C472

As long as I keep challenging Zhan Yifei and win even once, it's like Rice has won too. Zhan Yifei's offer made Woo Zhengyang's heart stir.

When the mandatory challenge rule was introduced, Woo Zhengyang was really worried. Since conceding wasn't an option, Rice would have to face opponents three times, even if it meant being knocked out in one move. It wasn't something Woo Zhengyang wanted to see.

Now, with Zhan Yifei offering this choice, Woo Zhengyang had to think it over.

"Alright!"

In the end, Woo Zhengyang agreed. He wasn't concerned about Zhan Yifei turning the tables. Even with just a bit of practice, Woo Zhengyang could win. After a few days of preparation, how could he lose? Besides, Woo Zhengyang felt he was on the brink of breaking through the Peak of Skin Stage. In the same realm, he hadn't lost yet.

"It's a deal!"

Almost as if he feared Woo Zhengyang might back out, Zhan Yifei quickly tossed over three number plates as a reward for Rice.

Woo Zhengyang glanced at the young man who had shown him the way earlier and saw no objection. This reassured him. It seemed these young fighters on the platform held significant status at the Azure Sun Martial Mansion.

"It's a deal. Based on our agreement, can we leave now?"

"Of course. Remember to find me next time, or come tomorrow for double the reward!" Zhan Yifei casually adjusted the rules again, eager to regain his pride.

Woo Zhengyang certainly wouldn't agree to that. While sparring with him was beneficial, Woo Zhengyang had many other things to attend to. The young man exchanged a few words with the guide, who then opened a portal. Woo Zhengyang, carrying Rice, stepped through it and returned to the outside world.

Yu Xiaoshui and the others were clamoring to finish quickly and get back, but Zhan Yifei's words silenced them. Zhan Yifei said, "Anyone can try, as long as you can beat me three times in a row, no, just once will do!"

Woo Zhengyang had considered bringing Liu Dahu back, but ultimately decided against it. The arrangements at the Azure Sun Martial Mansion were not without reason. The upcoming challenges would definitely benefit Liu Dahu and the others. If Rice's level wasn't so low, making success nearly impossible, Woo Zhengyang might have been tough enough to leave Rice there.

As he was leaving, Woo Zhengyang advised Liu Dahu not to worry about the so-called three chances. He should seize any opportunity to challenge, even if it meant failing, as it would still be a form of tempering.

Woo Zhengyang couldn't have predicted that his advice would nearly exhaust Zhan Yifei. In the following days, Yu Xiaoshui and the others challenged him one after another. As soon as one was knocked off the stage, the next would step up, effectively turning it into a relentless series of battles.

After several hours, Zhan Yifei had faced countless challenges. Even someone as strong as him was starting to feel exhausted. This gave Yu Xiaoshui and the others a glimmer of hope, and the challenges came more frequently. Those who could only hold their ground for a single move were now managing two or three, and Liu Xiangdong could even withstand dozens. Each encounter was progress for these country youths, but for Zhan Yifei, it was pure torment. Deep down, Zhan Yifei resented Woo Zhengyang more than ever, even more than when he was defeated by him.

Inside the gravity room, Woo Zhengyang wasn't practicing the Skin Origin Hiding Technique or any martial arts skills. Instead, he wandered around as if taking a leisurely stroll. The spacious room was empty except for a little one trailing behind him like a shadow, so there was no worry of bumping into anyone else. Today's battle had given Woo Zhengyang a deeper understanding of martial arts techniques. In his view, martial arts should have primary and secondary distinctions. Techniques like Dragon Countering Nine Steps and Zhan Yifei's Ape Strike Technique, which lack specific boundaries, should be considered primary techniques. Meanwhile, single attack techniques like Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist and Silky Hair Soft Finger, as well as the intricate Ink Night Sword Washing Arts, fall under the category of secondary techniques.

The disciples at the Azure Sun Martial Mansion clearly understood this distinction. Otherwise, Zhan Yifei wouldn't have devoted himself so entirely to mastering the Ape Strike Technique. Only by perfecting the primary martial technique could a secondary one be effectively integrated, unleashing a dual power.

However, for some reason, this distinction had disappeared in the previous world. Even the Dragon Countering Nine Steps had fallen into obscurity. Woo Zhengyang still couldn't determine the rank of the Dragon Countering Nine Steps, but he was sure it was superior to the Ape Strike Technique. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to surpass Zhan Yifei with his current skills and initial understanding.

Another point to consider is that such primary martial techniques were extremely rare in the past. It's unclear whether they were destroyed in a great calamity or simply abandoned due to a lack of recognition. If it's the latter, it would be a significant loss for the martial cultivators of that world.

As Woo Zhengyang's skills advanced, the Dragon Countering Nine Steps was starting to lag behind. It was only here that he discovered its true essence. Given this, Woo Zhengyang naturally focused his martial training on the Dragon Countering Nine Steps.

This primary martial technique is incredibly challenging to master. It's not just about reaching a certain level; without perfectly understanding its transformations, even achieving the Perfection Stage would only yield the power of an ordinary technique.

Regarding secondary martial techniques, Woo Zhengyang had to make some decisions.

The "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" could be trained to perfection, indicating it's an ancient martial art. For now, it remains the strongest technique in Woo Zhengyang's arsenal, so it won't be discarded.

The "Silky Hair Soft Finger," enhanced by the golden vortex, has likely returned to its ancient state. It's quite powerful and complements the "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" well, so it stays.

The "Ink Night Sword Washing Arts" is indispensable as it's the only sword technique Woo Zhengyang can use, and its profound nature makes it worth mastering.

Woo Zhengyang decided to abandon the "Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm." This palm technique couldn't keep up with his growing strength. With the main technique, "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," even a simple palm strike could harness its power, making it as effective and more versatile than the "Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm."

As for the remaining "Floating Light Step," it doesn't need mentioning. The "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" already includes movement techniques, though Woo Zhengyang never considered it his main focus.