Chapter 144: Huh, I'm Fighting Xue Jing? For Real... Sorry, I'm in a Hurry (4K)

Chapter 144: Huh, I'm Fighting Xue Jing? For Real... Sorry, I'm in a Hurry (4K)



"Dragon-Tiger Combo! It's the Dragon-Tiger Combo! Up until now, he's only used the 'White Tiger Form', leading everyone to believe that Ji Huaiyu specializes in that form. Who would've thought he'd also master the 'Azure Dragon Form' to such a degree that he can perform the Dragon-Tiger Combo!"

"Sili Yuan is down! As expected of the Four Symbols Killing Technique renowned in the martial arts world. Under the Dragon-Tiger Combo, no one can withstand the might of the dragon's bite and tiger's pounce. What a pity, Sili Yuan..."

In the athlete's lounge, Xue Jing nodded as he watched the screen and listened to the commentator's excited voice.

"The Four Symbols Yinshen Style is quite interesting."

The Four Symbols Yinshen Style cultivated by Ji Huaiyu from the Four Symbols Dojo was similar to the Hidden Dragon Style. It was a type of 'symbolic' style, where one visualized powerful beings.

However, unlike the Hidden Dragon Style's focus on 'becoming dragon in body and mind', the Four Symbols Yinshen Style didn't emphasize the physical form. It also lacked the domineering ambition of 'hiding a dragon within the body and nurturing a dragon in the heart'. Instead, it revered the Four Symbols divine beasts as gods, enshrining them in the heart and borrowing their power when needed.

In essence, the style was less about 'symbolism' and more akin to a 'divine strike'.

"Ji Huaiyu... This guy is one of the most promising geniuses in the Outer Ring this year. He's even attracted the attention of top-tier clubs in the Inner Ring, who are considering recruiting him into their circle."

Jiang Siwei, sitting beside him, was writing in a notebook while she spoke.

"There are even rumors that the 'Secret Martial Arts Society' has approached him."

Xue Jing turned to her, puzzled. "The Secret Martial Arts Society?"

Jiang Siwei nodded. "Yeah, it's a very famous yet mysterious organization within martial arts circles, similar to the 'Skull Society' or the 'Freemasons'."

"It's said that the Secret Martial Arts Society was founded by a prominent figure who now resides in the Cang Court. He created it for a specific purpose when he was younger."

"Even though that figure has since distanced himself from the society, it has persisted and continues to this day."

"No one but its members knows the true nature and goals of the Secret Martial Arts Society. It's extremely secretive, but anyone approached by them for recruitment is undoubtedly a martial arts prodigy of exceptional talent."

Jiang Siwei lowered her voice. "Although it sounds far-fetched, rumors say that this organization possesses the capability to overthrow nations."

Xue Jing remained noncommittal. "Hmm... Sounds impressive."

Jiang Siwei glanced at her wristwatch and reminded him, "Xiao Jing, you have fifteen minutes left of the halftime break. It's almost time for your match."

Xue Jing picked up his phone to check the time.

16:39

It was 21 minutes to 5:00 p.m.

"Hmm... I should make it."

Xue Jing put away his phone and picked up the Rabbit Knife that was beside him.

"Right, who am I fighting again?" he asked, confused.

Jiang Siwei smiled helplessly. "You really haven't paid any attention to your opponents, have you..."

"It's Gu Hongding from the Kunqing Club. He's a rare 'battlefield-style' martial artist."

Xue Jing furrowed his brows. "What's that?"

Jiang Siwei explained, "In simple terms, it means he'll stop at nothing to win. You'll understand when you see him."

Soon, a staff member's voice called from outside the door.

"Xue Jing, it's time for your match! Get ready to head out!"

Xue Jing wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the staff member's tone seemed more cautious and respectful than the first time he had fought.

"Alright, I'm off then, Sister Wei," Xue Jing said.

Jiang Siwei smiled. "Go for it! May you have martial fortune!"

...

In another athlete's lounge.

"Huh, I'm fighting Xue Jing? For real..."

A burly, slightly obese man with a bald head and a potbelly, Gu Hongding, was sitting in a chair, scratching his bald scalp.

He turned to his friend and fellow competitor, Deng Jizhou, "Old Zhou, you can predict fortunes, right? Read my fortune and tell me if I'm going to be lucky today."

Deng Jizhou, a tall man with long hair and a black martial arts uniform, shrugged, "I already did. Your luck is as hard as titanium alloy."

Gu Hongding breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

He then picked up the titanium alloy full-body armor with its ancient-style design and put it on.

The lamplight reflected off the scales of the armor, giving off a metallic sheen that exuded an air of indestructibility.

"You're shameless, Old Gu," Deng Jizhou said with a look of exasperation.

