NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Diamond Sutra Body
The entire arena was bustling with activity today, as the news of the battle between Zhang Hao and Zhao Gang spread like wildfire. The clash between an outer sect disciple and an inner sect disciple undoubtedly added an element of excitement to the usually monotonous cultivation routines of the cultivators.
The stands were packed with people, with over a hundred outer sect disciples alone, which, although only half of their number, was still an impressive sight. In addition to the outer sect disciples, the rare presence of inner sect disciples also graced the match with their attendance.
Zhang Hao stood in a corner of the training ground, taking a deep breath and feeling the surging power within him. This was his first official martial contest since joining Qingchuan Sect, and he was well aware that this battle could not afford any mistakes, especially for Lin Yue.
"Wow, there are more people than I imagined," Zhang Hao thought, feeling a bit apprehensive as hundreds of eyes were on him, a situation he had never conceived of in his previous life.
"Zhang Hao! I've finally found you," Zhang Hao turned his head and saw two figures approaching from the distance, one of them noticeably plumper. Upon closer inspection, a smile broke out on his face as he recognized Li Bao and Lin Yue.
"Li Bao, Lin Yue, you've arrived," Zhang Hao greeted them with a confident smile.
Li Bao panted as he ran over, his face flushed with excitement: "Zhang Hao, you must perform well today; I've placed quite a few bets on you!"
Lin Yue, on the other hand, looked worried, her eyes filled with concern: "Zhang Hao, you must be careful; Zhao Gang's strength should not be underestimated."
Zhang Hao nodded, his gaze resolute: "Don't worry, I already have a plan."
"It's okay, Zhang Hao. If you lose, it's just a temporary loss of face; soon no one will remember," Li Bao said with a worried expression.
"That's right. After all, Zhao Gang is an inner sect disciple. It's not too much to blame yourself if you lose," Lin Yue joked aside.
Zhang Hao was taken aback, thinking, "You two think I'm definitely going to lose, don't you?"
As the elder's command rang out, Zhang Hao and Zhao Gang stepped onto the arena together. The surrounding disciples ceased their activities, gathering to witness this contest between the outer sect disciples.
"Go, Zhang Hao!"
"Zhang Hao, I've bet a lot on you losing."
"Go, Senior Zhao Gang!"
"Senior Zhao Gang, don't lose face for the inner sect disciples!"
The audience cheered, and the match between Zhang Hao and Zhao Gang had become more than just a competition between two individuals; it had turned into a silent struggle between the outer and inner sects.
Zhao Gang's eyes were filled with disdain as he sneered at Zhang Hao: "Waste, today will be your last day at Qingchuan Sect."
Zhang Hao did not respond; his gaze was calm and resolute. He knew that verbal sparring would not determine the outcome of the battle; strength was the only answer.
"Clang!"
The battle officially began.
With the referee's signal, the duel commenced. Zhao Gang strode forward, his muscles rippling as he threw punches at Zhang Hao like sledgehammers.
Zhang Hao did not dare to relax; with a flicker of his figure, he managed to evade Zhao Gang's assault.
Zhao Gang's punches rained down around Zhang Hao, each blow carrying a deadly threat.
Zhang Hao's Phantom Steps were indeed exquisite, but under Zhao Gang's fierce offensive, he gradually felt the strain. He nearly got hit several times and had to block with his arms.
Feeling the numbing sensation in his hands, Zhang Hao's expression turned grave; he hadn't expected Zhao Gang's fists to be so domineering.
Zhao Gang, an inner sect disciple, cultivated a technique called "Diamond Sutra Body," a practice primarily focused on strengthening the physique. His physical toughness far exceeded that of his peers. The "Diamond Sutra Body" was not only a defensive technique; it significantly enhanced the practitioner's strength and speed. Each of Zhao Gang's strikes contained the power to shatter mountains and split boulders, putting immense pressure on Zhang Hao's defenses, causing his arms to go numb.
The audience held their breath, their gazes shifting between Zhang Hao and Zhao Gang. Outer sect disciples cheered for Zhang Hao, while inner sect disciples applauded every attack from Zhao Gang with fervor.
Li Bao clenched his fists nervously, his voice hoarse: "Zhang Hao, you must hold on!" Lin Yue bit her lips, her hands tightly clasped together, silently praying for Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao knew that if he didn't take action, he would not win this fight. He needed an opportunity, a chance to turn the tide.
After one of Zhao Gang's fierce attacks, Zhang Hao spotted a weakness in Zhao Gang's technique—there was a momentary pause in his movements when he exerted his strength to the fullest. Although this window was extremely brief, for an outer sect disciple like Zhang Hao, it was enough.
Taking a deep breath, Zhang Hao's figure became elusive, pushing his Phantom Steps to their limits. His presence flickered on the arena, making him unpredictable for Zhao Gang.
"Now!" Zhang Hao shouted inwardly. His figure appeared behind Zhao Gang in an instant after one of his attacks. But Zhao Gang seemed to have anticipated this; his back muscles tensed, forming a solid defense.
Zhang Hao's strike landed on Zhao Gang's back, only to find it as hard as hitting steel. Zhao Gang sneered and countered with a punch. Zhang Hao barely dodged, but the brush of the punch left a bloodied scratch on his cheek.
Retreating to a corner of the arena, Zhang Hao's breathing became disordered. He knew that if he didn't find a solution soon, he would not be able to defeat Zhao Gang. Various strategies flashed through his mind, but each seemed incapable of breaking through Zhao Gang's defenses.