Chapter 195: Chapter 188: Unleashing Talent, Summoning the Golden Scale

Li Xian said calmly, “May I ask, is the speaker an elder of the Cao Family?” His voice boomed like spring thunder.

Across from the Dragon Gate Tower, there was a green-blue loft named “Phoenix Gate Tower.” The people of the Cao Family were there.

The Cao Family elder, Cao Shuang, amplified his voice with Qi several times, conversing with the geniuses in the Heavenly People Tower. His words were polite enough, but when it came to Li Xian, the deep-seated enmity left no room for a good tone.

Cao Shuang retorted, “So what if I am?”

Li Xian knew that no matter how polite he was with the Cao Family, they would never let him off. They intended to pressure him, and he was ready to counter-attack: “How ridiculously funny. How ridiculously funny. The esteemed elder of the Cao Family, how shortsighted.”

“Not as good as a poor boy from a small county like me.”

“You!” Cao Shuang snorted coldly, “With your sharp tongue, earlier you egged on the excellent young man from the Seven Mountains Sect, making him eat the wrong dish, leading to poisoning and fainting, putting his life in danger. Considering it was your first offense, I chose not to disrupt the grand feast and let it go. Now you’re getting even more outrageous. Do you really think martial dueling is as trivial as your previous antics?”

Li Xian replied evenly, “In that case, true knowledge comes from practice. I invite Brother Li Ruhu to use the martial arts he employed earlier. I will only use the Four Directions Fist.”

Li Ruhu immediately attacked, making a very fierce move. Although it was just basic martial arts, he fully utilized his Inner Qi. Li Xian countered with a punch, and the silhouette of his fists sprang forth.

Although Li Ruhu didn’t believe Li Xian’s Four Directions Fist could break this move, he reckoned that Li Xian’s fist technique was absolutely no joke, and at least had achieved Great Success.

Discussions and actual combat differ, after all.

Thus, he was extremely cautious, having already figured out how to maneuver, how to cleverly use his techniques, how to respond.

But he never anticipated…

Li Xian defeated him with just a single punch!

Li Xian delivered a punch, the shadows of his fists substantial and authentic. The moment he struck… the momentum that reached the pinnacle, the utter arrogance, such majesty, such hubris!

Pinnacle of Perfection, I am the first.

Second Realm Martial Artists, Third Realm Martial Artists, even Fourth Realm Martial Artists… in terms of the Four Directions Fist alone, I, Li Xian, surpass all!

Pinnacle of Perfection! After perfection, seeking the supreme.

Before encountering, it was utterly unimaginable. Originally, the “Four Directions Fist” was merely basic martial arts. So what if it reaches the pinnacle? Li Ruhu mastered many Lower martial arts, among which were not without Great Success.

If used, it would be enough to contend.

However, in such a scenario, it’s too late for him to regret. It’s common for martial artists to conceal their skills during exchanges, but it’s also common to die without ever revealing them.

Li Ruhu felt as if facing a towering mountain, a steep majestic peak. His martial arts were instantly crushed. His strength, his momentum, his intention, all showed signs of defeat. The power of Li Xian’s punch was exceptionally great.

He knocked Li Ruhu flying seven zhang away, crashing through the tables along the way, retreating continuously. Finally, he smashed against the cauldron with a “dong” sound. The wine in the cauldron splashed out, and only then did he come to a stop.

“Pinn…”

“Pinnacle of Perfection! Truly martial arts of the Pinnacle of Perfection!”

Li Ruhu got up, exclaimed in terror. That unique aura earlier, he had never encountered elsewhere. Like looking up at a high mountain, unreachable.

Upon saying this, both inside and outside the lake, within and beyond the building, all erupted with a “boom.” The lake’s waves rippled.

Debates flew everywhere, unable to settle for a long time: “Pinnacle of Perfection? I’ve never seen martial arts of the Pinnacle of Perfection in my life!”

“Such a thing is extremely rare, even if it’s basic martial arts, achieving Pinnacle of Perfection is no easy feat.”

“It’s not just ’no easy feat’, it’s as hard as reaching the skies. If it were Upper, Middle, or Lower martial arts, it might be understandable. After all, martial arts are rare, and if you’re lucky to acquire a manual, you should delve deeply into it. Spending ten or twenty years might give you a chance to reach the Pinnacle of Perfection.”

