Chapter 872: Seeking Progress and Self-Discipline
Chapter 872: Seeking Progress and Self-Discipline
Interlink informed Chen Chuan about Lu Fang, who, after a month-long adjustment, had reached his peak condition and was preparing to face an opponent the next day.
His opponent was a disciple from the Tian Su Gang Martial Academy, who also sought a challenge to achieve a breakthrough. The two had connected through the Edge Channel and found each other, and this time, the Edge Channel would provide the venue and protection, broadcasting their fight for viewers.
After learning about this, Chen Chuan checked the background of the Tian Su Gang member.
His name was Yong Dahu, a graduate of the Tian Su Gang Martial Academy, and it was worth mentioning that he came from a well-off family and had paid his own way to learn martial arts at the academy. Therefore, his connection to the Tian Su Gang was not deep, and he would follow the rules for this fight, bringing only two people with him to the venue.
With no issues regarding the participants, all that was left was to witness the upcoming match the next day.
This fight was a quest for a higher level, and both parties would give it their all, possibly resulting in the loser's death. Chen Chuan intended to pay close attention to the fight.
He turned off the Interlink and spoke to Nian Qian, "Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, one of my classmates from Wu Yi College will be fighting. Both he and his opponent are seeking a breakthrough to a higher level, so this match will likely be a no-holds-barred battle. If you're interested, we can watch it together, cousin."
Nian Qian was indeed interested. He said, "Your classmate, huh? I'd like to see it. There are few graduates from Wu Yi College in our unit. Compared to the military, they prefer to join government departments and various companies."
Chen Chuan explained, "On the one hand, they don't have to go to the battlefield, and on the other hand, it's probably due to the influence of their sponsors. Even when they were in college, their future paths were already decided, and they had no say in the matter. Those who could make it on their own were few and far between."
Nian Qian nodded, knowing that his younger cousin had gone through a similar experience. In this era, it was genuinely challenging to rise to the top. He considered himself lucky to have found a path to success and was grateful to his parents and his aunt's husband, Han Kang.
After a brief chat, Chen Chuan headed to the training ground.
Nian Qian watched his cousin's departing figure and thought to himself that his younger cousin had very little free time, dedicating all his energy to cultivation. Perhaps, as his cousin had said, the sheer joy of fighting was enough to bring him happiness.
After reflecting on this, Nian Qian also returned to his room. In the central city, searching for information was incredibly convenient, with new technologies and implants constantly emerging. As a military commander, he couldn't afford to ignore these developments, as they might be used against his opponents at any time. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he decided to educate himself.
At 9:30 a.m., on a rooftop of an abandoned building in Hong Sheng District, Lu Fang arrived at the venue arranged by the Edge Channel.
His opponent had already arrived, a robust man half a head taller than him, wearing a stretchy vest that showcased his well-defined, muscular physique.
After warming up, the two fighters stepped into the designated area, while the others, including the two classmates who had accompanied Lu Fang and the Tian Su Gang members responsible for clearing the venue, moved back.
This fight required no referees or protective gear, as long as the fighters used standard martial arts techniques.
As for underhanded tactics, they had no place in this match, as both fighters sought a breakthrough in their martial arts journey rather than a mere victory. Such tactics might deceive others, but they couldn't deceive themselves.
The Edge Channel, having organized the event, provided a dedicated commentator, and at this moment, countless viewers were ready with their snacks and drinks, eagerly awaiting the fight.
In fact, in addition to Lu Fang's match, several other fights were scheduled for the day, and once this one ended, viewers would quickly switch to the next one.
While these fights might not compare to the official Wu Yi College martial arts competitions, the level of skill displayed was still high, as most of the fighters had been selected by the Edge Channel. As a result, these matches had gained a dedicated following.
At this moment, Chen Chuan and Nian Qian sat in front of the venue's screen. Nian Qian glanced at Lu Fang and asked, "Is that your classmate, cousin?"
Chen Chuan nodded.
Nian Qian looked at the Edge Channel's introduction, which only displayed the fighters' digital codes, indicating that both had reached the second limit.
He thought to himself that this was probably the level that Wu Yi College students typically achieved at this age, and only his younger cousin had progressed so quickly.
On the screen, Lu Fang assumed the most orthodox freestyle stance, while his opponent took the Great Horizontal Fist stance, the foundation of the Tian Su Fist. Even with this basic move, the practitioner could possess incredible resilience.
The two fighters faced off for a while before charging forward again, exchanging several rapid blows and then quickly retreating. They cautiously approached each other again, engaging in another intense exchange of punches and kicks.
The Edge Channel's commentator was clearly knowledgeable, speaking quickly and clearly, highlighting the critical moments of the fight. Even those without a martial arts background could sense the intensity of the battle from the commentator's enthusiastic tone and voice.
