Iron Mask

Iron Mask

Xu Manli brought Fang Mo back to the office and had him sign an agreement.

"Young Master Fang, according to our arena rules, your current combat rating at our Iron Stone Boxing Gym is only entry-level. Each match pays one thousand, with another one thousand awarded for a win. Also, if you die or are crippled in battle, it has nothing to do with our Martial Hall!"

"No problem?"

Fang Mo signed the agreement directly, without the slightest hesitation.

"Good, the contract is signed. Young Master Fang, pick a mask, then choose a title!"

Xu Manli pulled aside the curtain on the wall, revealing a great many masks hanging there. They came in all colors and shapes, all made of soft leather. They covered only the eyes, like Zorro's mask.

Fang Mo swept his gaze over them, then took down a glossy black eye mask from the wall and put it on.

Xu Manli stared at Fang Mo, momentarily stunned. He was actually rather handsome now. He had not been ugly to begin with, but with the eye mask on, he gained a touch of mystery. Especially those eyes beneath it—so pure they made one's heart tremble.

Cough, cough!

Xu Manli gave two light coughs. "Young Master Fang, choose a title!"

"Iron Mask."

Fang Mo looked calmly at himself in the mirror.

"Alright. From today onward, Young Master Fang's codename at our Iron Stone Boxing Gym will be Iron Mask!"

Xu Manli said with a smile, "From now on, I'll be the only one who knows you are Iron Mask. Please keep your mask on. I'll arrange for someone to take you to the lounge. Our arena matches do not begin until eight, so get some proper rest first!"

Fang Mo nodded. Xu Manli summoned someone to lead Fang Mo away.

They reached an elevator farther inside, and it went down again. They seemed to descend two more floors, arriving at the fourth underground level. When the elevator doors opened, Fang Mo was led through a passageway into a room.

"Mr. Iron Mask, rest here. There is food and drink, as well as a restroom. When it is your turn, we will arrange for someone to bring you into the arena!"

said the staff member responsible for guiding him.

"Thank you."

Fang Mo thanked him. The staff member withdrew, and the door shut behind him.

Fang Mo surveyed the room. Opposite the door was a glass window half a meter high and a meter long. Neon lights flashed outside, accompanied by intense music. He walked over and saw, through the window, an iron cage arena surrounded by tiered seats and private booths.

At that moment, several scantily clad women were dancing wildly inside the iron cage, while the men and women in the booths danced along with them.

"Whether on Earth or here, entertainment doesn't seem to have changed much!"

Watching the scene, Fang Mo could not help but sigh. In his previous life, he too had been obsessed with cultivation. But because he had needed to make a living, he had worked in sales and run a company, so this sort of thing was hardly unfamiliar to him. It was all the same routine.

After watching for a while, he sat cross-legged and began regulating his breathing. He wanted to remain in peak condition.

The music outside remained frenzied, with excited screams from men and women ringing out from time to time. With his eyes closed, he shut out everything around him.

In Xu Manli's office, she was looking at a document on her computer, reading it carefully.

"Fang Mo! Fang Mo! The Fang Family's useless young master. Interesting!"

An unexpected smile appeared on Xu Manli's face. "Everyone thought he had no martial foundation, yet he still chose the martial path!" Her finger tapped lightly, and the document vanished, replaced by an image of Fang Mo sitting cross-legged.

"His mindset isn't bad. I'd like to see whether you can give me a little surprise!"

A smile appeared on her face again. She had become somewhat interested in Fang Mo.

"Manager Xu, the arena matches are about to begin!"

A staff member entered and reported.

"I know."

Xu Manli rose to her feet. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by an imposing air. She straightened her clothes and walked out. "Make arrangements for that Iron Mask. Find him a weaker martial artist to fight. Don't let him be crippled in his very first match!"

"Yes, Manager Xu!"

the staff member answered.

Fang Mo had no idea that Xu Manli had already investigated his background. As the organizers, it was impossible for them not to investigate those who came to participate in the matches. They had to know the fighters' information to guard against unforeseen factors.

For instance, if some young master from a powerful family came to fight and was injured or killed, it would be troublesome if they were held accountable afterward.

