Chapter 283: Another Victory
Chapter 283: Another Victory
The spectators couldn't help but sigh in unison, their synchronized exhalation filling the arena with a collective expression of disappointment.
But there was nothing they could do; the situation was crystal clear. With hands already on the opponent's neck, a vital area, if Chen Chuan were to strike with full force, he could easily snap Ren Qiao's cervical vertebrae.
It was a clear defeat.
They couldn't help but feel frustrated, especially after the previous two rounds where they had witnessed genuine hand-to-hand combat. What happened just now? There was no contact between them at all. With such solid fundamentals, they often praised him for his stability, but how could he make such a rookie mistake?
Moreover, the last technique Chen Chuan used seemed to be a Capture Force. They could understand if he knew how to grapple or wield a saber, as one should practice both armed and unarmed combat. But how could he also know how to capture? Their confusion grew.
Chen Chuan declined the information offered by Cheng Shang, and naturally, he wouldn't reveal his own secrets to others. Both sides remained shrouded in mystery, with little understanding of each other.
The Zhou Yuan Power Technique, a force manipulation method, wasn't widely known. Only those who had genuinely practiced it understood how to utilize it. Outsiders, even if explained, might not comprehend it.
Chen Chuan watched as Ren Qiao walked off the stage with a dejected look. The technique he had just used was one that Teacher Zheng had recently demonstrated—leading the opponent's attack to divert their own.
If Ren Qiao hadn't been so apprehensive and burdened by his respect for Teacher Zheng, the outcome would have been different. In fact, if he had relaxed and fought freely, he might not have been defeated so easily.
The short-haired woman sighed and flashed her Boundary Token, transferring 200 yuan to Ni Qianqian's account. She tossed the silver coin back, saying, "Looks like I'll have to be frugal again this month."
Ni Qianqian rolled her eyes. "Come on, Bai Jie, you teach so many students, don't you have enough?"
Bai Jie shook her head. "I don't teach just anyone."
After Ren Qiao's defeat, most people realized that Chen Chuan wasn't an ordinary opponent. They needed a strategy to counter him, not just rush in blindly. With time to think, they would naturally devise a plan, so no one else rushed to challenge him immediately.
At that moment, outside the martial arts arena, a group of people were making their way inside.
As this was an internal exchange event with no fixed schedule, and to save face for everyone, outsiders were not invited. Those present were all familiar faces from various martial arts sects.
Blood ties did not bind these individuals; instead, they were united by their shared martial arts heritage. Even if they were parent and child, if their ideologies clashed or their talent was deemed insufficient, they would be abandoned, and the opportunity would be given to others—those who better aligned with the sect's principles and possessed greater potential.
A car pulled into the plaza outside, and the brother and sister Chen Chuan had met at the Sea Boundary Field stepped out. The man checked his watch and then glanced inside.
"Looks like we're a little late, Little Jing. The exchange has already started. Let's go in."
"Okay!"
As they entered, they saw Ren Qiao sitting dejectedly to the side, surrounded by acquaintances, while two others nearby were just catching their breath, clearly having lost their matches.
The man checked his watch again. "No, I'm sure I'm not late. I only arrived a few minutes ago. How have there been several matches already?"
Little Jing tugged at the man's sleeve and pointed at Chen Chuan in the arena. "That's the guy we met at the Sea Boundary Field."
The man nodded, recognizing Chen Chuan from their previous encounter. "What a coincidence to meet him again in such a big city. He's quite strong, defeating several opponents in a row."
Ni Qianqian spoke up, "Chen Chuan, it looks like you don't need a break after all?"
Chen Chuan hesitated, thinking it would be rude to say he wanted to rest now. He nodded slightly, "I think I can continue."
Despite his polite response, the young people around him still felt slighted.
Ni Qianqian turned to the others, "Who's next?"
Liu Yin stepped forward, "I'll go." He walked into the arena, and the atmosphere grew quieter.
Little Jing's eyes lit up. "It's Liu Yin!"
The man nodded, impressed. "Liu Yin is up so soon? This guy must be putting a lot of pressure on them."
Liu Yin was one of the most outstanding individuals of their generation. Even at his age, the man knew he couldn't beat Liu Yin, and even now, the outcome of a real fight would be uncertain.
"Liu Yin will definitely win, right?" Little Jing looked up at him with admiration.
The man considered this. "In a duel, there's no guarantee of victory. Fundamentals, mindset, and performance on the day are all crucial. Today's winner might lose tomorrow."
He observed the arena, "With fighters like these, it's hard to predict the outcome. Sometimes, it might even come down to luck."
"Luck?"
"Yes, like positioning. There's a superstitious belief that standing on the west side, our left, makes it easier to lose."
"But Liu Yin is standing on the west side now."
"So, it's just a superstition, haha."
Liu Yin stood before Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan, I'm up next, and I must admit I have an advantage since I've watched your previous matches. I hope you don't mind."
No matter how quickly Chen Chuan ended his fights, Liu Yin had gained an advantage by observing him. It was unfair, strictly speaking.
