Chapter Thirty-Five: Enlightenment in the Moment

Li Linliu’s expression was peculiar. As the master of the White Cloud Dojo, he was naturally most aware of the terrifying rise in Chen Fan’s comprehension of the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm! This was entirely different from the breakthroughs of Meng Qi or Feng Yuancheng, who had merely reached a critical point. Li Linliu nodded, taking a deep breath, his tone tinged with strange awe: “It seems he’s had an epiphany…”

His position was unique. Though young and merely acting as the master of Feiling County’s dojo, he had seen much and experienced more, and had even witnessed epiphanies before. The master of the Cold Plum Pavilion, her large curious eyes fixed on the youth who was sparring with her own disciple, was filled with wonder and surprise. One’s innate potential and vitality could still be traced, but perception—true understanding—was elusive and intangible.

Among those present, not only had none experienced an epiphany themselves, but few had ever witnessed one. Moreover, Chen Fan’s epiphany was with the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm, a top-tier strength training technique, even more impressive than those who, after cultivating true skills, gained insight into martial techniques!

“It really is an epiphany!”
“The White Cloud Dojo has found a treasure; this boy’s perception might be truly extraordinary!”

Li Linliu’s eyes shone with delight:
“He’s had an epiphany with the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm. With his powerful vitality, and this breakthrough, coupled with our full support at White Cloud Dojo, it won’t be long before he completely masters this strength training technique!”

His gaze flickered as he resolved to cultivate this disciple of astonishing perception with all his resources. The other dojo masters wore faces of envy, their hearts unbalanced, yet few entertained the idea of poaching him. It was always White Cloud Dojo that poached from others; never had anyone succeeded in taking a disciple from them!

…

Countless spectators beneath the stage noticed the peculiarity in Chen Fan’s state as well.

“Is this an epiphany?”

Once the masters confirmed it, the audience erupted.

“Epiphany! Ha ha, Brother Chen Fan has had an epiphany!”

Bao Tianyou was beside himself with joy, shouting, “White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm! Ha ha ha, Brother Chen’s perception is so incredible—silent until now, and suddenly stunning everyone!”

He himself had decent talent, but was no match for the likes of Feng Yuancheng, not even comparable to Lin Mo or Su Qingyang. His heart was never truly in the martial path; instead, he formed alliances within White Cloud Dojo and had already invited Chen Fan to become a guest of the Bao family. The better Chen Fan performed, the greater Bao Tianyou’s gain.

Bao Tianyou’s exuberance left some disciples of White Cloud Dojo exchanging glances. Among the Black Cloud class who had come to watch, many were red-faced and thick-necked—some were happy for Chen Fan, others jealous of his luck.

Su Qingyang and Lin Mo’s faces grew increasingly complicated.

Su Qingyang muttered,
“How… How did he get so lucky? When he started, his progress with the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm was behind mine. How could he have an epiphany…”

His own grasp of the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm was average; he didn’t know Chen Fan had already mastered two forms, but he could see the special state Chen Fan was in, and it was hard to accept. For an epiphany usually meant a deeper understanding of the technique, and hence unparalleled advantage in future cultivation—perhaps even a meteoric rise.

Backstage, Feng Yuancheng also stared in astonishment at his junior brother. Complex emotions flickered in his eyes; at first, he hadn’t thought much of Chen Fan. Even as Chen Fan reached his current stage, he’d only considered him lucky, never expecting he’d have an epiphany right there! In this state, his moves were exquisitely refined, nearly overwhelming Lin Qingyu—if it lasted longer, Chen Fan might actually win.

Feng Yuancheng’s expression grew increasingly conflicted. Chen Fan was still not yet fourteen!

And he wasn’t alone in thinking this. The disciples of the Four Symbols Sect, who had repeatedly targeted Chen Fan, now exchanged silent glances, unable to speak. Yu Xingzheng’s face twisted in frustration! Not only had Chen Fan not been defeated, he had an epiphany on stage—even if he lost, it would be remarkable.

…

On the stage, Lin Qingyu’s hands moved gracefully, almost flying, her large, curious eyes fixed on Chen Fan. She breathed lightly, a little helpless. Chen Fan, in his epiphany, was in harmony with the world; every punch had no weakness, easily intercepting Lin Qingyu’s moves!

Where he’d been at a disadvantage, each move now deftly countered Lin Qingyu’s attacks.

