Chapter 27: The Second Grade Martial Arts Consummation

Descending from the competition stage, Dustin Li steadied himself, his calmness a stark contrast to the storm of admiration, envy, and awe that surrounded him. It was clear that after this match, his performance would attract the attention of the higher-ups in the martial arts hall. He might even be accepted into the advanced elite class, granted exceptional martial arts resources, and treated as a prized pupil.

A few students, who had barely spoken to him before, rushed over to make their introductions.

"Dustin Li, I didn't expect you to improve so quickly. It's my sixteenth birthday in two days. Would you come and join the celebration?" Emery Liu's voice carried with an inviting sweetness. Her smile was radiant, eyes glistening like jewels—pure and dazzling. She spoke with excitement.

Dustin Li's brow furrowed slightly. "I still need to train. I'm afraid I won't have time. I apologize."

He remembered that he once harbored feelings for her, but over time, he realized that this noble young woman was far too pragmatic. The charm of her beauty was evident to all, but Dustin had no desire to engage in further interaction with her.

Emery Liu stood there, a slight tension in her face, clearly caught off guard by his rejection. With her beauty, many had bent over backward to earn her favor, and Dustin Li had once been one of those hopefuls. Her pride stung now, as she retreated, embarrassed.

Dustin Li gave her little attention, his focus entirely on his own path. He understood by now that in this world, power was everything—if he reached the pinnacle of martial arts, what woman would not come to him?

"You don't know how lucky you are, Emery personally invited you!" Jeth, the son of a powerful family, couldn't hold back, stepping forward to defend her. His face flushed red in frustration.

Dustin Li's gaze was cold as he locked eyes with Jeth, his voice sharp. "You are nothing but a spoiled brat who flaunts your family's wealth. You should keep your mouth shut."

"Who are you calling a brat?" Jeth's anger flared, his face turning crimson.

"Am I wrong? You've swallowed countless medicinal pills and wasted a fortune on advanced martial arts just to reach the seventh level at seventeen. You're too afraid to even join a martial arts competition. What kind of warrior are you?" Dustin sneered.

A few years ago, in the library, Jeth had given Dustin Li a haughty look and even warned him to stay away from Emery Liu. Now, with Dustin Li's strength far outpacing his own, he found the man easy to dismiss. In the martial arts hall, where strength spoke louder than words, Jeth's presence meant little.

"Dustin Li, you're asking for trouble!" Jeth hissed, furious.

"You want to try me?" Dustin Li's smile was cold and mocking. "You're not even worthy of landing a blow on me."

"Just wait," Jeth spat, his fists clenched. "You think you're untouchable just because you've reached the ninth level of body refining. There's always someone stronger out there."

With that, Jeth stormed off, fuming, and made his way to a young man standing nearby—a figure dressed in white, with a sword strapped to his waist. His sharp eyes glittered as he turned to face Jeth.

"That Dustin Li humiliated me," Jeth said, his voice full of spite. "Cousin, you have to help me teach him a lesson."

The young man, Shane, was about eighteen, with a composed and determined air. He ranked fourth on the strength rankings, his skills widely known. "Dustin Li?" he raised an eyebrow, disinterested. "He's just another kid with too much luck. But if you want, I'll take care of him."

Jeth smirked. "Be ruthless. Break him. When I take over the family, I'll make sure to reward you handsomely."

Shane simply nodded, his thoughts already elsewhere. Despite his talent, his family background wasn't as prestigious as the Xu family's. To reach the peak of martial arts, he knew he needed their backing. But defeating Dustin Li would be a stepping stone to gaining more influence.

The competition continued, with Dustin Li advancing smoothly through each round. His prowess was undeniable, but soon, it would be time to face Shane, the fourth-ranked elite.

Shane, however, had been watching Dustin Li's performance closely. "This boy's movement and boxing techniques are impressive," Shane mused to himself. "But his swordsmanship is still unrefined. He's only been practicing for two months—there's no way he's mastered it."

As the rounds progressed, Dustin Li continued to dominate, dispatching each opponent with relative ease, leaving the audience in awe. He had reached the top five in the competition, and the murmurs around the arena were all about his performance.

"Shane's probably a better match for Dustin Li," some in the crowd speculated. "Dustin's Dragon Tiger Fist and Inch Step are second-grade at best. His power is impressive, but Shane's techniques are stronger."

The top competitors, like Troy, the current number one, had no difficulty advancing, many of their opponents conceding without a fight. Troy was rumored to be under the direct guidance of the Martial Hall's master and was expected to break through to Energy Gathering before the age of nineteen.

"Seventeen or eighteen, that's the age everyone must reach Energy Gathering to be considered for Salmoris," someone whispered. "Only then can you be eligible for the outer discipleship."

Salmoris, a martial arts sect, was renowned across the entire Xandoria County. It was the goal of every aspiring warrior, and Dustin Li wasn't any different. At fourteen, he was already on the cusp of becoming a top-tier warrior. If he could break through the final barrier, he would certainly qualify for the sect's assessment.

The tension in the arena heightened as the match between Dustin Li and Shane was about to begin.

"Dustin Li, this ends now," Shane said with a smug grin. "You're outclassed."

Dustin Li's eyes narrowed, assessing Shane's stance. He was calm, unperturbed by the intimidation.

Shane unsheathed his sword in one swift motion, a flash of cold light as he took the first strike. "Drawing Knife Technique!" The blade moved like lightning, aiming to strike Dustin Li before he could react.

With a subtle movement, Dustin Li sidestepped the attack, the blade missing his scalp by mere inches.

The crowd gasped, their eyes widening. Dustin Li had evaded the strike effortlessly. His body technique was flawless, his reaction swift and calculated.

"Hmph, you think you can dodge every strike?" Shane's sneer deepened, and he continued his assault. He unleashed his Seven-Star Sword Technique, the blade flashing like a constellation in the night sky, each strike coming faster than the last.

Dustin Li's movements were a blur, his body slipping past each slash with graceful precision. The audience could hardly keep up with the speed at which he moved.

Shane's frustration mounted as his strikes missed their mark again and again. Finally, Dustin Li saw his opening—Shane's stance faltered, his guard slipping.

"Bang!" Dustin Li's fist connected with Shane's shoulder, sending him staggering back.

Shane's face turned a deep shade of red as he reeled from the blow. His composure shattered. He rushed in again, his attacks wild and unfocused.

Dustin Li smirked. "Is this all you've got?"

With a final, decisive strike, Dustin Li sent Shane flying from the stage, his body landing heavily on the ground below. The match was over.

The crowd erupted in astonishment.

"What a move! Shane couldn't even land a blow!"

"His movements are flawless—he's invincible!"

Shane lay on the ground, stunned, unable to believe that he had been defeated so easily.

Above the arena, an elder watched with keen interest. "This Dustin Li, at only fourteen, has the mindset and skill of a battle-hardened master. His potential is limitless."

Another elder chuckled. "Indeed. But someone like him, without the proper guidance, could be wasted in this small martial arts hall. He deserves better."

The martial hall master spoke with a knowing smile. "He's right. Dustin Li has far surpassed his peers. The path forward for him lies with Salmoris."

As the crowd continued to murmur, it was clear that Dustin Li's journey was just beginning.