Peak Showdown

The day of the finals arrived before long. The Central Plaza was packed with people, more bustling than ever. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the martial arts stage in the center, where a peak showdown was about to unfold—dark horse Fang Yan versus talented senior Wang Chen.

Wang Chen had taken his place on the stage early. His eyes were closed, and his expression was calm and composed, as if the finals were nothing more than a trivial matter to him. A powerful aura radiated from his body, making the surrounding air feel oppressive.

Fang Yan also stepped onto the stage. After several days of recuperation, he had returned to peak condition. His qi and blood had reached 0.97, his proficiency in Basic Fist Technique had risen to 70%, and he had grown even more adept with Straight Punch · Sword Shadow · Wind. At the same time, he had trained Basic Sword Technique to 40% and grasped a new sword technique—Wind-Rending Sword. Though he had never used it in actual combat, it was still another trump card.

"Fang Yan, give up." Wang Chen opened his eyes and looked at Fang Yan. His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority. "You're no match for me. Why humiliate yourself?"

Fang Yan said nothing. He simply assumed his starting stance. He would prove through action that he was no mere buffoon.

"Stubborn fool." Wang Chen shook his head, a hint of impatience appearing on his face. "Since you insist on fighting, I'll grant your wish. But I won't hold back."

"Begin!"

At the referee's command, Wang Chen moved in an instant. His speed was astonishing, several notches faster than Zhao Yu's. His figure left afterimages across the stage, making his movements nearly impossible to see.

"So fast!" the spectators below exclaimed.

Fang Yan's gaze sharpened, and he did not dare be careless in the slightest. He pushed Wind-Treading Steps to its limit, his body flitting through Wang Chen's afterimages like a fallen leaf in the wind. At the same time, he watched Wang Chen's movements closely, searching for a chance to counterattack.

But Wang Chen's strength was simply too great. His attacks were not only fast but also astonishingly powerful. Every punch and kick carried an earth-shattering force, driving Fang Yan back again and again and leaving him no chance to counterattack.

"What? Can you only dodge?" Wang Chen taunted as he attacked. "Is this the strength you were so proud of? You've really disappointed me."

Sweat beaded on Fang Yan's forehead. He could feel his stamina draining rapidly. If he continued defending passively like this, Wang Chen would defeat him sooner or later.

I have to counterattack! The thought flashed through Fang Yan's mind. He abruptly twisted aside to evade Wang Chen's punch, then clenched his right fist, gathered all his qi and blood, and unleashed Straight Punch · Sword Shadow · Wind.

His punch shot forward. The airflow around his fist transformed into a hazy sword shadow, carrying a howling wind as it struck toward Wang Chen's chest.

A trace of disdain flashed through Wang Chen's eyes. "Is that all you've got?" He neither dodged nor retreated, instead turning his right hand into a palm and slapping it toward Fang Yan's fist with tremendous force.

Bang!

A thunderous crash rang out. Fang Yan felt an enormous force surge through his fist, splitting the web between his thumb and forefinger and sending blood gushing out. His body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, then slammed heavily into the ground.

"Pfft!" Fang Yan spat out a mouthful of blood, and his face instantly turned pale.

"Pathetic." Wang Chen looked at Fang Yan lying on the ground, a contemptuous smile spreading across his face.

The spectators below fell silent. Everyone thought Fang Yan had already lost. Su Qing also looked worried; she had never expected Wang Chen to be this powerful.

But just then, Fang Yan suddenly struggled to his feet. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze still resolute. "I haven't lost yet!"

He drew a deep breath and gathered all the qi and blood remaining in his body into his right hand. At the same time, he recalled the essentials of Wind-Rending Sword in his mind. Although he had no sword in his hand, he would use his fist to unleash the might of swordsmanship.

"Wind-Rending Sword: Fist!"

Fang Yan gave a low shout and punched forward. This punch lacked the fierce force of Straight Punch and the illusory quality of Sword Shadow, yet it carried a strange sense of tearing. The airflow around his fist transformed into a tiny wind blade that slashed toward Wang Chen's arm.

Wang Chen's expression changed. He had not expected Fang Yan to still have a trump card. He hurriedly twisted aside, but he was a step too slow. The wind blade grazed his arm, leaving behind a shallow line of blood.

"You've enraged me!" Wang Chen roared, and the aura around him surged explosively. His qi and blood actually broke through 1.0, reaching the level of a Martial Warrior!

"What? He was hiding his strength!" the spectators below cried out.

Su Qing was equally shocked. "Body Tempering Ninth Layer? He's already reached the Body Tempering Ninth Layer!"

Wang Chen looked at Fang Yan, his eyes filled with killing intent. "I originally planned to spare your life, but now, you must die!"

He charged forward violently, gathering tremendous power in his right hand before striking toward Fang Yan's head. This punch carried an earth-shattering force—it was clearly meant to kill.

Fang Yan's eyes turned cold. He knew this was his last chance. He fused the intent of Wind-Treading Steps with that of Wind-Rending Sword, his body drifting unpredictably like the wind while his right hand continuously launched Wind-Rending Sword: Fist.

Tiny wind blades shot toward Wang Chen one after another. Their power was not great, but they were incredibly dense, forcing Wang Chen to split his attention and defend.

In the instant Wang Chen focused on defense, Fang Yan seized an opening. He suddenly flashed behind Wang Chen, then clenched his right fist and gathered all his strength and will before unleashing a technique he had never used before.

This move combined the ferocity of Basic Fist Technique, the sharpness of Basic Sword Technique, and the fluid agility of Wind-Treading Steps, while also containing his unyielding will. The airflow around his fist transformed into a gigantic sword shadow, carrying a howling wind and the power to tear through all things as it struck toward the back of Wang Chen's heart.

"What is this...?" Wang Chen sensed the danger behind him. His face changed dramatically, and he tried to turn and defend, but it was already too late.

Bang!

A heaven-shaking crash rang out. Wang Chen's body flew forward like a kite with its string cut, then slammed heavily into the ground, never moving again.

The referee immediately ran over and checked Wang Chen's condition before announcing, "Wang Chen has lost the ability to fight. Fang Yan wins!"

The entire venue fell silent, then erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Everyone had been stunned by Fang Yan's performance. No one had expected him to defeat Wang Chen of the Body Tempering Seventh Layer and become the champion of this year's School Martial Arts Competition!

Fang Yan stood on the stage, his body going limp as he nearly collapsed. Looking at the cheering crowd below, he revealed a weary yet satisfied smile. He had done it. He had become the champion!

Su Qing stepped onto the stage and looked at Fang Yan, her eyes filled with relief and pride. "Fang Yan, you were amazing! Not only did you win the championship, you also created a miracle!"

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

At that moment, the old man in the gray robe appeared again. He walked up to Fang Yan, a kindly smile on his face. "Young man, not bad. Would you be interested in coming with me for a little while?"

Fang Yan looked at the old man, his heart stirring. He could sense the unfathomable aura emanating from him. He knew that a new chapter of his life was about to begin.