"You don't understand, my friend," Gu Hongding said, pounding his chest twice with satisfaction. "We battlefield-style martial artists are like this. It's not shamelessness; it's our style!"

"Damn, my opponent is that Xue Jing... You saw what happened with your own eyes," Gu Hongding continued.

"Without this armor, I wouldn't dare face him... I don't want to end up like Li Chengxuan, with all my good meat gouged out."

"To be honest, although I've only seen him fight once, I can tell his strength is not on the same level as ours.

"We battlefield-style martial artists always prioritize survival... It's a pity to fight an opponent that you have no chance of beating."

Gu Hongding sighed.

Deng Jizhou smiled and said, "But you haven't admitted defeat, nor have you run away. Instead, you've prepared yourself, haven't you?"

There was a hint of relief in his eyes.

"Go for it, Old Gu. The anthem of mankind is the anthem of courage. Though you may be shameless, you are a brave and tough man."

"Go for it! I think you can win."

Gu Hongding rolled his eyes. "Spare me."

He strode forward, picking up the three-meter-long-handled broadsword that was leaning against the wall, and made his way towards the door. The titanium alloy armor on his body clanked with each step.

"Alright, I'm off then."

Gu Hongding's expression turned solemn, even carrying a hint of tragedy.

It was as if he was marching off to a battle from which he would never return.

Deng Jizhou found the whole situation amusing. "Go on, and remember to be decisive. If you feel like you can't win, just forfeit. There's no shame in that."

Gu Hongding waved dismissively without turning around. "I know."

...

"And we're back after a short halftime break. Let's return to the competition..."

"...The following match is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated of the day. It's between Gu Hongding of the Kunqing Club and Xue Jing of the Galaxy Club..."

After a long-winded introduction, the commentator, Hao Yongyun, finally said:

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's welcome—Gu Hongding!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the spotlight converged on the entrance tunnel.

With the clanking of his armor, Gu Hongding strode out, his bulky figure resembling a Gundam under the bright lights.

The audience applauded, their voices filled with surprise.

"What's that? A cosplay?"

"Wow, he's wearing full body armor! How scared is this guy?..."

"Haha, it's understandable, considering who his opponent is..."

"If I didn't know better, I'd think he was going to war. He's both cowardly and shameless, but his shamelessness has reached a level that's almost entertaining."

"Go for it, big brother in armor!"

The commentator introduced:

"Gu Hongding, a practitioner of the renowned and ancient style 'Qi Tun Wu Shuang Flow'. He is one of the very few 'battlefield-style' martial artists nowadays. Every competition he participates in is like a battle for his life, where he gives it his all..."

"Now, let's take a look at his hexagonal data chart."

"Attack: 7, Speed: 5, Defense: 8, Technique: 7, Will: 8, Intelligence: 9... Oh~ Aside from 'Speed', all his stats are in the upper range. What a luxurious panel, befitting of a seeded player."

"And who is the opponent that has driven such a powerful man to go all out and respect the rules so seriously?"

"Let's welcome—Xue Jing!"

As the commentator said Xue Jing's name, his voice suddenly rose in volume, his tone filled with excitement.

The audience was very cooperative, their applause and cheers nearly shaking the entire arena.

Under the spotlight, a figure emerged from the entrance tunnel.

The moment he appeared, the applause and noise intensified.

"Darling! Darling! Darling!!!"

"Xue Jing! Darling, look over here!!!"

Exaggerated shouts rang out from the audience.

The popularity of this person far surpassed that of Gu Hongding and any other competitor who had appeared before. It was extremely exaggerated.

Standing on the stage, Gu Hongding couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. He felt like he was in enemy territory, with the entire audience against him.

He took off his helmet, revealing his shiny bald head, and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Xue Jing was also surprised by the enthusiastic welcome.

Holding the Rabbit Knife, he walked towards the stage, smiling and nodding to the audience.

Wherever he directed his gaze, the cheers from that section of the audience intensified.

The photographer on the overhead platform once again skillfully executed a smooth 360-degree surround shot, clearly giving special treatment.

This time, Xue Jing didn't smile at the camera but pretended not to see it, ignoring the photographer.

Even so, the audience's cheers remained fervent.

"Xue Jing, everyone should be very familiar with by now. Since his first appearance two days ago, he has captivated the entire world with his smile and sword. You could say he's a protagonist straight out of a martial arts novel, achieving the pinnacle from the moment of his debut!"

"His style is the 'Cang Long Style'. Let's take a look at his hexagonal data chart."

"Attack: 10, Speed: ?, Defense: ?, Technique: 10, Will: ?, Intelligence: ?... Due to Xue Jing's limited number of matches, we are missing some data. But based on what he has shown so far, he has already achieved two perfect 10s!"

