Chapter 488 - 487: Punch a Kid

"Next, I will explain the rules of the competition. Contestants, please pay close attention!"

The host raised his voice so that the entire stadium could hear. "During the match, victory will be decided if one contestant either knocks down the opponent or forces them out of the ring. Each bout has a time limit of five minutes.

If, after five minutes, both contestants are still standing inside the ring, the judges will determine the winner based on performance!"

He clapped his hands, his tone shifting sharply. "First and second contestants, prepare to begin!!"

As soon as the words fell, the host leapt gracefully from the stage, his movements light and practiced.

Backstage of the Arena

The moment the fight started, Xiao Ling’er’s eyes lit up with excitement.

"Fenric, everyone went up to the balcony on the second floor to watch. Let’s go too! The match between Cao Wujin and Wang Chao will definitely be thrilling!"

Fenric considered for a moment, then gave a small nod. Together, he and Xiao Ling’er made their way to the second-floor viewing platform marked Seven-Three-Three.

Until now, Fenric had only read about martial artists’ duels in books. Seeing it with his own eyes was something entirely different.

The balcony was broad, capable of holding thirty or forty people without feeling cramped. Fenric and Xiao Ling’er found seats and turned their attention to the ring.

The fight between Cao Wujin and Wang Chao was already underway.

Their fists clashed in a furious exchange, each strike bursting with force that stirred the air.

Boom—! Boom—!

Even the steel floor of the arena couldn’t withstand it—dents and cracks soon appeared under their assault, proof of their terrifying power.

Gasps and exclamations erupted from the crowd.

"f**k, these two are monsters!"

"Yeah! Each punch feels like it could kill a man outright!"

"That kind of force... if I took even one hit, I’d be crippled if not dead!"

"Could it be that both of them are already at the Grandmaster Realm?"

"As expected of seeded players in this city."

"Who’s stronger though?"

"Hard to say. They seem evenly matched!"

The awe wasn’t limited to the audience. Even the martial artists watching from the balcony stiffened, many looking uneasy. The thought of potentially facing either Cao Wujin or Wang Chao made more than a few hesitate.

Xiao Ling’er’s expression grew solemn. "Fenric, they’re incredible!"

Fenric, however, looked utterly calm, as though watching two children brawling. To him, there was little difference.

"Fenric," Xiao Ling’er whispered, analyzing intently, "Cao Wujin is using Che’s Islaquan. Judging from his control and precision, his mastery has likely reached the Grand Completion stage. As for his cultivation level, I can’t quite tell. Wang Chao, on the other hand, is using the Tantric Mahamudra. That technique is notoriously domineering."

Her sharp eye reflected her talent—though young and still weak in power, she already possessed remarkable insight.

Fenric gave a casual nod. "Not bad."

Hearing his dismissive tone, Xiao Ling’er instinctively wanted to roll her eyes, but she remembered her grandfather’s words: Fenric’s depth was immeasurable. If anyone was qualified to say such things, it was him.

"To witness such a duel right at the start... this trip was worth it already," Xiao Ling’er murmured, her fists unconsciously clenching tight. Her love for martial arts burned fiercely in her heart—her desire to become strong was undeniable.

On the VIP Table

City leaders and local dignitaries exchanged murmurs.

"The Wang family boy is impressive. His Tantric Mahamudra already has the bearing of a grandmaster."

"Indeed. That technique isn’t easy to master. To reach this level at his age is remarkable."

"And the Cao family’s child is no less. Both are extraordinary."

"It’s a shame they’re clashing in the very first round."

"Such is the fairness of the martial arts conference. Luck is part of strength."

"Leader, look—there’s about to be a winner."

On stage, Wang Chao suddenly seized upon a flaw. His voice rang out—"Fantian Seal!"—as he thrust his palm down with the weight of a mountain.

Cao Wujin met him head-on with a fierce cannon punch, but the blow shattered under Wang Chao’s strike. Cao Wujin staggered back, clutching his broken palm with a pained grunt.

Wang Chao, however, did not press his advantage, showing admirable restraint.

Cao Wujin’s face twisted with frustration. After a moment of struggle, he finally gritted his teeth and declared, "I concede!"

His injury was too severe. Continuing would only bring humiliation.

The host blinked in surprise before quickly raising his voice: "The first knockout match—Contestant No. 2, Wang Chao, wins!"

The stadium erupted in an uproar.

"What? Cao Wujin actually lost?"

"Wasn’t he in the national top thirty-two last year?"

"This Wang Chao was hiding his strength all along!"

"That fight alone was worth the ticket price!"

"Can’t wait to see the next seeded player."

Excitement buzzed through the air.

"Fuuh..."

Xiao Ling’er exhaled, her shoulders dropping. "I didn’t expect Cao Wujin to lose so quickly..." She leaned closer to Fenric, lowering her voice. "Fenric, your opponent is No. 16—his name is Rengei. He practices Eight-Step Mountain-Crushing Fist. Look, that bald man on the left—that’s him. His fistwork is ferocious, so be careful."

Fenric only nodded lightly, her words sliding past him like a passing breeze.

On stage, the next matches began—contestants three and four, five and six, seven and eight—each fight decided quickly.

When the thirteenth and fourteenth contestants finished, Xiao Ling’er’s tension spiked.

Her small fists clenched tight as she looked at Fenric. "It’s your turn. Go show them, Fenric!"