Battle Post

Dawn light slanted across the ancient gate of Tiger Might Martial Arts School.

The vermilion lacquer gleamed with the luster of passing years beneath the light. Two stone lions stood on either side, their eyes bright and piercing, as though guarding the school's dignity and glory.

Above the gate hung a plaque bearing the flowing-script words "Tiger Might Martial Arts School." Its brushstrokes were vigorous, radiating an imposing aura not to be underestimated.

The heavy gates slowly opened.

Miao Ping led a group of disciples standing inside. His expression was solemn as his gaze swept over the watching crowd before settling on the group standing squarely before the gate.

There were five of them, all dressed in fitted black uniforms. A golden eagle with spread wings was embroidered on each of their chests, exceptionally eye-catching.

The man at their head was in his twenties, powerfully built, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, with long, strong arms. His distinctive eyes were as sharp as a hunting eagle's.

The four behind him were all sturdy as well, their temples bulging and their skin gleaming with oil. Clearly, they were martial artists brimming with vigor and blood.

Miao Ping stepped over the threshold, and the others followed him out, confronting the five men.

"Who are you people?"

He demanded in a deep voice. In truth, the moment he saw their clothes, he already knew where they came from.

They were from the flourishing Xiongying Martial Arts School, which had been challenging martial arts schools throughout Yunyang.

The eagle-eyed young man stepped forward, raised the Battle Post in both hands, and announced loudly, "Iron Eagle of Xiongying Martial Arts School, acting on my master's orders, has come specially to deliver this Battle Post!"

"Three days from now, before the City God Temple, Xiongying Martial Arts School will set up an arena and issue a challenge. Does Tiger Might Martial Arts School dare to accept?"

He held the Battle Post high over his head. The vivid red character for "battle" upon it seemed to burn like flame.

The crowd instantly erupted, and everyone was shocked.

"Xiongying Martial Arts School is so arrogant! They actually want to set up an arena before the City God Temple and challenge them publicly?"

"I wonder whether Tiger Might Martial Arts School dares to accept?"

"How could they not? Master Guan of Tiger Might Martial Arts School once swept through thirty-eight martial arts schools in Yunyang. How could he possibly fear them?"

"Xiongying Martial Arts School is far too arrogant. It's time someone knocked the wind out of their sails!"

Though Miao Ping had already guessed it, his heart still jolted. They actually wanted a public challenge—such a thing was rare indeed!

"Go notify Master, quickly!"

After giving the order, he turned to Iron Eagle, steadied himself, and said flatly, "Wait."

One disciple sprinted toward the rear courtyard.

"No matter. There's no rush."

Iron Eagle smiled faintly and withdrew the Battle Post. "I trust that, with Tiger Might Martial Arts School's illustrious reputation, you wouldn't be so frightened that you dare not accept a Battle Post, would you?"

"How presumptuous!"

Miao Ping's eyes sharpened as he shouted deeply, "Tiger Might Martial Arts School earned its reputation through fighting. Why would we fear accepting your Battle Post? Just stand there and wait obediently!"

A teasing smile curled at Iron Eagle's lips as he replied disdainfully, "If you dare accept it, why hesitate so much over a mere letter of challenge? Is your strength lacking, or is your confidence lacking?" As he spoke, he deliberately drew out the final note.

Miao Ping's gaze instantly turned cold as frost, as if it could freeze the air around them.

Fang Mo was also standing among the trainees. He frowned. A challenge was one thing, but those words were unpleasant to hear. Iron Eagle was clearly trying to stir up trouble.

I hope Senior Brother Miao doesn't take the bait. They must have come prepared!

"Arrogant!" Miao Ping's voice turned icy. "Let me see what ability you have that makes you dare spout such wild nonsense!"

Fang Mo's heart sank at those words. Miao Ping had still taken the bait!

Iron Eagle threw back his head and laughed. "Just what I wanted. I'd also like to see whether Tiger Might Martial Arts School lives up to its reputation!"

"You'll find out soon enough!"

