"50th time!"
Someone spoke quietly—but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Everyone knew exactly what that meant.
Derek had already attacked Ethan fifty times.
And Ethan had dodged every single one.
"Senior Brother, what exactly is that person trying to do?" the junior brother from earlier asked in confusion.
The wise senior brother shook his head. "I'm not completely certain… but if my guess is right, this Ethan is an extremely intelligent person."
"I don't understand, Senior Brother," the junior replied respectfully. "Could you please explain?"
The senior smiled faintly. "If my guess is correct, Ethan is trying to drain his opponent's stamina."
"Stamina?" someone from the crowd asked urgently. "What do you mean? Please explain clearly, Ivan!"
All eyes turned toward Ivan.
Ivan was an Inner Disciple of the Sacred Fire Academy. Though his status was one rank below a Core Disciple like Young Master Robin, he was still highly respected.
Ivan was known for three things:
Politeness.
Calm judgment.
And terrifying analytical ability.
When Ivan spoke, people listened.
Ivan nodded slightly and began, "If my analysis is correct, Ethan understands one critical thing—Derek has powerful backing. If Derek cripples or kills someone inside the city, the Punishment Department can suppress the news."
He continued calmly, "They could even twist the truth. They could claim Derek was apprehending a criminal, and that he only went overboard because his opponent resisted."
Ivan sighed. "In such a case, Derek would be rewarded. As for Ethan? Even if we all know he's innocent, who here would dare testify for him?"
The crowd fell silent.
Ivan went on, "Anyone who speaks out would risk being framed themselves. The Punishment Department could fabricate charges against them without difficulty."
He looked toward Ethan. "Ethan understands this. That's why he cannot attack Derek—not even once."
Ivan's voice grew firmer. "So he chose another path. He lets Derek attack as much as he wants. Ethan simply dodges. He doesn't touch Derek at all."
Ivan smiled slightly. "Eventually, Derek will exhaust himself."
He continued, "At that point, even if the Punishment Department intervenes, Ethan can ask one simple question: Did I harm him? Did I strike him even once? Political power has limits."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Ivan added, "Most importantly, Ethan may even gain the support of Young Master Robin. Many think Robin is cold and ruthless, but he never forgets favors. Ethan sold him legendary fruits—Robin might step in."
Ivan concluded calmly, "That's why Ethan hasn't taken his hands out of his pockets even once. He never intended to fight. He only intended to survive."
The crowd finally understood.
At that very moment, Derek had lost all rationality.
He was blinded by rage.
He was the grandson of the Chief Elder of the Union's Punishment Department.
How could he tolerate such humiliation?
He roared furiously and lunged forward again.
But Ethan's nimble footwork made the attack miss effortlessly.
Each dodge only fueled Derek's fury further.
"Earth-Shattering Punch!"
"Wind Hammer Punch!"
"Wind Halberd Punch!"
Derek unleashed every technique he knew.
Yet Ethan's stamina and agility were utterly terrifying for a cultivator at the 5th Level of the Elementary Stage.
Every attack missed.
Time passed.
50 punches became 60.
60 became 80.
80 became 100.
Cold sweat soaked Derek's body.
Still, he refused to stop.
He abandoned technique entirely and began throwing wild punches.
150 punches.
200 punches.
250 punches.
300 punches.
At the 316th punch, Derek finally collapsed.
His body trembled violently.
His breathing was erratic.
Taking another step felt impossible.
If he continued, he might actually die from exhaustion.
Meanwhile—
Ethan stood there calmly.
No sweat.
No heavy breathing.
No fatigue.
While Derek was nearly on his knees, Ethan looked as if he hadn't even warmed up.
The crowd held its breath.
Ethan took a step forward.
Then another.
He stopped directly in front of Derek.
Every spectator waited anxiously for what would happen next.
Then Ethan spoke—his voice calm, cold, and terrifying.
"Well," he said softly,
"I want to kill you right now, in front of everyone. What do you think?"