On the stage, Xiao Chong, who had initially held the advantage, found himself relentlessly pushed back by Lin Feng's double kicks a minute into the second round, with no ability to defend himself!
The situation between the two had completely reversed this round, and those with keen eyes could see it clearly.
"This is the difference in advantage between a technical fighter and a power fighter. Power fighters focus on offense, generally adopting a frantic attack mode in the first round. However, if they don't take down the opponent or sufficiently exhaust them in the first round, the second round can result in this situation. Technical fighters, on the other hand, primarily use the first round for observation and probing. If there's a significant skill gap, they might counterattack in the first round. As the skill gap here wasn't obvious, Xiao Chong appearing to have the advantage in the first round was actually a misperception; Lin Feng truly held the upper hand."
Shen Lan Ni should have explained this to her disciples during the break, but Leng Zi Yu's provocation led her to utter these hindsight observations now.
Peng Lin watched intently, then frowned, "Coach, while I don't want to admit it, I have to say I think both of them are still holding back. After all, this is an exhibition match and doesn't count towards bonus points."
"That's right. With them holding back, they're already fighting like this. Tomorrow's official match will be even more exaggerated." Shen Lan Ni's brows remained furrowed, wishing she could dissect every move of their exchange and implant it into her disciples' minds.
On the stage, the two were drenched in sweat, and the audience, witnessing Lin Feng's absolute technical dominance over his opponent, couldn't help but worry for the Dong Lü City representative team, their cheers like thunder.
Blinding lights flickered back and forth between Lin Feng and Xiao Chong. Although Xiao Chong was outmatched technically, his powerful physique compensated. After adapting to his opponent's storm of dazzling consecutive attacks, he unleashed his stored power and began to counterattack again.
The score quickly became 2-2, ultimately dragging into the third round.
During the break, the audience's breathing became noticeably heavier.
"The first exhibition match is already this intense. It's terrifying."
"I have to say, these two truly represent the highest level of the Southeast Taekwondo divisional competition this time."
"Not necessarily. I saw the guys from Yu Fang City; they're all incredibly calm and powerfully built. Perhaps the upcoming bouts will be even more interesting."
As everyone was discussing, the third round of the match began.
"In the third round, I believe both of them have a clear understanding of the situation. Peng Lin, get ready to go on stage." Shen Lan Ni patted Peng Lin's shoulder, her gaze sharp as a sword. "Kid, remember, use your brain more to clearly observe the opponent's attack patterns. Control your anger. No matter what they say, you must endure it, understand?"
"I understand, but they haven't even finished this round yet. Coach, why are you~"
Peng Lin was confused. Shen Lan Ni smiled faintly, "The third round should be all about fancy moves to confuse the opponent. Frankly, this third round is just a performance for the audience. You don't need to analyze the opponent's movements; just focus on preparing for the fight."
Hearing Shen Lan Ni's words, Peng Lin, who had never been on such a big stage, felt a little flustered.
"Hey, kid, you're the captain of this bunch. Look, they're all looking at you. Your every word and action, from this moment on, not only represents yourself but also Lan Ni Taekwondo Hall, and even Ai Shen City!" Ren Yuan Hao placed his arm on the other's shoulder, a slightly wicked smile on his face.
This smile finally allowed Peng Lin to calm down a little.
"Boys, everything has a first time. When you step onto this stage, standing under those dazzling spotlights, you'll realize how wonderful this place is. Look up, see how many eyes are watching that spot. Think about how many such opportunities one gets in a lifetime. Shouldn't you be excited? Shouldn't you show your strongest side? Shouldn't you fight for your dreams, not for that damned money?"
The eyes of the four young boys suddenly shifted to the brilliantly lit stage, as if they were already standing there, feeling the overwhelming applause, and a formidable light began to appear in their eyes, a light called dreams!
Shen Lan Ni leaned intimately into Ren Yuan Hao's ear, completely ignoring Zhou Long who was glaring enviously beside them, and said, "I didn't expect you to be so good at motivating people. Why don't you quit your sales job and come help me?"
"That won't work. Someone is always jealous, and it makes me sick. Besides, people will call me a kept man, and I don't want that."
"If you don't get paid, it's not being kept."
Shen Lan Ni's smile bloomed, as bright as the first light of dawn.
As the two were talking softly, an unexpected change occurred!
"Quick, look, what is that move?" Peng Lin's hands trembled slightly, his brow furrowed, and even the audience stood up, looking at the stage in disbelief!
On the stage, after Xiao Chong landed a spinning kick, he followed up with a ground sweep. As Lin Feng blocked and retreated, Xiao Chong's hand shot out like a snake, aiming for his throat. The moves changed rapidly, each more ferocious than the last. How could he still be considered a power fighter?
The countdown had begun. In half a minute, this exhibition match would end in a draw. Xiao Chong hadn't smiled since coming on stage, but now his face was beaming with unrestrained joy. His punches were like the wind, his kicks powerful, and his voice like thunder!
"This is bad, could Xiao Chong be intending to completely erase Lin Feng in this exhibition match?"
Shen Lan Ni's eyebrows were also tightly knit. Generally, exhibition matches were about holding back, focusing on flashy footwork and maximizing watchability. Such a desperate fighting style was rarely seen!
"Completely erase? Coach, do you mean Xiao Chong might be going all out?"
As soon as Peng Lin finished speaking, the countdown entered its final ten seconds. Xiao Chong's moves were extremely vicious, his attacks swift. Lin Feng had already retreated to the edge. The two referees, seeing the dangerous situation, began to count down, attempting to apply psychological pressure on Xiao Chong.
However, it all happened too suddenly. Ten seconds was not long, nor was it short. Xiao Chong unleashed a series of kicks, breaking his opponent's guard. Then, at close range, he threw a double side kick. With Lin Feng's arms blocked by the previous two moves, there was no time to block this one. In a flash, Xiao Chong's side kicks directly struck his opponent's head. As the countdown clock struck zero, Lin Feng, as if hit by a heavy hammer, closed his eyes, his head hanging limply, and collapsed to the ground!
Such brutal moves instantly silenced the audience. After a moment of stunned silence, the crowd, taking advantage of the fact that this was the host venue for the competition, immediately began shouting insults and curses at Xiao Chong on the stage.