NOVEL NEXT Chapter 222: Was He Really That Weak…?
BOOM!
Shen Zhi's punch landed with the force of a collapsing mountain, obliterating an area spanning hundreds of meters.
The forest within the impact zone was decimated—trees splintered into dust, and the ground had been torn open, leaving behind a massive crater where Reon once stood.
As the thick veil of dust gradually settled in the air, Shen Zhi squinted ahead, searching.
But—there was no one.
He frowned.
"...Huh? Where'd that bastard go?"
"Did he die? No… there's not even a corpse. Don't tell me the shockwave disintegrated it?"
He clicked his tongue.
"Tch. Was he really that weak…?"
Unbeknownst to him, Reon had already used his Phantom Mirage Steps to retreat far from the blast zone, reappearing several dozen meters behind, hidden among the trees.
His breathing was unsteady, and a hint of wariness flickered in his eyes.
'Shit... that guy's a Stage-1 Golden Core Realm cultivator. I managed to kill Miu Jiang, who was Stage-2, but only with the help of my Fourth Art... but it's on cooldown now.'
'And worse... he's already awakened Body Energy? That shouldn't be possible. In the novel, he hadn't even unlocked it by the time he fought Yang Lie…'
Body Energy is a distinct form of natural energy, separate from Spiritual Energy, and can only be awakened by Body Cultivators through brutally intense physical training.
This includes relentless self-punishment—striking one's own body with fists imbued with Awakening or Refinement-Stage Aura, or battering oneself with clubs charged with Aura.
Only through such inhuman and unforgiving methods can Body Energy be awakened.
It is considered the harshest form of cultivation in the world.
So powerful is this energy that conventional Aura feels insignificant before it.
Body Cultivators who awaken it can effortlessly block swords infused with pinnacle-stage Aura using nothing but their bare hands—without relying on the Aura Expansion.
Moreover, Body Energy can evolve, ascending into higher realms, allowing Body Cultivators to stand toe-to-toe with even the most elite Weapon Cultivators.
Reon exhaled sharply, steadying his breath.
'No wonder he blocked my Sword Aura so effortlessly… and if that punch had landed, I would've been reduced to dust.'
'I didn't position myself directly behind him for a sneak attack... because he would've sensed it in an instant… and launch a counterattack.'
'But just how the hell did... someone like him sneak in with a group of failure Inner Disciples?'
'And more importantly, how did they manage to hide their strength from the eyes of the Elders for so many years...?'
'Tch... I need to finish this fast. Who knows how many more spies are already running loose?'
Shen Zhi turned around slowly, shaking his head.
"What a disappointment. The Supreme Dao Sect is full of weaklings." he muttered. "I wanted to at least have a little fun..."
But then—
"Crimson Howl Technique…
First Form — Blood Storming Punch!"
A crimson punch shot through the air like a howling tempest, screaming toward Shen Zhi's skull with devastating force.
Shen Zhi blinked... and smirked.
"Oh~ You're still alive? Excellent… I might get some amusement after all."
He casually raised his right hand.
Clang!
A shock of disbelief ran through Reon.
'W-What?!'
'H-How is this even possible…?'
His punch—his High-Tier Unique-Grade Technique, refined to the Intermediate Stage, was caught effortlessly by Shen Zhi's right hand.
Eyes wide, Reon barely had time to react before Shen Zhi's fingers clenched around his fist like a vice.
Their eyes met.
And then, Shen Zhi spoke—his voice low and menacing.
"Now… it's my turn. Those first two hits missed, after all."
His hand, now glowing with Body Energy, reeled back—then lashed forward like a cannon.
CRACK!
"UURRGHH!"
It felt like a ten-thousand-pound boulder had smashed into Reon's skull.
His vision whited out, his jaw nearly dislocated from the sheer force.
He was sent flying, crashing through tree after tree like a broken arrow before finally smashing into a stone cliff.
BOOOOM!
The impact split the rock, burying Reon under rubble.
Cough!
Cough!
This time, blood burst from his lips.
'F-Fuck… cough… That punch… was insane…'
Reon slowly stirred beneath the rubble, groaning as he pushed himself up with one hand, gripping a nearby stone for support.
Blood trickled from his nose. He wiped it away with a finger.
'Should I use the Core Void Eye's First Art…? After stepping into the Foundation Realm, I can use it four times a day now…'
'But… what if other spies have grown as strong as he is... or even stronger? I might need it for them…'
His eyes scanned the surroundings, then lifted to the sky.
'Damn it… no Secret Realm Recording Arrays in this area either. They chose this spot deliberately—where no evidence of their attack would reach the elders.'
'Cunning bastards.'
'What should I do…?'
—Whoosh!
Before the thought even settled, a shadow loomed over him.
'What—?! That fast?'
Shen Zhi had crossed hundreds of meters in the blink of an eye.
Thud!
A heavy hand slammed down on Reon's shoulder, driving him a foot into the ground.
"You're not going anywhere," he said coldly. "I've got a few questions for you. Answer honestly, and I'll make your death quick."
'Ugh… this guy's hand… is he a damn giant or what?' Reon thought, gritting his teeth.
Still, he nodded. "Alright."
'This is my chance…'
Shen Zhi narrowed his eyes. "You know Yi Ran, don't you? You fought her during the Monthly Dueling Event."
'They've been keeping tabs on all the talented disciples… even me?'
"Yes, I know her."
"Tell me everything about her abilities and techniques."
'So… he's cautious of her… afraid of what she's capable of. Trying to gather intel ahead of time.'
Reon kept his voice calm.
"She uses the Dancing Mirage Saber Technique… Serpent Fang… False Heaven Cleave…"
"The first mastered to Grandmaster stage, the second to Master stage, and the third…"
"She wields Purple Saber Aura and has likely reached the Mastery Stage of Aura Expansion by now."
Shen Zhi tapped a finger against his chin.
"Just as we suspected… she's the most dangerous among this year's Outer Disciples—too unpredictable."
Shen Zhi's gaze sharpened.
"Now tell me about Yang Lie."
"He uses the Cloud-Slashing Sword Technique… and perhaps the Nine Direction Sword Technique as well?"
"What about Yang Mi?"
"I don't know. She's never revealed her Core Techniques in public."
Shen Zhi exhaled slowly.
"Alright then… you've served your purpose."
He clenched his fist, gathering brutal Body Energy as he prepared to deliver a finishing blow.
Reon smirked.
"Not me… But you."