Everyone present looked at Li Xuan in surprise, as no one had expected him to directly challenge Mu Qingfeng.
However, those with a deeper understanding of the situation nodded slightly. On the surface, Mu Qingfeng admired Qing Ruoyi, and Qing Tie Jun's words indicated that Qing Ruoyi's heart belonged to Li Xuan. A duel between the two would thus be justifiable.
While Mu Qingfeng was the heir to the Mu Residence, his strength was by no means weak. The Mu Residence was a top power in Dou City, and as its heir, Mu Qingfeng naturally received the best cultivation resources. With guidance from powerful individuals, he had already reached the initial stage of the Dominator realm years ago.
In contrast, Li Xuan had arrived in Dou City not long ago and hailed from the previous district. His background was evidently inferior to Mu Qingfeng's. Although Li Xuan was currently at the initial stage of the Dominator realm as well, most people believed his foundation was lacking.
"The Qing Residence is unlikely to win this fight," some whispered.
"Not necessarily. Li Xuan's performance in the arena back then was formidable. Being able to fight beyond one's level is not something everyone can do. Moreover, he is a body cultivator, which is a very troublesome existence."
"Rumor has it that the young master of the Mu Residence is on the verge of breaking through to the mid-stage Dominator realm. Today, we can see if it's true. If the rumors are accurate, then Li Xuan might struggle to win."
The leaders of various factions murmured amongst themselves. Meanwhile, Li Xuan and Mu Qingfeng, the individuals at the center of it all, stepped onto the arena.
"I'm somewhat surprised that you would challenge me directly," Mu Qingfeng said with a slight smile as he looked at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan replied with a hint of helplessness, "If I challenged a subordinate of the Mu Residence, it would be difficult to win everyone over. Your status as the young master should be sufficient. There's no other way, who told you to be the young master?"
"Come, let me see how much substance there is behind your cultivation at the initial stage of the Dominator realm," Mu Qingfeng said with a laugh, gesturing with his hand.
Li Xuan nodded and then moved, vanishing from his original spot.
Mu Qingfeng's expression turned serious. Li Xuan's identity as a body cultivator was well-known, and Mu Qingfeng understood the difficulty of dealing with them. If Li Xuan closed the distance, he would likely be at a disadvantage.
With this thought, Mu Qingfeng exploded forward. Fortunately, the arena was vast, and his retreat did not cause any disruption. In the next moment, Mu Qingfeng formed hand seals, and a terrifying wave of spiritual energy spread out in all directions.
Simultaneously, Li Xuan's fist arrived directly in front of Mu Qingfeng.
*Boom!*
With a resounding boom, Mu Qingfeng's pupils suddenly constricted. In the next instant, to everyone's astonishment, Mu Qingfeng was sent flying backward.
How was this possible?
In that first moment, Mu Qingfeng didn't consider his defeat but was shocked by the terrifying power of Li Xuan. Mu Qingfeng had defensively shielded his entire body from the start, as Li Xuan's identity as a body cultivator was undeniable.
Yet, the outcome was still this!
"The physical strength of this fellow is incredibly terrifying!" Mu Ruxue's eyes flickered with a hint of gloom as he witnessed his son being sent flying.
On the other hand, Qing Tie Jun couldn't hide his delight when he saw Li Xuan send Mu Qingfeng flying with a single punch. At this moment, Qing Tie Jun truly believed that Li Xuan had only used fifty percent of his strength when they had clashed.
"The strength of a body cultivator is indeed beyond that of ordinary people. Li Xuan, I must admit, in close combat, I would find it difficult to withstand your onslaught," Mu Qingfeng said, stabilizing himself and then looking at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan smiled and remained silent, his gaze fixed on Mu Qingfeng. Mu Qingfeng's clothes were tattered, but beneath them, golden light flowed.
Clearly, Mu Qingfeng was wearing a spiritual artifact. And this kind of spiritual artifact was most likely prepared specifically for Li Xuan.
