Peak Showdown

The day of the finals arrived quickly. The central plaza was packed with people, more lively than ever. All eyes were focused on the martial arts stage in the center, where a clash of titans was about to unfold—the dark horse Fang Yan against the genius senior Wang Chen.

Wang Chen was already on the stage, eyes closed, appearing completely at ease, as if this final match was a trivial matter to him. A powerful aura emanated from him, making the surrounding air feel oppressive.

Fang Yan also walked onto the stage. After a few days of rest, his condition had returned to its peak. His Blood Essence was at 0.97, the proficiency of Basic Fist Technique had increased to 70%, and the skill "Straight Punch · Sword Shadow · Wind" was even more refined. At the same time, he had also trained Basic Sword Technique to 40% and had comprehended a new sword technique—"Wind-Rending Sword." Although he hadn't used it in combat yet, it served as an additional trump card.

"Fang Yan, give up," Wang Chen opened his eyes and looked at Fang Yan, his tone plain yet carrying an undeniable authority. "You're no match for me, why humiliate yourself?"

Fang Yan didn't speak, merely assuming his starting stance. He intended to prove with his actions that he was no mere clown.

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

"Begin!"

At the referee's command, Wang Chen moved instantly. His speed was astonishing, several points faster than Zhao Yu. His figure left afterimages on the stage, making his movements almost impossible to track.

"So fast!" the audience below exclaimed.

Fang Yan's eyes narrowed, daring not to be careless in the slightest. He executed Wind-Treading Steps to its extreme, his body like a falling leaf in the wind, weaving through Wang Chen's afterimages. Simultaneously, he closely monitored Wang Chen's movements, searching for an opportunity to counterattack.

But Wang Chen's strength was simply too great. His attacks were not only fast but also incredibly powerful. Every punch and kick carried a world-ending momentum, forcing Fang Yan to retreat repeatedly, with no chance to counter.

"What? Can you only dodge?" Wang Chen taunted as he attacked. "Is this the strength you claim to have? You truly disappoint me."

Sweat beaded on Fang Yan's forehead. He could feel his stamina rapidly depleting. If he continued this passive defense, he would eventually be defeated by Wang Chen.

"I must counterattack!" The thought flashed through Fang Yan's mind. He suddenly sidestepped, evading Wang Chen's punch, and simultaneously clenched his right fist, condensing all his Blood Essence, and unleashed "Straight Punch · Sword Shadow · Wind."

As the punch was thrown, the airflow around his fist transformed into a phantom sword shadow, accompanied by a whistling wind, heading straight for Wang Chen's chest.

A flicker of disdain crossed Wang Chen's eyes. "Is that all you've got?" He didn't dodge or evade. His right hand formed a palm, carrying immense power, and slapped towards Fang Yan's fist.

"Bang!"

With a loud crash, Fang Yan felt a tremendous force surge from his fist, cracking his palm and causing blood to flow freely. His body was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the ground.

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

"Pathetic." Wang Chen looked at Fang Yan, who lay on the ground, with a contemptuous smile.

The audience below fell silent. Everyone thought Fang Yan had lost. Su Qing also wore a worried expression; she hadn't expected Wang Chen to be this powerful.

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

He took a deep breath, condensing the remaining Blood Essence in his body into his right hand, while recalling the essence of "Wind-Rending Sword" in his mind. Although he had no sword in hand, he intended to unleash the power of the sword technique with his fist.

"Wind-Rending Sword: Fist!"

Fang Yan let out a low roar and threw a punch. This punch lacked the fierce power of "Straight Punch" or the illusory nature of "Sword Shadow," but it carried a strange tearing sensation. The airflow around his fist transformed into a small wind blade, slashing towards Wang Chen's arm.

Wang Chen's expression changed. He hadn't expected Fang Yan to have another trump card. He hurriedly dodged to the side, but he was still a step too slow. The wind blade grazed his arm, leaving a shallow bloodstain.

"You've angered me!" Wang Chen roared, his aura instantly surging. His Blood Essence broke through 1.0, reaching the level of a warrior!

"What? He was hiding his strength!" the audience below exclaimed in shock.

Su Qing's eyes widened in astonishment. "Body Tempering Ninth Layer? He's actually reached the Body Tempering Ninth Layer!"

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

He charged forward, his right fist condensing immense power, aimed at Fang Yan's head. This punch carried a world-ending momentum; it was clearly a killing blow.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. He knew this was his last chance. He merged the essence of Wind-Treading Steps and Wind-Rending Sword, his body becoming as elusive as the wind, while his right hand continuously unleashed "Wind-Rending Sword: Fist."

Small wind blades shot towards Wang Chen. Though not powerful individually, they were incredibly dense, forcing Wang Chen to divide his attention to defend.

In the instant Wang Chen was defending, Fang Yan seized an opening. He suddenly teleported behind Wang Chen, simultaneously clenching his right fist, condensing all his strength and will, and unleashed a move he had never used before.

This move fused the fierce power of Basic Fist Technique, the sharpness of Basic Sword Technique, the agility of Wind-Treading Steps, and his unyielding will. The airflow around his fist transformed into a massive sword shadow, carrying a howling wind and the power to tear everything apart, striking towards Wang Chen's back.

"This is..." Wang Chen felt the danger behind him, his face changing drastically. He wanted to turn and defend, but it was too late.

"Bang!"

With a world-shattering explosion, Wang Chen's body was sent flying forward like a broken kite, crashing heavily onto the ground, never to move again.

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

The entire venue fell silent, then erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Everyone was stunned by Fang Yan's performance. No one had expected Fang Yan to defeat Wang Chen, who was at the Body Tempering Seventh Layer, and become the champion of this school-level martial arts competition!

Fang Yan stood on the stage, his body weakening, almost collapsing. He looked at the cheering crowd below, a tired yet satisfied smile on his face. He had done it; he was the champion!

Su Qing walked onto the stage, looking at Fang Yan with eyes full of relief and pride. "Fang Yan, you were amazing! You not only won the championship but also created a miracle!"

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

At this moment, the old man in the gray robe reappeared. He walked up to Fang Yan, a kind smile on his face. "Young man, well done. Are you interested in coming with me?"

Fang Yan looked at the old man, his heart stirred. He could feel the unfathomable aura emanating from the old man. He knew that a new chapter in his life was about to begin.