Rylan Hoffman’s fist hammered into Carson Flores’s palm, and his heart sank into an abyss.
Although palms could also concentrate force, and some special palm techniques were even more powerful than fist techniques, in such a straightforward exchange without any fancy maneuvers, palms were at a distinct disadvantage.
However, Rylan Hoffman’s punch did not send Carson Flores flying. The fierce force of the punch, upon hitting Carson Flores’s palm, was like a clay oxen disappearing into the sea, leaving no trace.
The display was huge, but the actual damage was almost nonexistent!
It felt as though he was a child, swinging his fist at an adult who, out of impatience, simply extended a hand, allowing the child’s punches to land harmlessly, before casually grasping the child’s fist.
Rylan Hoffman wanted to withdraw his punch, but he had already expended all his strength.
Carson Flores caught Rylan Hoffman’s fist, twisted his waist, and with a swing of his arm, forcefully hoisted Rylan Hoffman up and smashed him to the side.
Rylan Hoffman tried desperately to maintain control of his body, but the tremendous inertia made it impossible for him to resist, as there was nothing to brace against.
Rylan Hoffman’s body flew out at an angle and then crashed heavily to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.
The entire valley fell deathly silent.
Everyone was shocked into speechlessness, their faces filled with disbelief.
Carson Flores had actually caught Rylan Hoffman’s punch and then casually smashed him to the ground?
Was Carson Flores’s strength really so formidable?
How long had Carson Flores been in the Innate stage?
He had actually managed to defeat Rylan Hoffman!
How did he cultivate?
This speed was unheard of!
All members of the Hoffman Family were dumbfounded.
When they saw Rylan Hoffman enter the scene, they subconsciously thought the victory was certain, and they all speculated about Carson Flores’s fate. Desmond Hoffman, in particular, was joyfully anticipating Carson Flores’s howling in defeat. But what did he see?
Carson Flores actually smashed Rylan Hoffman to the ground!
Rylan Hoffman was the third-ranked powerhouse in the Hoffman Family, a top-tier contender in the entire Cultivation Realm, yet he was actually unable to defeat the twenty-something-year-old Carson Flores!
The Hoffman Family was going to take a fall today!
How would he seek his revenge now?
Or more accurately, dare he seek revenge?
Even if the old ancestor intervened, he might not be able to defeat him, right?
When a Cultivator’s strength can ensure their survival against the most powerful force of an enemy faction, and maintain their ability to escape, that faction would become wary of taking action.
Forcing a powerful opponent like a Cultivator into a corner often meant that the one who suffered the most severe injuries was oneself.
Even if a victory was eventually secured, it would often be a Pyrrhic one.
As for Carson Flores and Shirley Miller, if the couple did not confront anyone head-on and instead launched a surprise attack, who in the entire Hoffman Family could withstand Carson Flores’s fist or Shirley Miller’s sword finger?
Relative to the shock, awe, and even horror of others, Leah Frost and others were visibly delighted.
"This guy, he’s impressive, haha, he truly is my brother-in-law’s kid!"
Shirley Miller pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, her eyes brimming with happiness.
The stronger Carson Flores became, the sooner he would enter the Blessed Land of Cave Heavens, and the shorter the time they would be apart.
Since Shirley Miller had clarified her feelings, she was no longer hesitant; she was prepared to accompany Carson Flores to the end. As for gaining a sister, well, it was a closely-related sister after all. If they were to be together, then so be it.
The rules of the Cultivation Realm were different, the lifestyle was different, too—devoid of mundane material concerns. More emphasis was on cultivation, survival, and becoming stronger. Supporting each other along the way wasn’t so bad.
The Frost Family elders, Finn Frost and Amari Frost, had faces that turned slightly complicated following their shock.
The two exchanged glances and could see the regret in each other’s eyes.
What could the Frost Family have gained had they generously extended a helping hand to such a prodigious talent and protected Carson Flores from hardships?
Unfortunately, there are no what-ifs in this world.
A missed opportunity was just that—missed.
They had personally refused Dawson Frost and had pushed Dawson Frost’s family away. Choosing Messiah Frost had driven the relationship beyond repair.
Now, not to mention Carson Flores and his wife who didn’t care for them at all, even Leah Frost hardly gave them any face.
In the arena, Rylan Hoffman flipped to his feet, his face suddenly suffused with a vast expanse of red. This flush even spread into his eyes, tinting the entire eye blood red.
"Carson Flores, you must die today!"
Rylan Hoffman growled lowly and charged at Carson Flores again, with even greater speed and more formidable might than before.
Leah Frost’s expression changed, and she shouted a warning, "Carson, be careful! He’s using the Cold Flame Art to boost his Combat Power. Don’t clash with him head-on—just endure, and soon he won’t be able to continue!"
Carson Flores understood instantly; this was a desperate attempt to improve fighting strength using a secret technique.
Such techniques usually came with severe side effects, and seeing no hope for victory, Rylan Hoffman, in a fit of rage and desperation for the sake of his own and the Hoffman Family’s honor, was risking everything.
Yet Carson Flores did not dodge or delay as Leah Frost had suggested; instead, he charged directly toward Rylan Hoffman.
This time, Carson Flores held nothing back.
A punch with all his might.