Chapter 20

The moment the sound rang out, it marked the official start of the family martial arts competition.

The entire venue fell silent.

"First round, group matches! All participants will be divided into ten groups, each assigned to one of the ten martial arts platforms. The grouping will begin now..."

Under the family's arrangement, many of the outer circle disciples were assigned to various martial arts platforms.

"Number 188, Platform 7!"

Zhao Feng heard his number and was assigned to Platform 7.

The rules of the competition were that each platform would have about fifty participants, and the top ten from each platform would advance to the next round.

For example, Platform 7, where Zhao Feng was, had fifty-two participants.

With his left eye, Zhao Feng scanned the ten groups and noticed that the family had a pattern in their distribution.

The most obvious point was that the top ten outer circle disciples were evenly distributed across the ten groups.

For instance, the first-ranked Zhao Yue was assigned to Group 1.

Zhao Yijian and Zhao Yufei were assigned to Group 2 and Group 3, respectively...

This arrangement avoided the strongest disciples meeting too early.

"Each group has a balanced mix of strong and weak participants, ensuring that the top ten who advance from each group are not just lucky."

Zhao Feng nodded in agreement.

Next, Zhao Feng began to pay attention to the stronger disciples in his group.

In Group 7, the strongest was "Zhao Chenggang," the seventh-ranked outer circle disciple.

Zhao Chenggang had a tall and straight figure, and his peak third-level martial arts aura made some nearby disciples feel intimidated.

To be among the top ten outer circle disciples, one must have exceptional qualities.

What surprised Zhao Feng the most was that he encountered an acquaintance in Group 7.

It was a graceful and beautiful girl in a snow-white robe, whose figure seemed very familiar.

"Brother Feng."

Zhao Xue forced a smile, met Zhao Feng's gaze, and said no more.

Zhao Feng merely nodded in response.

"Xiao Xue! Don't worry, Brother Jian has given me orders. I will definitely give Zhao Feng a good beating, preferably injuring him so he can't achieve a good ranking."

Zhao Chenggang, the top-ranked in the group, walked up to Zhao Xue and whispered with a low laugh.

"You..."

Zhao Xue's eyes narrowed, wanting to say something but held back.

For some reason, she had an instinctive feeling that she didn't want to see Zhao Feng achieve too high a ranking...

Just then, the match assignments for each group began.

"Number 13 vs. Number 65!"

"Number 48 vs. Number 355!"

"Number 179 vs. Number 24!"

...

The announcements of the judges echoed across each group.

The early rounds of matches were quickly decided.

The judges, experienced martial artists of the family, were sharp-eyed and could quickly make judgments based on obvious differences in strength.

For example, the top-ranked "Zhao Chenggang" in the group sent his opponent flying with a single move, leaving no doubt.

"Number 188 vs. Number 24!"

Finally, it was Zhao Feng's turn to step onto the platform.

He lightly leaped and landed gracefully on the martial arts platform.

Number 24 was a second-level martial artist, slightly overweight, and upon seeing Zhao Feng's third-level martial arts cultivation, he showed a hint of fear.

"Wind-Cleaving Palm!"

The slightly overweight youth clenched his teeth, gathered his qi and blood, and charged forward.

He used an intermediate martial technique, emphasizing speed and momentum.

"Flame-Steel Fist!"

Zhao Feng casually punched forward.

At the moment he threw his punch, the judge on Platform 7 showed a hint of surprise.

Because Zhao Feng was using a basic fist technique!

Bang!

Palm and fist met, and the slightly overweight youth grunted, being deflected by Zhao Feng's punch. He stumbled and fell to the ground.

"Number 188 wins!"

The judge was slightly stunned but quickly made the judgment.

Zhao Feng's first match was won so easily.

Because his opponent was not strong, it did not attract much attention.

"Hmph! This kid is really overconfident, using a basic fist technique!"

Some of the spectators in the audience sneered.

"Number 188 vs. Number 66!"

After a while, it was Zhao Feng's second match.

In the group matches, a participant would be eliminated after losing ten matches, as only ten people from each group would advance.

If one could win twenty consecutive matches, they would immediately advance to the next round, bypassing the group stage.

Zhao Feng's second opponent was a peak second-level martial artist, a boy with a horse-like face.

"Flame-Steel Fist!"

Zhao Feng's punch, without any hesitation, was like a fish weaving through deep sea coral, accurately striking the opponent's vital point.

Bang!

The horse-faced boy grunted and was knocked to the ground by Zhao Feng's punch.

