Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 183 Martial Artist
The cycle of decisive battles continues.

Song Yan then encountered Zhao Xuan, Sun Zhengfu, and Chen Chen in succession.

Sun Zhengfu had been on a losing streak, and the previous elimination rounds seemed to have rendered him unable to fight anyone anymore.

When faced with Song Yan, he readily admitted defeat.

Zhao Xuan and Chen Chen approached the challenge with the intention of exchanging skills, each going on stage to face Song Yan, and both were undoubtedly defeated.

"Isn't Song Yan having a bit too easy? These people have no backbone at all..."

When faced with someone who is far more outstanding than oneself, some people will inevitably feel certain emotions and utter a few complaints.

“Apart from the incident with Senior Sister Yuwen, he basically didn’t use his flying sword much.”

"Heh, what do you know? Xiang Zhaoling, Lin Qing, Shao Sichao, including Zhao Xuan and Chen Chen. Aren't they all formidable characters?"

"Their surrender precisely demonstrates that Song Yan's strength has made them feel there's no need to fight head-on; conserving their strength is the only way to achieve a better ranking."

"But he's taking it too easy."

Song Yan sat calmly on the preparation table. He paid no attention to the discussions of others, but silently adjusted his breathing to recover his spiritual power.

Although he won three or four battles without fighting, he knew very well that the real fierce battle was about to begin.

Soon, the elder's voice rang out again.

"Central Taiwan, number seventeen Song Yan, versus number twenty Han Yuan."

Song Yan slowly opened his eyes.

He had been following Han Yuan.

He entered the Dao through martial arts and was a rare "body cultivator".

"Han Yuan? Is that the martial arts master from the Jianghu?"

"I've heard that his moves are fierce and powerful, and that he has reached the eighth level of Qi Refining."

"If we hadn't fought our way here, we might have actually been able to go toe-to-toe with those two."

"It's a pity that I heard he was already over twenty when he entered the Dao. Otherwise, with his talent, he would probably be at the ninth level of Qi Refining or even the Foundation Establishment stage by now."

"I don't think so. He's too fixated on body refinement; he won't be able to make it."

In the current cultivation world of Chu, no matter which path one cultivates, it does not affect how others perceive them.

Unless, this person is practicing body cultivation.

In the eyes of most people, proper physical exercise is naturally beneficial, strengthening the meridians and stabilizing the dantian (energy center), etc.

But if one focuses on physical skills, how is that any different from an ordinary martial arts practitioner?
In the early and middle stages of Qi Refining, body cultivators do have some advantages in combat, but they become extremely weak in the later stages.

In short, it's a dead end.

Song Yan had heard about this, but what path others took was none of his business.

He cannot underestimate his opponent because of this.

He slowly walked onto the dueling platform.

Opposite him, Han Yuan had already taken his place. He was a burly man with bulging muscles and calloused fists, clearly the result of years of physical training.

Even after a series of battles, Song Yan still felt a sense of composure as if facing mountains.

Han Yuan grinned, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Junior Brother Song, I have long admired your name. Today I finally have the opportunity to learn from you!"

Song Yan returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Han, after so many battles, do you need to rest for a while?"

During a match, both sides may jointly request a pause, which may last for half an incense stick's time.

However, it is generally not possible to reach an agreement.

When the enemy is exhausted, we attack; those who still have strength are eager to seize this opportunity to achieve victory.

Unexpectedly, Han Yuan slowly shook his head: "Junior Brother Song is kind-hearted, but there's no need for that."

"In a real life-or-death battle, the opponent will not give you that chance."

Song Yan nodded, inwardly praising.

At the elder's command, the competition began!
Without saying a word, Han Yuan stomped his foot and pounced out like a tiger, his fist whistling as he aimed straight for Song Yan's face!
It was fast, but not fast enough. Song Yan's eyes narrowed, and he activated his Lingyun Intent, barely dodging the punch.

However, Han Yuan's attacks continued unabated. His fists were like a storm, wide and sweeping, each strike carrying fierce spiritual power, making the air buzz.

His expression changed, and he sighed inwardly, "What a powerful and fierce fist technique!"

He did not rush to retaliate, but instead used his sword energy to protect himself, constantly dodging and observing Han Yuan's fighting style.

However, his punch was extremely powerful. Even though it only grazed Song Yan, he could feel his protective spiritual energy and sword energy being dispersed.

Han Yuan was equally surprised.

This encounter felt like a punch landing on a blade; the sword energy made his fists and palms ache.

"This Junior Brother Song excels in sword energy and flying swords. Only by engaging in close combat can we have a chance of winning!"

Song Yan thought to himself, "I can't drag this out any longer!"

With a thought, the green snake in his sleeve suddenly erupted, and the powerful green sword energy coiled out like a snake, heading straight for Han Yuan!
Han Yuan shouted and his fists clashed violently together, unleashing a powerful burst of spiritual energy that forcefully shattered several sword energies!

The remaining two sword energies still tore through his already meager protective spiritual power, leaving several bloody marks on his arm.

Han Yuan, instead of getting angry, laughed: "Again!"

He charged forward again, his punches even more ferocious, even at the cost of injury, forcing Song Yan to take the blows head-on.

At this moment, Song Yan suddenly realized the truth of his preconceived notions about combat.

All the skills of a body cultivator are contained within their body, which has been tempered and refined through countless trials.

Going to the trouble of breaking through the protective aura is completely unnecessary.

Song Yan frowned slightly. Han Yuan's fighting style was too fierce. If they continued to fight, although he could win, he would definitely be exhausted.

He took a deep breath, flicked his sword finger, and summoned the Unmoored Boat!
The sword flashed like lightning, piercing straight for Han Yuan's chest!
Han Yuan's pupils contracted, and he crossed his arms to block, but the sword energy was incomparably sharp, instantly tearing through his protective spiritual power and forcing him back several steps!

Han Yuan grunted, looked down at the sword wound on his arm, and grinned: "Good swordsmanship!"

"Is it really that hard?" Song Yan thought to himself. It did indeed look much stronger than his half-baked body tempering skills.

Han Yuan took a deep breath, and his spiritual energy surged once more, preparing for a final gamble.

Unfortunately, after the series of battles, the already limited spiritual energy within his body was no longer easily mobilized.

There was no chance to catch one's breath on the dueling platform; Song Yan's figure vanished in an instant!

In a few flashes, Song Yan appeared in front of him, lightly pointing his sword finger, and a wisp of sword energy pressed against his brow.

"Senior Brother Han, you flatter me."

Han Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Alright! I lost!"

He readily raised his hand to admit defeat, showing no sign of resentment.

The elder in charge announced loudly, "Central Platform, number seventeen, Song Yansheng!"

Han Yuan stepped forward, patted Song Yan on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Junior Brother Song, you truly live up to your reputation. I, Han Yuan, am completely convinced! If we have some free time in the future, let's have another spar!"

Song Yan nodded: "Senior Brother Han's fist technique is fierce and powerful. If he hadn't been so exhausted before, the outcome would have been uncertain."

Han Yuan waved his hand dismissively and said, "Losing is losing. I'm just not good enough. There's nothing more to say."

"If I were really as strong as you, then others would naturally admit defeat when they met me."

"Otherwise, why don't they admit defeat when they meet me?"

He burst into laughter: "They just think they might be able to defeat me."

"Therefore, my exhaustion at this point is not due to any other reason..."

Ultimately, it's simply because I'm not strong enough.

After saying that, he smiled nonchalantly and strode down from the dueling platform.

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(End of this chapter)