At the gates of Shrek Academy.
"Arrogance comes at a price. You dare look down on me? Let me see what you're capable of!"
"Kid, don't say I bullied you. I won't use any Soul Skills!"
With that, Tai Nuo surged forward, his steps heavy yet swift, closing in on Chen Jue in the blink of an eye.
He abruptly raised his hammer-like fist, intending to crush his opponent with a single punch.
The spectators held their breath, certain that this thunderous blow would send Chen Jue crashing down.
A faint, unruffled smile quietly curved Chen Jue's lips, as though everything were within his grasp.
He leisurely raised his hand, his fist carrying a force unknown to the others. Suddenly, a heavy punch tore through the air, meeting Tai Nuo's attack head-on.
The instant their fists collided, time seemed to freeze, and ripples barely visible to the naked eye surged through the air.
Tai Nuo felt an indescribable force rush through his fist, as though he had struck a boulder weighing millions of pounds, solid and utterly immovable.
"You..."
Before he could finish his stunned exclamation, Chen Jue's gaze sharpened.
The Soul Power within him surged like a mighty river, pouring out and winding around his fist.
With a slight jolt, that force erupted like the raging waves of an angry sea, sending Tai Nuo flying.
He traced a long arc through the air before crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
The sight stunned everyone present. Their eyes widened as they stared in disbelief.
"One punch?"
"Wait, was this rigged?"
"A staged fight?"
"Chen Jue didn't even release his Martial Soul! How could he defeat Tai Nuo, who had released his, with one punch?"
"He'd have to be at least a Soul Emperor to do