Chapter 103: Xia Ming

"Who dares to act so brazenly again?" Young Master Xia shouted, clearly displeased.

"It’s me." Feeling the eyes of the crowd upon him, Li Jiansan snorted coldly and strode forward.

"You?" Young Master Xia’s expression was steeped in arrogance.

"The alchemy apprentice recruited last time?" Young Master Xia glanced at Li Jiansan with disdain, then sneered, "You apprentices dare to be so audacious before me just because there’s some so-called ‘Little Pill King’ among you?"

His tone grew even more contemptuous, "What nonsense ‘Little Pill King’? Such a title is only impressive in these backwaters. If I ever encountered him, ‘Little Pill King’? He’d be embarrassed to even be my apprentice!"

"Young Master Xia, keep your voice down. If that boy hears you, he’ll be too scared to come," someone chuckled.

"Hahaha... Even if he’s really here, competing with him would be beneath me. He’s hardly even worthy of a contest with me," Young Master Xia boasted with pride.

Li Jiansan approached him and said, "Did you just say I’d be too embarrassed to be your apprentice?"

"Who are you, boy?" Young Master Xia frowned as Li Jiansan came to stand before him.

Li Jiansan replied indifferently, "Li Jiansan."

"Li Jiansan? Who do you think you are, daring to—" Young Master Xia’s words faltered as realization dawned and surprise flashed across his face. "Li Jiansan, you’re that ‘Little Pill King’?"

He had never expected Li Jiansan to stand before him so boldly. The crowd around them watched eagerly, anticipating a spectacle.

After a brief moment of shock, Young Master Xia looked at Li Jiansan with utter disdain. "So what if I said it? What, you disagree?"

Li Jiansan met his gaze, his tone provocative. "I certainly do."

"Disagree? What, do you want to challenge me?" Young Master Xia mocked.

Li Jiansan replied coldly, "Are you afraid?"

"Heh, do you think I, Xia Ming, would fear an unknown brat like you?" Xia Ming sneered. "I told you, you’re not worthy of facing me!"

"If you don’t dare to compete, then keep your arrogant words to yourself. Otherwise, I promise you’ll regret it," Li Jiansan’s voice was firm, showing no hint of retreat.

"What did you say?" Xia Ming’s face darkened ominously, and with a thunderous roar, he raised his fist and swung at Li Jiansan.

Li Jiansan was not to be outdone; he countered with a palm strike.

A terrifying surge of spiritual power erupted, shaking the bodies of those nearby. Xia Ming’s fist, brimming with spiritual energy, reached the Foundation Establishment stage. This level of power did not surprise the onlookers.

But Li Jiansan matched Xia Ming’s force blow for blow, leaving everyone astounded.

"Isn’t his talent supposed to be in alchemy? How is his strength so formidable?"

"Could it be that he’s just as gifted in martial arts?"

"How is that possible…"

Xia Ming’s expression shifted subtly, surprised by Li Jiansan’s strength. Yet, his astonishment did not last. "Boy, I didn’t expect you to have some power. No wonder you act so brazenly before me. But your strength means little in front of me. I’ll give you a chance now—kneel and apologize, and I may consider sparing you!"

Li Jiansan burst into laughter, "Hahaha, you want me to kneel and apologize?"

"Who do you think you are, daring to demand I kneel?"

At Li Jiansan’s words, Xia Ming’s face grew dangerously dark. He was born into privilege, always revered, never once had anyone dared to disrespect him—especially not Li Jiansan.

"What did you say!"

Li Jiansan spoke with a smirk, "Are your ears faulty or is your mind slow? Must I repeat myself?"

Xia Ming’s face turned even gloomier at this.

"Boy, I want you dead!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Ming unleashed his full strength, and a monstrous fist imprint, vast as the heavens, coalesced in the air.

"Boy, I was merely toying with you before. Did you think that was my full power? Laughable! Let me show you now how insignificant your strength is before me!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Xia Ming’s power had reached an unparalleled intensity; it seemed the very heavens could barely contain the terror of his fist. Witnessing this, the crowd’s faces turned pale, disbelief etched across their features. They trembled as if struck dumb.

"What kind of power is this? It’s terrifying."

"No wonder he’s a warrior from the imperial city; his strength is extraordinary."

"This is dreadful… If Li Jiansan is killed, the three masters might be displeased. Could they blame us?"

"Maybe not…"

"Don’t think I’m overreacting. You haven’t seen how much the masters favor him. If anything happens to Li Jiansan today, we won’t escape unscathed."

"What should we do? We should call them over…"

Li Jiansan stared at Xia Ming’s incoming fist, momentarily dazed.

This power truly was terrifying.

It was even more formidable than Gu Yue’s strike that day…

Li Jiansan began to gather strength in his palm, preparing to counter the oncoming blow.

Just then, an aged figure suddenly rushed forward.

A buzzing sound filled the air as the figure stepped in front of Li Jiansan, swiftly tracing a Taiji symbol with his hand, intercepting Xia Ming’s fist.

Bang!

Even with such swift intervention, the elderly figure was forced several steps backward before he could neutralize Xia Ming’s attack.

"Young Master Xia’s strength is indeed formidable. I admit I am not your equal," the old figure addressed Xia Ming politely, with no hint of flattery.

Truly, a genius of the imperial city—this power was terrifying. If Xia Ming struck with full force, even he, the old man, would not be a match.

The elderly figure eyed Xia Ming warily.

Xia Ming replied coldly, "Master Mo, what are you doing? Do you object to me disciplining someone here?"

Master Mo quickly responded, "No, no, Young Master Xia, you misunderstand. This boy is my disciple. I don’t know what happened, but if my disciple angered you, he was in the wrong. I will discipline him myself."

"Oh, my good disciple, how did you anger Young Master Xia?"

"Indeed, my disciple can be unruly. For our sake, Young Master Xia, can we let this matter rest?"