Chapter Three: Mad Bull Amory

"Tang Tian, come out and fight me!"

The thunderous voice boomed outside the school gates, waking Tang Tian from his sun-soaked nap in the training arena.

The practice session was nearing its end. After correcting a few students’ mistakes, Tang Tian realized none of them cared much for the fundamental martial arts and, losing interest, chose a sunny spot to sleep.

"Damn, so annoying," Tang Tian muttered, rolling over to continue his nap.

"Tang Tian! You coward, come out and fight me!" The voice thundered across the training arena.

The freshmen practicing basic martial arts exchanged strange glances, their eyes drifting to Tang Tian in the corner.

Did Senior Tang Tian get himself into trouble?

A burly man, charging like a wild bull, stormed into the training arena. His mouth roared incessantly, eyes scanning the crowd.

The freshmen startled at his audacity—how dare someone barge in so boldly? But when some noticed the emblem on his chest, they gasped.

"Beast Academy!"

Every freshman’s face changed instantly.

Beast Academy ranked third, far above Ander Academy’s tenth. No wonder the newcomers were pale; Beast Academy had always been Ander’s rival. Though not bitter enemies, the relationship was anything but friendly. What made matters worse for Ander’s students and teachers was that, while their own academy was in decline this year, Beast Academy was surging ahead, producing several formidable students and climbing the ranks.

Beast Academy valued real combat. Fights were rampant, and the administration not only tolerated but encouraged them. As a result, their students were bold and fierce. Against ordinary schools, their aura alone was overwhelming.

For a Beast Academy student to barge into Ander Academy—how arrogant!

"Haha, Tang Tian, I finally caught you! Come, let’s have a good fight—taste my fists!" The burly man laughed skyward, his voice shaking the arena.

"Mad Bull Amory!" someone in the crowd cried out.

"Who is Amory? Is he famous?" a freshman couldn’t help but ask.

The other freshman swallowed, eyes fixed on Amory with a mix of fear and fascination. He spoke rapidly: "Second-year at Beast Academy, born of the barbarian tribes, superb physical attributes. Fierce and combative, he’s a well-known expert among Beast Academy students. Senior Tang Tian is in big trouble!"

"Is he really that strong?"

"His school rank is seventh," the freshman replied.

Everyone fell silent.

Seventh in all of Beast Academy!

Only Ander’s top ten could challenge him—and Tang Tian was not among them.

"We’re doomed!" someone blurted.

Many wore expressions of distress. To be humiliated by a rival school’s student on their own turf—it was unbearable.

And they had to witness this disgrace!

Quite a few regretted attending today’s practice session.

Amory’s massive frame blocked out all sunlight over Tang Tian. The thunderous voice left Tang Tian dazed; sleep was no longer possible. He wiped away Amory’s spittle, rubbed his temples, and sat up helplessly.

He raised his hands lazily, declaring, "I surrender. I admit defeat."

The sympathy on the freshmen’s faces froze.

A girl couldn’t resist mocking him, "Senior Tang Tian, you let them bully you and surrender without even fighting?"

"Right! Losing is one thing, but not even daring to try—are you even a man?" another girl exclaimed angrily.

With two voices raised, the rest followed suit. The arena was filled with rebuke; the freshmen, young and spirited, despised Tang Tian’s immediate surrender—especially since the opponent was from a rival school.

"What does my surrender have to do with you?" Tang Tian asked, bewildered.

Everyone was stunned.

But the outcry only grew louder.

"Heavens, how do we have such a disgrace in our school?"

"Not manly at all! Miss Qian Hui actually likes this trash? A flower planted in cow dung!"

"I’ll never come to practice again! Just thinking about seeing this guy makes me sick. Damn him for surrendering to a Beast Academy guy!"

...

"Amory, let me off, I surrender," Tang Tian ignored the raging crowd. His innocent, bright eyes were wide and earnest as he looked at Amory.

Amory’s bull-like eyes widened. He grabbed Tang Tian’s collar and hoisted him up, roaring excitedly, "Come, Basic Tang, let’s fight! Five years of basic martial arts—what tenacity! You must be pioneering a whole new cultivation method! Basic Tang! I saw through you! You can’t fool me!"

Basic Tang...

Every time he heard the name, Tang Tian’s forehead darkened. He only knew basic martial arts, but that nickname was just too...

