"Carrying Tripod Strongman?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Lie burst into laughter and said, "'Carrying Tripod Strongman' is trained with secret medicine, Golden Sand to infiltrate the body, Jade Liquid to meld it, forged by Heavenly Star, something only a great sect can achieve. How could I, with my limited capabilities, have such good fortune?"
Seeing Ai Zhongwen's bewildered expression, Wang Lie arrogantly tore off his upper garment, revealing countless twisted, tadpole-shaped golden talismans shimmering and moving, covering his back and chest. For a moment, the open space on the mountain path sparkled with golden light and the glow of the clouds.
Ai Zhongwen's expression changed, and he exclaimed, "Golden Rune Talisman?"
Wang Lie smiled proudly and said, "Indeed, it is the Golden Rune Talisman of my Guangyuan Sect!"
Ai Zhongwen glanced at Zhang Yan, his lips moving slightly, a trace of worry appearing between his brows.
The Golden Rune Talisman is made by soaking ground Five Elements Divine Sand in secret medicine liquid for seven cycles of forty-nine days, then mixing in Spiritual Shell Jade Liquid and forming golden ink, used by the Immortal Master's powerful mana to draw the Golden Talisman on the recipient's body, thus significantly enhancing their cultivation by at least a level.
Because both utilize the Five Elements Divine Sand, their auras are similar, so Ai Zhongwen mistakenly thought him to be of the "Carrying Tripod Strongman" type.
Wang Lie turned his gaze to Zhang Yan, his demeanor slightly relaxed, and said, "Brother Zhang, your current cultivation is nothing more than 'Condensing Yuan and Manifesting Intent.' With the aid of the talismanic script, my cultivation can be compared to that of a 'Yuan Cheng Ruzhen' cultivator, with a body as firm as iron, bones strong as an elephant, blood like a rushing river, and Qi power more than twice yours. You stand no chance against me. But I recognize your remarkable prowess in combat skills, and should we fight, both of us would suffer injury. Why not withdraw, and I won't trouble you? What do you say?"
Having exchanged punches earlier, Wang Lie saw Zhang Yan wasn't an easy opponent. Although his strength surpassed Zhang Yan's, he wasn't certain of victory in a real fight, so he didn't want to engage in a death match. It would be best to end the matter amicably if possible.
Upon hearing his words, Zhang Yan was initially stunned, then burst into loud laughter.
Wang Lie felt humiliated and angrily asked, "What's so funny?"
Zhang Yan stopped laughing, stared directly at Wang Lie, and said, "The honor of the sect rests in us; how could we treat it as a game? Senior Brother Wang, it's laughable that you think mere words could make me retreat!"
Wang Lie's eye twitched, unable to find a retort.
"Senior Brother Wang, I once thought you were a formidable individual, but just now I realized you have no will to definitely win, no intention to break through, and no determination to kill. How can you speak of victory or defeat?"
Zhang Yan's voice grew louder, with a momentum of relentless determination, sweeping through like a storm, "Your words only stir my urge for a death match. If you wish to pass through this Mountain Gate, you'll have to step over my dead body. Today, the situation leaves no room for retreat, only a fight to the death! Watch the fist!"
After speaking, Zhang Yan let out a roar, stepping forward, and with a cracking sound, the stone tiles beneath him shattered, as if thunder had suddenly erupted. With matchless momentum, he instantly covered several meters and struck straight with his fist!
Wang Lie, initially feeling ashamed and angry from Zhang Yan's words, was caught off guard by his sudden move. Time seemed to freeze as he was intimidated by Zhang Yan's momentum; his heart raced, and he became flustered and confused, unsure whether to advance or retreat, stretching his hands in front of his chest under duress.
In a flash, Zhang Yan was right in front of him, striking his fist against Wang Lie's arm but meeting the resistance of a thick wall.
Zhang Yan's gaze sharpened; indeed, Wang Lie was strong. In his haste, he failed to break through immediately, but against such a formidable enemy, he had only one chance of attack, making retreat absolutely impossible!
Veins bulged on his forehead as he gathered all his inner Qi to his fist, determined to succeed in one strike!
As his inner Qi emptied, leaving him in a state of volatility, his lower Dan Acupoint suddenly opened, and Primordial Qi surged like a tide. Heat steamed inside him like boiling soup, a torrent of indescribable power seeking release throughout his body.
Zhang Yan roared again, forcing the punch out with immense power, causing a sonic boom out of thin air.
With one punch, Wang Lie's arm bones shattered, his chest caved in, blood spurted wildly from his mouth, his feet lifted off the ground, and he fell backward.
Zhang Yan leaped into the air, not waiting for Wang Lie to hit the ground. He grabbed his neck, kneed his abdomen heavily to the ground, and pinned him down, raining down blow after blow on his head. At first, Wang Lie raised his hands to block, but gradually lost consciousness and resistance, leaving only the continuous sound of pounding.