Character Quotes
Hōzenji Retsu
"A fist can conquer one person, but it cannot defeat a group. But I will make a group attack with their fists."
[Opening: The Other Side of Power]
Three days after ascending to the position of deputy minister, Hōzenji Retsu faced his first opportunity to issue departmental directives.His first decision was to abolish the traditional "Rank Monopoly Training System" in the Combat Department: "The restriction that intermediate fighters cannot train with advanced fighters has been lifted."
Reason: "Fists know no rank; only battles can advance."
However, instead of applause, he received sneers and jeers: "Who does the deputy minister think he is? He just got into position and is already changing the old rules."
"Letting those useless intermediates train with us? What a waste of time."
Rumors began to circulate underground: "He only won against Chitō Rei by luck; he's not qualified to lead the Combat Department."
[Reactions from intermediate members]
Hōzenji ignored the rumors and led the way onto the training ground. He engaged in "real sparring" with intermediate fighters, going five rounds without catching his breath.He extended a hand to an intermediate fighter who had been cornered and said, "You are not weak; you just haven't found the right rhythm."
That day, for the first time, an intermediate fighter bowed their head to him in the training arena and said, "Deputy Minister, teach me how to use a heavy punch to drive back the domineering flow."
[Dissatisfaction of the High-Level Factions] This wave of civilian training has angered the senior fighters of the old factions, especially those of the "Thunder Sect," which was left behind by the former Vice Minister Qiantang Lei. During a collective training session, they all left and sent a message: "If he changes the system again without thinking it through, we won't participate in competitions or take to the stage." Overnight, the martial arts division split into two factions: Thunder Sect: Sticking to the "elite barrier" and maintaining the class system. The New Flame Sect advocated for "integrated training for all" and emphasized the essence of combat power. Advocating for "integrated training for all" and emphasizing combat power. Conflict is imminent. [Intervention of the Director of Instruction] Long Xuanqi, the Director of Instruction at Dongyun Academy and later Feng Ke's boss, intervened and summoned Haozhan Temple Lie. This cold-faced veteran said only one sentence: "You can reform, but if chaos breaks out within the martial arts division, I will hold you accountable as well." Lie nodded, but upon returning, he posted the following on the bulletin board: "Internal Martial Arts Selection · Open Challenge." If the Thunder Sect does not comply, come to the stage. Let the fight speak for itself. This was dubbed the "Trial of the Ruler."
[Response in the Ring]
Three days later, Lie stood on the Longya training platform. Facing him were three high-ranking fighters from the Leimen faction. They were all experienced and ranked among the top ten in their division. They did not challenge him to a duel, but rather proposed a "continuous battle": "Since you want to dominate, fight all three of us alone. Don't say we're not giving you a chance." The spectators gasped in shock, but Lie nodded and tightened his wrist wraps. "I'm not here to be nice; I'm here to reign. Bring all your discontent to me."
[Three Battles in One: The Fist of Dominion]
In the first battle, Lie broke through his opponent's arm guard. In the second, he used a "fake retreat-elbow strike" technique to hit the side of his opponent's neck, showcasing technical superiority. In the third battle, Lie faced the true heir of Leimen. When his opponent unleashed the "Baliu Continuous Pressure," Lie chose not to evade, taking the punch head-on. He then struck back with the newly learned "reverse step heavy elbow" to the throat, and all three fell to the ground. The entire arena fell silent for seven seconds. Then, a mid-level fighter was the first to cheer loudly, and after that day, there were no longer any voices of "Leimen" within the fighting division.[Epilogue: Successful Reform]
Lie redefined the training system within the division: mixed training for all members, regardless of class; weekly "Blind Spot Martial Arts Sharing"; and establishment of a special training group for the vice minister, focused on assisting those with technical shortcomings.
The previously silent fighting division finally became "like a military unit."
In the office, Long Xuanqi smiled lightly upon hearing the reports: "This kid may not be great at fighting, but his tactics are quite ruthless."