The spacious Temporary Stadium.

Everywhere, eyes were filled with attention, concern, and curiosity. Aside from occasional furrowed brows or slight changes in expression, everyone was intensely focused on the first round of battle after the rules change.

Wang Zhan versus Yu State Military Martial Academy.

Caught in a trap, Wang Zhan had no mind to pay attention to whatever schemes those few Old Master Zaos were concocting.

WHOOSH.

A flying hammer smashed directly toward his face. Just as he dodged, another hammer came flying, causing him to grit his teeth in irritation.

"Damn it, how many times have I told you, don't aim for the face!"

Unfortunately, this bunch from the Yu State Military Martial Academy, though they appeared approachable, transformed completely on the battlefield, becoming decisively ruthless.

Even with Wang Zhan's current basic attributes of 3,300 points, he felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Although Wang Ping was from the same clan, he was ruthless in his attacks. Besides being thick-skinned and cold-hearted, perhaps the only trait Wang Zhan possessed that Wang Ping lacked was modesty.

Wang Ping coughed lightly again, casually organizing his formation. He retracted the chain hammers he had just used in a sneak attack and said neutrally, "Student Wang Zhan, you heard him. That Old Man… ahem, that senior said you were a Level 10 Warrior. We had no choice; we were too scared to disobey. We probably wouldn't be able to withstand a single punch from you…"

Wang Zhan's heart shattered.

You believe whatever he says? When did I become a Level 10 Warrior! If what he said was true, then I'd be a Grandmaster by now, believe it or not! Old Master Zaos are all despicable. The cuter and friendlier they appear, the more rotten they are to the core…

I'm just a Level 8 Warrior who hasn't made that final step yet. Just a little bit more! Do you really need to pursue me so relentlessly?

Thinking this, Wang Zhan quickly executed a roll and dodged three more flying hammers. Two were from Wang Ping's teammates from the Yu State Military Martial Academy, and the last one was a sneak attack from the treacherous Wang Ping himself.

He realized that these kids, although not exceptionally talented—four of them hadn't even reached the Warrior realm, and the rest were all Level 1 Warriors—had a perfectly coordinated strategy. As Wang Zhan moved, they constantly adjusted, determined to trap him within their encirclement. Four Martial Artists were responsible for creating diversions, while three Warriors launched distracting attacks.

Winning against a stronger opponent seemed to be an instinct for them.

Wang Ping remained unconcerned, acting as if he wasn't the one who had just attacked. Still serving as the core of the formation, he kept his eyes fixed on Wang Zhan and chuckled.

"We can't help it; we haven't seen much of the world. So our teachers specifically instructed us that when we go out, we must listen to our elders, or we'll be the ones to suffer."

WHOOSH. The formation tightened. Wang Ping launched another attack at Wang Zhan, which narrowly grazed him. If this continued for a little longer, Wang Zhan would no longer be able to dodge and would have to face the attacks head-on.

"Damn it, you Old Cunning Man!"

Wang Zhan cursed under his breath. He had now truly witnessed this kid's shamelessness; it was every bit as bad as his own, if not worse.

If he weren't restricted from using lethal martial arts and could only employ evasive footwork or grappling techniques, Wang Zhan would have taught him a proper lesson.

Fortunately, his Wisdom, having reached one hundred points, allowed Wang Zhan to figure out a way to break the blockade in this short amount of time.

Either I directly overwhelm him with power and force that kid Wang Ping out, or I attack the truly weak spots—those few Martial Artists... As for those two Warriors, it's best not to engage them unless necessary; otherwise, Wang Ping might return to help.

Wang Zhan also realized that these kids had definitely seen real combat before. Their current state wasn't even their peak performance; this was just a spar, a battle where they could advance or retreat.

It seemed Yun Tianyi had ordered them to fight to the death, but clearly, the Federal Martial Arts Academy couldn't influence their decisions. This was their confidence, the confidence stemming from a veteran army.

However, they didn't know that even if Wang Zhan was just an insignificant Warrior, when picking the 'tallest' among the 'short,' Wang Zhan was a true giant, capable of holding up a piece of the sky.

As Wang Zhan maneuvered, his eyes suddenly glinted as more details fell into place.

Are they... actually going easy on me? Are they waiting for me to adapt? Interesting, very interesting…

Who would have thought that a small institution like the Yu State Military Martial Academy could possess such formidable strength? Even though Wang Zhan was clearly far superior to them, he was still surrounded like a trapped beast.

Hanqing's eyes flashed as he connected more dots.

"The Yu State Military Martial Academy… Although it hasn't received many resources from the Federation, nor has it produced many geniuses, its geographical location is exceptionally advantageous! With a small gap in individual strength, they can cooperate more seamlessly…"

This is what it means to fight to the death without retreating!

They, the Four Greats, also had missions, missions even grander than those of smaller military martial academies like Yu State.

But it shouldn't be forgotten that the resources they received were beyond what these smaller military martial academies could even dream of. Effort yields reward. However, apart from high-end power, places like Yu State contributed more than the Four Greats.

「Federal Martial Arts Academy.」

Chu Yuming stood with his arms crossed, looking down imperiously at the ongoing battle, his expression unreadable. A mentor stood behind him.

