The news of the duel spread through Azure Maple Academy like wildfire.
Although Wang Jie was only a disciple of the Profound Courtyard, his family's influence in Azure Maple City made him well known.
As for Lin Yuan, he had become famous for an entirely different reason.
He was the disciple who had awakened a Mortal Grade One Martial Soul but somehow won first place in the Academy Trial.
Many wanted to see whether his victory had been luck... or true strength.
Three days passed quickly.
At dawn, disciples from all four courtyards gathered around the Martial Platform.
The circular arena was carved from black stone, its surface covered in ancient runes that could withstand the impact of battles.
Instructor Han stood among the Yellow Courtyard disciples, his expression serious.
He looked at Lin Yuan.
"You can still withdraw."
Lin Yuan shook his head.
"If I avoid this battle today, there will only be another tomorrow."
Han sighed.
"Remember, victory is less important than your life."
Lin Yuan smiled.
"I understand."
A loud laugh echoed across the arena.
Wang Jie stepped onto the Martial Platform with several followers behind him.
He wore a confident smile, as if the outcome had already been decided.
"Lin Yuan."
"I almost thought you wouldn't come."
Lin Yuan calmly climbed onto the platform.
"I said I would."
The academy elder responsible for supervising duels stepped forward.
"This is a friendly match."
"No killing."
"If either side admits defeat or falls unconscious, the battle ends immediately."
Both youths nodded.
The elder raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The moment the word left his mouth, Wang Jie rushed forward.
His Common Grade Ninth Martial Soul, the Stone Ape, appeared behind him.
The phantom ape beat its chest, and Wang Jie's physical strength increased dramatically.
He threw a heavy punch.
Lin Yuan stepped sideways.
The fist narrowly missed him before smashing into the stone floor.
Cracks spread across the platform.
"So much strength..."
Lin Yuan thought.
He couldn't afford to take a direct hit.
Wang Jie sneered.
"Running already?"
He attacked again and again, forcing Lin Yuan to retreat.
To the spectators, it appeared as though Lin Yuan had no chance to fight back.
"He can't even retaliate."
"This battle is over."
Only Instructor Han frowned.
"No..."
"He's watching."
Indeed, Lin Yuan wasn't merely dodging.
He was observing.
Every attack.
Every movement.
Every habit.
Wang Jie's strength was impressive, but every powerful punch left a brief opening before the next strike.
After dozens of exchanges, Lin Yuan finally found it.
Wang Jie swung another full-force punch.
Lin Yuan ducked beneath it.
Instead of retreating, he stepped inside Wang Jie's guard.
The crowd gasped.
"What is he doing?"
Lin Yuan concentrated all the strength in his body into a single fist.
The movements of the Body Tempering Fist flowed naturally.
He struck Wang Jie's ribs.
Bang!
The sound echoed across the arena.
Wang Jie staggered backward, disbelief filling his face.
Pain shot through his side.
"You..."
Before he could recover, Lin Yuan pressed forward.
His fists moved one after another with increasing speed.
Every strike landed on a weak point.
Shoulder.
Chest.
Ribs.
Abdomen.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Wang Jie was forced back step after step.
The spectators stared in shock.
"The tables have turned!"
"How is this possible?"
Even Elder Sun, watching from the high platform, nodded slightly.
"Excellent battle sense."
Lin Yuan had not overpowered Wang Jie.
He had outthought him.
Enraged, Wang Jie roared.
"Enough!"
Spiritual energy erupted from his body.
His aura climbed sharply.
He had been hiding his true cultivation.
Body Tempering Realm... Fifth Stage!
The audience erupted.
"He broke through!"
"No wonder he challenged Lin Yuan early!"
A cruel smile spread across Wang Jie's face.
"This ends now."
He gathered all his strength into one devastating punch aimed directly at Lin Yuan's chest.
Lin Yuan's expression became solemn.
The difference of one cultivation stage was significant.
Even with his improved Martial Soul, blocking the attack head-on would be dangerous.
As Wang Jie's fist drew near, the Green Spirit Sapling within Lin Yuan's spiritual sea suddenly trembled.
Its emerald flower released a warm stream of life essence that flowed through every meridian in his body.
Lin Yuan's eyes sharpened.
Rather than retreat, he stepped forward.
He met Wang Jie's fist with one of his own.
The two fists collided with a thunderous explosion that echoed throughout the academy.
A wave of dust swept across the Martial Platform, completely obscuring the two figures.
For several heartbeats, no one could see who was still standing.