Exchange of Blows
Returning to his long-missed dormitory room, a feeling of familiarity mixed with strangeness washed over him. Dongfang Yueming looked around, a sense of melancholy creeping into his heart. 'The trip to Black Stone Fortress feels like a lifetime ago. But at least the Marrow Cleansing Technique is finally settled; I just need to participate in that Battle of the Python Gate.'
Thinking about this, he suddenly felt a little strange. ' The Battle of the Python Gate? Why not call it the Battle of the Dragon Gate? Doesn't that sound more imposing?' This thought One Flash through his mind, but he didn't delve into it further.
Nothing more was said that night.
The next morning, Dongfang Yueming got up feeling refreshed and went straight to the office area to find Qin Rushuang.
Along the way, one could often hear other trainees gathering in twos and threes, talking quietly. Without exception, their topics all revolved around the frustrating exchange battle with the Great Yan Dynasty the previous day.
Yesterday was so embarrassing...
"Yeah, we got completely thrashed and lost three games in a row!"
"Those geniuses from the Great Yan Dynasty are too strong, especially Wang Xijing, who's at the Marrow Cleansing Realm!"
Dongfang Yueming didn't stop to listen. He went straight to the office door, knocked lightly, and announced loudly, "Teacher Qin, student Dongfang Yueming is here to report for duty."
"Come in," came Qin Rushuang's cool voice from inside.
Pushing open the door, Qin Rushuang was sitting upright at her desk, seemingly reviewing some documents. Upon seeing Dongfang Yueming, she put down her work and stood up. "Come with me."
The two of them, one after the other, arrived at a spacious training room.
Qin Rushuang turned around, her sharp gaze scrutinizing Dongfang Yueming. Her tone was calm yet carried an undeniable authority. "Although I have already allowed you to join the Seed Class, according to the rules, I need to personally test your strength. Make your move against me."
Dongfang Yueming nodded without hesitation.
"Don't hold back, use your strongest moves," Qin Rushuang added, her aura restrained yet possessing an air of profound composure.
"Excuse me!" Dongfang Yueming took a deep breath and no longer hesitated. He shifted his feet, and with a surge of blood and qi, he unleashed a fierce and unparalleled [Fierce Tiger Fist], the wind from which it struck was chilling, and it rushed straight at Qin Rushuang!
"Hmm?" A hint of surprise flashed in Qin Rushuang's eyes. Dongfang Yueming's punch was far superior to that of ordinary Tendon Transformation Realm martial artists in terms of momentum, power, and speed. Moreover, the fist technique revealed a sense of perfect harmony and ease, which she found quite impressive!
Qin Rushuang did not take the punch head-on. Her figure swayed like a ghost, easily dodging the fist. At the same time, she lightly tapped with her jade finger, directly targeting the weakness in Dongfang Yueming's fist technique!
Dongfang Yueming's heart skipped a beat! Qin Rushuang's seemingly casual finger strike contained extremely subtle variations and terrifying penetrating power, making him dare not be careless in the slightest! He quickly changed his fist stance, and at the same time used the [Gale Movement Technique], making his figure suddenly become elusive, narrowly avoiding Qin Rushuang's counterattack, while another fist followed closely behind!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The two exchanged several blows in an instant! The more Dongfang Yueming fought, the more alarmed he became. Qin Rushuang's strength was unfathomable. Her seemingly casual responses always managed to neutralize his attacks, and even posed a huge threat!
He held nothing back, pushing his [Fierce Tiger Fist] and [Gale Movement Technique] to Perfection limits at their perfect state! In an instant, the training room was filled with countless fist shadows and howling winds, his figure as swift and fierce as a tiger in a raging storm!
The surprise in Qin Rushuang's eyes grew stronger and stronger, gradually being replaced by an unbelievable joy!
Perfection! It's actually Perfection!
This kid's fist techniques and movement skills have both reached Perfection!
Qin Rushuang's heart was filled with astonishment! Perfect Body Tempering foundation, and extraordinary martial arts comprehension! This... this is simply...
Overwhelmed with emotion, she even paused her actions and blurted out, "Do you... do you have any brothers or sisters?"
Dongfang Yueming was taken aback by the question, her attack slowed slightly, and she asked doubtfully, "No, I'm an orphan."
"An orphan..." Upon hearing this, Qin Rushuang's excited emotions were quickly cooled down as if doused with a bucket of cold water. Realizing her mistake, she hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, I was abrupt."
"It's alright." Dongfang Yueming shook her head.
Qin Rushuang took a deep breath and re-examined the young man before her, her Spirit Transformation exceptionally complex. 'I thought his chances were slim, but I never expected him to possess such talent... His fist techniques and movement skills are both Perfection. With this, his chances in the Battle of the Python Gate are quite good!'
She composed herself and said, "I have a good understanding of your strength. Very good. You should cultivate on your own for the next few days. Once the other participants have arrived, you can set off for the Great Qi Dynasty to participate in the Battle of the Python Gate."
Dongfang Yueming nodded, then asked the question that had been bothering him, "Teacher Qin, why is it called the ' Battle of the Python Gate '? Wouldn't ' Battle of the Dragon Gate ' be more fitting?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Rushuang's lips curled into a meaningful smile, "Dragon Gate? Heh... Although the Great Qi Dynasty has several Grandmaster Realm experts, making it a top-tier power in this region, there are countless forces stronger than them across the vast Central Continent. Knowing its own limitations, the Great Qi dares neither presume to call itself a dragon nor presume to call itself a jiao (a type of dragon), so it settles for second best, referring to itself as a 'python.' This is the origin of the name ' Battle of the Python Gate.'"