Chapter 28: Each Preparing for Battle . . .
In a concealed location within the Dan Wu Academy, two individuals engaged in a hushed conversation, their voices barely audible.
"Qingping, what are your thoughts on the impending deathmatch with Ye Yuan?"
Fei Qingping responded with disdain, "What's there to think about? Just eliminate him! This guy's resilience is truly baffling. Last time, he was practically lifeless when he was sent back. Who would have guessed that he'd bounce back in a few days? This time, I won't give him any chance to survive."
Wan Yuan, familiar with the lifelong rivalry between Ye Yuan and himself, harbored no qualms about urging Fei Qingping to defeat Ye Yuan. However, sensing an unusual atmosphere, Wan Yuan questioned, "Young Master Wan, you don't think I'd lose to him, do you?"
Wan Yuan, contemplating Ye Yuan's recent changes, expressed his concerns, suggesting that Ye Yuan appeared different from his past self. Fei Qingping dismissed this notion, attributing the perceived difference to a mere advancement of two minor realms. He believed Ye Yuan's current state would likely be his limit, emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable gap between them.
Despite Wan Yuan's initial inclination to defend Ye Yuan, he couldn't ignore the reality presented by Fei Qingping's perspective. Fei Qingping, being older and more experienced, held the upper hand in the Essence Qi Realm, a fact that couldn't be easily dismissed.
Acknowledging Fei Qingping's expertise, Wan Yuan couldn't help but feel conflicted. While he desired to rebuke Fei Qingping, he couldn't entirely deny the validity of his observations. Fei Qingping's assessment aligned with the general sentiment toward Ye Yuan.
Despite this internal conflict, Wan Yuan, after a moment of silence, asserted, "Qingping, in the upcoming deathmatch, victory is the only option. I won't accept defeat. Even if Ye Yuan is nothing more than a rat, you must give it your all to triumph. Remember, underestimate him at your peril."
Wan Yuan's impassioned plea revealed a level of concern and urgency previously unseen. Fei Qingping, initially nonchalant, found himself taken aback by Wan Yuan's unexpected fervor.
As the gravity of the situation dawned on Fei Qingping, Wan Yuan's anger intensified, "If you persist with this attitude, I'll eliminate you first! Your defeat reflects not only on yourself but also on the Wan Family and the Drunken Star Manor. If you fall to Ye Yuan, where should my father and I hide our faces?"
This outburst marked a departure from Wan Yuan's usual demeanor. Fei Qingping, momentarily stunned, understood that Wan Yuan had never shown such concern for Ye Yuan before.
"I-I understand. I'll exert every effort to defeat him," Fei Qingping acquiesced, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Wan Yuan, with a sigh, attempted to convey his apprehension, "Qingping, I acknowledge that you view Ye Yuan with disdain. But this time, after his return to the academy, I sense something unusual."
"In what way?" Fei Qingping, curious about Wan Yuan's observations, probed further.
Wan Yuan, known for his careful and prudent approach, explained a recent encounter with Ye Yuan. Attempting to test Ye Yuan's resolve, Wan Yuan exerted 70% of his power but failed to catch him. Shockingly, Ye Yuan not only knew Instant Flash but had mastered it to the great success stage.
"What? Instant Flash at the great success stage? How is that possible?" Fei Qingping, well aware of the implications, expressed disbelief.
Wan Yuan confirmed, "Yes, Instant Flash at the great success stage. It's not only possible; it's a reality."
Fei Qingping, struggling to comprehend the revelation, babbled incoherently. Wan Yuan, underlining the gravity of the situation, emphasized that Ye Yuan had created disturbances during his return to the capital and even faced a Mosha assassin arranged by Wan Yuan's father, yet emerged unscathed. Wan Yuan's intuition told him that something peculiar was transpiring with Ye Yuan.
Fei Qingping, now thoroughly alarmed, sought guidance, "What should I do?"
Gently patting Fei Qingping's shoulders, Wan Yuan offered reassurance, "Relax. Even if he seems a bit unusual, the disparity in strength between the two of you is insurmountable! However, you mustn't let your guard down in these three days. Utilize every moment to its fullest."
Taking Wan Yuan's words seriously, Fei Qingping acknowledged his commitment, "Young Master Wan, just guide me on what needs to be done. I'll unquestionably follow your lead!"
Observing Fei Qingping's sincerity, Wan Yuan produced a bottle of medicinal pills and presented it before him, explaining, "These are Essence Gathering Pills refined by my father. They're 50% more effective than Essence Qi Pills! Over the next three days, use these pills to enhance your strength. Your goal is to break through to the Fifth Level Essence Qi Realm!"
Fei Qingping's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Achieving the Fifth Level Essence Qi Realm would significantly improve his chances of victory. The discrepancy in strength between a Fifth Level and a Third Level Essence Qi Realm martial artist was formidable. Grateful for Wan Yuan's support, Fei Qingping bowed deeply, expressing his thanks.
Wan Yuan nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining his calm demeanor as he added, "Another crucial aspect: dedicate your efforts to mastering the Lesser Capturing Hand in these three days. It will be your trump card against Instant Flash, positioning you in an invincible stance."
In a training chamber within the Dan Wu Academy, Ye Yuan stood motionless, eyes tightly shut, appearing almost as if he were in deep slumber. For nearly two hours, he had been in this meditative state, contemplating the information contained in the jade piece.
Suddenly, Ye Yuan's eyes snapped open, and he took a step back, executing a precise palm movement.
"Stacking Waves Layered Palm, First Layer Wave!"
A gust of wind accompanied the palm strike, colliding with the wall with a resounding boom. The impact left a noticeable dent, yet the wall rapidly restored itself before one's eyes.
Surveying his handiwork, Ye Yuan shook his head in self-reflection, "Mastering the Stacking Waves Layered Palm is indeed a formidable challenge. No wonder Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao suggested giving up. I've spent two hours adjusting the essence energy in my body, and yet, the First Layer Wave's effects remain elusive."
Ye Yuan sighed, contemplating the difficulty of the technique. Imagining Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao Chunyang's astonishment, he mused that the latter might deem him ungrateful.
It was worth noting that when Long Tan trained in this technique, it took him a month to master the First Layer Wave. However, Ye Yuan, though not yet a master, was already in close proximity to achieving it, and only after two hours.
"Once more!" Undeterred, Ye Yuan recommitted himself to the task, circulating the essence energy within his body, determined to conquer the challenges posed by the Stacking Waves Layered Palm.