Battle Talent

Lin Qi was quite satisfied. One thousand Xia Guo Bi for just an hour of sparring practice.

It was more than he had earned from any previous part-time job.

"You two, warm up over there. It'll be your turn soon," Sister Lian, the woman in blue, reminded them.

"Okay!"

Lin Qi and Jiang Tao continued walking inside.

They found an empty spot, set down their backpacks, and began warming up.

Lin Qi finally had the chance to look around. The corners of the Martial Arts Room were filled with all sorts of large training equipment.

There were brown cylindrical Fist Stakes over two meters tall, red Punch Strength Testers shaped like huge blocks...

At the same time, he spotted a Healing Pod in the corner, smooth and round like a white egg.

The metal cabinets nearby were cluttered with bottles and jars he did not recognize. Just judging by their labels, they were clearly worth a fortune.

The temperature was maintained at just over twenty degrees, the perfect environment for martial arts training.

Lin Qi felt a trace of envy. Who would not want to train in such a comfortable environment? It could greatly improve efficiency.

Bang! Bang!

The sounds of battle pulled Lin Qi's attention back.

One of the men had his head wrapped in protective gear, with only a pair of sharp eyes exposed.

His movements were broad and powerful, his punches fierce and forceful. He moved like a tiger pouncing on prey. When he swung out a claw, the air howled, making everyone shudder.

Bang, bang...

His sharp Tiger Claw seized his opponent's arm, intent on tearing it apart.

Crack!

"Ah!"

His opponent's arm took a heavy blow. With a scream, he was blasted back several steps by the overwhelming force, bending over and clutching his arm.

"So strong!"

Lin Qi was secretly shocked.

"Our employer this time practices Tiger Form Fist."

"This guy has already grasped the essence of Tiger Form Fist. He's reached Major Achievement and is about to break through to Perfection, then Second Order."

"And, Qi Ge, he practices Tiger Form Fist too, just like you."

Jiang Tao sighed in admiration.

"Even though we both practice Tiger Form Fist, he's much stronger than me."

Lin Qi could not help nodding in acknowledgment. The other man's Fist Technique Realm was far above his, and most importantly, he had already broken through to Major Achievement.

"He's our employer this time—Guo Heng!"

"I heard his nickname is Evil Tiger. Looking at how fierce his punches are, like a tiger pouncing on prey, he doesn't hold back his strength when practicing."

"He hits really hard. Tsk, I think that guy's arm might already have a fracture."

"No wonder the pay is so generous. Who would be willing to be his sparring partner if he didn't pay more?"

"Still, with the way Guo Heng fights, one thousand Xia Guo Bi doesn't seem like enough..."

"Qi Ge, we're no match for him. Be careful later."

Jiang Tao frowned and subconsciously covered his own arm.

In the middle of the room, Guo Heng took off his helmet, revealing a handsome face. He shook his head and said,

"Your Physical Fitness is too poor. Your vitality value is probably not even 4.5."

"Your Fist Technique Realm is too low."

"The improvement you bring me is negligible. You can leave. Next."

Guo Heng thought, The sparring partners I found are still too weak. Their effect on improving me is getting worse and worse.

Unfortunately, stronger students would not come here to work as sparring partners. He could only hope the next person would be stronger.

The man opposite him walked to the side and removed his protective gear. His expression was ugly, and the exposed skin on his body was mottled with bruises.

He sighed, picked up his backpack, and turned to leave.

"It's your turn!"

Sister Lian came over and instructed them,

"Remember, put on your protective gear before going in. Use your full strength. Don't worry about hurting the young master, because you can't possibly be his opponents."

"Of course, the longer you last, the more likely you are to stay on as long-term sparring partners."

"Understand?"

Lin Qi and Jiang Tao nodded, their hearts tightening.

"Alright, it's your turn. You go first."

Sister Lian, the woman in blue, pointed at Lin Qi.

"Okay!"

Lin Qi nodded without refusing. He walked over to the cabinet, glanced at the new protective gear inside, then at the discarded gear casually left aside.

Silently, he put on the old gear.

The black protective gear reeked of sweat, accompanied by a sticky dampness.

Lin Qi remained expressionless and quickly put it on without complaint.

Across from him, Guo Heng did not put on his helmet this time and simply walked over.

Huff...

The entire Martial Arts Room fell silent.

Only the sound of breathing could be heard.

He stood nearly 1.9 meters tall. Wearing deep black protective gear, his sturdy body resembled an upright bear, his oppressive presence enveloping Lin Qi.

Huff...

The entire Martial Arts Room fell silent, with only the sound of breathing audible.

Sister Lian watched Lin Qi in the center of the room and kept shaking her head, thinking to herself,

Looks like this one isn't much either. He's thin and probably won't last very long.

In the arena, Lin Qi held his breath and focused. His body swayed as he assumed the San Ti Stance.