Too humiliating!

Saw through you? There’s someone even dumber than me.

Amory continued to spray saliva: "Come, Basic Tang, let me witness your new martial path forged from basic martial arts! In Miss Qian Hui’s name, only the victor is worthy of her favor! Come, Basic Tang..."

...In Qian Hui’s name...

You stupid bull, who gave you the right to use her name?

He must be secretly coveting Qian Hui!

Damn!

Tang Tian’s eyes snapped wide open, killing intent rising. His right palm, swift as a serpent, wrapped around Amory’s arm—Basic Palm Technique: Bind. In a flash, his other hand clamped Amory’s waist—Basic Hidden Weapon Technique: Grab.

"Ha!" Tang Tian shouted, hoisting Amory’s massive frame overhead and slamming him to the ground.

"Stupid bull, how dare you set your sights on Qian Hui! You’re dead!"

Amory had once passed Ander Academy and seen Tang Tian fighting someone. Unable to resist, he joined in. But he noticed Tang Tian only used basic martial arts, so he used the same.

Self-restrained, Amory was beaten soundly by Tang Tian.

Instead of anger, Amory was even more excited. Someone’s basic skills were stronger than his!

It was like discovering a new continent. He soon found out where Tang Tian lived and challenged him regularly, though this was the first time he’d stormed into Ander Academy.

Each time, Tang Tian beat him thoroughly.

The more they fought, the more excited Amory became, visiting more frequently. He also grew keenly aware of Tang Tian’s weaknesses.

Amory flew across the arena like a sandbag, about to crash heavily, but he twisted in midair with surprising agility and landed firmly on his feet.

His bull-like eyes gleamed with excitement, saliva flying: "As expected, Perfect Basic Tang! Perfect explosive power, perfect basic martial arts, perfect strength! Truly exhilarating! Come, Basic Tang, let’s fight!"

Tang Tian had no patience for chatter. He knew he had to defeat this beast before he could do anything else.

He ignored the other students entirely.

Suddenly, he exploded forward like an arrow, charging at Amory. The moment his foot landed, his waist twisted and his fist shot out—Basic Fist Technique: Thrust Punch!

Amory’s eyes lit up, mimicking the move—Thrust Punch!

Their fists collided with no flourish.

Bang!

It was like air detonating; the solid impact of flesh on flesh made the onlookers gasp.

Both figures staggered back three steps.

The freshmen, moments ago raging, seemed to have their throats squeezed shut. All sound ceased as they stared.

Evenly matched...

That punch was evenly matched...

Impossible... Impossible!

Beast Academy... Mad Bull Amory... Seventh rank... Evenly matched...

Amory’s eyes shone even brighter. He knew he’d actually been bested in that punch. Pure strength, he had the edge, but their fists collided equally—no tricks.

That meant Tang Tian’s Thrust Punch was even more powerful!

As expected, Perfect Basic Tang...

Tang Tian now resembled a leopard, his gaze sharp and focused. Though usually lazy, once fighting began he was utterly absorbed, his mind fixed on one thing: defeating his opponent!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The fierce exchange of blows echoed nonstop.

The entire arena was captivated by the intensity. Amory’s body was massive, muscles bulging like a wild bull. Tang Tian, after five years of training, was tall, well-built, and radiated explosive power.

Basic martial arts had no dazzling techniques; all movements were simple. Yet in their hands, they became destructive.

Every strike from Amory was fierce and direct, using force to break skill.

Tang Tian’s attacks were crisp and sharp, his power released in bursts. His combinations of basic techniques were far more varied than Amory’s.

The battle was intense—blow after blow landed. The spectators had moved from shock to blank-faced awe. Incredible strength and speed, simple techniques, not a hint of elegance, but full of impact.

If anyone faced such a storm of attacks, they’d have been knocked out long ago. The new students were utterly dumbfounded.

Was this the so-called useless basic martial arts?

Tang Tian paid no mind to the crowd. His eyes were fixed on the Mad Bull before him.

Amory’s basic skills were much improved since their last bouts. Tang Tian wasn’t surprised; Amory’s level was much higher, and as long as he invested time, there were no barriers.

Five years of practice, and someone caught up in a short time—most would have been discouraged.

But Tang Tian felt none of that. His mind was consumed with rage—this stupid bull dared covet Qian Hui!

Stupid bull, you’re dead!