The School Martial Arts Competition was held in the martial school's central square. A huge arena had been built there, surrounded by crowds of students and teachers who had come to watch. The air was thick with tension and excitement.
Fang Yan stood in the contestants' area, watching the opponents battle fiercely onstage, his heart as calm as still water. After being tempered in the Elite Class, his strength had improved considerably. His qi and blood had reached 0.89, while his Basic Fist Technique proficiency had risen to 60%, making the power of Straight Punch even greater than before. At the same time, he had used his spare time to train his Basic Sword Technique to 30% proficiency. Although he had never used it in actual combat, he now had another trump card.
"Next match, Fang Yan versus Li Hao!"
As the referee's voice rang out, Fang Yan took a deep breath and stepped onto the arena. His opponent, Li Hao, was a student from another Elite Class. With qi and blood at 0.70, he specialized in leg techniques, and his strength was not to be underestimated.
Li Hao looked at Fang Yan with a contemptuous smile. "I heard you're pretty powerful? But as far as I'm concerned, you're nothing but someone living off a false reputation. Today, I'll show you what true strength is!"
Fang Yan said nothing and simply assumed his starting stance. He knew that there was no point saying more to an arrogant and conceited opponent. Only his fists could make him shut up.
"Begin!" the referee shouted.
Li Hao immediately launched his attack. His leg techniques truly lived up to their reputation. His attacks were incredibly fast, sweeping toward Fang Yan like a violent storm. Every kick carried a sharp gale, forcing Fang Yan back again and again.
"What? Can you only dodge?" Li Hao taunted as he attacked. "Show me what you've got!"
Fang Yan's eyes narrowed, and he stopped retreating. He circulated his qi and blood and pushed Wind-Treading Steps to its limit, his body weaving through the shadows of Li Hao's legs like a specter. At the same time, he watched Li Hao's movements closely, searching for a chance to counterattack.
Finally, when Li Hao kicked again, Fang Yan seized an opening. He suddenly twisted sideways, avoiding Li Hao's attack, while his right hand clenched into a fist and gathered all his strength before striking toward Li Hao's thigh.
"Straight Punch!"
"Bang!"
The punch landed squarely. Li Hao felt a burst of agony in his thigh, and his body instantly lost its balance, nearly sending him sprawling. He stared at Fang Yan in shock, clearly never expecting Fang Yan to seize his opening—or possess such overwhelming strength.
"Impossible!" Li Hao roared before launching another attack. But this time, his movements had clearly slowed, and his leg techniques were no longer as fierce.
Fang Yan seized the opportunity and pressed his advantage. His fists rained down on Li Hao like drops of rain, every punch striking his vital points with pinpoint accuracy. Li Hao was beaten back step by step, and his body was soon covered in wounds.
"I surrender! I surrender!" Li Hao finally cried out, unable to hold on any longer.
The referee immediately announced, "Fang Yan wins!"
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from below the stage. Fang Yan's performance had made everyone see him in a new light.
Just as Fang Yan was preparing to leave the arena, a cold voice suddenly rang out. "Wait."
Fang Yan looked up and saw a boy in a black training uniform walking over. His gaze was icy and his air gloomy. It was Lin Hao, whom Fang Yan had surpassed back in the Body Tempering Class.
"Fang Yan, feeling pretty pleased with yourself, are you?" Lin Hao looked at Fang Yan, his eyes filled with venom. "But your good luck ends here. In the next match, I'll make you lose all face!"
Fang Yan looked at Lin Hao and said indifferently, "I'll be waiting."
He knew that Lin Hao had always harbored a grudge against him, and that this showdown was bound to come sooner or later. He felt not the slightest fear. Instead, he was filled with anticipation. He would let Lin Hao know that whether in the Body Tempering Class or the Elite Class, Lin Hao was no match for him.
After stepping down from the arena, Su Qing walked over and patted him on the shoulder. "That was a good fight. But Lin Hao is much stronger than Li Hao. He recently broke through to the Eighth Layer of Body Tempering, and his qi and blood have reached 0.81. You must be careful."
"Thank you, Teacher. I will." Fang Yan nodded. He could sense that a truly brutal battle was about to begin.
Back in the contestants' area, Fang Yan sat cross-legged and began circulating his qi and blood to recover his strength. He knew that only by maintaining his peak condition could he win the matches ahead.
Elsewhere, Lin Hao watched Fang Yan's back, a vicious glint flashing through his eyes. He took a black pill from his pocket and swallowed it without hesitation. The next second, his qi and blood surged violently, and a terrifying aura radiated from his body.
"Fang Yan, this time, I will definitely kill you!" Lin Hao muttered to himself, a ferocious smile spreading across his face.
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