"Yuming, you need to be more careful. Chu State Military Martial Academy, Yu State Military Martial Academy… There are too many variables this time. Once they acquire more resources, they will undoubtedly close the gap between us much faster…"

The slightly chubby Chu Yuming abruptly turned his head, his tone harsh.

"If you don't want to shut up, I can have someone help you."

"Yuming…"

"Scram! The Federal Martial Arts Academy is not the private property of the Chu Family, nor is it a treasure trove for you lot. It belongs solely to the Federation, and its resources belong to the Federation. No one can interfere.

"What about Chu State Military Martial Academy or Yu State Military Martial Academy? The stronger these academies become, the stronger the Federation's Four Greats will be. I don't deny that the Four Greats derive their prominence from these academies, but I don't want to see your shortsightedness anymore.

"So what if they're powerful? Without pressure, where's the motivation? If it weren't for that kid Wang Zhan not being strong enough, I would willingly lose to him, even if it meant being bedridden for half a month…"

Chu Yuming spoke in a deep voice. Despite being just a Warrior, he didn't back down in the slightest when facing a mentor at the Level 9 Martial Master Realm; instead, he appeared even more domineering.

Upon hearing Chu Yuming's words, this Grandmaster's expression changed drastically.

"Yuming, you mustn't think like that! If we lose, the Federation's Four Greats could fall from their pedestal…"

This mad man, Chu Yuming, actually wants Wang Zhan to completely defeat the Federation's Four Greats, causing immense loss of face for those of us leaders who confidently direct the Federation's course!

But is this merely a matter of face? This is a disaster, a nightmare, a disgrace!

Little did the mentor know, Chu Yuming merely sneered, turned his head back, and resumed watching the unfolding events in the arena without another word.

「Yanjing Martial Arts Academy.」

Yuan Mengru grew even more serious, leaning motionlessly against the railing, her gaze fixed on the Yu State Military Martial Academy's formation.

These guys… Am I really the ceiling for this generation of young people?

She wondered with self-deprecation.

Wang Zhan was about to launch his counterattack, but as he did, a palpable scent of blood filled the air. It was like a wolf, hidden beneath a harmless guise, now coiled on the arena stage, eyeing Wang Zhan hungrily.

Yuan Mengru even doubted that if she were in his place, she might lose the courage and ability to counterattack before even getting the chance to prepare one.

She even saw blood seeping from Wang Zhan's body. It was from when he attempted to strike Wang Ping, only to be met by the swift intervention of Wang Ping's team members. All seven flying hammers had struck him, almost without exception.

Not a single one of them retreated!

This is a true fight to the death.

"PHEW…"

Lin Xiaoyin exhaled softly, her expression grave as she watched the developments in the arena.

They were truly fighting for their lives. She, too, had fought for her life during a Beast Tide. Her Family background had also led her to fight for her life in confinement or on a fighting stage.

However, she suddenly felt that those experiences were so insignificant compared to the breathtaking scene before her. If she were the one in the arena, would she possess the courage to resist, knowing full well that resistance was futile?

Thus, her expression grew increasingly complex.

"Sis, I suddenly feel like… our teachers and our Families have protected us far too well…"

Who could argue with that!

"Damn it!"

Wang Zhan cursed as he dodged several flying hammers.

These guys were all too insidious, definitely corrupted by Wang Ping. Wang Zhan almost suspected this kid was also of Wang Yidao's ilk; otherwise, how could he be as cunning as himself?

The timing was too precise, targeting the exact moment I was preparing to counterattack. If I hadn't dispersed the force in time, it would have been much more serious than minor injuries.

And to top it off, this is only the first match!

Thinking this, Wang Zhan immediately increased the distance between them, his mind as calm as still water. He began to get truly serious.

I won't make a move unless I have to, but when I do, it must be decisive, enough to completely crush this cunning serpent, Wang Ping.

To their surprise, at Wang Zhan's call, the team members immediately dispersed. Though they still kept Wang Zhan surrounded in the center, they gave him a moment to recover and catch his breath. Wang Ping then said with a serious expression, "Student Wang Zhan, I know that none of us are your match. If you were to go all out, I'm afraid none of us could escape this."

Wang Zhan looked astonished. What is this kid up to? Is he trying to play the emotional card?

However, his skill bred confidence, and he wasn't afraid of such tactics. He laughed heartily.

"You're overthinking it. I'm really just an ordinary Warrior. Don't listen to that Old Master Zao, Yun Tianyi, spouting nonsense. People can die from that."

Wang Ping smiled faintly and didn't address the comment.

"Therefore, we gave you time to adapt, hoping that when we fight with all our strength, you might also show some mercy. In fact, we are not doing this for ourselves, but for our Martial Arts Academy."

Speaking to this point, Wang Ping's expression turned slightly solemn, and he said seriously, "Next, please give it your all, Student Wang Zhan! If you still can't hold back, then even if we die, it is what we deserve. Life and death are decided on the sparring stage. We, the Yu State Military Martial Academy, are willing to be the vanguard for everyone here!"

The so-called vanguard serves as a model, an example. It seemed the Yu State Military Martial Academy had already decided to take the lead.

However…

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