Chapter 41 – The Four Directions Forest Stirs, Revealing True Forms: Martial Training

Li Xiao: “You’re worthy of my full strength!”

As the words fell, the arena abruptly plunged into an inexplicable silence.

The spectators below couldn’t help but gaze at Ye Kuang in astonishment, their long-suppressed emotions finally boiling over.

What was initially thought to be a one-sided battle had now been reignited by Li Xiao’s declaration, foreshadowing a clash that would defy all expectations.

As for others’ opinions, Ye Kuang paid them no mind. He merely studied his opponent with mild curiosity.

Li Xiao’s appearance was unremarkable—the kind that would blend into a crowd—yet his eyes held a peculiar magnetism, like whirlpools capable of ensnaring one’s gaze.

At this thought, Ye Kuang instinctively flexed his limbs. Truth be told, he was somewhat surprised to face Li Xiao so soon.

But undeniably, this was a confrontation he had long anticipated!

The referee, seeing both combatants ready, timely announced: “Exercise restraint! Begin!!!”

The moment the command echoed, wind and thunder erupted on the stage.

Before the crowd could gasp, Ye Kuang and Li Xiao launched simultaneous assaults!

Ye Kuang moved with unbridled ferocity, his movements expansive and decisive. As he closed in, roaring gales and crackling thunder accompanied his advance.

His gaze sharpened into twin daggers, devoid of any hesitation.

Meanwhile, Li Xiao countered with rapid-fire Jeet Kune Do strikes, his blistering speed leaving no room for defense.

Each collision between them resembled an indescribable martial discourse, their clashes too fierce to capture in words.

Fist after fist vanished like phantoms, yet each impact carried the force of a thousand jun.

For a moment, even Ye Kuang was stunned by his opponent’s Jeet Kune Do. But immediately after, his own fists drew back like full moons before unleashing a torrential storm.

Here lies the crux: both combatants’ greatest strength was their speed!

In the blink of an eye, the entire Arena became a crossfire domain where fists conquered through velocity.

Ye Kuang: “Wind Thunder Unrivaled.”

He roared inwardly, his attack speed escalating exponentially until his fists embodied earth-shattering power.

Conversely, Li Xiao’s arms moved like dancing daggers—deadly precisely because of their shortened range.

His strikes targeted not only with speed but with lethal precision toward vital points and death acupoints.

Their exchange of blows formed a dazzling spectacle of raw power and technique.

Both warriors had ignited this Martial Refinement opening with their most proficient combat styles.

Superficially, they seemed to be testing each other’s depths, but closer observation revealed something else entirely.

It could only be described as an unorthodox method of cutting through chaos with swiftness!

As Ye Kuang’s fists transformed into razor-sharp claws, their chilling aura promised to pulverize even solid rock.

Yet upon seeing this, Li Xiao chose not to retreat but to advance! His Springing Leg swept horizontally, brutally intercepting the grasping claws.

“Greed breeds indigestion!”

Simultaneously, Li Xiao lunged forward, his arms executing seamless blocks and inch strikes in the span of a heartbeat.

Ye Kuang’s momentum shattered under this relentless assault, three major acupoints along his right arm’s inner side becoming prime targets.When a wave of soreness and numbness struck, even someone as formidable as Ye Kuang couldn’t help but change his expression.

His entire right arm seemed to have lost all sensation, rendering him momentarily unable to muster any strength.

But this was no reason for him to resign himself to defeat!

Roar, roar, roar!

In the next moment, his left fist shot out with lightning speed, catching his opponent completely off guard.

Li Xiao hastily crossed his arms in front of his chest, but the sheer force of the blow still sent him stumbling backward.

“Ha!” Seizing the opening, Ye Kuang never stopped moving, charging forward like an unbridled wild horse.

Dragon Shadow Step!

Using only the tips of his toes to propel himself, he closed the distance between them with an unstoppable, destructive momentum.

The moment he closed in, Ye Kuang unleashed a flurry of kicks, pouring all his understanding of leg techniques into the assault.

Li Xiao’s arms transformed into tireless machines, forced to block the barrage of leg strikes coming from all directions.

Had it not been for the unwavering calm in Li Xiao’s eyes, onlookers might have mistaken him for being at a disadvantage.

Of course, Ye Kuang saw it differently.

It was only at this moment that he truly grasped how troublesome his opponent was. Compared to his previous adversaries, Li Xiao was in a league of his own—utterly incomparable!

Whether in speed or power, Li Xiao lived up to the title of “Jeet Kune Do Successor”!

While Ye Kuang was lost in thought, his opponent seized this momentary lapse.

