After the last match of the octaves, the arena underwent modifications to create a raised platform surrounded by dozens of seats, each one occupied. With a larger fighting area, more spectators started to approach, and Devon's family was among those who moved closer, having reserved their seats in advance.
Following the staff, Devon's family quickly found their designated seats a short distance from the platform where the quarterfinal matches would take place. However, only the participating winners were in a designated area far from the regular audience to maintain better control of the situation.
After the seating arrangements were sorted out, Dash, who had remained calm, was soon called to the fight and became the first to step onto the platform. His opponent was Zhuang, who seemed to be quite fast, but for someone like Dash, this posed no significant challenge. With the changed brackets, Dash now had to face tough opponents, while Dre would confront Cheng before the final—a situation that suited Dash perfectly as he aimed to be the tournament winner.
Of course, there was the possibility of defeat, but initially, Dash sought victory. Over the years, many skilled competitors had been unexpectedly defeated quite easily, so Dash disliked being arrogant.
"Protect your affected areas. They don't know you're injured, and it should stay that way. Understand?" Mr. Kim immediately advised Dash on his fighting strategy against the slightly shorter Zhuang.
"I'll play a close combat match. There's no chance he can attack my injured areas, so you don't need to worry, Mr. Kim," Dash nodded as he walked towards the elevated platform.
"Heh... That Zhuang is very unfortunate. Now that Dash almost lost, he won't let his opponent harm him in the quarterfinals," Devon remarked, looking at the crowd and thinking to herself as she observed Dash's opponent stepping onto the platform.
Devon was thrilled to be able to watch the matches up close; now her cheers could be heard, making her even happier.
"His opponent is Zhuang..."
When Devon heard people talking about Dash's opponent, she looked back, wanting to know who was speaking English. They should be foreigners, although it's challenging to determine who is Chinese or not.
"Those people don't know that Dash won a tournament in an incredible way," Zac observed the crowd and soon began waving his Sakura Bushido flag.
"Salute!" The referee, now standing at the side of the competitors, looked at both of them for a few seconds before asking, "Ready? Fight!"
"Now!"
As the referee's voice faded, Zhuang let out a powerful shout, showcasing his moves. In just one step, he rushed towards Dash, fists clenched tightly, attacking directly at the chest.
Taking charge of the defense, Dash didn't retreat since this was exactly what he wanted in this confrontation. Furthermore, he absorbed the blows and began using his fast-paced fighting style to advance forward.
To the audience's amazement, Dash took a straight step forward, his right hand extending backward, advancing like a powerful projectile seeking a weak point in Zhuang.
Boom!
While Dash's right fist struck Zhuang's chest, this blow didn't carry impact force but rather a pushing force, causing Zhuang's body to be pushed off the fighting platform. However, just as Zhuang was desperately trying to retain balance to avoid falling, Dash changed his stance and delivered a powerful kick to his opponent's cheek.
Thud!
The referee, who had run over to that spot, quickly stopped Dash, sent him to a corner, and rushed to check Zhuang's condition as he had fallen to the ground.
"It's nothing; I'm fine..." In perfect Mandarin, Zhuang brushed off the referee who was checking his cheek and walked back to the center of the platform.
"Point!"
"You should know when to give up..." Dash looked at Zhuang and raised his standard Kung Fu stance again.
"You'll eat those words!" Zhuang muttered as the referee initiated the fight once again.
"Fight!"
As the match resumed, Dash ran towards Zhuang, who also advanced, launching an attack with an open palm that was easily deflectable.
"Remember the rules; play with the enemy's mind..." Dash recalled Mr. Kim's words and, seeing that Zhuang had taken his hand, smiled as he noticed that his trap had been taken by his opponent.
In an instant, Dash's stance changed abruptly to avoid Zhuang's initial attack aimed at his body. At that moment, he squeezed the fingers of his hand, formed a fist, and with his retracted right hand, quickly attacked to strike Zhuang's face.
Thud!
When the fist landed on Zhuang's face, he didn't stop, but that was his mistake, as Dash, who was prepared, started a series of rapid combinations that soon impacted all over his opponent's body.
"Huff..."
Spitting out all the air from his stomach through his throat, Zhuang knew he had lost this match before even attempting anything against Dash, Dre's companion.
But just as he was about to surrender, two blows simultaneously headed towards his chest, completing his defeat.
"Point, winner!"
"It was a good fight..." Dash bowed slightly in acknowledgment of his swift victory and then smiled faintly.
The audience that had witnessed this beautiful match soon erupted in excited cheers, supporting Dash, who had completely crushed Zhuang.
"You must take care of that kid so he won't be a problem for Cheng to face in his best condition against the other," Master Li advised his student, who was about to fight Dre, while looking at Dash's group with a gaze full of coldness.