Chapter 4: Defeat

Luo Kun sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard.

He first looked toward Zhang Xiong and Gong Yulei’s match.

The two were clearly a cut above the other apprentices, and their fight was currently a stalemate.

Gong Yulei’s moves were vicious, each punch aimed for a vital point.

Zhang Xiong’s defense was tight, and he always managed to neutralize the attacks.

’Gong Yulei’s Qi Blood signs are becoming more and more obvious. He’s almost catching up to Zhang Xiong...’

Luo Kun was inwardly alarmed by Gong Yulei’s Talent.

’It’s just that his aggressive and ruthless nature hasn’t changed. His attacks are too vicious.’

He shook his head and sighed in regret.

When his gaze turned to Zhang Xiong, a look of pity flashed in Luo Kun’s eyes.

’If only his Root Bone were a bit better...’

The more he watched this disciple, the more he admired him.

If not for the limits of his aptitude, he would have long ago taken him as a direct disciple and taught him everything he knew.

Thinking of his own experiences back then in the great sect, Luo Kun felt a pang of bitterness.

Those martial brothers of his with outstanding innate talent were now either in high positions or famous throughout the region.

But with his own mediocre Talent, he could only open a hall and teach students in this small place.

In the end, the path of the Martial Dao was all about one’s Root Bone.

’In ten years, I’m afraid even ten Zhang Xiongs won’t be a match for a single Gong Yulei...’

Luo Kun sighed inwardly.

This inheritance could only be passed on to the strongest.

Suddenly, a miserable cry interrupted his thoughts.

Looking closely, he saw that it was Jiang Che who had knocked down Zhao Xisheng.

"Oh?"

Luo Kun’s interest was piqued.

Seeing Jiang Che win so easily for a second time, he couldn’t help but be moved.

’In terms of Fist Technique alone, this kid has actually surpassed Zhang Xiong and Gong Yulei!’

Unfortunately, Jiang Che showed no signs of Qi Blood, and the poor quality of his Root Bone was obvious at a glance.

At that moment, Wang Dayong stepped forward to challenge him, and Luo Kun watched with renewed interest.

Wang Dayong’s strength was considerable; he had a chance of breaking through to the Qi Blood Realm.

Although he liked to bully his fellow disciples on a daily basis, as long as no one was seriously injured, Luo Kun would turn a blind eye.

In the courtyard, Wang Dayong and Jiang Che stood facing each other.

Wang Dayong was powerfully built, half a head taller than Jiang Che, his muscles stretching his training uniform taut.

Jiang Che had a lean and wiry frame, looking exceptionally small and thin by comparison.

The confrontation between the two quickly drew everyone’s attention.

"Now that Wang Dayong’s got his eyes on him, Jiang Che is in for it," an apprentice whispered.

"No matter how good Jiang Che’s Fist Technique is, without the support of Qi Blood, he’s ultimately no match for him," another agreed.

Zhao Xisheng stood to the side, secretly worrying about Jiang Che.

Jiang Che turned a deaf ear to these discussions.

He assumed the opening stance of the White Cloud Fist. He appeared relaxed, but a faint aura of power emanated from him.

"All flash and no substance!"

Wang Dayong roared and threw a heavy punch straight at Jiang Che’s face.

The wind from the fist whistled, making Jiang Che’s cheeks sting.

Jiang Che sidestepped to avoid it, lightly pushing his opponent’s wrist with his right hand.

Wang Dayong swept his left fist horizontally. Jiang Che barely managed to block, but was still forced back several steps, his arm numb.

"Go on, keep dodging!"

Wang Dayong closed in with a savage grin, his fists raining down like hammers.

Jiang Che relied on his footwork to constantly evade, but he was forced to retreat step by step, and his breathing began to grow ragged.

"Jiang Che is going to lose," someone whispered.

"It’s already impressive that he lasted this long against Wang Dayong," another remarked with a sigh.

Watching Jiang Che struggling to fend off the blows, a trace of disappointment flickered in Luo Kun’s eyes.

’As expected. No matter how exquisite the Fist Technique, without Qi Blood, it’s ultimately empty.’

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Che was forced into a corner.

Wang Dayong let out a loud laugh, bringing a heavy fist down toward Jiang Che’s head.

Someone couldn’t bear to watch and closed their eyes.

Luo Kun secretly circulated his qi, preparing to intervene and save him.

’This Wang Dayong really is much stronger than Zhao Xisheng...’

Jiang Che thought to himself.

’In that case...’

He focused his attention, observing his opponent.

In an instant, the look in Jiang Che’s eyes changed.

His eyes were like ancient wells, bottomless and deep.

Not a single ripple.

The world slowed down in his eyes.

Wang Dayong’s fist seemed to freeze in place.

He could clearly see the opening under his opponent’s arm.

The White Cloud Fist, practiced millions of times, had practically become instinct.

Jiang Che took a Half-Step back with his left foot, his body slipping under the fist like a gliding fish.

His right hand formed a palm strike, accurately hitting Wang Dayong under the arm.

"Ugh!"

The expression on Wang Dayong’s face froze.

His fist stopped in mid-air, and his entire body crashed to the ground.

The Martial Arts Hall fell deathly silent.

Everyone’s eyes were wide with disbelief.

Wang Dayong, who had the upper hand just a second ago, was actually defeated?

Watching Wang Dayong curled up in pain on the ground, everyone finally accepted reality.

Jiang Che himself was a little surprised.

Not because he had defeated Wang Dayong.