Miao Ping's expression was terrifyingly grim. He stepped forward, and with every step, the muscles throughout his body subtly shifted between tension and relaxation, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

"They're going to fight!"

"Move back, quickly! They're both Dark Strength martial artists—if you get caught up in it, you'll be hurt!"

The crowd stirred as people swiftly retreated, clearing an open space.

"I'd like to know too!"

Iron Eagle gave a cold laugh, casually handed the Battle Post to the person beside him, then walked into the open space. With one hand behind his back, he said flatly, "Come!"

"You're courting death!"

Miao Ping was completely enraged. With a low roar, his body shot forward as though propelled by an invisible force.

His fist carried a howling gust of wind. The air itself seemed torn apart by that force, forming visible swirling currents.

"Good!"

Iron Eagle suddenly let out a piercing cry. His muscles seemed to contract tight, veins rising like writhing dragons as terrifying power erupted from him. He sprang into the air like a hunting eagle diving upon its prey.

Their attacks collided, and the air around them seemed to compress, producing a faint explosive crack.

A ripple-like wave of air, almost impossible to catch with the naked eye, spread outward, sweeping up sand and dust from the ground.

The onlookers cried out in alarm and retreated one after another, stunned by the power of Dark Strength martial artists.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The two men both staggered several steps back.

A flash of horror passed through Miao Ping's eyes. His opponent was far stronger than he had imagined. It felt as if his bones were about to crack, and the other man was in no way weaker than him.

Unease rose in his heart!

He had been provoked into attacking just now. With so many people watching, backing down was no longer possible. But if he lost, not only would he be humiliated, the Martial Hall's reputation would be dragged down as well.

"You're nothing special either!"

Iron Eagle chuckled, rolling his wrist with a contemptuous smile on his face.

"Again!"

Miao Ping had always been proud. Though he hesitated inwardly, he was provoked once more. He shot forward, both hands forming tiger claws as they seized straight for his opponent's face.

"Bring it on!"

Iron Eagle shouted deeply, letting out an eagle cry as he lunged forward as well.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The two exchanged blows at blinding speed. Dark Strength martial artists possessed extraordinary combat power; with every collision, force burst outward, driving the surrounding crowd back again and again.

"The Tiger Subduing Fist truly is extraordinary. What overwhelming momentum!"

"This Iron Eagle is formidable too. Look, he's not the slightest bit weaker than Miao Ping!"

"Who do you think will win?"

The onlookers began discussing fervently.

"Look at Miao Ping's Tiger Subduing Fist. His moves are fierce, but his footwork is a little rushed. It seems he's being dragged along by his opponent's rhythm!" A middle-aged man in a martial instructor's uniform frowned gravely amid the crowd.

Another martial artist chimed in, "Iron Eagle's Eagle Claw Skill is indeed impressive. I heard they often train by fighting mutant beasts. That ruthlessness and resilience aren't something ordinary people can match!"

"Go, Senior Brother Miao! Defeat him!"

"Brother Miao, what a Black Tiger Rips Out the Heart! Beat him until he's scrambling across the ground looking for teeth, and show them not to be so arrogant!"

The Martial Hall members all cheered Miao Ping on.

Yet as Miao Ping listened to their shouts, the more he fought, the more alarmed he became. His opponent's techniques were fierce and his strength heavy; those eagle claws hooked, seized, struck, and raked, leaving him extremely uncomfortable.

If this continued, forget winning—avoiding defeat would already be a mistake.

How would he ever be able to hold his head up before his junior brothers from the Martial Hall and the people from the other halls?

"No, I can't lose!"

A fierce light burst from Miao Ping's eyes as he increased the intensity of his attacks again.

"This is bad!"

Fang Mo was watching from within the crowd and frowned slightly. The Tiger Subduing Fist relied on swift, fierce, powerful strikes. Once hesitation crept in, its power would inevitably decline.

His gaze shifted, and he turned to leave, intending to fetch Feng Qingyuan and the others.

