Chapter Ten: Formidable Foe

"Feng Wanchun, ranked ninth among the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect, at the peak of Body Refinement Seventh Layer." Lin Fan murmured to himself. Feng Wanchun was one of the top ten among tens of thousands of Outer Sect disciples in Heaven Capital Sect; his combat strength even surpassed some Inner Sect members. He was a figure of renown, known by all.

"Unexpectedly, in a single breakthrough, he's reached Body Refinement Eighth Layer, enough to step into the Inner Sect." Though amazed at Feng Wanchun's strength, Lin Fan felt no nervousness, remaining calm and composed.

At that moment, the fluctuations in his body settled; his cultivation firmly stabilized at Body Refinement Fourth Layer, and his strength soared to an astonishing eleven thousand pounds! Yet Lin Fan dared not underestimate his opponent. Leaving aside Feng Wanchun's fame as one of the top ten Outer Sect disciples, just his Body Refinement Eighth Layer was shocking. The distinction between Outer and Inner Sect lay precisely in attaining Body Refinement Eighth Layer.

At this stage, the physical body breaks through its limits, strength surges to unimaginable levels, spanning from a minimum of nine thousand pounds to a peak of one hundred twenty-eight thousand pounds—the legendary power of one elephant. Thus, Body Refinement Eighth Layer was also called the Divine Power Realm.

"Judging from his aura, Feng Wanchun must have just broken through to Body Refinement Eighth Layer, not yet fully consolidated. His increase in strength shouldn't be too great. If I could devour him, my own power might rise further. The bodies of Divine Power Realm experts possess spiritual qualities—extraordinary indeed."

Lin Fan resolved to take the risk. Devouring Feng Wanchun could bring immense benefits, but the main reason he did not flee was the latter's realm; those at Body Refinement Eighth Layer could move with wind beneath their feet. In terms of speed, escape was impossible.

Soon, a figure approached from the distance.

Clad in white robes, eyes shrouded in gloom, a scar traced his lips. Feng Wanchun's gaze was icy, like ten thousand years of cold, sending chills down one's spine. No one dared meet his eyes.

"Are you Lin Fan?" Feng Wanchun spoke; his voice was sharp, like metal clashing, enough to make one's skin crawl.

"And you are Feng Wanchun?" Lin Fan replied without emotion, his gaze serene. Yet inwardly, he was ready for battle, prepared to unleash his power in an instant.

"Good, truly courageous. It seems Li Feng and the others are dead." Though it sounded like praise, Lin Fan sensed a fierce chill.

"They tried to kill me, so naturally, I slew them." Lin Fan snorted coldly, deeply displeased by Feng Wanchun's attitude.

"Those four were nothing but trash. Their deaths mean little. But I've promised Brother Cheng Yu to take your life. Cultivators must honor their word. If I say I'll kill you, you shall not live."

Feng Wanchun was forceful to the extreme. In his eyes, Lin Fan was a mere beast, insignificant, a tool for currying favor with the Cheng family.

"Haha, haha! So there are people this arrogant in the world. If you want to kill me, let's see if you have the skill!"

Lin Fan laughed in fury, making up his mind to slay Feng Wanchun then and there, ready for a life-or-death struggle.

A massive illusion of stars hung in the air. Lin Fan strode forward, his giant hand pressing down, thunderous booms echoing as the air exploded.

Eleven thousand pounds of terrifying force swept across the field, and for a moment, he seemed transformed into a star giant, striding heaven and earth, clad in starlight, suppressing all enemies.

"Impressive strength. Surely you harbor great secrets, or else you couldn't surpass ten thousand pounds. But now that I've broken through to Body Refinement Eighth Layer, you're nowhere near my equal."

Feng Wanchun's eyes flickered in surprise; he never expected someone at mere Body Refinement Fourth Layer to possess such power—it was beyond belief.

This was not merely talent; Lin Fan must have some great fortune. The thought sparked a greedy gleam in Feng Wanchun's eyes.

"An ant with such strength—astonishing. I must discover what secrets you hide." Feng Wanchun laughed coldly, erupting with his full might in a flash, reaching his peak, striking at Lin Fan.

A giant Kunpeng soared into the sky; Feng Wanchun formed seals with his hands, unstoppable as he charged at Lin Fan's palm.

The explosion resounded, earth and wood scattered, distant boulders shattered to powder, as if the end of the world had arrived.

Their hands collided—Kunpeng roamed the skies, stars hung high above—strange phenomena unfolded, divine patterns filled the air.

A thunderous bang. Lin Fan was struck as if by lightning, his face pale, the massive stars shattered, his body staggered backward, blood trickling from his lips.

Feng Wanchun, however, merely paused, unscathed—victory and defeat were clear.

"Too terrifying. Feng Wanchun's strength exceeds fifteen thousand pounds, almost sixteen thousand. I'm no match, unless I master the final move of Seven Star Fist, Seven Stars in a Row—otherwise, only death awaits."

Lin Fan's eyes flickered, feeling powerless. Feng Wanchun, at Body Refinement Eighth Layer, was too formidable; he was no match.

"The gap between us is too vast. Surrender now, and perhaps I'll let you die whole. Otherwise, your corpse will not be found."

Feng Wanchun stood with hands clasped behind his back, confidence brimming, fully in control. His terrifying strength was enough to crush his opponent.

"If you wish to kill me, show your means—but surrender is impossible!" Lin Fan replied coldly, determined to fight to the death. If escape was impossible, he would die with dignity.

Yet his mind was racing, seeking a solution, unwilling to die in vain.

"Still stubborn? You truly don't know the gulf between us. Get out of my sight!" Feng Wanchun sneered, punching forward, the Kunpeng surging ahead, unstoppable.

Lin Fan's expression changed; he erupted with all his strength. Six stars shot out, forming a grand array to suppress the Kunpeng.

"It's useless. The Great Kunpeng Fist is something I acquired from an ancient ruin. It's every bit as powerful as your technique, and my realm far surpasses yours. Eleven thousand pounds is nowhere near enough to suppress me."

Feng Wanchun laughed scornfully, utterly confident. At Body Refinement Eighth Layer, he could enter the Inner Sect and rank among the top five in the Outer Sect. How could a mere ant at Fourth Layer be his opponent?

As if to prove Feng Wanchun's words, Lin Fan's stellar array began to crackle, Kunpeng's long cry echoed as it prepared to break out.

Affected by the array, Lin Fan's face turned deathly pale, blood streaming from his lips, his aura weakening.

"No, I can't continue like this. I must escape, or it's certain death!"

Lin Fan was shocked. He hadn't expected Feng Wanchun to be so powerful, far beyond his expectations. Not only was his realm profound and strength overwhelming, but even his fist technique was terrifying. All Lin Fan's advantages had turned to disadvantages—there was no ground for battle.

"Go!"

Lin Fan resolved to retreat, withdrawing his strength, gambling everything on a slim chance to flee.

Just then, a shrill whistling sounded from afar, piercing to the marrow, as if it could tear through eardrums.

Radiant light blazed—a sword light, carrying unrivaled killing intent, stabbed directly toward Lin Fan's head.