The arena trembled under the overwhelming pressure. Dust swirled in the air, and the remaining spectators clutched at the edges of their seats.
Jiang Chen and Jiang Lei stood only a few meters apart. Both were breathing heavily, qi radiating in visible waves. Every strike, every movement, had carved cracks into the stone beneath them. This was no longer a test—it was a true battle of geniuses.
---
Jiang Lei's eyes narrowed. "You're improving faster than expected. But can you handle this?"
Without warning, he charged again. Each step thundered like a drumbeat, shaking the platform. His fists struck with crushing force, faster than Jiang Chen had ever seen from a Layer 4 cultivator.
Jiang Chen's eyes flickered. **Shadow Step alone won't be enough.**
He clenched his fists.
It was time to **activate more of the Primordial Body**.
---
Golden qi erupted around him, his aura expanding sharply. The system panel chimed:
**[Primordial Body Layer 2 — Full Synchronization Achieved]**
**[Defense +30%, Qi Efficiency +20%]**
The air around Jiang Chen shimmered. The golden veins along his arms glowed faintly, and his movements became smoother, almost predatory.
He smiled faintly.
"Now… let's see how strong you really are."
---
Jiang Lei charged, fists forming a deadly rhythm. But Jiang Chen's movements were no longer reactionary—they were predictive. Each dodge and block flowed naturally, like water circumventing rocks.
A faint hum filled the air as Jiang Chen compressed his qi into his fists.
**Primordial Strike — Advanced Mode.**
*Bang!*
The first strike collided with Jiang Lei's shoulder. Shockwaves spread, and for the first time, Jiang Lei was visibly staggered.
He barely recovered, his aura flaring in sudden intensity. "Hmm… good."
Jiang Chen didn't give him time. He moved like lightning, each step a blur. **Shadow Step + Primordial Body** synergy made his speed near impossible to track. Every strike he threw forced Jiang Lei back, bit by bit.
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
The platform shattered under the repeated impact. Stones flew into the air, and the spectators could only stare in awe.
---
Jiang Chen's movements were no longer just offensive—they were teaching. Every strike revealed a flaw in Jiang Lei's stance, a hesitation in his timing, a weakness in his balance.
And then, he saw it—a tiny opening.
A fraction of a second. Just enough.
Jiang Chen exhaled. His fist glowed faintly golden, qi converging at the perfect point.
**Primordial Strike — Precision Hit!**
*BOOM!*
The impact exploded outward. Jiang Lei's body was sent flying several meters, landing heavily on the broken edge of the arena. Dust clouded the air, and for a long moment, all was silent.
---
Jiang Lei slowly lifted his head. His expression had changed. Respect had replaced arrogance.
"You… you've surpassed my expectations," he muttered, pain in his voice but no defeat in his eyes.
Jiang Chen stood calmly, his chest rising and falling steadily. Qi flowed freely, completely under his control now.
**[Victory Recorded]**
**[Primordial Points +150]**
**[Technique Mastery Increased]**
**[New Technique Unlocked: Primordial Palm]**
---
The crowd erupted. Whispers of disbelief and awe spread like wildfire:
"He actually… defeated a Layer 4 cultivator so completely!"
"He's not just a cripple reborn… he's a monster!"
Even the elders exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
Elder Zhao stepped forward, eyes glinting. "Jiang Chen… your talent grows far too quickly. But remember, the true challenges are still ahead."
Jiang Chen's lips curved slightly.
"I know."
Inside, his mind raced—not with fear, but with anticipation.
The Inner Clan Assessment was just beginning. And soon, he would face opponents stronger than he had ever imagined.
But for the first time, Jiang Chen felt a surge of certainty:
*No one… can stop me.*