For Zhou Yan, whether it was the Five Elements, Bagua, or Qimen Dunjia, they all originated from the fundamental principles of heaven and earth. Heaven and earth gave rise to Yin and Yang energies, and from these energies, all things in existence evolved.
Whether it was the Five Elements, Bagua, or the Nine Palaces, they were all inseparable from Taiji.
Zhou Yan, possessing the Taiji diagram within him, held an inherent advantage over Zhuge Kaiming's techniques.
He smiled faintly. If Zhuge Kaiming had employed other methods, he might have indeed had to exert considerable effort. But this opponent had foolishly chosen to use Qimen Dunjia.
Wasn't this akin to challenging his pure Taiji diagram from within?
It was like showing off one's martial prowess before an expert.
As expected, when Zhuge Kaiming's Bagua array enveloped his feet, the Taiji diagram within Zhou Yan's body seemed provoked, eager to emerge and see which imposter dared to challenge its authority.
However, Zhou Yan forcefully suppressed the Taiji diagram within him. He had no desire to reveal his trump card to others.
After all, dealing with Zhuge Kaiming did not require such extreme measures.
Even so, the Yin and Yang energies within him could not help but surge outward.
Upon sensing the Yin and Yang energies emanating from Zhou Yan, Zhuge Kaiming's Bagua array ground to a halt. It stopped just before Zhou Yan, unable to advance another inch.
It was as if it were being suppressed by some force, and no matter how Zhuge Kaiming maneuvered it, it would not budge.
"Hmm! Interesting."
Zhuge Kaiming, unaware of the true reason, assumed Zhou Yan had employed some secret technique to halt the array's progression.
He uncharacteristically launched a proactive attack, his hands weaving intricate mudras. A white light emanated from his body, and the entire formation on the ground seemed to come alive, transforming into a sky full of runes.
"Flow of Water!"
The formation manifested as water pillars, surging towards Zhou Yan from all directions, aiming to drown him.
This was no ordinary water. Others had perished in this very stream, their deaths ignominious.
Zhou Yan was currently perceived as merely a warrior wielding a spear.
But his repertoire extended far beyond that.
Yet, Zhou Yan had no intention of revealing his diverse abilities. To him, it was simply unnecessary.
He brandished his spear, and the incoming water streams were deflected before they could reach him, causing no harm.
This feat astonished many onlookers.
Not everyone could withstand Zhuge Kaiming's attack. Zhou Yan could, but they doubted their own capabilities.
However, this was merely the beginning. Zhuge Kaiming possessed numerous other techniques. A single move couldn't harm Zhou Yan, but he had countless others.
Zhuge Kaiming conjured the formation once more, sweeping his hands towards the ground.
The earth cracked open, as if the entire mountain were about to collapse. A colossal dragon, entirely formed of earth, opened its maw and lunged at Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan unleashed a surge of Yin and Yang power. His spear instantly elongated, stretching to tens of meters, and he fiercely swung it at the earth dragon.
"Boom!"
The immense force instantly shattered the earth dragon into pieces, scattering it into a cloud of energy.
Zhuge Kaiming had not anticipated such a violent counter to his technique. It was so thoroughly defeated that it couldn't even recover.
The sheer power of that strike was the strongest he had encountered among his opponents.
He attacked again. The ground erupted into a sea of flames – the origin of Li Fire. It could incinerate all things, refine everything, possessing immense heat and terrifying power. Anyone falling into it would vanish into nothingness within moments.
But Zhou Yan was no ordinary person.
Yet, Zhou Yan was somewhat surprised. The flames were indeed formidable and potent.
These were no ordinary flames; they were likely an exotic fire, amplified manifold by his formation.
Flames continuously assaulted Zhou Yan. He parried each wave with his spear, but the boundless Li Fire relentlessly surged towards him. Many believed he was doomed to perish under this onslaught.
"Hahaha, how about that? I told you that young Zhou Yan couldn't possibly win. This Li Fire is enough to end his life."
Zhang Hongguang said gleefully to Yang Junming upon witnessing this.
Yang Junming smiled slightly and replied, "Why the rush? The battle is still ongoing. I believe Zhou Yan still has some tricks up his sleeve."
"Impossible. He's a melee fighter, a brute force class. Faced with such attacks, he has no solution."
Zhang Hongguang stated with absolute certainty.
"Isn't he starting to counterattack now?" Yang Junming gestured for Zhang Hongguang to continue observing the fight.
Hearing this, Zhang Hongguang looked again and indeed saw Zhou Yan beginning his counterattack.
Zhou Yan retreated to a safe spot on the ground and forcefully planted his spear, embedding it into the earth.
Then, a strange light emanated from his hands. The surrounding Li Fire was continuously gathered, forming a colossal fireball.
This spectacle astonished the onlookers. What kind of technique was this, capable of collecting such terrifying Li Fire?
"What is this move? It's so powerful!"
"Zhuge Kaiming has met his match. This Zhou Yan has truly diverse skills."
"It's no wonder he made it into the top four. He was simply holding back his true capabilities before."
Ye Bufan had been observing the match with composure, never once showing concern for Zhou Yan.
Luo Yushuang hastily inquired, "Ye Bufan, why are you so confident in that Zhou Yan? Aren't you worried for him?"
"Don't underestimate him. If you watch closely, you'll notice he's been incredibly relaxed throughout, never showing any signs of urgency. He's even been holding back many of his abilities. What reason do I have to worry?" Ye Bufan replied.
"Then why does it seem like that kid is about to be defeated?" Luo Yushuang asked, puzzled.
"That's why you're being foolish," Ye Bufan rebuked her without hesitation.
"Ye Bufan, just you wait. I'll get back at you someday," Luo Yushuang said indignantly.
"I've heard that sentence countless times since we were children," Ye Bufan responded with an exasperated tone.
...
When Zhuge Kaiming ceased wielding Li Fire, he suddenly felt a sense of danger. The fireball in Zhou Yan's hand was hurled back at him.
This startled him. He had never imagined his opponent could use it in such a manner.
It wasn't just him; everyone else was taken aback. No one had foreseen Zhou Yan possessing such an ability.
Zhuge Kaiming quickly moved out of the way. The Li Fire fireball landed, erupting in a terrifying explosion. Fortunately, Zhuge Kaiming had dodged in time, or he would have perished by his own technique.
"What kind of monstrous talent is this? It's as if my formations have no effect on him."
Zhuge Kaiming was perplexed. He had employed numerous methods to impede his opponent, yet they seemed utterly ineffective.
He concentrated his energy again, conjuring a forest. Countless vines lashed out at Zhou Yan, followed by an illusionary formation to confuse him.
Unfortunately, these formations were all derived from the profound principles of Taiji.
And Zhou Yan, possessing the innate Taiji formation diagram within him, was entirely immune to such trickery. It would be truly strange if his illusions and迷阵 (confusing formations) had any effect.
Zhou Yan's spear techniques were domineering and fierce, displaying formidable power. No matter how many vines attacked him, he shattered them with a single thrust.