All Things Are Contracts

Chapter 178: Invincible Realm and Battle Markings

Tai’e used both his fists, striking out simultaneously. “Shatter Kunlun!” With Tai’e’s fierce shout, his terrifying fists touched the silver spear, dispersing all the giant dragon power on the spear. The horrifying might made the arena shake, raising dust. When the dust settled, both stood motionless in their original positions. Liu Zhaoran’s upper clothes had turned to tatters, blood flowing like columns from both arms. Tai’e, however, was unscathed, his hands gripping the silver spear.

“You could force me to use both hands. Not bad,” Tai’e praised.

However, his praise felt like mockery to Liu Zhaoran. “Again!”

Liu Zhaoran pulled back his spear and engaged Tai’e again, seemingly entering a mysterious state.

“Invincible Realm? Liu Zhaoran has entered the Invincible Realm of the Four Battle Realms. He truly has profound martial arts!” people exclaimed in surprise.

The so-called Four Battle Realms are four states people can enter during battle, with no distinction of superiority. The Selfless Realm allows perfect control over power without the slightest waste; the Invincible Realm can unleash one’s maximum potential, exerting strength far beyond current levels; the Ethereal Realm greatly enhances the five senses, improving agility and accuracy; the Profound Realm connects with heaven and earth, absorbing large amounts of spiritual energy to replenish oneself. These four realms don’t conflict and can’t be taught, only self-realized. When Zhanyue was in the Red Lotus trial, he resolved the crisis by entering the Selfless Realm. Now Liu Zhaoran had entered the Invincible Realm, greatly enhancing his strength.

Finally, Liu Zhaoran’s spear could meet Tai’e’s fists, and they exchanged dozens of moves in an instant.

Tai’e was delighted to find a worthy opponent and decided to treat him seriously. He let out a roar, and mysterious beast markings appeared on his bare skin. One punch caused space to vibrate, and with just this punch, Liu Zhaoran was knocked out of the Invincible Realm. As the state receded, Liu Zhaoran instantly felt his limbs weaken. The borrowed power ultimately had to be repaid.

“What happened? The Invincible Realm was shattered by Tai’e’s single punch? This Tai’e is too strong!” Everyone was stunned, thinking Liu Zhaoran in the Invincible Realm could match Tai’e evenly, but he was so easily knocked out of the Invincible Realm?

Liu Zhaoran was unwilling to accept this. He seemed to make some decision, and the blood vessels all over his body began to swell, as if he was about to activate some secret technique harmful to himself. At this moment, Thunder Lord’s figure suddenly appeared beside Liu Zhaoran, a finger touching him to stop him from activating the secret technique.

“Enough. Losing isn’t shameful; not daring to face the gap is. Even if you activate a secret technique harming yourself, you won’t be his match. You’ve only fallen to the losers’ bracket and still have a chance. This isn’t a life-or-death battle. If you don’t have the courage to face the gap between you and others, how can you become a true strong person? From childhood to adulthood, I was never as good as Sword Lord, but later I surpassed him. How can a true man focus only on temporary success or failure?” Thunder Lord’s words enlightened Liu Zhaoran, who hurriedly thanked him for the guidance.

“Thank you, senior. I was shortsighted. Senior, how could he knock me out of the Invincible Realm?” Liu Zhaoran asked puzzledly.

Thunder Lord explained: “Did you see the tattoos on his body? Those are battle markings, something you get only when you reach the third level of the Invincible Realm among the Four Battle Realms. You’re only at the first level of the Invincible Realm, so you were completely suppressed. Moreover, he may not have mastered only the Invincible Realm. The gap between you is very large.”

Liu Zhaoran nodded, feeling relieved. If it had been a close defeat, he might have felt regretful, but the chasm-like gap made him realize how foolish his previous actions were. Fortunately, Thunder Lord intervened in time, otherwise it would have certainly affected his next match in the losers’ bracket.

“I admit defeat. Brother Tai’e, you won this battle,” Liu Zhaoran conceded.

Tai’e nodded with a smile, “You’re quite good, but too inexperienced. I can see you love fighting, otherwise you wouldn’t have realized the Invincible Realm. But unfortunately, my battle experience and fighting will far surpass yours. If you’re interested, you can come to our Ancient Sun-Chasing Kingdom for special training in the future. We don’t usually accept outsiders, but with my invitation, an exception can be made.” Tai’e quite admired Liu Zhaoran’s unyielding spirit.

“Thank you so much, Brother Tai’e!” Liu Zhaoran thanked excitedly, even happier than if he had won. For a martial arts fanatic like him, entering the Ancient Sun-Chasing Kingdom would truly be like a fish in water.

“Four Battle Realms, Invincible Realm, third level – Battle Markings! This Tai’e is terrifyingly strong. We don’t know how much strength he used against Liu Zhaoran just now,” Zhanyue commented with a serious look. Unfortunately, Tai’e had already won two matches and secured a spot, so there wouldn’t be any more fights from him.

“If you want to know his strength, why don’t you challenge him yourself? I think he’d be happy to accept,” Nangong Weilai beside him had a belly full of mischief.

“I don’t plan to embarrass myself. Thunder Lord’s words were meant for everyone to hear, and you heard them too. Admitting you’re not as skilled as others isn’t shameful. Tai’e and I will definitely fight one day, but not now. I’m not his match right now,” Zhanyue said. If he wore the Silver Moon Armor, it wouldn’t be meaningful, and besides, Tai’e might have other trump cards, and he might not be able to win.

Compared to the one-sided first match, people were more looking forward to the second match. Huang Xueqing versus Fan Longyu, both with unfathomable strength.

“Girl, how do these two compare?” Zhanyue asked.

Nangong Weilai pouted, “Why do I feel you’re particularly interested in this Huang Xueqing? Sister Baizhi, Sister Holy Maiden, you better be careful.”

Zhanyue suddenly flicked Nangong Weilai’s forehead, “Say it if you want to, if not, forget it. You’re here stirring up trouble between us. All those good foods and pills before were really wasted on you.”

Nangong Weilai looked at Zhanyue angrily and said, “Huang Xueqing will win. Are you satisfied now?”

“Huang Xueqing? Can she beat that Fan Longyu?” Zhanyue obviously didn’t quite believe it.

“This is an arena match. In arena matches, Huang Xueqing is invincible,” Nangong Weilai said irritably, then leaned over to Holy Maiden Lixi’s ear to say something, occasionally glaring at Zhanyue.

Soon after, the match on the arena began, and the private box also quieted down.

“Greetings, Fairy Huang,” Fan Longyu politely addressed Huang Xueqing opposite him.

“Why does everyone call me fairy? Well, fairy it is then. Please, Mr. Fan,” Huang Xueqing made a gesture of invitation.

“On the arena, for the fairy to keep her face veiled seems impolite. Let me remove the fairy’s veil and see her celestial countenance,” Fan Longyu naturally had the capital to be arrogant.

Huang Xueqing calmly said, “Whether it’s you or Tai’e, as long as I don’t want it, you won’t be able to do it. If you don’t believe me, you can try.”

Fan Longyu naturally wouldn’t believe it. He stomped his foot and turned into a streak of light, rushing straight towards Huang Xueqing’s face, determined to remove her veil and satisfy his curiosity.