Bai Xiao turned his head and quickly grasped the situation.
Zhang Hongtao was now calling him out to discuss something, and it was mostly related to the elite class. They had chatted about it on the phone before, but only in passing.
Now, it seemed he wanted to make things clear.
He walked quickly out of the line and followed the figure of Zhang Hongtao out.
Outside, in the hallway, by the open windows, near the railing.
Zhang Hongtao leaned against the slightly reflective stainless steel rail, his right elbow also resting on it, turning his head to look at Bai Xiao approaching step by step.
The two exchanged glances, and Zhang Hongtao began to speak.
"I've been observing you for over a week now," he said.
"Your Sandboxing is very good, and boxing looks pretty decent as well."
"It seems your potential has finally been fully unleashed."
A smile brushed across his square face, lightening the serious atmosphere, "You've worked hard, I've seen it all. I appreciate students who love combat sports, that's why I showed you the internal sparring videos before. Let's not talk about that anymore, I'll get straight to the point now..."
Zhang Hongtao gazed at Bai Xiao, speaking earnestly.
"You now qualify to compete for a place in the martial arts hall's elite class."
Although Bai Xiao had vaguely sensed the foreboding during his previous chats with Zhang Hongtao, hearing it confirmed still thrilled him. A few days ago, he had encountered Zhou Bing, who could deliver a punch of 110 kg; it seemed as if Zhou was specifically interested in the White Bird Martial Arts Hall's elite class. Certainly, there was something there that attracted him.
Coupled with what Zhang Hongtao had implied before.
In the White Bird Martial Arts Hall, there were people who could easily burst heavy bags.
Bai Xiao was convinced that within the White Bird Martial Arts Hall, there must be formidable techniques far beyond the ordinary scope of combat—some martial arts? Some fist skill? Some burst skill? In any case, far surpassing common techniques.
Like Zhou Bing, he too wanted to acquire such powerful skills.
And even more earnestly so, many times more desperate than Zhou Bing.
Because Bai Xiao had two extraordinary gifts that made his potential far exceed that of ordinary people. Once he could grasp the basics of those powerful techniques, Bai Xiao would be able to use his astonishing intelligence and transcendent aptitude to significantly enhance himself through the Dark Red Modifier. That was his confidence, his ambition!
After all, if Bai Xiao didn't enhance himself, would the Dark Red Modifier do it on its own? Of course not! So, in the end, it was still his own achievement.
The panel and modifier are inanimate objects, operating mechanically.
But it is the subjective initiative of humans that brings the inanimate to life!
In the hallway, a gentle breeze blew through the window, rustling the leaves.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Xiao took the initiative to ask Zhang Hongtao, "In the martial art hall's elite class, can I learn something out of the ordinary?"
Zhang Hongtao heard this and couldn't help but smile covertly.
"I can only say, what you want, it's all in there!"
Bai Xiao nodded, understanding without further words.
"Also, don't think it's a sure thing for you, kid. I talked to Guo Hao about the elite class a week ago. The two of you will be competing, and whoever trains better, I'll recommend him for the elite class..."
"The results will be out by the end of the Sandboxing course."
"Do you understand?"
Zhang Hongtao's eyes fixed on Bai Xiao.
"Understood," replied Bai Xiao.
"Alright, now, let me see how well you've trained?"
Zhang Hongtao straightened up and began to explain, "I have to do something after class, so let's just practice now and see how far you've progressed..."
"Okay."
Bai Xiao didn't hesitate, as Zhang Hongtao had offered to practice with him, he naturally had no reason to refuse. It was also a good opportunity for him to test his newly improved strength and gauge his level.
The two followed the corridor until they reached an empty space.
They faced each other, standing about four or five meters apart.
"Come on," Zhang Hongtao beckoned with a casual wave, his posture relaxed.
Bai Xiao nodded, his hands instantly assuming a boxing stance, his feet lightly tapping left and right, his shoulders shaking. His eyes, shielded by his fists, fixed intently on Zhang Hongtao like the gaze of a hawk, observing for weaknesses in his opponent's body.
"Come," Zhang Hongtao called out again.
The next second.
Whoosh!
Bai Xiao burst forward, his slightly bowed body like a coiled spring, rapidly closing in on Zhang Hongtao. Hiss! His gloved fist shot out fiercely.
The previously leisurely Zhang Hongtao instantly tensed up, all his muscles taut. His eyes narrowed, and he threw a diagonal punch swiftly.
Bang!
Their fists collided at the edges, causing both arms to stall momentarily. Bai Xiao felt a strong force strike him, causing his body to slightly shift. Zhang Hongtao too felt a considerable punch power release from Bai Xiao's fist.
"Close to amateur fifth level, almost 140 kg!"
Zhang Hongtao became very serious, his attitude shifting to one of solemn focus.
Across from him, Bai Xiao's feet shuffled as he launched another offensive. His figure flickered, his fists flying out like a pair of dancing bees showing their stingers mid-air. Hiss, hiss, hiss! A series of punches quickly headed towards Zhang Hongtao.
"Good!"
Zhang Hongtao instantly retaliated, displaying the level expected of a coach, his usual lazy teaching demeanor nowhere to be seen. His punches were fierce and powerful, slamming into Bai Xiao's fist shadows, with footsteps rapid and solid.
Pop pop pop!
In the open field, the two went at it, fists flying.
"This kid, he's improved so much in boxing!?"
Zhang Hongtao was secretly shocked, and then with a punch, he forced Bai Xiao back.
"Use your Sandboxing!"
He shouted loudly, clearly wanting to see Bai Xiao's Sandboxing capabilities.
Bai Xiao had nothing to hide; it was just his character. If you have the ability, show it, let others see your potential! That way, those who admire you will value you even more and be willing to invest more in you. As for those jealous glares, Bai Xiao would crush them with his fists!
"Be careful!"
Bai Xiao's gaze changed as he switched to a Sandboxing combat stance. His body suddenly shifted to the side, one arm extended diagonally, slightly bent, while his other hand formed a fist.
Whoosh!
He suddenly closed the distance with quick steps, his arm swinging as fast as lightning!
Zhang Hongtao didn't back down but advanced, adopting a Sandboxing posture as well, clashing head-on with Bai Xiao. Punches thundered, elbows clashed, and even knees and feet joined the fray. This was no ordinary sparring.
It was like a brawl between boxers in various combat leagues!
"Bang bang bang bang… pop pop pop pop…"
The two restrained from striking vital areas, entangling in a scuffle.
The light in Zhang Hongtao's eyes was almost undeniable.
"This kid, he's a damn monster!"
"His Sandboxing training, it could go right onto the professional stage!"
"What's the competition for?"
"Guo Hao can completely let go now, focus on cultivating Bai Xiao…"