idk i think mc is missing something, its not even about power/attributes since we can reach 10k and beyond with infusion in game but storywise i feel that he did not reach it yet and in the start of tournament or after the demon squad fight he will be officialy peak houtian (at least in text).Isn’t Mc already there though? Pretty sure it was confirmed in blood hunter fight Mc strength was comparable to a newly entered peak hountian. Plus pretty sure Niki is saving power up for later fight and we are supposed to be an early X equivalent before the book ends. So should happen before tournament ends I bet.
also blood hunter was crippled he didnt had any attribute on the 6000 (and still was one of the best fights in poma, what a beast!) i think a very strong late houtian could kill him.