Chapter 26: The Body Method is Completed, Into the Microscopic

The competition at the Martial Hall was set up by drawing lots, and luck played a significant role in the matchups. Some opponents were evenly matched, while others revealed vast disparities in strength. On the martial arts stage, swords, lights, and weapons like spears and staffs clashed fiercely.

In most cases, a single move could determine the outcome. A young man named Daxton held his knife but did not unsheath it. The competitors were all martial artists at the seventh level of body refinement or above, with talents far surpassing ordinary martial students, making this a competition of considerable skill.

The atmosphere under the stage was vibrant, with many students from Martial Hall cheering for their favorites. The first round of the knockout was quick, and soon, it was Dustin Li's turn to compete.

"Competition Platform No. 3, Number Ninety-Eight!"

Snapped!

A young man stomped the ground, his body spinning mid-air before landing lightly on the stage. The audience clapped, recognizing his movement technique as a third-grade body technique with impressive Light Skill.

By contrast, Dustin Li's entrance was far simpler—he made a slight jump and landed softly on the stage. His opponent, a thin young man, sneered when he saw Dustin Li. "You're Dustin Li, the one who got promoted to the intermediate class and defeated Jude Zhang, right?"

Dustin Li gave a simple nod, but his opponent, interpreting the silence as disdain, grew annoyed.

"This guy thinks just because he beat Jude Zhang, he's invincible. You're no match for me!" he thought, already confident in his victory.

The young man dashed forward, raising his hand to release a cold beam—a flying knife aimed at Dustin Li. It was a sharp, concealed weapon designed to catch the opponent off guard.

However, Dustin Li barely reacted, shifting his body ever so slightly as the knife whizzed just an inch away from his chest. The movement was so precise that it appeared as though he had not even tried.

To anyone else, it might seem like a fluke, but to the experienced elders watching from the attic, it was a different story.

"Great body technique—within a millimeter?" Jeremy exclaimed, clearly impressed.

This technique, known as 'penetration,' required incredible precision. One tiny error could result in a hit, but Dustin Li had executed it flawlessly. Before his opponent could react, Dustin Li's feet shifted, and with the wind-like speed, he appeared in front of him, striking with a palm.

Bang!

The young man was sent crashing off the stage.

"Dustin Li!" the referee announced.

Frustrated and humiliated, his opponent muttered under his breath, "I almost got him with that flying knife…"

"It's no disgrace to lose to someone who defeated Jude Zhang, who was at the eighth level of body refinement," a companion said, trying to comfort him.

Dustin Li stepped down, unfazed. His opponent, at the seventh level of body training, had been far too weak to pose a challenge.

The competition quickly moved into the second round, and Dustin Li drew lot number 'Thirteen.' He was once again up against a martial disciple of the seventh level of body refinement.

Without wasting any time, Dustin Li surged forward, his figure flashing, and with a single palm strike, his opponent was sent off the stage. Much like his first match, Dustin Li relied purely on his movement techniques to dominate, not even needing to draw his sword.

"This kid is too arrogant. Does he really think he's invincible just because of his movement skills?" some spectators whispered.

"He must be good at movement techniques, but his martial skills and internal energy are definitely not impressive. If he meets a real master, those movement skills will be useless," others speculated.

After the second round, the competition was narrowed to more than seventy contestants, and Dustin Li advanced to the third round. This time, his opponent was a young man in a cyan military uniform, carrying a black iron spear on his back.

"Ah, Dustin Li is really unlucky to meet Ozzy in this round!" Jeth, an arrogant young man, said with a gloating smirk.

Emery Liu, standing nearby, frowned slightly at his words. "At least Dustin Li has the courage to compete. Winning two rounds already proves his strength. Even if he loses to Ozzy, it's not shameful."

"He's just lucky. His previous opponents were weak," Jeth retorted, clearly annoyed. Though Emery Liu was mocking him for not participating, he kept his temper in check, thinking, I'll show her who's in charge once she marries me!

Jeremy, observing from the attic, also seemed concerned. He knew Dustin Li had reached the eighth level of body refinement two months ago and that his Pure Yang Skills were impressive—likely pushing him to the ninth level. But Ozzy was no ordinary opponent. As the fifth-ranked martial artist in the hall, he was a formidable foe.

"Ozzy is at the peak of the ninth level of body refinement," Jeremy muttered, deeply evaluating the match ahead.

Still, the Lord of the Martial Hall and Maeve were confident in Dustin Li's ability. "Don't worry," Maeve said with a smile. "Dustin Li will manage."

Jeremy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Could this kid be hiding something?"

On the stage, the match began. Ozzy stood confidently, gazing down at Dustin Li. "You're no match for me. If you know what's good for you, surrender now and avoid getting hurt."

Dustin Li, unfazed, shook his head. Perhaps it was because he had been bullied by arrogant noble children in the past, but he hated that sort of condescending attitude. He couldn't resist expressing his disdain for Ozzy's words.

"Won't listen, huh? Then don't say I didn't warn you," Ozzy snapped, stepping forward with a faint energy around him, signaling his strength had peaked.

"Take this—Po Shan Fist!"

Ozzy's fist shot forward, powerful and quick, aimed straight at Dustin Li's chest. The inner energy crackled around his fist, whistling through the air.

Dustin Li did not move at first, then, with perfect timing, he took a half-step back. Ozzy's fist stopped, inches from his chest, the force expended in vain.

Ozzy frowned. How did he dodge that? Did he calculate that my punch would exhaust itself?

Dustin Li's calmness led Ozzy to realize that his opponent wasn't as easy as he had thought.

Without hesitation, Ozzy changed his attack, launching a rapid series of punches—Double Shadow Fist!

Fists rained down like shadows, quick and relentless. But Dustin Li's body swayed and darted, moving fluidly between the punches. No matter how fierce Ozzy's attacks became, Dustin Li avoided them with ease.

This is a magnificent body technique, honed to a precise degree, Jeremy thought, admiring Dustin Li's movements. To reach such a level at his age... not bad.

Meanwhile, on the stage, Dustin Li's movements continued to be fluid and effortless, evading every blow Ozzy threw. The crowd watched in awe.

But something else was happening. A wave of inner energy surged from Dustin Li, causing his aura to shift. A golden light surrounded him, signaling the full force of his inner energy.

"What!? Ninth level of body refinement? How is that possible?"

A collective gasp rose from the audience. Dustin Li had been at the eighth level just two months ago—how had he advanced so quickly?

Maeve and the Lord of the Martial Hall exchanged knowing glances. This speed of cultivation was remarkable but not unheard of in certain circles.

"He's a monster," Jeremy whispered in disbelief.

Ozzy, seeing his opponent's power surge, hesitated for a moment. But it was too late. Dustin Li was already in motion. With a light push, Ozzy's spear was deflected, and Dustin Li struck with a punch.

Bang!

The force of the blow sent Ozzy flying off the stage, crashing down with a thud.

The audience erupted in shock. Dustin Li had defeated Ozzy without even unsheathing his sword.

The referee announced Dustin Li's victory, and the crowd went wild. No one could believe the young man who had once been underestimated had just become the talk of the Martial Hall.

Dustin Li stood tall, his posture unwavering, as his victory marked the beginning of a new legend in Novaridge City. Those who had once doubted him were now inspired, seeing him as a beacon of hope. His rise from humble origins proved that anyone, no matter where they started, could reach extraordinary heights with hard work and perseverance.