The morning sun spilled gold across the Azure Cloud Sect courtyard, catching on the banners fluttering in the wind. Lin Feng, still mud-streaked from yesterday's duel with Chen Hao, stood at the edge of the training ground, fists clenching and unclenching nervously. Today was his first official sect tournament, a test for all disciples, and more importantly, a chance to prove that the weakling could punch above his weight—literally.
The Fist God System glowed faintly beside him, projecting a holographic countdown and floating stats.
[SYSTEM STATUS – LIN FENG]
Level: Novice Disciple → Fist God Stage 0
XP: 210 / 500
Primary Attributes:
Strength: 16
Speed: 12
Endurance: 12
Inner Energy: 11
Reflex: 11
Technique Mastery: 8
Fist Points: 210
Skills Active: Iron Fist Beginner (Lv1), Clumsy Hero (Lv1), Slapstick Resilience (Lv1), Spinning Mudstrike (Lv1)
"Lin Feng, congratulations on surviving yesterday without major injuries. Probability of surviving today: 73%. Probability of comedic humiliation: 98%. Suggested tactics: dodge, spin, and improvise."
Lin Feng wiped sweat from his brow, already laughing despite his nerves. "Improvise? Perfect. That's my specialty."
The Tournament Begins
Disciples from the lower and middle ranks gathered in the arena, an open courtyard surrounded by tiered wooden stands. Elder Bai Long stood atop the podium, his white robes flowing in the wind, announcing the rules.
"This tournament will test your skills, determination, and creativity. No weapons. No external assistance. All battles are hand-to-hand. Victory grants Fist Points and ranking privileges. Remember, the weak may be humiliated, but perseverance may lead to greatness."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Lin Feng felt his heart race. This was it—his first real stage, no training dummies, no sparring partners, just raw combat.
"System," he whispered, "display first opponent stats."
[OPPONENT 1 – JIAO LI]
Level: Novice Disciple → Martial Adept Stage 1
Strength: 13
Speed: 14
Endurance: 11
Technique Mastery: 9
"Warning: Slightly arrogant. Laughing at your previous mud incident likely."
Sure enough, as Lin Feng stepped forward, a petite disciple with a confident smirk approached. She twirled her hands theatrically.
"Lin Feng, right? I hope you're not as clumsy as they say. I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation before it even begins."
Lin Feng grinned, wiping the last smudge of mud from his face. "Well, don't worry. I plan to leave a lasting impression… whether you like it or not."
Battle 1: Mud Meets Martial Art
The gong rang. Lin Feng charged forward, fists raised, legs braced. Jiao Li darted forward with speed, her strikes precise and swift. Lin Feng swung Iron Fist Beginner.
Thwack! Miss. He stumbled slightly, nearly face-planting again.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
+15 Fist Points – Experience gained for creative dodging
Clumsiness Index: 40% (Still slightly hazardous)
New skill progress: Spinning Mudstrike 5%
Lin Feng's reflexes kicked in. He used his spinning momentum from tripping to sweep her legs—accidentally, of course. Jiao Li yelped as she stumbled, and Lin Feng landed a glancing blow to her side.
"Critical Combo!"
Fist Points gained: +50
Skill Progress: Spinning Mudstrike Level 2
Jiao Li gasped, surprised. "You… how?"
Lin Feng shrugged sheepishly. "Luck. And mud. Mostly mud."
The audience roared with laughter, some impressed, some confused. Elder Bai Long simply nodded, seeing Lin Feng's potential.
The fight ended with Lin Feng barely winning by technique creativity, earning his first tournament victory.
[SYSTEM STATUS CHECK]
Level: Novice Disciple → Fist God Stage 0
XP: 320 / 500
Fist Points: 275
New Skill Unlocked: Mud-Enhanced Momentum – Level 1
Effect: Improvises attack power using momentum from falls or slips. Bonus XP if move looks ridiculous.
"Lin Feng, probability of humiliation decreased to 60%. Fun factor: 100%. Suggested action: continue being dramatic in combat."
Battle 2: Chen Hao's Gaze
As the next match approached, Lin Feng caught a glimpse of Chen Hao in the stands, arms crossed, observing quietly. The system highlighted a glowing indicator: Potential Rival Detected.
"Attention: Chen Hao's probability of interference: 0%. But his judgment of your skill: critical."
Lin Feng's stomach twisted. Yesterday he had only survived against him. Today… he needed to show real progress, or Chen Hao's smirk would become permanent in his memory.
The next opponent stepped up: a muscular, stoic male named Bai Zhen, known for his brute strength. Lin Feng grinned to himself, fists glowing faintly as he recalled yesterday's lessons. He had the system, he had momentum, and, most importantly, he had a ridiculous resilience that no one could quite anticipate.
Step, punch, dodge, spin. Slapstick Resilience activated as he tripped once, rolled forward, and accidentally knocked Bai Zhen off balance. The audience gasped. Even the system beeped in surprise:
"Unexpected efficiency. Bonus Fist Points awarded: +75. Probability of comedic admiration: 80%."
By the time the sun was high in the sky, Lin Feng had won two matches, gained multiple Fist Points, and his confidence was soaring. Mud-streaked, bruised, and still laughing at his own accidental triumphs, he realized: the Fist God System wasn't just about power—it was about creativity, resilience, and fun.
As Elder Bai Long announced a short break before the next round, Lin Feng checked the system one last time.
[SYSTEM STATUS – AFTER 2 TOURNAMENT BATTLES]
Level: Novice Disciple → Fist God Stage 0
XP: 450 / 500
Fist Points: 400
Active Skills: Iron Fist Beginner (Lv1), Clumsy Hero (Lv1), Slapstick Resilience (Lv2), Spinning Mudstrike (Lv2), Mud-Enhanced Momentum (Lv1)
Next Level Unlock: Martial Adept Stage 1 at 500 XP
"Lin Feng, probability of eventual Fist God ascension: increasing. Suggested action: keep tripping, keep punching, and maybe—just maybe—stay out of the infirmary."
Lin Feng grinned, looking out at the next round of opponents. He could feel the thrill of combat, growth, and ridiculous victories coursing through him.
The Xianwu Era was vast, the world was cruel—but today, Lin Feng had learned something invaluable: even a weakling could leave a mark, one muddy, spinning punch at a time.
And somewhere beyond the mountains, the wind carried whispers of a Fist God beginning to awaken, one who would turn the martial world upside down.