However, Gouketsu was not unscathed either.
The Metal Bat's uppercut, strengthened by all of his accumulated momentum and power, struck with devastating force. Even with Gouketsu's extraordinary durability, his head was forced backward slightly as the attack landed directly on his relatively vulnerable jaw.
His massive body staggered several steps before he finally regained his balance. Dark purple blood slowly flowed from the corner of his mouth.
"You lost."
The rocky wasteland of the simulated battlefield began to disappear, and the injuries on both fighters vanished instantly as the simulation reset their bodies.
"First round, Gouketsu wins."
Sol's voice echoed from the observation deck, signaling the end of the battle.
The Metal Bat clicked his tongue, then jumped down from the stage with his bat resting over his shoulder.
"Next time! Next time, I'll definitely break through that ridiculous defense of yours!"
Tanktop Master stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, offering words of reassurance.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the Monster Association's side was far more relaxed.
Black Sperm laughed loudly, while Meow Meow sat calmly washing its paws, pretending to maintain an elegant appearance.
"Meow~ Brother Gouketsu was still being too gentle."
"Second round."
Child Emperor's voice came through the broadcast system.
"Hero Association representative, Bang. Monster Association representative, please enter the stage."
A quiet discussion spread among the Monster Association members.
Psykos adjusted her glasses and looked across the assembled cadres. After considering her options, her gaze finally settled on Muzan.
"Muzan, you will represent us this round."
She continued, "Mr. Bang is Master Sol's teacher, and his Smashing Fist has reached an extremely advanced level. This is a valuable opportunity to personally experience his martial arts."
Muzan gave a slight nod.
His handsome, almost feminine face remained expressionless as he adjusted the sleeves of his kimono. In the next moment, his figure disappeared and silently appeared in the center of the battlefield.
Standing opposite him was Bang.
Despite his white hair and beard, the elderly martial artist stood straight and firm, his posture resembling an unmoving pine tree.
"Please."
Bang placed his hands together and entered the opening stance of the Smashing Fist. His aura was steady and profound, like a deep mountain lake that remained undisturbed.
Muzan gave no response.
Only a cold flash appeared within his scarlet eyes.
The next instant, the place where he had been standing was left empty.
His true figure appeared before Bang at incredible speed. His five fingers transformed into a sharp claw, surrounded by ominous black energy as he aimed directly for Bang's throat.
The attack was as fast as lightning, carrying a chilling sense of danger.
It was a combination of Blood Demon Art and physical martial techniques.
However, Bang seemed to have already predicted the attack.
His aged body displayed astonishing flexibility. His upper body leaned backward like drifting willow leaves, while his hands moved in circular motions at the same time.
A gentle but continuous force wrapped around Muzan's wrist like flowing water.
"Water Stream Formation."
Muzan felt his violent attack collide with an invisible current.
His sharp claw was redirected by the soft force, his strength being guided away until the attack struck nothing but empty air.
A hint of surprise flashed across Muzan's face.
He immediately changed his technique.
His arm twisted at an impossible angle, moving as if it had no bones, and his claw hooked toward Bang's elbow joint. At the same time, his other hand silently struck toward Bang's ribs.
Bang's movements remained fluid.
His footwork resembled flowing water, appearing slow but always allowing him to evade Muzan's lethal attacks at the perfect moment.
His hands blocked, redirected, pressed, and pushed, dismantling Muzan's relentless attacks one after another.
The true essence of the Smashing Fist was displayed through every movement.
No matter how overwhelming the opponent's strength was, Bang could use softness to overcome force, borrowing his enemy's power and turning it back against them.
"Hmph. Are you only going to avoid me?"
After failing to land a successful strike despite his continuous assault, Muzan's patience began to fade.
His speed increased once again.
His entire body transformed into countless afterimages, attacking Bang from every direction simultaneously.
The force generated by his claws tore through the air, producing sharp whistling sounds.
This was Muzan's ultimate offensive technique, combining his Blood Demon Art with his overwhelming physical abilities.
Facing the countless attacks, Bang finally moved forward.
He no longer focused solely on defense.
His footwork suddenly accelerated, transforming from a quiet stream into a powerful river. His figure moved through the endless claw shadows, weaving between the attacks with perfect precision.
"Smashing Fist, Offensive Form."
Bang identified a nearly invisible opening during Muzan's transition between attacks.
His hand moved forward like a venomous snake striking from its hiding place.
The strike passed through the countless claw shadows and headed directly toward Muzan's chest.
The attack appeared simple, but it contained Bang's lifetime of martial arts experience. Every aspect of the movement, from strength to speed, had been refined to perfection.
It even predicted Muzan's next action.
Muzan's pupils narrowed.
He immediately crossed both arms in front of his chest.
"Bang!"
A heavy impact echoed.
Muzan felt a force as sharp and powerful as a steel awl penetrate through his defense, violently shaking his body and disturbing his internal energy.
His feet slid backward more than ten meters before he managed to stop.
Fine cracks appeared along the sleeves of his kimono.
From the observation deck, Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow.
"That old man's martial arts are impressive."
Sol nodded slightly but remained silent.
Bang's martial arts had long surpassed the level of simple techniques. His understanding had already approached a higher realm, one close to the essence of martial principles themselves.
Muzan's expression darkened.
As a demon serving beneath the progenitor, being forced backward by an elderly human was an unacceptable humiliation.
He stopped holding back.
A dense demonic aura erupted from his body. Strange patterns appeared across his skin, and his presence suddenly became far more terrifying.
"Blood Demon Art: Black Blood Thorny Vines!"
Countless thorn-covered vines formed from hardened black blood emerged from the ground, the air, and every surrounding angle.
They moved like living creatures, rapidly surrounding Bang.
Their range was enormous, sealing away nearly every possible route of escape.
Bang's expression did not change.
He took a deep breath.
Even when facing supernatural abilities, he continued relying on his fists.
As he moved, the surrounding air seemed to gather around his strikes, forming an invisible vortex.
"Rock Smashing Form."
His fists were no longer gentle or defensive.
Each punch carried immense force.
Every strike precisely targeted the weak points of the incoming blood vines, breaking through their structure with perfect timing.
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
The sound of destruction echoed throughout the battlefield.
The seemingly powerful Black Blood Thorny Vines shattered under Bang's fists like fragile glass, breaking apart and scattering before they could reach him.