Thirty Years East of the River, Thirty Years West of the River

"Ugh."

The surrounding spectators watched with great pity as the medical staff quickly carried Gao Sheng away. They estimated that after this blow, his spirit must have completely shattered; he had punched his enemy so many times to no effect, yet the moment he took a single hit, he went flying, screamed in agony, and ended up severely injured and unconscious. Was there any outcome in the world more cruel than this? This Xia Ping was truly a devil.

"Damn it, is there really no one who can sanction this bully?"

"Looking at the smug look on this brat's face on the ring, I just can't accept it."

"What kind of cultivation technique did this kid practice? Why is he completely fine no matter how he's hit?"

"There's no justice! How can a scumbag like this enter the top four? Is there no law in this world anymore?!"

A group of spectators wailed, their hearts filled with a stifling frustration they couldn't even begin to describe. They had watched helplessly as this brat advanced step by step into the top four, yet no one could stop him.

The students of Class 16 of Grade 12 were numb. He had already entered the top four; even if this brat won the championship, it wouldn't be impossible.

"What kind of body-protecting technique is this? How can it be so bizarre and strange, yet so powerful?" The homeroom teacher, Qiu Xue, had her beautiful eyes flickering, revealing a trace of confusion.

Even with her level of insight, she couldn't discern what technique Xia Ping was practicing.

However, this wasn't something she could question. After all, the school was a place for imparting knowledge and teaching skills; it didn't force students to practice any specific technique. This was the student's freedom, and no one had the right to interfere.

Soon, the semi-finals began.

Without a doubt, Jiang Yaru relied on her formidable strength to easily defeat her opponent and enter the top four.

The other two who made it into the top four were also regulars in the school's top ten—a boy and a girl named Hong Yu and Zhu Erqin, both experts at the Martial Apprentice Sixth Heaven.

Xia Ping's opponent was Hong Yu, while Zhu Erqin's opponent was Jiang Yaru.

Clang.

A bell rang, and both pairs took the stage simultaneously.

But to everyone's surprise, the moment Hong Yu stepped onto the ring, he said to the referee, "I concede."

What?!

The crowd was shocked, staring at Hong Yu in a daze. They hadn't expected him to make such a decision—to concede during the semi-finals? Was he crazy?

However, Hong Yu had his own thoughts. Having watched Xia Ping's previous matches, he knew he was no match for him. If he forced himself to fight, he would likely end up like Zhou Tai'an and Gao Sheng, suffering severe injuries for a month.

Since he couldn't win, he might as well surrender. After all, the college entrance exams in the coming months were crucial; there was no need to get injured here.

The referee was also a bit surprised. "Are you sure you want to concede?"

"That's right, I concede." Hong Yu left the ring quite readily. The referee had no choice but to announce the result.

And just like that, Xia Ping won without a fight, smoothly advancing to the finals.

As for Jiang Yaru, she quickly defeated her opponent, Zhu Erqin, sending her flying off the ring with a single punch, leaving her with no power to counterattack.

"No way, this kid actually made it to the finals?"

"Damn it, doesn't that mean this guy is guaranteed to win? Everyone knows this guy is a gigolo who has a thing with Jiang Yaru."

"Isn't that right? When the time comes, this guy will just butter her up and whisper sweet nothings to make Jiang Yaru surrender voluntarily. Won't the school championship be in his pocket in no time?"

"This is a rigged game. The couple has already locked up first and second place; what's left to fight for?"

"I'm not convinced! This guy gets the championship and the girl—he's taken all the benefits for himself."

"Don't worry, this bastard will be struck by lightning sooner or later."

Many students cursed viciously, feeling extremely unwilling.

At this moment, Xia Ping and Jiang Yaru stepped onto the ring. Finally, it was the grand finale, the focus of all eyes. Whoever won would be the school champion and receive a prize of 100,000 Federal Coins.

Of course, there were rewards for second place as well, roughly 10,000 Federal Coins, while third and fourth place would receive 5,000 and 1,000 Federal Coins, respectively.

"Xia Ping."

Jiang Yaru looked at Xia Ping with burning eyes, a strange expression on her face. "I never thought there would come a day when I could duel you on this ring. This feeling is truly bizarre."

According to Xia Ping's previous results—the Martial Apprentice Third Heaven realm—he hadn't even been qualified to participate in the fighting tournament, let alone stand on the stage of the finals.

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; do not bully the young because they are poor." Xia Ping stood with his hands behind his back, exuding the demeanor of a grandmaster. His gaze seemed to see through the vanity of the world. "Don't think I'm the same as before. If we really start fighting, even you, Jiang Yaru, will not be my match."

"It seems you really are a bit different."

Jiang Yaru also felt that the aura Xia Ping exuded was completely different from before. He was no longer the boy from next door, but a martial artist capable of contending with her on the ring.

Even martial experts like Zhou Tai'an and Gao Sheng had been crippled by his single punch, unable to fight back. This level of combat power was something even she couldn't underestimate; she had to treat it with caution.

"Come on, let me see how much you've improved." Jiang Yaru took her stance, her body radiating the powerful aura of the Martial Apprentice Seventh Heaven, as steady as a mountain.

This was the true appearance of the genius girl who dominated the school. Once she started fighting, she was stronger than anyone else.

"I concede."

Suddenly, Xia Ping turned and said to the referee.

"Concede?!"

Jiang Yaru was stunned. What was going on? Where was that grandmaster aura from a moment ago? Where was that expression of absolute confidence? Now you're just going to concede to me? Are you kidding me!

The referee was also bewildered, at a complete loss for what to do.

"Xia Ping, stop joking around and fight me seriously right now," Jiang Yaru said angrily. "I know you're very strong; it's impossible for you to admit defeat so easily. Are you looking down on me, Jiang Yaru?"

She glared at Xia Ping, a terrifying aura of rage radiating from her body, much like a fierce tiger.

Hearing this, Xia Ping scratched the back of his head, putting on a very worried expression as he said, "Wife, don't be angry. We can talk about duels and such later, but you need to be careful—don't go upsetting the baby."

"Of course, if you want to hit me, just go ahead. My skin is thick and my flesh is tough; I can take it. I've been beaten by you plenty of times before, so I'm already used to it."

He patted his chest, acting as if he were very sturdy.

Jiang Yaru was completely stunned, her mind a total blank, unable to process anything. She had no idea what Xia Ping was talking about. "The baby? What on earth are you talking about?"

Her eyes were filled with confusion.

While Jiang Yaru didn't understand, the surrounding students and even the teachers erupted into an uproar, all of them shocked and staring at Jiang Yaru with their mouths agape.