Rise in the Martial Chaos: Starting From a Martial Arts School

Chapter 359: Chapter 141: One Punch

The two strange beasts—one black, one white—were agile and exceptionally ferocious. Their combined assault was relentless and impenetrable.

The disciple from Fen Yang Peak did his utmost to defend himself, but he was quickly covered in wounds. His life hung by a thread. Had a Main Peak Elder not sensed the danger and intervened, forcibly pulling him from the beasts’ claws, he would have been torn in half.

The disciples watching from below the stage couldn’t help but sigh in pity at the sight.

This was the Fen Yang Peak disciple’s fifth time participating in the Dragon Gate Martial Trial. All in all, he had spent nearly two years preparing for it.

He had honed his strength through arduous cultivation day after day, only to fall short at the final step.

He had made it all the way to the fourth round, just a stone’s throw from success. It was a true shame.

However, many others remained calm, completely unsurprised.

Many of the disciples participating in the Dragon Gate Martial Trial were not first-timers.

It was common for disciples to make three, four, or even more attempts. The Dragon Gate Martial Trial was notoriously difficult, with its tests of strength and character bordering on cruel. Failure was the norm; simply reaching the fourth round was a rare testament to one’s power.

The murmurs of pity gradually subsided. Next, it was time for the disciples of Lingxi Peak to take the stage.

Steward Zheng stepped forward and nodded at Yang Jing, Zhou Bohao, and Shen Yue, signaling that it was their turn to go on stage.

The three exchanged glances. Having just witnessed the horrifying scene of the Fen Yang Peak expert being nearly torn apart by two strange beasts, both Zhou Bohao and Shen Yue had grown pale.

It was both their first time participating in the Dragon Gate Martial Trial, and they were already apprehensive. Witnessing the dangers of the assessment firsthand made their hearts pound with anxiety. Their feet felt as heavy as lead, and they hesitated, neither wanting to be the first to step onto the stage.

Seeing their hesitation, Yang Jing acted without a moment’s delay. With an upright posture, he strode directly toward the high stage.

His expression was placid, his eyes betraying no hint of apprehension or tension—only steady composure.

Seeing Yang Jing volunteer to go first, Zhou Bohao and Shen Yue both let out a quiet sigh of relief as their frayed nerves relaxed slightly.

They were both secretly relieved. ’It’s good that Yang Jing is going first. This gives us more time to compose ourselves and calm our frantic emotions. If we wait until our minds are steady before going up, we might have a better chance of success.’

Yang Jing stepped onto the high stage with a steady gait, his posture as straight as a pine, instantly drawing countless gazes from across the plaza.

The spectating disciples in the surrounding stands all turned to look at him. Their gazes were a mixture of curiosity, scrutiny, and casual indifference.

A few outer disciples from Lingxi Peak huddled together, whispering. "Who is that disciple?" one of them asked, his face etched with confusion. "I’ve never seen him before. He has a heroic look about him, but is he really from our Lingxi Peak?"

Those beside him shook their heads, looking just as lost. "Never seen him. I had no idea Lingxi Peak even had a disciple like him. He probably just keeps to himself and focuses on cultivating."

Most people, however, simply glanced at Yang Jing before looking away. They figured he would be just like all the other failed disciples—defeated and off the stage in no time. There was no point in paying him any attention.

Before long, a Main Peak Steward leaped onto the high stage, carrying an iron cage. The cage landed with a heavy THUD, making the platform tremble slightly.

Everyone stared intently and saw an enormous black bear locked inside the cage. It stood over two men tall, its frame as burly as a small hill. Thick, coarse black fur covered its body, its limbs were stout and powerful, and its claws were as sharp as knives.

The black bear was currently ramming its head against the bars in frustration, exuding an unparalleled, savage ferocity.

Even among common beasts, black bears were some of the most ferocious and difficult opponents. They possessed immense strength and incredibly tough hides. An ordinary Huajin Martial Artist would have to expend a tremendous amount of energy just to kill one.

Down below the stage, Zhou Bohao and Shen Yue both breathed a quiet sigh of relief upon seeing the black bear. The tension in their faces eased slightly.

Both of them felt fortunate.

’This black bear is just a common beast, but it’s one of the tougher ones,’ they thought. ’Even if Yang Jing manages to kill it, he’ll be tied up in a long fight. He’ll use up a huge amount of his Inner Strength and stamina. When he faces a strange beast in the second round, he’s bound to lose.’

’Thank goodness we didn’t rush onto the stage. Otherwise, we’d be the ones facing this difficult bear right now.’

The two sighed to themselves. Yang Jing’s luck was just awful. To draw such a tough opponent right from the get-go.

...

In a corner of Dragon Gate Plaza, Sun Ningxiang’s heart clenched the moment she saw the black bear in the cage. She subconsciously gripped the hem of her robes, her palms sweating with worry for Yang Jing. Her gaze, fixed on him up on the stage, was filled with unconcealable concern.

"Junior Brother," Sun Ningxiang whispered, unable to stop herself.

Nearby, Liu Rou also frowned and shook her head with a touch of pity.

’Yang Jing only just reached the Peak of Transformation,’ she thought. ’His foundation is still shallow. Just dealing with this incredibly strong bear will be a struggle. Even if he gives it his all and scrapes by with a lucky win, he’ll be completely exhausted.’

’He’ll have no chance against a strange beast in the second round. In fact, with a foundation that weak, it’s doubtful he can even beat this bear.’

Jia Yuliang, also standing in the crowd, shook his head with a sigh. ’What terrible luck for Yang Jing,’ he thought. ’That bear has an incredibly thick hide and astonishing brute strength. It’s not going to be easy. He’ll probably be eliminated in the very first round.’

「On a distant hill.」

The cool gaze of Bai Bing, Peak Master of Lingxi Peak, rested on Yang Jing. Her expression was as placid and unruffled as ever. Beside her, Si Jiawen arched an eyebrow, her eyes also fixed on Yang Jing, her mind filled with her own considerations.