Chapter 24: Breakthrough

really terrible. Just getting started, and I run into Xia Mang! Of all people!"“I originally thought I could at least reach fourth or fifth place, maybe even third. But now it seems like I can only m..."Don't worry, I will control my power to match yours. Let's see who has the better skills…" The beggar boy had a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

"As expected, he's a madman," Su Xin sighed inwardly.

Journey across the world, challenging countless strong opponents.

During battles with these powerful foes, he constantly pushed his limits and improved his strength.

Such a person has an absolute pursuit of strength, being both crazy and terrifying.

Thus, if you make a move, Su Xin's expression will turn cold.

If it were a true test of strength, unless he unleashed the Divine Annihilation Art, he would absolutely be no match for this beggar boy. But if both parties maintained equal power and only focused on skill, Su Xin wouldn't be afraid at all.

"Haha! Be careful then

"

The beggar boy let out a laugh, with a simple step he crossed dozens of meters in an instant. The long sword tightly held in his hand was also swung directly.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!

A series of menacing blade lights flared up immediately.

Hurry!

It's almost at its peak!

Even those around him, including the few Sea Transformation Realm cultivators present, were unable to catch the trajectory of this blade light.

Su Xin's figure transformed into a towering mountain, his sword in hand carrying an endless flow of intent. It seemed like the waves of the sea, surging and ceaselessly cutting through the air.

Same goes for striking back quickly!

No matter how cunning or bizarre the incoming blade's angles were, Su Xin's sword could always parry them with uncanny precision.

Ding ding ding~~~

Those nearby could only hear the incessant metallic clanging sounds coming from within. In a blink of an eye, those clangs had sounded over a hundred times.

"Hurrah, hurrah!"

The beggar boy's eyes held a spark of heat. "In the past two years, I've met countless strong people along the way. Among them, there are those whose cultivation level is lower than mine, but they can keep up with my sword speed and effortlessly deflect and resolve my swordsmanship like you. You are the first."

Next, I'm going to get serious. Be careful!

After finishing his words, the beggar boy suddenly rushed out.

Long knife in hand, swish swish swish!!

Three blades flashed out like streaks of lightning, seeming to carve through the void.

Similarly, with lightning-fast swordsmanship, Su Xin once again used the Shan Hai Scroll Sword Technique to block. However, the moment his sword clashed with the first blade of light, Su Xin realized the power contained within it was at least twice as strong as those wielded by the beggar boy before.

“The power he unleashed didn't increase at all. Relying solely on his swordsmanship and skills, his might doubled!” Su Xin was secretly astonished, but even though the sword light’s might had grown stronger, he still effortlessly blocked it.

Then came the second and third strikes, each more powerful than the last.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

After three encounters, Su Xin remained steadfast.

"Blocked"

The beggar boy frowned. The three swords he had just unleashed, the first one's power was doubled, the second tripled, and the third quadrupled. These three swords, wielded in succession, were normally unstoppable for ordinary people. Yet Su Xin not only withstood them but also seemed very relaxed.

"As expected of the Tianyan Imperial Dynasty's recognized number one swordsmanship, and his understanding of the realm is probably even higher than mine," the beggar boy muttered, then immediately said, "Bei Cang Sword Art, it should be more than just a defensive sword art, right Let me see your offensive techniques!"

As you wish, Su Xin's eyes narrowed.

Boom!!

His sword style instantly changed, becoming frenzied and scorching hot.

For a moment, the sword glow was like lightning, and the terrifying sword shadow directly enveloped the beggar boy.

"Ninefold Waves!"

The beggar boy also immediately used his swordsmanship.

The two collided frantically, and after a moment, the beggar boy took a step back, widening the distance between them.

That's it for now.

The beggar boy spoke, smiling, "In terms of offensive skills, we're probably about the same. And your defensive swordsmanship is exceptional. Unless I use my strongest technique, I wouldn't be able to break through your swordplay at all."

"Strongest ultimate move"

Su Xin's pupils contracted. This beggar boy still had a hidden trick up his sleeve

“My secret technique is quite special. Once I use it, I can’t control my power anymore, and it will likely be the ultimate power explosion. You're just a True Martial Realm cultivator, even with your excellent swordsmanship defense, against such a huge power gap, you'd probably still be struck down by my single strike. So, let's just forget about it,” said the beggar boy.

