Just as Gojo was thinking about how to counter Lü Ci's Ruyi Force, the situation in the clearing shifted once more.
Enduring the intense pain coursing through his meridians, Feng Ping gritted his teeth and once again activated the qi within his body.
"So this is the Lü family's Ruyi Force… truly extraordinary!"
As he spoke, he raised his right arm and swung it fiercely toward Lü Ci.
In an instant—
A blazing fire dragon surged forth once more, roaring as it lunged toward Lü Ci.
"Same move again?"
Seeing Feng Ping repeat himself, disappointment filled Lü Ci's eyes.
He had thought Feng Ping must be something special to dare shout "Who's next?"
But it turned out his strength was nothing impressive—he wasn't even on par with other members of the Lü family.
Still, despite his disappointment, Lü Ci continued circulating his qi, channeling force through his body once more.
The so-called Ruyi Force was essentially a technique of controlling force.
By mastering power to an extreme degree, the user could manipulate it freely and precisely.
That was the origin of the term "Ruyi"—as one wishes.
Earlier, when Lü Ci struck Feng Ping through the air, bypassing his defense, it was just one of its many applications.
And now, Lü Ci once again infused Ruyi Force into his hands, controlling the flow of power to block and defend against the incoming fire dragon.
"Heh… do you really think I'd use the same move twice?"
Seeing Lü Ci's response, Feng Ping suddenly burst into laughter and spread his palm wide.
The roaring fire dragon instantly transformed—
Into a blazing net that swept toward Lü Ci.
Caught off guard by the sudden change, Lü Ci pushed off the ground and retreated several steps.
At the same time, he unleashed a burst of Ruyi Force.
This time, instead of striking head-on, the force surged upward from the ground—
Directly hitting Feng Ping's jaw and sending him flying.
Without Feng Ping's control, the flaming net dissipated rapidly, vanishing into nothingness within moments.
Standing in place, Lü Ci looked at the fallen Feng Ping, excitement written all over his face as he shouted:
"Well, Feng Ping? What do you think now?"
"I…"
Clutching his burning jaw, Feng Ping quickly climbed to his feet and cupped his fists.
"Young Master Lü's strength is formidable. I concede!"
Though the exchange had been brief, everyone present could clearly see—
Lü Ci was stronger than Feng Ping, and by no small margin.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to win so cleanly.
"As expected of one of the Lü family's twin pillars—his strength is truly impressive!"
Old Master Lu smiled as he turned to the head of the Lü family.
"Oh, not at all…"
"He still has a long way to go!"
Though his words were modest, the pride on the Lü family head's face was impossible to hide.
"By the way, Xiao Xuan, didn't you say yesterday that Jin'er would also participate? Why hasn't he stepped in yet?"
Old Master Lu turned to Lu Xuan, clearly eager to stir things up.
"That's right, that's right! Most of the sects have already sent people in. It's about time Young Master Lu showed himself!"
Wang Ai's father immediately chimed in.
"Indeed, we'd all like to witness Young Master Lu's prowess."
The Lü family head added with a smile.
"Uncle, you're really that eager to see Jin'er fight?"
Lu Xuan said helplessly.
He had already realized—
Everyone here, aside from the Celestial Master and Sect Leader Zuo, was eager to make things more intense.
The bigger the commotion, the better.
"Heh, they're young—of course their blood runs hot. When it's time to fight, let them fight!"
"Besides, we're all here. Even if things get heated, it won't harm relationships."
Old Master Lu chuckled as he shifted his gaze toward Lu Jin in the field.
At that moment, Lü Ren suddenly stepped beside the Lü family head and spoke in a low voice:
"Father, if Xiao Ci ends up facing Young Master Lu… he won't be able to hold back. It'll definitely draw blood."
"And today is Old Master Lu's birthday. Wouldn't that look bad?"
He glanced toward Lü Ci as he spoke.
"What's there to worry about?"
"They're young. Fight today, make up tomorrow."
The Lü family head waved it off, unconcerned.
Lü Ren frowned slightly, wondering whether he should pull Lü Ci out of the match.
"Gojo!"
At that moment, Zhang Jingqing's voice rang out.
"Master!"
Gojo immediately stepped forward from the crowd, bowed respectfully, and stood before him.
"Gojo, you've cultivated on Longhu Mountain for many years but have rarely fought others."
Zhang Jingqing glanced at him and spoke calmly.
"Go and spar with Young Master Lü. Gain some combat experience."
Originally, Zhang Jingqing had intended for Lu Jin to spar with Zhang Zhiwei—to temper Zhang Zhiwei's arrogance.
But after watching the matches today, and hearing the exchange between Lü Ren and the Lü family head, he realized—
Lu Jin and Lü Ci were roughly on the same level.
For Lu Jin to defeat Zhang Zhiwei was nothing short of a fantasy.
Because of this, Zhang Jingqing chose to send Gojo instead—
To face Lü Ci and Lu Jin, so that Lu Jin wouldn't lose too badly.
"Yes!"
Gojo nodded firmly and stepped into the clearing, standing opposite Lü Ci.
Seeing this, Zuo Ruotong turned slightly toward Zhang Jingqing and said:
"Celestial Master, this disciple doesn't seem as arrogant as you described."
"The arrogant one is another."
Zhang Jingqing smiled.
"This Gojo is a disciple I accepted earlier. He's steady and humble, so I brought him along this time to broaden his horizons."
He was extremely satisfied with Gojo.
In his eyes, Gojo was mature, composed, and treated his fellow disciples sincerely, without holding anything back.
And his talent was steadily improving.
If not for the fact that he had already taken in Zhang Zhiwei—whose talent was monstrous—
He would have considered making Gojo the next Celestial Master.
That was also why he had taught Gojo the Lightning Method.
Because in Zhang Jingqing's view—
Gojo was already one of the candidates for the next Celestial Master.
"Then why not have that other disciple come out and spar?"
Lu Xuan asked curiously.
Zhang Jingqing fell silent.
For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
He couldn't exactly say:
Because your disciples wouldn't even be able to withstand a single slap from Zhang Zhiwei…
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