A Battle of the Fist's

Howling wind could be heard in the ears of the two girls as their fists connected.

Krystal's fighting style was different from Frey's. Krystal expanded her qi to create two giant-sized fists. Frey's eyes widened before narrowing again.

'It seems this will be a much harder fight than before.'

Frey didn't have much time to think as the two oppressive fists rumbled toward her. A bright light coated Frey's fists as she also threw her punch at Krystal.

After a moment of silence, a boom could be heard, knocking Frey back multiple meters, while Krystal only moved back two meters.

Just from this exchange, anyone could tell who has the upper hand. Frey shook her hands as they turned numb from the shock. Krystal raised her eyebrows as she looked at Frey with interest.

'The first exchange Frey already lost. It's going to be hard for her to regain the advantage.'

Yi Xuan let out a breath of air as he sighed.

Frey charged in again without minding the sweat going into her eyes. As she already knew Krystal's technique, it was easier to dodge. However, that was easier said than done.

Seeing the unfazed expression of Frey, Krystal let out a grin before rushing in.

Exploding out with her giant qi fists, Krystal seemed as if she would break the stage. Frey looked on with indifference as she headed straight for the fist. As it got closer, the sting and chaotic qi could be felt emanating from it.

It was like an untamed fire trying to escape. As it was about to hit Frey's fist again, Frey used her petite body to move just enough for the first to go by her. Pieces of hair were cut as it barely missed Frey's head.

The tightened muscles in her legs seemed to burst. As they used all of its power to move Frey out of the way.

Riding the draft of the giant fist, Frey could get up close to Krystal. Her tiny fist looked even whiter as the stagnant qi moved up and down her fist. Krystal, seeing this, instantly deactivated her fist's qi to block the attack, but it was too late.

She could only get a single arm up before Frey's fist hit her body. The tiny fist seemed to concentrate all the power in one point sending Krystal flying.

However, Krystal only flipped twice in the air and regained her footing.

Yi Xuan had his mouth open as he stared at the two ladies.

'To think Frey had mastered her qi control to this extent! I didn't think she could get it this early. And that recovery from Krystal was near perfect as she could use the fist to propel herself in a way that let her recover. These women are monsters! Note to self, do not make these girls mad!'

Yi Xuan's still open mouth hadn't had time to close as they went after each other again.

Punch after punch was thrown with only a couple of them landing. Each one changing to a favorable position. Soon, however, Krystal's rank of qi refining stage 3 began to shine.

She began to hit more shots and slowly pushed Frey back.

The burning streaks of blood flowing from her arms and face made Frey tense up. That pain made her unconsciously hesitate to throw another punch.

Seeing this opportune moment, Crystal swung in with a heavy uppercut. Her bright white fist landed soundly on Frey's jaw as Frey went flying. After a moment of air time, Frey hit the floor with a loud thud.

Walking up to Frey, Krystal gave her a glance before speaking,

"You did good, but sometimes a lower ranked opponent can never beat someone higher. Come fight me again when you've grown; I would love to see your progress."

Walking away, Krystal spectated the fight before joining another fight. Frey walked off stage with bruises and blood all over her. Seeing her like this, Yi Xuan quickly came up to steady her.

"You did well; you could contend with a rank higher than you. Good job."

Yi Xuan held her frail body and left the stadium. Although he wanted to watch the next fights, there was still tomorrow. Yi Xuan was just worried about Frey, as her injuries were much worse than his from the other day, and sadly he didn't have another 8th-grade pill.

"I wasn't strong enough."

These simple words made Yi Xuan stopped as he looked down at Frey.

Her ragged breathing quickened as her face warped. The one tiny fist that was hanging by her side was clenched.

Yi Xuan could feel her trembling body. Sadness, anger, and helplessness all emanated from her.

"When will I be strong enough to avenge my older brother? I know I'm going fast, but I feel like I am still going too slow. Why did such a thing have to happen to him? Why?"

Yi Xuan felt sad as he stared at her.

'It seems she can finally let it all out and come to terms with her brother's death and her own uselessness.'

Yi Xuan pulled Frey into a hug as she continued crying. Her unending tears drenched Yi Xuan's clothes, but he didn't care as he let her get it all out. She didn't even cry at the announcement of her brother's death, but she became a different person after that.

Although, after a while, she did regain some of her past cheerfulness, it was never the same. Even years later, she was still primarily cold to people she didn't know.

After a while of crying, Frey noticed what she was doing and pushed Yi Xuan away. He didn't care, though, as he patted her head.

"You are only 13 years old; no need to rush through this. You have talent that rivals the genius' of our sect. You only just need to persevere. Didn't your brother do the same? Working hard every day to ensure you and him could have a good life in the sect?"

"Take it slow; I know your brother would be sad seeing you cry like this. Although if I were to add something, revenge is like wine; the older and deeper the grudge, the better it feels."

Frey recovered after this, but she was still in a state of sadness.

"Make sure you plan what happens after. If only revenge is on your mind, you may be lost after it happens. I've known people who couldn't find their way after their revenge. Their whole purpose was to get revenge. I don't want to see you in a state like that."

"Well, whatever you do, I will be cheering you on, so don't worry."

Yi Xuan gave a smile before kneeling.

Frey calmed down but was confused as she looked at the kneeling Yi Xuan.

"Piggy back ride?"

Frey's calm attitude turned a 180, and she smacked him on the head. His head went to the ground, but Yi Xuan only got up and brushed his head off.

"I can walk by myself!"

Frey could be seen stomping off in front of him, but Yi Xuan could see a slight smile on her face as she acted mad.

"Man, they just grew up so fast."

Yi Xuan hurriedly chased after Frey while chuckling like a fool.

…

Two figures could be seen looking down on the streets.

"Haha, these two are quite the duo."

The other one nodded before adding,

"Yes, they are quite interesting people. What were their names again?"

"The young man is Yi Xuan, while the girl is Frey Hope."

"Hope… it seems I've heard that before."

"Yes, her brother was the upcoming genius in the inner sect, Hansel Hope, who died two years ago."

The second figure's eyes flashed with understanding.

"Figure out what happened and report it back to me."

"Yes, ma'am."

The two shadows then imperceptibly vanished, not leaving a trace they were ever there.