Gao Wu: If this BOSS isn't nerfed, is it even playable?

Chapter 123 The Challenger

On the screen, Xue Wangshu's battle became increasingly fierce.

He was like a wild beast trapped in a cage, attacking with all his might, and each injury only fueled his ferocious fighting spirit.

But everyone could see that this was just a desperate struggle.

His physical strength was rapidly declining, his body was covered in more and more wounds, and his attack patterns were gradually becoming chaotic.

The scales of victory are actually tipping in favor of the martial arts puppet dummy.

Inside the viewing hall, no one in the Tianxing Martial Arts Academy's seats said a word.

The spark of hope in their eyes has now turned into a stagnant pool.

In fact, most people in the spectator hall were focused on the left half of the screen at that moment.

Lin Ye's awkwardness and embarrassment had long since vanished without a trace.

Like a seasoned hunter, he began to close the net after thoroughly understanding the habits of his prey.

Every move he made was precisely aimed at the weak point in the puppet's attack formation.

Second floor viewing area.

Wang Zhengguo's breathing slowed down.

He couldn't fathom the emotions of the deputy director beside him; his feelings were as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.

But Wang Zhengguo noticed a detail.

From the moment the screen split up until now, Li Kainian's gaze has not left Lin Ye for even a second.

As for Xue Wangshu, who was elevated to a divine status by the entire Dongjiang City and hailed as a once-in-a-century martial arts saint...

Li Kainian didn't even glance at it.

A sudden realization dawned on Wang Zhengguo.

The so-called top genius of Dongjiang is probably not worth mentioning at all in the eyes of a provincial official who has seen what a true genius is like.

Those people in the Dongjiang education sector are simply narrow-minded and ignorant.

Just as Wang Zhengguo's thoughts were churning, Lin Ye in the scene officially began his counterattack.

More than six minutes into the battle, Lin Ye took the initiative for the first time!
This attack was not a hasty one.

Instead, it was a premeditated and long-planned scheme!
He seized a fleeting opening amidst the intertwined attacks of the three puppets, and his body darted in like a ghost.

The spear stance suddenly changed, switching from the defensive, meandering dragon style to the extreme offensive, stalking soul style!
The spear tip drew a straight silver line in the air, aiming straight for the throat of one of the puppets!

Ding! ! !
A crisp, ear-piercing impact resounded throughout the stadium!
The alloy puppet was sent flying several meters away by the terrifying force contained in the shot, crashing heavily to the ground!
A clearly visible dent appeared in the alloy shell of its throat area.

But it's just a depression.

The puppet struggled a few times, its eyes flashing red, and then it got up again, swaying as it tried to rejoin the battle.

Seeing this, Li Kainian, who was in the viewing area on the second floor, finally spoke slowly.

"Good marksmanship, decent combat intelligence, but unfortunately..."

"The weapons are inadequate."

Doesn't he have his own signature weapon?

Li Kainian turned his head to the side and looked calmly at Wang Zhengguo.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the director of the Dongjiang City Education Bureau standing to the side.

The director was in a state of utter confusion, frantically trying to figure out how to make up for his previous oversight.

Li Kainian's casual glance sent a chill down his spine, making his hair stand on end.

Wang Zhengguo dared not be negligent and quickly replied, "Lin Ye initially focused on staff techniques and his skill level was quite high. He only switched to spear techniques in the last few months."

“His family situation is ordinary, and they can hardly afford the supplements they need for cultivation.”

"A custom-made weapon is astronomically expensive for his family, and they can't afford it."

Upon hearing this, Li Kainian nodded slightly and said nothing more.

But in his mind, this was actually a plus.

The fact that it has grown to this extent under such scarce resource conditions is enough to prove that it has quite good talent.

Sun Changkong, the director of the Dongjiang Education Bureau, who was standing next to him, could not help but understand the deeper meaning in Director Li's words. His face instantly turned ashen, then quickly transformed into an extremely embarrassed smile.

"Ahem, Director Li, this... this was my mistake. We didn't do enough to care for and discover top talents. I deeply regret it!"

"Director Sun, this is not your fault. It is mainly my dereliction of duty as the principal that I failed to report Lin Ye's situation to you and the department in a timely manner!"

Wang Zhengguo suddenly spoke up.

He took the blame upon himself.

This move instantly put Sun Changkong at ease, and his gaze toward Wang Zhengguo even carried a hint of approval.

Sure, this old man has a good eye!

