The National Collegiate Martial Dao League officially kicked off.
On the first day came the group stage. The 32 participating teams were divided into 8 groups, with 4 teams in each group. They played a single round-robin, and the top two teams from each group advanced to the Round of 16.
Kyoto University of Science and Technology was placed in Group B. Its opponents were Wind Sand Martial School from the west, Lingnan College from the south, and Haibin University from the east.
In the first match that morning, Kyoto University of Science and Technology faced Wind Sand Martial School.
Fang Yan was the first to take the field. His opponent was a student named Sha Lei from Wind Sand Martial School. His strength was at the mid stage of the Martial Master Early-stage, and he cultivated Wind Sand Palm.
Once the match began, Sha Lei launched the first attack. His palm technique was broad and forceful, carrying a surge of wind and sand as it struck toward Fang Yan.
Fang Yan remained unhurried. His figure flashed, and he easily evaded Sha Lei's attack. At the same time, his right hand moved slightly, and the Little Black Sword in his fist center instantly melded into his body. A sharp aura quietly spread through the air.
"Can you only dodge?" Sha Lei sneered, his attacks growing even more ferocious.
Fang Yan remained neither hurried nor slow, continually evading Sha Lei's attacks. He was searching for the best opportunity to strike while also familiarizing himself with the use of Five Finger Fist Heart Sword.
Sha Lei gradually lost patience. "Are you going to fight or not? If you don't dare, surrender while you still can!"
The corners of Fang Yan's mouth curled into a cold smile. "Don't rush. I'll satisfy you in a moment."
As soon as he finished speaking, Fang Yan suddenly attacked. He threw a seemingly casual punch, without any flashy movements.
Sha Lei's heart filled with disdain, and he immediately swung his palm to block.
However, just as his palm was about to touch Fang Yan's fist, a pitch-black sword ray suddenly erupted from the center of Fang Yan's fist!
The sword ray was as fast as lightning. It silently pierced through Sha Lei's palm, then continued forward, pointing straight at his chest.
"Ah!" Sha Lei let out a scream, his face instantly turning deathly pale. He could feel a cold, razor-sharp force invading his body and wreaking havoc on his meridians.
Fang Yan did not press the attack to the death. He promptly withdrew the sword ray.
The referee immediately announced, "First match: Fang Yan of Kyoto University of Science and Technology wins!"
An uproar erupted beneath the stage.
"What was that just now? A sword ray? It came out of his fist?"
"Did I see that right? Was that a sword technique or a fist technique?"
"This Fang Yan is pretty interesting!"
Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao stood below the stage, staring in stunned disbelief.
"When did Fang Yan learn such a bizarre move?" Chu Feng asked in astonishment.
Lin Mengyao shook her head as well. "I don't know. But that move is incredibly powerful and impossible to guard against."
Li Hao stood to one side. A glint flashed through his eyes, as though he had recognized something, but he said nothing.
In the following matches, Chu Feng, Lin Mengyao, and Li Hao also won with ease. Kyoto University of Science and Technology advanced to the Round of 16 as the group's first-place team with a record of three straight victories.
The Round of 16 knockout matches took place that afternoon. Kyoto University of Science and Technology's opponent was Jiangnan Martial School, the second-place team from Group A.
This time, Fang Yan was the second to take the field. His opponent was Jiangnan Martial School's core contestant, Jiang Tao, whose strength had reached the Martial Master Early-stage Peak. He cultivated Jiangnan Swift Sword.
Once the match began, Jiang Tao immediately unleashed Jiangnan Swift Sword. His swordplay was nimble and graceful, his speed astonishing, with layers upon layers of sword shadows striking toward Fang Yan.
Fang Yan still focused on evasion first while secretly circulating Five Finger Fist Heart Sword, condensing the sword embryo into its optimal state.
Jiang Tao's swordplay grew faster and fiercer, forcing Fang Yan to retreat continuously.
"Can you only dodge? Show me what you used just now!" Jiang Tao shouted.
Fang Yan smiled faintly. "As you wish."
He suddenly stopped retreating and fiercely drove out his right fist.
Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: A Fleck of Cold Light!
A pitch-black sword ray shot from the center of his fist, faster and more concealed than before!
Jiang Tao's heart jolted. He tried to dodge, but it was already too late. The sword ray instantly pierced through the long sword in his hand before striking his shoulder.
"Clang!" The long sword fell to the ground.
Jiang Tao clutched his bleeding shoulder, an incredulous expression spreading across his face. "Th-this... what kind of martial art is this?"
The referee announced, "Fang Yan of Kyoto University of Science and Technology wins!"
Another wave of thunderous applause and cheers erupted from beneath the stage. Fang Yan's move, "Sword Hidden in the Fist," had completely conquered the audience.
After that, Chu Feng and Li Hao also successfully defeated their opponents. Kyoto University of Science and Technology advanced to the quarterfinals.
After the match ended, Su Wan found Fang Yan.
"Fang Yan, what martial art was that move you used just now? It was strange, but also incredibly powerful," Su Wan asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Fang Yan smiled. "It's a Cultivation Technique recorded in an ancient book I happened to obtain. It's called Five Finger Fist Heart Sword." He did not reveal anything about the system.
"Five Finger Fist Heart Sword?" Su Wan frowned, seemingly having never heard of the Cultivation Technique. "This Cultivation Technique is very dangerous. You must be careful when cultivating it."
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher Su."
Just then, Zhao Heilong walked over. He looked at Fang Yan, his eyes filled with wariness. "Fang Yan, I never expected you to have hidden such formidable strength. It seems our battle will be even more interesting than I imagined."
"Likewise," Fang Yan said indifferently.
Zhao Heilong gave Fang Yan a deep look before turning and leaving.
Fang Yan knew that Zhao Heilong now regarded him as his strongest rival. The matches ahead would become even more difficult.
But he was not afraid. With Five Finger Fist Heart Sword as his trump card, along with his steadily improving strength, he was confident he could defeat any opponent.
The journey through the national tournament had only just passed its halfway point. Even more intense battles were still waiting for him ahead. And he had only one goal—the national championship!
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