The young man hoped for a fair fight, as winning without a challenge would be meaningless. He spoke, "In unarmed combat, I specialize in straight fist techniques. I have a keen sense for detecting crises, and I can always find the enemy's weaknesses. Be careful."
The short-haired woman added, "Liu Yin not only has excellent fundamentals but also a keen eye for seizing the right opportunities, which others can't compare to."
Ni Qianqian joked, "White Sister, you better be careful not to get Liu Yin into trouble."
The short-haired woman shot her a glance and then closed her mouth.
Suddenly, Ni Qianqian frowned and walked to the side, seemingly receiving a message.
Chen Chuan noticed that after she stepped forward, the others fell silent, indicating she was one of the most outstanding among the disciples.
He carefully observed Liu Yin, who had a strong will and a well-coordinated rhythm in his movements, with barely any noticeable flaws or weaknesses. He couldn't be taken down with a single move like the previous opponents.
Both of them bowed in greeting and then retreated a step, but Liu Yin remained unmoving, not out of fear but to make it clear he wouldn't give Chen Chuan an advantage.
Chen Chuan didn't hesitate when he yielded, quickly closing the distance. As he reached a certain point, he accelerated, throwing a punch towards Liu Yin's face.
Liu Yin didn't choose to engage but instead moved his feet, slightly leaning back to dodge to the side. His movements were swift, and his adjustment of center of gravity was reasonable, even though he didn't fully commit, his hands were already positioned for a perfect counterattack.
The spectators breathed a sigh of relief, and someone shouted in admiration, as Liu Yin wasn't knocked down by a single hit, relieving the psychological pressure they had been feeling.
Chen Chuan glanced at Liu Yin, whose movements were both natural and cautious. He wanted to find openings and opportunities in his weakened state, indicating the need to outmaneuver him this time.
As he was thinking this, a message from Ni Qianqian came through the contact interface, "Little Brother Chen, there's an issue at the bureau. If you can solve it, do it quickly."
Upon hearing this, Chen Chuan's strategy changed. He instantly broke free from the constraints of the altered organism, and his forward step became astonishingly fast.
This sudden change in rhythm was something most people couldn't adapt to. Liu Yin, however, remained calm and didn't choose to dodge. Instead, he raised his arm, arching his body forward, and initiated contact.
White Sister watched and couldn't help but praise his decision, as dodging would be futile. Could anyone be faster than the person charging towards you? In such a situation, you're more likely to be knocked down.
By taking the initiative and colliding, he could counteract Chen Chuan's speed. Chen Chuan's sudden acceleration wouldn't be without cost, as most of the altered organism's power would be engaged, so there was no need to fear. When it was time to get close, he did so, and sometimes striking from within the embrace was more effective.
True to his nature, Chen Chuan didn't change his technique. In an instant, their arms and shoulders collided, producing a loud 'bang' that made the spectators' chests tighten.
In Liu Yin's judgment, this collision, due to the force both received, would cause a momentary stagnation. He trained in the binding force technique, and his adjustment and coordination were faster than ordinary people, so he could recover first and use this slight advantage to seize the initiative.
But he didn't expect that after being pushed back two steps by the force, Chen Chuan would stand unmoved, as if unaffected. He reached forward, clapping his hand on Liu Yin's wrist with a 'pa' sound.
Liu Yin's eyes narrowed, knowing Chen Chuan had the skill to grapple and capture. If Chen Chuan's power seeped in, it would be over. With no other choice, he guided the force, following the opponent's expected pull, and closing in again.
However, Chen Chuan didn't use the anticipated technique, instead, he also drummed up power and collided with Liu Yin for the second time, and another dull sound echoed in the arena.
Chen Chuan stood firm like a rock, unmoved, while Liu Yin felt a dullness in his chest, his hands and feet trembling, and his steps became slightly unsteady.
Before he could recover, Chen Chuan's figure suddenly loomed in front of him, and his shoulder slammed into Liu Yin's chest with a 'bang', sending him flying backward. He landed on the floor and slid backward, crashing into the crowd, who caught him amidst their exclamations.
Chen Chuan slowly straightened up, standing in the arena, facing the direction Liu Yin had fallen and bowing respectfully. He said, "Forgive me."
The arena fell silent.
After a few breaths, Ni Qianqian stepped forward, clapping her hands. "Alright, let's end it here for today. Little Brother Chen has something to attend to, so we'll find another opportunity next time." She gestured to Chen Chuan and then walked towards the exit.
The spectators fell silent. Liu Yin was acknowledged as the strongest among them, but even he had lost. It seemed unnecessary to continue the competition.
Chen Chuan straightened his clothes, nodded to the crowd, and walked to the door, picking up his Snow Lady Saber as he was about to leave. A voice called from behind, "Young man, who taught you martial arts?"
Chen Chuan stopped and turned his head. The speaker was the man he had met before. He looked back at the people inside, and said slowly, "It was Cheng Zitong, Teacher Cheng, from Yangzhi Wu Yi."
After speaking, he turned and walked out. Soon, the sound of a speeding car could be heard from outside.
(End of Chapter)
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