CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 194: "DO YOU HAVE THE NERVE?" (2 UPDATES)

Chapter 194: Have the Nerve?

The stands below were in an uproar.

On the stage, Old Jiang and Song Zhicun stood several steps apart.

"Old Jiang..." Song Zhicun said with a smile, as if he had more to say.

But Old Jiang shook his head, his expression serene. "Since we’re already on stage to compete, there’s no need for more talk."

"...Alright." Song Zhicun put away his smile and nodded. Then he raised his hand, performing an opening posture of the Song Family Fist.

Chen Nuo and Zhang Linsheng both recognized this stance; they had learned these techniques while studying martial arts.

Old Jiang took a deep breath, stepped back half a step with his right foot, and also raised his hand to assume a starting posture.

"You are the guest. You first!" Song Zhicun said in a deep voice.

"Okay!"

Old Jiang shouted loudly and suddenly pushed off the ground with his right foot! His whole body lunged forward like an arrow!

THUD THUD THUD, three large steps! Before the third step was complete, he was already in front of Song Zhicun!

He lifted his right arm, bent it—elbow strike!

Song Zhicun ducked back, simultaneously crossing his arms to block Old Jiang’s elbow strike!

Old Jiang grunted, his elbow transforming into a fist as he executed a Double-Peak Piercing Ear!

Song Zhicun blocked again!

On the stage, Old Jiang seemed to have shed his usual gentle demeanor, becoming aggressive! His figure darted back and forth, his attacks a relentless, ferocious barrage!

The characteristic of Old Jiang’s strikes was speed!

Like a whirlwind, each move was sharp and powerful, delivered without hesitation. They were astonishingly fast, yet crystal clear for all to see.

In a word: crisp!

During this fierce onslaught, Song Zhicun parried left and right, seemingly at a disadvantage under Old Jiang’s barrage, constantly forced back towards the edge of the platform!

In the spectator seats below, the previous cheers had vanished; everyone’s eyes were wide, fixed on the fierce battle on stage!

Chen Nuo stood below the stage, squinting, his mind crystal clear.

Old Jiang threw eight punches and unleashed fourteen kicks. Song Zhicun’s defense, however, was watertight. Although he seemed to be on the defensive under Old Jiang’s assault, he hadn’t actually suffered any significant losses.

And Old Jiang seemed to realize this type of attack wasn’t gaining him an advantage, yet he persisted in his relentless assault!

Finally, a side kick from Old Jiang was blocked by Song Zhicun, who then tried to kick Old Jiang’s supporting leg. Old Jiang lightly jumped away, but their positioning had shifted, resulting in Old Jiang forcing Song Zhicun into a corner of the ring!

Old Jiang suddenly took a deep breath and then exhaled with a sharp cry!

His left hand shot out in a horizontal push, which Song Zhicun blocked with both hands. Meanwhile, Old Jiang’s right hand changed from a fist to a palm and, quick as lightning, thrust upward, forcefully wedging between Song Zhicun’s arms!

Chen Nuo saw clearly that as Old Jiang’s palm struck, his arm trembled slightly, and a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes!

"Heh!!"

This burst of force pried open a small gap between Song Zhicun’s defending arms!

Seeing the palm about to strike his chest, Song Zhicun’s eyes narrowed, and he forcefully shifted his body!

With a muffled THUD, Old Jiang’s palm landed on Song Zhicun’s shoulder!

After delivering the strike, Song Zhicun roared, his arms flinging open, while Old Jiang rapidly retreated five or six steps in a single breath!

Song Zhicun’s shoulder had taken the hit, and his body leaned back, but his right foot lightly pressed against one of the ring’s corner posts behind him!

His body seemed to buckle for an instant, but he quickly straightened.

"Impressive Inner Breath!" Song Zhicun exhaled, rubbing his shoulder.

Old Jiang had created enough distance and expelled the air from his chest. He was breathing a little heavily as he said in a low voice, "A beautiful displacement technique!"

Old Jiang knew this well. His concerted, forceful attack had culminated in a heavy blow that broke through Song Zhicun’s defense. That final palm strike to Song Zhicun’s shoulder was the first real disadvantage his opponent had suffered since the match began.