“However, reaching the Pinnacle of Perfection with basic martial arts is terrifying. It indicates this young man’s talent in martial arts is extraordinarily high!”

“Oh? How so?”

“Think about it, people always aim higher. Under the premise of having Entry martial arts, who would painstakingly study basic martial arts? Thus, this Pinnacle of Perfection in basic martial arts must have required very little time, and naturally developed smoothly.”

“In that case, wouldn’t this youngster be invincible? If his other martial arts also reach the Pinnacle of Perfection, then…”

“Not necessarily, perhaps he is uniquely suited to this fist technique, hence reaching the Pinnacle of Perfection. It might be different with other martial arts.”

…

…

Lin Aoshan was overjoyed, clapping and cheering. Gu Nianjun frowned slightly, quite surprised. In her experience, those who reach the Pinnacle of Perfection are extremely rare.

The greatest surprise belonged to Madam Wen in the private room on the sixth floor.

Madam Wen had been in contact with Li Xian day and night, yet hadn’t realized the existence of “Pinnacle of Perfection.” Because “Pinnacle of Perfection” essentially meant unparalleled in the world. Li Xian never deliberately showcased it, and no one knew his true depth.

Madam Wen angrily said, “This child must be punished!”

Yet despite her anger, she couldn’t help but admire him. The fierce determination of the young man had pierced the heavens. It was fitting, her people, her possessions, should be just like this.

Li Xian loudly questioned, “May I ask whether the ancestor of the Cao Family is narrow-minded?”

The lake was silent, the Cao Family did not respond.

Li Xian laughed heartily three times, his flair unmatched by anyone. The essence of a Martial Artist lies in strength, and more in that unique spirit.

Li Xian might not yet have fully matured, but his spirit soared, because trapped in a tight spot, uncertain of aid, he was ready to risk everything, embracing a freedom even greater than usual.

He then asked, “May I proceed upstairs with no objections?” The prodigies on the third floor hadn’t yet recovered and did not respond.

Li Xian casually picked up a wine cup, drinking from it directly, saying, “This third-floor wine, so this is its flavor. I have tasted it, and will take my leave.” And with that, he ascended to the fourth floor!

Upon reaching the fourth floor, there was a fierce tiger barring the way. A sturdy man stood in front of Li Xian, blocking him, and growled in a low voice, “How dare you be so insolent, insulting our clan elder!”

This robust man’s name was “Cao Tieshen,” also a member of the Cao family. Li Xian replied, “What of it?”

Cao Tieshen sneered coldly, “I challenge you. If you lose, you will kneel and kowtow, apologizing to our clan elder. Then circle the lake twice.”

He intended to teach Li Xian a lesson to elevate his clan’s prestige. Initially inclined towards a real sword fight, he reconsidered:

“This brat is displaying supreme-level fist techniques. If I switch to a martial contest, I can use my Entry Martial Arts to teach him a lesson.”

“But by doing so, wouldn’t I, Cao Tieyi, be ’avoiding his strengths’? In regular contests, this is understandable. But today, in this scenario, I must thoroughly defeat him in a martial challenge. A supreme-level fist technique is not necessarily so impressive.”

Cao Tieyi, the first in the fourth-floor rankings and twelfth on the genius list, had his pride. Facing strength, he only grew stronger.

Li Xian said, “Alright, if I win, all I ask is for you to step aside and not obstruct my view.”

Cao Tieyi felt deeply belittled; this youth’s words seemed mild yet were steeped in unspoken arrogance. He paused, then spoke loudly, his voice echoing along the lakeshore.

He demonstrated how to use the Cao family’s ’Clothes-Clinging Blade,’ ’Cao Family Linked Blades,’ ’Iron Chain Technique’… and other basic martial arts, leveraging his strengths while avoiding weaknesses, applying various techniques to counter Li Xian’s Four Directions Fist.

Li Xian, despite possessing a supreme-level fist technique, found it difficult to fully showcase it.

His voice was like a torrent, causing the lake’s waves to ripple more vigorously. At this moment… from the lake’s depths, it seemed something was about to emerge.

