The roar of the crowd echoed sharply as Linfei squared off against his next opponent — a fierce martial artist specializing in savage boxing techniques. The air was thick with tension; this battle promised to test Linfei's strength and resolve like never before.
As the bell rang, Linfei slipped into the flow of the Swift Serpent Steps, his feet moving with unparalleled grace. His adversary charged furiously, fists flying like thunderclaps. Linfei dodged and weaved, his movements a blur, narrowly escaping crushing blows aimed to end the fight quickly.
The battle became a relentless exchange — fierce punches met with swift counters. Linfei's Iron Fist Boxing unleashed a series of hammering jabs and precise palm strikes, targeting the opponent's vital points. Each blow drained energy, chipping away at the boxer's defence.
His opponent, fuelled by raw power and endurance, pressed hard, landing powerful strikes that forced Linfei to continuously adapt. Breath ragged, muscles burning, Linfei called upon every ounce of his skill and speed. The crowd was entranced, witnessing a fight balanced on the edge of chaos and control.
Finally, seizing a brief opening as his opponent overextended mid-punch, Linfei spun with explosive force, delivering a spinning uppercut fuelled by refined Qi. The impact sent the boxer crashing down, unconscious.
Cheers erupted around the arena as Linfei was declared the victor. The applause was overwhelming, his mastery of both delicate footwork and devastating boxing undeniable.
Retreating to the Pavilion's quiet chambers, Linfei took the rare spirit pills awarded for his victory. With careful focus, he let their Qi essence weave through his body, soothing pain and accelerating internal energy.
A deep warmth ignited within his dantian as his Qi circulation intensified. Linfei sank into meditation, his mind and body dissolving into harmonious stillness. Hours passed in the flow of Qi, until finally the constricting boundaries within him shattered.
He had broken through to the Fifth Level of Qi Refining — a major advancement. This new stage granted him a profound enhancement of vitality, power, and control. His body felt reborn; his senses were swifter, his strikes sharper, and his ability to manipulate Qi had entered a new echelon.