Fang Yan vs. Zhao Yu

Fang Yan cleared two rounds consecutively, especially defeating Lin Hao who had used a forbidden drug to boost his strength, making him the biggest dark horse of this inter-school martial arts competition. In the rest area, many students took the initiative to greet him, their eyes filled with awe.

After Lin Hao was carried away, the school doctor's examination revealed he had taken a forbidden drug called the "Blood Burst Pill." This pill could forcibly enhance strength in a short period but caused extreme damage to the body, with a high risk of permanent after-effects if not handled carefully. Upon learning of this, the school leaders were furious and immediately announced Lin Hao's disqualification from the competition, along with expulsion.

Fang Yan paid no mind to this. He seized every moment to recover his Blood Essence while replaying the fight with Lin Hao in his mind. The final move, "Straight Punch · Sword Shadow," was an impromptu decision, integrating the sharp intent of basic sword techniques into a straight punch. He hadn't expected it to be so effective. This made him realize that different skills might be able to merge, creating stronger moves.

"Next match, Fang Yan versus Zhao Yu!"

The referee's voice rang out again, and the entire venue fell silent. This was a highly anticipated duel—the newly emerged dark horse Fang Yan against the veteran powerhouse Zhao Yu from the elite class. Everyone wanted to know if Fang Yan could create another miracle this time.

Zhao Yu was already waiting on the stage. He looked at Fang Yan as he walked onto the platform, his previous dismissiveness gone, replaced by a solemn expression. "Fang Yan, you are strong, stronger than I imagined," Zhao Yu said gravely. "We fought to a draw last time; I won't hold back this time."

"Me neither," Fang Yan nodded, his eyes resolute. Last time, he could fight Zhao Yu to a draw largely because Zhao Yu hadn't used his full strength. This time, he had to give his all to have a chance.

"Begin!"

At the referee's command, both moved simultaneously.

Zhao Yu still employed his sharp palm techniques, the wind from his palms whistling like a tidal wave pressing down on Fang Yan. But this time, his palm techniques were more refined and varied, clearly the result of meticulous preparation.

Fang Yan dared not be careless, pushing his "Wind-Treading Steps" to the extreme, weaving nimbly through the palm strikes. At the same time, his fists were not idle, throwing out "Straight Punches" from time to time to force back Zhao Yu's offense.

The two exchanged blows, locked in a fierce struggle. The air on the martial arts stage was thrown into chaos, and gravel flew, making the audience below tremble.

"This can't go on; I need to end this quickly," Fang Yan thought to himself. He could feel that Zhao Yu's Blood Essence was deeper than his own; dragging this out would be disadvantageous.

He took a deep breath and suddenly changed his tactic. He stopped merely dodging and charged forward. The moment Zhao Yu's palms were about to collide, he sharply sidestepped, clenched his right fist, and poured all his Blood Essence into it. His fist not only condensed the power of "Straight Punch" but also carried the sharp intent of basic sword techniques, and even a hint of the agility from "Wind-Treading Steps."

"Straight Punch · Sword Shadow · Wind!"

This was a new move Fang Yan had conceived in a flash of inspiration during the previous fight. With a single punch, the airflow around his fist transformed into a phantom sword shadow, accompanied by a whistling wind, moving with incredible speed.

Zhao Yu's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected Fang Yan to create a new move mid-battle. Without time to think, he immediately gathered all his Blood Essence, crossed his arms in front of him to block.

"Bang!"

With a loud crash, Zhao Yu felt an immense force surge through his arms. This force was not only fierce and sharp but also carried a strange rotational power, making his Blood Essence churn and his hands go numb. His body involuntarily flew backward, crashing heavily onto the ground.

"Pfft!" Zhao Yu spat out a mouthful of blood, struggling to get up, only to find his body weak and limp.

The referee immediately rushed over and announced, "Zhao Yu is incapacitated. Fang Yan wins!"

The entire venue erupted in an uproar, followed by thunderous applause and cheers. Fang Yan had actually defeated Zhao Yu, meaning he had become the biggest favorite in this inter-school martial arts competition!

Fang Yan stood on the stage, looking at Zhao Yu on the ground. There was no joy in his heart, only a sense of exhilaration. He knew this victory was the result of his hard work.

Zhao Yu was helped away. Before leaving, he looked at Fang Yan and gave a complex smile. "I lost, and I accept it wholeheartedly."

Su Qing walked onto the stage and looked at Fang Yan, her eyes filled with relief. "Well done! You've exceeded my expectations. Now, only the finals remain. Your opponent is..."

Before Su Qing could finish speaking, a cold voice suddenly came from the crowd. "It's me."

Everyone turned towards the sound and saw a tall male student walking over. He wore a golden training uniform, exuding an extraordinary aura, his eyes holding an air of looking down on the world.

"It's him!" someone exclaimed. "It's the senior from the upper grades, Wang Chen!"

Wang Chen, a student from the third-year elite class, was at the Body Tempering Ninth Layer Peak, with a Blood Essence of 0.99. He was recognized as the undisputed top genius in the entire martial school. He had already secured a recommendation to a top martial arts university and was only participating in this inter-school competition to stretch his muscles.

Wang Chen looked at Fang Yan, a disdainful smile curling his lips. "Fang Yan, is it? I heard you're quite skilled, but in my eyes, you're just a clown. In the finals, I'll show you what a real gap is."

Fang Yan looked at Wang Chen, remaining silent, only clenching his fists. He knew this would be the strongest opponent he had ever faced, and the final obstacle on his path to the Martial Dao secret realm.

No matter how difficult the road ahead, he would not back down.