Another Trump Card? He Could Power Up Again?

Neither Li Yao nor Wang Lei had fallen!

They stood just as they had before their techniques collided. The only difference was that their faces were paler, and both bore wounds large and small.

"What's going on? A draw?"

"Those two are terrifying."

"How do they call this?"

The crowd below the stage erupted.

Li Yao took a couple of breaths, his chest rising and falling. His clothes were torn in several places, and a trace of blood clung to the corner of his mouth.

Wang Lei was no better off. His clothes were ripped in several places, his arms were covered in bloody scratches, and his breathing was noticeably faster than before.

They stood on the Arena, neither one moving.

Wang Lei took a deep breath and quietly steadied his breathing, trying to recover some Spiritual Power. Then he said, "Li Yao, your strength truly exceeds my expectations."

Li Yao caught his breath and muttered to himself, This guy really is everything I thought he'd be. He's more than strong enough to be my underling.

When Li Yao didn't answer, Wang Lei continued, "Honestly, you are strong. And you're nothing like the person I'd heard about."

"But."

His tone shifted.

"I still have my Stone Superpower! As long as I stand on the ground, my Spiritual Power will keep replenishing itself!"

"I still have enough strength to fight. Do you?"

"You don't look like you're in any shape to continue."

"So..."

"Surrender!"

Wang Lei's voice remained calm.

The crowd below the stage froze for a moment, then exploded.

"Holy shit! Wang Lei can still fight?"

"Damn, that Stone Superpower is ridiculous. Standing on the ground gives him unlimited energy?"

"Doesn't that mean Li Yao's doomed? He clearly put everything into that last punch."

"Looks that way to me. Li Yao must be completely drained."

"Heh, Wang Lei's got this one in the bag."

"What a shame. Li Yao was practically guaranteed a top-five spot, but he ran into Wang Lei, a guy with an unlimited energy bar. What a shame."

In the stands, Liu Zhengguo immediately broke into a grin. "Principal, see? I told you Li Yao couldn't do it. Wang Lei still has strength left."

Shi Jian said nothing. He merely narrowed his eyes at Li Yao on the Arena.

On the Arena, Wang Lei stood there, Spiritual Power faintly flowing into him from the ground beneath his feet. His complexion was indeed recovering, and his Spiritual Power was gradually filling up again.

Li Yao looked at Wang Lei and smiled faintly.

"Did you think you were the only one with a trump card?"

"I didn't want to reveal this so soon, but you're strong enough to deserve my full effort!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Spiritual Power erupted from Li Yao's body!

The Nine-Turn Profound Art surged into action. The surrounding Spiritual Qi rushed into his body as if drawn by an irresistible force, growing so dense it was almost tangible!

In an instant, Li Yao returned to his peak condition!

Wang Lei's expression changed. He could sense that Li Yao's aura was even stronger than before. He had clearly recovered!

"You actually..." Before Wang Lei could finish, Li Yao moved.

"You're going to be my underling!"

No more talk. No gathering power. Just one simple punch!

Oh no! Wang Lei's heart lurched. Li Yao's punch came so fast that it was already upon him before he could react.

With no time to spare, he hurriedly raised his Spiritual Power and lifted his arms to block.

Bang!

With that single blow, Wang Lei was sent flying!

"Holy crap!"

"Am I seeing this right?"

"One punch! He sent him flying with one punch?"

"Didn't Wang Lei still have his Stone Superpower? Wasn't his stamina unlimited? How did one punch send him flying?"

"Insane. Absolutely insane!"

"Li Yao's the real monster!"

"How did he recover completely in an instant?"

In the stands, Shi Jian narrowed his eyes slightly, an almost imperceptible smile touching his lips.

"Just as I thought..."

"The cultivation technique this kid practices is at least an Earth-Rank Cultivation Technique. But it doesn't look like his grandfather's Phantom Sea Waves. Could the Martial Saint have discovered another technique?"

The smile froze on Liu Zhengguo's face. His mouth hung open wide enough to fit an egg.

"How... How is that possible..."

On the Arena, Wang Lei slammed into the ground and rolled several times before coming to a stop.

He struggled to get up, but failed after several attempts.

Li Yao stood where he was, watching him without moving.

A system notification sounded in his mind: "Ding! Congratulations to the host for defeating Wang Lei. Background Value +2,000."

"Current Background Value: 11,000."

Li Yao grinned.

Nothing felt quite as good as a system reward.

The entire venue fell silent.

Then deafening cries of astonishment erupted!

"Holy shit! Li Yao won!"

"He actually won! He flattened Wang Lei with one punch!"

"That was ridiculous! Wasn't he exhausted just a moment ago? How did he suddenly recover completely?"

"What do you know? He was hiding his strength, playing the fool to catch his opponent off guard!"

"Damn, I'm impressed!"

In the stands, Liu Zhengguo's face turned livid. He couldn't say a word.

Shi Jian, on the other hand, smiled. He patted the armrest and rose to his feet. "Good. Well done, Li Yao."

On the Arena, Wang Lei finally struggled to his feet. Breathing hard, he looked at Li Yao with an expression difficult to read.

There was shock, frustration, and a hint of respect.

He took a deep breath and said slowly, "I lost."

"A bet is a bet."

"From now on, I'll follow your orders."

Li Yao looked at Wang Lei and nodded. "Good. I'll hold you to that."

Wang Lei said nothing more. He turned and walked off the Arena.

He looked a little dejected from behind, but his back remained straight.

Li Yao watched him leave, then turned to the referee. "Sir, I won, right?"

The referee finally snapped out of it and nodded hurriedly. "Yes, you won! Li Yao wins!"

Cheers rose from below the stage once more. Li Yao took a deep breath, feeling the Spiritual Power surging through his body, and a smile curved his lips.

I said I'd take first place, and I will.