"Another basic fist technique!"

Some of the family disciples in the audience showed disapproval.

The judge, slightly surprised, remained expressionless: "Number 188 wins!"

This was Zhao Feng's second victory.

His performance began to draw the attention of some of the Zhao family disciples.

However, in the next two matches, Zhao Feng continued to win using the basic fist technique.

Four consecutive wins!

"This kid is too arrogant. Does he think he can dominate with just a basic fist technique?"

"Hmph! His opponents weren't strong. When he faces someone of the same level, it won't be so easy!"

Some of the disciples in the audience sneered at Zhao Feng's performance.

"Number 188 vs. Number 47!"

Finally, in the fifth round, Zhao Feng's opponent was a third-level martial artist, ranked in the top five of the group.

"Zhao Kui! Take that kid down!"

Someone shouted from the audience.

Many people were already dissatisfied with Zhao Feng.

"Kid, this is where it ends."

Zhao Kui, with his tall and imposing figure, stood in front, his powerful qi and blood concentrated in his limbs and muscles.

Just his presence brought immense pressure to the second-level martial artists.

Among the outer circle disciples, only about sixty were third-level martial artists.

Therefore, each third-level martial artist in the group was considered a strong contender.

"Show me your best."

Zhao Feng smiled calmly, not taking a regular third-level martial artist seriously.

"Ha ha ha... Show me your best with a basic fist technique again."

Zhao Kui laughed, his body like a lion, carrying a heavy wind, charging at Zhao Feng.

"Lion King's Fury!"

Zhao Kui's qi and blood burst forth, merging with his body weight, forming a terrifying impact on Zhao Feng.

Even a peak third-level martial artist would not dare to face such a powerful force head-on.

"Ha ha, not bad! Take this—Flame-Steel Fist!"

Zhao Feng's figure flashed, and he actually charged at Zhao Kui, positioning himself below him.

Another Flame-Steel Fist?

Some of the disciples in the audience almost fainted.

Whoosh!

Zhao Feng's punch, accompanied by a fierce flame, collided fiercely with Zhao Kui's body.

Bang!

A heavy thud echoed across Platform 7.

Immediately, a howl followed.

Thud!

Zhao Kui's large, tiger-like body fell to the ground, his teeth shattered.

What!

The audience was stunned.

"Number 188, Zhao Feng, wins!"

The judge, with a hint of disbelief, made the judgment.

Another basic fist technique!

Five consecutive wins!

This was undoubtedly a slap in the face to some of the family disciples.

"Basic fist technique... How is this possible..."

Zhao Kui walked off the platform with a sullen face.

After defeating Zhao Kui, Zhao Feng's subsequent matches became even easier.

Five consecutive wins... six consecutive wins... seven consecutive wins...

Later, some of the lower-level martial artists, upon seeing him, would simply concede.

On Platform 7, the only one with a similar winning streak was the top-ranked "Zhao Chenggang."

"Turns out this kid has brought the basic fist technique to its peak. No wonder he's so strong. This must be the result of dedicated practice. Hmph, when I face him, I'll show him the power of advanced martial techniques..."

Zhao Chenggang sneered to himself.

So far, Zhao Feng and Zhao Chenggang were the "twin stars" of Platform 7, both maintaining winning streaks.

Seven consecutive wins... eight consecutive wins... nine consecutive wins... ten consecutive wins...

"Who do you think is stronger, Zhao Feng or Zhao Chenggang?"

"Probably Zhao Chenggang, but Zhao Feng isn't weak either. He's clearly a dark horse."

The family disciples near the platform were discussing.

In other groups, there was usually one dominant figure who dominated the matches.

For example, Zhao Yue and Zhao Yijian, whose strength overshadowed their entire group, had many opponents conceding.

Especially Zhao Yijian, whose strength was terrifying. A single sword strike could be fatal, and most of his opponents conceded.

Only Group 7 had the "twin stars" advancing together.

Many in the audience were looking forward to the match between Zhao Feng and Zhao Chenggang.

In Zhao Feng's twelfth match, he encountered an acquaintance.

It was Zhao Xue!

This was an awkward opponent.

"Xiao Xue, concede."

Zhao Feng's face was calm.

Zhao Xue was only at peak second level and could not possibly be his match.

At this moment, even Zhao Yijian from Platform 2 was watching the situation.

"Concede? I won't!"

Zhao Xue clenched her teeth, her delicate and beautiful face showing a hint of stubbornness.

She refused to concede to Zhao Feng.

