Chapter 133: Bai Naizhao's Good Fortune-Master of Divine Power(There is always a higher realm beyond the one we know.)

The golden rod-whip in Dong Zhuo’s hand is a Grade 8 weapon. When fully infused with internal energy, the whip body becomes as rigid as iron, allowing for the execution of fierce, staff-like techniques. Conversely, when the internal energy is less concentrated, the rod reverts into a flexible whip, capable of unleashing sharp and agile lashing maneuvers.

Dong Zhuo’s weapon possesses both hardness and softness, whereas Bai Naizhao stands empty-handed, relying solely on his bare palms to face him. In the world of martial arts, many practitioners forgo weapons to specialize in palm techniques. These individuals are known as fist or palm cultivators, and Bai Naizhao is a classic example of one who excels in both.

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

Dong Zhuo lashed out through the air, his golden whip glowing brilliantly as it struck viciously at Bai Naizhao. Bai Naizhao quickly dodged.

*Crack!*

The golden whip slammed into the ice, leaving a crack several feet long in the iron-hard surface. It was evident that had that strike landed on Bai Naizhao, even if it didn’t kill him, he would have been left without the strength to retaliate.

"A golden rod-whip strike leads to either death or maiming! Excellent! Young Master Dong Zhuo’s strike was superb!"

"Indeed, that brat Bai Naizhao dodged quickly. Had he been a blink slower, he would have been whipped to pieces!"

"Heh, Young Master Dong Zhuo isn’t that brutal. He will toy with him, letting the brat taste the sensation of being flayed alive!"

The three male warriors of the Body Refining Stage Six under Dong Zhuo’s command stood with arms crossed, watching the duel with smug expressions. In their eyes, Dong Zhuo’s victory was a foregone conclusion, and defeating Bai Naizhao was equivalent to breaking Chu Feng’s spirit—or even slapping him in the face.

"Great Mountain-Pushing Palm!"

*Boom!*

After dodging, Bai Naizhao unleashed both palms, sending two massive, door-sized palm shadows hurtling toward Dong Zhuo. Where the shadows passed, water mist steamed, and the thick ice was melted away by the sheer force of the technique.

"Heh!"

Dong Zhuo let out a strange laugh, spinning a few times to evade the heavy palm strikes.

"Nine Profound Divine Fist!"

With another shout, Bai Naizhao closed in, his right fist flashing like lightning. Nine fist shadows, each the size of a vinegar jar, bombarded Dong Zhuo like flying boulders.

*Clang, clang, clang, clang!*

Eight fist shadows struck the defensive circle created by Dong Zhuo’s whirling whip, producing the sound of clashing metal. However, for the ninth shadow, Dong Zhuo did not dodge, instead puffing out his chest to meet it head-on.

*Thud!*

The fist shadow struck his chest, and Dong Zhuo held his head high with an arrogant expression, signaling to everyone that he was unscathed.

"Hall Master Bai, do not be impatient. Cook the fish over a slow fire," Chu Feng said in a low voice.

"Understood!" Bai Naizhao nodded, steadying his resolve.

Although the outcome of the battle between Bai Naizhao and Dong Zhuo remained undecided, the disparity in their momentum had become clear. Dong Zhuo moved with ease, switching between whip and rod, while his three lieutenants watched comfortably. Bai Naizhao’s techniques were fierce and impressive, but his accuracy was low, making it difficult to hit the elusive Dong Zhuo. Furthermore, maintaining such explosive power was draining his internal energy; if his reserves ran dry, his techniques would become nothing more than flashy, ineffective movements. At that point, he would be nothing but meat on a chopping block.

As the battle continued and Bai Naizhao’s rhythm grew chaotic, Yu Zui and the female warriors began to look worried, and Chu Feng furrowed his brows. Though Chu Feng had not been in the martial world for long, he had experienced many battles and could instantly discern the tactical disadvantage. Dong Zhuo’s footwork was flexible and varied, while Bai Naizhao’s power was great but lacked the agility to keep up in this environment. If they were in a confined space where Dong Zhuo’s movement was restricted, he would likely not last three rounds against Bai Naizhao. But on this vast, open ice, Dong Zhuo could retreat at will, while Bai Naizhao’s techniques were better suited for close quarters, putting him at a severe disadvantage.

"Hmph! With your meager skills, you have the audacity to step forward? You’re just begging for a beating!"

Taking advantage of Bai Naizhao retracting his palms, Dong Zhuo leaped into the air, his golden whip descending with immense force.

"Look out!"

Chu Feng arrived in an instant, his Gale Step carrying him forward. Two funnel-shaped wind pillars roared into existence—one shielding Bai Naizhao, the other surging upward to strike at Dong Zhuo in mid-air.

The tip of Dong Zhuo’s golden rod-whip was a foot away from Bai Naizhao’s crown when the sudden wind pillar blocked it. As the wind deflected the whip, Dong Zhuo felt a powerful suction pulling him toward the vortex.

"Such violent wind power!"

A chill ran through Dong Zhuo. He channeled his internal energy and retracted his whip, landing on the ice with a sharp tear echoing from his back. A piece of his robe had been shredded by the wind pillar. He stood there with a cold sneer, though he was inwardly shaken. If the pillar had struck his body instead of just his clothes, the consequences would have been dire. He couldn't help but look at Chu Feng with renewed caution.

Chu Feng walked to Bai Naizhao and asked, "Are you alright?"

"I am fine."

Bai Naizhao shook his head, looking at Chu Feng with shame. "Young Master Chu, I wanted to take the lead to partially repay the debt I owe you for saving my life, but I didn't expect... if you hadn't intervened, I would have disgraced you!"

"Heh, it’s nothing! Honestly, I didn't expect you to appear, and I certainly didn't expect you to take the lead for me," Chu Feng said.

"Indeed, I didn't expect it myself!"

Bai Naizhao smiled bitterly. "I heard the commotion and rushed over. Seeing you in conflict with Dong Zhuo, I didn't think twice—I just wanted to save you some trouble and teach this brat a lesson! Instead of repaying your favor, I have now incurred another one by letting you save me, Young Master Chu!"

"Heh, if you keep harping on these favors, don't you get tired? If you stop calling me 'Young Master Chu,' wouldn't all these debts be cleared?" Chu Feng suggested with a knowing look.

"Stop calling you Young Master Chu?"

Bai Naizhao paused, then realized his meaning, his face brightening. "Right! To meet someone who makes me truly admire them and admit my own inferiority is my good fortune! Brother Feng, if I address you this way, is it acceptable?"

Seeing Bai Naizhao’s sudden enlightenment, Chu Feng smiled and clapped him firmly on the shoulder. No words were needed, for the gesture spoke volumes.