In his fifties, a time for striving, he could tell that Wang Zhengguo was eager to advance his career.

I need to talk to this principal more often, and if possible, promote him to be my subordinate.

With the steps provided, Sun Changkong descended them smoothly:

"A dedicated weapon is no problem! Since this student Lin Ye has proven with his strength that he is the undisputed number one in Dongjiang City, then we should give him the reward for being number one!"

“Alright!” Director Sun looked at Wang Zhengguo, “I will personally speak to the best benzoin weapon forger in the city and have their best craftsmen custom-make a top-quality spear for Lin Ye! All expenses will be fully covered by our Education Bureau!”

"Principal Wang, go back and ask him for his opinion. Report the detailed parameters of the weapon. Hmm, how about this, I'll send him directly to the benzoin factory area. He can tell the craftsmen what he needs!"

Wang Zhengguo was secretly delighted, but his face remained expressionless as he simply expressed Lin Ye's gratitude.

The tense atmosphere in the viewing area eased considerably in an instant.

Sun Changkong felt that he had finally managed to save face in front of Li Kainian.

At the same time that this little episode occurred.

The battle situation in the test field has undergone earth-shattering changes!
On the screen, the alloy spear in Lin Ye's hand fell like a storm!
Ding!Ding!Ding!
Each attack landed with pinpoint accuracy on the same indentation in the throat of the previous puppet!
Quantitative changes lead to qualitative changes!

Under the continuous heavy blows, the tip of the standard-issue spear in his hand was visibly worn and chipped.

But it ultimately fulfilled its mission!

Pfft——!
A dull, piercing sound rang out!

Countless sparks of electricity shot out from the puppet's neck!
Lin Ye's spear tip finally pierced through its core circuit!
The red light in the puppet's eyes went out instantly, rendering it completely useless!
With one out of five eliminated, the balance of the battle was completely shattered!
Lin Ye's aura surged once again.

He had already thoroughly understood the behavior logic and attack patterns of the remaining four puppets.

The rest of the time is just wasted time.

It was his doing, a one-sided massacre!

On the second floor, Li Kainian waved his hand and said calmly to the staff member next to him, "That's enough, let's end the test here."

There's no point in watching any further.

Lin Ye could not possibly lose.

It was only because of the limitations of the weapon that it took him so long.

However, looking only at the combat score data, Lin Ye not only did not have a single point deduction from being hit, but all of his attacks were also effective attacks targeting vital points.

The score will definitely not be low.

The order was passed on quickly.

Inside the testing area, Lin Ye was preparing to defeat them one by one when he discovered that the red light in the eyes of the four puppets opposite him went out at the same time, and they instantly froze, turning into four iron lumps.

Lin Ye stood holding his gun, slowly exhaling a long breath.

On the other side of the screen, Xue Wangshu collapsed to one knee almost the instant the puppet stopped attacking, panting heavily. Sweat soaked his hair, and he looked utterly disheveled.

But in his eyes, there was still a hint of relief and pride at surviving a disaster.

In his view, his ability to persevere through the increasingly difficult test is already an outstanding achievement.

"All test items for this exam have been completed!"

"Please follow the instructions and leave the testing area in an orderly manner!"

"Candidates whose names are called below, please wait where you are. Staff will guide you to the performance venue shortly."

"Mo Qiang, Yan Hui, Xu Xiaoman, Xue Wangshu, Lin Ye."

Five names, clearly echoed in every corner of the venue through the broadcast system.

These five names drew envious glances from the other candidates who were leaving the room.

Everyone knows that these five names should be the top five in this mock exam.

However, everyone had doubts in their hearts.

Why is Xue Wangshu's name the second to last?

Normally, shouldn't he be the last one to be called?

and also……

Lin Ye, who is this person?!

This was a completely unfamiliar name that had never appeared on any list of geniuses before.

At this moment, however, it pressed down on everyone's heads with an air of supreme dominance.

As is customary in previous years, the five who reach the summit will participate in an exhibition match, which will not be scored, in front of everyone.

This can be considered a disguised commendation ceremony.

In the world of martial arts, ultimately, it's all about fists.

If the true winner isn't determined on the stage, all the data and rankings will always feel like something is missing.

……

A few minutes later.

Amidst the intense anticipation of everyone, a figure slowly emerged from the passageway leading to the viewing hall.

Lin Ye walked steadily and calmly, following the guidance of the staff, toward the arena in the center of the venue.

