The arena had become a battlefield of light and shadow. Golden qi streaked like meteors, while crimson energy radiated like molten lava. Each movement Jiang Chen made carried the weight of his **Primordial Body Layer 3**, every strike infused with the raw insight of his system.
The Inner Clan elite's eyes narrowed, a flicker of astonishment crossing his normally impassive face. He had faced many formidable opponents—but Jiang Chen was no ordinary disciple. This reborn prodigy had evolved mid-fight, breaking through limits even he had considered untouchable.
"You… you're moving faster than before. Unbelievable!" the elite muttered, his aura flaring crimson. "It seems I underestimated you."
Jiang Chen didn't reply. Words were useless here. He inhaled deeply, letting golden qi pulse through his body, filling every vein, every nerve.
*Phoenix Shadow Step… it's time.*
He focused, merging **Primordial System insight** with his own instincts. Each movement, each flicker of qi, was a step toward perfection. Then, with a sudden burst, he vanished from sight.
**[System Notification]**
**[Technique Activated: Phoenix Shadow Step — Stage 1]**
**[Movement Speed: Doubled]**
**[Strike Accuracy: Maximized]**
The Inner Clan elite's eyes widened. Before he could react, Jiang Chen reappeared behind him, fist glowing with golden light.
**Primordial Strike — Phoenix Convergence!**
The strike hit with the force of a blazing comet. The elite cultivator's crimson aura flared, attempting to counter—but the speed and precision were overwhelming. He stumbled, barely maintaining balance, and the arena floor cracked under the sheer impact.
"Impossible… he's… evolved too much!" the elite hissed, eyes flickering with disbelief.
Jiang Chen's form blurred again, each movement faster than the last. Shadow Step, Golden Flow, Phoenix Shadow Step—every technique layered seamlessly, creating a whirlwind of golden strikes that probed, tested, and assaulted every weak point in the elite's defenses.
The spectators were stunned into silence. Even the Inner Clan elders exchanged uneasy glances. Few had ever witnessed a disciple push the boundaries of cultivation this far—especially mid-battle.
The elite recovered, crimson qi erupting violently around him. He lunged forward with explosive speed, striking with his full internal force. But Jiang Chen was ready.
*Predictive strike… counter… evade…*
He moved like a golden phantom, leaving afterimages in his wake. Every feint and motion disrupted the elite's rhythm, forcing him onto the defensive for the first time in decades.
**Primordial System Insight:**
**[Elite Weakness Detected: Over-reliance on brute force after rapid succession of attacks]**
**[Optimal Exploit: Layered Shadow Step + Phoenix Strike combo]**
Jiang Chen's eyes gleamed. *So this is it… the perfect opening.*
He launched himself, a blur of golden light, striking with a combination of **Primordial Strike — Critical Convergence** and **Phoenix Shadow Step**, the two techniques fusing seamlessly. The force tore through the arena, sending shockwaves outward that rattled the stands and even shook the surrounding Inner Clan buildings.
The elite cultivator was knocked back violently, landing hard with a heavy thud. Crimson qi flared around him, but the stagger was undeniable. For the first time, he struggled to regain control.
Jiang Chen landed lightly, golden aura radiating like the dawn. His breathing was steady, calm, but his eyes burned with a fierce determination. He had taken the fight to a level few could reach—and for the first time, the Inner Clan elite recognized the prodigy's true potential.
"You… you've truly surpassed ordinary limits," the elite said, a note of respect threading his voice. "I can feel it… your Primordial System… your insight…"
Jiang Chen didn't respond. His focus was absolute. One final strike, one perfectly timed attack, and the battle would shift decisively.
Golden qi flared. Shadow Step after Shadow Step, Phoenix Shadow Step chaining with flawless execution, Jiang Chen became a streak of light—a storm of precision and power.
The crowd erupted, sensing the climax. Even the elders were on edge.
*This… is the strength of a reborn cultivator.*
The system panel blinked in Jiang Chen's mind:
**[Primordial Points +500]**
**[Combat Experience +600]**
**[Phoenix Shadow Step: Stage 2 Progressing]**
**[Next Potential Breakthrough: Primordial Strike Evolution]**
Jiang Chen's gaze locked on the elite cultivator. The message was clear—*the game has changed*.