Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1799 - 990: Defeated

The Boundless Fighting arena buzzed with energy.

Shang Caiwei's sharp cry acted as a spark, igniting the hushed onlookers.

The students observing the bout cast bewildered glances at Shang Zhengyu, who now lay sprawled on the ground. It was hard to reconcile this image with his notorious dominance within the club.

Renowned for his aggressive fighting style and frequent real-combat encounters, many students had already felt the sting of his powerful strikes. Yet here he was, the formidable Shang Zhengyu, utterly still.

The spectators hadn't even registered the action that led to his downfall.

Dong Qingfeng, who had anticipated an exciting match, stood equally stunned. His gaze drifted to Jiang Ning, still positioned on the platform, and he murmured in utter disbelief.

He was acutely aware of Shang Zhengyu's prowess, considering him a monumental obstacle in his own training journey, and now...

The yoga instructor, startled, dropped her water bottle, drenching her form-fitting outfit and leaving a visible wet patch.

"Brother, brother!" Shang Caiwei’s voice trembled as she called out.

After a few tense seconds, Shang Zhengyu began to stir, attempting to rise.

His initial attempts to stand were shaky, but he gradually regained his footing.

He was back on his feet.

Coach Du inquired with evident concern, "President Shang, are you alright?"

Honestly, the coach admitted to himself, he hadn't clearly seen Jiang Ning's decisive punch. It astonishingly resembled a high school student landing a single blow to take down the club's president.

The scene mirrored moments he'd witnessed before, where seasoned professionals effortlessly dispatched amateurs with a single strike.

In reality, Shang Zhengyu was supposed to possess professional-caliber strength!

Though the intense intimidation in Shang Zhengyu's eyes seemed to diminish somewhat upon rising, his resolve became even more hardened.

Taking a deep breath, Shang Zhengyu's expression turned placid. "I'm unharmed. I was simply caught off guard earlier."

The students nearby rushed to salvage his pride, shouting, "Brother Shang, you didn't even dodge!"

"Exactly!"

The atmosphere quickly regained its lively buzz.

After all, in the demanding world of combat sports, setbacks are an commonplace occurrence.

Nevertheless, Shang Zhengyu recognized the need to cease underestimating Jiang Ning. He met his opponent's gaze directly. "Your luck was favorable."

Jiang Ning briefly observed him, acknowledging Shang Zhengyu's undeniable handsomeness and charismatic presence, particularly the subtle aura of success he projected.

Coach Du strode to the center of the arena, signaling the commencement of the second round.

This time, Shang Zhengyu adopted a significantly more measured fighting strategy. He initiated the round with cautious probing strikes before unleashing his signature kicks.

Shang Zhengyu executed a swift straight punch, immediately transitioning into a powerful front kick.

The watching students flinched, a painful reminder of times they themselves had been felled by this very combination.

However, Jiang Ning smoothly retreated, evading the assault with apparent ease.

From the sidelines, Coach Du offered strategic advice, "His footwork is exceptional. Maintain pressure and control his positioning."

Shang Zhengyu, not letting arrogance cloud his judgment, decided to heed Coach Du's tactical guidance, acknowledging his opponent's potentially professional-level skills.

Coach Du continued to offer continuous direction and tactical support.

"The coach has entered the ring directly!" Shang Caiwei, an esports enthusiast, remarked with surprise.

Xue Yuantong, casually sipping a cola beside her, responded with a nonchalant, "No need to worry."

Shang Zhengyu pressed on with a series of rapid left and right kicks, his aggressive and visually captivating style gradually finding its rhythm.

"Excellent, just like that!" Coach Du's encouraging voice resonated.

A low murmur began to spread among the students outside the ring. "Incredible, his kicks are unstoppable; that kid can't even land a punch."

"It really was just a lucky coincidence, that one unexpected hit."

"He's going to be defeated in moments."

The sounds of countless cheers washed over Shang Zhengyu, akin to the triumphs echoing throughout his life's journey.

Shang Zhengyu's boxing journey had commenced in his youth. During those turbulent early years, even common thugs hesitated to provoke him. He later gained admission to a prestigious institution, completed his studies, joined a major corporation, and then decisively led a team to establish their own venture. Their maiden mobile game achieved nationwide acclaim, generating over a billion in monthly revenue and securing his financial independence.

Emerging from humble beginnings, he had ascended against formidable odds, reaching the pinnacle and looking down upon those still striving below.

'How could you, a mere high school student, possibly harbor intentions towards my sister?'

'Who do you even think you are?'

With a swift motion, Shang Zhengyu extended his left leg, immediately following with a sudden, high-flying kick aimed at the head.

The onlookers nearby swore they could hear the whistling of the wind, a testament to the leg strength achieved when reaching a considerable level.

A palpable chill swept through their hearts.

Jiang Ning, without significant evasion, simply raised his left arm to intercept the head kick.

As the force of the kick met his arm, Shang Zhengyu felt as though he had struck reinforced concrete. He instantly retracted his leg, a sharp, needle-like pain radiating through it.

A flicker of astonishment crossed his usually impassive face.

Jiang Ning, his voice devoid of emotion, remarked coolly, "Fancy moves."

'Fancy moves?' Shang Zhengyu didn't react with anger, but instead let out a laugh. 'Enough to take you down!'

Jiang Ning's expression tightened, unimpressed by the arrogance emanating from Shang Zhengyu.

Jiang Ning advanced swiftly, his steps barely touching the surface as he swiftly lifted his right foot.

Shang Zhengyu perceived a series of resonant thrums in the air, akin to the deafening twang of bowstrings on a war-torn battlefield, a sound that deeply rattled his very soul.

His vision swam, the image of phantom legs flickering before his eyes. Hastily, he raised his arms, but alas, it was too late.

The elusive leg shadows had already descended.

With a resounding 'Bang!', the strike landed squarely on his shoulder. The sheer force of the impact, comparable to a concrete utility pole, sent him tumbling through the air like a discarded ragdoll.

Jiang Ning hovered momentarily in mid-air, his leg retracting with deliberate slowness half a second later.

Remaining poised on the elevated platform, he cast his gaze down upon the fallen Shang Zhengyu and softly lamented, "Such weakness. You possess no strength to protect anything."

The authoritative voice of Coach Du and the boisterous chatter of the students abruptly fell silent.

This single, decisive kick pulverized all lingering skepticism.

Dong Qingfeng's complexion leached into a ghastly gray, his legs turning to jelly. Duan Shigang promptly moved to steady him.

Dong Qingfeng found himself adrift in a sea of conflicting emotions. While he had always acknowledged Jiang Ning's prowess, the sheer magnitude of his skill had never ceased to astound him.

A significant portion of his resolve to pursue martial arts wavered as he pondered, "Then, what is the purpose of my own practice?"

Duan Shigang, his gaze fixed upon that commanding figure in the arena, possessed a somewhat discerning eye. Years of arduous combat and confronting countless formidable adversaries had instilled in him a profound understanding of the adage, 'there is always someone stronger.'

It was akin to perceiving the ever-ascending mountain from Class 8, a presence that was progressively solidifying into an unshakeable force.