Chapter 7 A deal's A deal

Words : 3010 Updated : Oct 8th, 2023

Stanley's face lit up with a satisfied smile after seeing the result of his second punch. A martial artist at the sixth level of the Lian Ti Realm could only leave shallow marks on the blackstone monument. However, to make a mark as deep as his second punch, one typically needed to be at the seventh level of the Lian Ti Realm. This meant that Stanley's strength had reached a level comparable to the seventh-level Lian Ti Realm, which was impressive for someone of his standing. "Kid, using a martial skill to show off? What's the point? If you're really capable, try doing it without any technique," Grover barked, clearly irritated that Stanley had stolen his thunder. Stanley glanced at him with a calm expression. "Why should I listen to you?" "Hmph, you're afraid to try, aren't you? That proves you don't have the skills. If you don't have the skills, don't embarrass yourself here," Grover retorted arrogantly. "Exactly! If all he can do is show off a fancy technique, there's nothing to brag about." "Just because he learned some flashy move, he's acting like he's something special. It's disgusting," others chimed in, echoing Grover's disdainful tone. Stanley chuckled at their logic, finding it ridiculous. "Why are you laughing, kid?" Grover snapped. "I'm laughing at how pathetic you all are. You think you're above everyone, but the truth is you mock others because you lack real skill yourselves," Stanley replied, unfazed. "How dare you!" Grover's face darkened, his anger rising as Stanley's words hit a nerve. His internal energy flared, and the nearby crowd could feel the pressure of his sixth-level Lian Ti Realm power. Stanley didn't back down. His own internal energy surged, revealing his fifth-level Lian Ti Realm cultivation. "Fifth-level Lian Ti Realm? Wasn't he at the fourth level just a month ago?" "More than that. I heard he went from second to fourth in just a few days. Now, in another month, he's already at the fifth level." "He's just here to show off. Beating two intermediate students at the library made him think he's better than all of us." Stanley ignored the envious mutterings around him. He had come to the blackstone area to train his Dragon and Tiger Boxing, but this crowd had soured his mood. "Kid, you're pretty cocky, huh? I heard Hugh wanted to teach you a lesson, but Ms. Lu stepped in to save you. Otherwise, you'd be crippled by now," Grover said with a cold smile as he approached Stanley. "You said I don't have any skills, right? Care to make a bet?" "What kind of bet?" Stanley asked, frowning. "Let's see who can leave a deeper mark on the blackstone. You think you're tough? Let's see if you can beat me," Grover replied confidently. "Yeah, if you're so great, prove it! Bet against Grover if you have the guts." "If this show-off can actually beat Grover, I'll eat that blackstone monument!" The crowd taunted Stanley, eager to see him humiliated. Grover had the crowd's support, and they were openly mocking Stanley. Stanley wasn't particularly interested in this childish challenge, but he knew if he refused, rumors would spread that he was afraid. He smiled coldly. "Fine. What's your bet?" Grover smirked, surprised Stanley had agreed so easily. He thought to himself, This fool has no idea what he's in for. "Heh, if we're betting, we need stakes. Since you're a poor nobody, I won't ask for money. The loser will bow and apologize to the winner," Grover said, confident that Stanley would lose. Grover was certain of his victory. He was at the sixth level of the Lian Ti Realm and had mastered a third-tier martial skill. If he went all out, there was no way Stanley, with his lower cultivation and likely second-tier techniques, could surpass him. As word of the challenge spread, more students gathered to watch. Soon, a large crowd had formed, eager to witness the outcome. Stanley hadn't expected the stakes to be so high. Bowing and apologizing in front of everyone would ruin his reputation. But he saw no choice. If he backed down, it would be even worse. "Fine, I accept," Stanley replied calmly. Grover burst into laughter, certain of his victory. "You're done for, kid!" With a loud shout, Grover gathered his internal energy. "Watch closely, and prepare to bow!" "Luminous Punch!" Grover's fist glowed faintly—a sign that his internal energy had reached a level comparable to the seventh-level Lian Ti Realm. It was clear that he was using a high-tier martial skill, possibly even a third-tier technique. "Boom!" The blackstone monument shook slightly under Grover's strike. A deep, clear fist imprint appeared on the stone. "Wow, that was impressive!" "He's using internal energy comparable to the seventh-level Lian Ti Realm. That's powerful." "Grover must be close to breaking through soon. His talent is incredible." The crowd marveled at Grover's talent, knowing that martial training relied heavily on natural ability. Some people could train for ten years and never achieve what a genius could in one year. Grover had entered the intermediate class at thirteen and was expected to join the advanced class soon, earning admiration from all around. "Your turn, kid. Get ready to bow and apologize!" Grover declared smugly, eyeing Stanley. Two fist imprints were visible on the blackstone—one left by Stanley earlier, and Grover's recent mark, which was deeper and more defined. Stanley remained silent. At this point, no words were necessary. The only thing that mattered now was action. "Fierce Tiger Strike!" With a light shout, Stanley's body moved with the speed and ferocity of a tiger pouncing on its prey. His fist shot toward the blackstone monument, and the crowd gasped. "That's... Dragon and Tiger Boxing?" "I heard that the Dragon and Tiger Boxing is a second-grade martial technique, but many people practice it without truly capturing its essence. Judging by Stanley's