The Azure Cloud Sect's courtyard had transformed into a warzone of dust, mud, and echoes of clashing fists. By now, spectators were on their feet, cheering wildly for the rising "Mud Hero," Lin Feng, whose chaotic yet effective style had stunned even the elders.
Lin Feng, mud-streaked and bruised, squatted at the edge of the arena, checking the Fist God System for guidance.
[SYSTEM STATUS – LIN FENG]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 1 → Novice Fist God Tier
XP: 620 / 700
Primary Attributes:
Strength: 18
Speed: 13
Endurance: 13
Inner Energy: 12
Reflex: 12
Technique Mastery: 9
Fist Points: 700
Skills Active: Iron Fist Beginner (Lv1), Clumsy Hero (Lv1), Slapstick Resilience (Lv2), Spinning Mudstrike (Lv3), Mud-Enhanced Momentum (Lv1), Chaos Momentum (Lv2), Adaptive Defense (Lv1), Adaptive Counter (Lv1)
"Lin Feng, next round: multiple opponents. Probability of survival: 41%. Probability of comedic improvisation: 99%. Suggested action: flail gloriously, dodge strategically, and trust momentum."
Lin Feng swallowed hard, glancing at the bracket. He would face three consecutive opponents, each stronger and faster than the last. It was do or die—with mud, clumsiness, and laughter as his unlikely weapons.
First Opponent: Quickstep Wei
Quickstep Wei was known for incredible speed but fragile endurance. The system highlighted his stats:
[OPPONENT STATUS – QUICKSTEP WEI]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 1
Strength: 16
Speed: 28
Endurance: 14
Technique Mastery: 12
"Warning: Lightning-fast attacks. Probability of humiliation: moderate if dodged skillfully. Suggested tactic: spinning counter."
The gong sounded. Wei dashed like a streak of black lightning. Lin Feng tried to anticipate, tripped on a loose stone, and rolled forward—accidentally connecting Iron Fist Beginner into Wei's side. The crowd gasped.
"Critical Hit! +40 Fist Points. Spinning Mudstrike Lv3 → Lv4. Humiliation probability: reduced."
Wei paused, confused. "How… did you—?"
Lin Feng grinned, wiping mud from his eyes. "Improvisation, my friend. Pure improvisation."
A few chaotic spins, a roll over a puddle, and some lucky tripping later, Wei was off balance. Lin Feng landed another accidental Chaos Momentum strike, sending the first opponent tumbling. The system chimed with approval.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
XP gained: +60
Fist Points: 740
New Skill Progress: Adaptive Counter Lv1 → Lv2
Second Opponent: Twin Blades Lin
Next was Twin Blades Lin, a duo acting as a single team in exhibition-style combat. Their synchronization was near perfect. Lin Feng's pulse quickened as he realized he would face two attackers simultaneously.
[OPPONENT STATUS – TWIN BLADES LIN]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 2
Strength: 20
Speed: 25
Technique Mastery: 19
Combat Rating: 160
"Warning: High coordination, high danger. Probability of failure: high. Suggested action: exploit unpredictability and tripping patterns."
The duel began. Lin Feng darted, dodged, and, true to the system's advice, tripped on purpose, rolling between the two opponents. By sheer luck—or divine mud guidance—he struck one with Mud-Enhanced Momentum and used Spinning Mudstrike to push the other off balance.
"Critical Combo! XP +80. Chaos Momentum Lv2 → Lv3. Mud Hero bonus activated: +10 Fist Points for comedic effect."
The crowd erupted, laughing and cheering. Even the Twin Blades had to pause, baffled by the utter unpredictability of Lin Feng's clumsy brilliance.
By the end of the match, Lin Feng had won against two simultaneous fighters, earning Fist Points, XP, and a dramatic reputation as the Mud Hero.
Final Opponent of the Bracket: Iron Fist Prodigy Chen Hao
At last, Lin Feng's eyes met Chen Hao's across the arena. Chen Hao, arms crossed and calm as ever, stepped forward. The system's alert was immediate:
[OPPONENT STATUS – CHEN HAO]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 2
Strength: 28
Speed: 22
Endurance: 25
Technique Mastery: 18
Combat Rating: 150
"Caution: Rival detected. Probability of survival: 35%. Humor factor: 50%. Suggested action: combine Chaos Momentum + Mud-Enhanced Momentum + Adaptive Counter."
Lin Feng swallowed, his fists buzzing faintly. "Here we go… my ultimate test."
The fight began with lightning-fast strikes from Chen Hao. Lin Feng dodged, rolled, tripped, and improvised a sequence of attacks combining every skill unlocked so far. Mud sprayed everywhere. Each accidental move became a potentially deadly strike.
Chen Hao's eyes widened. "Impressive… chaotic… but effective," he muttered.
Lin Feng laughed, panting, and swung a final Adaptive Counter Spin, knocking Chen Hao back just enough to claim a narrow, hard-earned victory.
SYSTEM ALERT:
Level Up! Martial Adept Stage 1 → Novice Fist God Tier 2
XP: 780 / 800
Fist Points: 900
New Skills Unlocked:
Momentum Mastery Lv1 (Master momentum in any accidental or intentional spin for devastating effect)
Chaos Flow Lv1 (Chain improvisation strikes; probability of critical combo increased with humor factor)
The crowd roared. Elder Bai Long stepped forward, nodding with approval. "Lin Feng… you have truly surpassed expectations. Your technique may be unorthodox, but it is undeniably effective."
Lin Feng wiped mud from his face, laughing breathlessly, adrenaline coursing through him. "I… I did it! I actually won the whole bracket!"
The system chimed happily:
"Probability of Fist God ascension: steadily increasing. Humor factor: 100%. Suggested action: continue spinning, tripping, and punching the world."
Looking toward the horizon, Lin Feng grinned. The Xianwu Era had no idea what was coming. He, the Mud Hero, armed with Fist God System powers and chaotic brilliance, was just beginning his rise.