How could he not see that these people were rushing to their deaths one after another on stage, intending to exhaust a bit more of Fan Qi's strength for his sake?
Xu Taiping wasn't sure how much of Fan Qi's strength had been depleted by these people, nor did he care, because he saw something far more important in them—the reason behind their punches.
According to his understanding from the teachings of Ziyang True Monarch, the so-called reason behind a punch was essentially the essence of the punch, akin to the essence of the sword, the blade, or even the Dao heart, all leading to the same destination.
What was originally just a fleeting thought of punch essence for Xu Taiping had, after witnessing these people's bouts with Fan Qi, begun to take on a clear outline.
"Taiping's aura and state of mind have both changed."
As a companion who had been with Xu Taiping day and night for three years, Fairy Lingyue immediately noticed the change in Xu Taiping's state of mind, which surprised and delighted her immensely.
For a cultivator, if one could maintain an unyielding Dao heart, even if one's body shattered and vital energy dried up, one could still rebuild the golden body and regenerate the spirit with this heart.
"Just this alone makes the trip worthwhile."
Fairy Lingyue thought to herself.
Not only Fairy Lingyue, but the Yellow Sparrow, who had been observing Xu Taiping, also felt the subtle changes in his aura.
While the Yellow Sparrow couldn't sense the change in Xu Taiping's state of mind, it clearly felt the sudden solidification of his aura fluctuations after the change.
"This lad's aura was already more robust and substantial than ordinary people's, but now it has gained a sharp edge within that robustness. Such a transformation in just a few days—could it be that he was moved by the hearts of these mortal-boned individuals facing death?"
The Yellow Sparrow murmured in surprise.
"The ninth challenger, Xu Taiping."
It was at this moment that Fan Ye, the grandson of Fan Qi, finally called out Xu Taiping's name.
By this time, Xu Taiping had already taken his position on the stage, carefully rolling up his sleeves.
"Boy, are you also here to meet your death on behalf of the Sixth Princess?"
Fan Qi, who had killed eight people, was covered in blood, which, combined with his towering figure, made him look even more ferocious.
However, compared to the tangible killing intent and rage emanating from him, this ferocity seemed somewhat insignificant.
If the initial Fan Qi on stage was merely a roaring tiger, then at this moment, he had become a malevolent dragon perched atop a high mountain.
"You're half right, Elder Fan. I am indeed entrusted by Sixth Princess to come here."
Having rolled up his sleeves, Xu Taiping assumed his fighting stance, then continued:
"But not to meet my death, but to take your head."
Xu Taiping's voice was very calm.
But it was this calmness that inexplicably sent chills down people's spines.
"Hahaha!"
Hearing this, Fan Qi burst into loud laughter.
"The scent on you, if I'm not mistaken, is that of a mountain cultivator. Let me tell you the truth, on this life-and-death stage, I've killed more than one mountain cultivator. Their heads, I've soaked in wine and kept in my study. You'll soon be the next."
As he spoke, Fan Qi also assumed the stance of the Fan family's fist style.
"I'm afraid your Fan family doesn't have a jar big enough to hold my head."
After saying this, Xu Taiping's spirit sank into his energy center, standing motionless in his stance on the stage.
Fan Qi also stood still in his stance, motionless.
Even though neither of them moved at that moment, the crowd around the stage already began to feel an indescribable pressure, making it difficult for them to breathe.
"Boom…"
Just then, a rumble of thunder sounded in the overcast sky.
At the moment the thunder sounded, the stage made of mysterious iron suddenly trembled with a "boom."
Immediately after, the crowd saw Xu Taiping and Fan Qi leave afterimages on the stage.
When they reappeared, they were in the middle of the stage, their fists colliding with a "bang."
Their punches were so fast that only beings like the Yellow Sparrow could barely make them out.
And the Yellow Sparrow's eyes shifted from initial curiosity to shock.
Because Xu Taiping, without using True Qi or any spells, was now suppressing Fan Qi with just a set of Green Bull Fist and brute strength.
"Bang!"
A loud crash snapped the Yellow Sparrow out of its daze.
Looking closely, Fan Qi was throwing a heavy punch at Xu Taiping's head, but at the last moment, Xu Taiping swiftly ducked to avoid the cannonball-like strike and countered with a Charging Bull Formation, "bang" hitting Fan Qi hard in the chest.
The immense force of the Charging Bull Formation sent Fan Qi flying a couple of feet off the ground.
"Bang!"
But immediately, Fan Qi used a heavy drop technique to press his body back to the ground and, taking advantage of the momentum, threw a fierce punch at Xu Taiping, who was rushing towards him.
Being too close, Xu Taiping could only raise his elbows to block, and the force of the punch sent him stumbling back several steps.
After finding an opening, Fan Qi's towering figure surged forward.
He then took three heavy steps, "bang, bang, bang," gathering all his strength and leaning his shoulder hard against Xu Taiping's body.
This long-prepared lean, combined with Fan Qi's towering figure and python-bull strength, gave the impression of a mountain collapsing.
Facing this strike, Xu Taiping neither dodged nor blocked but instead "bang" stamped his front foot on the ground.
Then he gathered all his strength in his right fist and launched a Charging Bull Formation, "boom," smashing towards Fan Qi's body.
In front of Fan Qi's towering figure and fierce momentum, Xu Taiping's punch seemed like striking a rock with an egg to the onlookers.
But to everyone's shock, with a "bang" of a massive collision, Xu Taiping's seemingly frail fist erupted with a mountain-splitting force, once again sending Fan Qi flying a couple of feet off the ground.
This time, Xu Taiping didn't give him a chance to land.
With a "boom," he quickly closed in on Fan Qi and began to alternately hammer at him with left and right fists.
Indeed, this was the Charging Bull Formation!
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas