Chapter 19: The Gauntlet, Li Zhiyuan of the Li Fire Dojo
Just being a bit faster and daring enough to challenge a dojo? And even managed to sucker-punch my nephew into that state? The middle-aged man mused, turning to his students.
"This young man sparred with Master Ma yesterday and wants another go today. Who wants to test his skills first?" he asked, his tone implying more than just a friendly match.
The students paused, glancing at Zeng Shen and their instructor with curiosity and anticipation.
"Is he the one who turned the master's nephew into a pig-face?"
"So the master wants us to teach him a lesson?"
"Seems like it."
Realizing that the middle-aged man was the true head of the dojo, Zeng Shen understood the shift in demeanor. So Master Ma was just a figurehead or an elder with honorary status?
A plump, acne-ridden young man stepped forward, scrutinizing Zeng Shen before addressing the master. "I'll spar with him."
The master hesitated but nodded.
"You, come here," the plump youth beckoned, moving to the center of their training area.
"Zhang Fatty is quick on the draw, huh?"
"He loves pounding prettier guys into pulp. This young man might be in trouble."
"Trouble? If he dared come here, he must have some skill. He did, after all, leave Little Li unconscious."
"True, but he said he's fast. Zhang Fatty's weakness is speed; he might get outpaced."
"Slow, huh? Let's just use fivefold speed then," Zeng Shen murmured, stepping into the ring opposite Zhang Fatty. "Ready? I'm fast."
"Blah blah, bring it!" Zhang Fatty roared, charging at Zeng Shen.
"Speed Amplification," Zeng Shen whispered, feeling energy surge within, making him light as a feather.
He sidestepped like a phantom, leaving Zhang Fatty charging at empty air.
"Wow, so fast!" the master exclaimed, surprised by Zeng Shen's agility.
Too fast.
As Zhang Fatty turned for another charge, Zeng Shen was already behind him, delivering a swift kick to his backside.
"Thud..."
Zhang Fatty's momentum sent him sprawling, his impact as heavy as his charge, eliciting a squeal of pain.
[The host has defeated a Tier 2 Fire Slave, gaining 50 survival points.]
"Why isn't it a first-time bonus? Only 50 points? Is it because he's considered fodder? Or was Liu Tongtong's first defeat credited for all followers?" Zeng Shen wondered at the alert.
The surrounding students gaped at Zeng Shen and the downed Zhang Fatty.
They were stunned.
Zeng Shen's speed was unprecedented, seemingly rivaling their master's.
"Is that even humanly possible?"
"Speed is unbeatable; none of us can match him."
"Indeed, will we be overrun today?"
"If word gets out, can our dojo survive in Jinhai City?"
"Hmph, every skill has a flaw. If he maintains such speed, he'll tire. Let's wear him down with a gauntlet match."
"A gauntlet? Isn't that dirty?"
"It's tradition. If someone challenges uninvited, it's considered an assault. We can use gauntlet rules."
"Alright, I'll start."
A bold youth stepped forward. "I'll fight you. I'm Li Qing. What's your name?"
"I'm Shen. Pleased to meet you."
"Ah!" Li Qing charged with a shout.
Though quick, Zeng Shen was quicker, evading and countering with a kick to Li Qing's rear, sending him sprawling.
[The host has defeated a Tier 3 Fire Slave, gaining 100 survival points.]
Tier 3, 100 points?
A theory formed in Zeng Shen's mind regarding survival points from defeating followers.
Could Tier 1 yield 10 points, Tier 2 yield 50, Tier 3 yield 100, and Tier 4 yield 1000?
"I'm Zhang Erhe."
Another youth approached, intending to exhaust Zeng Shen, but was quickly floored.
[The host has defeated a Tier 2 Fire Slave, gaining 50 survival points.]
"I'm Wang Er."
Another followed, meeting a similar fate.
[The host has defeated a Tier 2 Fire Slave, gaining 50 survival points.]
"I'm..."
"I'm..."
"I'm..."
[The host has defeated a Tier 3 Fire Slave, gaining 100 survival points.]
Satisfied with the 1300 survival points accrued, Zeng Shen considered his next move.
Despite the circumstances, the dojo visit had been worthwhile.
He looked at the master, whose expression was grim, and hesitated before speaking.
"Master, I don't mean to challenge your dojo. I'd like to spar with you, if you'd allow it."
The master's fists clenched, but he drew a deep breath and prepared to face Zeng Shen, assuming a tai chi stance. "I am Li Zhiyuan, 30th generation of the Li Fire Dojo."
"Master Li, here I come," Zeng Shen announced, transforming into a blur and aiming a kick at Li Zhiyuan.
But just before contact, Li Zhiyuan's hand intercepted Zeng Shen's foot, seemingly anticipating the move. Zeng Shen barely retracted in time to avoid capture.
"Close call. As expected of a master, you read my attack despite my speed," Zeng Shen acknowledged, retreating.
Realizing his chance had passed, Li Zhiyuan relaxed his stance. "The opportunity is gone. I concede."