C466 Ape Strike Technique(1)
Ready for another challenge?
Woo Zhengyang's decision took everyone by surprise. Since the rules at Azure Sun Martial Mansion require three challenges a day, it made sense for him to continue. But what baffled everyone was his choice not to switch opponents.
After defeating a strong adversary with just three punches, wouldn’t it be wise to preserve that impressive victory? By now, everyone had witnessed Woo Zhengyang’s strength. However, it was undeniable that his recent display of power was due to his initial advantage. His opponent barely had time to defend against the three punches before stepping down, feeling humiliated.
What if they faced off again? Surely, the opponent wouldn’t let Woo Zhengyang take the upper hand so easily this time. If his attacks were as fierce as Woo Zhengyang’s, could Woo still claim victory? No one could say for sure, especially since his opponent was a prodigious student of the Azure Sun Martial Mansion.
Even though many silently rooted for Woo Zhengyang, they hesitated to make any bold predictions. To many, even if Woo Zhengyang was strong, a direct confrontation could go either way, with a fifty-fifty chance of winning or losing. So, after a win, the smartest move would be to face a different opponent. Regardless of the outcome against someone else, Woo Zhengyang’s achievement would remain impressive.
If Woo Zhengyang were to lose to this young man, the glory he had just fought for would be significantly tarnished. Yet, Woo Zhengyang chose to continue the challenge. Was it arrogance, confidence, or was he simply carried away by his recent victory?
"Are you sure you want to keep challenging me?" The young man from Azure Sun Martial Mansion was quite surprised.
He deeply regretted his own failure and didn't expect Woo Zhengyang to give him a chance to turn the tables. To his surprise, Woo Zhengyang unhesitatingly chose to continue the challenge.
"Yes, since I have to challenge three times, let's get it over with! I just want to know if I can leave early after the three challenges."
The young man gave Woo Zhengyang a skeptical look and said, "Normally, that's not allowed, but you've surprised me. I can agree to your request."
"Alright, let's begin then!"
"Okay!" The young man said, clasping his hands in a respectful gesture. "Zhan Yifei of Azure Sun Martial Mansion!"
It was unprecedented for a disciple from Azure Sun Martial Mansion, known for their pride, to show such respect and introduce himself to Woo Zhengyang. Woo Zhengyang had earned his respect through his own strength.
"Woo Zhengyang!" Woo Zhengyang returned the gesture.
The two then took their positions on opposite sides of the platform, standing still, neither making the first move nor drawing their weapons.
After a long pause, Zhan Yifei asked curiously, "What? Do you want me to make the first move?"
"You go, I go!"
"Then I won't hold back—Ape Strike Technique!"
With a loud shout, Zhan Yifei launched the first attack. This was Woo Zhengyang's first time witnessing someone from the Azure Sun Martial Mansion using their skills, and it was unlike anything he had seen before. Zhan Yifei's technique appeared almost comical compared to the martial arts Woo Zhengyang was familiar with. There were no dazzling displays of energy or overwhelming force; instead, Zhan Yifei seemed to transform into an ape, playfully moving through the jungle.
Yet, Woo Zhengyang could tell that this Ape Strike Technique was anything but simple. It was more suited for a Body Tempering cultivator than his own Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist. Back to basics! The phrase echoed in Woo Zhengyang's mind.
Zhan Yifei, agile and ever-changing, appeared to be playing around without a clear target, but somehow, he managed to cover all of Woo Zhengyang's vital points. Woo Zhengyang was certain that any weakness in his defense would be met with relentless attacks.
In a flash, Zhan Yifei was right in front of him. Woo Zhengyang... stepped back! In all his battles, Woo Zhengyang had never retreated, but this time, he had no choice. Facing Zhan Yifei's Ape Strike Technique, Woo Zhengyang realized that without using his No Life Sword and some special techniques, he was at a loss.
If Woo Zhengyang and Zhan Yifei were evenly matched, Woo Zhengyang might have chosen to take the hit head-on. However, Woo Zhengyang was a level below Zhan Yifei in skill. Even if he managed to withstand the blow, he would lose the upper hand, leading to chaos and likely a swift defeat.
Woo Zhengyang was fighting to make a name for himself. He didn't switch out because he didn't care about the glory he had just earned; rather, he wanted to add even more weight to it. Winning by striking first wasn't enough for him. Woo Zhengyang aimed to let Zhan Yifei make the first move and still come out victorious.
What Woo Zhengyang hadn't anticipated was the sheer brilliance of the martial arts from the Azure Sun Martial Mansion, which left him feeling powerless. It was at this moment he truly realized the strength of the Azure Sun Martial Mansion, which was beyond his imagination.
The more he understood this, the more determined Woo Zhengyang became to delve deeper into the Azure Sun Martial Mansion. Therefore, he couldn't afford to lose. If he were defeated, even if he entered the Azure Sun Martial Mansion later, he might never access its deepest secrets.
Seeing Woo Zhengyang retreat before even engaging, Yu Xiaoshui, Liu Xiangdong, and the others couldn't help but feel a weight settle in their hearts.