24: Winter festival, part-2

The air was electric with anticipation as Wu Liang, the anchor, took the stage once again, his enthusiasm palpable.

Wu Liang,raised his voice to capture the crowd's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, our next challenge is a true test of strength! Each participant will strike a black iron bell with their fists, and they will be judged by the size of the dent they create."

A wave of dissatisfied murmurs swept through the spectators, questioning the fairness of such a demanding task. Sensing the unrest, Wu Liang quickly addressed the concerns.

"I understand your concerns, but rest assured, these bells are made of black iron, known for its incredible durability. This is a challenge that will separate the truly powerful from the rest."

The participants lined up, each one facing a formidable black iron bell. Rai Kan and Hi Ho watched intently, curious to see who would emerge victorious in this grueling test of strength.

One by one, the contestants stepped forward, their fists striking the bells with immense force. The sound of metal reverberated through the arena with each powerful blow. As the dents began to appear, it became evident who possessed the greatest strength.

When the dust settled, only twelve of the twenty-seven participants had managed to create significant dents in the bells, qualifying for the next round. Among them, a young warrior named Jin Zhen stood out. His strike had been so powerful that he completely broke his bell, leaving the crowd in awe.

"Congratulations to our qualifiers! And a special commendation to Jin Zhen for an extraordinary display of strength!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their dissatisfaction forgotten in the face of such an impressive feat. Rai Kan and Hi Ho exchanged looks of respect, recognizing the exceptional skill and power demonstrated in the challenge.

As the festival continued, the anticipation for the next round grew. The participants had proven their agility and strength, and the crowd eagerly awaited the next test that would push them even further.

The air was thick with anticipation as **Wu Liang** took the stage once again, his voice booming over the excited crowd.

**Wu Liang**: "Ladies and gentlemen, the next round is the one you've all been waiting for—a fighting tournament! Our remaining twelve participants will face off in a series of matches to determine the strongest among them."

The crowd roared in approval, eager to witness the fierce battles that lay ahead. The matches began, each one more intense than the last. Swords clashed, fists flew, and the ground trembled under the weight of the combatants' ferocity.

**Rai Kan** and **Hi Ho** watched from the sidelines, their eyes fixed on the warriors in the ring. The combatants fought with skill and determination, each seeking to prove their worth. As the tournament progressed, it became clear who the two final contenders would be.

On one side stood **Jin Zhen**, the young warrior who had shattered the black iron bell with his strength. His face was a mask of focus, his muscles tensed and ready for the final showdown.

On the other side was **Ryu Sho**, the personal disciple of the sect master, **Li Feng**. Ryu Sho was known for his exceptional skill and discipline, and his calm demeanor belied the deadly prowess he possessed.

**Wu Liang**: *Raising his voice to the crowd.* "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for! The final match between Jin Zhen and Ryu Sho!"

The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the two warriors stepped into the ring. They bowed to each other, a sign of respect before the battle commenced.

Ryu Sho, spoke with respect."Let's see if your strength matches your reputation, Jin Zhen."

Jin Zhen replies with a confidence"And let's see if you can live up to the legend of being sect master Li Feng's disciple."

The battle began with a blur of motion. Jin Zhen charged forward, his fists swinging with incredible force. Ryu Sho deftly dodged and parried, his movements fluid and precise. The ground shook with each impact as the two warriors exchanged blows.

Ryu Sho's technique was flawless, his strikes swift and calculated. He moved with the grace of a dancer, his body a blur of motion. Jin Zhen, on the other hand, relied on his brute strength, each punch delivered with bone-crushing power.

The crowd watched in awe as the fight raged on, the two combatants pushing each other to their limits. Neither one was willing to back down, their determination and skill evident in every move.

Rai Kan,"This is a true test of strength and skill. Both of them are remarkable warriors."

Hi Ho,nodded in agreement. "Indeed. This battle will determine not just the strongest, but the most resilient and skilled."

As the fight reached its climax, both Jin Zhen and Ryu Sho were showing signs of fatigue. Their movements slowed, but their determination never wavered. In a final, desperate clash, they charged at each other with everything they had left.

The impact was tremendous, the shockwave rippling through the arena. When the dust settled, only one warrior remained standing.

"And the winner is..."

The crowd held its breath, waiting for the announcement.

... Ryu Sho!"

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing through the arena. Ryu Sho stood tall, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Sect master Li Feng stepped forward, his presence commanding respect and silence from the audience.

**Li Feng**: "This concludes the Winter Festival. You have all displayed remarkable skill and dedication. I commend each of you."

As the crowd began to disperse, Ryu Sho suddenly stepped forward again, his eyes fixed on a figure in the crowd.

"Wait! This competition is not yet over."

The crowd murmured in confusion as Ryu Sho pointed towards Rai Kan, who was watching from the sidelines.

**Ryu Sho**: "I challenge Rai Kan to a battle. I wish to test the strength of the man acknowledged by our sect master."

The crowd fell silent, turning their eyes to Rai Kan. He sighed, stepping out from the crowd with a calm demeanor.

**Rai Kan**: "Are you sure you want this? It might not end well for you."

Ryu Sho, spoke with determination"I must see your strength for myself."

Realizing that words were futile, Rai Kan readied himself. He closed his eyes for a moment, then spoke in a low, powerful voice.

**Rai Kan**: "Primal Technique 1: Mountain Breaker."

In an instant, Rai Kan closed the distance between them. His fist shot forward, stopping just inches from Ryu Sho's face. The sheer force of his presence sent a shockwave of fear through Ryu Sho, his eyes wide with terror.

**Ryu Sho**: *spoke his voice trembling with fear.* "I... I admit defeat."

The crowd gasped, and then erupted into whispers and exclamations of awe. Rai Kan lowered his fist, his expression calm as he turned away.

On their way back to the inn, Hi Ho glanced at Rai Kan, curiosity in his eyes.

**Hi Ho**: "When did you learn that technique?"

**Rai Kan, spoke with a thoughtful expression.* "When we were fighting in the Claw of Crow, I realized my fighting style was too crude. I've spent our time here refining my techniques."

**Hi Ho**: "I see. It certainly made an impression."

As they continued their walk, the city buzzed with the day's events, and the legend of Rai Kan grew even larger among those who had witnessed his display of power.