The two stepped into the arena. The murmurs around them ebbed like a receding tide, leaving only the wind passing through the locust tree in the courtyard corner and carrying down a few withered leaves.
Chen Kai had already taken his place opposite him.
His fists were clenched, his knuckles cracking, his breathing heavy and hurried. His chest rose and fell like a bellows, like an enraged beast desperately suppressing its bloodlust.
A Life-Death Contract. A fight to the death, with no surrender.
"Six Harmonies Mind Boxing, Chen Yuan."
Chen Yuan's voice was as calm as ever. Not a ripple showed on his face.
He settled into the Three-Body Stance, front hand poised in an Eagle Catch, rear hand guarding his heart. One foot forward, the other back, he stood like an iron stake driven into the blue bricks.
"Stone-Splitting Palm, Chen Kai."
His voice came grating through clenched teeth, hoarse and low, brimming with an unquestionable killing intent.
Before the words had even faded, Chen Kai lunged into his attack.
He stamped his right foot down, charging forward like a crazed tiger.
There was no hesitation in that step, no testing the waters, no feint. He simply came straight at him.
His right hand's fingers were pressed together, the heel of his palm thrust forward. As Clear Force surged through it, the veins stood out on his hand, and he slashed his palm toward Chen Yuan's face.
As its name suggested, the Stone-Splitting Palm was known for its ferocious power. Practiced to its highest level, a single strike could shatter a stone stele.
Chen Kai's palm had not yet reached the point of breaking stone, but he had already gained some measure of skill.
The palm wind tore through the air with a mournful howl, like an iron slab