Another dazzling spark burst forth as both Lin Yi and Xue Qianzhong were sent staggering backward.
After stabilizing himself, Lin Yi’s expression remained calm and serene as he said, "Xue Qianzhong, I have no desire for meaningless contention; how about we end this battle here?"
However, Xue Qianzhong did not accept Lin Yi’s proposal, but coldly said, "What, have you realized that you are no match for me and wish to concede defeat willingly?"
Lin Yi frowned and replied, "Your strength alone is not enough to make me admit defeat."
"But even if I were to defeat you, it wouldn’t give me any sense of accomplishment."
Yet that statement stirred a commotion among the onlookers.
"How arrogant! To make such a boastful claim in front of Brother Xue Qianzhong!"
"Overestimating himself, this Xu Qing is too arrogant, as if provoking celestial phenomena gives him the right to disregard all the Inner Sect Heavenly Prides!"
"He has just been promoted to Inner Sect Saint, and he acts so aloof. Let Brother Xue Qianzhong teach him a harsh lesson!"
Lin Yi’s tone had drawn considerable antipathy from many Inner Sect Saints who saw him as a newcomer with no understanding of the rules, arrogantly ignoring even Xue Qianzhong, much less them.
Meanwhile, Xue Qianzhong’s expression immediately darkened, "Such reckless talk!"
"It seems that sustaining against me for so long has given you the illusion that you can contend with me."
"This next move will be your defeat."
With that, Xue Qianzhong’s gaze turned exceedingly cold as he suddenly swept out with his sword, and the chilling Sword Qi already coalesced into an Ice Phoenix under his blade!
Every feather of the Ice Phoenix was condensed from Sword Qi, not only carrying a terrifying chill but also an incomparable sharpness as it swept toward Lin Yi!
The ground was covered with a layer of frost and then cracked open, a fragmented mess, while the Ice Phoenix, now in front of Lin Yi, completely enveloped him.
Lin Yi’s eyes gleamed sharply like a sword as he swung his hand, sending his sword piercing out like lightning, striking the Ice Phoenix!
With a loud noise, the Ice Phoenix shattered explosively, but in that instant, Xue Qianzhong’s lips twitched with a smug smile.
As the Ice Phoenix exploded, the extremely cold Sword Qi still transformed into a chilling tide, engulfing Lin Yi’s body.
In the next second, Lin Yi’s body turned into an intricately detailed ice sculpture.
Seeing this, Xue Qianzhong’s face also revealed a smile, as if victory was already his.
He slowly walked up to Lin Yi, his eyes filled with mockery, "It seems you don’t have the capacity to be arrogant in my presence, nor do you have the right to refuse my master."
After speaking, he raised his hand, preparing to deliver the final blow to Lin Yi, to utterly defeat him, both mentally and physically.
But in that very moment, Lin Yi’s icy encasement suddenly exploded, and Lin Yi, reacting faster than Xue Qianzhong, struck him in the chest, sending him flying.
Caught off guard by Lin Yi’s palm, Xue Qianzhong flew back dozens of meters and spit out a mouthful of blood, his face filled with disbelief.
"How is this possible? You weren’t affected?"
Xue Qianzhong believed his sword moves were perfect, imbued with the Second Level Sword Force; even if Lin Yi broke the First Level Sword Formation, the Second Level would still severely injure him.
Yet, he never expected that Lin Yi would break through his two-level Sword Forces, completely unscathed?
This kid, wasn’t he just a mere Sealing Marquis Realm Second Level in cultivation?
How could he give off a feeling of having even higher cultivation?
"Do you know why you lost?"
Lin Yi said calmly, "Because you talk too much."
"If you had been quicker, maybe you could have had a chance to defeat me."
Xue Qianzhong gritted his teeth, his face clearly not willing to concede, "You just gained a slight advantage; do you really think you’ve defeated me?"
However, having barely finished speaking, he spat out another mouthful of blood and knelt on one knee, coughing violently.
Lin Yi coldly smiled; his Blood God Palm was not for show. Struck by his palm, even if it wasn’t fatal, Xue Qianzhong had already lost the qualifications to battle him any further.
After speaking, Lin Yi turned to leave.
"Damn! You stop right there!"
Xue Qianzhong roared, suddenly erupting with an astonishing momentum. From the center of his brow, a tangible Sword Intent burst forth, assaulting Lin Yi!
Xue Qianzhong’s attack was not very lethal, but it was incredibly fast, giving Lin Yi no chance to react.
To defend, he would only be able to drive his own Sword Intent to block!
Xue Qianzhong’s move was not intended to defeat Lin Yi but only to inflict an injury, to win back some dignity for himself.