Chapter Four: The Final Battle

After listening to his father's words and understanding his difficulties, he earnestly said, "The Nine-Turn Wind and Dew Pill is useless to us now. Let's sell it to the auction house. Although the price will be far less than what we paid for it, it will be enough to tide us over. I will take care of the rest of the problems. The shortage of funds is also my fault."

"Father doesn't blame you. It's all my fault for not protecting you. Sigh, here's another Bead of Bewitching Beauty. I acquired it many years ago but never used it. You can sell it too." He said, taking out a shiny black bead from his pocket and handing it to Han Qi.

"Huh? Body Refinement Level 5, Qi'er, you've reached Body Refinement Level 5! This is far beyond my expectations!" At this moment, Han Yuanshan noticed that Han Qi's cultivation had reached Body Refinement Level 5 overnight. He was simply too monstrous.

"It's the cultivation method that the old Taoist priest who saved my son taught me," Han Qi said calmly as he took the Bewitching Pearl.

"This Bead of Bewitching Power can conceal a person's cultivation level, provided that a portion of one's divine sense is injected into the Bead of Bewitching Power to establish a connection with it." Seeing that Han Qi was unaware of the Bead of Bewitching Power's function, he then explained its purpose. "Unfortunately, my cultivation level is only at the Gathering Yuan Realm, so I have no use for it. If you find it useful, you can keep it for yourself."

Han Qi nodded solemnly and said, "I understand, Father. Don't overwork yourself. Your health is the most important thing. Leave everything to me in the future." Han Yuanshan nodded with satisfaction and said solemnly, "In two days, it will be the day of your battle with Lu Yong. You should focus on improving your cultivation these days. He is at the ninth level of Body Refinement, so don't underestimate him."

"I understand, Father, please rest assured." After saying this, seeing that his father would not say anything more, he quietly withdrew.

After leaving the accounting office, Han Qi did not go to the auction house, but instead went to Han Cheng's residence and gave him the Wind Dew Pill. After all, the auction house was a property of the Lu family, and Han Qi had a grudge against Lu Yong, the eldest son of the Lu family. If he went there, things would definitely not be as smooth as if someone else went.

Han Cheng, the third young master of the Han family, is sixteen years old this year, two years younger than Han Qi. His cultivation has already reached the third level of Body Refinement. However, Han Cheng's mind is not on cultivation, but on alchemy. Unfortunately, the few remaining fire pits in Muyun City have been occupied by the Lu and Lin families. Han Cheng is also planning to go to Huoyun City next year to join the Wuji Sect and cultivate the art of alchemy. This is also why he insisted on going with Han Yuanshan when he went to Huoyun City to buy Wind and Dew Pills, to broaden his horizons first.

Han Qi returned to his room and channeled his divine sense into the Bewitching Pearl, concealing the grade of his meridians. It only displayed as a high-grade Earth-rank Profound Meridian, as his meridians were too conspicuous, having only appeared in legends, and were bound to cause trouble. Furthermore, in battle, concealing one's cultivation level allows for a surprise attack, striking the enemy with unexpected force.

The day of the agreed-upon decisive battle arrived in the blink of an eye. Early that morning, the arena in the city was already packed with people. The news of the conflict between the Han and Lu families had become the talk of the town throughout Muyun City. Many people had placed bets, with the vast majority betting on Lu Yong's victory. Those betting on Han Qi's victory were mostly poor people, drawn by the high odds; a victory for Han Qi would drastically change their lives. However, the biggest bets were placed on the two parties involved: 'Han's Herb Hall' and 'Alchemy Pavilion'. Therefore, the arena was exceptionally lively.

A commotion arose in the crowd as the eldest son of the Lu family arrived at the martial arts arena. The crowd immediately parted to make way for Lu Yong, who, accompanied by two guards, headed straight for the arena. Standing with his hands behind his back, he surveyed the crowd with a smug look, as if he had already won the decisive battle.

At the very front row below the arena, there was an eight-immortal table. Sitting at the table was a middle-aged man dressed in a gray-blue outfit. He was imposing and dignified, exuding an aura of authority. He was none other than Lu Hongtao, the eldest elder of the Lu family, and one of the witnesses to this duel. The two tables on either side were currently empty. Needless to say, one table was reserved for the Han family, and the other was reserved for the Lin family. The Lin family, as one of the three major families of Muyun City, was specially invited to be a witness. Of course, in reality, the Lu family wanted to use this opportunity to make an example of them.

The Lin family and the Han family were close, and the Lin family did not want to see the Han family embarrassed, but they dared not go out, so they kept sending people to watch the situation on the field, so that they would be the last to appear.

At this moment, Han Qi was sitting cross-legged in the room, the vortex of profound energy around his body even larger, his clothes and hair dancing back and forth, making a slapping sound. Han Qi had now reached the seventh level of Body Refinement, two levels lower than Lu Yong. Han Qi felt that he was more than capable of dealing with Lu Yong at this level. Taking a deep breath, he withdrew his profound energy into his life palace, opened his eyes, and seeing that it was already late, quickly got up and left the room.

At this moment, Han Yuanshan was waiting for Han Qi in the front hall. Seeing that Han Qi's realm was the seventh level of Body Refinement, he couldn't help but worry. However, seeing Han Qi's confident and composed demeanor, he felt slightly relieved. This duel was not just a simple martial arts contest, but more importantly, the stakes were the Han family's assets. The family was already facing financial difficulties, so winning would naturally be a good thing, but losing a pharmacy would undoubtedly be adding insult to injury.

"Let's go, Father," Han Qi said calmly.

