Chapter Thirty-Four: Victory, Even in Death!

Unlike previous years when the preliminary rounds went largely unnoticed, this year’s opening day erupted with a sensational match. The protagonist was Tang Tian, the notorious super senior of Starwind City. When news of the event spread, many doubted their own ears, yet anyone who witnessed the match firsthand was eager to recount the spectacle to friends. The audience was packed with luminaries, each name drawing gasps of awe.

Just the roster of spectators alone could have organized a contest of the highest caliber and entertainment. All three prestigious academies were represented without exception.

But the true commotion came when Tang Tian used Lightning Fist to break his opponent’s Wild Gale Staff Technique. Though few practiced the staff technique, its troublesome nature was well known. In contrast, students learning Lightning Fist were as numerous as blades of grass. Every practitioner of Lightning Fist was incredulous at the result, but as rumors persisted, belief took root: Lightning Fist could indeed counter Wild Gale Staff Technique. Excitement surged among these students; they gathered to reconstruct Tang Tian’s methods.

This was a closely guarded secret!

Yet, no matter how they racked their brains, none could replicate his feat. Lightning Fist was merely a second-tier martial skill, while Wild Gale Staff Technique belonged to the third tier—a gulf that seemed impossible to bridge.

Doubts resurfaced: perhaps Tang Tian hadn’t used Lightning Fist at all, but some advanced variant.

Then, whispers from the masters in the stands spread, and realization dawned.

Fundamental martial skills!

Tang Tian’s ability to use a second-tier Lightning Fist to break a third-tier staff technique stemmed entirely from his flawless mastery of basic martial arts. Sima Xiangshan, in fact, publicly declared at Sky Crystal Academy that Tang Tian’s fundamentals were perfect—his muscle control and technique unmatched in Starwind City.

Only now did people recall that Tang Tian had spent five years honing his basics. Silence fell on all who remembered.

To reach this level required five years of foundational training. Suddenly, people questioned whether it was worth it: five years spent to use Lightning Fist to break Wild Gale Staff Technique—what was the point? In five years, anyone with reasonable talent could have mastered a third-tier skill.

Shaking their heads, they concluded such a path was not advisable. What they thought was a hidden secret turned out to be the lesson their teachers had imparted from day one.

Nonetheless, this revelation invigorated the new students, who now devoted themselves to practice what they once deemed useless—the basics.

“If only Senior Tang Tian were still here!”

“It’s all that scoundrel Zhou Peng’s fault!”

The students of the swordsmanship class collectively reminisced about Tang Tian.

For the first time, Tang Tian reentered public consciousness not as a laughingstock. The attention of so many prominent figures spoke volumes. Of all the preliminary matches, only two drew interest: Tang Tian’s, and Amory’s. Liang Qiu attended Amory’s match, seen as an alumnus encouraging his junior. Amory, once the seventh-ranked expert of Beast Academy, had never had his strength questioned; he was regarded as a seed contender.

Only Tang Tian.

Like a dark horse, he had burst from nowhere, and people still didn’t understand why he captured the attention of the elites.

But regardless of the reason, Tang Tian’s popularity soared. What was expected to be a mundane preliminary suddenly had a contender worth watching, igniting everyone’s enthusiasm. Tang Tian’s upcoming schedule was quickly uncovered.

The Martial Assembly organizers responded by moving Tang Tian’s next match to the main arena, to avoid overcrowding and chaos at the gates as before. Such treatment was usually reserved for the most anticipated main event battles.

The decision was met with universal approval.

Tang Tian’s second match was set for two days hence. Bets on Tang Tian had already opened in every money house.

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Crash!

A teacup slammed onto the floor, shattering into pieces.

In the office of the principal of Ander Academy, the roar of the principal unsettled every student passing outside.

“Tang Tian! That bastard!

“I’ll make sure he dies with no grave to bury him!”

…

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Zhou Peng’s expression was blank; he seemed a completely different person from before. His pale skin was now darkened by the sun, and the once pampered, swollen eyes had become sharp, triangular, venomous. His gaze was cold and penetrating.

“I finally understand—the intoxicating feeling of power is far more seductive than any luxury.”

