Chapter 71: What Is Truly Crazy
Li Bangqi's shock stemmed from his master's assertion that the pinnacle of martial arts was the Heaven state. Despite over a decade of training, Li Bangqi hadn't even reached the lowest level, the Yellow state, barely scraping the edges of high-level martial arts. Reaching the legendary Heaven state was exceptionally rare, possibly unprecedented. Even his master, barely at the threshold of the Yellow state, was unable to progress further. True martial arts masters hailed from ancient martial arts families and secluded factions, rarely revealing themselves to the world and relentlessly pursuing martial arts mastery.
Li Bangqi's Hurricane Storm Fist, typically capable of indicating a Yellow state borderline practitioner, was easily countered by his opponent. As Li Bangqi prepared a defensive maneuver, Pu Dongheng, seemingly doubling his speed, landed a devastating blow to Li Bangqi's chest. The pain of broken ribs momentarily overshadowed the fact that he'd been knocked out of the ring. The humiliation of defeat—at the hands of the vice club master, without even requiring the club master's presence—outweighed the physical pain. His ancestors' martial arts had been stolen and used to defeat him.
A stunned silence fell over the boisterous gymnasium. Li Bangqi, representing Ning Hai's highest level of martial arts, had been defeated by a vice club master. The several thousand spectators were mortified. Li Bangqi's challenge followed his return from Beijing the previous day; he hadn't anticipated such a swift and humiliating defeat.
Chen Weilin, vice president of the Ning Hai Martial Arts Association and chairman of the Ning Hai Technology University student association, announced with evident disappointment, "Take Bangqi to the hospital. We concede the match."
Sighs filled the gymnasium as many spectators departed. Then, Chen Weilin's phone rang. A single sentence prompted an exclamation: "What? You found him? Okay, leave this to me"
Chen Weilin then addressed the crowd, "Club Master Pu, we have one final challenger. This is our last attempt. If we fail, the Ning Hai Martial Arts Association will not challenge you again." This declaration, tantamount to accepting defeat, stunned the audience.
Pu Dongheng laughed confidently, "Send them on. We Han martial arts masters welcome challenges. In fact, we've been wondering why there aren't more frequent challenges!" He craved further challenges to boost the Han Style Taekwondo Club's fame.
The crowd reacted with varying degrees of enthusiasm and resignation:
"What? Another challenger? Let's support him! We must show these Hans what true Chinese martial arts is!"
"Yes, yes! Support our own!"
"I'm leaving. I'm sick of this disappointment."
"Yeah, let's go. Why cheer for the Hans?"
The ensuing heated debate resulted in half the crowd leaving, only to be replaced by those who heard of a new challenger.
"Who is it? Does he dare challenge the Hans? Even if he loses, I'll support him. At least he's not a coward."
"Yes, of course! Unlike some, they lose their nerve at the first sign of defeat; no wonder the Hans are so arrogant."
"I heard Chen Weilin received a last-minute call, setting up this match. But the Hans clearly want more challenges to boost their fame."
"Fame? The challenge hasn't even started. How do they know they'll win?"
Ye Mo, a cultivator from another world, found himself amidst a sea of people at Ning Hai Technology University. Despite his preference for peace, he found himself swept up in the fervor of the students and citizens. He arrived via a back passage, unnoticed due to his unassuming appearance.
Chen Weilin, spotting Fang Weichen, immediately inquired, "Did you find the master? Is he here? Where is he?"
Fang Weichen pointed to Ye Mo, "That's him, Shi Ying. A martial arts master."
Chen Weilin was taken aback. "Such an unassuming youth?" He quickly recovered his composure, offering his hand, "Master Shi, I'm Chen Weilin. It's a pleasure to meet you. Pu Dongheng is quite strong, perhaps I could show you some recordings of his matches?"
Ye Mo waved him off, "I'm short on time. No recordings. The quicker, the better."
Chen Weilin inwardly commented on Ye Mo's arrogance. Everyone who fought Pu Dongheng meticulously studied his fights; no one had lasted more than twenty minutes.
Doubt clouded Chen Weilin's mind. Did Weicheng make a mistake? What if he's easily defeated? The Ning Hai Martial Arts Association would lose face. He turned to Fang Weichen for reassurance.
Fang Weichen waved his hand, "President Chen, do as Shi Ying wishes. He's pressed for time. It would be best to bring the club master and vice master. I believe this match will send the Han Style Taekwondo Club back where it came from." Impressed by Ye Mo's confidence, Fang Weichen was certain Ye Mo could easily defeat the club master. Chen Weilin, unable to argue, turned to make the arrangements.
Ye Mo stopped him. "Wait!"
"Anything else? I'll do as you say," Chen Weilin replied, despite his reservations.
Ye Mo's response left Chen Weilin speechless: "Tell them if they want to fight, they should all fight me together. I don't want to waste time. And tell me where Pu Dongheng likes to break people's bones."
Chen Weilin was flabbergasted. He'd initially thought Ye Mo arrogant, but now, he realized he was truly crazy.