Chapter 13: Clash of Styles—Jiang Cheng vs Fang Zhi

The tournament grounds buzzed with excitement as the quarterfinals were set to begin. The remaining sixteen disciples stood tall, each of them determined to claim victory. Among them, Jiang Cheng stood calmly, his mind steady as a mountain.

His path was clear—defeat all who stood in his way.

The elder overseeing the tournament raised his voice. "The first match of the quarterfinals—Jiang Cheng vs. Fang Zhi!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

"The two most promising dark horses, facing each other already?"

"This will be a battle to remember!"

Jiang Cheng stepped onto the stage, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. Opposite him stood Fang Zhi, gripping his long spear. Unlike the arrogance of others, Fang Zhi radiated pure fighting spirit.

"I was hoping for this match," Fang Zhi said, spinning his spear effortlessly. "I want to see how my spear fares against your fists."

Jiang Cheng nodded. "Then let's find out."

The elder raised his hand. "Begin!"

---

The Dance of the Spear and the Fist

Whoosh!

Before the words even faded, Fang Zhi lunged forward, his spear thrusting like a viper striking its prey.

Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed. Fast!

He twisted his body, barely dodging the razor-sharp tip. Before he could counter, Fang Zhi spun the spear in an arc, slashing toward his midsection.

Jiang Cheng raised his arm, reinforcing it with Qi, and blocked the attack with his forearm. The impact sent a shockwave rippling across the platform, forcing Jiang Cheng back a step.

Fang Zhi didn't let up. He stepped forward, spear blurring as he unleashed a barrage of strikes. Each attack was precise, carrying immense force.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Jiang Cheng dodged, weaved, and deflected with his bare hands, his movements fluid like a river flowing around rocks. But he couldn't stay on the defensive forever.

He had to attack.

---

Breaking Through the Storm

Jiang Cheng waited for an opening. Then, in an instant, he rushed forward, dodging beneath a spear thrust and closing the distance.

Fang Zhi's eyes widened. Too close!

Jiang Cheng struck with a powerful palm, aiming for Fang Zhi's chest. But at the last moment, Fang Zhi twisted his spear, using the shaft to absorb the blow.

BAM!

The force of the impact sent Fang Zhi skidding backward. He exhaled sharply, his arms trembling slightly.

"You're stronger than I expected," Fang Zhi admitted. "But…"

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"Let's see if you can handle this—Tempest Spear Technique: Raging Storm!"

Fang Zhi spun his spear at blinding speed, creating a vortex of wind and Qi. His attacks became a hurricane of thrusts and sweeps, each one sharper and faster than before.

Jiang Cheng exhaled. So this is his true strength.

Instead of retreating, he stepped forward.

Fang Zhi struck, but Jiang Cheng didn't dodge. He moved into the storm, weaving between spear strikes, his instincts guiding him through the chaos.

Then, he saw it. The opening.

"Mountain Splitting Palm!"

Jiang Cheng's palm shot forward, infused with overwhelming Qi.

BOOM!

His attack collided with the center of Fang Zhi's spear technique. The impact shattered the vortex of wind, sending a shockwave across the stage.

Fang Zhi was blown backward, his feet dragging against the stone platform. He barely managed to stay standing, his spear trembling in his hands.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"What just happened?!"

"Jiang Cheng shattered the Tempest Spear Technique?!"

Fang Zhi took a deep breath, then let out a laugh. "I surrender."

The elder nodded. "Winner—Jiang Cheng!"

---

New Respect, New Rivalries

Fang Zhi walked up to Jiang Cheng and extended a hand. "That was incredible. I'll challenge you again someday."

Jiang Cheng shook his hand. "I'll be waiting."

As he stepped down from the stage, he felt a familiar, chilling gaze. He turned to see Mo Tian, watching him with a cruel smile.

Their battle was approaching.

And Jiang Cheng knew—it would be unlike any fight before.

[End of Chapter]