C50 The Secret of the Dragon Countering Nine Steps(1)

In a world that values strength, it's no surprise that competitions are held in every city, big or small. The arena in Bright Sun City was bustling with people, even more so than during the city's three major families' contest for leadership.

Woo Zhengyang had lived in Bright Sun City for years but had never visited the arena. It was only under the guidance of Lau Qinghan that he found his way through a private passage to the central stage.

Huang Ruoshan was already there, along with Ye Qiufeng, the Qian brothers, and Yuwen Feifei. The seats reserved for the three major families were also filled with spectators.

"Zhengyang, be careful out there. It's okay to concede if you can't win. After all, you've just joined the Profound Heaven Sect," Lau Qinghan advised for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"I remember, Uncle! You and Uncle Fu should go take your seats."

"I'll be right here waiting for you, young master!" Uncle Fu insisted, and neither Woo Zhengyang nor Lau Qinghan pressed the matter further.

As Lau Qinghan went to sit down, Yuwen Feifei approached.

"Senior Brother Woo, I'm sorry about what happened the other day. Please accept my apology."

"It's nothing. I just misunderstood the situation and took the wrong task," Woo Zhengyang replied honestly, though Yuwen Feifei felt a pang of disappointment.

His message was clear: he wasn't interested in her. But Yuwen Feifei couldn't shake the feeling that it was because she had underestimated him, leading Woo Zhengyang to say he took the wrong task.

Woo Zhengyang realized he might have been a bit harsh but didn't offer further explanation. Even though Yuwen Feifei was undeniably beautiful, her attitude had shifted dramatically when she learned of her lack of skill. In this world, respecting strength is a given, but basic respect for others is also essential. Woo Zhengyang, in his current state, wasn't bothered by such things. However, if it had been his former self, he would have been embarrassed and his martial spirit might have been damaged. Letting her experience being underestimated could be seen as a form of punishment, or perhaps a way to temper her character.

After Yuwen Feifei left, Woo Zhengyang stepped onto the platform where Huang Ruoshan was already waiting.

"I'm not a Body Tempering cultivator, but I've trained in the Iron Cloud Sect's 'Iron Cloud Leg Technique.' Today, let's see who's truly skilled with just our fists and feet!" Huang Ruoshan declared, clasping his hands in a respectful gesture.

Woo Zhengyang understood that Huang was aware of the potential imbalance in their match, so he was setting limits.

"Alright!" Woo Zhengyang agreed without hesitation. Back at the Profound Heaven Sect, he had defeated Liu Tianli, an Eight-star Martial Disciple, by fighting fearlessly. However, his true skill level was only that of a Six-star Martial Disciple. If Huang used weapons, Woo Zhengyang knew he wouldn't stand a chance.

The 'Iron Cloud Leg Technique' was the signature martial art of the Iron Cloud Sect's founder and was one of the few top-tier techniques among the four major sects. Its power surpassed many weapon-based techniques.

Neither of them were ones for trivialities, and Woo Zhengyang was straightforward as well. He initiated the Floating Light Step and advanced toward Huang Ruoshan.

As Woo Zhengyang approached, Huang Ruoshan didn't resort to any complex techniques. Instead, he threw a simple punch to test the waters. The punch, though basic, carried an unstoppable momentum. This wasn't due to any martial skill but stemmed from Huang Ruoshan's unwavering martial spirit.

The martial spirit is an intangible force, yet it crucially influences a person's fighting style and even their combat strength. Facing an opponent with such a resolute martial spirit for the first time, Woo Zhengyang's own fierce spirit was ignited. Rather than dodging, he boldly extended his hand, attempting to envelop Huang Ruoshan's fierce punch.

"Smack..."

The clash of fist and palm resounded. Despite Woo Zhengyang's hand being tempered through rigorous training, it was still split open by the force of the punch, illustrating its tremendous power. However, Woo Zhengyang didn't retreat. Blood flowed from his hand, yet he held firmly onto Huang Ruoshan's fist.

"Impressive!" Huang Ruoshan exclaimed, thrilled to encounter such a wild opponent for the first time.

Woo Zhengyang wasn't in the mood for conversation. Even though taking a punch might benefit his body training, he was determined to return the favor.

Woo Zhengyang swiftly twisted his grip on Huang Ruoshan's fist. As Huang Ruoshan tried to break free, Woo Zhengyang unleashed the "Azure Cloud Embracing Moon Palm" to its fullest potential. Normally, he could summon ten palm shadows, but today, he managed to create eleven, all aimed at Huang Ruoshan's vital spots.

Realizing he couldn't withstand Woo Zhengyang's attack head-on, Huang Ruoshan used the momentum from Woo's grip to launch himself into the air. This maneuver allowed him to evade the attack and finally break free from Woo Zhengyang's grasp.

Shaking off the blood from his hand, Woo Zhengyang quickly used the "Flesh Condensing Technique" to heal the cracks in his palm. Relentlessly, he pursued Huang Ruoshan, launching two more strikes that produced an astonishing twenty-four palm shadows.