However, it was far less than Old Jiang had anticipated.

Song Zhicun had been hit. However, by pressing his foot against the post, he instantly dispersed the palm strike’s force throughout his body. He transferred it through his joints to his legs, then bent the knee on the post-braced leg to neutralize the impact.

CRACK! The wooden corner post behind Song Zhicun snapped!

"Now, it’s my turn!" Song Zhicun rubbed his slightly aching shoulder and shook out his arms.

Old Jiang took a deep breath and settled into his stance.

"Come!"

Song Zhicun’s onslaught was like a tempest, fierce and sudden. His moves were very similar to Old Jiang’s previous attacks, clearly both originating from Song Family martial arts.

But there were subtle differences.

Song Zhicun’s attacks were heavy and powerful, each fist seeming to carry the wind, as if imbued with the roar of thunder!

If Old Jiang’s strikes could be described by the word "fast," then Song Zhicun’s offense was epitomized by the word "heavy"!

It was as if the dynamic in the arena had instantly shifted. Song Zhicun pressed the attack, forcing Old Jiang to continuously block and retreat.

The audience below the stage grew animated, cheering loudly!

Finally, Song Zhicun delivered a palm strike identical to Old Jiang’s earlier one!

Old Jiang crossed his arms in front of him, preventing Song Zhicun’s palm from landing directly, but his entire body was thrown back two meters!

When he landed, Old Jiang braced himself, bending his left leg to absorb the force, but he seemed to falter, his left knee nearly touching the ground!

With a forceful slap of his hand on the floor, Old Jiang barely managed to steady himself and slowly stood up!

Before he could fully straighten, Song Zhicun swept in with a whip kick!

Old Jiang could only raise one arm to block. The kick landed solidly on his forearm, sending him staggering several steps to the left!

But Song Zhicun had already closed in again, landing another kick on the inside of Old Jiang’s left thigh!

Unstable once more, Old Jiang was forced to retreat several steps, attempting to create distance.

Song Zhicun’s face was stoic as he continued to press forward, reaching for Old Jiang’s shoulder. Old Jiang blocked reflexively, but Song Zhicun entangled his arm, and their arms interlocked in a test of strength!

For a moment, the two on stage resembled wrestlers, arms entwined, grappling for dominance!

Chen Nuo, standing nearby, distinctly heard a faint creaking and cracking from their straining limbs.

Song Zhicun raised an eyebrow and kicked. Old Jiang bent his knee to block the attack. They engaged in a flurry of lower body strikes, each unleashing seven or eight kicks in an instant.

Ultimately, Song Zhicun managed to land another kick on the inside of Old Jiang’s left thigh. Old Jiang could no longer hold his ground; he voluntarily released his grip and dodged to the side.

Song Zhicun seized the opening, landing a punch squarely on Old Jiang’s shoulder.

BANG!

Old Jiang hit the ground!

"Break!" the referee on stage immediately shouted.

Song Zhicun, acting honorably, quickly stepped back.

Old Jiang pushed himself up from the floor and slowly got to his feet.

Chen Nuo noticed Old Jiang’s complexion was poor. He shifted his weight to his other leg; his left leg trembled slightly.

Old Jiang moved his body a little, feeling aches in his arms and legs.

The Inner Breath in his chest felt somewhat stagnant.

Chen Nuo saw Old Jiang was gasping slightly for air.

In that moment, Chen Nuo saw a flicker of grim determination in Old Jiang’s eyes.

After Old Jiang regained his footing, the referee looked at him. Old Jiang nodded, and the referee stepped back.

"Let’s continue!" Old Jiang nodded to Song Zhicun.

Song Zhicun snorted but didn’t rush to attack; instead, he slowly closed in.

Old Jiang began to move around, becoming more cautious.

He had launched an aggressive offense at the start because, after several days of adjustment, he had reached his peak condition.

His intention was clear: he knew his strength was likely slightly inferior to Song Zhicun’s. It was better to fight fiercely from the outset, while he was in his best condition and his Inner Breath was at its fullest, to try and gain an advantage, to establish a lead.

