Chapter 14: Man-Killing Palm
To be honest, when Hun Feng faced Hun Xiu, he was afraid. He didn't understand why, but fear lingered in his heart regardless.
Hun Feng clenched his fists and whispered to himself, "I will definitely become stronger—so strong that you will fear me."
Hun Feng attributed his fear of Hun Xiu to the difference in their strengths. He believed his fear stemmed from his own lack of confidence.
At Noon.
"Open the Fighting Skills Pavilion!"
As the elder's voice rang out, the doors of the Fighting Skills Pavilion slowly creaked open.
The crowd gathered in the square erupted into excitement. Everyone straightened their backs and seemed invigorated.
Their eyes gleamed with anticipation as they stared at the open doors of the Fighting Skills Pavilion. They had been waiting since early morning for this moment.
Finally, it was time to choose their fighting skills.
Although the crowd was excited, no one rushed forward. Everyone held back, waiting for the elder's signal.
This elder, dressed in a black robe and looking to be middle-aged, exuded an air of seriousness.
His gaze swept over the crowd and lingered briefly on Hun Xiu, who was leaning casually against a wall. After a moment, he retracted his gaze and spoke calmly:
"You may enter the Fighting Skills Pavilion. Everyone is allowed to choose one fighting skill. Pick the one that suits your abilities. Huang, Xuan, Di, or Tian—the level of skill you can wield depends solely on your own capabilities."
"You may enter now."
"Yes!"
As soon as the elder finished speaking, the crowd surged forward, rushing into the pavilion.
Meanwhile, Hun Xiu slowly opened his eyes, ending his brief rest. With an unhurried pace, he strolled toward the Fighting Skills Pavilion.
When he passed by the elder, Hun Xiu paused and cast a meaningful look at him.
Sensing Hun Xiu's gaze, the elder, who had closed his eyes to rest, slowly opened them and met his stare. Though puzzled by Hun Xiu's deliberate pause, the elder offered him a faint smile.
Hun Xiu smiled in return before walking into the pavilion.
Watching Hun Xiu's retreating figure, the elder murmured to himself, "An interesting young man." Then he closed his eyes once again.
The Fighting Skills Pavilion
The pavilion was a towering structure with four levels, each corresponding to a level of fighting skills—Huang, Xuan, Di, and Tian, from the lowest to the highest.
Each level was further divided into three sub-levels: low, intermediate, and advanced.
As Hun Xiu stepped onto the first floor, he noticed it was completely empty. No one else remained here. To the proud members of the Soul Clan, Huang-level fighting skills were beneath their notice.
After all, why settle for inferior skills when there were better options?
Even for Hun Xiu, if higher-level fighting skills were available, he wouldn't bother with the Huang level. But if there were no better options, Huang-level techniques would still suffice.
Curiosity drove Hun Xiu to browse through the collection. Despite knowing he wouldn't choose any of these techniques, he couldn't resist taking a look.
It was similar to walking down a summer street—despite knowing some sights weren't for you, it was impossible not to glance.
Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed in Hun Xiu's mind:
"Ding… A choice has appeared. Does the host wish to sign in?"
Hun Xiu was momentarily stunned before decisively choosing to sign in.
"Ding…"
Option 1:
Yellow-Rank Advanced Fighting Skill: Man-Killing Palm.
This technique has four forms, each corresponding to the four levels of fighting skills: Huang, Xuan, Di, and Tian.
When mastered, a single palm strike can shatter the heavens and earth.
Option 2:
Yellow-Rank Advanced Fighting Skill: Dissolution Fist.
This technique also has four forms, and its peak form can annihilate gods and ghosts with a single punch.
Option 3:
Yellow-Rank Advanced Fighting Skill: Wind and Thunder Divine Leg.
This leg technique contains the devastating power of wind and thunder. At its peak, every kick can destroy the heavens and annihilate gods.
"Um?"
Hun Xiu was taken aback by the system's choices.
"These are… just Yellow-level techniques?" he thought, feeling a bit conflicted. Yet, each option was undeniably appealing.
After a brief hesitation, he chose the first option: Man-Killing Palm.
Moments later, the technique appeared before him, encased in a barrier of Dou Qi.
With a slight smile, Hun Xiu threw a casual punch, shattering the barrier with ease. He picked up the technique and walked out of the pavilion without venturing to the upper levels.
When Hun Xiu exited, the elder opened his eyes in surprise.
"You're finished already?"
Hun Xiu nodded. "Yes. I've made my choice."
He handed the Man-Killing Palm to the elder for registration.
Though Hun Xiu was the patriarch's son, rules were rules—he had to follow them like everyone else.
"The Man-Killing Palm?"
The elder's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He glanced at Hun Xiu, then said meaningfully, "Do you realize the level of this technique?"
Hun Xiu smiled faintly. "Of course. It's a Yellow-level technique, isn't it?"
"You still chose it, knowing that?" The elder frowned slightly. "With your talent, you should be aiming for a Heaven-level technique. A mere Yellow-level skill doesn't suit you."
Hun Xiu merely smiled and said nothing.