But then he saw that Feng Qingyuan, Guan Lu, Chi Jing, and the others were already standing behind him, watching the fight.

"Junior Brother Miao is getting impatient!"

Feng Qingyuan had spotted the problem as well, his expression grave.

Chi Jing craned her neck and said, "Is he? I think Senior Brother Miao has been attacking the whole time!"

Guan Lu furrowed her brows. "Senior Brother Miao is getting a little impatient. He keeps forcing the attack. Senior Brother, I think we should stop them!"

Fang Mo glanced at Guan Lu. It seemed her eye for combat was decent; she had noticed the problem too. Iron Eagle had clearly been controlling Miao Ping's rhythm all along. The first burst sapped his strength, the second left him spent—he was waiting for Miao Ping to reveal an opening.

On the battlefield, Miao Ping's continuous high-frequency attacks had visibly exhausted him. Even his breathing had become ragged, and the momentum of his attacks was fading.

Eagle Soaring Over Sea of Clouds!

Iron Eagle had been waiting for this very chance. Suddenly, he roared, his body spinning like a whirlwind as claw shadows filled the sky in a savage assault. Every strike targeted Miao Ping's vital points.

Miao Ping's face changed, and he hurriedly forced up his strength to block.

The two moved with incredible speed, claw shadows and fist shadows intertwining as the sounds of violent impacts rang without end.

But beneath the onslaught, Miao Ping retreated step by step, panic appearing in his eyes.

Divine Eagle Nine Seizures!

Seeing hope, Iron Eagle erupted once more, his attacks becoming even swifter and fiercer.

Tiger Roars in the Forest!

Seeing the incoming attack, Miao Ping gritted his teeth and forcibly summoned up his strength.

"Are these two trying to fight to the death?"

"This is going to be decided!"

Quite a few martial artists in the audience were jolted awake by the sight, their eyes fixed intently on the fight.

"Stop!"

Just then, a furious shout rang out. A figure swept over the crowd like a great bird, landed in the arena, and positioned himself between the two men.

He struck out with both palms at once, blocking both of their attacks.

Bang! Bang!

Two muffled thunderclaps exploded, and both men staggered backward.

Miao Ping retreated more than a dozen steps before steadying himself. His breathing was ragged, but when he saw Feng Qingyuan, delight appeared on his face.

"Senior Brother!"

Feng Qingyuan raised a hand to stop him and turned his gaze toward Iron Eagle.

Iron Eagle had likewise retreated over a dozen steps before stopping. His four companions surged forward to shield him, glaring furiously, while the students of Tiger Might Martial Arts School stepped up as one. The two sides faced off, and the atmosphere immediately grew tense.

Unwillingness flashed in Iron Eagle's eyes. He had been on the verge of defeating Miao Ping, but Feng Qingyuan had stepped in.

He shook out his slightly numb hand and sneered.

"Senior Brother Feng, your strength truly is extraordinary. After your junior brother was beaten, are you planning to take the stage yourself?"

"Save your sharp tongue!"

Feng Qingyuan cast Iron Eagle an indifferent glance and said coldly, "Tiger Might Martial Arts School accepts your Battle Post. You may leave now. In three days, we'll settle who stands higher and who lower at the City God Temple arena!"

Iron Eagle was helpless. He knew the opportunity had slipped away. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he threw out the Battle Post and said in a deep voice, "Fine. We'll meet at the arena in three days!"

Feng Qingyuan reached out and caught the Battle Post.

"Let's go!"

Iron Eagle waved his hand and left with the others. Today, they had nearly achieved their goal—defeating Miao Ping first and blunting his edge—but Feng Qingyuan had ruined it.

"Senior Brother... I—"

Miao Ping walked up to Feng Qingyuan, shame on his face.

"We'll talk inside! Master is waiting for us!"

Feng Qingyuan raised his hand to stop him. Looking at Iron Eagle and his group's retreating backs, his expression was grave.

From that exchange just now, he had felt the sheer depth of Iron Eagle's inner power. Miao Ping truly was no match for him.

This challenge did not look promising.