Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 297: Chapter 297: Defeating Lie Buqun

It wasn’t that Lie Buqun was making a fuss. The event unfolding before his eyes was simply too shocking.

When a Martial Artist attempted a breakthrough, they had to be completely focused and extremely cautious. The slightest mistake could cause them to fall into demonic cultivation. The lesser consequences were a backlash of Spiritual Energy, resulting in incurable internal injuries. The worst was having one’s meridians completely severed, leading to instant death. This danger grew more pronounced in the later stages of cultivation. That was why Martial Artists often sealed themselves away, even seeking protectors, before daring to attempt a breakthrough.

Yet, someone like Ye Qingchen actually dared to attempt a breakthrough in the middle of a battle.

It was hard to say whether Ye Qingchen was fearless out of ignorance or if he genuinely possessed such confidence. Lie Buqun chose to believe the former, thinking Ye Qingchen was just a foolhardy youth. Otherwise, why would he do something so risky?

However, the spectators from the Qingyun Sect were already used to such sights. Ye Qingchen had created too many miracles, like the time he swallowed a Spiritual Fire whole. What normal person could do that? But they all understood that while Ye Qingchen’s actions seemed reckless, he was actually very meticulous and never did anything he wasn’t sure about.

Ye Qingchen cultivated a divine-level Cultivation Technique. During his training, the Fen Tian Earth Fire and the Ancient Jade Spiritual Fire incessantly helped him temper his Spiritual Energy. This resulted in him having an incredibly solid foundation. Furthermore, each breakthrough was the result of long and patient accumulation. Thus, an advancement that others had to treat with utmost caution was a natural course of events for Ye Qingchen.

”This kid’s luck is simply heaven-defying! He actually managed to break through successfully!” even Ling Xiaoyu exclaimed from the judges’ seats.

Xiao Xiao, however, pouted and retorted, ”Senior Brother Xiaoyu, I don’t like hearing that. The Young Master was prepared, alright? How can you call that luck?”

Ling Xiaoyu sighed. I’d better stop speaking ill of Ye Qingchen, or Xiao Xiao might just go berserk.

Having completed his breakthrough, Ye Qingchen’s strength had increased dramatically. He shot a disdainful look at Lie Buqun. How could a person who repeatedly uses Forbidden Medicine to win a match be fit to lead a sect? If a sect like that were allowed to become a two-star sect, I would be the first to object.

”Bind!”

Without hesitation, Ye Qingchen unleashed the talent skill of his Willow Wood Martial Soul. Instantly, countless finger-thick willow branches spread across the entire stage. This was the result of Ye Qingchen constantly pondering and refining his Martial Soul’s skills recently.

Originally, the Willow Wood Martial Soul could generate vines to entangle an enemy. Each vine was as thick as a water barrel, and while this looked imposing, it also had clear disadvantages. Firstly, it consumed a tremendous amount of Vitality Force. Secondly, because the vines were so large, they were not only easy to dodge but also easy for an opponent to shatter and escape from. Therefore, in the past, Ye Qingchen had mostly used the binding skill for support.

The refined version was different. The finger-thick willow branches consumed a negligible amount of Soul Power. And since Ye Qingchen himself possessed the Willow Wood Martial Soul, the conjured branches were highly compatible with his own Wood Attribute. Thus, even though the branches were much thinner than the vines, their toughness was greatly increased. Combined with the reduced demand on his Soul Power, Ye Qingchen could now summon over a thousand willow branches at once.

Lie Buqun was startled by the branches that now covered the entire arena. He swung the flame saber in his hand at the one closest to him. Although the willow branches were tough, they were ultimately of the Wood Attribute and thus naturally countered by Lie Buqun’s flame saber. Under his slash, the branch snapped.

But before Lie Buqun could get excited, he saw that the branch he had severed had split into two, with both halves now converging on him.

Lie Buqun was horrified. Seeing more and more branches swarming toward him, he had no choice but to keep swinging his flame saber, desperately trying to break through the blockade. At the same time, his Flame Leopard Martial Soul blazed behind him, trying to incinerate any branches that got too close.

Ye Qingchen didn’t rush his attack. For one, he wanted to test out his new Martial Soul skill. For another, he wanted to drain Lie Buqun’s Spiritual Energy and Soul Power, waiting for the perfect chance to take him down in one fell swoop. Ideally, I can find evidence that he’s secretly taking Forbidden Medicine and leave this despicable man utterly disgraced!

Now, Lie Buqun was desperate. These willow branches were like earthworms; the more he cut, the more they multiplied. Thankfully, I have the Flame Leopard Martial Soul protecting me. Otherwise, I would have been tightly entangled by these countless willow branches long ago, unable to escape.

However, keeping his Martial Soul burning was a huge drain on his Soul Power. After just a short while, Lie Buqun felt light-headed and weak, teetering on the verge of collapse. Ye Qingchen was constantly monitoring his state. Seeing Lie Buqun show signs of fatigue, he once again manipulated the branches, making them constrict even faster, which made his opponent’s suffering unbearable.

This went on for a full ten minutes before the willow branches on the stage slowly retreated.

By this point, Lie Buqun was exhausted, both mentally and physically. His pristine new robe was tattered and torn. Panting heavily, he leaned on his flame saber, nearly collapsing to the ground.

”What just happened?”

Because the stage had been covered by a dense thicket of branches, most people’s view had been blocked. The spectators with lower strength had no idea what had transpired. Now that the branches were gone, they saw Lie Buqun’s state and asked around curiously.

Those at the Martial Spirit Realm or above, however, stared at Ye Qingchen in astonishment. Only they could comprehend how terrifying that last move had been.

Ling Xiaoyu wanted to say something, but seeing Xiao Xiao’s face filled with adoration, he held his tongue.

”Lie Buqun, I’m going to expose your despicable tricks right now!” Ye Qingchen shouted, unleashing his Mystifying Steps to appear instantly at Lie Buqun’s side.

Lie Buqun’s Spiritual Energy was nearly depleted. Knowing he was no match for Ye Qingchen, his first thought upon seeing him charge over was to surrender. Surrendering is humiliating, but if Ye Qingchen discovers my secret, I’ll have to face the wrath of the Wuji Immortal Palace. My own Fire God Sect might even be razed to the ground because of what I’ve done!

Ye Qingchen had long since activated his Dual Pupil Martial Soul, so he heard every one of Lie Buqun’s thoughts as clear as day. He naturally wouldn’t let him get his way. Therefore, the moment Ye Qingchen rushed over, his first move was to knock Lie Buqun unconscious.