Narrow Victory Against a Strong Enemy

In the resting area, Fang Yan had just finished regulating his breathing, his Blood Essence and stamina both restored to peak condition. He could feel the surging power within him and was full of confidence for the upcoming duel with Lin Hao.

Just then, the referee's voice came over the broadcast: "Next match, Lin Hao versus Fang Yan! Please report to Arena Number Three immediately!"

"Coming!" Fang Yan's eyes sharpened, and he stood up, walking towards Arena Number Three.

The surrounding students immediately gathered around, chattering amongst themselves.

"Look quickly, it's Fang Yan and Lin Hao! This is the main event!"

"I heard Lin Hao recently broke through to the Body Tempering Ninth Layer, his Blood Essence is already 0.90. Fang Yan is in trouble this time."

"Not necessarily. Fang Yan even drew with Zhao Yu before, he's very strong too."

"It's hard to say. Lin Hao is petty. He'll definitely go for the kill. Fang Yan needs to be careful."

Lin Hao was already standing on the arena, having arrived early. He had his eyes closed, seemingly adjusting his state. But Fang Yan could clearly sense that Lin Hao's aura was much stronger than before, and it carried a strange, violent feeling.

He's not right, Fang Yan thought to himself.

He walked onto the arena, looked at Lin Hao, and asked in a deep voice, "What did you eat?"

Lin Hao slowly opened his eyes, which were bloodshot, and a twisted smile appeared on his face: "What did I eat? I ate something that will let you die faster! Fang Yan, today I will make you pay for what you did before!"

The referee glanced at the two of them, frowned, but still followed the procedure and announced, "Begin the match!"

As soon as the referee finished speaking, Lin Hao charged forward. His speed was astonishing, even faster than Li Hao's from before. His strength had also become incredibly powerful, each punch carrying a world-destroying momentum.

This strength... is definitely more than Body Tempering Fifth Layer! Fang Yan was startled and immediately used the Wind-Treading Steps, desperately dodging Lin Hao's attacks.

Lin Hao's attacks grew more and more frenzied, his eyes filled with killing intent, each move aimed at Fang Yan's vital points. The stone slabs on the arena were shattered by his blows, sending fragments flying.

"Dodge! Why aren't you dodging anymore?" Lin Hao roared as he attacked, "Weren't you very capable before? Show me what you've got!"

Fang Yan was forced into a desperate situation by Lin Hao, having taken several punches. Although his Northern Darkness Ice Soul Body's resilience prevented him from being seriously injured, he still felt waves of pain.

I can't go on like this, I have to counterattack! A thought flashed through Fang Yan's mind. He seized an opening in Lin Hao's attack, condensed all the Blood Essence in his body onto his right fist, and simultaneously circulated the intent of his basic sword technique. Though he held no sword, his fist seemed to condense an invisible sword energy.

"Straight Punch · Sword Shadow!"

Fang Yan shouted lowly and threw a punch. This punch not only possessed the power of a straight punch but also the sharpness of a sword technique. The airflow around his fist transformed into a phantom sword shadow, stabbing towards Lin Hao's chest.

A hint of disdain flashed in Lin Hao's eyes: "Useless!" He didn't dodge, instead throwing a punch of his own, intending to meet Fang Yan's attack with sheer power.

"Bang!"

The two fists collided, emitting a deafening roar. A powerful shockwave spread out, forcing the surrounding spectators to retreat several steps.

The smile on Lin Hao's face instantly froze. He felt a sharp force coming from Fang Yan's fist, which not only broke through his defense but also burrowed into his body. His arm went numb instantly, and his Blood Essence began to surge chaotically.

"How is this possible?" Lin Hao's face was filled with disbelief.

Fang Yan seized this opportunity, not giving Lin Hao time to react. He moved his feet, instantly appearing behind Lin Hao, forming his left hand into a palm. With a gentle force, he struck towards Lin Hao's back. This palm strike, seemingly soft, contained immense power, a technique he had learned from the basic sword technique.

"Pfft!"

The palm strike landed, and Lin Hao spat out a mouthful of blood, his body slumping down limply. He struggled to get up but found himself powerless, his Blood Essence in complete disarray.

The referee immediately rushed over, checked Lin Hao's condition, and announced, "Lin Hao is unable to continue fighting. Fang Yan wins!"

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from below the stage. Everyone was stunned by Fang Yan's performance. No one had expected Fang Yan to defeat Lin Hao, who had broken through to Body Tempering Fifth Layer, and in such a spectacular fashion.

Fang Yan stood on the arena, breathing heavily. That one punch and sword strike had nearly exhausted all the Blood Essence in his body. He looked at Lin Hao, who lay on the ground, without a trace of pity in his eyes. He knew that if he had been the slightest bit careless, he would have been the one lying there.

Just then, Su Qing walked onto the arena and handed Fang Yan a bottle of pills: "Take these quickly to restore your Blood Essence. Your performance just now was outstanding, especially that final move, combining the intent of fist and sword techniques. Very creative."

Fang Yan took the pills and swallowed them. A warm current instantly spread through his body, instantly relieving the fatigue.

"Thank you, Teacher," Fang Yan said gratefully.

"The upcoming matches will be even more difficult, so you must be prepared," Su Qing reminded him. "The champion of the school martial arts competition not only receives generous rewards but also gets the opportunity to enter the Martial Dao Secret Realm for cultivation. That is an excellent place to improve one's strength."

"Martial Dao Secret Realm?" Fang Yan's heart stirred, and a look of longing appeared in his eyes. He knew that no matter how great the difficulties, he had to strive for the championship and enter the Martial Dao Secret Realm.

As he walked off the arena, Fang Yan was met with widespread admiration. However, he did not become arrogant. He knew that this was just the beginning of the school martial arts competition, and true powerhouses still awaited him.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the arena, an old man in a gray robe watched Fang Yan's retreating back, a peculiar glint in his eyes. He muttered to himself, "This kid is quite interesting. Perhaps he is the one we have been looking for."