On the platform, the line between attacker and defender had become crystal clear. Fine beads of sweat had already formed on Xiao Ning's forehead, and his chest heaved violently. Every fierce attack sank like a stone into the sea, effortlessly neutralized by Xiao Yan's seemingly relaxed palm.
That clinging force, which turned his own strength against him, left him unbearably frustrated. All his brute strength could not even touch the hem of his opponent's clothes. Xiao Yan, in contrast, remained as serene as drifting clouds and a gentle breeze, his breathing steady and his expression composed.
After repeatedly coming away empty-handed, Xiao Ning's patience wore thin. Panting heavily, he stumbled back two steps, forced himself to regain his balance, and pointed at Xiao Yan as he shouted angrily.
"Trash! Are these limp, girly moves all you know? If you've got the guts, fight me fair and square!"
At this attempt to provoke him, the playful smile on Xiao Yan's lips deepened. He withdrew his circling right hand, slowly straightened, and beckoned to Xiao Ning with a finger.
"Oh? Is that so? Since you're so eager to see what I can do, fine."
The instant those words left his mouth, Xiao Yan's entire aura changed! If he had been a wad of cotton that absorbed everything before, he was now a sharp sword drawn from its sheath!
He abruptly sank lower, spread his legs, and assumed a strange stance utterly different from his previous one, brimming with explosive power and fierce strength. It radiated aggression, like a leopard poised to spring.
Then, under everyone's bewildered gaze, Xiao Yan slowly raised his left hand and lightly swept his thumb beneath the tip of his nose. It was a signature gesture steeped in provocation. Immediately afterward, a strange, piercing cry burst from his