Chapter 5: A Hail of Arrows

Their combat abilities were evenly matched, and their speeds were similar. Yet Du Gu Bieli possessed a slight advantage in agility. Though his memories of his past life were fragmented—even to the point where he could not recall the face of the Saintess—his experience in battle was etched deep within his soul, impossible to erase.

Han Bing, too, was seasoned in combat, but compared to Du Gu Bieli, he fell short. Fighting was not merely a contest of experience, strength, or technique; it was also a test of wit and adaptability in the heat of battle.

After exchanging blows several times, Han Bing’s temper flared. Du Gu Bieli moved like a nimble fish, alternating between offense and defense, eluding every attempt—Han Bing could not so much as touch him.

Enraged, Han Bing let out a thunderous roar and his aura soared like blazing fire. Racing forward, he raised his arms and unleashed a rapid barrage of punches.

“Rain of Arrows!”

His arms moved like drawing and releasing a bow, and the dense flurry of fist shadows became his arrows. His powerful physique, abundant strength, and self-developed skills finally revealed his ferocious nature. In an instant, the entire arena was filled with fists, forming a wall that contracted and pressed in, trapping his opponent.

Upon reaching the level of Commander, one could grasp the embryonic form of battle techniques and create methods tailored to oneself. Such individuals were undoubtedly martial geniuses. Han Bing was one of them. Unlike some Commanders who inherited techniques or practiced clan arts, he was a lone struggler, fighting for survival. To stay alive, he had to invent every possible means.

Rain of Arrows was his unique secret move. Since mastering it, he had never lost in the arena. Even in life-and-death duels, he relied on this chaotic flurry to batter his opponents and survive.

…

The entire platform was nearly under Han Bing’s control, artificially shrinking the space. There was less and less room to dodge or evade. Forced into a corner, Du Gu Bieli had no retreat and could only face him head-on. His arms mirrored Han Bing's technique, launching counterattacks in quick succession.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Fist shadows danced wildly; old ones lingered as new ones emerged. Each rapid exchange dazzled the audience, making it impossible to distinguish the blows. In their ears, the endless sounds of impact echoed, like thousands of troops galloping and roaring.

His hand bones began to ache.

Du Gu Bieli realized his physique was slightly weaker. He needed to find a way to break free from this forced confrontation; otherwise, his chances of victory would dwindle.

As he pondered this, his left fist suddenly flickered with a dim light—a phantom of a glove appeared briefly, then vanished. At the same time, a peculiar message was transmitted from Han Bing’s fist, absorbed by Du Gu Bieli’s left hand. In that instant, it was as if a wise master emerged within his fist, quickly comprehending, deducing, and perfecting the technique at lightning speed.

In a flash, the essence of a battle skill flooded Du Gu Bieli’s consciousness, seamlessly merging as if it had been painstakingly crafted by him all along.

“Rain—of—Arrows!” In a momentary daze, Du Gu Bieli was struck by a punch and sent flying, landing hard as his blood surged, threatening to burst forth. He forced it down, suddenly realizing, “It’s the glove—Omniform Fist Path!”

“So this is how it’s used. Rain of Arrows can be even stronger.” Du Gu Bieli sprang to his feet, just as Han Bing pressed his advantage, dozens of fist shadows bearing down.

“Rain of Arrows!” His lips curled into a smile, heroic spirit soaring, blood and strength roaring as his left fist unleashed.

Shhh! In the blink of an eye, he unleashed a storm of fist shadows, as if he had grown dozens of new arms, revealing the monstrous innate talent within. Not only did he neutralize Han Bing’s attack, but more than half remained, clawing fiercely at their foe.

“Ah—!” Han Bing shuddered in disbelief. “How can it resemble my Rain of Arrows, and even faster, stronger, fiercer…”

“To strike with every fist is inferior. Mixing real and feigned blows, impossible to defend against, is the true principle.” Du Gu Bieli’s chaotic punches battered Han Bing, forcing him to retreat again and again. Thanks to his hurried defense, he could still fight. However, Du Gu Bieli’s right fist followed—like a torrential downpour, overwhelming.

“If your defense is strong, attacking the whole is futile; it’s better to break a single point.” Feigned punches distracted, while the real blow focused—all landing on Han Bing’s chest.

The heart is where a fountain of strength is opened. Such blows made the fountain tremble, its inner power scattered. And as the heart is the hub of blood and energy, it disrupted bodily coordination.

Boom!

Han Bing’s defense shattered. He flew backward, blood spraying in the air.

He crashed down, unmoving.

“Champion Du Gu, wins.”

With the official’s announcement, surprise filled the arena. Suddenly, a cheer erupted. Liu Si leapt high, joy overwhelming him as he crossed into paradise in a single bound. “Haha! Amazing! I won, I won!”

Du Gu Bieli took a deep breath, feeling that though the fight was brief, it had drained much of his stamina. Even the fountain of strength was providing energy more slowly. “Time to collect my reward. This match was equivalent to a challenger’s ten consecutive victories.”

Below the platform, Wolf and Du Gu’s sisters visibly relaxed, their anxious hearts finally eased.

