Luo Feng remained cautious. "Don't let your guard down. Anyone in Instructor Lin's circle is unlikely to be ordinary. We should set some basic strategies."
The four of them discussed briefly and decided to adapt flexibly based on their opponents while doing their best to apply the newly learned "Four-Phase Resonance" technique in actual combat.
After lunch, they took a hover car to Star Martial Pavilion. When they arrived, they immediately noticed something different. The main training arena had been cleared and expanded, with spectator seating arranged all around. Quite a crowd had already gathered. Clearly, news of the sparring match had spread, drawing many martial arts enthusiasts from across the imperial capital.
"You're here," Lin Qi greeted them, now dressed in a formal martial uniform. "My friends are waiting in the preparation room. This sparring session has attracted quite a bit of attention. Many enthusiasts from the capital have come to watch. I hope you don't mind."
Rowan glanced around and smiled faintly. "Not at all. It's a good opportunity to let more people witness what Earth martial artists can do."
Lin Qi led them to the competitors' waiting area and explained the rules.
"There will be four one-on-one matches in a knockout format. The match ends when one side concedes or is unable to continue. For safety reasons, techniques that may cause fatal injury are prohibited. Energy barriers surround the arena to protect the audience."
The four nodded in understanding.
At that moment, four figures emerged from the opposite passageway. Even from a distance, their presence was overwhelming.
The first was a towering lion-headed warrior, his golden mane framing a sharply defined face. Standing nearly two and a half meters tall, his sheer size and muscle gave him the presence of a mountain.
The second was a lithe, blue-skinned woman whose body was covered in faintly shimmering scales. Her movements flowed like water, graceful and precise. Her deep blue eyes resembled the ocean itself.
The third was an elderly human man, around sixty years old, with white hair and a calm, steady gaze. He wore a simple gray robe and carried a plain wooden staff.
The last was a heavily augmented cyborg, most of his body replaced by metal components. Only part of his face retained organic features. Every movement he made was precise, calculated, and efficient.
"Let me introduce them," Lin Qi said. "Hawk, Bella, Old Mo, and Mechanist. They're all former comrades from my time in the Imperial Army. Though retired, their strength remains formidable."
The four visitors nodded politely, though their eyes burned with anticipation.
"Nice to meet you, warriors of Earth," the lion-headed Hawk said in a deep, thunderous voice. "I've always been curious about the combat techniques of emerging civilizations. I hope you won't disappoint me."
Rowan and the others returned the greeting with proper martial etiquette.
After a brief exchange, Lin Qi announced the start of the first match.
"First bout: Hawk versus Hong!"
The two stepped into the arena.
Hawk's massive frame made the matchup seem uneven at first glance. But those who knew Hong understood that appearances meant little when it came to him.
"Go easy on me," Hawk grinned, baring sharp fangs. "I'd hate to send my opponent to the med bay in the first round."
Hong smiled calmly. "Likewise."
They took their stances.
"Begin!"
Hawk moved instantly. His enormous body blurred with speed, his fist roaring through the air toward Hong's face. Most spectators could barely track the motion. A thunderous impact followed, sending dust flying.
But when the dust settled, Hong was no longer there.
He had already sidestepped the attack. Hawk's fist had struck the ground, leaving a deep crater.
"Nice reflexes," Hawk praised, adjusting instantly.
This time, his attack shifted. His fists traced intricate patterns, each strike carrying force from different angles, weaving an almost inescapable web of offense.
Hong did not retreat.
Instead, he met the assault head-on. His hands moved like drifting leaves, intercepting and dissolving each strike with uncanny precision. Their blows collided midair, sharp impacts ringing out as shockwaves rippled across the arena.
"That's the Imperial Lion King Fist!" someone in the audience exclaimed. "Only elite lion warriors can master it. Each strike carries the force of a small energy cannon!"
At the same time, Hong's movements drew attention.
"Earth martial arts! That stance... that's Tai Chi!"
