The courtyard was alive with shouts, the pounding of fists, and the occasional CRACK of wood splintering under the blows of combatants. Lin Feng, still streaked with dried mud from yesterday and his first two victories today, felt an unusual mix of excitement and dread.
He wiped sweat from his brow and muttered under his breath, "Okay… so far, so good. But I have a feeling the next round isn't going to be friendly."
The Fist God System hovered beside him, glowing faintly, its holographic panels spinning in anticipation.
[SYSTEM STATUS – LIN FENG]
Level: Novice Disciple → Fist God Stage 0
XP: 450 / 500
Primary Attributes:
Strength: 17
Speed: 12
Endurance: 12
Inner Energy: 11
Reflex: 12
Technique Mastery: 8
Fist Points: 400
Skills Active:
Iron Fist Beginner (Lv1)
Clumsy Hero (Lv1)
Slapstick Resilience (Lv2)
Spinning Mudstrike (Lv2)
Mud-Enhanced Momentum (Lv1)
"Warning: Lin Feng, upcoming opponent is classified as High Threat – Potential Injury: 62%. Probability of humorous outcomes: 87%. Suggested strategy: improvise violently, spin wildly, and embrace the chaos."
Lin Feng swallowed hard. He had already learned that the system's "humorous outcome" often coincided with survival and skill growth. Somehow, slipping in mud or tripping mid-combat had become his secret weapon.
The Next Opponent Appears
A hush fell over the courtyard. All eyes turned to the next fighter: a tall, broad-shouldered disciple with eyes like steel and a scar running down his left cheek. His name: Bai Zhen, the undefeated lower-rank champion of the Azure Cloud Sect.
The system immediately highlighted him:
[OPPONENT STATUS – BAI ZHEN]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 1 → Strength: 22
Speed: 18
Endurance: 20
Technique Mastery: 15
"Caution: He is serious. Probability of humiliation: minimal if you survive. Recommended action: mud-based improvisation optional, but highly effective if executed with flair."
Bai Zhen stepped into the center of the courtyard, cracking his knuckles. "Lin Feng," he said, voice calm but commanding, "I've heard of your… unique style. Let's see if it's enough to survive."
Lin Feng grinned, fists already glowing faintly with energy. "Bring it on. Let's make this memorable… and hilarious if possible."
Battle 1: The Spin of Survival
The gong rang. Lin Feng lunged forward, muscles tense, heart pounding, eyes focused on Bai Zhen's movements.
Step, punch, dodge… step, punch, spin!
Lin Feng tripped over his own foot. The crowd gasped. Mud sprayed into the air, coating his opponent's robes. Somehow, in the middle of this accidental chaos, his fists connected with Bai Zhen's side.
"Critical Strike! Bonus Fist Points: +60. Skill progress: Spinning Mudstrike Lv2 → 3. Humiliation probability reduced: 10%."
Bai Zhen's eyes widened. He took a defensive stance. "So… you actually have some skill?" he muttered.
Lin Feng tried to look confident, but the system chimed sarcastically:
"Lin Feng, remember: grace is optional. Chaos is preferable. Probability of epic mud spectacle: 92%."
Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh. "Chaos it is!"
With the next few strikes, Lin Feng used momentum from slipping and spinning to land glancing blows, dodging most of Bai Zhen's attacks. Each accidental move was an improvised combo, earning XP and Fist Points.
By the time Bai Zhen tried a powerful overhead strike, Lin Feng tripped again—this time rolling under Bai Zhen's legs and knocking him off balance. The crowd erupted. Even the elders had to suppress small smiles at the absurd yet effective technique.
"Spinning Mudstrike – Level 3 achieved. Mud-Enhanced Momentum unlocked bonus: +20 attack for chaotic maneuvers," the system declared.
Victory and Reflection
Panting, bruised, and covered in mud, Lin Feng stood over Bai Zhen. The crowd cheered wildly. He had won through a combination of skill, luck, and comedic improvisation. The system floated beside him, its holographic display pulsing with pride—or perhaps amusement.
[SYSTEM STATUS – POST-BATTLE]
XP: 550 / 500 → Level Up!
Level: Martial Adept Stage 1 → Novice Fist God Tier
Fist Points: 520
New Skills:
Chaos Momentum Lv1 (Improvised attacks using slips, trips, and clumsy movement; bonus XP if audience laughs)
Adaptive Defense Lv1 (Automatically dodges based on system prediction of enemy attack)
"Congratulations, Lin Feng. Your unique approach to martial arts has officially leveled up. Next challenge: expect serious opponents and higher probability of humiliation. Fun factor: 100%."
Lin Feng wiped mud from his eyes, laughing breathlessly. "I… I can't believe this. I actually won… by falling in mud!"
Elder Bai Long approached, nodding with approval. "Lin Feng, today you've learned something invaluable: strength alone does not make a warrior. Creativity, adaptability, and a bit of… ridiculousness are just as important. The Fist God System has chosen well."
Lin Feng's grin stretched across his face. He felt power surging, XP accumulating, and the thrill of growth coursing through his body. The world felt alive, dangerous, and utterly hilarious all at once.
Looking toward the horizon, Lin Feng whispered: "This is only the beginning… Chen Hao, I'm coming for you. And I'm taking mud with me."
The Xianwu Era would never forget the Mud Hero of Azure Cloud Sect, and neither would Lin Feng—his fists, his luck, and his laughter carving the path toward the Fist God destiny.