10: Chapter 10 Duel of Two Flames, Secrets of the Hidden Scripture Pavilion

The morning sun on the day of the finals seemed even more scorching than usual.

The arena in the center of the training grounds had been repaired overnight, making it even sturdier and smoother.

Around the arena, crowds surged, and the noise was deafening.

Almost all members of the Xiao Family had gathered here; even some elders who rarely appeared in public had shown up, wanting to witness this peak duel of the younger generation with their own eyes.

On one side was the rising star with returned talent, the Patriarch's son, Xiao Yan.

On the other side was the dark horse from a side branch who had emerged from nowhere and created miracle after miracle, Lin Yan.

Both possessed Fire-attribute Dou Qi, and both had displayed strength and resilience far beyond their peers during this small competition.

This duel was imbued with too much anticipation and significance.

On the viewing platform, Patriarch Xiao Zhan wore a smile, his eyes filled with gratification.

Regardless of who won or lost, it was a blessing for the family that the Xiao Family could produce two such outstanding youths simultaneously.

The First Elder also sat to the side with a calm expression, but deep within his eyes, there was a murky darkness, and one could not tell what he was thinking.

On the arena, Lin Yan and Xiao Yan stood facing each other.

Both had changed into clean clothes.

The injury on Lin Yan's left shoulder was no longer a major issue after a night of recuperation and the nourishment of the Living Spirit Flame; it only felt slightly sore and swollen.

Xiao Yan was in high spirits, his state at its peak.

"Lin Yan, I didn't expect us to actually meet in the finals." Xiao Yan spoke first, his voice clear and carrying a sincere smile. "Your strength has surprised me, and I admire it."

"You praise me too much, Brother Xiao Yan, it was just luck." Lin Yan clasped his fists and also smiled. "It is my honor to be able to spar with you."

The two looked at each other and smiled; the camaraderie of fighting side-by-side and supporting each other earlier had not diminished due to their opposition on the arena, but rather added a sense of mutual appreciation between heroes.

"The match begins!" The steward's voice fell, igniting the atmosphere of the entire venue.

Without an immediate fierce attack, both moved at the same time.

Xiao Yan stepped with mysterious footwork, his figure flickering, and on his palms, pale red Dou Qi rose, faintly carrying a suction force—it was the Xuan-rank low-level Dou Technique, Fire Blowing Palm!

Lin Yan utilized the "Explosive Step" he had chosen yesterday, stomping hard on the ground, creating a muffled sound, and his body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, his speed increasing abruptly!

At the same time, his right fist was tightly clenched, the power technique of Eight Extremities Collapse ready to be unleashed, the edge of his fist faintly revealing a hint of crimson, simulating the effect of Fire-attribute Dou Qi.

"So fast!" The crowd below exclaimed.

Lin Yan's forward speed exceeded many people's expectations; although "Explosive Step" was a Huang-rank high-level technique, under the support of his formidable physique and Dou Qi, its explosive power was astonishing.

In an instant, the two were within reach.

Xiao Yan did not dodge or evade, his left palm drawing a circle, a flexible suction force attempting to guide Lin Yan's fist momentum, while his right palm, like a butterfly passing through flowers, silently pressed toward Lin Yan's ribs.

Lin Yan's fist momentum did not change, but at the moment of contact with the suction force, his fist vibrated slightly, the first layer of Eight Extremities Collapse's bright force erupted, forcibly breaking through the suction, while his left elbow sank, blocking Xiao Yan's right palm.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two soft sounds rang out almost simultaneously.

The two touched and separated, each retreating two steps, their eyes becoming even more focused.

The probing was over; the real confrontation had begun!

Xiao Yan unleashed his Fire Blowing Palm, palm shadows flying, sometimes hard and sometimes soft; when hard, it was like a raging fire hitting the face, and when soft, it was like a breeze brushing against a willow, containing ingenious changes in force, combining both control and attack.

His understanding and application of Dou Techniques were clearly more profound and rounded than Xiao Ning's.

Lin Yan used "Explosive Step" in coordination with Eight Extremities Collapse, his figure advancing and retreating, sometimes like a fierce fire attacking, his punches and kicks fierce and violent, the hidden force concealed and not released; other times, relying on the instant acceleration of Explosive Step, he dodged the exquisite palm techniques and sought opportunities to counterattack.

His fighting style was simple and direct, but because of the agility brought by "Explosive Step" and the explosive power of Eight Extremities Collapse, it became extremely threatening.

On the arena, two figures, one red and one cyan, crossed and collided, palm winds and fist energy overflowing, Dou Qi surging.

Xiao Yan's palm techniques were exquisite and ever-changing, often launching attacks from impossible angles.

Lin Yan's punches and kicks were heavy and fierce, combining speed and power, often breaking cleverness with force and attacking slowness with speed.

The two were evenly matched, a case of a master meeting a worthy opponent, fighting in a way that was hard to separate.

The scene was so spectacular, and the Dou Techniques so exquisite, that it far surpassed any previous match, leaving the crowd below mesmerized, with cheers and exclamations ringing out endlessly.

