High Martial Arts: Grinding for the Supreme Talent

Chapter 334: Chapter 334: Advancing to the Top 16

”That’s right. Against this kind of opponent, you either use absolute strength to crush them forcefully.”

”Or you use absolute speed, overwhelming their defenses to land a killing blow.”

The cheerful Wang Mingxi’s eyes were bright and profound, taking in every detail of the battle on the arena floor.

He was an SS-level Spiritual Mind Master, able to clearly perceive things others could not.

Liang Yuxin nodded in agreement. She herself had been defeated by Lin Qi’s overwhelming power in the national freshmen tournament. She then offered her own judgment.

”I have a feeling Sula is going to lose!”

”Because Lin Qi has no weaknesses. He’s incredibly strong and fast.”

The moment she finished speaking, the situation in the arena changed.

...

On the arena floor.

CLANG! CLANG!

In just a few short seconds, Lin Qi and Sula exchanged over a dozen blows.

Lin Qi could feel his strength and Power being discharged and dispersed.

At the same time, Sula’s rapier struck out intermittently like a cold water snake.

Several ways to deal with his opponent instantly surfaced in Lin Qi’s mind.

’Then I’ll just have to beat you at your own game!’

Lin Qi made his decision in an instant!

Aside from Force Discharge, Sula’s greatest strength was his unpredictably fast movements!

Force Discharge and speed—these two great advantages allowed him to easily defeat any opponent.

He was an SS-level genius, even faster than Li Hexuan of the Silla Kingdom.

In Lin Qi’s eyes, however, Sula’s movements were slowing down.

Suddenly, Sula sensed extreme danger, compelling him to subconsciously unleash a Killing Technique.

The Flow of Power within his body swirled like a vortex of water, streams of it flowing out to coat his blade.

His unique Soft Water Strength utilized Power Separation, coalescing into a blue longsword that simultaneously enveloped Lin Qi.

The Killing Technique of the *Soft Water Sword Technique*—Gentle Water Ten Thousand Ridges!

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Sula didn’t know why he’d unleashed his Killing Technique. But since he’d used it, he might as well end the battle!

”Die!!”

A twisted smile spread across his face!

Countless sharp swords shot out like a volley of ten thousand arrows, blanketing the entire area.

The spectators in the stands could only see the sky filled with a dazzling flurry of blue sword-shadows.

Too fast! Too many!

How could anyone block that?

In that same instant, a sharp glint flashed in Lin Qi’s eyes as his aura exploded and his muscles vibrated.

He activated *Thunder Shadow Instant Kill Step*!

His leg muscles roared to life like an engine as his foot stomped on the ground.

CRACK!

Unable to bear the force, a large chunk of the concrete floor caved in.

WHOOSH—

His speed suddenly skyrocketed, turning him into a black blur of lightning, as if on 2x speed.

He gripped his Black Great Spear, his muscles swelling and veins bulging as terrifying strength erupted from him.

With this burst of power and speed, the tip of his spear shot forward like a black dragon emerging from the sea. It sliced through the air, tearing and compressing it, forming layer upon layer of shockwaves.

Power condensed at the spear’s tip, negating all air resistance.

Into this single thrust, Lin Qi integrated the essence of the *Drip Water Spear Skill* and the *Meteor Spear Technique* he had previously learned.

This thrust was the epitome of speed, even faster than the one he’d used to defeat Li Hexuan.

In the audience, Li Hanjiang and Li Hexuan’s eyes went wide when they saw Lin Qi’s spear thrust.

”That thrust...”

On the arena floor, Sula’s eyes widened. He saw what looked like a meteor streaking across the sky.

A cold light flickered, and in an instant, it pierced through his Gentle Water Ten Thousand Ridges, shattering all the surrounding Power.

’I can’t block it in time!’

’It’s too fast!’

’He broke my Killing Technique just like that!’

He wanted to dodge, but it was too late. The space around him seemed to have frozen, leaving him to watch helplessly as the sharp spear tip plunged into his chest!

PFFT—

The spear tip pierced his flesh, his heart, and exited through his back. The sound of the weapon running through his body made Sula’s heart turn cold.

’It’s over!’

He stared at Lin Qi, who was now right in front of him, his expression a mixture of panic, confusion, and indignation...

The complex emotions twisted his face into a contorted mask.

”An SS-level genius, is this all you’ve got?”

Lin Qi said coldly, his voice dripping with contempt.

Having studied the Xia Country Language, Sula understood immediately. The words were like a sharp blade stabbing viciously into his chest.

They hurt even more than the great spear currently piercing his chest.

In an instant, blood rushed to his head, and amidst the agony, he faded into the void.

[Match 1: Lin Qi (Xia Country) wins!]

An emotionless, automated voice announced the result from above the arena.

The announcement echoed throughout the stands.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

After a second of silence, thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.

”Lin Qi from Xia Country is incredible!”

”He actually defeated an SS-level genius! It’s unbelievable!”

”How did he do it?”

Only the section for Tailande’s spectators remained silent. They stared blankly, dazed and dejected.

Their country’s strongest genius, an SS-level prodigy born only once every three years, the one in whom they had placed such immense hope—Sula.

He had actually been eliminated in the round of 32.

And the one who eliminated him wasn’t even an Awakened genius. How could they possibly accept this?!

Not only could they not accept it, but Sula couldn’t either.

He had extreme confidence in his own strength. Ever since he Awakened, it was as if he had become the protagonist of the world, with everything revolving around him.

But today’s match had dragged him back to reality.

...

”YES!”

In the White Eagle Federation’s stands, Wims and the others shouted excitedly.

He even stood up and high-fived his friends in excitement.

”That Lin Qi from Xia Country, he’s too amazing!”

”He’s my idol! I want to get his autograph!” someone said.

The others nodded. Even though they were geniuses from the White Eagle Federation, they too had been won over by Lin Qi.

They were overjoyed to see Lin Qi defeat an SS-level genius.

...

The people from Xia Country were also ecstatic.

”Tailande is completely wiped out, haha!”

”Did they really think they could win against Lin Qi? Impossible!”

In the Shanyu Martial Arts University stands, Wang Mingxi sighed in admiration. ”Incredible. Even an SS-level genius lost!”

”He has no weaknesses. I’m not even sure I would be his opponent anymore.”

In the stands for Nether Sea Martial Academy, Li Hanjiang also shook his head.

”I’m no match for Lin Qi!”

”He’s gotten even stronger. Even if I unleashed my Little Divine Power, I’m not certain I could beat him.”

”What a monster!!”

...

「Xia Country, Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy, Tenth Institute Stands」

”Looks like Lin Qi has gotten stronger again!” Pei Jiu suddenly remarked.

”It’s a good thing Brother Qi is so strong. I’m really looking forward to seeing how many rounds he can get through,” Wan Ming added with a nod.

In the Sixth Institute’s section,

Lin Qi was teleported back to the stands, where he was greeted by another round of enthusiastic praise.

”Brother Qi is a badass!!” someone shouted.

The others echoed the sentiment.

”Stay humble, guys. He only beat one SS-level genius!” Jiangtao said, unable to hold back his grin.

Lin Qi looked up at the space above the arena. ’That’s right,’ he thought. ’This is only the beginning.’

On the Pyramid, he had become the first person to reach the eighth round. Fifteen seats were still waiting for their masters.

And in the next round, his opponent would only be stronger.

...