From the moment the Tiger Soul awakened, I became invincible.

Chapter 111 The Heart of Martial Arts: Living Towards Death

The moment Qin Wu stepped onto the dueling platform, dozens of figures pounced on him like hungry wolves. These were all martial artists at the Meridian Opening Realm, wielding various weapons and employing extremely ruthless techniques; they clearly intended to join forces to eliminate him, their formidable enemy.

Only a few remaining people remained indifferent, merely watching coldly. Qin Wu, however, remained calm. He shifted his stance, dodging the first few attackers, and simultaneously gathered power in his right hand, slamming a punch into one of them. Almost instantly, the fist landed squarely on the man's chest. Qin Wu's power was far beyond the man's ability to withstand; in a flash, the man's chest caved in, and he was sent flying backward, even knocking over several people behind him.

Although Qin Wu had held back, the man was no longer able to stand up, a move that shocked the others.

"Is this even human?" someone exclaimed in shock.

The attackers were no weaklings, yet even they couldn't muster any resistance against Qin Wu. Keep in mind, this was an attack from all sides. And the battle wasn't over; others charged towards Qin Wu. Qin Wu's movements were lightning fast, his strength overwhelming. He didn't use any weapons, relying solely on his punches and kicks to force his attackers back. At this moment, Qin Wu possessed multiple martial arts styles; his offense, defense, and agility were all perfectly balanced, leaving no weaknesses—a true all-rounder. Therefore, the attackers couldn't effectively surround him. Moreover, none of them could withstand a single blow from Qin Wu. In the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea, those who had initially intended to join forces were now filled with fear, retreating hastily. Although they surrounded Qin Wu, none dared to continue the attack.

This situation caused a slight change in the expressions of the onlookers. They were confident in their own strength, but Qin Wu's current display of power still shocked them. Even they themselves felt they couldn't withstand such strength. However, despite this, they felt no fear, because in their view, an attacker's strength must be at a certain level to be effective. Although Qin Wu was extremely powerful in group battles, he might not be so formidable in a one-on-one fight.

"A bunch of trash!" The black-robed youth sneered, his long sword flashing as it was drawn from its sheath, its blade gleaming with a black light. He then roared, "Qin Wu, I'll take you on!"

He was a renowned genius in Qianzhou, named Hei Sha, possessing the strength of the late-stage Meridian Opening Realm. He had even once killed a peak Meridian Opening Realm expert with a single strike. Even though the peak Meridian Opening Realm expert was already seriously injured at the time, it was enough to prove his immense strength. Hei Sha's blade was incredibly fast, its edge whistling as it tore through the air, aiming straight for Qin Wu's neck.

The moment they saw this strike, many around were shocked. Those who knew Hei Sha were astonished by his strength; those who didn't were even more terrified. No one could withstand this strike, and many even felt that even Qin Wu couldn't possess such power. But in the next instant, Qin Wu easily dodged it by simply sidestepping, and then, with his right hand in a fist, he unleashed the "Subduing Tiger Descending the Mountain" move of the Subduing Tiger Fist.

Seeing this move, Hei Sha was startled and quickly withdrew his sword to defend. A loud clang rang out, the sound of metal clashing. Hei Sha felt his arm go numb, his long sword nearly slipping from his grasp. He was even more shocked by Qin Wu's terrifying strength. Before he could react, Qin Wu's fist had already attacked him again. However, this time, Qin Wu's punch had changed. Compared to the previous casualness, Qin Wu's power had increased by three points. Qin Wu's expression now carried a hint of excitement. He hadn't expected that among the young people of Qianzhou, there could be someone who had reached such a level, and it seemed there was more than one person with this strength.

The moment the punch came, Black Demon's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He took several steps back before he could barely block the punch.

"Again!" Qin Wu said excitedly.