It was as if he was meant to stand there.

Behind him, the giant main screen that spanned the entire viewing hall suddenly switched images!
As Lin Ye stepped onto the stage, rows of data appeared one by one!
[Qi and Blood Index: 236.81] (Historical Record)

[Life Index: 204.77] (Historical Record)

Peak punching power: 23634.29 kg (historical record)

[100-meter burst time: 2.21 seconds] (Historical record)

[37km Endurance (Gravity Environment): 3 minutes 65 seconds] (Historical Record)

[Mental Strength: 19 minutes 42 seconds, 100% accuracy] (Historical Record)

[Performance in actual combat: S+]

Every single statistic is incredibly exaggerated. But what's even more surprising is what follows all of these figures.

Historical records!

It's all historical data!
This means that Lin Ye not only crushed his opponent, but also became the city's number one this year.

He trampled all the geniuses and prodigies in Dongjiang City over the decades since the city began conducting mock college entrance examinations for martial arts!

From today onwards, all records of the Dongjiang City mock exams will belong to only one name!
Lin Ye!

After a brief silence.

On the second floor, in the viewing area, Li Kainian looked at the tall figure in the center of the arena with admiration on his face and was the first to applaud.

The applause wasn't loud, but it seemed to have some kind of magic.

Beside him, the director of the Dongjiang City Education Bureau, who had just experienced the ups and downs of life, realized what was happening and quickly stood up, clapping his hands loudly.

Immediately following, all the leaders of Dongjiang City on the second floor applauded in unison.

Then, all the school leaders and teachers on the first floor, whether they liked it or not, clapped their hands.

Finally, thunderous applause erupted from every corner of the venue, converging into a soaring wave of sound!

Wang Zhengguo was trembling with excitement. He looked at the student on the stage, receiving encouragement and praise from everyone under the spotlight, and his eyes welled up with tears.

He was incredibly grateful for his decision back then.

He made the right bet!

He had truly bet on a peerless hidden dragon that had broken free of the shallows and was about to soar into the sky!

Amidst the deafening applause, four more figures finally emerged from the passage.

At the same time, four more figures appeared in the corridor of the viewing hall.

Those were the other top five people, including Xue Wangshu.

The four of them were stunned by the frenzied scene before them as soon as they stepped into the venue.

What kind of formation is this?
They are also one of the main characters today, so why are they clapping before they even appear on stage?

Especially Xue Wangshu, who was walking at the very front, had an unprecedented look of astonishment and confusion in his eyes.

Because at this moment, in the center of the arena where he should have stood, there was already someone else standing.

That position is number one in Dongjiang!

The four of them subconsciously looked up at the huge screen in the center of the room.

The next second, they were all stunned!

Lin Ye's incredible achievements, like a sharp sword, instantly pierced through all their pride!

Yan Hui's body jolted violently, and his mind went blank.

What did he see?
Dongjiang City has unwritten rules regarding mock exams.

Only the first place can stand on the stage.

Those who came in second through fifth place could only stand below the stage and look up at the person on stage.

It's as if it's saying—beneath the throne, all beings are equal!

Yan Hui looked up at the figure on the arena from a bottom-up perspective.

That was a figure he had looked down upon not long ago.

At this moment, their roles have been completely reversed.

He went from looking down to looking up.

His identity also changed from the challenger to...

Challenger!
"A citywide mock exam will be held one month later."

"I will prove to you that even this barren soil of Dongjiang No.1 Middle School can cultivate someone who can beat you."

Lin Ye's words resonated like thunder in Yan Hui's ears.

Yan Hui felt that the person on the stage didn't even glance at him for a second.

He was no longer in the other person's eyes.

Two gazes, seemingly tangible, met in mid-air.

A single line, flowing from top to bottom, as indifferent as water.

A stream, rising from the bottom up, burned like fire.

Xue Wangshu coldly looked at Lin Ye on the stage, and Lin Ye also calmly looked at this former number one in Dongjiang.

No words are needed.

Everyone felt the overwhelming fighting spirit that almost ignited the air!

On the second floor, Li Kainian saw this scene and chuckled softly, "Alright, it's just a formality, we can just go through the motions."

"Since they want to fight, let's make some preparations and send that kid from the Xue family up there."

"No one else should attempt any more challenges."

"Let's call it a day after this match. I need to go back to Ninghai this afternoon."

Li Kainian's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.

The capital of Ninghai Province is Ninghai City, which shares the same name.

