The spirit forest grew thicker the deeper Li Ming went. The mist swirled strangely here, faintly glowing with spiritual energy. Every step hummed with danger.
But Li Ming walked like he was on a morning stroll, humming and twirling the jade token he had already obtained.
"Two more tokens… then I'll grab some buns to celebrate."
Suddenly, he froze. Voices echoed through the mist ahead.
"Search carefully. The token must be close."
"Senior Brother Bai Chen is with us. No one else will dare compete."
Li Ming smirked. Oh? Looks like I found trouble before dinner.
---
The Rival Appears
Through the mist stepped Bai Chen, tall and calm, with eyes like a hawk's. His aura surged—Qi Refining 8th Stage, so dense that it crushed the grass underfoot. Behind him were four disciples, each at least 5th Stage or higher.
Bai Chen's gaze swept across the forest—then landed on Li Ming.
"Ah. The clown of the Inner Court."
The followers chuckled.
"Haha, what luck! He's only 3rd Stage."
"Easy prey. Let's take his token."
Li Ming waved lazily. "Clown? At least I make people laugh. You just make them want to sleep."
Snickers broke out among a few hidden spectators. Bai Chen's expression darkened.
"You dare mock me?" His qi surged, pressing down like a storm. "Hand over your token, and I'll let you leave with your limbs intact."
Li Ming tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… how about you hand me your token, and I'll let you keep your eyebrows? They look kind of important."
Gasps erupted.
"Did he just—?!"
"Li Ming's insane. That's Bai Chen!"
---
The Fight Begins
Bai Chen raised his hand. "Cripple him."
The four disciples lunged forward at once, blades flashing, qi roaring. Their combined aura surged like a tidal wave.
Li Ming yawned. "So noisy."
He popped a pill into his mouth. Instantly, his jade slip refined it, qi flooding his body. His aura flared brighter, sharper.
"Alright, let's play."
With a step, he vanished. Nine Heavens Cloudstep carried him through the gaps in their attacks like a ghost. His fist snapped out—
BANG! One disciple flew back, crashing into a tree.
Another swung his sword. Li Ming bent backward, the blade slicing only air. He flicked his palm, qi bursting outward—sending the second flying.
Within breaths, all four were sprawled unconscious on the ground.
The crowd went silent.
---
Li Ming vs. Bai Chen
Bai Chen's face darkened. He stepped forward, qi exploding. The ground cracked beneath him, trees swaying as his aura surged higher.
"Qi Refining 8th Stage—Steel River Fist!"
His punch roared like thunder, qi forming the shape of a rushing river.
Li Ming's hair fluttered in the blast of wind. He grinned. "Not bad… but still soft."
He popped another pill, his cheat refining it instantly. His qi surged again, doubling in strength. He vanished—appearing above Bai Chen's head.
"Take this—Meteor Bun Fist, Second Serving!"
BOOOOM!
The impact shook the forest, dust exploding outward. Bai Chen staggered back, his robe torn, coughing blood.
Gasps echoed through the trees.
"He forced Bai Chen back?!"
"At Qi Refining 3rd Stage?!"
"This isn't possible!"
---
Bai Chen wiped the blood from his lips, eyes blazing with fury. "You… what are you?!"
Li Ming landed lightly, twirling his token between his fingers. His black hair swayed, aura glowing faintly around him.
He smirked. "Me? I'm just a genius who likes steamed buns."
The crowd roared with disbelief and shock.
Even Lan Yue, watching from afar, felt her lips curve ever so slightly. Junior Brother… you're more dangerous than I thought.
Bai Chen clenched his fists, trembling with rage—but before he could move again, an elder's voice boomed from the sky:
"Enough! The Core Trial is not for disciples to slaughter each other. Continue deeper into the forest!"
Li Ming gave Bai Chen a lazy wave. "See you later, Sleepy Eyebrows."
---
And with that, he strolled deeper into the mist, leaving behind chaos, whispers, and an entire sect wondering just how far this "clown" could rise.