After Zhao Feng's victory, the atmosphere in the Martial Arena had shifted.
What was supposed to be a normal tournament round had suddenly turned into a spectacle.
Disciples whispered.
Elders watched more carefully.
And most importantly… a few key figures took notice.
I felt their gazes from the viewing platform above.
The Elder's Stand
The sect elders sat on a raised stone pavilion, each one clad in flowing robes marked with the insignia of the Azure Sky Sect.
Among them was Elder Wu, a strict, sharp-eyed man who had served in the sect for decades. His fingers drummed against the wooden armrest of his chair.
Beside him sat Elder Qin Heng, a seasoned martial expert known for his critical eye. His daughter, Qin Yusheng, was also among the spectators, though her gaze lingered not on Zhao Feng.... but on me.
I noticed her eyes flicker to Zhao Feng's robe, then to me, as if trying to piece together a puzzle.
I smirked slightly.
Let her wonder.
.....
Whispers and Speculation
"Zhao Feng has improved… But was it just a fluke?"
"Did you see how fast he moved? His reactions were sharper."
"It wasn't just his strength, his appearance changed too."
The last statement was the one that mattered.
I had spent decades as a designer. I knew that appearance shaped perception.
Zhao Feng didn't just win. He looked powerful while doing it.
That was why people were still talking about him.
....
An Unexpected Challenge
As Zhao Feng stepped off the platform, wiping sweat from his forehead, another disciple suddenly stood up from the waiting area.
"I challenge Zhao Feng to a match."
The crowd stirred.
Even the elder raised an eyebrow.
Challenger matches weren't uncommon, but calling someone out immediately after a victory? That was different.
Zhao Feng blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
The challenger smirked.
His name was Bai Xu, a well-built disciple with a reputation for overwhelming strength. He wasn't the strongest in the tournament, but he was one of the most aggressive.
Zhao Feng turned to the elder. "Is that allowed?"
The elder stroked his beard. "If both sides agree, then yes."
I stepped forward before Zhao Feng could answer.
"This is stupid," I muttered under my breath. "You've already won. No need to waste energy before the next round."
Zhao Feng hesitated. He was still riding the high from his victory, but he wasn't an idiot.
Bai Xu's grin widened. "What's wrong? Are you afraid?"
I sighed. Ah. The classic provocation.
Zhao Feng took the bait.
He stepped forward. "Fine. I accept."
Hah!! Why u idiot!? I blurted
The crowd erupted in excitement.
....
The Second Fight.. Raw Power vs. Precision
Bai Xu cracked his knuckles, rolling his shoulders as he stepped onto the platform.
Unlike Ren Haoran, Bai Xu wasn't about finesse. He was about brute force.
The moment the match started.... he charged.
No hesitation. No wasted movement. Just a direct, full powered punch aimed at Zhao Feng's face.
Zhao Feng dodged, barely, twisting his body to avoid the blow.
But even though the punch missed, the sheer force of it sent a gust of wind whipping through the arena.
I whistled under my breath. "Damn."
Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed. This was going to be harder than the last fight.
.....
Speed vs. Strength
Bai Xu wasn't fast, but his attack patterns were relentless.
Every time Zhao Feng moved, Bai Xu was already launching another attack.
A sweeping kick.
A powerful elbow strike.
A crushing palm aimed at his ribs.
Zhao Feng dodged, barely, but he wasn't getting the same openings he had against Ren Haoran.
Bai Xu was too aggressive.
I could see it in Zhao Feng's movements..... he was starting to get pressured.
That's when Bai Xu finally landed a hit.
A solid backhand strike to Zhao Feng's ribs.
A heavy thud echoed through the arena as Zhao Feng stumbled, coughing.
The crowd gasped.
I tensed.
This was bad.
.....
A Turning Point
Zhao Feng spat to the side, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
Then, suddenly.... he smiled.
Bai Xu frowned. "What's so funny?"
Zhao Feng exhaled. "I was wondering why you're not in the inner sect."
Bai Xu's brows furrowed. "What?"
Zhao Feng straightened his stance, rolling his shoulders.
"You hit hard," he admitted. "But you're reckless. You don't think..... you just swing."
Bai Xu growled. "What did you just say..... "
Zhao Feng moved.
For the first time in the fight, he went on the offensive.
A sharp side step, dodging another wild punch.
A quick palm strike to Bai Xu's exposed ribs.
A follow up low kick that took his balance.
Bai Xu stumbled, eyes widening.
He tried to recover, but it was already too late.
Zhao Feng lunged, stepping past Bai Xu's defenses.
Then, with a final, decisive palm strike to the chest... he sent Bai Xu crashing onto the ground.
Silence.
Then, the elder raised his hand.
"Zhao Feng wins."
.....
A Name That Sticks
The second victory sealed it.
Now, people weren't just watching him out of curiosity... they were watching him with genuine interest.
"Zhao Feng again?"
"He actually won against Bai Xu?"
"I don't believe it."
Even Elder Wu leaned forward slightly, studying Zhao Feng with newfound attention.
And Qin Yusheng?
She was definitely staring at me now.
.....
A Business Opportunity
As Zhao Feng stepped down from the platform, breathing heavily, I patted him on the shoulder.
"Not bad," I said.
Zhao Feng coughed. "Not bad? I nearly got my ribs cracked!"
I grinned. "Yeah, but you won."
He groaned, but I could tell... he was pleased with himself.
That's when a voice called out from behind us.
"You. Are you the one who made that robe?"
I turned to see an inner disciple, arms crossed, inspecting my work.
I smiled. "Interested?"
The disciple studied Zhao Feng's robe before nodding.
"How much?"
I chuckled. Phase two: Business Expansion… begins now.