He was busy with official duties and naturally couldn't stay in such a place for too long.

He's only stayed until now because of Lin Ye.

He had seen too many geniuses, and there were quite a few who were better than Lin Ye.

But it is extremely rare for such a genius to emerge in such a small place.

Li Kainian waved to a black-clad warrior who had been standing silently beside him from the beginning.

"Go to the sidelines later. If either side faces a life-threatening situation, then you can intervene."

The man in black nodded and quickly left.

Soon, guided by the staff, Xue Wangshu walked step by step onto the ring.

Both he and Lin Ye were wearing special protective gear.

Xue Wangshu's weapon was a pair of steel gauntlets, also predominantly crimson in color.

In Lin Ye's hand, however, was just an ordinary standard alloy long gun.

Under the ring.

Yan Hui looked somewhat dejected.

They have just received notification that once this battle is over, there will be no more exhibition matches, and they will no longer accept any challenges.

Looking at Lin Ye's figure, Yan Hui felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

I don't even have the right to challenge him...

On the arena, the two stood facing each other.

The next moment, Lin Ye keenly sensed that the energy on the entire arena was becoming increasingly agitated and volatile!
To be precise, the fire element energy among the five elements has become unusually active!

Lin Ye's gaze sharpened.

He saw that there seemed to be an invisible raging fire rising from Xue Wangshu's body!
His striking red hair moved without wind, each strand standing upright like a burning flame!

At the same time, the fluctuations of his blood and qi were rising wildly at an extremely terrifying speed!

Xue Wangshu clenched his fists tightly, and two balls of crimson flames suddenly ignited in mid-air!
A scorching wave of air rushed towards them, distorting the air around the arena!
Lin Ye knew that this was probably the biggest advantage of the genius who had dominated Dongjiang for nearly three years.

This must be Xue Wangshu's martial arts talent.

Second floor viewing area.

"The martial arts spirituality of the Burning Fist passed down from the Xue family patriarch has truly ensured that his descendants' path in martial arts is smooth and unobstructed throughout their lives."

Li Kainian looked at Xue Wangshu, whose aura was surging on the stage, and spoke softly.

It sounded like a comment, but also like a sigh.

The Xue family of Dongjiang is considered one of the most prestigious martial arts families in the entire Ninghai Province.

In the past, one of our family's ancestors was a renowned martial arts master.

The direct descendants of the Xue family also have a chance to awaken a hereditary martial arts spirituality called "Burning Fist".

After awakening, a martial artist can only absorb fire-attribute source energy into their body, but the absorption and conversion efficiency will be several times faster than that of an ordinary martial artist.

Once this martial arts spirituality is activated, the blood and qi throughout the body will be like surging molten lava, and strength, speed, and explosive power will be greatly enhanced.

Although it consumes a great deal of physical strength, your strength will more than double in a short period of time!
In terms of boosting combat power, the Burning Fist is definitely a top-tier martial arts technique.

Li Kainian looked at Wang Zhengguo beside him and asked, "Your student hasn't awakened any martial arts spirituality?"

Wang Zhengguo's heart tightened, and then he could only shake his head with a wry smile.

"At present, it seems that there is no such possibility."

Li Kainian's expression remained unchanged.

Wang Zhengguo knew, however, that this was definitely a point deduction.

He sighed inwardly.

Ultimately, it still fell short by a little.

Although Lin Ye's mental strength and life index are frighteningly high, his foundation is unbelievably solid.

However, the further one progresses in the path of martial arts, the more important martial arts spirituality becomes.

A strong martial arts spirituality is the trump card that truly widens the gap in combat power.

He had seen too many geniuses with solid foundations and outstanding comprehension.

Because he failed to awaken his martial arts spirit throughout his life, he ultimately became just another ordinary person, stopping at a certain level and living with regret for the rest of his life.

Those who fail to awaken their martial arts spirituality are destined to be at a disadvantage compared to others from the very beginning.

In the arena.

Lin Ye watched as the level indicator above his opponent's head skyrocketed from LV19 to LV22 in just a few seconds!

Jumping three levels in a row!

The power of the Burning Fist is indeed somewhat heaven-defying.

Although Lin Ye possesses many skills and mechanisms, these are not his martial arts innate talent.

Lin Ye was somewhat expectant.

When will my true first martial arts inspiration awaken?
How strong will it be?
　As usual, there will be another update at noon.

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(End of this chapter)