Chapter 72: Resolute
"Gasp... How is he this strong?"
Zhang Heng's jaw dropped, his eyes filled with utter shock. That this young man, who looked to be only about twenty, was so powerful was simply unbelievable.
"Heh."
At that moment, however, Lin Feng simply gave a faint smile.
"An Innate Martial Artist? No, an Innate Martial Artist's strength isn't this great!"
Zhang Heng clutched his chest, slowly getting to his feet and staring at Lin Feng as he questioned him.
"My level of strength isn't important. What's important is that you've provoked me,"
Lin Feng said slowly.
"Hah! I was just careless for a moment. Do you really think you're a match for me?"
Zhang Heng sneered. After steadying his breathing, he took a deep breath, and a look of grim determination filled his eyes.
His own strength wasn't weak; he was an Innate Martial Artist. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to come out and block Lin Feng after getting a taste of his power.
"I'll give you two choices. Either die here, or surrender meekly. Otherwise..."
"Cut the crap. What do you want?"
Zhang Heng was about to say more, but Lin Feng suddenly raised a hand, stopping him.
"Since you love to fight so much, I'll be happy to play along. Don't hold back."
With that, Lin Feng made the first move.
He stomped his foot, and his entire body shot out like a cannonball.
"Hmph! Arrogant fool, you're courting death!"
Seeing this, Zhang Heng let out a cold shout. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he, too, lunged forward.
BANG!
Their fists and palms collided in an instant, creating a loud crash. At the same time, both of them shot backward.
'What incredible power!'
Lin Feng's palm trembled. Feeling the tremor in his recoiling hand, his expression grew a little solemn.
'I used seventy percent of my strength in that punch, yet I was still at a disadvantage. Looks like I might need to get a little more serious.'
"Heh heh, you're dead meat now!"
Zhang Heng grinned, his eyes filled with an excited light.
His palm was also trembling slightly, but his face still wore a ferocious grin.
BAM!
SWISH!
Lin Feng stomped the ground, his body rocketing forward once more as he unleashed a whip kick at Zhang Heng.
His kick was incredibly swift and came from a tricky angle, making it nearly impossible to defend against.
"HAH!"
Zhang Heng roared in response, swinging his saber to meet the attack. He unleashed a powerful, heavy sweep aimed directly at Lin Feng's shin.
He had already calculated the point of impact and anticipated his opponent's move. Whether Lin Feng dodged or blocked, he would fall right into his attack range, ensuring his defeat.
But just as the two were about to make contact, Lin Feng's body abruptly twisted.
This move wasn't just to dodge Zhang Heng's sweep. The instant Lin Feng turned, his knee shot up like a giant steel axe, slamming viciously into Zhang Heng's waist.
The powerful blow sent Zhang Heng stumbling back three steps.
'Such quick reflexes!'
Zhang Heng's brow furrowed. He rode the force of the blow to retreat a few more steps, putting some distance between them.
Though he had been caught off guard, it was enough to prove that Lin Feng's strength was truly formidable. After all, he himself was a genuine Innate Martial Artist.
"Heh, your strength is pretty average, you know."
Lin Feng smiled faintly, his gaze toward Zhang Heng filled with mockery.
"What did you say? You dare look down on me?!"
Hearing Lin Feng's provocation, Zhang Heng's face immediately darkened, and a flame of rage ignited within him.
"Was I wrong? I'll admit your speed is decent, but your strength is just pathetic. I sent you flying with a single, simple blow."
Lin Feng shook his head as he spoke. What he said was true. In terms of raw strength, he was much stronger than Zhang Heng, but Zhang Heng had also given his all just now. That was why his tone was filled with disappointment.
He had been hoping for a good fight with a true master, but Zhang Heng's performance had left him deeply disappointed.
'I thought the Black Tiger Gang would have some strong experts, but it turns out they're all at this level. If that's the case, I can't even be bothered to fight anymore.'
"You!"
Zhang Heng flew into a rage at his words. To be looked down upon by Lin Feng was a blatant humiliation, and he wished he could tear him to shreds right then and there.
"Just you wait! Tonight, I'll kill you with my own hands, and then I'll take every last one of the women with you!"
Zhang Heng threatened, glaring at Lin Feng with a venomous look.
Lin Feng was taken aback for a moment. 'Is this guy an idiot? Even at a time like this, he's still thinking about my women. The guy's got rocks in his head.'
"Heh heh, so you're planning to fight me one-on-one. I admire your courage, but it's a pity. You are fated to die here tonight."
A frosty smile curved Lin Feng's lips.
The moment the words left his mouth, he closed the distance, flashing in front of Zhang Heng and bringing down another whip kick.
The power of this kick was even more ferocious than before. Clearly, Lin Feng wanted to finish Zhang Heng in one fell swoop.
BANG!
Zhang Heng crossed his arms in front of his chest, taking the full force of the blow.
At the same time, he used his left foot for leverage and kicked out fiercely, striking Lin Feng in the abdomen and sending him flying.
Lin Feng traced a graceful arc through the air before landing on the ground. He brushed at the distinct footprint on his clothes, his expression turning grave.
That last block had looked simple, but he had actually used a skillful technique to dissipate a portion of Lin Feng's power by channeling strength from his legs up into his arms. That was how he'd neutralized the kick. Otherwise, that blow would have definitely broken several of his ribs.
"Heh heh, you're pretty tough, aren't you?"
Zhang Heng rolled his shoulders and then looked at Lin Feng coldly, his gaze growing increasingly feverish.
Although the last kick hadn't fatally injured Lin Feng, it had torn his clothes, revealing his incredibly well-built physique. This made Zhang Heng's eyes turn green.
Lin Feng's gaze also fell upon Zhang Heng. Noticing Zhang Heng's burning stare, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"You're not into dudes, are you?"
Lin Feng's single question sent Zhang Heng into a complete frenzy.
"You're asking to die!"
Zhang Heng roared, his figure instantly vanishing from its spot and reappearing in front of Lin Feng.
This time, Zhang Heng's attack was even faster than before. He gripped his long saber with both hands and slashed directly at Lin Feng's neck.
Lin Feng's pupils contracted. He hastily sidestepped, dodging the fatal blow.
Even so, his shoulder was lightly injured.
"Heh heh, you can't escape."
His strike having failed, Zhang Heng pressed forward again, his long saber dancing wildly, as if scattering a sky full of blade-like blossoms.