He had executed this tactic, but the results were not as good as expected. Although Song Zhicun had suffered a minor setback, it was less than Old Jiang had anticipated.

Now that brute force had failed, his only option was to maneuver.

Song Zhicun launched several probing attacks, all of which Old Jiang evaded. Old Jiang now avoided direct engagement, resorting to hit-and-run tactics.

During this period, the fight wasn’t as thrilling as it had been at the beginning. The audience below began to grow restless, many shouting their dissatisfaction, accusing Old Jiang of being timid, of only dodging and not daring to fight.

Old Jiang turned a deaf ear, carefully dodging, biding his time, and regulating his Inner Breath.

Song Zhicun, experienced and shrewd, was in no hurry. He used the layout of the stage to slowly corner Old Jiang.

Gradually, after several rounds of attacks, he finally managed to constrict Old Jiang’s space step by step.

The outburst, when it came, was sudden!

After patiently hemming Old Jiang in, Song Zhicun suddenly launched a ferocious attack!

He knew very well that dragging out the fight would be disadvantageous to him! His Inner Breath was naturally deeper and more refined than Old Jiang’s. But he was also a few years older than Old Jiang. In terms of physical endurance, a prolonged battle was not to his advantage. It would only gradually diminish his superiority in Inner Breath.

Finally, having pushed Old Jiang near the ropes, Song Zhicun went all out!

With one fist and one palm, Song Zhicun suddenly bellowed, unleashing powerful, heavy strikes!

Old Jiang tried to sidestep, but Song Zhicun repeatedly forced him back into the corner.

Old Jiang’s arm blocks were breached twice, and he took two punches, but he withstood them.

At last, Song Zhicun’s eyes narrowed intently. He spread his arms, prying open Old Jiang’s guard, and pressed his whole body in close!

With a BANG!

A body check! Song Zhicun’s shoulder slammed heavily into Old Jiang’s chest!

The impact was solid and forceful!

Old Jiang’s face twisted with pain instantly. But his gaze remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated this. Bearing the intense pain, he swiftly delivered a kick!

He kicked forcefully at Song Zhicun’s thigh!

Song Zhicun was sent flying backward and, at last, fell onto his back, landing hard on the ring floor.

Before the referee could rush over to call "break," Song Zhicun had already slowly risen.

The fall hadn’t actually disadvantaged him much; it was mainly a blow to his pride.

"Nice kick!" Song Zhicun shook his head.

Old Jiang stood in place, his body swaying slightly.

Finally, Old Jiang spoke, and a mouthful of blood spilled from his lips.

Looking up with a bitter smile, he said, "No need to continue... you’ve won."

Beneath the stage, Chen Nuo let out a sigh.

Old Jiang knew he couldn’t win. That heavy body check from Song Zhicun could have been blocked by Old Jiang—though he would have taken some damage. But Old Jiang had deliberately not blocked it! He even intentionally allowed his guard to be opened, taking the hit squarely with his body! His goal was to land that kick on Song Zhicun! That kick had sent Song Zhicun sprawling, making him fall once too! I can’t beat you! But if you make me fall once, I’ll make you fall once too! That was Old Jiang’s resolve!

Both sides had fallen once each.

But Old Jiang was now seriously injured.

Watching Old Jiang concede, Song Zhicun’s expression suddenly became complex. He hesitated for a second, then a hint of bewilderment crossed his face, as if the goal he had coveted for years had finally been realized, yet it felt surreal, like a dream.

The referee stepped forward, first supporting Old Jiang. Chen Nuo and Zhang Linsheng had already jumped onto the stage, firmly grasping Old Jiang. Chen Nuo felt that Old Jiang’s breath was chaotic and labored, and his body felt limp.

Yet Old Jiang turned his head toward his wife in the audience, managing a bitter smile.

Song Qiaoyun stood there, her face streaming with tears.

Old Jiang smiled gently and said something.

The surroundings were noisy, and Song Qiaoyun couldn’t hear clearly what Old Jiang said.

But she read his lips and understood his words.

"Qiaoyun, I tried my best... but I’ve still disgraced our father."