The Jianghu martial artists, upon hearing this, praised Cao Tieyi for his skill; exchanging blows, countering moves—this is how it’s done.

Simultaneously, they were curious about how Li Xian, with his ineffective Four Directions Fist, would secure victory.

Li Xian chuckled lightly, repeating his old trick, and said astonishingly, “I’ll break it with my legs,” demonstrating how to use leg techniques to deal with various dire situations, breaking down the Cao Family’s Clothes-Clinging Blade, Iron Chain Technique, Cao Family Linked Blades… and others with the Four Directions Fist and Clear Wind Leg.

The leg techniques involved could only be accomplished with “supreme-level” mastery.

Cao Tieyi’s face changed color, retreating several steps, “Could it be that… your leg techniques are also…”

Li Xian calmly said, “As you heard, already at the supreme level.”

Cao Tieyi, incredulous, immediately launched a grappling move, using the very moves he had just discussed, yet with inner qi exceedingly robust, far superior to that of Li Ruhu, making his momentum more fierce.

Li Xian sneered. The Clear Wind Leg preemptively countered, looking light yet heavy. With just two kicks, Cao Tieyi’s meticulously planned moves were shattered.

Another supreme-level martial art!

Even if it was basic martial arts, possessing two at such a level was enough to astonish the crowd.

Li Xian indicated his position at the top and ascended another floor. His dominant presence infected others with a spirit of ascension.

In that moment, martial challenges, consultations, drinking, dishes, first snow, and the lake… the banquet of geniuses, was a scene of extreme excitement.

Li Xian’s momentum was unstoppable; no one could block him. In almost every martial contest, he was victorious. Encountering stronger geniuses upon reaching the fifth floor, yet all was utterly destroyed when he revealed a third supreme-level basic martial art, leaving others in despair.

The crowd of geniuses was all taken aback, “A monster! Just how many martial arts does this person master to the supreme level!?”

There were those who remained indignant, thinking, “Hmph, while basic martial arts at the supreme level are rare, they only excel in martial challenges. If freed from restrictions, utilizing all my methods, I would surely defeat you.”

Arriving at the sixth floor.

Only four people were present, two men and two women, all with extraordinary attitudes. They were all aware of Li Xian’s strength in martial challenges, dominating others. Yet, as prideful geniuses, none was willing to “fight it out” for victory.

To do so would be to lose dignity, seeming petty, resorting to action over reasoned discussion.

All four looked at each other, none willing to face Li Xian.

Li Xian said, “Miss Ji, please give up your seat.”

Ji Hongyan, seated on the right, sighed with a wry smile and said, “Young Master Li’s martial talent is truly unheard of and unseen by Hongyan.”

“Though the three martial arts are basic, they have all reached the supreme level. There’s no need to continue discussing martial challenges; Hongyan admits defeat.”

“Earlier, due to marketplace rumors, I misjudged you greatly. If Young Master would like, you may visit me at Immortal Smoke Tower someday. I’ll gladly play the zither and sing for you all night to express my apologies.”

With that, she bowed and vacated a seat. On the table, the delicacies had only been sampled in small bites, a spoonful of lipstick remained in a spoonful of sauce.

She was indeed a charming and graceful lady.

Li Xian smiled as he prepared to take his place and taste the exquisite feast of the sixth floor.

Just at that moment, he felt his wine cup shake, the wine spilling over and dripping onto the table. The vibration intensified, becoming more obvious, until the entire “Heavenly People Tower” swayed from side to side.

Ou Yezi screamed with excitement, “Good, good! The Golden Scale is no ordinary fish…”

From the serene lake bottom, ripples spread out, a stroke of golden light breaking through.

Rumors spoke of the Essence of Heaven and Earth, the Heavenly Essence Thirty-six, Earthly Treasures of the Seventy-Two, Human Yellow One Hundred and Eight…

All extremely rare; if consumed, they provide endless benefits, insights into the Magic Dao.

The Human Yellow One Hundred and Six is the Golden Scale.”

Born and nurtured by nature, its body completely golden, with exquisite scales. This fish enjoys consuming “talent energy.”

It seeks youthful and vigorous talent.

Essence of Heaven and Earth, Golden Scale in the pool, reveal yourself!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep