Chapter Nineteen: Clash of Strength

The other four, witnessing the situation, dared not hesitate and attacked together. One extended his palm, from which a massive sword light emerged, slicing through the air with a razor-sharp edge as it slashed toward Zhao Hua. Another conjured a surge of vital energy in his palm, which coalesced into a stream of flowing water, carrying an unending force, and struck at Zhao Hua simultaneously.

The remaining two also unleashed their techniques—blazing fists and powerful kicks whistled through the air toward Zhao Hua. In an instant, the stage was awash with surging energy, destructive force filling every corner.

Faced with the assault of four men, Zhao Hua’s expression grew grave. His vital energy coursed through his limbs as he moved with both hands and feet, dashing forward with the swiftness of a monkey. Ten sharp beams of energy shot from his fingers, resembling the claws of a wild ape, ripping through the attacks of all four.

The four attackers were taken aback, but quickly steadied themselves and struck again, fists and feet clashing with Zhao Hua’s as the battle raged.

From the arena came the constant sound of bursting air, while the surrounding space was disturbed by their energies, forming countless subtle vortices.

With his agility, Zhao Hua dodged the combined attacks of five opponents, seizing opportunities to counterattack, forcing them back again and again.

"Zhao Hua is truly formidable—no wonder he ranks seventh in the entire class," someone in the crowd remarked.

"Indeed. I didn't expect even five people together wouldn't be enough," others agreed.

“Haha, I doubt even Liu Feng could be Zhao Hua’s match,” someone said.

“Exactly. Liu Feng knows his skills aren’t enough, that’s why he avoids facing Zhao Hua—he doesn’t want to make a fool of himself,” Zhao Hua’s supporters laughed loudly and spoke without restraint.

At that moment, the situation on stage changed. Zhao Hua dodged a punch, appearing at his opponent’s side. A flash of lethal energy shot from his fingertips, tearing open the man’s clothes and leaving two bleeding wounds on his abdomen. The man’s movements slowed.

The others rushed to shield him, attacking Zhao Hua even more fiercely. Zhao Hua darted around the stage, dodging and weaving. Seizing another opening, he drove his fist into an opponent’s abdomen, sending the man flying from the stage.

With his speed, Zhao Hua struck again, seriously injuring two more. The remaining three grew increasingly cautious, but their skills fell short; one by one, they were injured as well.

Watching from below, Liu Feng felt a pang of guilt. He knew these five had stepped up because of him. If he had agreed to face Zhao Hua, they wouldn’t have been hurt.

Liu Feng hadn’t wanted trouble, but now that things had come to this, there was no point in avoiding it. With this thought, he resolved to take action.

Meanwhile, on stage, with two seriously wounded and the other three injured, the balance of power shifted. Zhao Hua fought with increasing ease.

"It’s time to end this. Once I defeat these few, I’ll deal with Liu Feng—let Zhao Yang, our team leader, see firsthand that Liu Feng’s strength is nothing to boast of," Zhao Hua thought, quickening his attacks.

As Zhao Hua’s onslaught intensified, his opponents could hold out no longer. With a flurry of blows, he knocked them all to the ground. All five were seriously hurt and knew that continuing the fight was pointless. They stepped back, conceding, "Zhao Hua, your strength is indeed formidable. We five admit defeat." With that, they leapt down from the arena.

"I told you so—Zhao Hua’s strength is extraordinary, not something just anyone can compare to."

"Exactly. They say Liu Feng performed well in the Black Demon Forest, but he’s still far from Zhao Hua’s level," Zhao Hua’s supporters gloated.

Some found their boasting distasteful, but after witnessing Zhao Hua’s performance, even the dissenters were left without argument.

Having bested the five, Zhao Hua grew more arrogant. Facing the crowd, he called out, "Liu Feng, you’ve seen my strength. Do you still have the courage to face me?"

Liu Feng smiled faintly at his words and replied, "Since you insist on a match, I will oblige you."

As Liu Feng prepared to ascend the stage, Zhang Chen hurried over with concern. "Liu Feng, are you confident you can defeat Zhao Hua?"

Liu Feng replied, "Though I can’t be sure, I’ve improved a lot. I believe I won’t lose."

"Since you’re so confident, I believe you’ll win as well," Zhang Chen said.

They nodded to each other, and Zhang Chen stepped aside as Liu Feng vaulted onto the arena.

Seeing Liu Feng rise to the challenge, Zhao Hua strode quickly to face him, lowering his voice. "Liu Feng, this time I’ll make sure you regret it."

Liu Feng remained calm. "Enough talk. Let’s begin."

Zhao Hua wasted no more words. He channeled vital energy into his fingers, forming ten sharp, gleaming claws that radiated deadly intent. With swift steps, he closed the distance in an instant and slashed at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng’s eyes narrowed at the speed of the attack. He stepped forward, sidestepping the assault.

But Zhao Hua pressed on, sweeping a leg at Liu Feng with a howl of wind, the force splitting the air like a falling tree. The very air before Liu Feng seemed to thin.

In the face of this strike, Liu Feng bent his knees and leapt more than three meters high, dodging the attack.

Seeing Liu Feng evade, Zhao Hua changed tactics. While Liu Feng was airborne and unable to shift his weight, Zhao Hua transformed his claws into fists, sending two massive fist-shadows crashing toward Liu Feng’s legs.

Liu Feng felt as if two sledgehammers, carrying the might to shatter stone and mountain, were coming down upon him.

Confronted with this ferocious blow, Liu Feng channeled all his energy into his legs, conjuring two enormous phantoms that collided with Zhao Hua’s fist-energies.

Boom!

It was as if a hurricane had swept the stage, whipping both men’s garments wildly. Even those below were buffeted by the force, staggering from the impact.

The two fighters were evenly matched, each focusing intently.

This time, Liu Feng seized the initiative. Energy gathered in his hands, forming a huge blade of light so powerful that even the surrounding air cracked and thundered from its force.

At the peak of his momentum, Liu Feng brought both hands down in a mighty arc, sending the giant blade slashing toward Zhao Hua with the power to split the sky and shatter stone.

Confronted by this massive blade, Zhao Hua felt as if a giant was wielding a hundred-foot broadsword, cleaving straight for him—an unstoppable force.

In the blink of an eye, the blade was upon him. Startled, Zhao Hua struck out with both fists to meet it.

Boom!

The immense force of the blade sent Zhao Hua staggering back five or six meters before he could halt himself. His chest felt tight, a clear sign of serious internal injury.

Sensing the opportunity, Liu Feng attacked again, his fists blazing as he hammered at Zhao Hua.

Zhao Hua hurried to block.

Bang!

Zhao Hua was struck by the force and sent flying once more.