"The victor of this match, from the Song Family, Song Zhicun!!"

The referee loudly declared, followed by a wave of cheers and excitement from the audience.

Song Zhicun was surrounded by his disciples who rushed onto the stage.

Meanwhile, at the Song Family’s seats below the stage, Song Gaoyuan and Song Chengye both wore rather bleak expressions.

Song Zhicun quickly regained his composure, pushed aside his surrounding disciples, and walked over to Old Jiang.

"Old Jiang, my strike was too heavy. My apologies."

"I’ve learned a great deal," Old Jiang shook his head.

"Someone will bring medicinal remedies shortly. You’ve suffered internal injuries; with the medicine and a few days of recuperation, you should be fine," Song Zhicun said.

Old Jiang shook his head, no longer wanting to talk.

He turned, his steps staggering as he descended from the ring. Song Qiaoyun hurriedly came up to support her husband, then helped him to sit down.

However... Chen Nuo and Zhang Linsheng hadn’t followed him down. They remained standing on the ring.

The area around the ring erupted with cheers.

Chen Nuo looked at the smug, self-satisfied expression Song Zhicun couldn’t hide.

Reporters below were also crowding forward, cameras flashing as they furiously snapped photos of the stage.

Song Zhicun said loudly, "Since the challenge has determined a victor, Old Jiang, about our agreement... Father is still waiting at home!"

Old Jiang’s face was pale. He was about to say something.

Suddenly, Chen Nuo spoke up!

A powerful shout, full of force!

Augmented by his spiritual power, the shout instantly spread throughout the venue! Even amidst the current commotion, it cut through the noise, reaching everyone’s ears with perfect clarity!

"Song Family Fist’s senior branch, ninth-generation successor, challenges the second branch’s experts!! We wonder if you’re willing to accept!!"

The clamor around the ring, which had been as noisy as a marketplace, instantly ceased, as if silenced by an invisible pair of scissors!

After hearing this, everyone looked up at the stage in shocked disbelief!

Old Jiang’s face changed, as did Song Qiaoyun’s below the ring!

The only ones whose expressions remained unchanged were Chen Nuo—and Zhang Linsheng standing by his side!

Old Jiang looked baffled, then called out to Chen Nuo on the stage, "What are you doing!"

But at this moment, his breath was uneven, and he couldn’t shout loudly. Even if Chen Nuo heard him, he pretended not to.

Song Zhicun, upon hearing Chen Nuo’s words, also changed his expression and turned to look at Chen Nuo.

"What do you mean?"

"My master is the eighth generation; we are the ninth.

"Since the rules of Song Family Fist dictate that each generation must fight, your victory over my master was merely a contest between the eighth generation!

"Rather than waiting another eight or ten years for my senior brother and me to challenge you... that’s just too troublesome!

"Instead, why don’t we fight today and settle the ninth generation’s battle as well!

"Our wager is simple: if we lose, your Song Family members will go to Jinling City, bow your heads, and offer incense before the senior branch’s ancestral tablet!"

Ignoring Old Jiang’s panicked shouting from below, Chen Nuo deliberately used a powerful voice to laugh loudly at Song Zhicun.

"Uncle Song, my senior brother and I haven’t studied our arts for long, and your second branch is full of skilled fighters.

"Uncle Song, your second branch wouldn’t refuse to accept this challenge, would you?"

What a move; this was outright provocative.

On the surface, he was asking, "You wouldn’t refuse, would you?" But his underlying meaning was clearly, "You wouldn’t dare, would you?"

The whole venue fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly, both on and off the stage, an uproar exploded!

All kinds of shouts and curses erupted!

Song Zhicun wore a troubled expression.

"Did your master approve of this?"

"Don’t ask my master! You defeating my master is a matter of your eighth generation.

"The ninth generation’s challenge is naturally for us younger ones to make.

"Uncle Song, are you going to fight or not?"

The noise on and off the stage was tumultuous.

In this situation, with so many spectators, so many figures from the Hong Kong martial arts community, and all the reporters present...

How could they possibly utter the words "We won’t fight"? Would they have the nerve?