What Lesson Did You Learn Today?

What he didn't know was that this was a classic Taiji Fist technique for neutralizing force. As the saying went, "Not even a feather can be added, nor a fly land." Dai Mubai's arm was already firmly stuck to Oscar's.

Fortunately, Dai Mubai had plenty of combat experience. He quickly turned to the left, forcing some distance between them.

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes as he looked at Oscar. He clearly hadn't expected the boy before him, who looked even younger than he was, to withstand such a tricky attack—and even force him to retreat!

But he'd forgotten that Oscar was the one on the offensive. How could Oscar let him get away so easily?

Turn and Thrust Palm!

Oscar executed a move from Chen Style Taiji 36 Variations, striking at Dai Mubai's cheek. But Dai Mubai had grown wary and blocked it with his raised left arm.

Dai Mubai was even more surprised. He could feel that he had the advantage in strength, yet somehow his opponent seemed to be controlling the pace of the fight.

Every attack he launched was either dodged or felt like it had struck a wad of cotton. He couldn't bring his strength to bear at all!

And Oscar was just as surprised.

Taiji Fist was known for yielding to overcome force and balancing softness with strength. Yet after so many exchanges, he still hadn't managed to take Dai Mubai down.

How many battles had he been through?

How could someone only twelve years old be so difficult to deal with?!

And his opponent's strength was indeed forceful, but not in a fierce, explosive way. It was concentrated!

It was as if all his power had been condensed into the size of a fist. The shock of that sudden burst sent Oscar's solid Taiji skill surging wildly.

Having finally blocked an attack, Dai Mubai's eyes lit up. He swept his left arm up to shield Oscar's view, then clenched his right fist and punched toward Oscar's abdomen.

"Not bad."

Oscar spoke as he shifted back into an empty stance. His left hand opened in Single Whip Bright Palm, while his right formed a Single Whip Hook Hand, waiting for an opening.

After Oscar dodged his punch with an empty stance, Dai Mubai followed through, trying to strike his head. Oscar leaned aside and evaded it.

"You're not bad either!"

As Dai Mubai spoke, he stepped forward with his right leg and kicked toward Oscar's groin. Oscar raised his knee to defend, blocking it neatly.

Oscar glanced at him. No words were needed.

Dai Mubai didn't even blush. He pulled back his fist and gathered strength, then struck upward with a backhand elbow, but Oscar blocked him by pushing back with both hands.

When the attack failed, a wicked glint flashed in Dai Mubai's eyes. He recoiled from the elbow strike, then slammed it toward Oscar's chin.

Oscar used Taiji Fist's Wild Horse Parts Its Mane!

His right hand intercepted Dai Mubai's heavy elbow, while his left hand struck with force, backhanding Dai Mubai across the right cheek.

Dai Mubai shook his head, his expression dark.

"You really are something!"

Dai Mubai barked and launched himself forward again. This time, his attack was far from simple!

He sprang up from the ground and, in an instant, was above Oscar. His four limbs stretched out strangely, making it look as if his entire body were full of openings. But his limbs were all moving slightly, as though he had endless follow-up attacks.

Oscar quickly retreated, bending his knees slightly and turning both toes inward. His calves tensed in an instant as he spread his arms. It was White Crane Spreads Its Wings!

This attack was Dai Mubai's signature technique. No matter how an opponent tried to block or counter, he had several ways to respond. The move appeared full of openings, yet concealed profound attacks; any of his four limbs could become a weapon.

But Oscar saw a major flaw in the technique!

Dai Mubai was airborne, with nothing to push off against! That was why traditional martial arts required practitioners to master their stance and footwork. Once an opponent knocked you into the air, you were in serious trouble!

Unaware of this, Dai Mubai kicked at Oscar's head with his left foot. Oscar blocked it with his right hand and simultaneously swept his left hand upward.

"You!"

Dai Mubai brought both hands down to protect himself, barely managing to block Oscar's counterattack. But the wave of pain made his eyes redden, and he charged straight at Oscar.

"Again?"

Oscar noticed Dai Mubai's reddened eyes. He shifted into Parallel Stance Standing Frame, covered his crotch with his hand, and blocked Dai Mubai's rising knee and swinging arm. Then he flowed from Silk-Reeling Cross Hands into Brush Knee and Twist Step: raising his knee to lift the hip, using his waist to lead the elbow, and his elbow to guide the wrist—one hand defended as the other attacked.

For a time, he had Dai Mubai so thoroughly suppressed that all he could do was retreat and defend!

After driving Dai Mubai back three or four meters, Oscar used Taiji's Grasp the Sparrow's Tail. The balance of yin and yang gave Dai Mubai a terrible headache.

In his panic, Dai Mubai punched with his right hand again, trying to regain the initiative. But Oscar caught his wrist with a backhand and lifted it upward!

Dai Mubai quickly pulled his hand free through the pain, but he'd suffered a serious loss. He couldn't use his right wrist for the time being!

Still gritting his teeth, he swung his left fist at Oscar.

Oscar used Four Ounces Deflects a Thousand Pounds to send Dai Mubai stumbling away, neatly evading his attack.

He lightly brushed the dust from his clothes, looked at Dai Mubai, and smiled.

"Want to keep going?"

Dai Mubai didn't answer. Instead, he charged again. Oscar shook his head. He really wasn't going to give up.

As Dai Mubai rushed forward, Oscar instantly shifted behind him and used Roaming Body Covering Stance, repeatedly planting his feet beside Dai Mubai's.

"Dai Mubai, someone must have told you to go with the flow."

Oscar's voice sounded by Dai Mubai's ear, but Dai Mubai still couldn't catch sight of him.

"All right, go lie down for a while."

Oscar hooked Dai Mubai's head with his foot and swept his legs out from under him, swinging him around before hurling him away.

With a muffled thud, Dai Mubai shot backward as the students and parents watching cried out in alarm. His upper body arched back as he performed a backward flip, flying a full five meters before landing.

Oscar didn't pursue him. He quietly watched Dai Mubai land, then stood with his hands behind his back and looked at him.

"What lesson did you learn today?"

Dai Mubai's expression was grim. He had no choice but to admit that he had been utterly defeated by this boy who looked like a pretty face when it came to fighting technique.

"You're strong, but don't forget that a Martial Soul is the most important factor in determining a soul master's strength. Now, show me your full power. I want to have a proper Soul Fighting match with you.

"Of course, no matter how the rest of the test goes, I'll still join Shrek Academy."

There was no anger or hatred in Dai Mubai's Evil Eye, only a peculiar gleam. If he had to describe it, the phrase "delighted to find a worthy opponent" fit perfectly.

The way he looked at Oscar was like he was gazing at a stunning beauty. His shoulders twitched, and he raised both arms.

Oscar had been to another world, so he wasn't some clueless boy. Dai Mubai's gaze made him feel deeply uncomfortable.

But if he wanted to recruit Dai Mubai into Shrek Academy, there was no avoiding a fight.

He shrugged and walked forward.

"Everyone, step back a little and be careful. Don't get caught in the crossfire."

Oscar spoke to the students and parents who had gathered to watch, then turned to Dai Mubai.

"If you insist on fighting, then let's get started."

Dai Mubai licked his lips...

"White Tiger, Protect Me!"