The arena trembled once more as dust swirled like a storm around Lin Feng and Zhao Tiansheng. Both men stood facing each other, fists glowing faintly with residual energy. The spectators, both from Azure Cloud Sect and the Southern Realm, held their breath. This was no longer a test—this was destiny in motion.
System alerts flashed rapidly.
[SYSTEM – FINAL REMATCH PHASE]
Opponent: Zhao Tiansheng (Iron Bone Genius, Stage 5 Peak)
Combat Rating: 380 → 395
Probability of victory: 41%
Hidden Sync Rate: 41%
Environmental Status: Arena intact, potential structural collapse imminent
Recommended Action: Activate full Chaos Instinct synergy
"Final decision required," the system noted.
Lin Feng exhaled. "Let's see what happens when chaos learns rhythm."
The First Exchange
Zhao moved first. This time, there was no testing in his strikes. Each movement flowed like water, each blow measured precisely. A straight-line fist, a sweeping elbow, and a knee strike followed immediately in a flawless chain.
Lin Feng activated Chaos Instinct Lv3.
His body shifted before he consciously decided. He sidestepped the elbow, ducked under the knee, and twisted mid-air to land a spinning back kick directly at Zhao's chest.
Seismic Impact triggered. Damage Penetration: 32%
XP +70, Fist Points +60
The crowd gasped. Even Senior Brother Han's jaw was slightly ajar.
Zhao grunted, stepping back, and re-evaluated his strategy. "Interesting… he anticipates unpredictability."
Lin Feng wiped blood from his lip. "I'm like a muddy shadow… only more fun."
Chaos vs Iron – The Momentum Battle
The next minute escalated faster than the previous five combined.
Zhao's Iron Bone Body absorbed multiple blows, but each one generated vibrational feedback that Lin Feng could exploit.
Chaos Flow Lv9 allowed Lin Feng to chain attacks unpredictably while still aiming for weak points.
Momentum Mastery Lv4 amplified his spins and aerial strikes.
The audience was on their feet. Every spin, every dodge, every mid-air elbow became a spectacle. Dust clouds rose, stones cracked, and the arena floor groaned under the immense force.
Zhao's eyes flickered with respect—then frustration. "How can a Stage 4 (Peak) keep up with me?"
"Chaos doesn't follow rules," Lin Feng whispered to himself.
The Decisive Technique
Zhao launched his signature move: Iron Pulse Fist. Internal energy surged like a tidal wave, his fist glowing with reinforced aura. One hit could break bones, maybe even collapse the arena floor beneath a human-sized figure.
System chimed a warning.
"Survival probability: 28%. Activation recommended: Prototype Chaos Instinct Maximum Output."
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. Time slowed as the system calculated trajectories, muscle contractions, and momentum shifts.
He lunged forward.
Not with raw strength.
Not with brute force.
With precision chaos.
Every step, every rotation, every punch adjusted by Chaos Instinct. Zhao's Iron Pulse Fist connected partially, but Seismic Impact amplified Lin Feng's counterstrike.
CRACK.
The shockwave radiated outward like a minor earthquake. Zhao staggered, his reinforced Iron Bone aura flickering dangerously.
The Crowd Erupts
For the first time, a Stage 5 genius was visibly shaken, struggling to maintain footing.
Liu Xueyi's eyes, watching from above, widened slightly. Something flickered in her calm mask—a mixture of curiosity, respect, and fascination.
System flashed an alert:
Hidden Rival Analysis: Liu Xueyi – Interest Level Rising.
Potential Collaboration or Conflict: High.
Lin Feng blinked. "Uh… nice hat."
System: "You are not allowed to flirt mid-combat."
Lin Feng: "Not flirting. Just… commenting on style."
The Final Clash
Zhao recovered quickly. His aura flared to full intensity. Internal muscles tensed. Iron Bone at maximum density.
Lin Feng activated Chaos Instinct Lv3 + Chaos Flow Lv9 + Seismic Impact.
They collided mid-air.
Shockwave erupted. Dust and debris obscured them.
When the dust cleared:
Zhao Tiansheng's stance wavered
One shoulder slightly misaligned
His aura flickered red briefly
Lin Feng was panting, bleeding slightly, but standing firm.
System declared:
Critical Threshold Achieved. Probability of breakthrough: 86%.
Zhao's Retreat
Zhao exhaled sharply. Blood at the corner of his mouth. He wiped his hand.
"You… are no longer just a chaotic fool."
Lin Feng grinned weakly. "I told you… earthquakes don't need instructions."
Zhao stepped back, bowed slightly, and retreated from the arena floor.
The crowd erupted. Shouts, applause, and cheers echoed louder than ever.
Aftermath
Elder Bai Long approached Lin Feng slowly.
"You have done the impossible. A Stage 4 Peak defeating a Stage 5 structured genius… twice."
Lin Feng wiped sweat from his face. "I'm getting tired of winning by accident."
System status updated:
[POST-REMATCH STATUS]
Level: Martial Adept Stage 4 Peak → Stage 5 Novice
XP: 1,800 / 2,200
Fist Points: 2,350
Chaos Flow Lv9 → Lv10
Chaos Instinct Lv3 → Lv4 (Maximum Output Achieved)
Seismic Impact amplified
Hidden Sync Rate: 46%
Title Updated:
The Walking Earthquake → Earthquake of the Southern Realm
Effect: Crowd admiration, intimidation to high-defense opponents, synergy bonus in multi-opponent combat
Phoenix's Observation
Above the arena, Liu Xueyi exhaled softly.
Her hand rested lightly against the railing. Fire danced subtly along her fingertips.
"…Intriguing."
Her gaze lingered on Lin Feng. Not amusement. Not judgment. Pure… curiosity and calculation.
The Phoenix had noticed the Earthquake.
And she was preparing to intervene.
Lin Feng collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. Mud, blood, sweat, and glory all combined into a chaotic masterpiece.
He smiled faintly.
"Next match… let's see who brings the fire."