“The second match: Challenger, Du Gu. Opponent, Commander Han Xing.” The official’s voice rang out. The whispers in the arena abruptly ceased, then surged. “Another match? Is that right?”

“Is it a consecutive challenge?” Someone speculated, stunned by their own inference. Du Gu Bieli himself was taken aback and approached the edge of the platform. “Is there a mistake? I was only supposed to fight once.”

“No mistake.” The official smiled, waving a registration slip. “It’s written clearly—see for yourself.”

Du Gu Bieli glanced over and saw the lines: Du Gu, Challenger, Ten Consecutive Matches, Cross-level Challenge against Commanders… His face darkened instantly, glaring at the official. “Are you setting me up?”

“How could I dare?” The official quickly waved his hands, feigning innocence. “I’m just a small figure making a living, with no grudge against you, Deputy Chief Inspector. Why would I frame you? I only follow the rules of the Arena. What’s written is what’s enforced.” Internally, he was smiling: “You’re being set up, but not by me.”

“You expect me, a challenger, to face ten Commanders?” Du Gu Bieli erupted in anger, ready to jump down from the platform.

The official hurriedly stopped him. “Hold on! Rules are rules—no one can break them. If you leave without fighting, your previous victory is void. No reward. It will be considered voluntary forfeiture.”

“Damn it.” Unable to restrain himself, Du Gu Bieli cursed, steeling himself and setting aside thoughts of who had plotted against him. He returned to the platform. “Ten matches, is it? Fine. I’ll finish them first, then settle accounts. Hmph, so you think a challenger’s stamina won’t last ten rounds? I won’t back down. Let’s see… Since I’ve fallen into this trap, I expect the Commanders chosen as opponents are specially selected. Fairness is out of the question. No need for pure combat—I won’t hide my special techniques…”

In a corner unnoticed by all, an elderly man who had entered at some unknown time smiled broadly. “This youngster seems to be in trouble… To defeat a Commander with his own strength is impressive—a promising talent… The registration deadline is approaching. Once he finishes these matches, win or lose, he’ll have no chance to apply for studies. Should I help him…?”

“Ready?” Commander Han Xing was already on the platform. He cared little for the trap; in cross-level challenges, the defending side received tenfold rewards for victory. His task was simply to defeat his opponent.

Han Xing was famous among Commanders. First, he was Han Bing’s elder brother. Second, he stood only about five feet tall—a striking figure wherever he went. But no one underestimated him; those who did suffered greatly. His speed was astonishing, like stars streaking across the night sky during a lunar eclipse.

And he never fought unarmed.

He carried a weapon.

A black, unremarkable dagger.

Combined with his speed, it was exceedingly threatening.

“Battle begins,” the official announced with satisfaction. “Even if you can defeat one Commander, do you have the strength for a second? Even if a miracle happens, there are eight more. Each is carefully chosen. Let’s see how you win. A challenger daring to challenge the chief—who else should be set up? Still strutting around, acting grown-up… Serves you right.”

“The one you injured was my brother.” Han Xing looked up, his gaze fierce as he fixed upon Du Gu Bieli, his voice cold and his eyes flashing like blades. Though short, his confidence was immense. “I’ll cripple you for my brother. The only regret is that this isn’t a death match—otherwise, your life would be mine.”

“Enough talk—let’s fight.” Du Gu Bieli was burning with anger, needing to vent. Those words were fuel to the fire; his body blurred and he launched a punch straight at Han Xing’s head, fist shadows trailing.

Whoosh—

Han Xing vanished.

With uncanny speed, he appeared behind Du Gu Bieli in an instant. His arm swung, dagger stabbing toward Du Gu Bieli’s back. The black dagger flashed like lightning, its dark edge splitting the air with a sharp hiss, like a blade slicing through canvas.

Du Gu Bieli stepped aside, twisting his body and swinging a backhand punch.

Whoosh—

Han Xing’s speed was indeed extraordinary. He circled around to Du Gu Bieli’s side, aiming for the ribs. His moves were simple, with no elaborate technique—just pure speed pushed to its limits. Such a single-minded approach, mastered to perfection, was even harder to deal with.

Standing on one foot, spinning.

Du Gu Bieli whirled like a top, his fists and claws covering all directions. During the exchange, he employed a technique from his previous life—Barehanded Against Blades. If he caught Han Xing’s dagger once, he was confident he could seize it. Without his weapon, Han Xing would have only his speed; his strength was insufficient. Even if struck, Du Gu Bieli’s robust defense could guarantee safety.

Han Xing clearly knew his weaknesses—his attack power relied entirely on the dagger. Seeing Du Gu Bieli’s fists and claws fly about, like a spiny hedgehog with no openings, he immediately withdrew and circled, waiting for an opportunity.

Whoosh, whoosh—

On the platform, Han Xing’s small shadow flickered everywhere, his movements unpredictable. Occasionally, he’d test with a strike, withdrawing instantly if he missed. Du Gu Bieli could only keep spinning like a top, constantly striking and clawing.

For a time, both sides were locked in stalemate.

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