First Battle of the Elite Class

The Elite Class classroom was much more spacious and brighter than the Body Tempering Class. The students inside all had steady auras and sharp eyes, clearly not ordinary people. As Fang Yan walked into the classroom, he immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Is this Fang Yan, the one who got promoted from the Body Tempering Class? I heard he got a perfect score on his assessment?"

"Hmph, it was just luck. The assessment for the Body Tempering Class is nothing in our Elite Class."

"Look at his Blood Essence, only 0.56. That's about average to below average in our class. I really don't know why the Teacher brought him in."

The whispers weren't loud, but they were exceptionally clear in the quiet classroom. Fang Yan ignored the chatter, knowing that strength was the best proof. He walked straight to an empty seat in the last row and sat down.

Not long after, a tall woman with a cold, clear face walked in. She wore a white training uniform, exuding an extraordinary aura, her eyes holding a distant indifference.

"Quiet," the woman's voice was crisp and icy, instantly silencing the classroom. "I am your homeroom teacher, Su Qing. From today onwards, your training will be under my charge."

Su Qing's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Fang Yan. She paused slightly before moving on. "Today's first lesson is practical combat. The rules are simple: free pairing, winners stay, losers are eliminated. The last five people remaining will qualify for the School Martial Arts Competition."

As soon as she finished speaking, the classroom erupted. Everyone was eager to try, their hands itching for a fight. The School Martial Arts Competition was the most prestigious event in the entire Martial School, offering not only generous rewards but also the attention of major Martial Dao sects.

Soon, the students paired up on their own. As Fang Yan stood up, someone approached him.

"I'll fight you."

The speaker was a burly young man named Zhou Qiang. His Blood Essence was a high 0.69, making him one of the stronger students in the Elite Class. He looked at Fang Yan with disdain, clearly intending to make an example of the "newcomer" and establish his dominance.

Fang Yan didn't refuse, nodding. "Okay."

The two walked onto the competition stage in the center of the classroom. Su Qing stood to the side and said expressionlessly, "Begin."

"Kid, if you know what's good for you, just surrender now to avoid getting your face bashed in and embarrassing yourself later." Zhou Qiang cracked his knuckles, producing a series of popping sounds.

Fang Yan said nothing, merely adopting his starting stance.

"Since you're ungrateful, I won't hold back!" Zhou Qiang snorted coldly and charged forward. His right fist whistled through the air as he aimed for Fang Yan's chest. His punch was both fast and heavy, clearly delivered with malicious intent.

Fang Yan's eyes narrowed. He circulated his Blood Essence and executed the Wind-Treading Steps to their fullest. His body glided backward like a phantom, easily evading Zhou Qiang's punch.

"Huh?" Zhou Qiang was taken aback, clearly not expecting Fang Yan to be so fast. He immediately turned and threw another punch at Fang Yan.

This time, Fang Yan didn't dodge. He took a deep breath, concentrated his Blood Essence into his right fist, and with the principles of the Straight Punch, unleashed a powerful blow.

Bang!

The two fists collided with a dull thud. Zhou Qiang felt a massive force surge through his arm, numbing it. His body involuntarily staggered back three steps.

Fang Yan, however, stood his ground, unmoving.

"How is this possible?" Zhou Qiang's face was filled with disbelief. His Blood Essence was higher than Fang Yan's, and his strength was greater too. How could he be at a disadvantage in a head-on clash?

Fang Yan didn't give Zhou Qiang time to react. He seized the opportunity, his feet moving instantly to appear before Zhou Qiang. His left fist shot out like lightning, aimed at Zhou Qiang's abdomen.

Zhou Qiang had no time to dodge and was hit. He felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, as if struck by a massive boulder. His body curled into a ball, and he fell to the ground, groaning in pain.

"Zhou Qiang, defeated," Su Qing announced expressionlessly.

The classroom was silent, everyone stunned by what they had just witnessed. Zhou Qiang was a strong fighter in the Elite Class, and he had been defeated by a newcomer from the Body Tempering Class with a single punch?

Fang Yan clapped his hands and walked off the stage, returning to his seat. His expression remained calm, as if he had just done something insignificant.

But at this moment, no one dared to underestimate him anymore. The students who had been whispering about him earlier now lowered their heads, their eyes filled with awe.

Su Qing looked at Fang Yan, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She had seen it clearly. Fang Yan's punch was not only steady in power but also perfectly timed, demonstrating a profound understanding of fist techniques.

"Next pair," Su Qing withdrew her gaze and continued.

The subsequent practical combat became even more intense. Fang Yan went on to defeat two more students, successfully entering the final five.

Just then, a figure blocked Fang Yan's path.

"Fang Yan, let's have a fight."

Fang Yan looked up to see a handsome young man with an extraordinary aura. His name was Zhao Yu, his Blood Essence a formidable 0.89. He was the top-ranked student in the Elite Class and the acknowledged genius of the Martial School.

