Chapter Twenty-Nine: Mastery of the Blazing Palm That Shatters Mountains

A subtle change flickered in the eyes of many onlooking disciples. Judging by the momentum, this was at least the Minor Mastery of the Mountain-Crushing Palm. Ordinary techniques were divided into four realms: Introduction, Minor Mastery, Major Mastery, and Flawless Perfection. The other's movements were practiced and skillful, clearly the result of much hard work, and had already reached the minimum standard for joining the sect.

At this moment, Wang Yao's brows knit together, as if dissatisfied. With a low shout, he repeated his previous movements. His steps grew steadier, channeling all his vital energy into a powerful stomp. Spiritual energy surged once more, coursing through his meridians into his palm and suddenly bursting forth!

A thunderous boom sounded out of nowhere, more than three times stronger than before!

"Palm technique at Major Mastery!"

Even the disciple from Huayang Peak instinctively stepped aside. Though Wang Yao was only at the initial stage of Qi Refinement, the force of his palm was now enough to injure him. What astonished him most was how someone could triple their power in the blink of an eye!

Lin Ze lounged lazily in his chair, his expression indifferent. The Square-Inch Six Harmonies Step was not a profound technique; its formula was simple, and apart from condensing vital energy, it served only to complement the Mountain-Crushing Palm. The young man hadn't "improved" on the spot—he was simply familiarizing himself with the footwork. His palm technique had already reached Major Mastery. If one was willing to work hard, how could there be no reward?

Meanwhile, Wang Yao felt a surge of comfort throughout his body, even wanting to let out a long howl. Spiritual energy boiled within him, his movements growing ever more fluid. After two full-power strikes, his energy sea was nearly exhausted, yet he was unwilling to stop.

His gaze encompassed all directions, his feet rooted within a square inch of earth. With his heart's knot unraveled, an inexplicable spiritual energy flowed into his body, supporting a third strike.

"Square Inch, Mountain-Crushing!"

He swept his palm fiercely toward the left of the Huayang Peak disciple, venting all the pressure and pent-up grievances of six years at the outer sect, clearing his Dao heart in one sweep.

Boom!

The young disciple turned to see a massive palm print sunken deep into the ground behind him. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he swallowed hard.

"Flawless Perfection…"

"Mid-stage Qi Refinement…"

He stared blankly ahead, only to see Wang Yao calmly withdrawing his palm and softly saying, "I meant no offense, senior brother. Please forgive me."

A flush abruptly crept up the other disciple's face. If that wasn't deliberate, did you really mean to strike me? Forcing down his urge to retaliate, he took several deep breaths.

A moment ago, he had hesitated out of deference to Elder Lin. Now, it was because of Wang Yao himself. He had barely broken through to late-stage Qi Refinement and his level was still unstable; the few techniques he commonly used were only at the introductory level. In contrast, Wang Yao had already reached mid-stage Qi Refinement and possessed Flawless Perfection in the Mountain-Crushing Palm. If they truly fought, his chances of victory were no more than sixty percent.

As a sect disciple, victory was expected—and it should come with ease. If he were to be defeated by an ordinary disciple, his reputation would be utterly ruined. The risk was too great!

With that in mind, the Huayang Peak disciple forced a smile through his anger. "Heh, junior brother, you are truly outstanding for your age. If we meet at the Outer Gate Tournament, I would be honored to spar and learn from you!"

At these words, Wang Yao cast him a cool glance, then turned and walked toward the bamboo chair.

By now, the surprise in the eyes of the distant onlookers had transformed into shock.

If Minor Mastery was considered average and Major Mastery excellent, then to practice a lower-grade technique to Flawless Perfection—even at mid-stage Qi Refinement—was enough to qualify for the tournament.

After all, while all disciples could participate, ordinary disciples rarely lasted more than three moves against a sect cultivator. Judging by the grey short jacket he wore, this person had yet to join the inner sect—an astonishing fact.

"He hid himself well!"

"You know him?"

"I've often seen him in class—always behaved, nothing remarkable. It took me a while to remember him."

Hearing this, many sect disciples showed genuine appreciation. Not arrogant or impatient, possessing a remarkable gift yet able to remain humble and dedicated, not seeking the limelight—such temperament was rare. Even if his talent was somewhat lacking, he was still a promising candidate. They decided to mention him to their elders upon returning.

Just as they were preparing to ask the youth's name, Wang Yao had already reached the bamboo chair and stood silently, gazing at the Daoist sitting there.

Suddenly, with a thud, he prostrated himself on the ground, voice hoarse with emotion: "Elder Lin, I will remember your life-saving grace forever!"

Lin Ze looked up, glancing over. He, too, was slightly surprised—though far less so than the others. To break through both technique and cultivation simultaneously was something that had never happened in his simulations.

"Rise," Lin Ze nodded.

In truth, he had done little; this achievement was entirely due to Wang Yao's own diligence. If the Huayang Peak instructor had simply mentioned the footwork during his lectures, Wang Yao would have joined the inner sect long ago and would have been spared years of frustration.

As he finished speaking, Wang Yao just kowtowed even more forcefully, saying nothing.

Lin Ze helplessly withdrew his gaze. Little Green Mountain was striving for excellence—yet with talent like this, what could he do? With only five points of aptitude, he couldn't compare to Xiao Bao's perfect twenty, or even to Su Bailu's eight.

Of the five character cards he already possessed, the only one Wang Yao could surpass was Lin Ze's own host card.

Perhaps seeing through the Daoist's thoughts, Wang Yao stammered, "I can do many chores—tend spiritual plants, organize… organize scriptures, and sweep the grounds…"

Lin Ze raised an eyebrow. Of course he knew this; he even knew that Wang Yao was particularly skilled at making noodles. Thinking of the refreshing vegetable noodles he'd enjoyed for months in the simulator, Lin Ze felt a slight temptation, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.

In truth…

There were advantages to having less talent. He could turn this disciple into a model example. If even such a cultivator could progress rapidly, the truly gifted would surely be drawn to Little Green Mountain.

"Bring the chair," Lin Ze said as he rose and stretched, ambling toward Little Green Mountain.

Wang Yao paused in surprise, then broke into a grin. He scrambled to his feet and deftly shouldered the bamboo chair, following close behind.

The disciples who had been eager to discuss Wang Yao with their elders froze in place.

What was this? For a mid-stage Qi Refinement disciple with Flawless Perfection in the Mountain-Crushing Palm, even the top sects would consider recruiting him. Yet he had chosen the most obscure sect among hundreds—the much-maligned Little Green Mountain!

"Wait, did you hear Elder Lin say something when he used the palm technique?" one disciple asked suspiciously.

"Don't joke. How could a few words instantly improve someone's cultivation and technique?" another disciple rolled his eyes. Giving Elder Lin all the credit was surely a stretch.

"Then how do you explain Wang Yao's reaction? He doesn't seem the type to hide his abilities—and even if he did, would it be just to join Little Green Mountain?"

As the disciples argued, a cool voice interrupted.

"Why not?" A Daoist, leading a female cultivator by the hand, stepped from the crowd, a hint of coldness on his lips. "Those few words were the general outline of Huayang Peak's Square-Inch Six Harmonies Step."

Everyone turned in astonishment. Upon recognizing the newcomer, they hurriedly bowed and called out, "Steward Zhang!"