Seeing Wan Ming shift from having the upper hand to being at a disadvantage, Guo Xingyue contemplated for a moment before deciding to remind him. While letting Wan Ming experience failure could benefit his future development—since the lessons learned from defeat are far more valuable than those from victory—Guo Xingyue was concerned about the reputation of the Martial Arts Hall. Although he himself didn't care much, as he would eventually leave this place, his apprentices needed to live here. If the hall's reputation were ruined, it would be detrimental to their futures.
Guo Xingyue subtly channeled his spiritual energy to send a message to Wan Ming. Just as Wan Ming began to feel the pressure from his opponent, he was growing increasingly fatigued. Suddenly, he heard Guo Xingyue's voice in his ear—footwork! Although it was just a single word, it revitalized Wan Ming as if a light bulb had gone off in his head. Of course! His footwork was something his opponent couldn't counter. Instead of mindlessly engaging in a protracted battle, he should use his footwork to outmaneuver the opponent.
Immediately, Wan Ming changed his strategy. No longer did he engage in a back-and-forth exchange of blows with his opponent; instead, he began to use the Mizong Step, circling around Master Zhang and attacking briefly before retreating, refusing to engage in prolonged battles. This left Master Zhang in a difficult position—he couldn't hit Wan Ming, and he couldn't catch him either. If he let his guard down for even a moment, Wan Ming would strike, and whenever he attempted to counter, Wan Ming would already be gone.
The two exchanged over a hundred moves, with Master Zhang beginning to tire. His strikes became slower, and he was increasingly on the defensive, while Wan Ming pressed the attack. This left Wan Ming delighted—it felt like an easy sparring session. Although he could have taken Master Zhang down several times, he stopped short of delivering a fatal blow, instead showcasing various techniques Guo Xingyue had taught him, honing his skills with each passing moment. Poor Master Zhang was exhausted, gasping for breath, and eventually collapsed to the ground, fainting from sheer fatigue.
Master Zhang's disciples rushed over to carry him off the field. Master Hao's face turned dark as he said, "Good kid, you've got some skills. Now it's my turn to teach you a lesson!" Without a care for Wan Ming, who had just finished fighting, he charged into the arena and swung a punch at Wan Ming. This punch carried tremendous force; if it landed, Wan Ming would surely be injured. Unfortunately, halfway through the punch, he had to pull back.
If the Thirteen Eagles were true eagles, they were certainly a bunch of flightless fat ones. Each one was burly, with no semblance of agility. However, there was one exception—Sheng Zheng, the thinnest among the group. He was tall with a large frame, though he appeared gaunt. Sheng Zheng didn't speak much but was the backbone of the Thirteen Eagles. He was cautious, observant, and had the highest martial arts talent among them. Guo Xingyue appreciated Sheng Zheng and had taught him the Eagle Claw Technique, the Flying Eagle Step, and the Eighteen Styles of Eagle Kill, even crafting a pair of Iron Eagle Claws for him as weapons.
Sheng Zheng, following Guo Xingyue's guidance, constantly monitored the situation in the arena. When he saw Master Hao lunging at Wan Ming, he immediately soared into action, executing the Eagle Soars in the Sky technique as he descended into the arena. His right hand, claw-like, reached for Master Hao's wrist, the force generating a whirlwind.
Seeing Sheng Zheng's fierce approach, Master Hao had no choice but to retract his attack and step back a few paces to avoid Sheng Zheng's grasp.
Sheng Zheng coldly stared at Master Hao and said, "Your opponent is me. Come at me."
Master Hao, taken aback by Sheng Zheng's fierce attack, was surprised to find this scrawny man wielding such power. Not daring to underestimate him, he adopted a defensive stance, glaring at Sheng Zheng. Seeing Master Hao's reluctance to attack, Sheng Zheng chuckled coldly. In one smooth motion, he executed the Flying Eagle Catches Mouse, leaping into the air and attacking with both hands from above.
Master Hao swiftly dodged to the side to evade Sheng Zheng's claws, and then seized the opportunity while Sheng Zheng was landing to launch a flurry of punches—fast and powerful, aiming to take Sheng Zheng down in one go.
The Eagle Claw Fist, inspired by the soaring eagle, was both powerful and nimble. Sheng Zheng, having grasped the essence of this technique, was not one to be easily defeated. With a slight sidestep, he evaded Master Hao's onslaught and sprang back into the air, his hands extending like an eagle gliding through the sky. He unleashed dozens of claw strikes, cutting off Master Hao's escape routes.
Realizing he was trapped, and knowing that retreating wouldn't be faster than Sheng Zheng's advances, Master Hao chose to fight back, roaring as he charged at Sheng Zheng, delivering punch after punch.
In a flash, they exchanged more than ten blows. Sheng Zheng had the advantage with his agile footwork and ingenious techniques, while Master Hao relied on sheer power, pushing through in a bid to strike Sheng Zheng. Despite this, Sheng Zheng's eagle claws hooked effortlessly, deflecting Master Hao's attacks while swiftly countering with a Flying Eagle Investigates Claws, leaving five bloody puncture wounds on Master Hao's shoulder, causing blood to fountain from the injury. Master Hao cried out in pain, covering his shoulder as he retreated.
Sheng Zheng coolly watched Master Hao and said, "Get lost!"
With both leaders injured—one fainted and the other severely wounded—their disciples hurriedly surrounded their masters, retreating in disgrace. The apprentices at the Martial Arts Hall erupted into cheers, celebrating their victories over the two formidable opponents. Each one envisioned a future where they might attain the same skills as their senior brother.
While everyone else rejoiced, Sun Chengwu stood silently, his face troubled. After pondering for a moment, he approached Guo Xingyue with concern. "Master, Master Hao and Zhang still have influence behind them. This situation might become troublesome. I'm unsure how to handle it; please offer your advice."
Guo Xingyue, having been a seasoned player in Pangu Star, was not unfamiliar with such matters. He smiled slightly and replied, "Hmm, understood. You all continue your practice; I'll be right back."