Martial Peak Chapter 2 – Breaking through the wall and not looking back

A specific regulation governed the school: every disciple of Sky Tower could be challenged to a duel once every five days. To ensure fairness, a challenger could be no more than three levels higher than their opponent, or the challenge could be rightfully declined. Gains and losses were measured in contribution points, which were awarded to the victor and deducted from the defeated.

These are formally recognized as Main Gate Contribution Points!

Within the hierarchy of Sky Tower, these contribution points serve as the primary currency. Accumulating enough points allows a disciple to trade for any desired resource, from secret manuals to weaponry provided by the Main Gate Logistics Department. While it is possible to convert these points into gold or silver, disciples rarely do so because such contributions are incredibly difficult to earn.

There are various methods to acquire these points, such as participating in treasure hunts or successfully finishing assigned tasks.

However, the most frequent method for earning points is through direct challenges. These duels serve as a benchmark for a disciple's strength against their peers, with victory resulting in a payout of contribution points.

This explains why a massive crowd had gathered around Kai Yang early in the morning; to them, he looked like a piece of ripe fruit ready to be plucked.

Kai Yang’s reputation was well-known throughout the school, though not for prestigious reasons. His fame stemmed from his lowly status as a trial disciple and his stagnant progress at the Sky Terrace. Furthermore, he was notorious for losing every single challenge issued against him.

Kai Yang understood the reason for the commotion immediately; exactly five days had passed since his last duel. Those who had missed their chance previously were now eager to strike. Who wouldn't be envious of such an opportunity? It was essentially a source of free contribution points. Even if the amount gained was modest, the lure was enough to draw a large crowd.

Taking his stance, Kai Yang called out the traditional greeting, “Please instruct!”

Despite the formality, everyone present was certain that Kai Yang was simply preparing for another physical lashing.

As usual, Kai Yang initiated the conflict. Despite his frail physique, he fought with startling intensity, closing the distance to Zhou Ding Jun and aiming a punch directly at his chest. His movements were straightforward and blunt, executing a tiger fist with such ferocity that it seemed every ounce of his Qi was poured into the strike.

Every disciple in the school was required to master the Shaolin Fist. This well-known technique served as the fundamental foundation for physical conditioning and basic combat training.

Zhou Ding Jun remained composed, knowing he possessed a two-level advantage over his rival. Unfortunately for the spectators, the outcome of this clash seemed predetermined. He easily read Kai Yang’s incoming fist and shifted his heavy frame to avoid the blow.

The punch merely brushed against his robes, leaving Zhou Ding completely unscathed. Launching a counter-attack, Zhou Ding landed a solid hit right in Kai Yang's solar plexus.

Fighting through the agony, Kai Yang retreated rapidly, narrowly escaping Zhou Ding’s follow-up strike.

“Eh?” Zhou Ding was visibly startled. He hadn't expected a junior at the third stage to possess such quick reflexes. This sudden display of agility threw his planned sequence of attacks into disarray.

However, this minor complication did not change the overall momentum. Thinking on his feet, Zhou Ding seized the opening to catch Kai Yang off guard.

Unexpectedly, Kai Yang lunged forward with his right foot. As the shadow of the attack loomed, Zhou Ding noticed his opponent's unyielding fighting spirit even as Kai Yang executed another Shaolin fist maneuver.

Crap! Zhou Ding’s heart raced. Despite his superior Cultivation, he realized his actual combat experience was inferior to Kai Yang’s.

Ultimately, the disparity in power was too great. Even if he couldn't evade, he could simply endure the impact.

Following two dull thuds, Kai Yang was sent tumbling backward while Zhou Ding remained firmly planted. Had they been at the same level of Cultivation, it would have been Zhou Ding hitting the dirt instead.

The spectators couldn't see the individual strikes, but the impact was undeniable. Kai Yang was exceptionally fast, effectively striking himself against his opponent's superior defense.

While his technique was sharp, his physical vessel was far too weak. His limbs were thin and his body showed clear signs of malnutrition, making this outcome inevitable.

“Senior, thank you for the lesson!” Zhou Ding Jun spoke with a hint of bitterness. Though he was the winner, the victory felt hollow.

From the sidelines, mocking whispers erupted: “Does this guy actually think he won?”

“Haha! He must be new if he doesn't know Kai Yang’s reputation.”

“This is truly comical.”

Zhou Ding frowned, realizing he truly was ignorant of Kai Yang’s history. He had only heard vague rumors, and seeing the crowd today, he had jumped at the chance to participate, feeling lucky to be the one chosen.

How could he not have won? His own counter-punch had sent the boy flying. By the rules of the sect, the match should have been over.

“Again!” Kai Yang barked, standing back up without a moment's hesitation, his fighting spirit burning even brighter than before.

Without waiting for a reply, Kai Yang lunged forward. Once he was within three feet, he launched a low sweep at Zhou Ding’s legs, attempting to knock him off balance.

A leg whip! While the school taught many martial arts, Kai Yang’s practical application of the basics was far more sophisticated than his peers, despite his limited repertoire of techniques.

His timing for the leg whip was perfect.

Yet, in an instant, Kai Yang was sent flying once more.

The two-realm gap and the difference in physical strength were insurmountable; Kai Yang was defeated again. The impact of his own kick against Zhou Ding’s sturdy leg had clearly rattled his bones, causing him to stagger.

“Again!” he hissed through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with stubborn resolve.

“Peng!” Kai Yang was knocked back again.

“Again!”

“Peng!” Once more, Kai Yang hit the ground.

Some spectators, unable to endure the one-sided beating, began to leave, while those who stayed were amazed. “Kai Yang's tenacity is unbelievable. No matter how hard he gets hit, he just keeps standing back up. He refuses to quit!”

Hearing these comments, Zhou Ding felt a sense of dread. He never imagined he would be facing such a relentless madman.

Kai Yang was sent sprawling another seven or eight times. His face was a mask of bruises, his eyes were blackened, and he staggered while gasping for air. Yet, he continued to force himself upright to continue the struggle.

Finally, Zhou Ding shouted in frustration, “Are you insane? Just give up before you kill yourself!”