Zhao Yu looked at Fang Yan, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "I've heard you're very strong. It's a good opportunity for me to test your strength."

Fang Yan looked at Zhao Yu, sensing the powerful aura emanating from him. He knew this would be the strongest opponent he had faced since joining the Elite Class.

"Okay," Fang Yan agreed without hesitation.

The two walked onto the competition stage, the atmosphere instantly becoming tense. All eyes were focused on them, anticipating this ultimate showdown.

Su Qing looked at the two and nodded. "Begin."

As soon as she spoke, Zhao Yu moved. His speed was incredible, like a gust of wind, and he instantly appeared before Fang Yan. His right hand formed a palm, striking towards Fang Yan's head with a sharp palm wind.

Fang Yan dared not be careless. He immediately used the Wind-Treading Steps to dodge to the side. At the same time, he gathered power in his right fist, preparing to counterattack.

But Zhao Yu's attack wasn't over. Seeing his palm strike miss, he immediately changed his palm into a fist and struck towards Fang Yan's waist. His attacks were relentless, surging towards Fang Yan like a tide, leaving Fang Yan no opportunity to counter.

Fang Yan could only continue to dodge, relying on the agility of the Wind-Treading Steps to barely evade Zhao Yu's attacks. However, he also felt immense pressure. Zhao Yu's strength was truly overwhelming, far surpassing any opponent he had faced before in both speed and power.

This can't go on, Fang Yan thought to himself. I need to find an opening to counterattack.

While dodging, he carefully observed Zhao Yu's attack rhythm. Finally, he spotted a flaw. When Zhao Yu swung his fist at him again, his arm was slightly slower.

Now!

Fang Yan seized the opportunity, retreating sharply. At the same time, he channeled all his Blood Essence into his right fist and unleashed the Straight Punch. He put all his strength into this punch. The airflow around his fist was even more concentrated than before, whistling through the air as it shot towards Zhao Yu's chest.

Zhao Yu also sensed the danger and immediately retracted his fist to defend.

"Bang!"

Fist met palm, emitting a deafening roar. A powerful shockwave spread out, forcing the surrounding students back several steps.

Fang Yan felt a tremendous force surge through his fist, cracking the skin on his tiger's mouth and drawing blood. His body, like a kite with a broken string, flew backward and crashed heavily onto the ground.

Zhao Yu wasn't faring much better. Fang Yan's punch had forced him back five steps, and his arm felt slightly numb. He looked at Fang Yan, who had fallen to the ground, a flicker of surprise in his eyes: "I didn't expect you to be this strong."

Fang Yan struggled to get up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. His gaze remained firm: "I haven't lost yet."

He took a deep breath and resumed his fighting stance. Although injured, his fighting spirit blazed even brighter.

Zhao Yu looked at Fang Yan and nodded: "Alright, I admire your tenacity. I'll finish this match with you."

The two charged at each other again, engaging in an even more ferocious battle. This time, Fang Yan was no longer on the defensive but attacked proactively. He utilized the agility of his Wind-Treading Steps, constantly seeking openings in Zhao Yu's defenses before launching a decisive blow.

Zhao Yu, provoked by Fang Yan's tenacity, unleashed his ultimate skills. He executed a set of sharp palm techniques with masterful skill, his palm winds whistling, each strike aimed at a vital point.

The students in the classroom watched, dumbfounded. They hadn't expected this match to be so thrilling.

Su Qing stood to the side, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She could feel Fang Yan growing rapidly during the fight; each attack, each dodge, was more precise and skillful than before.

Finally, after dozens of rounds of intense combat, both were utterly exhausted. Fang Yan was covered in wounds, and Zhao Yu was gasping for breath, his face pale.

"Let's stop here," Su Qing suddenly announced. "You are both excellent. Both of you are qualified to participate in the School Martial Arts Competition."

At Su Qing's words, both fighters ceased their assault. Fang Yan let out a long sigh of relief, his body going limp, nearly falling again.

Zhao Yu looked at Fang Yan and offered a sincere smile: "You are very strong. I accept defeat wholeheartedly in this match today."

Fang Yan smiled back: "You are strong too. If the Teacher hadn't called it off, I might not have been able to hold on."

This peak showdown ultimately ended in a draw. But everyone knew that Fang Yan, though defeated, had earned honor. With his cultivation at the Eighth Layer of Body Tempering and a Blood Essence of 0.86, he had managed to fight Zhao Yu, whose Blood Essence was 0.89, to a standstill. It was nothing short of a miracle.

From that day on, Fang Yan firmly established his position in the Elite Class. No one dared to underestimate him anymore; everyone regarded him as one of their strongest rivals.

Fang Yan, however, did not become complacent. He knew this was merely a small milestone on his path of growth. The School Martial Arts Competition was about to begin, and that would be his true stage, where he would shine.