Character Quote:
Haozhan Temple
Lie: "If wearing protective gear is considered strength, then you should be called the 'Armor Department,' not the 'Martial Arts Department.'
[Dongyun Academy Combat Department Main Training Hall]
On the third day after the ten-man battle that resulted in fractures, Lian Zhanzi's name spread throughout the Combat Department. But most members just see him as "another madman trying to show off."His "No Protective Gear Policy" has become a laughingstock. In the Combat Department, the protective gear system is a tradition and a symbol of strength and identity; wearing protective gear means you are "the main choice," while not wearing it means "non-certified." Lian, however, deliberately goes against this norm. He even refused to receive his "member certificate."
[Provocation and Duel Notice]
That morning, Lie entered the training hall as usual. He was bare-chested and not wearing a helmet, elbow guards, or boxing gloves. He was only wearing cloth bands wrapped around his knuckles.
He had just set down his towel when a red challenge letter was thrown at his feet.
The signature read: Deputy Minister Aoyama Rinyake
Title: "Thousand-Layer Crumbling Palm." He is known for using inch-power palm techniques to break the enemy's joints. He has previously severely injured two superior members with just one move.
This duel is the "Battle for Recognition." The winner becomes an official member, and the loser's entry trial results are annulled, resulting in expulsion from the Fighting Department.
Lie glanced at the challenge letter, crushed it in his hand, and walked to the center of the training ground.
"The deputy minister is going to take action himself? Good. I've been wanting to find someone to test how strong I really am right now."
[Deputy Minister Qingshan Appears]
Qingshan is dressed in a custom-made battle suit complete with arm, elbow, waist, and leg armor, making him look like a heavy fighter jet.Facing Lie, who approaches him with bare fists, Qingshan gives a cold smile and says, "You're like a monkey climbing a mountain, unaware of how vast the Tiger King's territory really is."
Lie grins widely and says, "Then let me see if the Tiger King's teeth are really that hard."
[Battle Begins: Inch Power Breaking Bones vs. Bare Fist Resisting Pressure
At the start, Qingshan strikes with the force of thunder, unleashing three blows with inch power that precisely target Lie's ribs, shoulder joints, and knees. Each blow carries an internal shockwave; any ordinary person would have fallen to the ground by now.But Lie grits his teeth and withstands the force, counterattacking with an instinctive move. Engaging in hand-to-hand combat to withstand inch power and break the force with a counter grip is simply a madman's style. Is he crazy? If he takes two more strikes, his bones will crack!" "He actually trades blows for strength?"
Qingshan's eyes shifted slightly, but Lie became even more feral. He used his elbow to connect with a palm strike, bruising his arms and tearing his skin. He then forcefully delivered an "Iron Burst Fist," slamming into Qingshan's ribs!
—"Boom!!!" Qingshan staggers back three steps with a look of agony on his face. He feels it for the first time: This is not a wild fighting style, but a life-for-life combat method.
[Awakening Fury: A Glimpse into the Boy's Past]
In the gaps between battles, Lie's mind drifts back to the past. That year, at the street arena, he was forced to fight three opponents alone. That night, his family was in deep debt, his father was in jail, and his mother was gone. In that boxing match, he traded his life for food and his injuries for a chance at a better tomorrow. He had long been accustomed to fighting without protective gear. To him, the world had never offered protection.
Returning to the present, Lie charged forward and unleashed his strongest blow: "This punch is proof that I survived on the streets!"
Ashura: Mountain Shattering Fist!"
This punch tore through the air, breaking three cracks in Qingshan's armor. Qingshan coughed up blood, was blasted out of the ring, and crashed to the ground.
The audience was in an uproar.
[Victor: Haozhan Temple Lie]
The training hall fell silent for five seconds. Then, applause erupted throughout the room.
Director Gudang Lin appeared and finally nodded. "You have the qualifications to become the 'Heir.'"
Lie looked at Qingshan, who lay on the ground with broken armor. Then, he turned away with an indifferent expression.
He did not need armor nor a title. He only believed in one thing: fists are the only language of his existence.