The two fighters sparred for over three minutes, separating three times during the match. Each time they retreated, they reassessed their opponent, and it was evident that neither was having an easy time.
After another separation, both sides hesitated to move forward again.
Nian Qian said, "Younger cousin, this..."
Chen Chuan said, "They should have studied each other's techniques and strengths beforehand, so they formulated strategies before the fight. But with their similar strength, they broke through each other's strategies. Strictly speaking, the previous fight was just a test. From now on, they'll rely entirely on their own combat reflexes. A slight mistake could be fatal, so they'll be extremely cautious."
Nian Qian asked, "Younger cousin, can your senior win?"
Chen Chuan replied, "It's hard to say until the end."
Nian Qian joked, "Can't even you, a great fighter, tell?"
"In fighting, uncertainty is enormous. Even a tiny external factor or momentary distraction can cause a delay in attacks or a miss in movements. It depends on them. Unless I can influence them directly, I can't predict the outcome. At most, I can tell who has a slightly better chance of winning."
Nian Qian nodded. This was similar to war; you could never consider all factors. Even if it seemed like a sure win, a small mistake in command could lead to defeat.
The standoff between the two in the arena finally ended. Almost simultaneously, they rushed forward, their moves incredibly fast. In the midst of the electric-like exchange, the sound of their limbs colliding echoed with a loud bang, and the commentator's voice momentarily became incredibly excited.
In a short moment, the two kept moving in the arena, exchanging over ten attacks and defenses. Lu Fang seemed to have an untimely adjustment, suddenly revealing a flaw. Yong Dahu seized the opportunity, roaring as he punched Lu Fang's shoulder and chest! Even through the screen, the sound of shattering bones could be heard, causing some spectators to exclaim in shock.
The two seniors, Guo and Yu, who had accompanied Lu Fang, paled.
But almost at the same moment, Lu Fang, as if unaffected, stabbed four fingers like knives towards Yong Dahu's throat, stopping just before applying full force. However, Yong Dahu kicked him away with a loud bang, sending him flying and rolling several times, nearly falling to the floor below. When he propped himself up with his elbow, his face turned pale, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Yong Dahu was stunned for a moment, then looked at him with a complex expression, saying, "Lu brother, you won."
His Great Horizontal Fist was excellent for defense, with almost no flaws in his entire body. But before receiving the proper inheritance of the Tian Su Fist, when he attacked, his power would leak, causing him to lose his defense. Lu Fang noticed this, so he traded injuries. If he hadn't pulled back just now, that strike would have pierced Yong Dahu's throat, killing him instantly.
But Lu Fang held back. This was the most difficult part. Since he hadn't lost his fighting ability, he could have taken advantage of the opening to punch Lu Fang to death, and he would still have won.
But one can deceive others, but not oneself.
The key here was Lu Fang's trust in himself. He believed that once he noticed this, he would definitely hold back, and indeed, he did. So the kick Yong Dahu delivered wasn't too heavy, leaving him feeling both disappointed and admiring, along with a touch of gratitude for the trust.
He bowed to Lu Fang and said solemnly, "Lu brother, let me treat you to a meal after you recover. Don't refuse, it's settled!"
Lu Fang nodded and said, "Okay, it's settled."
"Great! Then I'll take my leave. Lu brother, take good care of your injuries. If you need anything, let me know. Don't be polite!" Yong Dahu returned, picked up his clothes from the ground, and left without hesitation.
At this moment, the two seniors, Yu and Guo, rushed over to support Lu Fang. After checking on him, they breathed a sigh of relief. Although he was severely injured, with almost all his ribs broken and his shoulder bone cracked, he was still alive.
Senior Yu said, "Junior, your injuries as the winner are worse than the loser's."
Senior Guo said sternly, "Did you consider that if the other person didn't hold back, you might have lost your life?"
Lu Fang managed a smile and said confidently, "No, a person's fist won't lie. I knew Senior Yong would hold back."
"Sigh, it's up to you." Senior Guo put Lu Fang's arm around his shoulder, and the two supported him as they walked down. The onlookers, seeing that the excitement was over, dispersed as well.
The three reached the ground floor, and after walking a few dozen steps, Lu Fang seemed to sense something. His heart began to pound, and a warm current flowed from his heart, spreading throughout his body. After a moment, a cracking sound came from his body as the broken bones began to realign and heal.
Seniors Guo and Yu noticed the change in Lu Fang's body and exclaimed in surprise, "Junior..."
At this moment, Lu Fang removed his arms from their shoulders and stood on his own. He took a deep breath and then looked at the two seniors, saying, "Seniors, I've broken through."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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