On the arena, the battle intensified.
Hawk grew more aggressive, golden energy flaring around his fists as each strike thundered like an explosion.
Hong began to counterattack.
His strikes seemed gentle, almost soft, yet each one landed precisely on joints and muscle connections, disrupting Hawk's balance and energy flow.
"I see it," Luo Feng whispered to Rowan. "Hong is using what Instructor Lin taught us. Minimal force to disrupt energy flow. That's the Three-Point Destabilization."
Rowan nodded. "And he's guiding Hawk's rhythm, forcing him into a pattern. It's a classic draw-the-enemy-in tactic."
Nearly ten minutes passed.
Hawk's attacks were still powerful, but cracks began to show. His rhythm faltered. Openings appeared.
"Impossible!" Hawk roared.
His body expanded, muscles swelling as his skin took on a metallic sheen. His energy surged dramatically.
Then, bringing his fists together before tearing them apart, he unleashed a massive golden shockwave.
"That's the Lion King's Roar!" the audience gasped. "That level of output rivals a warship's main cannon!"
Facing the overwhelming attack, Hong did not dodge.
A faint blue light enveloped him. As the shockwave approached, he pushed both palms forward in a simple motion.
And then, the impossible happened.
The golden energy split, redirected, flowing around him as though meeting an invisible barrier. Not only was it neutralized, but a reversed force surged back along its path.
It struck Hawk squarely in the chest.
Caught off guard, the massive warrior was thrown backward, sliding across the arena before coming to a stop.
Silence fell.
Every spectator stared in disbelief.
A seemingly simple technique had deflected and returned such a devastating attack.
Hawk slowly stood, his chest scorched, but his eyes shone with excitement rather than anger.
"Incredible! Is this the essence of Earth martial arts? Soft overcoming hard, borrowing force?"
Hong nodded modestly. "It's a basic application of Tai Chi, combined with energy control. I only redirected the flow."
Hawk burst into laughter. "In all my years, you're the first to reflect my Lion King's Roar. I concede!"
He stepped forward and extended his hand.
Hong accepted it.
Their grip was firm, filled with mutual respect.
The arena erupted in applause.
"An outstanding match," Lin Qi announced. "Winner of the first bout: Hong!"
Back in the resting area, Hawk eagerly questioned Hong about the technique.
"That deflection was unbelievable," he said. "I've never seen energy guided like that."
Hong explained patiently. "It comes from the principle of using a small force to move a great one. The key lies in understanding the opponent's energy flow and redirecting it with precision."
Hawk nodded, deeply impressed.
Rowan, Luo Feng, and Thunder God gathered around, congratulating Hong.
"That technique… you mastered it during training?" Luo Feng asked.
Hong shook his head. "I understood the theory before. But achieving that level of precision only became possible after these two weeks."
Lin Qi approached, smiling. "Well done, Hong. You've demonstrated exactly what this training was meant to achieve."
He then looked at the others.
"Are you ready? The next matches will be even more challenging."
Rowan, Luo Feng, and Thunder God exchanged glances, their eyes burning with determination.
"We're ready," Rowan said firmly. "Let the next match begin."
Lin Qi returned to the center of the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiasm. The first match has shown us the unique brilliance of Earth martial arts. Now, let us proceed to the second bout!"
Cheers erupted once more.
In a corner of the audience, however, a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man watched quietly, his sharp eyes fixed on Rowan and his team.
"Earth warriors… how interesting," he murmured. "This tournament may prove far more exciting than expected."
Meanwhile, back in the waiting area, Hawk extended his hand again to Hong.
"That was the most enjoyable match I've had in years. I'd like to learn more about Earth martial arts, if you're willing."
Hong smiled. "It would be an honor."
Hawk's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Most combat systems in the universe rely too heavily on brute energy output. What you showed today… it opens a completely different path."
And for the first time, many in the arena began to realize that what these four warriors brought with them was not just strength, but a philosophy that could reshape how power itself was understood.