Jingxiang followed closely behind Li Xiaoyao, who was at the seventh level of the Qi Martial Realm. She was too weak and basically belonged to the lowest tier in Wind Valley, making her unsuitable for the trials.

Han Kui understood Li Xiaoyao's intention, and it suited him just fine. If Li Xiaoyao was always there to protect him, what was the point of training? The path of martial arts had to rely on oneself.

Sure enough, not long after walking alone, a person came to Han Kui's side, their eyes showing a hint of battle intent beyond their mask. Without a word, the person charged at Han Kui, swinging their iron fist.

"This is bad for Han Kui; that person is at the ninth level of the Qi Martial Realm," Li Xiaoyao chuckled lightly. Han Kui sensed the opponent's aura and also determined their cultivation level. However, he did not retreat; instead, he concentrated all his power into his fist and shouted, launching a full-force attack.

With one punch, Han Kui was pushed back more than ten steps, while the opponent remained completely unmoved. The difference was clear.

"You're at the eighth level of Qi Martial Realm; you can't win," the person said indifferently and then turned to leave, losing interest in Han Kui. Many people enjoyed bullying others during training, but those truly pursuing martial arts preferred to challenge opponents of equal or greater strength. This way, they could genuinely stimulate their potential and achieve the best training results.

"Wait." This was Han Kui's first battle in Wind Valley; how could he easily admit defeat? The power of his martial soul was unleashed, and a layer of earthy yellow light enveloped him, making it seem as if he had merged with the earth, while his aura began to rise steadily.

"Earth Martial Soul." The person showed a hint of interest and then smiled at Han Kui, "A good martial soul. Let's see if you can take three punches from me."

After saying that, the person stepped forward, instantly appearing in front of Han Kui.

"Boom!" The earthy yellow light burst forth, and dust flew everywhere. Han Kui was pushed back another five or six steps, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

"Come again." Han Kui wiped the blood from his lips, full of bravado. Instead of retreating, he advanced, his martial soul glowing brighter, as if he had merged with the earth.

"Bang!" The explosive sound was deafening. Han Kui stumbled back eight steps, but surprisingly, his opponent also retreated three steps.

"Hurts." The opponent shouted, and white light began to emanate from their fist, warning, "Be careful; I'm about to use a martial skill."

"Alright." Han Kui responded, stepping forward. With each step he took, the ground trembled, and a powerful force surged forward.

"Use the force." Li Xiaoyao's gaze sharpened, then he smiled, realizing that this battle had unexpectedly taught Han Kui about utilizing force. Using the Earth Martial Soul, he was drawing on the power of the earth to gain momentum.

"Boom!" The sound of their fists colliding filled the air, engulfing the two figures in a cloud of dust. Moments later, they reappeared, with Han Kui sitting on the ground, seemingly lost in thought.

"He actually gained some insight." The opponent laughed, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He hadn't expected Han Kui's final strike to be so powerful that it injured him, but it was worth it; this battle had given him a glimpse of understanding.

With a flicker of his figure, the man left without disturbing Han Kui.

"What an interesting person." Li Xiaoyao and Jingxiang approached Han Kui, feeling a bit of respect for the man who had just fought; he was quite the character.

They both understood that Han Kui seemed to have comprehended something profound, so they chose not to disturb him. They sat down beside Han Kui and quietly waited.

Moments of enlightenment were rare, and for martial cultivators, they were absolutely precious. It was easy to imagine that when Han Kui awakened, his strength would increase significantly. Li Xiaoyao and Jingxiang couldn't help but feel a bit envious of him for achieving enlightenment in his first battle in Wind Valley.

As time passed, a powerful aura suddenly emanated from Han Kui, startling Li Xiaoyao and Jingxiang, who exchanged shocked glances.

"This power is incredible; it feels ancient and profound. Is this really the power of enlightenment?" Li Xiaoyao thought to himself. The path of martial arts was indeed vast and deep. He had just stepped into the world of martial arts, and he couldn't fathom how powerful beings could move mountains and fill seas or destroy the heavens and the earth with their strength.

"Rumor has it that martial arts emperors can fly through the sky and dive into the earth, traveling thousands of miles in an instant, their souls immortal and their bodies indestructible. How powerful must that be?" A sense of yearning arose in Li Xiaoyao's heart. Would he ever soar above the clouds one day?

While Li Xiaoyao was lost in thought, a figure approached from not far ahead, sneering at the enlightened Han Kui on the ground.

"Wake up!" The tyrannical voice was deafening, shaking the space around them, directly entering the ears of Li Xiaoyao and the other two.

"Ugh!" Han Kui groaned, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his aura fluctuating violently.

