The excitement in the training hall barely had a chance to die down after Chu Yan's victory over Su Ming when the head examiner announced the next match: Ouyang Feng versus Lin Chen. The crowd immediately grew restless with anticipation.
Ouyang Feng, one of the top students of No. 2 High School and known for his fierce combat skills, stepped into the ring with a confident stride. With his ability, except for abnormal Chu Yan, no student in this school can be his match.
On the other side of the ring, Lin Chen stood calm and composed. Unlike Ouyang Feng, Lin Chen had been somewhat of a dark horse. Like Chu Yan, no one knows about them even in middle school until the mock test for special class happens.
As both combatants faced each other, the contrast between them was clear. Ouyang Feng was a picture of raw, honed power, while Lin Chen exuded an aura of quiet confidence, his gaze steady and unyielding.
Chu Yan, standing among the spectators, observed the scene with keen interest. He knew Ouyang Feng's strength well, but Lin Chen was an enigma. Chu Yan had heard the rumors of Lin Chen's sudden rise in power, but he had yet to see it in action.
This match would reveal whether Lin Chen's true ability could truly compete with Ouyang Feng's prowess.
The head examiner, standing at the edge of the ring, raised his hand. "Begin!"
Ouyang Feng struck first, his fist hurtling forward with the speed and power of a thunderbolt. The air crackled as he unleashed the Thunderclap Fist, aiming directly at Lin Chen's chest.
The punch was accompanied by a resounding crack of thunder, the sheer force of the blow sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
But Lin Chen was prepared. With a swift, fluid motion, he drew his saber, its blade glowing with a deep, fiery hue. The air around the blade shimmered with intense heat as he swung it in a wide arc, meeting Ouyang Feng's fist with formidable force.
Lin Chen's weapon was imbued with the Crimson Flame Saber, a martial art that channels fire to amplify aggressive attacks and overwhelming offense.
The collision of their strikes generated a tremendous shockwave that surged outward, leaving a deep crack in the ground at the center of the impact. Fortunately, the spectator area, positioned one floor above, shielded the onlookers from the devastating shockwave.
The clash caught Chu Yan's attention, sparking a flicker of interest. The sheer force unleashed by both combatants far exceeded that of typical third-layer martial artists.
The power of their collision was evenly matched, forcing both Ouyang Feng and Lin Chen to stagger back several meters from the impact.
Ouyang Feng's expression flickered with surprise. With a hint of admiration, he remarked, "It seems this year will be exceptionally lively. Beyond the geniuses from No. 1 and No. 3, even formidable figures like yourself and Chu Yan have emerged. This is shaping up to be quite a spectacular event."
Lin Chen, maintaining a composed expression, responded, "As for Chu Yan, I can't speak for him, but as for myself, I'm not particularly fond of fame. The only reason I've showcased my strength is due to a lack of resources."
Ouyang Feng's eyes glinted with intrigue as he replied, "Lack of resources, you say? That's a rather humble reason for such impressive displays of strength. It seems there's more to you than meets the eye. I look forward to seeing whether you strongly qualify to defend those resources."
"Be my guest." replied Lin Chen.
Hearing this, Ouyang Feng's expression darkened. With a sudden burst of movement, he surged forward once more, his fists a blur as he launched a relentless barrage of thunderous strikes. Each punch erupted with a deafening crack of thunder, the sound reverberating through the hall as he intensified his assault.
As Ouyang Feng's barrage continued, Lin Chen remained unflinchingly composed. Taking a deep breath, he fully activated the Crimson Flame Saber, its blade igniting with a searing intensity.
With each thunderous punch from Ouyang Feng, Lin Chen responded with precise, powerful saber strikes. The intense heat from his blade formed a blazing barrier that intercepted and deflected the thunderous blows.
The arena was soon filled with the cacophony of clashing metal, crackling thunder, and roaring flames. Spectators watched in awe, knowing that even the residual force from these exchanges could be dangerous.
As the fight wore on, Ouyang Feng grew increasingly uneasy. No matter how fiercely he attacked, Lin Chen effortlessly countered every move, leaving Ouyang Feng both frustrated and perplexed.
Determined to turn the tide, Ouyang Feng roared, "Thunderclap: Stunning Strike!"
Unleashing his full power, he charged forward, a burst of electrical energy crackling around his fist as he aimed a devastating strike at Lin Chen's chest.
Sensing the incoming attack, Lin Chen sneered. With a fierce shout, he unleashed the full power of the Crimson Flame Saber.
"Crimson Flame : Fire Dance!"
The blade erupted in a blaze of crimson fire, the heat intensifying to the point where the air around it seemed to warp. Lin Chen swung the saber in a wide arc, the fire trailing behind it like a comet's tail.
Ouyang Feng's eyes widened as the wave of fire surged toward him. He swung his fist toward the flame to deflected the attack.
Boom!!
As the thunder and flames clashed, an explosion occurred. Seeing the situation not good, the referee rushes toward the ring to avoid any serious injuries.
As the smoke dispersed, the two figures appeared, one of them half-kneeling to the ground while the other had some injuries in his body.
What shocked the crowd is not Lin Chen the one kneeling, but Ouyang Feng!
"You fought well, Ouyang Feng," Lin Chen said, his voice calm despite the intensity of the battle. "But today, the flames won."
Breathing heavily, Ouyang Feng gazed up at Lin Chen with a look of respect. "I underestimated you, Lin Chen," he admitted, his voice filled with grudging admiration.
As he finished speaking, Ouyang Feng collapsed, falling unconscious. Observing this, Elder Zhou swiftly summoned the healing team to attend to Ouyang Feng, directing them to carry him away for immediate treatment.