"I can't wait to see what kind of brilliant battle Xue Jing will bring us today!

On the stage, Xue Jing looked at Gu Hongding across from him, his eyes lingering for a moment on his opponent's obviously extraordinary armor before immediately understanding why he was a 'battlefield-style' martial artist.

"That must've cost a pretty penny." Xue Jing said with a smile.

Gu Hongding was taken aback.

He had seen Xue Jing brutally chop Li Chengxuan earlier and assumed he had a bad temper, but now he seemed friendly and gentle.

"Err... it was a bit pricey." He scratched his bald head.

Xue Jing nodded. "In that case, I'll try to be more careful."

"Ah?" Gu Hongding was puzzled before he could ponder further, as the commentator wrapped up his preamble.

"...This match can indeed be called a battle between the strongest offense and the strongest defense. Let's see who will emerge victorious! Let's wait and watch!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the referee walked onto the stage and took his position between the two contestants.

"Both players, take your positions."

"Ready..."

"Begin!"

As the referee's arm waved between them, the audience suddenly erupted into a clamor.

"Add oil!"

"Gu Hongding, add oil!"

"Cheer up, big brother with no hair!"

These cheers left Gu Hongding bewildered.

That 'big brother with no hair' stung a little...

He quickly realized what was happening, and a wry smile appeared under his helmet.

'The only reason fans would cheer for their idol's opponent is...'

'Sympathetic mockery because they think I'm going to lose...'

"Damn, they really look down on me." Gu Hongding muttered.

He pursed his lips. His gaze turned serious, and he aimed the three-meter-long-handled broadsword in his hand at Xue Jing.

While it might be a bit sneaky, his armor was specifically designed to counter his opponent.

That remote knife qi seemed powerful and outrageous, but its actual might was absolutely no match for a direct strike from a real blade.

And this blade of his could definitely break through that turtle shell defense.

The 'Qi Tun Wu Shuang Flow' he practiced was a martial art created specifically for the battlefield.

On the battlefield, what ability was the most important when it came to combat power?

Endurance!

The strongest aspect of Qi Tun Wu Shuang was its endurance.

He could wear this heavy armor and fight at full strength for several hours without tiring!

'I'll tire you out.' Gu Hongding thought as he eyed Xue Jing.

As the match began, the audience's cheers gradually subsided as they focused on the contest itself.

Xue Jing observed Gu Hongding for a while, then shook his head.

He channeled his energy into the Rabbit Knife in his hand, stabbed it into the ground, sheath and all, then let go.

He had entered the stage at 4:57 pm.

Now, it was almost 5:00 pm.

Xue Jing looked at the fully geared-up Gu Hongding and said, "Sorry, I'm in a hurry."

Before Gu Hongding could react, Xue Jing's entire demeanor changed.

"Hum—"

A dragon's roar reverberated throughout the arena.

White, wave-like dragon qi surged from Xue Jing's shoulders, coiling around his body.

An intensely powerful, fierce, and domineering aura erupted from his body.

His eyes transformed into dark golden vertical pupils. Gu Hongding froze as soon as he was lightly glanced at, a powerful force pressing down on him.

At that moment, in Gu Hongding's eyes, the person standing before him was no longer human.

Instead, he saw a—dragon.

A dragon that overshadowed the sky and exuded divine might, a true dragon looking down on him like an ant.

All the spectators held their breath, gazing at the figure enveloped in dragon qi, his presence as heavy as the sea.

Reflected in Xue Jing's eyes were Gu Hongding's 'lines' and 'dots'.

In a fleeting moment, almost without anyone noticing, he had vanished from his original spot.

The next moment, a dragon's claw pressed Gu Hongding into the ground.

"Hum—"

Eye-Penetrating Strike·Starfire.

Amidst the dragon's roar, Xue Jing's fist struck Gu Hongding's chest as he lay on the ground.

His blood seemed to boil, and his energy transformed into countless stars that surged through the weak 'dots', bypassing the armor, and invading Gu Hongding's body.

"Boom—!!!"

After a deafening explosion, Gu Hongding's body convulsed, and Xue Jing's punch sent him nearly two meters deep into the stage, creating a violent circular blast that blew away the spectators sitting close to the stage.

"Crack!"

A huge crack spread from Gu Hongding's position, quickly covering the entire stage.

"Crackle—"

As the stage collapsed, the entire arena shook.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at the lone figure standing amidst the rising dust.

This...

Xue Jing first confirmed that Gu Hongding, embedded in the ground, couldn't get up, then took out his phone to check the time.

【16:59】

The next second—【17:00】

"Done, right on time." Xue Jing nodded, satisfied.

...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end