His crimson eyes fixed on the distant figure, almost feeling as if he could grasp that power, but at that crucial moment, he was interrupted by someone, and that person was clearly targeting him; the voice had blasted into his ears, causing him to bleed.

"Shameful." Li Xiaoyao's expression turned cold as he stood up, glaring at the distant figure. This person had deliberately interrupted Han Kui's enlightenment; how disgraceful.

Han Kui took a step forward, staring at the figure with anger. "Why?"

"No reason, just for fun." The person, without a mask, wore a mischievous expression on his face, neither smiling nor frowning. Han Kui, Xiaoyao, and Jingxiang did not recognize him.

"You think it's fun?" Han Kui stepped forward, the chill emanating from him. He understood how rare his moment of enlightenment was, but it had been forcibly interrupted, and he had even been injured.

"Hehe, want to fight? But in this canyon, it won't hurt. If you want revenge, how about the Life and Death Platform?" The young man spoke contemptuously, seemingly looking down on Han Kui.

"Fine." Han Kui suppressed the anger in his chest and agreed without hesitation.

"I'll be waiting for you." The young man flickered away, heading toward the Life and Death Platform.

"Han Kui, you don't understand his strength. It's dangerous to rashly go to the Life and Death Platform," Li Xiaoyao advised.

"I can sense his cultivation level; it's the same as mine—Eighth Level of the Qi Martial Realm." Han Kui's reply surprised Li Xiaoyao a bit. Han Kui could sense the opponent's cultivation?

"I don't know how, but I can also sense your and Jingxiang's cultivation levels. It should be due to my recent enlightenment," Han Kui explained when he saw Li Xiaoyao's confusion, then followed the young man.

"Let's go." Li Xiaoyao, still somewhat surprised, hurried to catch up with Han Kui, hoping that this was indeed the case. If the opponent was also at the Eighth Level of the Qi Martial Realm, perhaps with Han Kui's recent insight, there was a chance of victory.

In Wind Valley, the Life and Death Platform was located in the center of the canyon, consisting of ten platforms that jutted out from the ground, forming a connected area. Surrounding the Life and Death Platform was flat land with an expansive view.

At that moment, two figures stepped onto the Life and Death Platform, instantly attracting the attention of the crowd, many of whom rushed over.

Although many people had entered Wind Valley, very few ascended the Life and Death Platform. After all, once on the Life and Death Platform, life and death were determined by fate. Without major enmity, who would take the risk? Even with significant enmity, both parties had to be of comparable strength to dare to fight.

Thus, after Han Kui stepped onto the Life and Death Platform, the crowd around them surged, gathering closely to watch. Meanwhile, people above the canyon also noticed, and news of the fight spread rapidly.

"Once on the Life and Death Platform, life and death are at stake. Now, your life and death are in my hands," the young man sneered at Han Kui. "Han Kui, remember, the one who wants your life is Jiang Yong."

Li Xiaoyao's brows furrowed at the words, and he suddenly sensed a hint of conspiracy.

"You know me?" Han Kui angrily asked.

"Hehe." Jiang Yong grinned wickedly, and suddenly a violent aura erupted from him, a scorching flame enveloping him. At the same time, a fiery phantom appeared behind him—his martial spirit, Fire.

"Indeed, he is at the Eighth Level of the Qi Martial Realm." Li Xiaoyao felt this aura and relaxed slightly.

Han Kui's Earth Martial Spirit also surged forth as he stepped forward. Although he didn't seem particularly strong, each step he took seemed to enhance his aura.

"Blazing Palm!" Jiang Yong's searing palm wind rushed toward Han Kui. However, Han Kui's foot slammed into the ground, standing firm as he shouted, "Mountain Crushing Fist!"

The fists collided, and both of their bodies remained firmly planted in place, neither gaining the upper hand.

Jiang Yong frowned, not expecting Han Kui to be nearly as strong as he was. A sinister smile flashed across his face as he swung his left hand. Han Kui tried to block, but a cloud of white dust suddenly surged toward him, obscuring his vision.

"Die!" Taking advantage of the moment, Jiang Yong punched Han Kui squarely in the chest, sending him flying.

"Despicable!" Li Xiaoyao cursed loudly and was about to step onto the Life and Death Platform when a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Once on the Life and Death Platform, life and death are at stake. Don't rush; it will be your turn soon." The person said coldly. Upon seeing his face, Jingxiang's expression tightened.

"Jing Yan."

With a gasp, Jingxiang also spotted the person behind Jing Yan—the one who had been injured by Li Xiaoyao's palm wind. Everything suddenly became clear.