The Heart of a True Martial Artist
"Enough, victory and defeat are common in battle!"
Julian D’Aurelius’s calm voice cut through the heated atmosphere like a cool breeze sweeping across a blazing field.
The crowd that had been shouting monts ago gradually quieted down.
Many disciples lowered their heads.
Even Steffan, whose fury had nearly erupted, paused.
The tension hanging over the clearing eased slightly.
Julian stood with his hands behind his back, his black hair swaying gently in the evening wind. The golden glow in his eyes remained steady and composed, making him appear far more mysterious than his actual age.
His clothes were slightly disheveled from battle, yet his bearing remained elegant.
The image alone was enough to convince everyone present that they were witnessing a true martial arts genius.
"Though Steffan and I stand on different sides, eting such a strong peer today made this fight enjoyable for too!"
His tone was sincere.
There was neither mockery nor arrogance.
Only appreciation.
The surrounding Old Martial Arts experts imdiately showed expressions of admiration.
This was the bearing of a true expert.
Win without humiliating.
Dominate without oppressing.
Strong enough to crush his opponent, yet generous enough to preserve their dignity.
Such people were rare.
Very rare.
Steffan himself was slightly surprised.
He had expected ridicule.
He had expected provocation.
Instead, he received respect.
Julian continued.
"In the path of martial arts, we are each other’s whetstones."
His words echoed softly through the clearing.
Several older martial artists subconsciously nodded.
Those words carried genuine understanding of the martial path.
A warrior who never encountered rivals would eventually stagnate.
Only pressure could create growth.
Only competition could sharpen one’s edge.
"If we must decide life and death, let’s wait until we both reach the Platinum Realm for a more thrilling fight."
The sentence landed heavily in everyone’s hearts.
Many people inhaled sharply.
Platinum Realm.
That legendary realm countless martial artists dread of reaching.
Most people would spend their entire lives without touching its threshold.
Yet Julian spoke about it as though it were simply a destination he would inevitably reach.
Strangely enough, nobody present felt he was being arrogant.
After witnessing today’s battle, it sounded completely reasonable.
These words eased Steffan’s imminent outburst.
His clenched fists slowly relaxed.
The killing intent around him gradually dissipated.
These words were quite a complint and acknowledgnt of him!
His pride, which had been wounded repeatedly during the battle, finally recovered slightly.
If he continued to be relentless now and lost the fight, it would make him look like a clown!
A mont later, he straightened his back.
The familiar confidence returned to his expression.
The Martial Art King regained his composure.
"So since I started practicing martial arts, I’ve never t an equal in the sa realm. eting a master like Young Master Julian today is indeed an honor."
His voice regained its steadiness.
Many people looked surprised.
This was probably the highest praise Steffan had ever given soone.
"It’s a pity we stand on different sides, otherwise, after this fight, I’d definitely share a drink with you."
A faint smile appeared on Julian’s face.
Not because he was moved.
But because the situation was finally stabilizing.
No more fighting.
No more risking his life.
Perfect.
"Since Young Master Julian wants to wait until we both reach the Platinum Realm to decide life and death, I’ll agree for now."
"When we reach the Platinum Realm, we’ll settle it!"
With that, Steffan turned and left gracefully.
His steps remained steady despite the injuries hidden beneath his clothes.
His back remained straight.
He refused to show weakness.
Yet as he left, his eyes carried a trace of resentnt!
Today’s defeat had left a deep mark on his heart.
He had arrived in Valemont expecting to dominate everything.
Instead, he had encountered Julian.
He hadn’t gained any advantage today.
This debt would be settled sooner or later!
Since this guy stood against the Obsidian Wing organization, he was dood!
His figure gradually disappeared into the distance.
The disciples from Voidspring Mountain quickly followed behind him.
Cheery glanced once toward Julian before leaving with the group.
Her beautiful green eyes lingered for a brief mont.
Then she turned away.
Soon, only the Tyson Family and the local martial artists remained.
The atmosphere changed completely.
Monts ago, everyone had been terrified.
Now excitent filled the air.
The Tyson Family and the Old Martial Arts forces of Valemont all looked at Julian with admiration.
Pure admiration.
"Young Master Julian’s words today have truly enlightened us."
One elderly martial artist sighed.
His eyes were filled with respect.
Another imdiately added,
"Is this the mindset of a true strongman? We’ve learned."
A third nodded vigorously.
"Without such courage and vision, how can one reach the pinnacle of martial arts? I’ve understood."
The praises ca one after another.
Many younger disciples looked at Julian almost as though they were looking at an idol.
"Who stands at the peak of martial arts? One look at Young Master Julian and it’s clear!"
The complints grew increasingly exaggerated.
Julian maintained a calm smile throughout.
He occasionally nodded politely.
His image remained flawless.
Inside, however, it was a completely different story.
Their praise gave Julian a headache.
If it weren’t for his damn cleverness today, he might have been backstabbed by this group of snitches!
Luckily, he managed to bluff Steffan, the bringer of misfortune, away.
If Steffan had made one more move, Julian felt he could start over in another book.
The thought alone made him shudder.
anwhile, Yana Tyson had finally recovered from her shock.
The battle replayed repeatedly in her mind.
The speed.
The power.
The terrifying mastery.
Most importantly—
The victory.
The man she had tried so desperately to protect had actually protected everyone instead.
Before she realized it, she was already running toward him.
Her long black hair fluttered behind her.
Her bright orange eyes were filled with disbelief.
"Youth Master Julian, are you hurt?"
Concern appeared clearly on her beautiful face.
The question escaped almost instinctively.
Julian looked at her.
Then he smiled faintly.
"With his pathetic strength, he’s not qualified to hurt ."
He shook his head slightly.
His voice carried effortless confidence.
Several disciples nearby imdiately showed expressions of awe.
What confidence!
What dominance!
This was the bearing of a true expert!
Since he was pretending, he had to go all the way to fool these people.
Unfortunately—
His real thoughts were far less impressive.
[If I fought one more second, I’d die here today.]
[Sigh, this mid-Gold Realm strength ca and went so quickly.]
[When will I truly have this power?]
The mont those thoughts echoed in her mind, Yana froze.
Completely.
Her admiration instantly collided with reality.
The contrast was so violent that she nearly lost control of her expression.
The man standing before her looked like an invincible martial arts master.
His inner thoughts sounded like soone who had barely escaped disaster.
For several seconds, Yana simply stared at him.
Her mind was blank.
This guy’s strength just now could only last for a minute?
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