Chapter 145: Zhao Hu

Chapter 145: Zhao Hu

"Look, isn't that Zhao Hu from the Tiger-Leopard Martial Arts Academy? Zhao Hu is an elite expert within the academy. I never expected him to step into the ring."

"Zhao Hu's arrogance is off the charts. Is he seriously planning to take down the new Count and claim the title for himself?"

"Heh, a Grandmaster Council Count wouldn't be that weak, would he? If a Council Count could be defeated so easily, how could he possibly earn the Council's recognition?"

"He's simply too young. So young that it's hard for people to believe in his true strength."

"Exactly. Word has it that Zhao Hu's kicking technique is formidable. Peers at his level simply cannot withstand it. If he lands a kick on that young Count, I'm afraid the kid won't be able to take it."

Zhou Hong and several martial arts academy directors were closely observing everything unfolding on the arena stage.

"Sigh, why do these people assume the Council's new Count lacks strength? I have actually heard of this particular Count; his talent value is said to reach a staggering one hundred thousand," Zhou Hong remarked.

Zhou Hong's words instantly shocked the surrounding academy directors.

"What? Director Zhou Hong, could this be true? Did you say his talent value reached one hundred thousand? How is that possible... The highest talent value in my entire academy is only six or seven thousand. He actually... he actually reached one hundred thousand?" an academy director exclaimed in disbelief.

"Heh, if that's truly the case, I wouldn't be surprised at all that he became a Council Count. With such talent, he is undoubtedly qualified to hold that rank."

"No wonder he became a Count at such a young age—so that's the reason? It's truly unbelievable. A talent value of one hundred thousand is something most people can only dream of."

"That means Zhao Hu is probably going to lose miserably," one of the academy directors lamented, feeling a pang of pity for Zhao Hu.

He knew that if an expert like Shen An grew serious, Zhao Hu wouldn't stand a chance and wouldn't even be able to breach Shen An's defenses.

Under such circumstances, Zhao Hu's proud heart was bound to shatter completely.

On the stage, amidst the surrounding cheers, Zhao Hu remained as arrogant and conceited as ever.

"Young Count, I don't know how you managed to secure the title of Grandmaster Council Count at such a tender age, but today I will surely strike you down and use my iron fists to show you what true power means," Zhao Hu declared.

"Heh. Talk is cheap. Come up and find out," Shen An replied calmly.

***

In that instant, Zhao Hu transformed into a fierce, peerless gale, hurtling directly toward Shen An. The terrifying, cutting wind made the onlookers shudder in dread.

Yet Shen An stood completely unmoving, as if he cared not at all.

Without even needing to draw a weapon, Shen An had already perceived Zhao Hu's flaws.

"With openings everywhere, how could you possibly threaten me?" Spotting a vulnerability, Shen An lashed out with a single palm strike. The terrifying force of the blow compelled the spectators to retreat hastily in fear.

Refusing to accept defeat, Zhao Hu chose to meet Shen An's palm strike head-on. He channeled all his might into his own blow to clash with Shen An, but within a mere fraction of a second, Zhao Hu felt as though his arm were about to snap.

A searing wave of agony surged through his arm, sending shockwaves through his heart. Only now did he truly comprehend the strength of the young Council Count—it was immense, reaching a degree of horror beyond imagination.

"I never imagined his strength could be this terrifying. I... I... I've lost," despair flashed in Zhao Hu's eyes.

Shen An had completely crushed Zhao Hu using only his Tier 3 strength. There was no doubt about it; Zhao Hu was entirely defenseless before Shen An.

Having witnessed Shen An's overwhelming power, the crowd was thoroughly convinced.

"Holy crap, that's insane! He took down Zhao Hu in a single move! Didn't Zhao Hu boast that he could easily defeat the new Count? What happened? Why couldn't he beat him?"

"Zhao Hu's face must be burning right now. Heh, who else dares to challenge the Count after this?"

"It seems the Council Count is truly formidable. He must not be underestimated. Anyone who underestimates him is simply asking for a death wish."

"I suppose after this incident with Zhao Hu, the remaining challengers will learn to be a bit more sensible..."

***

Zhou Hong and the various directors continued to watch Shen An's every move.

"What do you make of his strength? Defeating a mid-Tier 2 Zhao Hu with a single blow?" Zhou Hong asked for opinions. Having already discerned Shen An's cultivation level as mid-Tier 3, Zhou Hong knew it naturally took little effort to defeat a mid-Tier 2 opponent.

"His strength is formidable, but if that's all he has, he still doesn't deserve to be a Council Count. I believe he is hiding even greater power," one of the directors stated.

"How about we make an exception and let Heitu fight him?" Zhou Hong suggested.

***

Heitu was not an official contestant in this league tournament, but his strength was undeniably formidable, recognized and affirmed by several of the directors themselves.

Every single one of these directors had sparred with Heitu, and some could even fight him to a standstill without losing ground.

Of course, Heitu naturally stood no chance against Zhou Hong, who was a Tier 5 Awakened expert.

"I think Director Zhou's proposal is brilliant. Heh, Heitu's strength has already reached mid-Tier 3. A match between him and the new Count will undoubtedly be spectacular and thrilling."

"My only concern is... I'm afraid the Count might suffer a defeat in today's tournament because of this," an academy director worried aloud.

Zhou Hong smiled and said, "In that case, I will send Heitu out."

Not long after, Zhou Hong stepped onto the arena stage. An aura of majesty radiated from his eyes, and the moment he ascended the platform, the noisy crowd below instantly quieted down.

Zhou Hong cast a glance at Shen An. Out of respect for his status as a Council Count, courtesy was still required.

Zhou Hong spoke to Shen An, "Count, I have a proposal. I would like to invite you to face an expert named Heitu. He is at mid-Tier 3. If you can defeat Heitu, the Trembling Fist technique manual will be presented to you directly as a reward."

"You mean as long as I defeat Heitu, I won't need to fight any further matches?" Shen An smiled and asked.

"Precisely. I wonder if the Count is willing to fight Heitu?" Zhou Hong inquired.

Within the Limitless Martial Arts Academy, Heitu was known as a martial arts fanatic. His days were entirely consumed by cultivation, and his terrifying combat power earned him the title of cultivation maniac.

Hardly anyone familiar with the Limitless Martial Arts Academy had never heard of Heitu.

Upon learning that Heitu was about to face Shen An, the crowd broke into gasps of astonishment.

"What? They're actually sending Heitu to fight him?!"