Li Xuan now understood why Mu Qingfeng had only been sent flying without any injuries. Evidently, this spiritual artifact was designed to enhance or withstand physical strength.
"What a coincidence, I obtained a treasure not long ago, and I didn't expect it to be useful today. This item is called the Chainmail Golden Armor, which can immunize against all physical attacks," Mu Qingfeng said, seeing Li Xuan's gaze on him and making no attempt to conceal it.
Li Xuan was speechless. This was clearly a measure prepared to deal with him, yet he spoke of it so grandly.
However, Li Xuan did not believe Mu Qingfeng's claim of immunity to all physical attacks. There was no such thing as an indestructible object in this world. If there were, he would cleave it with his sword!
"You talk too much," Li Xuan said with a smile, and in the next moment, he vanished again.
Mu Qingfeng's expression turned serious, and he immediately activated the Chainmail Golden Armor. Golden light permeated the area, and a golden aura enveloped Mu Qingfeng within a two-meter radius.
*Bang!*
With a loud bang, Li Xuan reappeared.
This time, accompanied by a deafening impact, Mu Qingfeng remained motionless. Seeing the effect of the Chainmail Golden Armor, Mu Qingfeng's lips curved into a slight smile.
If my defense cannot be broken, what can a strong body cultivator do?
"As expected, a turtle shell," Li Xuan said with a slight nod, then unleashed another punch.
*Bang!*
*Bang bang!*
Li Xuan threw several consecutive punches, but all their force was absorbed and disappeared. Mu Qingfeng couldn't help but burst into laughter, finding the Chainmail Golden Armor to be an excellent treasure.
Li Xuan frowned slightly. It seemed that relying solely on physical strength could not break through Mu Qingfeng's defense.
"磐石境 (Pánshí Jìng - Rock Solid Realm)!" Li Xuan's mind moved, and he activated his strongest physical power. In the next moment, he threw another punch.
"Li Xuan, oh Li Xuan, why bother? Though you are a body cultivator, you cannot break through my..." Mu Qingfeng said with a loud laugh as Li Xuan continued to attack his golden defense. But soon, Mu Qingfeng's voice came to an abrupt halt.
*Ding.*
Although it was a very faint 'ding,' it was clearly heard by everyone. In the next instant, a minuscule crack appeared on Mu Qingfeng's seemingly impenetrable golden defense.
At this moment, Mu Qingfeng's face changed drastically.
"It seems your Chainmail Golden Armor has disappointed you," Li Xuan said with a slight smile and threw another punch.
*Bang!*
Mu Qingfeng stood as steady as a mountain, but his expression was so grim that it seemed water could drip from it. With Li Xuan's punch, the previously tiny crack widened further.
Mu Qingfeng knew that if Li Xuan continued to attack, his Chainmail Golden Armor would not be able to withstand it.
"Damn body cultivator!" Mu Qingfeng muttered an curse under his breath, then willed his mind. In his hand, a red hook resembling a crescent moon instantly appeared.
"Red Dust Companion!"
Mu Qingfeng whispered and hurled the red hook.
Sensing a wave of danger, Li Xuan retreated without hesitation.
But the next moment, as Li Xuan just stopped, the red hook mysteriously appeared behind him.
*Swoosh!*
With a ripping sound, Li Xuan's clothing was torn open. Even more bizarrely, the red hook vanished instantly.
"This hook is called Red Dust, and it possesses a divine ability. Li Xuan, you are indeed remarkable to have made me use this," Mu Qingfeng said slowly.
Li Xuan ignored Mu Qingfeng's words, calmed his mind, and his divine sense spread out.
*Ding!*
In the next moment, a 'ding' sounded from Li Xuan. Everyone turned to look, and a golden light appeared on Li Xuan's body. However, his upper garment had been torn by the red hook.
Li Xuan looked down at his Spirit Rhinoceros Armor and was somewhat shocked by the hook's power. But in the next moment, Li Xuan smiled slightly.
"You have the Chainmail Golden Armor, but I happen to have a Spirit Rhinoceros Armor as well. Tell me, can your Red Dust break through my defense?"