Chapter 74: Battle

Early the next morning, Ke Bei, clad in a silver battle suit, walked slowly along the gravel path toward the bluestone battle platform east of the Genius Training Camp dormitories at the foot of Mist-Gold Mountain. He was accompanied by Luo Ling, Xiao Jiu, and Luo Han.

The entire platform was crafted from bluestone, its deep, heavy hue evoking a sense of ancient simplicity. Standing beneath the massive platform, one felt a faint pressure emanating from its presence.

Ke Bei’s challenge to Zhao Gang, ranked thirty-first on the Azure Dragon List, had not drawn much attention. Perhaps the other geniuses were busy cultivating, or perhaps battles at Ke Bei’s level failed to pique their interest. In any case, only a handful of people stood beneath the vast bluestone platform at this moment.

As Ke Bei and his companions approached, a man also dressed in silver battle attire glanced at him. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest, about one point seven meters tall, his shoulders broad and his build exceptionally robust.

“That’s Zhao Gang. He’s incredibly strong—don’t try to go head-to-head with him,” Luo Han cautioned Ke Bei, his gaze lingering on the sturdy figure.

“Understood.” Ke Bei followed Luo Han’s glance, looked at Zhao Gang, then nodded, exhaling softly as he ascended the bluestone steps to the platform.

The bluestone platform was square, one hundred meters on each side—spacious and imposing. Ke Bei stepped onto it, gazing at the empty, stone-forged expanse, tightening his fists with determination.

No matter who his opponent was, he must win! The quota for entering the Tower of Ascension this month would belong to him—Ke Bei. Anyone who stood in his way, he would stamp beneath his feet with all his might!

“Haha, an interesting newcomer!” Zhao Gang hammered his rock-like chest, giving Ke Bei a sidelong glance. With a sudden stomp, his calf muscles tensed, and his immense explosive power propelled him forward—his burly figure shot onto the platform like a cannonball.

“You’re intriguing. Rarely do I see a newcomer like you,” Zhao Gang said with a genuine smile, his eyes free of disdain. He was a straightforward man, governed by a single principle:

If you are stronger than me, I will respect you.
If you are weaker, that’s your concern—not mine.
Who is stronger or weaker? Only a fight will reveal the truth.

Zhao Gang’s honest nature won him many friends. Because of his sincerity, he faced every opponent with full effort, never underestimating anyone.

Strength isn’t proven by words, nor by your ranking on the Azure Dragon List. Only through battle is the truth revealed!

Ke Bei smiled faintly, sensing the sincerity and simple fighting spirit in Zhao Gang’s eyes. Relaxing his clenched fists, the heaviness in his heart lightened considerably.

Such an opponent was admirable. No arrogance—only genuine intent to battle! Ke Bei relished this atmosphere; combat should be purely about fighting, untainted by unnecessary distractions.

“Come, let’s fight to our hearts’ content today!” Ke Bei clenched his fists, channeling the Nine Yang Divine Power into his legs. In an instant, his Ripple Step reached its limit.

Boom! Boom!

Two terrifying sonic booms resounded. Ke Bei’s afterimage lingered where he had stood, but his fist had already reached Zhao Gang.

“What speed!” Zhao Gang’s pupils contracted in surprise, but he remained unfazed. He stomped hard, and earthy yellow energy surged forth.

As the energy spread, Ke Bei suddenly felt his body grow heavy. He stumbled, his fist dropping to the side.

“Haha! No matter how fast you are, it’s useless against me!” Zhao Gang laughed, his earth-glowing fist crashing toward the unsteady Ke Bei.

Boom!

With terrifying force, Zhao Gang’s punch swept forward, powerful and relentless.

Watching the incoming fist, Ke Bei’s brows furrowed. It felt as if a mountain pressed upon him, rendering his agile Ripple Step useless. Dodging was no longer possible!

“If I can’t evade, then I won’t!” Ke Bei clenched his fist, arm muscles swelling, bones crackling. He crouched slightly and launched his own punch to meet Zhao Gang’s.

Bang!

With a sound like muffled thunder, Ke Bei’s expression changed. A tremendous force surged through his fist, sending him uncontrollably backward.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

He retreated three steps, each leaving a deep footprint in the bluestone floor.

“Such strength!” Ke Bei shook his numb fist, his face serious. He had lost in raw power. Looking at Zhao Gang’s earth-glowing fist, Ke Bei’s eyes burned with fighting spirit. Zhao Gang’s innate ability must greatly amplify his strength; otherwise, he could not possess such formidable power.

“Haha, little brother, your strength is impressive!” Zhao Gang’s massive frame stood unmoving, his legs like stone pillars rooted firmly.

“Again!” Ke Bei slowly drew the saber slung across his back, stomping hard. His muscles rippled in a strange frequency as he leapt high, slashing down at Zhao Gang.

Boom!

The saber crashed against Zhao Gang’s earth-encased fist. With a resounding boom, Zhao Gang retreated a step, while Ke Bei was sent flying backward.

“Excellent!” Zhao Gang exclaimed, swaying slightly before stomping the ground. Two deep footprints appeared on the platform. Earth-yellow energy erupted, a powerful aura spreading rapidly.

“Haha, now I’ll go all out—be careful!” Sensing the fierce momentum radiating from Zhao Gang, Ke Bei twisted his neck, raising his saber before his chest.

“Let’s fight!”

The earth-yellow energy condensed, and in moments, Zhao Gang was clad in a heavy armor of earth.

“Fivefold Thunder Slash!”

With a low roar, muscles bulged as Nine Yang Divine Power surged into Ke Bei’s arms. A terrifying force exploded forth. Ke Bei leapt into the air and slashed at Zhao Gang.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

The saber sliced through the wind, five rapid slashes in succession, each faster than the last. As the fifth strike landed, the five forces merged into one.

A massive, chilling power cleaved through the air, accompanied by a piercing sound. Ke Bei’s saber struck Zhao Gang’s heavy earth armor with thunderous might.

Crack! Crack!

Sharp, crisp sounds rang out as spiderweb-like cracks appeared in the armor. With a soft bang, the earth-yellow armor shattered.

Ps: Thanks to readers 121018105907842, Supreme Ultimate, moose, Mu Yi, Remnant Moon, Ah Jiu, Wind~Se, Turbulent World, for your generous support. I have nothing to give in return but to strive to write this book well.