"This footwork, this stance... It was as though a master who had perfected both Tiger and Crane Fists stood before us. Not a single opening showed in his every movement. With one motion, he could spring forth as a savage tiger or a fierce crane!"
Chief Instructor Liu marveled inwardly. Could he have fully grasped the Spirit Tiger Mountain-Crushing Fist and the Fierce Crane Fist after seeing me demonstrate them just once? That's almost impossible.
Then again, I heard he developed Tiger and Crane Force after seeing the Spirit Tiger and Crane Stance only once. Could his comprehension truly be that extraordinary?
As his thoughts turned, Chief Instructor Liu said, "Huang Tian, do you accept Huang Rui's challenge?"
Huang Tian stood several yards from Huang Rui, facing him. He nodded slightly. "Yes."
"Very well. The two of you may test your skills. But remember: you must not seriously injure anyone, much less take a life. Otherwise, you will be severely punished."
Though he had some confidence in Huang Tian, Chief Instructor Liu could not put his mind entirely at ease. Afraid Huang Rui might strike too hard and hurt him, he added pointedly:
"Huang Rui, you've been at the ninth rank of the Martial Path for a long time. Your foundation is solid, your vitality stronger, and your martial skills polished by experience. Hold back during the match. Show some restraint. Understood?!"
He bit down hard on the final word.
Huang Rui's expression shifted. Looking somewhat embarrassed, he said, "Rest assured, Chief Instructor. I understand."
He had not expected Chief Instructor Liu to side with Huang Tian when the two were neither kin nor acquaintances. Anger stirred in his chest, but he did not dare glare at the man.
After all, Chief Instructor Liu was a veteran seventh-rank martial artist,