By the time he realized it, it was too late—a straight punch had already landed squarely on his chest.

Thud!

Ye Kuang staggered backward as if struck by a heavy blow, the sharp pain in his chest tearing through him like a visceral agony.

A metallic taste flooded his throat, and fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

It was only then that the look in Ye Kuang’s eyes completely shifted.

In contrast, Li Xiao seemed somewhat disappointed, muttering under his breath, “How could this be? Did I misjudge him earlier?”

With this thought, Li Xiao cast another glance at the so-called “Dark Horse,” a hint of disillusionment in his eyes.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang wiped the blood from his lips and took a deep, heavy breath.

But then, he suddenly burst into laughter: “Heh heh… Ha ha ha…”

The laughter was unrestrained, growing wilder and more unbridled, leaving the audience utterly bewildered.

“What’s he laughing about? Did he get knocked silly?”

“Must be. Anyone facing Senior Brother Li Xiao would feel the pressure. Still, that Dark Horse is impressive—he managed to hold out for so long against Li Xiao.”

“But what does it matter? I’ve long heard that Senior Brother Li Xiao’s Jeet Kune Do is flawless—even his mentor is no match for him!”

“Hiss…”

The murmurs in the arena grew increasingly intense, but without exception, everyone had lost hope in Ye Kuang.

Little did they know, Li Xiao’s expression suddenly sharpened, as if he had sensed a dangerous aura lingering in the air.

And the source was none other than the unrestrained madman!

To the astonishment of the crowd, Ye Kuang slowly raised his right arm once more. As the bones in his shoulder cracked and popped, he forcibly reset the dislocated joint in an instant.

Li Xiao: “Huh… This is getting more interesting.”

Ye Kuang: “Isn’t that just what you wanted?”As he spoke, he began swinging his fists on the spot, directly assuming a combat stance.

Simultaneously, Li Xiao stepped forward with measured strides.

At that moment, their eyes locked, and the audience below couldn’t help but grow three parts more excited.

The reason: Ye Kuang and Li Xiao seemed poised for close-quarters combat.

In the blink of an eye!

Ye Kuang then took the initiative to strike first. Stabilizing his lower body with his legs, he thrust a single palm straight toward his opponent’s chest!

Yet no matter how swift and fierce the palm strike was, how could it easily injure Li Xiao?

Not only was the strike caught by Li Xiao, but it also gave him an opening to counter.

Subsequently, it was clearly visible as Li Xiao’s hands swiftly shot forward, unleashing a rapid series of chain punches.

Slap! Slap! Slap!

Evidently, the techniques of blocking and inch strikes grew increasingly fierce!

The outer sides of Ye Kuang’s arms, from Quchi to Jianzhen acupoints, were repeatedly struck with heavy blows…

Witnessing this scene replay, the crowd couldn’t help but inwardly gasp: the Dark Horse had finally reached his limit!

Moreover, Li Xiao would absolutely not give him even a moment to catch his breath…

But then, unexpectedly, the corners of Ye Kuang’s mouth curled into an inexplicable smirk, his roguish grin growing ever more defiant.

This did not escape Li Xiao’s notice, yet before he could react, an unbelievable scene unfolded.

Ye Kuang’s arm showed no sign of being affected. With a single shake, he actually broke free from the restraint and followed through with a palm strike landing squarely!

Bang!

A strange sound erupted, like thunder from a clear sky.

Instantly, Li Xiao clutched his chest, staggering backward, clearly struggling to contain the impact.

When Li Xiao looked up again at his opponent, his expression involuntarily shifted!

The Jeet Kune Do, which had always brought him victory, had now failed utterly, leaving him to take a solid palm strike instead.

How was this possible?

Not only was Li Xiao incredulous, but even the audience found it hard to believe.

The reason: the notoriously dominant Jeet Kune Do had been broken, defying its ironclad rule!

At this thought, Li Xiao’s face flushed deep red, and he could no longer hold back, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.

Li Xiao asked in astonishment, “How did you manage that?”

Ye Kuang: “Guess…”

Upon hearing this, Li Xiao’s eyes shifted repeatedly.

Only when the pain in his chest gradually subsided did he reveal a long-absent smile, then laughed heartily, “Interesting, truly interesting. I’ve finally met a worthy opponent.”

“Hahaha…” As his laughter rose, Li Xiao suddenly threw his head back and roared.

This vivid scene bore an uncanny resemblance to someone from before.

Of course, no one dared entertain such thoughts openly. Instead, they were all intimidated by Li Xiao’s aura, not daring to make a single sound in the arena.

……