When Han Qi and his group arrived at the martial arts arena, Lu Yong was already impatient. He paced back and forth on the stage, and when he caught sight of Han Qi approaching, a wicked smile appeared on his lips.

The crowd quieted down. Those with sharp eyes noticed that Han Qi had reached the seventh level of Body Refinement, and were somewhat surprised. He had recovered his meridians and cultivation in just one month. However, he was still two levels below Lu Yong, and his chances of winning seemed slim. They couldn't help but admire Han Qi's courage even more. A path parted in the crowd, and Han Qi lightly leaped onto the arena. Han Yuanshan sat down at the eight-immortal table on the left.

A short while later, the Lin family members also appeared. It was Lin Hongchang, the head of the Lin family, and Lin Yonghao, the eldest son of the Lin family. After bowing to Lu Hongtao and Han Yuanshan, they sat down at the half-moon table on the right.

With everything prepared, Lu Hongtao slowly stood up, glanced at the heads of the Han and Lin families, and said, "Everyone, as agreed, today Lu Yong of the Lu family and Han Qi of the Han family will have a duel, a single match to determine the winner. I ask that both gentlemen stop when they've reached their limit, but remember, in the arena, fists and feet have no eyes, and the consequences are your own responsibility. I believe no one has any objections, right?" Before anyone could interrupt, he continued, "As for the stakes, we'll stick to what the two gentlemen agreed on before: one of the Han family's 'Hanji Baicaotang' and one of the Lu family's 'Liandange' as the stakes. I would appreciate it if everyone present could bear witness." With that, he raised his hand and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the audience.

"If neither side objects, the decisive battle begins!" At the same time, he waved to the two people on the stage, signaling the start of the decisive battle.

"Today it's either you or me, prepare to die!" Lu Yong said, throwing a punch like a tiger unleashed from its cage. A layer of light blue Xuan Qi enveloped his fist, which shot forward like a snake emerging from its hole. He had condensed all his Xuan Qi, and relying on his two-level advantage, even this ordinary punch was enough to subdue Han Qi.

Everyone was shocked. The power of that punch was like a mountain collapsing; Han Qi's life was likely over. Han Qi quickly gathered his energy and threw a punch, a burst of fist energy colliding with Lu Yong's fist. Han Qi didn't dodge but took the punch squarely. The audience was stunned. Han Qi was courting death; a punch from two levels above him could have severely damaged his internal organs. But Han Qi had taken the punch steadily, and the two were evenly matched. Lu Yong was even more astonished; it seemed Han Qi indeed had the right to be arrogant.

Han Yuanshan was even more alarmed, and when he saw Han Qi take a punch and not be at a disadvantage, he finally showed a look of joy. Lu Hongtao remained calm, but was also secretly amazed. Han Qi's physique was indeed excellent, and his talent far surpassed Lu Yong's. He would probably become a formidable enemy of the Lu family in the future, and he must get rid of him when he had the chance.

In the blink of an eye, on the arena, Lu Yong, having missed his first strike, immediately unleashed a Dragon Emerging from the Sea attack. A surge of profound energy startled the spectators closer to the arena, causing them to retreat in alarm. A massive fist formed from profound energy hurtled towards Han Qi. This punch contained the force of two to three hundred jin, and it was none other than the Leather Fist, one of the Five Beast Divine Fists that Lu Yong was proficient in: Leather Fist, Tiger Fist, Monkey Fist, Crane Fist, and Snake Fist. It was also the most direct move, and its power was no less than that of the first punch.

However, while this might be effective against others, Han Qi, with his vast combat experience from his previous life, moved lightly to the right, skillfully dodging the oncoming fatal blow. At the same time, he unleashed a palm strike, striking Lu Yong's shoulder with lightning speed. The seemingly ordinary palm strike contained the force of a hundred pounds. Lu Yong staggered back several steps, barely managing to regain his footing. His entire arm throbbed with pain as he thought to himself, "How is this possible? Such a fast attack. Perhaps I was careless."

After a slight adjustment, he unleashed the Tiger Fist of the Five Beasts Divine Fist. Several fists formed from gathered profound energy shot out, their shadows accompanied by the sound of wind as they hurtled towards Han Qi. Han Qi barely dodged, only to see these fist energies converge into a tiger's paw, striking directly at Han Qi's chest. In his haste, Han Qi struck out with his own palm, meeting the tiger's paw head-on. Han Qi's body was forced back two steps before he regained his footing. However, Lu Yong's set of fist shadows surrounded him again, giving Han Qi no chance to breathe. His Five Beasts Divine Fist set was truly masterful. Han Qi could only concentrate on dodging left and right. At this moment, the two of them were completely enveloped in a cloud of profound energy. Countless profound energy condensed into fist and palm shadows surged out, and the onlookers had already retreated more than two zhang.

At this moment, only the sounds of fighting on the arena could be heard. The entire audience was stunned, their mouths agape. Despite being two levels apart, they were fighting at a level of comparable skill. Han Qi was no pushover at all. Many who had bet on Lu Yong to win now felt a little worried, while those who had bet on Han Qi to win saw a glimmer of hope for a comeback, as the odds were very high.

Suddenly, both men on the stage were sent flying backward, landing face-first on the ring. Han Qi, bracing himself with one arm, slowly got up, while Lu Yong remained motionless. Lu Hongtao, watching from below, immediately rushed over, helped Lu Yong up, and examined him thoroughly. His face turned pale. He picked Lu Yong up, jumped off the stage, and ran outside. The result was obvious: Han Qi had won decisively.

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