“I can’t win…”
She was at a loss, surprised and helpless, barely able to avoid defeat.

The true martial skill she used had only just been cultivated, draining her stamina rapidly. Now, Lin Qingyu was thoroughly overwhelmed.

Chen Fan executed the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm several times in full, forcing Lin Qingyu back repeatedly, almost to the edge of the stage.

Then, his eyes flashed, and he struck with a palm like a crane spreading its wings, landing directly on the young woman’s fragrant shoulder!

Chen Fan did not pursue her further, but stood with a delighted face, looking straight ahead.

Lin Qingyu seized the opportunity to catch her breath.

With this epiphany, Chen Fan’s progress soared: he perfected the third form, leaped forward on the fourth, and his training efficiency increased by nearly a third again! At this rate, in less than two months, he would fully master the last three forms of the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm!

Whew!

Facing him, Lin Qingyu was drenched in fragrant sweat, clutching her shoulder, breathing lightly, eyes complex and filled with envy:
“Congratulations, Brother Chen, on your epiphany!”

She certainly envied such a phenomenon!

Chen Fan laughed heartily, exhilarated: “I must thank you, Sister, for helping me practice!”

Their harmonious exchange on stage made the dojo masters smile and shake their heads. This was the first time a match had been interrupted by mutual understanding!

The referee at the side cleared his throat and reminded them, “Are you two going to continue?”

A gleam flashed in Chen Fan’s eyes; his excitement grew. The White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm had broken through—even if his vitality hadn't fully transformed, his strength had advanced further.

He had already been able to hold his own against Lin Qingyu; after the epiphany, he was confident he could face her head-on. If his vitality were fully enhanced, he could easily defeat her.

Lin Qingyu’s breathing steadied somewhat; still holding her shoulder, she said helplessly,
“Before your epiphany, I merely held a slight advantage. Now, your strength has increased, and my stamina is fading. If we keep fighting, I have no chance to win…”

In his epiphany, Chen Fan’s moves were so fierce that even though the state didn’t last long, it exhausted much of Lin Qingyu’s strength.

Chen Fan was taken aback, shaking his head in surprise: “Sister, if you had pressed the attack earlier, I might have lost while in the ‘epiphany’…”

Lin Qingyu shook her head, wiping sweat from her brow:
“I didn’t dare press the attack then. At first, I was afraid you’d suddenly change moves. Later, your epiphany made your fists align with heaven’s will—I simply couldn’t win. I certainly didn’t let you win!”

“As for now…”

Lin Qingyu, her cheeks flushed, fragrant sweat pouring, said,
“You grow stronger the longer you fight, while I lack endurance and am too exhausted. There’s no need to continue.”

Chen Fan was only slightly out of breath—much better than Lin Qingyu.

He was stunned.

Lin Qingyu looked at the referee, steadied her breathing, and said, “I concede,” bowing slightly to Chen Fan before stepping off the stage.

In truth, this martial competition, with men and women sharing a venue, was inherently unfair. Men’s innate vitality far exceeded women’s; at equal cultivation, women’s strength and stamina could not compare.

Chen Fan regretted not having a true battle with her, but couldn't help thinking,
“This Sister Lin has admirable character!”

Compared to Yu Xingzheng, who shamelessly demanded Chen Fan yield his spot after defeat, Lin Qingyu’s demeanor was far better!

…

“Chen Fan won?!”

“With such talent, isn’t it only natural?”

As the results came out, the crowd discussed the match animatedly, surprised that Lin Qingyu had conceded. As for those from the Four Symbols Sect who had jeered Chen Fan, they were most shocked, unable to accept it.

Yu Xingzheng’s face was so dark it was frightening; he felt Chen Fan didn’t deserve a place in the quarterfinals. Now, Chen Fan had made it to the semifinals—practically a slap in his face!

“Lin Qingyu, that wretched woman, actually conceded?!”

He glared at Chen Fan on stage, anger and resentment mixing in his heart.

“The Black League idiots—how could they let that brat slip by yesterday? If not, he would’ve withdrawn, and never won today!”

He hadn’t cared before, but now that Chen Fan had won, he was furious with the Black League as well.

He stared fiercely at Chen Fan as he left the stage, then turned to a Four Symbols Sect disciple and whispered in his ear, “Keep a close eye on him today…”