Guo Heng's eyes lit up at the sight. "Tiger Form Fist?"

"Interesting!"

"Brother, I hit hard. Be careful."

With that, Guo Heng grinned. His aura changed drastically as strength surged through his arms. He spread his hands, splayed his fingers, then curled them toward his palms like Tiger Claws.

The next second, he moved. His body lunged forward, both claws striking out with force running to his fingertips.

The tiger was the king of beasts. It was large, fierce when pouncing on prey, and once it made up its mind, it acted without hesitation.

Fierce Tiger Leaves the Mountain!

His fist force was vicious, swift as the wind.

Huff...

"So fast!"

Lin Qi's pupils shrank. He felt as if a tiger were pouncing at him.

He instinctively wanted to dodge, but it was too late. Guo Heng's Tiger Claw struck without warning and had already slammed into his chest.

Bang!

A sharp pain came from his body as penetrating force passed through the protective gear and struck his chest.

Lin Qi staggered back several steps involuntarily, clutching his chest as he felt a burning pain.

Without the protective gear, Guo Heng's claw would have ripped open the skin on his chest.

So strong!

They were about the same age, yet Guo Heng was actually this powerful.

Lin Qi frowned and focused intensely. He resumed the San Ti Stance, circling on his feet while watching Guo Heng's Tiger Claws.

Guo Heng continued his assault. His expression was wild as he launched his Fist Technique. His blood flowed rapidly, and power erupted from within him.

"Ha!"

With a single step, he closed in. His Tiger Claw shot out, exploding through the air like a cannon blast.

Black Tiger Digs Heart!

Lin Qi sensed danger. It was as if something within his body awakened, making him shudder as he raised both claws to block.

Bang! Bang!

His claws caught the attack, instantly redirecting the force. His steps shifted as he retreated backward!

Redirecting force!

Lin Qi's heart stirred. More than half of the opponent's attack had been redirected, while the remaining force was blocked by his protective gear.

Guo Heng continued unleashing Tiger Form Fist. His presence was fierce and unrestrained, his punches growing ever more savage.

White Tiger Offers Claws!

Bang! Bang!

Punches collided, force penetrating through them. Lin Qi groaned beneath his protective gear as his blood and vitality churned.

Even with the protective gear, Guo Heng was stronger and faster than him. In the blink of an eye, he was already in front of him, leaving very little room to dodge.

Yet for some reason, whenever Lin Qi saw Guo Heng's Tiger Claws, several ideas emerged in his mind.

Move half a meter to the left, bend down, and raise his claws to block.

Lin Qi's body followed those thoughts and moved accordingly.

Huff—bang!

His Tiger Claws blocked again, redirecting the force.

"Huh?"

Guo Heng was astonished. His attack had actually been blocked. This was the first time.

"Lucky!"

He swung out another Tiger Claw.

Lin Qi saw through Guo Heng's intent. He exerted force through his body, using his waist to drive himself away.

But what greeted him was a close-range, relentless assault like a violent storm.

Bang! Bang!

The gap in vitality value and Fist Technique Realm was too great, Lin Qi thought. He could only take the hits and redirect the force.

At first, practicing Fist Technique was only about rehearsing forms. Later came striking Fist Stakes. After reaching Major Achievement, however, Fist Stakes were dead.

To continue improving, one had to strike living stakes and spar with people.

Bang! Bang!

Another Tiger Claw slammed into his chest. Lin Qi's body shifted fluidly, and he immediately struck out with a Tiger Claw of his own.

Black Tiger Digs Heart!

Bang! Bang!

Their Tiger Claws collided. Lin Qi launched his counterattack, putting his full strength into every move. Offense was the best defense. With protective gear on, he only needed to attack.

His mind was exceptionally agile now, completely focused. This was a state entirely different from his usual self, especially as Guo Heng's Tiger Form Fist appeared within his mind.

As he performed Tiger Form Fist, he was in even better condition than usual.

His body drew tight like a bow, then shot forward like a sharp arrow. His Tiger Claw struck out fiercely, without restraint.

"Roar!"

Lin Qi let out a roar, causing Guo Heng to lose focus for an instant.

Then his body pounced forward with the agility of a cat. Tiger Form Fist burst forth, and his pair of Tiger Claws carried even more astonishing force.

Bang! Bang!

"Good!"

Guo Heng was delighted to find such a worthy opponent. This opponent was truly extraordinary.

In the middle of the room, they looked like two fierce tigers tearing into each other, fighting with astonishing intensity.

Jiang Tao watched from the side with rapt attention.

"Qi Ge is amazing. It's like he's become a different person. Could this be what he's really like?"

"Good!"

Guo Heng felt utterly exhilarated as Lin Qi's Tiger Claws struck his body.

The pain from every blow traveled to his brain, stimulating his nerves. His brain was reminding its owner that his body was suffering pain.

This was something other opponents could not give him. The pain instead made him excited.