This person's strength was already comparable to those veteran experts at the Meridian Opening Realm. Although he couldn't yet compare to some top figures, his youth meant greater agility, making fighting them a completely different experience. However, after hearing Qin Wu's words, Hei Sha felt a slight fear in his heart. He immediately looked at the other onlookers and then suddenly said, "Aren't you going to make a move? I'm afraid no one here can stand against him."

Upon hearing his words, the few who had been watching hesitated only slightly before joining the attack on Qin Wu. Their pride as geniuses prevented them from attacking Qin Wu together, but they also knew very well that it was virtually impossible for each of them to contend with him alone. Therefore, since Hei Sha had offered them a way out, they naturally wouldn't let it pass. Almost instantly, several prodigies with peak Meridian Opening Realm strength attacked Qin Wu simultaneously, but Qin Wu's expression grew increasingly excited, showing no sign of backing down.

He even launched a preemptive attack, his target Black Fiend. Since it started with Black Fiend, it would naturally end with him. Facing Qin Wu's attack, Black Fiend raised his sword to defend, but this time there was no chance. Qin Wu's speed suddenly surged, the White Ape Star-Picking technique reaching its peak, almost instantly striking Black Fiend's chest with a punch. With a deafening roar, Black Fiend flew backward, losing his grip on his sword, and collapsed to the ground. The others, witnessing this, paled and rushed to attack Qin Wu, hoping to gain an advantage while he attacked Black Fiend. But it was all in vain. Qin Wu's fist transformed into a nimble, dragon-snake-like movement, striking one of them in the chest in an instant. The man struck also flew backward, but unlike Black Fiend, a trickle of blood seeped from his chest. This was only because Qin Wu had held back; otherwise, he would likely have ripped the man's heart out.

Qin Wu continued his offensive, and the remaining fighters were quickly defeated. This battle, which should have been evenly matched, ended very quickly.

Soon, only Qin Wu remained standing on the field. He then looked at the surrounding crowd and asked calmly, "Who else?"

The crowd below exchanged bewildered glances, none daring to speak. Even those powerful figures who had previously scoffed at joining forces now wore solemn expressions. Qin Wu's strength had surpassed their comprehension; his peak Meridian Opening Realm cultivation, coupled with such formidable power and bizarre martial arts techniques, made him virtually invincible. Therefore, when Qin Wu looked at them, everyone involuntarily lowered their heads, none daring to meet his gaze.

Seeing this, Taixuzi on the stage smiled with satisfaction. Qin Wu's displayed strength was truly pleasing to him. In the Meridian Opening Realm, no one could rival him. Even the inner disciples of Kunlun Ruins, nurtured from childhood, could not possibly possess such cultivation at this age. This combat prowess was extremely formidable; no wonder he could single-handedly withstand the Holy Infant Sect of Linshui City.

At the same time, he made up his mind to properly train Qin Wu in the future and absolutely not let him go astray. Then, seeing that no one stepped forward, he said calmly, "It seems that the outcome of this game is already decided. Qin Wu, your strength is indeed quite good, enough to join my Kunlun Ruins. In addition, you once captured and killed Mu Yunzheng, a disgraced disciple of my Kunlun Ruins, so I can grant you a position as an inner disciple."

The moment these words were uttered, they caused a stir among the crowd. Most people had some understanding of joining a True Qi Sect; they knew very well that joining was merely the first step, and many would be stuck at the level of a nominal disciple. Without becoming a formal disciple, it was impossible to stay long enough to learn the techniques truly useful for opening the twelve acupoints. Qin Wu, however, not only became a formal disciple but also an inner disciple, meaning he would receive the most core resources of Kunlun Ruins for cultivation—what an honor! Countless people cast envious glances at Qin Wu, but upon hearing Taixuzi's words, Qin Wu merely shook his head slightly. Then, he looked at Taixuzi and calmly said, "Senior Taixuzi, I do not intend to join Kunlun Ruins."

Upon hearing these words, Taixuzi's expression changed drastically, and his face turned extremely ugly.

"Qin Wu, do you know what you're saying?" Tai Xuzi spoke coldly, his tone becoming extremely harsh, completely different from what he had imagined.