Hearing this, Su Xin could only helplessly shrug his shoulders.

He did indeed want to see the beggar boy's strongest move, but since the latter couldn't control his power after performing it, he decided against it.

"What's your name" the beggar boy asked.

Su Xin Su Xin spoke.

"My name is Duan Yunfeng, you'd better remember that. Most people aren't worthy of knowing my name," the beggar boy said with a smile. He was speaking the truth.

Over the past two years, he has traveled the world, engaging in countless battles with cultivators at the Sea Transformation stage. Most of them were either at the peak or nearing completion of the Sea Transformation stage. However, out of all these individuals, there were less than five who were worthy of him revealing their names proactively.

He is now telling Su Xin his name, which is clearly a kind of recognition to Su Xin, even though Su Xin's cultivation is only at the True Martial Realm.

"It's a pity your cultivation level is indeed too low. You can't even reach the minimum threshold for hunting. Otherwise, I would really like to unleash my full strength against you in this year's Imperial City Hunt. Beggar boy Duan Yunfeng said."

"A royal hunt" Su Xin's heart moved.

The Heavenly Flames Dynasty held a royal hunting expedition in the imperial city every five years, and he had heard of it.

That was a grand feast gathering the top talents from all over the Thirty-Six States of Tianyan Empire, including countless counties and cities.

That is also the stage that all young cultivators aspire to and yearn for.

As long as one can pass through the numerous preliminary rounds and truly step onto the hunting stage, they would already be a top-tier talent in the Heavenly Flame Empire. And once they display extraordinary performance during the hunt, their name will undoubtedly shake the world.

And most importantly, if one can make it to the very end of the hunt, they will be absorbed into the Heavenly Flame Dynasty's sacred land, 'Heavenly Flame Palace.'

Tianyan Palace was personally founded by the founding emperor of the Tianyan Dynasty and has been passed down to this day. It gathers more than 70% of the cultivation resources of the entire Tianyan Dynasty. It gathers countless top powerhouses, and only the most outstanding prodigies of the Tianyan Dynasty can be admitted to Tianyan Palace.

It can be said that there, is the place where all young people dream of going.

However, the Imperial City Hunt is not something that just anyone can participate in. First of all, the minimum requirement is to have cultivation above the Sea-Melting Realm.

Su Xin was still only a Zhenwu Realm cultivator, and there were only about three months left until the initial selection of the Imperial City Hunt. Yun Feng clearly didn't think Su Xin could break through to the Hailing Realm in such a short time.

Even if he miraculously passed the initial selection, I don't think Su Xin would be able to get through the primaries.

"If I have the chance, I will go to the imperial hunting grounds and have a fair fight with you," Su Xin said seriously.

"Haha, okay, I'll wait for you," Duan Yunfeng smiled.

Although he didn't believe Su Xin could catch up to the imperial hunt, he also knew deep down that a super genius like Su Xin... would one day make a name for himself in Tianyan. They were sure to meet again in the future, perhaps even within the Tianyan Palace.

Waving his hand, Duan Yunfeng turned and walked away.

On the street, members of two rival gangs parted ways for him as soon as they saw him coming, immediately creating a wide path. No one dared to stand in his way.

"The Imperial Hunt, the most desired event in the Heavenly Flame Empire for all young people, regardless of gender, is a stage where they can truly showcase their greatest abilities…"

I'll definitely go!

Su Xin clutched his hands tightly, his eyes piercingly sharp.

……

The battle between the Black Dragon Gang and the Willow Water Gang, although delayed by the appearance of the beggar boy Duan Yunfeng, ultimately came to an end.

In this battle, the Liu Shui gang suffered a crushing defeat!

Many members of the Liu Shui gang were killed, and most of the high-level officials were also killed. The leader of the Liu Shui gang was seriously injured and fled.

As for the four strong men from the Pang family, Pang Tieyun, the strongest among them, was killed by Duan Yunfeng with a single sword strike. The remaining two accomplished masters both died at Su Xin's hands. Only one of the twin brothers, the 'younger brother' who had his arm severed by Su Xin, managed to escape with his life.

Of course, he was able to escape because he was smart. As soon as he saw Pang Tieyun being killed by Duan Yunfeng, he immediately fled for his life. At that time, Su Xin was engaged in battle with Duan Yunfeng and had no time to spare him.

The front of the Black Lotus Gang's headquarters.

"Young Master, Lord Ye Luo, I've already prepared a celebratory banquet for you both. At least sit down and have a drink before leaving There's no need to be in such a rush." Wan Chong smiled flatteringly, his expression and eyes full of obsequiousness. He didn't seem like the leader at all, more like a servant.

He has truly lowered himself to the lowest point, because today's battle, Su Xin's displayed strength completely frightened him.

You know, just three days ago when Su Xingan came, he was very dissatisfied with the Su family, even secretly scolding the Su family and Su Xingan.

Who would have thought that today, it was this young master, whom he had never taken seriously before because of his only True Martial Realm cultivation, who saved his life.

If it weren't for Su Xin's intervention, his Black Yan Gang would have been unable to withstand the four members of the Pang family. The final outcome would have been the complete annihilation of the Black Yan Gang, with its leader undoubtedly meeting a gruesome end.

He was now grateful, thankful that the Su family hadn't sent two Peak Ocean experts as he had requested, but instead sent this young master. Otherwise, two ordinary Peak Ocean experts wouldn't have been a match for those four from the Pang family at all.

"Master, we still have something to do. Su Xin has already mounted his horse."

"Well then, I won't stay any longer." Wan Chong smiled and gave a wink to the strategist beside him.

The military advisor immediately stepped forward and presented a stack of thick silver notes.

"Young Master, a small token of my respect. I humbly offer it to Wan Chongdao."

"Oh" Su Xin raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that Wan Chong truly deserved his position as the leader of their gang. He was a man who knew how to treat people well.

Su Xin did not refuse, directly accepting the silver note. Afterward, he and Ye Luo set off to leave Dongyang City.

……

On the way back to the Su family.

It was deep in the night now, two swift steeds slowly making their way down the road. Su Xin's gaze remained fixed ahead, lost in thought.

"Young Master, I've noticed you've been lost in thought ever since we left Dongyang City. What are you thinking about" Ye Luo asked.

"Yeluo, did you see that person today" Su Xin said.

As he said, it was naturally Duanyunfeng.

“Of course, that person's strength... was too great. Although his cultivation was only at the peak of the Huhai realm, I am certain that the vast majority of Huhai peak-level powerhouses would not be his match. Ye Luo looked solemn, "It's also fortunate that it was Young Master. If it were me, even if it was just a comparison of skills, I definitely wouldn't be able to block a single blow."

Su Xin smiled and continued, "I'm not talking about his strength, but his experience."

As he said, over the past two years he has traveled the world, passing through eighty-six counties of the nine states, challenging countless strongmen. This may seem crazy, but there is no doubt that he has the heart of a true warrior!

He yearned for strength, so he constantly sought to challenge powerful individuals.

"And I was just thinking, what if one day, when the crisis of my Su family is completely resolved and I have no more worries, will I be like him... venturing out into the world!"

Su Xin couldn't help but look up and gaze at the starry sky above.

This world is vast, and the Heavenly Flame Empire is merely one empire among many in the Eastern Desolation.

The strong are even countless...

Today's battle with Duan Yunfeng gave Su Xin a unique sense of confidence, a feeling of anticipation for this unknown world and a longing for countless strong individuals across this vast expanse.

He also craves to become stronger!

After becoming stronger, standing at the top of the world, confronting countless peak powerhouses!

"It's a pity, these are still too far away for me. What I need to focus on now is to solve the family crisis first," Su Xin said with a faint smile.

...it was then that...

"Huh"

Su Xin's eyes widened, and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed in them.

Then he dismounted directly, finding a vacant spot by the road and sitting down cross-legged.

"Ye Luo, keep watch for me. Don't let anyone disturb me," Su Xin commanded.

"Ye Luo nodded and dismounted, silently guarding by her side.

"

And Su Xin had already closed his eyes, and within him, a surge of spiritual energy began to gather.

Time flies.

When the first ray of dawn kissed Su Xin's face as it painted the distant horizon, his eyes finally fluttered open.

"The Realm of Hailing, we've arrived!!"

…… was simply a joke."Yes, with Master Jiuyun here, my Zhao family is worry-free!" Zhao Tiande also smiled.These days, with the threat of the Tianhuo Mercenary Group looming over them, the father and so...