Back in Qingye Town, Zhao Xue had always admired and loved Zhao Feng, considering him the best young man in town.

However, after entering Yuyang City and the Zhao family, she realized how small Qingye Town was...

As a weak woman in a harsh and unfamiliar environment, she made a resolute choice to attach herself to Zhao Yijian, one of the top three outer circle disciples.

Although Zhao Feng had never accepted her, Zhao Xue refused to admit defeat in her initial choice.

"Alright!"

Zhao Feng shook his head helplessly.

"Whirlwind Hand!"

Zhao Xue shouted, her slender figure like a gentle breeze, merging into a continuous palm strike aimed at Zhao Feng's temple.

"Whirlwind Hand" was an advanced martial technique suitable for women, excelling in using softness to overcome hardness.

In terms of technique level, "Whirlwind Hand" was on par with Zhao Feng's "Raging Dragon Fist," but it could counter the latter and similarly counter the powerful "Flame-Steel Fist."

"Flame-Steel Fist!"

Zhao Feng remained unperturbed, delivering a simple and unadorned basic punch at a steady pace.

Smack!

Palm and fist met.

Immediately, Zhao Xue grunted, her body losing balance and about to fall.

Sigh!

Zhao Feng sighed lightly and reached out to catch Zhao Xue.

After all, she was a fellow clan member who had grown up with him, and he felt some reluctance.

"Pointing Wind Finger!"

Unexpectedly, the moment Zhao Xue was caught, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, and her finger drew a sharp, piercing line straight at Zhao Feng's chest.

This sudden change shocked the many family disciples in the audience, who exclaimed in surprise.

The judge was also taken aback.

At such close range, with Zhao Feng supporting Zhao Xue, he had almost no chance to dodge.

"Hmph!"

A hint of anger appeared on Zhao Feng's face, and a powerful qi surged from his body. With a shake of his arms and body, he sent Zhao Xue flying.

Thud!

Zhao Xue screamed, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and flew off the platform, landing in a daze, groaning in pain.

"Number 188, Zhao Feng, wins."

The judge made the judgment coldly, giving Zhao Xue a disdainful glance.

Clearly, Zhao Xue's performance had even made the judge feel ashamed.

"Xue'er!"

Zhao Yijian from Platform 2 shouted in alarm and rushed over.

Zhao Feng walked off the platform with a cold expression, never expecting Zhao Xue to attack him in that situation.

"Kid... We'll see! When I face you, you'll know what humiliation is."

Zhao Yijian's eyes glinted with a cold, sinister light.

"I look forward to it."

Zhao Feng turned and left, not looking back at Zhao Xue.

He could faintly hear Zhao Xue's voice: "Brother Jian, you must avenge me..."

After defeating Zhao Xue, Zhao Feng achieved twelve consecutive wins.

Twelve consecutive wins... thirteen consecutive wins... fourteen consecutive wins!

Zhao Feng's record kept improving.

At this rate, his basic fist technique would sweep through Platform 7.

The only one on Platform 7 with a record comparable to his was the top-ranked "Zhao Chenggang."

"Six more matches, and I can advance to the next round."

Zhao Feng remained calm and composed throughout the competition.

However.

In the fifteenth round, Zhao Feng faced the top-ranked "Zhao Chenggang" in the group.

The "twin stars" of Platform 7 finally met, pushing the competition to a climax!

"Finally, we meet!"

The Zhao family disciples in Group 7 let out a collective sigh of relief, their faces showing excitement.

Even some participants from other groups eagerly watched the match.

Interesting!

The judge on Platform 7 smiled.

"Kid, finally, we meet. If you have the skills, continue using the basic fist technique."

Zhao Chenggang licked his lips, a playful smile in his eyes.

In terms of strength, Zhao Chenggang ranked among the top ten outer circle disciples and practiced advanced martial techniques, three levels above the basic fist technique.

If Zhao Feng still used the basic fist technique, it would be like asking for humiliation!

At this moment, the attention of many Zhao family members in the audience was drawn to the match.

"Why not? I'll continue using the basic fist technique."

Zhao Feng said indifferently.

What! Still using the basic fist technique?

The audience was in an uproar, with more shock and gasps of disbelief.

"Has this kid lost his mind!"

"Too arrogant! Does he really think he can dominate the group stage with just a basic fist technique?"

...

"Still... still using the basic fist technique?"

The judge's face twitched violently.

Even from the judge's perspective, Zhao Feng seemed too overconfident!

As his opponent, Zhao Chenggang's smile froze, as if he had been slapped hard...