"Too amazing! This is the true duel of geniuses!"

"Young Master Xiao Yan's palm technique is so mysterious, it seems to be able to draw in the opponent's power!"

"Lin Yan's footwork and fist energy are perfectly coordinated; that instant explosive power is too strong!"

"It seems like neither of them is using their full strength? Are they still probing?"

On the high platform, Yao Lao's soul perception enveloped the entire venue, secretly transmitting his voice to Xiao Yan: "This child's foundation is solid, and his combat awareness is sharp; it is truly rare. His Fire-attribute Dou Qi is exceptionally pure, and his control over power is extremely precise; it seems he has practiced some kind of superior body-refining method. However, he consumed a lot in yesterday's fierce battle; although he recovered quickly, his total amount of Dou Qi and endurance should be his weakness. You just need to play steadily, consume his Dou Qi, and wait for an opportunity to win with technique; there is no need to clash head-on with his explosive power."

Xiao Yan understood in his heart.

He already felt that Lin Yan's Dou Qi was not as abundant as his own (Lin Yan was disguised at the 5th stage, but actually at the peak of the 7th stage, though the total amount was indeed less than the 8th stage), just that the explosive power was astonishing.

Following Yao Lao's guidance, he immediately changed his strategy, using the soft force and suction of the Fire Blowing Palm more, no longer seeking a quick victory, but like a spider spinning a web, bit by bit limiting Lin Yan's range of movement, consuming his physical strength and Dou Qi.

Lin Yan immediately noticed the change in his opponent's tactics.

He inwardly praised Xiao Yan for being truly difficult to deal with, and also understood that his "weakness" had been seen through.

If it were a life-and-death battle, he would naturally have more trump cards (such as the characteristics of other Heavenly Flames, medicinal pills, or even system items), but this was a family small competition, the goal had been achieved (entering the top three), and the opponent was Xiao Yan; he neither wanted to expose too much nor did he want to form a grudge with Xiao Yan, or even end up both injured.

"It seems it is time for a 'draw'." Lin Yan's thoughts raced.

Having fought to this point, he had already shown enough strength; fighting to a draw with Xiao Yan would not only save the other's face and his own secrets, but also maintain a friendly competitive relationship—a win-win situation.

He deliberately made his breathing more rapid, his footsteps slightly messy, and the use of Explosive Step was no longer so frequent, as if his Dou Qi was failing.

After a clash of palms with Xiao Yan, he stumbled back, his feet seeming to go soft, revealing a not-so-small opening—his chest and abdomen were wide open!

Xiao Yan had rich combat experience; how could he miss such an opportunity?

A glint flashed in his eyes, thinking Lin Yan was finally exhausted, and he immediately leaned in, his right palm full of Fire Blowing Palm, carrying a scorching wind, slamming straight at Lin Yan's chest!

If this palm landed solidly, it would be enough to make Lin Yan lose his combat ability.

However, at the very moment Xiao Yan's palm force was about to reach his body, the seemingly exhausted Lin Yan's eyes suddenly burst with sharp light!

He used "Explosive Step" to its full potential under his feet, not retreating but advancing, avoiding the strongest part of the palm strike by a hair's breadth, taking part of the palm force on his left shoulder, while his right fist, which had been accumulating power for a long time, was like a submerged dragon emerging from an abyss, the double hidden force of Eight Extremities Collapse fused with a hint of the Green Lotus Core Flame's aura, fiercely slamming into Xiao Yan's abdomen, who was unable to defend in time due to his forward lunge!

This sudden change caught everyone off guard; both sides were giving their all, attacking where the enemy must rescue, which was actually a mutually destructive tactic!

"Not good!" Alarm bells rang in Xiao Yan's heart, but it was too late to change his move.

Yao Lao was also slightly startled, but he did not sense any killing intent from Lin Yan, so he did not forcibly intervene.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two heavy, muffled sounds rang out almost simultaneously.

Lin Yan's left shoulder was hit hard again, he let out a muffled groan, and his whole body was thrown to the right.

Xiao Yan's abdomen was invaded by the hidden force and flame energy, his face turned pale, and he also stumbled backward.

The two fell to the edge of the arena almost at the same time, and both struggled to stand up, but both were temporarily powerless due to their injuries and the force invading their bodies from the other; they could only kneel on one knee, breathing heavily, staring fixedly at each other.

The whole audience was silent; everyone held their breath.

The steward was also stunned, looking at Lin Yan, then at Xiao Yan, unable to make a judgment for a moment.

After a few breaths, the two caught their breath almost at the same time and slowly stood up.

Lin Yan's left shoulder clothing was torn, and the swelling was obvious.

Xiao Yan's clothing at his abdomen also had burn marks, and his face was slightly pale.

The two looked at each other, and in each other's eyes, they saw recognition, admiration, and a trace of helpless laughter that said "You are ruthless."

