Chapter 52 – A Man's Iron Will

Tank bared his teeth in a vicious grin, first seizing Li Xiao’s arm with one hand, then applying irresistible force.

Despite Li Xiao repeatedly striking at Tank’s vital points, he couldn’t completely break free!

It had to be admitted that in terms of pure strength, Li Xiao was completely outmatched.

Meanwhile, Tank, even while grimacing in pain, maintained his firm suppression of Li Xiao.

Soon enough, Li Xiao’s legs began to tremble visibly, showing signs of being unable to withstand the pressure.

Angry roars filled his ears, but all he could see before him was Tank’s dark face, clearly filled with cruelty.

It could be said that this second match was unlike any Li Xiao had encountered before.

His opponent’s strength was terrifyingly powerful. Had it not been for the physical conditioning emphasized in Jeet Kune Do training from the beginning, Li Xiao would have already been forced to his knees in humiliation.

This made it easy to imagine just how furious Li Xiao was!

Yet the battle continued regardless of anyone’s anger, with no easy escape from this desperate situation.

Tank: “Kneel!!!”

With this roar, Tank became even more ferocious, the power in his palm surging to terrifying levels.

Li Xiao: “You’re not worthy of making me kneel!”

Hearing this, Tank didn’t hesitate for a moment, immediately swinging his left fist in a barrage of wild strikes.

Thud, thud, thud…

Witnessing such brutality, the previously excited spectators fell completely silent, forced to watch helplessly as Tank continued his relentless assault.

Meanwhile, Li Xiao, having suffered consecutive heavy blows, grew pale-faced, giving off the impression of someone weakened after a serious illness.

Yet Li Xiao’s body remained as steadfast as a pine tree, supported by a formidable will that declared: A true man should possess an unyielding spirit!

Defeat itself might not be frightening.

What was truly terrifying was failing to recognize the value in one’s defeat – this was more infuriating and humiliating than psychological destruction.

His past experiences constantly reminded Li Xiao that in this life, one should die a worthy death.

Everything Li Xiao possessed today could be attributed to the Jeet Kune Do Temple Master. Regardless of whether his status resulted from his own efforts, it was undeniable that without the Temple Master, Li Xiao wouldn’t be where he was today.

It could be said that Li Xiao’s thoughts were clear: He would rather face death openly at the peak of martial arts than suffer humiliating defeat under everyone’s gaze.

The increasingly disappointed looks from the crowd felt like countless sharp arrows piercing his heart!

While enduring endless attacks, Li Xiao also bore immense pressure, his body and mind exhausted as if suffering dual assaults!

This once-proud young man couldn’t help but feel powerless in such circumstances.

Tank remained indifferent to this, continuing to press Li Xiao down while delivering repeated hammer-like blows.

Whoosh-boom…

The powerful fists landed on Li Xiao’s body one after another.

Within moments, crimson blood already stained the corners of Li Xiao’s mouth…

“Once I defeat you, the rest won’t stand a chance. What’s wrong? Feeling frustrated, hahaha…” Tank said grimly: “Too bad you won’t get another opportunity!”

Though the pain was unbearable, Li Xiao refused to remain silent: “You think defeating me means you can defeat all of us? Hehehe… cough… That’s nothing but wishful thinking!”Tank, hearing this, increased his force while sneering contemptuously: “You’re already my captive, yet you still dare to boast! Let’s see whether your bones are harder or your mouth is sharper!”

At that moment, neither of them spoke further, directly clashing with masculine fervor.

Of course, Li Xiao could only cross his arms in front of his chest, using all his strength to block the impact of Tank’s punches.

Tank: “Let’s see how long you can hold out!”

Hearing this, Li Xiao didn’t respond at all, his composure terrifyingly calm.

But the audience below didn’t see it that way. Watching Li Xiao still determined to continue fighting at this point…

While astonished, they were genuinely moved deep inside.

This legacy was also a heavy sense of responsibility, a spirit of devotion—the resolve to sacrifice oneself to keep the nation’s honor untarnished.

Li Xiao was boldly risking his life to show the spectators that one may lack arrogance, but must never lack unyielding pride!

An individual’s success or failure might not define a nation’s fate, but if it affects national rejuvenation, then failure is not an option!

Roar! Roar! Roar!

Li Xiao’s hands suddenly moved, abruptly grabbing Tank’s thick fingers and straining to pull them outward.

Seeing this, even someone as strong as Tank couldn’t help but be greatly alarmed.

But then, both began testing their strength, the intensely tense and thrilling situation gripping countless hearts and minds.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Bones roared within their bodies, hot blood boiling throughout—this was the trumpet call of human limits!

Li Xiao: “Break for me!!!”

Tank: “Submit to me!!!”

Their furious roars left the entire audience speechless.

This could also be interpreted as: Li Xiao’s struggle in this contest of strength demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice personal safety and use his own body to declare unwavering fortitude, regardless of victory or defeat…

If described in one phrase, it would be: The aura of a azure dragon belongs to everlasting pride—years of wind and frost cannot bend its spine, only the stalwart pine embodies unyielding bones!

Even Tie Feng, witnessing this, couldn’t help but rise to his feet, as if to express the most basic respect befitting a Venerable Martial Arts Senior.

Li Xiao: “Ah… Roar!”

Crack!!!

Crack!!!

Following these two soul-shaking sounds, the brutal scene sent chills down everyone’s spines.

“Ah… You damned bastard, I won’t let you get away with this!” Tank’s finger bones instantly dislocated, the ensuing piercing pain enraging the bear-like man.

Amid his roar, Tank suddenly launched a fierce kick—a Sweeping Army strike.

Its speed was so swift that evasion was impossible for anyone.

Moreover, with Li Xiao’s entire body restrained, resistance was even more difficult.

Boom!!!

A thunderous explosion seemed to rip through the hall, startling all spectators to their feet, each visibly tense beyond measure.

Yet, against expectations, Li Xiao didn’t fall from grace after taking the blow. Instead, mustering all his strength, he stubbornly withstood that kick.

Tank: “Heh ha ha ha…”

Manic laughter followed as Tank’s fists struck repeatedly.

That terrifying force, with each collision against Li Xiao, inevitably forced the latter to retreat.But it must be said, even at his peak, Li Xiao would have struggled to withstand these three punches, let alone in his current severely injured state.

Blood splattered, his hair disheveled—everything indicated Li Xiao had reached his limit!

Yet Li Xiao remained unyielding. Countless fists hammered relentlessly at the same spot, simplifying his thoughts into pure focus.

Tank’s body couldn’t possibly be trained to the Golden Bell Shield Realm. If so, there must be a weakness.

Li Xiao: “Aah… aah… aah…”

With hoarse, furious roars, Li Xiao descended into utter madness.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Each punch came faster than the last, like a bursting dam unleashing torrential floods—once unleashed, unstoppable!

Only when Tank felt a stabbing pain did he realize his opponent’s intent.

Here, it must be noted: though Tank’s defense was astounding, even he couldn’t harden his muscles to match his external toughness.

This was the weakness!!!

Tank: “Damn it!”

As his roar exploded across the Arena, Tank endured the sharp pain in his fist and launched a forceful strike at Li Xiao’s center!

Boom!

Fist met flesh like thunder cracking.

Li Xiao, with his exhausted body, was sent crashing against the ropes, then rebounded and collapsed flat on the Arena floor!

Seeing this, Tie Feng shouted: “We concede…”