"I'm going back immediately!"
Ghost Dragon hung up the phone, his face filled with anxiety and worry.
His master had shown him immense kindness, and he absolutely couldn't ignore him at a time like this.
But… what about the Martial Arts Tournament that was about to begin?
He had prepared for this day for too long.
This wasn't just a competition; it was his stage to prove the essence of the Fierce Wind Hall's martial arts to the entire world.
In this era, where heroes and monsters ran rampant, traditional martial arts were gradually declining, viewed by many as mere flashy moves.
He wanted to use his fists to tell everyone that true martial arts were a powerful force, forged through countless trials, capable of contending with disaster!
To go, or not to go?
His heart was in a fierce internal struggle, filled with immense pain.
Just then, he glanced at Mumen Rider, who was struggling to get up from the ground beside him.
A bold yet reasonable idea instantly surged into his mind.
That's right! There's still him!
Mr. KING's successor!
Since he could no longer participate, rather than letting this stage, which carried his dreams, end in obscurity, why not pass it on, giving it to someone with greater potential!
This hero in front of him had clearly just encountered true martial arts, and the Martial Arts Tournament was the best stage for him to hone his skills!
This way, he could both rush back to his sect and… consider it repaying Mr. KING for his guidance that day!
Thinking of this, Ghost Dragon took a deep breath, walked up to Mumen Rider, and said with an extremely solemn expression:
"Mumen Rider, no, Senior! An emergency has occurred in my sect, and I must return immediately. I absolutely cannot participate in this Martial Arts Tournament this time."
A deep regret flickered in his eyes, but that regret was quickly replaced by a sense of relief, as if a burden had been lifted.
He had made his choice and firmly believed it was the right one.
He pulled out his competitor's pass and registration form from his Pregnant, and handed them to Mumen Rider with both hands.
"This is the qualification for the Martial Arts Tournament. Since I, Ghost Dragon, cannot go, the Fierce Wind Hall's spot will be vacant. I wonder if you, sir…"
Mumen Rider was greatly alarmed and quickly waved his hands: "How can this be! This is your competition, how can I…"
"No, you can!" Ghost Dragon's gaze was fiery and firm, looking directly into Mumen Rider's eyes.
"This might be fate! It is Heaven's will to use this opportunity to let Mr. KING's martial arts, which return to simplicity, shine with their deserved brilliance before the world!"
He took a step forward, his tone even more earnest: "I observe that while your execution of Mr. KING's unique techniques is still a bit unrefined, the true essence of martial arts contained within is far beyond mine!"
"The Martial Arts Tournament is filled with masters; this is the best opportunity for tempering. Please do not refuse!"
"But I…"
"Just consider it a favor to me!" Ghost Dragon's tone carried a hint of pleading. "I am already deeply regretful that I cannot participate."
"If this spot is wasted, I will be even more restless."
At this point, Ghost Dragon even let out a heavy sigh, making the consequences sound incredibly serious.
"You possess Mr. KING's legacy and have the heart of a chivalrous knight; how can you be constrained by your strength?"
"Please accept!"
As his voice fell, Ghost Dragon no longer gave Mumen Rider any room for thought, taking a sudden step forward.
Then, with his legs together, he bowed ninety degrees to him, his hands still extended forward, as if he wouldn't rise until Mumen Rider agreed.
Mumen Rider was speechless by his words.
He looked at Ghost Dragon's anxious expression, then at the competitor's pass shoved into his hands, and was momentarily torn.
To refuse would make him seem too unsympathetic; to agree, he worried he would bring shame to Mr. KING.
Ghost Dragon saw his hesitation and said in a deep voice: "Sir, you don't need to feel pressured. Mr. KING's martial arts emphasize returning to simplicity, the essence of combat."
"You only need to fight like you did against the monster just now, and that will be enough!"
"I believe this will also be an excellent cultivation for you!"
After speaking, he no longer gave Mumen Rider any chance to refuse, bowing deeply to him again, his voice loud and clear:
"I wish you prosperous martial arts, farewell!"
Before his words finished, Ghost Dragon turned around, unleashed his movement technique, and sped off into the distance without looking back, his figure quickly disappearing into the city's skyline.
Only Mumen Rider, covered in wounds and filled with confusion, remained standing blankly in place.
— — — — — —
Back to the present, inside the arena.
"What the hell is going on?"
Lin Mo hadn't yet recovered from the shock he had just experienced.
He had just taken a sip of juice and almost spat it out when he saw that familiar yet unfamiliar figure on the stage.
"Hey, that guy named Ghost Dragon looks so weak." A nearby spectator pointed at the ring, his tone filled with undisguised disappointment. "I thought he was some kind of master."
"His name is quite scary, 'Ghost Dragon'? But the person himself looks like an office worker who just got off work. Did he go to the wrong place?" another spectator grumbled.
"Maybe he's a true master hiding his strength? Many martial artists like to pretend to be weak to catch others off guard."
"Come on, look at his small build; he'll fall over with a gust of wind. I bet he won't last three minutes."
Just as the audience was buzzing with discussion, a golden stream of light flashed in Genos's mechanical eyes beside Lin Mo.
"Data analysis complete." He objectively commented:
"Target 'Ghost Dragon,' muscle density is below the average martial artist's level, and physical data is unremarkable."
"Compared to his opponent, Gatling, he is comprehensively inferior. Based on logical deduction, his probability of winning is less than 3%."
"?"
Lin Mo turned to look at Genos with an incredulous expression.
No… buddy, Mumen Rider just changed his clothes and took off his glasses, and you don't recognize him?
What kind of cyborg are you?
Did Kuseno buy your scanner on Pinduoduo for nine yuan ninety with free shipping?!
"Is there a problem, Mr. KING." Genos noticed Lin Mo's gaze, turned his head in confusion, and looked at Lin Mo with his incredibly sincere eyes.
"Ah, nothing, nothing." Lin Mo quickly regained his composure, waved his hand, and forcibly swallowed his complaints.
But why was Mumen Rider here? And impersonating Ghost Dragon?
By the way, who is Ghost Dragon?
Forget it, there's no use thinking about these things now.
Lin Mo's gaze refocused on the somewhat lonely figure on the stage.
He watched Mumen Rider nervously stretching his limbs, watched him taking deep breaths to try and calm himself down.
For some reason, a strange feeling welled up in Lin Mo's heart.
It had been some time since he had given him the [KING Style Mysteries · Martial Arts], and he wondered how much he had truly comprehended and how much power he could unleash now.
He inexplicably felt a sense of nurturing… Lin Mo unconsciously sat up straight, propped his elbows on his knees, clasped his hands together, and his gaze was more focused than ever before.
Come on, Mumen Rider.
Let me see what kind of brilliance you will radiate.