The senior staggered backward and the crowd erupted.
"So fast!"
"Hao Lo really is strong!"
Without pausing, Hao Lo slammed another blow forward.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Five straight strikes, relentless and punishing.
On the sixth strike, the senior disciple's defense broke completely.
He flew backward, skidding across the stone floor, breath knocked from his lungs.
Silence befell the stadium and a heartbeat later, the judge raised his hand.
"Hao Lo… PASS!"
Thunderous applause broke out.
Elder Hao stroked his beard proudly, unable to hide the smug glow in his eyes.
"He may not be first place in the rankings," he said casually, "but he knows how to win where it matters."
Zhao Lusi did not bother replying.
She simply lifted a brow and glanced at Fang Yuan stepping onto the stage next.
Her smile widened with smug anticipation.
"Your turn, disciple," she murmured, "do make it beautiful."
The judge's voice boomed across the arena once more.
"Next, Fang Yuan!"