But because in that last moment, he seemed to have felt a trace of Qi Blood stir within him.

But when he tried to sense it now, there was nothing.

’Was it just my imagination...’

"Was that move just now from the White Cloud Fist?" someone asked in a low voice.

"I’ve never seen a move like that," a bystander replied, shaking his head.

"That was the White Cloud Fist."

Luo Kun’s voice suddenly rang out.

With his hands behind his back, he rose and walked into the center of the training area.

"This is the Inner Insight Realm, the state reached when a Fist Technique is practiced to the Extreme Realm... I never thought one of you could actually reach this level!"

As he spoke, he patted Jiang Che’s shoulder, then pulled Wang Dayong up from the ground. He pressed a few points under Wang Dayong’s arm, and the look of pain on his face vanished instantly.

"Inner Insight..."

The crowd’s gazes toward Jiang Che now held a new level of shock and awe.

"That’s all for today."

Luo Kun returned to his cushion, closed his eyes to meditate, and sighed inwardly.

’Even if he’s reached the Inner Insight Realm, without Qi Blood, he’s ultimately just a Mortal.’

For a moment there, he’d wondered if he had misjudged.

When he’d patted his shoulder, he had secretly probed him and confirmed that there was indeed no fluctuation of Qi Blood in Jiang Che’s body.

’However...’

Luo Kun’s thoughts shifted. ’If he’s willing, he could stay on as an assistant instructor.’

Someone who could practice the White Cloud Fist to the point of Inner Insight would be suitable for teaching new apprentices.

"Jiang Che, you’re amazing! That ’Inner Insight’ is incredible!"

Zhao Xisheng gestured excitedly.

He had dark skin, and a row of white teeth showed when he smiled.

As his long-time sparring partner, he felt a strange sense of shared honor.

Jiang Che just smiled and shook his head. "I’m just very familiar with the White Cloud Fist."

He knew he was relying on "Heart Stream," not "Inner Insight," but this was a perfect way to cover it up.

More importantly...

He looked down at his palm and thought:

’If what I felt just now wasn’t fake... maybe Heart Stream can help me break through to Qi Blood!’

The next morning, the Martial Arts Hall had just opened, and apprentices were beginning to warm up in twos and threes.

Jiang Che stood in a corner of the courtyard, silently recalling the trace of Qi Blood Sensing he’d felt in the "Heart Stream" state the day before.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, trying to capture that feeling again.

But his Dantian was completely empty; he couldn’t sense anything.

’It seems I still need to fight someone while in the Heart Stream state, then?’

"Jiang Che!"

A coarse roar shattered his thoughts.

Wang Dayong strode over, his face full of defiance. "I was careless yesterday! Let’s go again!"

"Fine."

Jiang Che nodded.

As it happened, he was looking for him too.

The two took their stances.

This time, Wang Dayong wasn’t reckless.

Instead, he lowered his center of gravity and held his arms up to guard his front, his posture strongly resembling a boxer from Jiang Che’s previous life.

’Interesting...’

Jiang Che wasn’t in a hurry either, assuming the opening stance of the White Cloud Fist and waiting for an opportunity.

"Hah!"

Wang Dayong took the initiative, his right fist smashing down like a heavy hammer.

Jiang Che dodged to the side and pushed his fist away with his left hand.

Wang Dayong was prepared. His left fist immediately followed up, hammering toward Jiang Che’s ribs.

Jiang Che’s gaze sharpened, and he instantly entered the "Heart Stream" state.

The world slowed in his vision, and the path of Wang Dayong’s fist became perfectly clear.

He ducked down, his right palm striking like a blade, precisely hitting the joint of Wang Dayong’s elbow.

Wang Dayong’s arm went numb. He staggered back two steps, his face still defiant.

"Again!"

He roared and charged forward again.

Jiang Che remained calm, his every move perfectly timed.

In his eyes, Wang Dayong’s Barbaric Power was riddled with openings.

After just a few exchanges, he seized a moment when his opponent’s center of gravity was unstable and knocked Wang Dayong down again with a single punch.

THUD!

Wang Dayong hit the ground hard, sending dust flying.

He gasped for breath, the veins on his neck bulging.

"Impossible... Again!"

...

BAM!

"Again!!"

...

THUD!

Every time he was knocked down, Wang Dayong would immediately get back up, but the result was always the same.

Jiang Che saw through all his moves, and all his attacks were neutralized.

When he was knocked down for the fifth time, Wang Dayong finally didn’t get up again.

He propped himself up with his hands, his shoulders trembling slightly.

"Why..."

Wang Dayong choked out the word, slamming his fist into the ground.

This burly man, usually so arrogant and domineering, was now crying like a child.

Jiang Che froze.

He hadn’t expected this.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say and could only stand there in silence.

The surrounding apprentices also fell quiet.

No one laughed, and no one spoke.

Even Luo Kun opened his eyes, gazing at the scene from a distance, lost in thought.

Jiang Che took a deep breath and reached out a hand to pull Wang Dayong up.

But the other man violently shook off his hand, scrambled to his feet, and rushed out of the Martial Arts Hall without a backward glance.

Jiang Che watched his retreating back, his feelings complicated.

He hadn’t wanted it to be like this, but the Martial Dao was just that cruel.

A win was a win. There was no why.

Suddenly, he felt a stir in his heart.

During the fight just now, he had once again felt that trace of Qi Blood, clearer than the day before!

Although it vanished in an instant, this time, he was certain it wasn’t an illusion.

’Heart Stream... it really can help me break through to Qi Blood!’