[Dongyun Academy - Dragon and Tiger Ranking Update Day] The monthly "Dragon and Tiger Ranking" update has arrived on schedule. This is a list that symbolizes the students' personal martial arts rankings, which are jointly evaluated by the dean, various club instructors, and the martial arts system, and it attracts the attention of the entire school. This time, however, the release of the rankings was more shocking than usual. [Dragon and Tiger Ranking - Top Ten] 1: Yejian Cang (Magic Club) 2: Tiandao Jingyi (Swordplay Club) 3rd: Huangtang Saye (Archery Club) 4th: Bai Lan (Magic Club) 5th: Yudou Karuma (Magic Club) 6th: Guimaru Shala (Javelin Club) 7th: Shirakawa Rinji (Sword Club) 8th: Hōzantaji Retsu (Martial Arts Club) ←NEW! 9th: Wancheng Zhongwei (Martial Arts Club) 10th: Chitose Suzu (Archery Club) [Shock and Awe] "He's actually back!" "Wasn't Retsu removed from the rankings due to injury? How did he come back in eighth place?" "Wasn't it said that his punches weren't as good as before? The Swordsmanship Club even lost to him?" The martial arts dojo was in an uproar. Hōzantaji Retsu stood calmly in front of the rankings, but his gaze remained fixed on "6th place". "Guimaru Shala..." That name had been driven into his heart like a red-hot nail for a long time. [Interview with the Dean - Feng Ke Ains] Along with the ranking update, the school's communication network released a special interview. Title: "What does the return of Hōzantaji Retsu symbolize?" The interviewer was none other than the dean, former Magic Club member Feng Ke. In the article, he commented: "The Hōzantaji Retsu of the past was the symbol of 'the strongest blow of Dongyun,' flamboyant and striking. But now he represents 'the steadiest punch of Dongyun'; his punches understand control, understanding, and silence, making him even more terrifying." "His return to the Dragon and Tiger rankings shows that this academy recognizes the changed 'principles of striking' instead of relying on brute force and violence." These words sparked heated discussions among the students. Some agreed, others questioned. But no one denied: Hōzantaji Retsu is no longer the man who only knew how to advance.
[Challenge Approaches - Former Rival] While the Martial Arts Department was celebrating, Deputy Minister Wancheng Chongwei walked onto the training ground holding a red envelope. "Minister, your 'return' seems to have stirred up a... guy who hasn't come out in a long time." Lie took the letter, raising an eyebrow. When he opened it, the handwriting was familiar: "Ten days later at the Dragon Tooth Arena, the challenge of the unbroken fist is not over. -Yugate Iichiro' The onlookers gasped. "That guy is still around?" "Wasn't he silenced after being defeated by Minister Lie three years ago?" Hao Zhansi narrowed his eyes, "He... will indeed come. [At night, on the roof of the Martial Arts Department building. Lie stood alone, the wind blowing his short hair. The lights of the Dragon and Tiger List were reflected in his eyes. He muttered to himself, "I was once driven out by this list and fought for it. But now... I want to use my fists to tell everyone - the returning fist is stronger than the outgoing fist.