In his imagination, Qin Wu should have been very eager to join their Kunlun Ruins. But now, Qin Wu had chosen to refuse after defeating everyone, which naturally made him lose face.

Qin Wu was well aware that this might offend Taixu Zi, but he didn't care about such things at all. Taixu Zi and Kunlun Ruins acted in a completely different way from him, and such an approach meant they couldn't be overly reckless. Even if he offended Taixu Zi now, Taixu Zi couldn't do anything to him. Moreover, he had Cang Xuanwu behind him. Since Cang Xuanwu had already agreed to solve this problem for him, there was naturally no need to worry.

Almost instantly, an extremely frenzied aura emanated from Taixuzi. Upon sensing this aura, everyone's expression changed. Many looked at Qin Wu with sympathy, their eyes also filled with a hint of doubt, for they couldn't understand why Qin Wu, having achieved such excellent results, chose not to join Kunlun Ruins.

Just as Taixuzi's expression grew increasingly grim, Cang Xuanwu's voice rang out calmly from behind: "Old man, Qin Wu has decided to join our Tianwu Mountain. I think your Kunlun Ruins shouldn't try to compete with Tianwu Mountain for this person, right?"

Upon hearing the sound, Taixuzi's gaze suddenly turned towards Cang Xuanwu. Cang Xuanwu's expression remained unchanged; he raised his head, even displaying a hint of arrogance.

Upon seeing Cang Xuanwu, Taixuzi snorted coldly and said, "Cang Xuanwu, who do you think you are? If your Tianwu Mountain Master were here, perhaps I would be somewhat wary, but you dare to stand in my way?"

Upon hearing this, Cang Xuanwu did not hesitate and took a few steps forward. At the same time, his aura began to surge wildly, and in an instant, Qin Wu felt a sense of turbulent waves.

This is Cang Xuanwu's true power. When Qin Wu fought Cang Xuanwu before, Cang Xuanwu didn't use his full strength; he was just sparring with Qin Wu.

However, when facing Taixuzi, Cang Xuanwu showed no mercy, displaying his full power. Then, without backing down, Cang Xuanwu declared, "You think I'm afraid of you? If you have the guts, let's fight. One of us can die, but as long as I live, you can forget about harming anyone from Tianwu Mountain."

"You damned warrior!" Taixuzi glared at Cang Xuanwu through gritted teeth, but he did not continue to attack.

An elder from the Heavenly Sword Sect appeared nearby at some point, and upon seeing Taixuzi's humiliation, he burst into laughter. He had indeed lost their earlier sparring match, but seeing Taixuzi's predicament now filled him with great pleasure.

Cang Xuanwu ignored them, looked at Qin Wu, and said, "Alright, let's go. This matter is over. That old bastard Taixuzi wouldn't dare to fight me."

Qin Wu couldn't help but ask, "Senior, can you defeat him?"

Qin Wu's eyes held a hint of doubt. It wasn't that he underestimated Cang Xuanwu, but although Cang Xuanwu spoke with a tough tone and acted with the same domineering manner, he saw no trace of fear in Taixuzi's eyes.

Cang Xuanwu curled his lip and said, "That old bastard may be afraid of death, but I have to admit he's quite strong. If it really came down to a fight, I'm afraid I wouldn't be his match. However, I'm confident I can leave him half-dead. That's enough."

Hearing this, Qin Wu understood everything. It was indeed enough. Like the difference between a domesticated dog and a wild wolf honed by life and death, even if the domesticated dog was larger, it simply lacked the ferocity to fight a wild wolf. The current situation was the same. Although Tai Xuzi was stronger, Cang Xuanwu was truly fearless in his fight to the death.

He liked this style.

The path of a martial artist is one of life or death. Without a heart that faces death with a will to live, how can one possibly go far?

"Let's go, I'm getting more and more fond of Tianwu Mountain." A faint smile appeared on Qin Wu's lips.