37 Challenge

"Young Master, Yi Tian did not participate in the competition," Guo Xuefeng stated as he entered the opulent viewing room of Yi Wang. He offered a respectful bow and joined his hands in a traditional gesture of respect.

Without shifting his gaze, Yi Wang, seated in the central chair, assumed a contemplative pose and responded, "That's fine. Nevertheless, challenge him at the conclusion of the event."

Seated adjacent to Yi Wang, a young man who embodied the delicate grace of a scholar, registered surprise at this decision. His robes swirled around him as he rose to his feet, clasping his hands in front of him in a sign of concern. "Young Master, I believe it might be unwise to challenge Yi Tian. Xuefeng's open call to him may be perceived as disrespectful to the main family."

"Zhou Quan, I am supporting him. Moreover, the family will not involve themselves in this affair," Yi Wang declared with authority, finally turning his attention to Xuefeng, who stood tall and alert. "You have my assurance."

Xuefeng acknowledged his words with a single nod. "Understood."

After a brief period of conversation about Xuefeng's matches, he excused himself from the room and made his way back to the stage.

...

"The Final Contestants, the stage awaits you!" The resonant voice of the announcer filled the grand hall, bringing conversations to a sudden halt. Audience members hurried back to their vantage points, eager not to miss a single moment of the forthcoming action.

Already present on the stage was Xuefeng, his demeanor as imposing and resolute as ever. His gaze was directed toward the front staircase of the stage as Tang Mu emerged into view. The rhythmic echo of his footsteps punctuated the prevailing silence, save for the delicate strains of music providing a subtle accompaniment.

Reaching his designated spot opposite Xuefeng, Tang Mu joined his hands together in a traditional gesture of respect, the soft sound cutting through the hushed atmosphere. "It's an honor to compete with you, Xuefeng. I welcome your guidance," he stated with sincerity.

Xuefeng reciprocated the gesture with a composed nod, adopting his customary martial stance. "The honor is mutual, Tang Mu," he replied, meeting Tang Mu's anticipation with equanimity.

Noticing their respectful exchange, the announcer nodded approvingly and proclaimed, "Let the match commence!" His words were underscored by the resounding strike of the gong and the sudden crescendo of music, igniting an atmosphere of charged excitement among the spectators.

Driven by a desire for a swift resolution, Xuefeng initiated the first engagement, charging forth. As Tang Mu saw Xuefeng approach, a sense of fortune washed over him; he was on the verge of securing second place.

With minimal distance between them, Xuefeng launched a straight punch at Tang Mu's chest. Tang Mu evaded the blow with a graceful twist, but the opportunity for retaliation was snatched away as Xuefeng's fist was already arcing toward his head.

Tilting backward to dodge, Tang Mu retaliated with a swift upward kick, which was deftly blocked by Xuefeng's hand. Seizing Tang Mu's foot, Xuefeng leveraged his momentum to fling him to the side. Despite being cast aside, Tang Mu rotated mid-air, landing firmly on his feet.

Undeterred, Xuefeng rushed toward the momentarily stationary Tang Mu, launching a side kick towards his head. Tang Mu avoided the blow by dropping into a crouch and swiftly sweeping a kick towards Xuefeng's legs. This forced Xuefeng to leap over the attack. As Xuefeng ascended, Tang Mu launched a mid-air punch, which Xuefeng skillfully redirected, simultaneously grasping Tang Mu's arm. Using the leverage, he brought his knee crashing down onto Tang Mu's head and released his hold. Tang Mu staggered back, blood beginning to trickle from his nose.

As he wiped away the blood, Tang Mu gazed at the crimson staining his sleeve, his resolve deepening. He surged forward, spiraling mid-air to deliver a heavy punch toward Xuefeng's head. Xuefeng deftly sidestepped and countered with a punch of his own. Tang Mu crossed his fists in defense, absorbing the impact.

The blow sent Tang Mu skidding backward, teeth clenched against the throbbing pain radiating from his arms, miraculously unbroken. After a sliding halt, Tang Mu laboriously rose to his feet, shaking out his arms to alleviate the lingering soreness, all the while under the watchful gaze of Xuefeng.

Readopting his stance, Tang Mu squared off against Xuefeng again. His punch aimed at Xuefeng's lower abdomen was deflected by a raised knee, the resulting clap echoing through the hall. Springing into the air, Xuefeng executed a backward spin, delivering a side kick that connected with Tang Mu's shoulder.

Rather than being launched backward, Tang Mu cleverly utilized the momentum to execute a side flip. As he revolved mid-air, he sent a punch hurtling towards Xuefeng's face. Yet again, Xuefeng used his arm to deflect the blow, seized Tang Mu's arm and with his free hand, he grabbed the front of Tang Mu's martial attire.

With a mighty heave, Xuefeng threw Tang Mu down, his body meeting the stage with a resonating thump. Tang Mu writhed in pain, coughing up blood from the impact. Xuefeng towered over him, his gaze shifting toward the announcer after a few tense moments.

Observing Tang Mu's incapacitated state, the announcer declared the victor, "The Champion of the Youth Martial Showdown is Xuefeng!" A crescendo of applause and cheers filled the grand hall.

As attendants gently carried Tang Mu offstage via the back stairs, Xuefeng made his way to the announcer and leaned in to murmur, "I wish to address the audience."

The elderly man's eyebrows arched in surprise, but he nodded in agreement, "Very well." He spun around and gestured for the music to soften. Clearing his throat, he announced, "Before we conclude the festivities, our champion, Xuefeng, wishes to share a few words."

The elder turned his gaze towards Xuefeng, an encouraging smile gracing his lips as the audience's attention was once again directed towards the stage. Xuefeng shifted his gaze upward towards the third floor, drawing in a deep breath and straightening his posture. He brought his hands together in a respectful clasp and declared, "I, Guo Xuefeng, humbly invite the Second Young Master to exchange a demonstration of our martial prowess."

A wave of gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall, the audience taken aback by this bold challenge directed at a member of the principal family. The elderly announcer wore a look of concern, moving closer to Xuefeng, he murmured, "Xuefeng, this is inappropriate–"

Unruffled, Xuefeng lowered his voice to a whisper, interrupting the announcer, "It's alright. I have obtained consent from a member of the main family."