin and delivered his lines with theatrical flair, drawing gasps and admiration from the crowd. His smile grew even wider.

But Gu Yang only chuckled in response.

The match wasn’t over. They were only halfway through, and Qi Tianhe was already popping champagne?

Wasn’t it a bit too early?

With that thought, Gu Yang didn’t retreat…instead, he advanced, throwing another punch to launch a counterattack.

Seeing Gu Yang take the initiative, Qi Tianhe’s brows furrowed.

He was annoyed.

He had given Gu Yang a way out, and the guy didn’t take it?

Fine. Don’t blame me for being ruthless!

With that, Qi Tianhe’s true energy surged again. His Frostwind Fist gathered power, ready to strike the moment Gu Yang got close.

He planned to knock Gu Yang out of the arena with one blow… And claim victory!

Immediately after, Qi Tianhe saw Gu Yang appear right in front of him.

Gu Yang swung his seemingly ordinary fist once again.

Qi Tianhe frowned slightly.

The same move again?

Just as that thought crossed his mind, his pupils suddenly contracted.

Because in the next instant…

He felt an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from Gu Yang’s punch!

His eyes widened.

A familiar yet profound force surged from Gu Yang’s fist.

It was…fist intent!

And not just any fist intent…it was three-tenths, the same level as his own!

Gu Yang had actually comprehended three-tenths fist intent?!