He looked down at his hands, now calloused and rough, and mused to himself, as if both sighing and admiring: “A perfect piece of art!”

“Young master, the elder invites you in,” said the servant respectfully.

Zhou Peng withdrew his gaze, and a playful, almost mocking smile flashed across his lips, tinged with disdain. The smile vanished as he straightened his collar and strode into the hall.

All the Zhou family’s leaders were gathered; every eye fixed on Zhou Peng as he entered. He walked calmly, composed, savoring their scrutiny.

How wonderful it felt!

He could sense the envy, jealousy, shock, and disbelief in their eyes—a smile crept onto his lips.

The elder coughed softly, breaking the silence—his cloudy eyes settling on Zhou Peng. His voice was deep: “Excellent! This is how our young master should be! No matter my previous prejudices, now I recognize your status as heir to the Zhou family.”

The family patriarch’s eyes brimmed with joy; he watched Zhou Peng with pride.

The hall was silent, the elder’s words echoing.

“You possess enviable talent; you have transformed yourself. Though I know I won’t live to see that day, I still hope the Zhou family will flourish in your hands.”

Zhou Peng bowed slightly, with a hint of pride: “Indeed, the Zhou family will surely thrive.”

“This Martial Assembly is a perfect opportunity—let it mark our family’s resurgence!” the elder declared haughtily. “Let Sima Xiangshan be nothing but a stepping stone for us!”

Zhou Peng smiled confidently, though a fist clenched unseen within his sleeve.

There was still one person—Tang Tian!

I will see you die, openly, before everyone!

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Tang Tian continued training, sweat pouring like rain; he was unaffected by the previous match or the upcoming one. His practice remained undisturbed.

Amory, too, trained furiously. He hadn’t expected that Brother Liang Qiu would attend his match in person. Liang Qiu was his idol, the one he aspired to defeat. Just thinking of that familiar figure in the stands filled Amory with boundless energy.

Only Old Wei remained leisurely, as if nothing concerned him.

During a brief break, the two collapsed to the ground, letting sweat flow freely.

“You’ve got some nerve to speak to Sima Xiangshan like that,” Amory gasped.

Tang Tian, breathing heavily, looked puzzled: “Why wouldn’t I?”

“He’s the top expert in Starwind City Academy!” Amory explained.

Tang Tian tilted his head: “So, if I defeat him, I’ll be the best in Starwind City Academy?”

“That’s right!” Amory nodded.

Tang Tian suddenly understood: “No wonder Chihiro always beat him up—turns out, beating him makes you number one!”

Amory: “……”

Tang Tian asked curiously, “Flybull, what’s your goal this time?”

Amory was silent for a moment, then raised his head: “My goal is to meet Brother Liang Qiu, and then defeat him!”

“Flybull, you will win!” Tang Tian said loudly, his face earnest.

“I don’t know…” Amory murmured.

“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Tang Tian’s eyes widened. “You will win! You must win! There’s nothing to fear! Don’t tell yourself that it’s fine to lose! Win! Only win! Your hard work is never less than anyone else’s! There’s no such thing as being destined to win, and those who say ‘as long as I tried, I won’t regret it’ are lying. Those people never gave it their all! All that sweat, all that effort—what’s it for? To retreat during battle? To tell yourself you tried and calmly accept defeat? Those are excuses! Nonsense! Only victory can prove to the world that you were here!”

Amory’s face reddened from Tang Tian’s words.

“Flybull!” Tang Tian looked at Amory seriously.

Amory, feeling ashamed, raised his head.

Tang Tian clenched his fist, staring at Amory’s flushed face, and forced out each word: “Even in death, you must win!”

Even in death, you must win…

Amory’s mind buzzed; his eyes glazed as he repeated the words.

“Even in death, you must win…”

Nearby, Old Wei’s relaxed posture suddenly stiffened. His cloudy eyes deepened; countless memories flashed before them. His spirit grew dazed, as if slaughter and shouting echoed in his ears.

Even in death, you must win!

Old Wei smiled silently, his gaze full of expectation.

Perhaps, this fellow might truly become an extraordinary figure one day.