The Way of Restraint

Chapter 168: Who Can Rival You in the Arena?

After saying these seven words, Liu Guanglie turned and left: “Jinchuan, material pursuits are important, but if you reach a higher level of spiritual understanding, you’ll experience something different. If you encounter Feng Hengyi in this competition, what I just said might help you escape unscathed. That kid isn’t human at heart; he’s a beast.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand, preventing Zhang Jinchuan from following.

In the courtyard, Su Jie and Zhang Manman saw Zhang Jinchuan return, their expressions and demeanor noticeably different, as if he had acquired some kind of unparalleled secret technique.

Seeing him like this, Su Jie didn’t dare ask him.

Because Liu Guanglie was outside teaching Zhang Jinchuan something, the meaning was clear: he didn’t want him to hear.

He didn’t mind at all, finding it normal.

After all, Zhang Jinchuan was Liu Guanglie’s true successor.

Moreover, Liu Guanglie had clearly realized that his coach was Odell, and he probably didn’t want the core knowledge to be known by foreigners.

“Jinchuan, what did the old principal pass on to you? Don’t hide it, tell us. It will greatly benefit our victory over Feng Hengyi,” Zhang Manman asked directly. “These days, knowledge is shared.”

“This…” Zhang Jinchuan hesitated.

“Knowledge is shared, but it also has intellectual property rights,” Su Jie laughed. “Minglun Martial Arts Academy makes money from intellectual property. Let’s get some rest and prepare for tomorrow’s match. Actually, losing isn’t a big deal; there will be plenty of opportunities later. The most important thing is to protect ourselves and not let Feng Hengyi use dirty tricks. He uses a lot of underhanded tactics in the ring.”

“I know that,” Zhang Jinchuan hesitated for a moment, but still didn’t say anything.

The three of them went back to their rooms to sleep.

The next morning, they got up and warmed up, not changing their routine because of the match. Zhang Jinchuan was practicing the Minglun Daoyin Technique. His movements were slower, but they possessed a unique charm. 

Su Jie felt he was more natural, every movement fluid and effortless, a significant improvement after Liu Guanglie’s guidance the previous day.

However, Su Jie felt his gains were also considerable. He had seen the real Liu Guanglie and keenly perceived the secrets of the Living Dead realm from him.

In fact, he also had his own unique understanding of the realm of mental fortitude.

If he could sever the “consciousness” among the six senses, he should be able to successfully enter this realm.

After finishing their morning training and having breakfast, the three of them took a nap to recharge before heading to the competition venue for the second day’s matches.

After the first day’s eliminations, many professional players from various clubs were already out, but many remained—the remaining players were all formidable.

The elimination rounds would last three days, followed by the final three days of the finals, a duel between the top ten.

That would be the truly exciting moment.

Even tenth place would receive hundreds of thousands in prize money. “Su Jie of Diandao Martial Arts, Zhong Fazheng of Minglun Martial Arts Academy.”

Soon, it was Su Jie’s turn.

His opponent this time was actually a master sent by Minglun Martial Arts Academy. The contestant before him was eighteen or nineteen years old, about the same age as Su Jie, with similar height and weight, a square face, and a very proper, upright appearance.

In physiognomy, such people are considered to have a righteous attitude, be impartial, proceed cautiously, and accumulate small gains into great ones.

They walk step by step, steadily and practically.

Su Jie used to be that kind of person.

“I’ve read this person’s profile. He’s said to be the most outstanding student at Minglun Martial Arts Academy, having participated in many national competitions and achieved excellent results. According to senior coaches in the industry, in two or three years, when he’s in his twenties, with mature technique, experience, and mentality, he could take over Liu Long’s position.” 

Su Jie had seen Zhong Fazheng’s information on the Minglun Martial Arts Academy website, even his video matches, and had even purchased his training videos. This man’s boxing, kicking, wrestling, ground fighting, grappling, and even his performance skills were all incredibly comprehensive. His physical condition and mindset were relaxed, showing no tension whatsoever during the match.

He was a true champion in the ring.

At this moment, facing this man, Su Jie nodded.

Zhong Fazheng returned the smile, and the two exchanged fist bumps.

During the fist bump, Su Jie sensed that this man was in excellent form, possessing a relaxed and carefree air, which surprisingly made Su Jie feel a sense of unease.

“This Zhong Fazheng will surely achieve great things in the future,” Su Jie thought to himself.

“Begin!” the foreign referee announced.

Su Jie moved first.

He immediately closed in, advancing like a forest, unstoppable.

He didn’t use a typical fighting stance with his arms outstretched, like a crescent moon held in his arms, flanking forward—a method that opened his defenses wide, extremely dangerous.

But when he executed it, it was like a whale swallowing the sea.

His speed was incredible.

Direct pressure, grappling, and a throw.

Boom!

Just as Su Jie was about to grapple, Zhong Fazheng crouched down, shrinking in size, delivering two consecutive knee kicks while simultaneously slashing out with two elbows. This entire sequence was completed in less than a second.

