Against Zhou Feng (1)

The air was thick with anticipation as the disciples whose names were drawn got up to their respective stages.

The projection up in the sky flashed, showing mini-screens of every stage but there were at least five main focus, showing what might be the anticipated matches between the two prominent outer court disciples.

Xu Qi and Zhou Feng's fight wasn't one of them, but it didn't mean it wasn't important. They just didn't know yet that Xu Qi was capable of upsetting his opponent who was a stage higher than him.

Zhou Feng, Xu Qi's opponent, smirked as he faced him. He was already full of it, underestimating him based on his bias. Zhang Han wasn't among the disciples called up on the stage so he was there at the distance, glaring at Xu Qi as if he was already a dead man.

Xu Qi simply shook his head internally at that thought. He came in here to pass the exam, not to pander to those who hated his guts. He murmured softly, feeling the presence of the primal elements already at his beck and call.

Shortly after, Elder Qiang's gaze swept over the disciples with an unyielding expression. He was about to announce the start of the match.

"Remember," he said, "the Test of Competence is not just about strength. It's about strategy, wisdom, and the ability to adapt. Show us what you're truly made of and make our Wandering Place proud!"

With a final nod to Ling Lian and Xiao Yue, Xu Qi focused on his opponent in front of him as they waited for the go signal from Elder Qiang.

"Let's begin!" The Elder announced as the barriers of the stages lit up, sealing them in their respective battles.

Xu Qi took a deep breath, his eyes locked with Zhou Feng's, who was still smirking with overconfidence. He knew that this was his moment to prove his worth not just to the Elders but also to himself. He transmigrated to this world with nothing under his belt. He had no idea if he would be able to return but at the moment, he could only continue living here, especially now that he created special bonds with two women.

"So, Zhou Feng," Xu Qi began, his voice a perfect blend of sweetness and mockery. "I heard you're quite a strong contender. Did bootlicking Zhang Han teach you all his tricks, or do you have some of your own?"

Zhou Feng's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing at the mention of his association with Zhang Han. "I am my own person, you trash!" At that, he gathered his qi in his fist and resonated with the primal element to activate a technique he had practiced for months.

Xu Qi chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Your own person, you say? Yet, your every move screams of his influence. Even the way you address me as trash. Don't tell me you also have nothing down there."

Although only some of the spectators focused on their stage, the cheers turned to laughter as they realized what he meant. The words, though simple, had a poetic finesse to them that tickled the ears of those who knew the hidden meaning behind it. The subtle jab at Zhang Han was not lost on anyone, especially Zhou Feng, whose face grew redder by the second.

The young man roared in fury, his qi flaring like a wild beast. He launched himself at Xu Qi, his fist a blur of fire. Xu Qi, unfazed, stepped aside, allowing the fiery projectile to fly past him and dissipate into the protective barrier. He then whispered to the primal element of the wind, speeding up his kick as a counterattack. His foot connected with Zhou Feng's chest, sending him crashing a few steps back.

He learned the Wind Whisper Art and practiced it to the basic proficiency. Although he hadn't used it yet, that kick contained its essence. He wanted to keep his cards hidden for a while longer. Or until an opponent that could force him to reveal his true capability arrived.

Zhou Feng stumbled back, the impact of Xu Qi's kick echoing in his chest. He gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with fury. He hadn't expected Xu Qi to be so quick on his feet. The whispers of the crowd grew into murmurs of surprise and amusement. The smirk on Xu Qi's face widened as he watched Zhou Feng's anger grow.

"Oops, did I hit a nerve?" Xu Qi taunted, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. He knew that in the cultivation world, reputation and ego often went hand in hand. By poking fun at Zhou Feng's association with Zhang Han, he had effectively thrown the young man off balance. "Or did you intentionally miss me? Oh please, I can take your fist or two, I promise."

Zhou Feng's face turned an alarming shade of purple as he launched himself again, his qi gathering into a fiery tornado. The spectators' eyes widened, expecting an impressive display of power. Yet, Xu Qi remained unruffled. He subtly whispered again, his Celestial Eloquence humming, specifically targeting the primal elements that were already at his command.

His opponent's fiery tornado began to spin erratically, losing its coherence until it was nothing more than a disorganized mess of flaming qi. It looked like it was about to burst but in truth, it was about to scatter as the primal elements were dispersing from it.

Zhou Feng's fiery tornado grew more chaotic under Xu Qi's verbal provocation. The disciples around them watched in amazement as the once terrifying attack looked like a clumsy dance of flames. They had no idea what was happening but before they could understand it, Xu Qi had already made his move. His fist gathered the primal element of earth and shot straight to the heart of the tornado, collapsing it in on itself and sending the fiery qi back at Zhou Feng.

A fourth stage Elemental Awakener was being pushed back by a third stage, it was a spectacle.