Ren Yuanhao's voice was not loud, but it carried a killing intent colder than a blade. Coupled with how Ren Yuanhao had bested Xiao Chong in an instant just moments ago, the audience's anticipation for him soared.
In contrast, Xiao Chong was completely enraged by Ren Yuanhao's words. The countdown had unknowingly begun, and the spotlight on the entire arena seemed to instantly shift to Ren Yuanhao!
Ever since he gained his superpower, Xiao Chong had never been provoked like this. Even his coach had to kneel and beg him to compete. Where did this man in front of him get his courage?
The red light of the countdown flashed incessantly, like a death knell. However, Ren Yuanhao opposite him didn't seem eager to attack, making Xiao Chong feel uneasy.
The childhood fears crashed down like a violent storm. He thought that after becoming stronger and severing ties with his family, those fears would be gone. Yet, the man standing before him plunged him back into the mire. The only way to escape was to eliminate the man in front of him!
Killing intent surged out with his moves. The calmer the man opposite him was, the more it ignited his desire to destroy him. With a "Severing Gold Palm," he slashed through the waves towards Ren Yuanhao's face, who remained motionless. Ren Yuanhao simply spun and retreated. A single "Soaring Dragon Seizing Cloud Hand" lightly tapped his opponent's shoulder as he casually sidestepped.
A strange fragrance vanished in an instant. Xiao Chong, about to counterattack with a spinning kick, felt his mind go blank. All his Taekwondo skills seemed to be forcibly extracted from his brain, like a hard drive crashing with bad sectors!
A cold laugh, like a sharp blade. The one launching the spinning kick wasn't Xiao Chong, but Ren Yuanhao, who had never practiced Taekwondo!
Bang!
Ren Yuanhao's physical strength was beyond that of an ordinary person. This kick, though seemingly devoid of flashy techniques, was immensely powerful. Xiao Chong felt as if his chest had been hit by a missile. He was like a kite with a broken string, flying over the boundary rope and crashing to the ground with a thud. A mouthful of blood surged up his throat.
"There's still time remaining."
Ren Yuanhao brushed the dust off his hands and calmly walked off the stage under the spotlights and camera lenses.
The audience was stunned for a full three seconds before erupting into thunderous applause.
Xiao Chong, who had been defeated, was helped up by Chu Tianxiong. The president, knowing that the Southeast District Taekwondo Competition had exhausted all its excitement and had no more highlights, immediately took the microphone and announced loudly, "Alright, esteemed audience, I declare that the four finalists entering the Eastern District Competition are: Qin Yue, Xiao Chong, Gao Chenfei, and Qi Yunyi!"
The president did not intend to give anyone a chance to object or stir up trouble. He continued, "Although there were some unexpected incidents in this competition, it has officially concluded in front of all the audience and media. Thank you for your support!"
The audience applauded in unison. Before the applause died down, the president had already risen and walked towards the VIP seats, shaking hands with everyone one by one. The audience also quickly dispersed. Xiao Chong, despite his lingering dissatisfaction, could only suppress it. After all, the shock Ren Yuanhao had given him was too great, and...
He pressed his chest several times, feeling a dull ache between his bones and tendons. The slightest exertion sent a piercing pain through him.
At this moment, a sense of urgency sounded in Ren Yuanhao's mind.
"Host, soon will be the best time to plunder abilities. That kick of yours is more than enough for him. Oh, right, the 1000 points have been successfully advanced, and Sanqing Hua Yi Shuang has been redeemed. Work hard to repay the debt."
—Damn it, I only managed to get 1000 points advanced by threatening my life, and I instantly became a debt slave. I really don't want to show off like this!
Ren Yuanhao drooped his head. The shadow of a million-dollar debt loomed over him like a dark cloud. However, now was indeed not the time to be depressed. Outside, a storm was brewing, and the seafood feast planned for tonight was likely ruined.
At least, the dream of eating seafood and watching bikini-clad beauties by the sea was shattered.
...
Everyone left the martial arts hall under the storm. The sky was murky and chaotic, with dark clouds surging overhead. Thunderbolt, like sharp swords, pierced the sky. Wind roared, and the low pressure pressed down on everyone's heads like a thousand-pound weight. The palm trees lining the streets swayed left and right like the claws of evil spirits, rustling incessantly. The inflatable figures above the digital plaza swayed more exaggeratedly, like howling white ghosts.
The dense crowd, after leaving the martial arts hall, rushed madly towards their respective vehicles like refugees. The heavy rain had been brewing for a long time, waiting for God to pull the plug.
Ren Yuanhao and his companions crossed the digital plaza, exited through a small alley to the left, and after winding through several less lively streets, returned to the hotel where the disciples resided.
Shen Lan Ni settled the four of them, checked their injuries one by one, and after giving a few instructions, ordered seafood takeout to replenish their energy.
Ren Yuanhao and the other three also ate something simple, celebrated briefly, and then returned to their hotel.
The four of them sat in the living room of the presidential suite for a while. Ren Yuanhao knew that the Yang and Ye sisters had many questions. He only explained the simple process, but saw their expressions dim.
"What now?" Yang Ling Xue's mind was blank. Even with her personality, she realized that the situation was becoming increasingly uncontrollable, with a killing intent at every step.
Yang Ling Xue had the backing of her family, so she didn't need to worry too much about safety. Ye Lan's residence was near a mountain, with people living hundreds of meters away, making it inconvenient to return. Shen Lan Ni's home, though located in a busy area, was generally ordinary but was the best place to take refuge.
"Ye Lan, if you don't have any competitions or social engagements recently, you should stay with Shen Lan Ni. Both of your Governing and Conception Vessels have been opened. Practicing the Azure Sea Tide Heart诀 together would be a good choice."
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a muffled groan, and Ren Yuanhao immediately looked at Yang Ling Xue, whose eyes were wide open, and said sternly, "Miss, don't cause trouble. Your home is very safe, and you can use your family's influence to carefully investigate the Lionheart Building. Speaking of which, your task will be very heavy."
"Even Ye Lan couldn't infiltrate the Lionheart Building's terminal. How can I?"
Yang Ling Xue spread her hands, and Shen Lan Ni's eyes gradually dimmed.
"Now that Zhang Liang and my sister are missing, I can only rely on my sisters."
Yang Ling Xue had known Shen Lan Ni for so many years, and it was the first time she saw such helplessness in her eyes. She immediately patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, don't worry. Ye Lan, and this kid and I will definitely help you."
"However, forgive me for being blunt, but your sister is indeed a bit strange." Ren Yuanhao knew that these words would make Shen Lan Ni, who felt guilty, unhappy. However, if he didn't say it, it would be difficult to delve deeper into the matter.