The strongest close-range attacks are the knee and elbow, and also the best way to counter a grappling move.

Zhong Fazheng unleashed his power in an instant, his speed and force as explosive as a porcupine raising its quills as an enemy approaches!

Seeing Su Jie about to collide with his knees and elbows, Zhong Fazheng thought he would stop.

But unexpectedly, Su Jie used his body like an iron cavalry, directly ramming into him.

Thud thud thud thud…

The knees and elbows all struck Su Jie’s body, the sounds dull and muffled, like striking hundreds of layers of leather. The force couldn’t penetrate them; instead, it rebounded back, causing Zhong Fazheng to lose his balance.

“Miscalculation.” At this moment, Zhong Fazheng knew he had miscalculated and lost his chance. He hadn’t expected that a person’s physical strength could be so great as to withstand his elbows and knees head-on, something even Liu Long couldn’t do, yet Su Jie could.

His center of gravity was disrupted by Su Jie’s impact.

In a battle between experts, victory or defeat is decided in an instant.

Su Jie had already grabbed his waist and abdomen, lifting him up sharply, but instead of slamming him down, he gently lowered him.

He didn’t want to use the same wrestling techniques he used on Xiong Zhiguang on Zhong Fazheng. This was a promising talent; if he got injured in the match, even after recovery, it would more or less hinder his future development. It was better to avoid any injury at all.

Like Shen Dao, who had suffered too many injuries, if he engaged in strenuous exercise and his energy was heightened for too long, his old injuries would be aggravated, causing his stamina to drop and his movements to be greatly hampered.

“I lost,” Zhong Fazheng conceded defeat after being put down by Su Jie.

He knew that when Su Jie lifted him up, he had already lost. If Su Jie had used a slam, he would have broken at least a few bones by now.

Su Jie rubbed the areas where he had been hit, and the pain subsided instantly. His current physical condition meant that even Zhong Fazheng couldn’t break through his defenses.

The outcome of the fight remained largely undecided.

“Hmm?” At this moment, both Liu Long and Feng Hengyi paid special attention to Su Jie.

Especially Liu Long. He hadn’t initially noticed this seemingly insignificant martial arts practitioner, but he had taken notice of Zhong Fazheng, a student from Minglun Martial Arts Academy ten years his junior. Zhong Fazheng was indeed very skilled and could definitely replace him in the future.

But Zhong Fazheng had actually lost, and defeated so cleanly and decisively.

“This Su Jie’s physical condition is so resilient? Is it some kind of hard qigong? But these kinds of martial arts require internal energy; if someone strikes a specific area, in a complex fight, a feint can easily knock him out. He can apply hard qigong to combat; even I would have a hard time defeating him… When did such a powerful young man emerge?” Liu Long was twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, still considered young, but Su Jie was ten years younger, making him seem old in comparison.

Feng Hengyi’s eyes grew increasingly cold, indicating that Su Jie had earned his respect, and his killing intent intensified.

He sensed that Su Jie was different yesterday compared to today; he was clearly a level stronger. Such a change overnight—what would happen in a few months, or even a year and a half?

“It seems I must nip this in the bud,” Feng Hengyi rubbed his hands.

After defeating Zhong Fazheng, Su Jie returned to his seat to rest, watching the other fighters. 

Zhang Jinchuan’s opponent was also strong, a national-level professional fighter, yet he was easily defeated.

Compared to yesterday, Zhang Jinchuan moved with effortless ease. His casual punches and kicks completely suppressed his opponent’s attacks, leaving him unharmed. His opponents didn’t even have a chance to land a hit. Within a few rounds, he completely controlled the situation and finished them off.

It was practically a game of unequal strength.

“Dian Dao Martial Arts Su Jie, Haoyu Sports Qian Zheng.” Su Jie’s fifth match had arrived, and he unexpectedly encountered an acquaintance again.

His old high school classmate, Qian Zheng.

On the ring, Qian Zheng looked at Su Jie: “Su Jie, this is our first official match in the ring.”

“Qian Zheng, it’s not too late to pull back from the brink.” Su Jie frowned, sensing the bloodthirsty aura emanating from Qian Zheng. This classmate had likely fought in underground boxing matches, undergoing brutal combat.

Although such combat training, once completed, could lead to faster progress than three years of arduous training.

An ancient boxing manual has a saying: “One battle on the battlefield is worth ten years of hard training.”

“You want to lecture me?” Qian Zheng laughed: “Defeat me first. This time, I won’t lose to you again.”

The referee ignored their conversation, as calm as a robot, and immediately began the fight.

Boom!

Su Jie was in front of Qian Zheng in a single step, grabbing him around the waist. Even though Qian Zheng had tried many techniques, he couldn’t escape this takedown.

Qian Zheng was spun around like a windmill by Su Jie, then crashed to the ground, immediately losing consciousness.

“When you wake up, I hope you’ll understand,” Su Jie said, his actions measured; Qian Zheng’s fainting spell was only temporary. (G: savage.)