Chapter 16: Tang Feng — Xiao Chen, I’ve Finally Found Your Weakness

Chapter 16: Tang Feng — Xiao Chen, I’ve Finally Found Your Weakness “Senior Brother Tang, why did you call me here in the middle of the night?” A tall and burly figure asked. The other person, naturally, was Tang Feng. Tang Feng spoke unhurriedly: “Shi Qiang, you’ll be facing Xiao Chen tomorrow. How confident are you in beating him?” “Not confident at all,” Shi Qiang replied honestly. “Senior Brother Xiao Chen has already grasped seven parts of Sword Intent—I wouldn’t even stand a chance.” Just thinking about his opponent tomorrow made Shi Qiang feel powerless. Among the Body Tempering Institute, he ranked in the top five. Normally, entering the top 100 would be no problem with his strength. “But what if you had this?” Tang Feng took something from his storage pouch and placed it before Shi Qiang. “This... Senior Brother Tang, you’re giving this to me?” Shi Qiang was stunned. He didn’t expect Tang Feng to hand over something so valuable and was momentarily tongue-tied. Tang Feng asked calmly, “With this treasure in hand, do you think you can defeat Xiao Chen?” “With it? Absolutely!” Shi Qiang's voice rose with excitement. “Xiao Chen is strong solely because of his Sword Intent. Most outer disciples can’t withstand a single strike.” “But I’m different. I’m a body cultivator. With this treasure’s support, Xiao Chen would just be an ordinary Dao Foundation Stage Level Two cultivator in front of me.” “Good.” Tang Feng’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Then I’ll leave it to you.” Shi Qiang wasn’t foolish—he immediately declared, “From now on, I’ll follow Senior Brother Tang’s lead. Tomorrow on the platform, I’ll cripple Xiao Chen again and make sure he crawls out of Dao Seeking Academy.” Tang Feng patted him on the shoulder. “I like smart people like you. I’ll be waiting for your good news tomorrow.” “Rest assured, Senior Brother, I won’t disappoint you.” Shi Qiang gripped the treasure tightly. After some brief chatter, Shi Qiang disappeared into the darkness. Once he left, another figure walked out of the shadows. “Senior Brother Tang, do you really think that muscle-head can beat Xiao Chen? He looks like a fool.” Tang Feng chuckled. “Shi Qiang may lack insight, but he’s one of the few in the Dao Foundation Stage who has awakened a physical constitution—his is the Barbaric Bull Body. Tough skin, thick flesh, insane defense.” “Even if he can’t beat Xiao Chen, he’ll help us figure out a way to defeat him.” “You’re brilliant, Senior Brother.” “Hmph,” Tang Feng snorted coldly. “Let’s see a good show tomorrow.” —— The next morning. The square was packed with disciples—today, the top 100 of the outer court would be decided. These hundred were essentially guaranteed to enter the inner court eventually. Even if they didn’t get in this round, they would have no trouble within the academy’s allowed time—unless they perished unexpectedly. In Dao Seeking Academy, outer court disciples were allowed to remain for ten years. If they failed to reach the True Fate Stage within those ten years and advance to the inner court, they would be dismissed. Of the thousands in the outer court, only about a third would succeed in advancing. Once in the inner court, disciples had another ten years to study. If they passed the core disciple trials, they could continue cultivating in the academy. If not, they had two options: leave the academy voluntarily or join the External Affairs Hall, completing missions and trading merits for cultivation resources. For outer court disciples, the triennial tournament was absolutely critical. Even if one couldn’t make the top ten, getting into the top 100 meant better resources. Chu Feng and Xiao Chen arrived at the square at a relaxed pace. Chu Feng didn’t say much—he simply strolled toward the high platform. Watching the tournament each day had become a rather enjoyable part of his routine. Soon, the other institute heads arrived one after another. Seated beside Chu Feng, as always, was Alchemy King Xuanhuo. “Good morning, senior.” “Morning, Xiao Feng.” After several days of interaction, the relationship between Chu Feng and the Alchemy King couldn’t exactly be called close, but it wasn’t hostile either—they were nodding acquaintances at best. The gap in cultivation between them was too vast for a true friendship to form. With the judges taking their positions, the next round of the tournament began. “Next match on Arena Nine, both contestants to the stage.” Without a word, Xiao Chen leapt onto the arena. On the other side, Shi Qiang walked up slowly, step by step. His pace wasn’t fast, but each footstep echoed like thunder, giving off the impression of crushing weight with every move. Chu Feng sipped his tea slowly and thought to himself, ‘Little Chen’s finally got a proper opponent. Let’s see how many strikes that big guy can take.’ “Senior Brother Xiao, please.” “Junior Brother Shi, please.” The two had rarely interacted before, so they simply exchanged formal pleasantries. “Begin!” As the judge’s voice fell, Xiao Chen didn’t hesitate. He drew his longsword and slashed casually. Clang! A streak of sword light flashed faster than the eye could follow. Everyone present had seen this move many times by now, but each time, the sheer power of that sword left them with a chill in their hearts. Just before the sword light was about to strike Shi Qiang, a golden barrier appeared around him, enveloping his body. Boom! The sword crashed into the barrier, leaving only a few cracks. Shi Qiang stood unharmed. The crowd gasped in surprise. “An elite-grade Vajra Talisman!” “Didn’t expect Senior Brother Shi to have such a treasure! Isn’t that a bit excessive?” “How is that wasteful? Winning this match means entering the top 100—the cultivation resources you earn are worth far more than one talisman.” While the crowd was exclaiming, Shi Qiang charged forward and punched toward Xiao Chen. “Barbaric Bull Fist!” That punch was like dozens of raging bulls charging at once—unstoppable and roaring with power. The punch had yet to land, but its force had already reached the stage. In the audience, Tang Feng’s lips curled upward. ‘Xiao Chen, I’ve finally found your weakness.’ Not far away, Liu Yue’er bit her lip tightly, her heart in her throat. ‘Senior Brother... please be careful!’ On the viewing platform, several institute heads perked up. No one had expected this seemingly slow-witted brute to have such cunning. Using a top-grade Vajra Talisman as defense was indeed the best way to deal with Xiao Chen’s Sword Intent in a same-realm battle. The Alchemy King turned to glance at Chu Feng, curious to see his expression. To his surprise, Chu Feng remained calm and composed, showing no concern that his disciple might lose. ‘Could it be that Xiao Chen has another hidden card?’ On the arena, Xiao Chen’s eyes remained calm even after his first attack failed. Not a single ripple stirred in his expression—no hesitation, no panic. Facing Shi Qiang’s incoming fist, he simply raised his sword again... And slashed. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44