form, it seems he's already grasped its true spirit," someone exclaimed in surprise. "Really? Does this guy have that much martial talent?" others began to murmur, impressed by Stanley's performance. "Boom!" The Fierce Tiger Strike landed on the black stone monument with a resounding impact. The powerful punch swept up dust, showcasing its formidable strength. At that moment, everyone focused their eyes on the monument, eager to see the outcome of Stanley's strike. A stunned silence followed. "This… this can't be possible!" When Grover saw the imprint left on the black stone, his face went pale, and a sinking feeling settled in his chest. "Look! Stanley's punch left a tiger's head mark!" someone shouted. "Really?" The others looked closer, intrigued. "Wow, it's true! It's shaped like a roaring tiger's head!" "My goodness, am I seeing this right?" "I've heard that only by mastering the essence of the Fierce Tiger Strike can you produce such an effect!" "Dragon and Tiger Boxing has two techniques. The other one is called Soaring Dragon Style. I wonder if he's mastered that one too." The crowd erupted with amazement and admiration. In that moment, all the scorn and disdain they had previously directed at Stanley were replaced with deep shock and respect. Grover was equally stunned. The mark he had left on the black stone monument was nowhere near the depth or intricacy of the tiger's head imprint Stanley had just created with his Fierce Tiger Strike. "Impossible! Even a seventh-level Lian Ti Realm martial artist couldn't leave such a deep imprint!" Grover stammered, his lips trembling in disbelief. At that moment, many of the students who had previously sided with Grover now looked at him with pity. The outcome of the duel was clear. "Grover, according to our bet, shouldn't you be kneeling and apologizing right about now?" Stanley asked coldly, his expression mocking. From the start, Stanley had done nothing to provoke Grover. Yet Grover felt his spotlight was being stolen, escalating the situation into a challenge where he fully intended to humiliate Stanley for life. Grover knew very well that if he knelt and apologized today, his reputation at the martial hall would be forever ruined, even if he one day joined the elite ranks of the senior class. "Stanley, don't go too far!" Grover said darkly, his expression twisted with anger. "It was you who suggested the bet. Are you going to go back on your word now? Everyone here heard it," Stanley sneered, unfazed. Stanley knew all too well that even if he let Grover off the hook today, the latter wouldn't be grateful. Instead, Grover would surely harbor resentment and seek revenge. "Mastering martial techniques doesn't mean you're the strongest. You'd better not push your luck!" Grover's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "That's right, Stanley. You've already won, so why keep pressing the issue?" "After all, we're all students of the martial hall. You're really going to make Grover kneel and apologize? Isn't that a bit much?" Some of Grover's friends in the crowd spoke up in his defense. Stanley's gaze turned icy as he swept his eyes over those speaking. He sneered, "If I had been the one to lose, would you have let me off?" The students who had spoken up took a step back, unnerved by Stanley's cold glare. In truth, everyone present knew the answer, but none dared to stand up for Stanley, fearing retaliation from Grover. "I'll cripple you!" At that moment, Grover, seething with rage, suddenly launched a vicious attack. His face twisted with malice as his arms snaked toward Stanley, his inner energy flowing with both force and finesse. He used a different third-grade martial technique—Python Punch. Although it wasn't as powerful as Luminous Punch, it was much faster, making it hard to defend against. Grover had no intention of keeping his word. His plan was simple: if he couldn't apologize, he would cripple Stanley. Even if others looked down on him for it, that would be better than living in disgrace. Stanley hadn't expected Grover to be so treacherous. The attack was aimed directly at his waist, a vital spot that, if hit, could leave him crippled for life. "Soaring Dragon Style!" With a loud shout, Stanley channeled his inner energy to the limit. His body leaped into the air, avoiding the strike. His arms extended like a dragon soaring through the sky, and his fists created afterimages as they aimed straight for Grover. Grover's expression changed. He hadn't expected Stanley to dodge his attack so easily, much less be able to counterattack so quickly. In a panic, Grover tried to switch techniques, his hands glowing faintly as he unleashed his strongest martial technique—Luminous Punch. "Boom!" Their fists collided, and the force of the impact sent a powerful gust of wind rippling through the air, stinging the faces of those watching nearby. Grover's body trembled, his fist aching as a sharp pain shot through his arm. His internal energy was in disarray, and he nearly coughed up blood. "Kneel!" Stanley shouted as he reached out to grab Grover. Grover instinctively tried to block the grab, but his arms refused to move, as if they had lost all feeling. Stanley's hand grew larger in Grover's eyes, and with a loud thud, it pressed down on Grover's forehead. A massive force slammed into Grover, and pain shot through his knees as Stanley's foot kicked him squarely in the legs. With a loud crash, Grover fell to his knees. "A deal's a deal. You wanted this bet, Grover. Now, you've to kneel down and apologized to me." Without a trace of emotion, Stanley pressed Grover's head to the ground, making a loud thudding noise. The pain in Grover's body was nothing compared to the overwhelming humiliation he felt inside. Overcome by anger and shame, Grover coughed up a mouthful of blood and fainted on the spot.

Chapter 7 A deal's A deal

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