"This battle..." The steward looked toward Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan laughed loudly and stood up: "Wonderful! Truly wonderful! Both of them are Qilin children of my Xiao Family, their strength is on par, and it is hard to distinguish who is better! This battle shall be considered a draw! Both are tied for first place in this small competition! Both can enter the Cang Gong Pavilion to select Dou Techniques and receive double the resource quota!"

A draw!

This result was unexpected to many, but upon reflection, it was reasonable.

The exchange of blows just now had been extremely dangerous; if either of them had made a slight mistake, they would have been seriously injured and defeated. Being able to fight to such a situation, a tie was undoubtedly the best outcome.

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from below.

Whether they supported Xiao Yan or admired Lin Yan, they were satisfied with this result.

A dragon-and-tiger fight ending with two heroes tied was a good story to spread.

Xiao Ning was in a corner of the crowd, his face livid, his fists clenched until they creaked, but as a defeated general, no one paid attention to his reaction.

The First Elder's eyelids twitched, but in the end, he didn't say anything, just looked deeply at Lin Yan.

The small competition thus concluded successfully.

That afternoon, under the envious gazes of the crowd, Lin Yan and Xiao Yan came together to the family's important place—the Cang Gong Pavilion.

The Cang Gong Pavilion was a simple three-story stone tower guarded by special personnel.

With the Patriarch's order, both were able to enter the first floor.

The first floor was spacious, with dozens of simple bookshelves displaying hundreds of Dou Technique scrolls, mostly Huang-rank, with occasionally a few Xuan-rank low-level ones placed in prominent positions.

Xiao Yan clearly had a goal; under Yao Lao's guidance, he went straight to a corner and took a Xuan-rank low-level Dou Technique scroll called "Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler" (fragmented).

This technique required a heavy ruler weapon and had great power, which was just right for him.

Lin Yan browsed slowly.

He did not need the most powerful one, but the one most suitable for his current disguise and combat system, and one that could make up for his shortcomings.

Finally, his gaze fell on a dark red scroll.

"Explosive Step" (Huang-rank high-level), a movement Dou Technique; when practiced to completion, it could burst out extremely high speed in a short distance, used for surprise attacks or dodging, and had high requirements for leg strength and Dou Qi explosion.

This Dou Technique happened to be able to perfectly connect with the basic part of "Explosive Step" he had already mastered (learned from the family), and its explosive characteristics matched his disguised "Fire-attribute" and his preferred style of instant force, which could make up for his lack of absolute speed and small-range maneuvering.

"This is it." Lin Yan took down the "Explosive Step" scroll.

For him, he had Eight Extremities Collapse (fragmented) for attack and Explosive Step for movement; combined with his Fire-attribute disguise and medicinal pills, his system was initially taking shape.

The two selected their Dou Techniques and left the Cang Gong Pavilion after registration.

The sunset stretched their shadows long.

"Lin Yan, what are your plans next?" Xiao Yan asked, "With your strength and talent, staying in Wutan City might be a bit limiting."

Lin Yan looked at the burning sunset glow on the horizon and said slowly: "Perhaps, it is time to go out and take a look. Wutan City is still too small."

Xiao Yan nodded with deep feeling: "I have the same intention. However, before going out, I still need to make more preparations."

The two chatted for a few more sentences and then parted ways.

Returning to his quiet small courtyard, Lin Yan closed the door and finally completely relaxed.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, not immediately studying "Explosive Step," but called up the system interface.

The small competition was over, his reputation and status in the family were different, and it was time to plan the next step.

[Ding! Detected that the host has completed the family small competition and obtained the qualification for the Cang Gong Pavilion; plot influence has significantly increased. Main stage mission released: Trial in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.]

[Mission Requirements: Within one month, break through to Dou Practitioner, and master at least one Xuan-rank Dou Technique (Eight Extremities Collapse fragmented version already meets part of the conditions).]

[Mission Reward: System points × 500, random Xuan-rank cultivation method × 1, intermediate lottery opportunity × 1.]

[Failure Penalty: Randomly deprive of one obtained Heavenly Flame sub-flame origin.]

Lin Yan's eyes narrowed.

Breaking through to Dou Practitioner was something he had expected, but the mission rewards were quite generous, and the failure penalty was extremely severe.

The system was urging him to improve his strength as soon as possible to welcome a broader stage.

Magical Beast Mountain Range... There were more opportunities there, and also more dangers.

Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, Amethyst Winged Lion King... Many original plotlines would unfold there.

He clenched his fists, and fighting spirit ignited in his eyes.

The stage of Wutan City had already closed, and a broader world was waiting for him to explore.

However, just as Lin Yan was planning for the future, in a dark mansion somewhere in Wutan City, a figure dressed in a black robe with a cold aura was crushing a communication crystal.

In the crystal, the video clips of Lin Yan's last few battles in the small competition were clearly recorded, especially the hidden force fist technique with Fire-attribute aura.

The Black Robed Man sneered in a low voice: "A side-branch genius suspected of mastering a high-explosive Fire-attribute Dou Technique? A bit interesting. Report it up, perhaps... it is worth observing."