Chapter 20: The Dojo's Scoring Point, Defying to the End

[The host has defeated a Tier 4 Fire Slave, earning 200 survival points.]

Hearing the notification, Zeng Shen felt a tinge of disappointment. He had expected to earn 1000 survival points for defeating a Tier 4 intelligent being, but it only granted him 200 points.

"It seems that the 1000 survival points from Liu Tongtong were just for defeating a follower for the first time," Zeng Shen speculated.

As he pondered this, the middle-aged dojo master approached him, silently contemplating before clasping his hands in a traditional salute.

"Though you didn't win through martial skill, by the rules of our ancestors, you've successfully challenged the dojo. You are entitled to request a favor from all members of this dojo," the master stated.

"Uh?" Zeng Shen was taken aback. "I can ask your dojo for a favor?"

"Yes, as long as it doesn't violate ethics or the law," the master affirmed.

"I don't need you to do anything for me, I just..." Zeng Shen began, but was interrupted by an indignant shout from one of the dojo youths.

"Are you looking down on our Li Fire Dojo?"

"Yeah, do you think you're too good for us?" others chimed in.

Seeing their reaction, Zeng Shen realized that not asking for a favor might indeed offend them. After a moment of thought, an idea struck him. "Well, then, how about you all spar with me every day?"

Silence fell over the room.

"Your speed is too fast; you'd just knock us down every time," one youth lamented.

Zeng Shen thought for a moment more. "How about this: I'll only use 20% of my top speed."

"20% of your top speed? What is that like?" someone wondered.

"Probably about as fast as our master at full effort," another guessed.

"Ah, that's great! We could challenge someone like our master, but with speed only," a youth exclaimed happily.

The master gave the youth a stern look before addressing Zeng Shen. "If that's your request, we can accommodate it. However, it seems you're getting the short end of the stick, acting as their sparring partner. How about I teach you some martial arts and techniques during your sessions?"

Zeng Shen's eyes lit up, nodding eagerly. With techniques to complement his speed, his combat skills would significantly improve. It was a win-win: he could earn survival points daily while enhancing his fighting ability.

"Thank you, Master Li," Zeng Shen said gratefully, using the Eye of Insight to examine him.

[Species: Fire Slave Tribe]

[Quality: Lord (Common, Elite, Lord, King, Legendary, Epic, Mythic)]

[4th Tier: 0/50000]

[Name: Li Zhiyuan]

[Skills: Unactivated]

[Faith: Ma Zhenren, Tier 3 Fire Deity]

[Devotion (Provides 100 faith daily to their deity)]

[Mood: Slightly Frustrated]

[Analysis: Once a Tier 1 Fire Deity, he was reborn as a new being under Ma Zhenren's talent after dying in battle against mutant beasts, but is forever enslaved to him.]

"Uh..." Zeng Shen was taken aback by the information. So the Fire Slave Tribe was created under Ma Zhenren's talent, meaning he misunderstood Old Ma?

The system's references to enslavement were actually about this?

It seemed Ma Zhenren wasn't an irredeemable deity after all.

Realizing Ma Zhenren hadn't returned, Zeng Shen curiously asked Master Li, "If Ma Zhenren isn't the dojo master, what does he do?"

"He's been our janitor for nearly ten years," Li Zhiyuan replied casually.

"A janitor?!" Zeng Shen exclaimed in surprise.

Li Zhiyuan nodded. "Yes, he takes care of most of the cleaning here. When he's free, he goes to the park, performs a few Tai Chi moves he learned here to impress the elderly, and encourages them to bring their grandchildren here for some self-defense training. I give him a small stipend for each referral."

"Ah, I see," Zeng Shen said, wiping his brow.

Clearly, he had overestimated Old Ma.

Suddenly, a child's voice rang from the courtyard.

"Master Ma, someone is looking for you."

"Little Xin, who's looking for me?" Ma Zhenren asked, peering into the dojo hall, only to lock eyes with Zeng Shen.

In an instant, Ma Zhenren's expression changed, and he turned to flee.

However, Zeng Shen quickly activated his speed amplification, intercepting Ma Zhenren just as he stepped outside.

"Ah, a ghost!" Ma Zhenren exclaimed, startled by Zeng Shen's ghost-like speed, his legs giving way as he stumbled to the ground, nothing like the serene master he appeared to be in the park.

[The host has demonstrated unparalleled valor, subduing a Tier 3 Fire Deity, gaining 100 survival points.]

"This..."

"So it is possible to repeatedly earn survival points, and not just from Tier 3 intelligent beings, but also Tier 3 deities," Zeng Shen mused. "Could the same apply to Tier 3 beasts?"

Hearing the notification, Zeng Shen looked down at the frightened Ma Zhenren.

"Master Ma, didn't you want to spar? Why run when you see me?"

Ma Zhenren glanced at the children watching him and hastily tried to save face. "Who said I was running? I was just tired and thought the ground looked comfortable."

Zeng Shen understood his intent and played along. "Oh, I see. The ground is indeed comfortable. Enjoy your rest."

With that, Zeng Shen stifled a laugh and turned to Master Li. "Master Li, I have to go for now. I'll be back tomorrow."

Li Zhiyuan nodded slightly.

As Zeng Shen exited the dojo, a crisp voice echoed in his mind.

[The host, defying all odds, resisted and defeated a Tier 3 Fire Deity and its followers, earning 1000 survival points.]

"Was that the first-time bonus?" Zeng Shen wondered, pausing momentarily.