The cockroach man's mouthparts clicked and squirmed, producing a sound that sent shivers down the spines of those watching. Its compound eyes fixated on Xue Jing, scanning him with a cold, predatory gaze.
With a harsh scraping noise, the creature stretched its six insect-like legs and ripped itself free from the shattered wall. Fragments of stone crumbled to the ground, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the hall. The cockroach man clung to the wall, using the barbs on its legs to scuttle along as if gravity didn't exist.
Boom!
The wall exploded as the cockroach man launched itself once more, this time moving even faster. A shockwave rippled out from the sheer force of its movement, extinguishing several lighters and plunging the room into darkness once again.
In the pitch-black void, unnoticed by anyone, a pair of black flames flickered to life in Xue Jing's pupils.
The cockroach man's lightning-fast charge missed its mark as Xue Jing sidestepped with perfect timing. As the creature hurtled past, Xue Jing delivered a backhand punch with precision.
Bang!
The blow sent the cockroach man flying, but this time it managed to dig its barbed legs into the floor, skidding to a halt. The carpet tore beneath its weight, but the creature stopped before being launched any further.
Xue Jing's eyes burned with the quiet intensity of black flames. He muttered to himself, "You're not the only one who can see in the dark."
Initially, Xue Jing had no intention of taking the lead. Fighting such a creature in total darkness was a losing battle. But when his urge to see the creature clearly became overwhelming, his [Shadow Flame] ability had triggered. Suddenly, the world around him shifted into a stark contrast of black and white, as if illuminated by an unseen light.
Realizing the advantage, Xue Jing made his move.
"The panel never mentioned this," Xue Jing mused as he advanced, his voice low. "[Shadow Flame] grants dark vision, huh? I'll take it."
The cockroach man hissed in fury, lashing out with its bladed legs. In the darkness, the only sound that reached the others were the sharp clashes of battle, echoing ominously.
Pei Youguang, fumbling with his lighter, finally sparked a flame to life. The dim glow illuminated the scene in front of them—and everyone froze.
Xue Jing was weaving through the cockroach man's furious attacks, dodging the slashing appendages with supernatural grace. The creature's six insect legs sliced the air like deadly scythes, yet Xue Jing moved with uncanny precision, evading every strike. It was as if he danced through a storm of blades, untouched by a single drop of rain. And between his fluid movements, he countered with swift, devastating punches and kicks that thudded against the creature's armored body.
"Is this... real?" Pei Tiancheng muttered in disbelief, his eyes wide.
At first, several martial arts disciples had intended to step in and help, but after witnessing the speed and ferocity of the fight, they quickly abandoned that idea. They couldn't even track the battle, let alone contribute.
"The only way to win in martial arts is through speed," one disciple whispered, awe in his voice. "And this... this is beyond human speed."
Meanwhile, Ye Chenglin regained his composure and began organizing the others. "Now's our chance! Head for the exit, but move slowly. Don't rush!"
The crowd quickly complied, understanding that staying any longer would only be a hindrance to Xue Jing's fight.
Bang!
Xue Jing landed another heavy punch, knocking the cockroach man backward. But in the same instant, one of the creature's barbed legs slashed through his clothes, exposing his muscular, pale skin beneath.
"That exoskeleton is tough," Xue Jing muttered, shaking off the numbness in his fist. The creature's armor was as hard as stone. Despite the damage it had taken, it showed no sign of weakening.
The cockroach man hissed again, but this time its four massive, translucent wings spread wide, flapping furiously. It made a sharp turn mid-air and charged at Xue Jing with even greater speed.
Xue Jing's eyes widened. His instincts screamed danger, and time seemed to slow as the creature barreled toward him. Every muscle in his body tensed, ready for impact.
In that split second, an image flashed in Xue Jing's mind—a majestic dragon soaring through storm clouds, its golden scales shimmering with flashes of lightning. The dragon lashed out with its tail, scattering the clouds with a mighty swing.
That image brought Xue Jing clarity.
The cockroach man crashed into him, but instead of being overwhelmed by the force, Xue Jing absorbed it. His bones trembled like the distant rumble of thunder, his body anchoring the impact without flinching.
"Now..." Xue Jing whispered, feeling the creature's immense power flowing into his muscles.
He redirected that force, channeling it into his right hand, and struck with everything he had.
In that moment, a faint echo of a dragon's roar filled the hall.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Xue Jing's fist connected with the cockroach man's head.
The impact was so powerful that the creature's head exploded, sending dark green blood splattering across the room. The force was so great that even those standing far away were hit by the spray.
Xue Jing stood motionless, staring at his fist, still processing what had just happened. The faint sound of cracking bones echoed in his ears.
He had just performed the Hidden Dragon Style's ultimate technique—
Sealing Cloud Tail.