Chapter 160: A Single Punch to the Face

Chapter 160: A Single Punch to the Face

Jiang Xiao froze for a moment before narrowing his eyes and sneering. "What did you just say?"

"I said, get out here and show me how many moves it takes for your so-called seniority to crumble before me," Mu Feng replied coldly.

"You're challenging me? Ha! Did you all hear that? This rookie wants to challenge me!" Jiang Xiao burst into laughter.

The Challenge Draws Attention

"This rookie challenging Jiang Xiao? Now that's something to watch. Sure, Jiang Xiao's a joke for failing two Tier-One missions, but he's still a Condensed Core cultivator," said one bystander.

"Exactly. He might not be top-tier, but a new student stands no chance. This challenge is just asking for humiliation," another added, smirking.

"You can see why Jiang Xiao's picking on them, though," someone else noted. "Failing those missions made him a laughingstock. Seeing these rookies succeed where he failed must sting. He's trying to regain his pride by stomping on them."

Jiang Xiao glared at Mu Feng. "Are you sure you want to challenge me?" he asked, a trace of disbelief in his voice.

Mu Feng smirked. "Why not? A worthless person like you, incapable of recognizing the efforts of others, is hardly untouchable. Do you think you're on the Tianyun Leaderboard?"

Stepping Outside

"Fine," Jiang Xiao said, his face darkening. "For that, I'll break your teeth today."

Jiang Xiao stormed out of the Mission Hall, with Mu Feng and Bai Ziyue following close behind. A curious crowd of students trailed them, eager to witness the spectacle.

The two opponents stood on an open field outside the hall, about ten meters apart. Jiang Xiao cracked his knuckles, his face twisting into a grin. "Today, I'll teach you what respect for your seniors means."

Mu Feng's expression remained icy. "Respect? Someone like you doesn't even deserve the word."

"You'll see. Once you're lying on the ground, let's see if your mouth is still so sharp," Jiang Xiao snapped.

"Hey, Jiang Xiao!" one of the spectators called out. "How many moves will it take you to handle this rookie?"

"Ten moves at most!" someone else laughed.

"Ten? If Jiang Xiao takes more than five, he's wasted six years here!" another jeered.

Jiang Xiao sneered. "Five? One move is all I'll need!"

The Fight Begins

With a burst of red energy crackling around him, Jiang Xiao launched forward, the ground trembling underfoot. A fiery aura surrounded his fist as he roared:

"Blazing Flame Fist!"

A crimson flame streaked toward Mu Feng like a blazing meteor. The punch carried undeniable force, designed to overwhelm his opponent in a single strike.

But Mu Feng stood his ground, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"Thunderstep Triple Boost!"

With three consecutive stomps, the power of Mu Feng's Thunderstep technique surged through him, tripling his momentum. Lightning danced along his limbs, mingling with fiery red energy as he roared:

"Nine Flames Burst Fist!"

A blazing fist wreathed in lightning collided with Jiang Xiao's fiery punch, shaking the air with a deafening explosion. Shockwaves rippled outward, scattering dust and forcing onlookers to shield their eyes.

A Stunning Victory

"Break!" Mu Feng shouted, throwing a second punch.

His fist shattered Jiang Xiao's flame and crashed into his body with unrelenting force.

"Argh!" Jiang Xiao cried out, his protective energy shattering under the blow. The impact sent him flying ten meters through the air before he crashed to the ground, tumbling several more meters before coming to a halt. His chest was scorched black, and sparks of lightning danced across his trembling body.

Silence fell over the crowd as they stared, dumbfounded.

"He... He took him down in one punch?" someone finally stammered.

"No way! Jiang Xiao might be weak, but he's still Condensed Core. How could a rookie without Condensed Core strength defeat him?"

"This isn't possible!" another muttered, shaking their head.

Collecting the Debt

Mu Feng lowered his fist, his aura fading. With calm, deliberate steps, he walked toward Jiang Xiao, who lay coughing up blood and staring wide-eyed at his opponent.

"Y-You... How can you be this strong? What kind of demonic technique are you using?" Jiang Xiao stammered, trying to crawl backward.

"Demonic technique?" Mu Feng scoffed. "You're pathetic. You lose, and instead of reflecting on your weakness, you make excuses. People like you will never accomplish anything."

Reaching down, Mu Feng grabbed Jiang Xiao by the collar and hoisted him into the air.

"Hand over the credits you owe me. Now," he commanded, his voice like ice.

Submission and a Warning

Suspended in Mu Feng's iron grip, Jiang Xiao flailed helplessly. When his gaze met Mu Feng's cold, blood-red eyes, a chill ran down his spine. He felt as though he were staring into the abyss, at someone who cared little for laws or consequences.

"I-I'll give it to you! Take it!" Jiang Xiao croaked, his voice trembling.

Mu Feng tossed him aside like a sack of flour. Jiang Xiao scrambled to produce his crystal card, transferring the agreed-upon 3,000 credits to Mu Feng's account.

Pocketing the card, Mu Feng turned to the silent crowd. His gaze swept over the onlookers, lingering on each of their stunned faces.

"Remember this," he said, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge. "If any of you think you can find your so-called 'senior superiority' by challenging me, I'll give you the harshest lesson in disappointment."

Some students bristled, and one barked: "Don't get cocky, rookie! If you're so tough, why don't you prove it on the Blood Arena?"

"That's right! Beating Jiang Xiao means nothing. Show us what you've got on the Blood Arena!" another challenged.

Mu Feng smirked faintly. "I'll be there soon enough. I just hope you remember your words when I do."

With that, he turned and left with Bai Ziyue, leaving the stunned crowd behind.

Observers in the Sky

High above the commotion, two figures hovered in the air, their presence unnoticed. They had watched everything unfold with keen interest.

"So that's the new student everyone's talking about," one murmured.

"Interesting," said the other. "Very interesting."