Who knew how long passed before the music suddenly stopped. Fang Mo slowly opened his eyes.

"Dear friends, welcome to Iron Stone. Our boxing matches are about to begin. Please get ready!"

At that moment, a voice from the loudspeakers rang through the room.

Fang Mo stood and walked to the glass window. From there, he could see the iron cage clearly.

Fang Mo was surprised to discover that the venue, which had been less than half full before, was now packed. Nearly every private booth was occupied.

Inside the iron cage stood a potbellied middle-aged man with slicked-back hair, waving his hands excitedly.

"Everyone, there will be five matches today. Violent Wolf will also be competing in his nineteenth battle, bringing you an exciting clash between Bright Force martial artists!"

Intense cheers immediately erupted from the stands.

"Violent Wolf!"

"Violent Wolf!"

Fang Mo felt his heart stir with excitement as well. He had been incredibly lucky today—there were actually Bright Force martial artists fighting, and he could observe them.

"Next, the first match!"

"They are Chasing Wind, whose leg techniques are invincible, and Iron Fist, whose iron fists can shake mountains!"

"Cheer! Welcome our two fighters to the stage!"

The host roared excitedly. Two names immediately lit up on the giant screen, along with their strength profiles.

"Chasing Wind: Strength Training Realm. Trained for one year. Proficient in Chasing Wind Leg. Leg strength: 380 kilograms. Seven fights, seven victories!"

"Iron Fist: Strength Training Realm. Trained for one year. Proficient in Iron Thread Fist. Punch strength: 350 kilograms. Two fights, two victories!"

Fang Mo's expression grew solemn as he looked at the introductions. Both of them were stronger than he was!

At that moment, the lights onstage came on while the surroundings fell into darkness. The two men entered the iron cage through separate passages.

Chasing Wind was lean and tall, especially his long, powerful legs. Iron Fist was not tall, but his arms were thick and powerful, his body packed with corded muscle. They stepped onto the stage and stood facing each other a meter apart.

"Thirty seconds for betting!"

the host shouted.

Tablets lit up one after another in the private seating areas of the stands, illuminating face after face as people operated them.

"Betting is closed!"

At the host's loud cry, everyone in the stands put away their tablets.

"The rules of the match: if one side concedes defeat, the fight ends, and the opponent may not attack. If no defeat is conceded, the fight is deemed to continue!"

The host looked at the two men in the iron cage and called out:

"Do you understand?"

The two nodded at the same time.

"Close the cage!"

With a wave of the host's hand, the iron cage door was immediately shut, and two burly men locked it.

The venue instantly fell silent. The two men stood facing each other within the iron cage, their eyes meeting as sharp light flickered within them.

Fang Mo watched intently as well. This was a real fight.

"Kill!"

Chasing Wind suddenly let out a violent roar and moved first. His feet tapped rapidly, his body like a galloping horse as he closed the distance in an instant. A whip kick shot toward Iron Fist's head, carrying a howling gale.

"So fast!"

Fang Mo narrowed his eyes. That kick was as swift as lightning. Judging by the force of the wind it produced, it was likely already very close to Bright Force.

At that moment, Iron Fist let out a roar, planted his feet in a horse stance, and threw out a fist.

The leg struck Iron Fist's fist with a dull thud. Iron Fist's body swayed as he retreated a step to the side, while Chasing Wind landed and immediately pushed off the ground, spinning his body into another roundhouse kick aimed at Iron Fist's face.

Iron Fist roared and blasted out a straight punch, blocking the other man's foot. Chasing Wind landed, yet pressed forward again, his legs launching a chain of kicks.

Each kick was faster than the last, each heavier than the one before. Iron Fist blocked again and again, and a continuous series of bangs instantly rang out across the stage.

Cheers rose from the stands from time to time, and some women screamed excitedly. The two men onstage fought fiercely, constantly shifting across the arena.

Fang Mo's blood began to boil as well. This was a true battle—too magnificent. Only by undergoing battles like this could one become a true martial artist.

"Wind Sweeps Away the Clouds!"

A fierce shout rang out. Chasing Wind spun through the air, both legs sweeping toward Iron Fist.

"The winner will be decided now!"

Fang Mo's heart tightened, and light flickered in his eyes.