Chapter 55: Deciding the Outcome in One Move
Chapter 55: Deciding the Outcome in One Move
Shu Han was almost amused by Chen Chuan's words, and he said, "So, I've been underestimated. Alright, let's do it here." He turned and walked back to his original position.
Chen Chuan observed Shu Han, his hand casually in his pocket, and his stance appeared extremely relaxed. He thought to himself that today, he must demonstrate absolute strength to make this senior brother give up completely.
Since their last encounter, Chen Chuan had a good understanding of this senior brother's characteristics. He was very agile and adept at changing tactics to lure his enemies. If they were in an open area, the senior brother would likely keep dodging and moving, which would make the fight last longer, but that would also be a waste of time.
That's why Chen Chuan chose this location, creating a battlefield that was unfavorable for his opponent but advantageous for himself without the other party realizing it.
Shu Han took off his coat and threw it aside, his expression solemn. After their previous encounter, he had a sense of Chen Chuan's strength and knew that this junior brother was not an easy opponent. However, as he had said, he hadn't fully utilized his abilities that day.
Moreover, after the fight, Shu Han had reviewed and strategized how to fight with a higher chance of victory. Considering that it had only been ten days since Chen Chuan's enrollment, his strength was unlikely to have changed significantly.
Shen Shao observed the two of them and also moved back a bit. He helped move the nearby chairs and stools out of the way, saying, "I'll just move these aside so they don't get damaged."
Chen Chuan maintained his casual posture and said, "Senior Shu, why don't you go first? If I make the first move, you might not get a chance."
Shu Han's anger was subtly provoked, but this wasn't his first fight, and he had experienced similar verbal taunts before, so he remained calm. He cautioned, "Junior, be careful."
After saying this, Shu Han slowly advanced, taking one step forward and then another. As he saw Chen Chuan still probing, he took a third step, and suddenly, his figure flashed, and he leaped forward, closing the distance to Chen Chuan in an instant.
Shu Han had used this move in their previous encounter, not because he only knew this technique, but because Chen Chuan had kicked Zhong Wu's head into a pulp, proving his exceptional leg skills. Shu Han had to get inside his opponent's range, which not only gave him an advantage but also made it difficult for Chen Chuan to execute leg techniques.
Shu Han, despite being a member of the Free Hand Department, had also trained in grappling and throwing. At close range, every moment was an opportunity. As a third-year trainee at Wu Yi Academy, he had also developed formidable power. Last time, he had held back to avoid injuring Chen Chuan, but this time, he wouldn't hold back.
Chen Chuan watched Shu Han's movements and suddenly extended his hand, pushing outward from the center line! Shu Han was surprised to see the hand appear so quickly in front of him, but he was adept at maneuvering in tight spaces, and he had anticipated his opponent's move, ready to react.
However, if Chen Chuan had displayed formidable strength in their previous encounter, this time, he revealed an unprecedented speed. Before Shu Han could dodge, Chen Chuan's hand was already pressing against his chest, and the strike, using only single-hand force without excessive muscle engagement, wasn't overly powerful and didn't cause any harm. But this single move disrupted Shu Han's fluid motions, and to resume his attack, he had to readjust, creating an opening.
After the initial push, Chen Chuan's hand remained extended, and with a slight grip of his fingers, he grabbed Shu Han's shirt at the chest and lifted him effortlessly!
Chen Chuan's previous training in Great Free Hand focused on the root and middle joints, but Correct Free Hand also trained the finger joints. With the enhancement of the Second Self, his speed exceeded Shu Han's reaction time, allowing him to seize his opponent.
Shu Han suddenly felt his feet leave the ground and immediately realized the danger. He exerted force with his waist, attempting to grab Chen Chuan's arm, aiming to control his joints and execute a locking technique to reverse the situation.
Chen Chuan didn't give him that chance. He released Shu Han's collar, slightly lifted his arm to create a brief moment for a powerful strike, and then transformed his grip into a fist, delivering a downward blow to Shu Han's chest with a loud bang!
Shen Shao was startled, "Sky Shock Hammer?"
Chen Chuan's move was indeed an imitation of the Sky-Shattering Hammer's style, but as he had not yet mastered the Primordial Force's power, his strength was not significant. However, it was incredibly tricky, striking Shu Han's breathing rhythm, causing him to falter and his movements to become powerless. At the same time, Chen Chuan grabbed Shu Han's collar and, taking advantage of the momentum, pressed him firmly to the ground.
Shu Han's back hit the ground with a loud bang, but he seemed uninjured. He quickly recovered, pushing himself up with his legs and moving away until he had created some distance between them before standing up.
Chen Chuan also slowly straightened his body.
Shu Han did not attempt to attack again, choosing to remain silent.
Shen Shao wanted to say something but held back.
After a while, Shu Han spoke with a hint of gloom, "I lost."
He was well aware that Chen Chuan had almost won after that push, as there were numerous ways to target his weaknesses. Even if Chen Chuan had not used his full strength when he slammed him to the ground, he would have lost his ability to resist, making it easy for Chen Chuan to finish him off.
"You can go now," Chen Chuan said.
"Okay, okay," Shen Shao said, quickly dragging Shu Han away by his collar.
"No need to see you out," Chen Chuan added.
Throughout the fight, Chen Chuan had remained stationary and used only one hand. This was not due to a significant gap in their skills but because Chen Chuan had recognized that Shu Han relied on his initial burst of speed and exceptional agility to execute his punches. Once his rhythm was disrupted, it became difficult for him to continue," Shen Shao explained.
Chen Chuan had directly used his speed to halt Shu Han's momentum, securing his victory.
However, this targeted approach was only possible because Chen Chuan had already understood Shu Han's strengths and weaknesses. Without prior knowledge, such an outcome would not have been achievable.
Although the Zhouyuan Combat Technique was still far from mastery, after practicing the Correct Free Hand, the Altered Tissue had already started to grow towards the fingertips and other extremities, and his power had increased compared to before. It was a test of his previous training.
On the other side, as the two exited the dormitory building, Shu Han remained silent throughout. He had been defeated by Chen Chuan in almost a single move, and even then, he had not used his full strength. This time, the result was decided almost instantly, and he had no excuse for himself. It was a clear gap in their abilities.
Shen Shao patted Shu Han's shoulder, trying to console him, "I know it feels bad, but some people are just born different from us. There's no point in comparing ourselves to those with 'natural talent' because we simply can't compete."
"You're right," Shu Han agreed.
Shu Han suddenly raised his head and said, "His talents are indeed far beyond most people. Apart from Senior, I've rarely seen anyone as gifted as him. He's already this powerful after only a few days of training, but the higher his talent, the more I can't bear to see him waste it."
"Listen," Shen Shao said, tugging at his hair, "What does this have to do with you? Why can't you get over this hurdle?"
Shu Han spoke with determination, "Senior saved my life. Without him, I wouldn't be here today. I can't do what Senior wants to do, nor do I have the qualifications to cultivate the good Combat Technique. But now, I see someone who can do what Senior wants and has the qualifications, yet he's wasting his talent. I can't just watch and let it go. I can't get over it."
"No," Shen Shao said helplessly, "You can't force someone to do something they don't want to. If they're not willing, you can't make them, right? So why not just let it go?"
"I'll convince him," Shu Han said firmly, "And if I can't, others will." With that, he walked out with unwavering determination.
"Sigh, you're all so stubborn," Shen Shao shook his head and followed.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
