The monster let out a howl, and dozens of cold flashes burst from its pitch-black palm, raining down on Ethan Brooks like a storm.

Ethan Brooks reached out and pulled, swinging the lush branches beside him to block in front of himself. The cold flashes pierced through the leaves, their speed greatly reduced. Ethan Brooks kept retreating rapidly, and dozens of sharp steel needles fell harmlessly in front of his chest.

The monster charged headfirst, its two massive horns aimed straight at Ethan Brooks's chest.

Suddenly, a swift wind roared overhead, and a fierce cold light slashed down. Two blue-faced, fanged beasts clad in iron armor flashed in Ethan Brooks's pupils, their furry giant paws wielding sharp spears.

Ethan Brooks cursed inwardly, his body suddenly curling up into a ball, and he actually rolled right under the monster lunging at him.

Passing between its legs, Ethan Brooks circled behind the monster, pushed it with a backward palm into the oncoming cold flashes, and then dashed forward without looking back, fleeing at full speed. He had no fighting skills at all—if he kept tangling with them, he would surely die under the endless attacks of these monsters.

With a "whoosh," two slender blades slashed down at the spot where Ethan Brooks had just been. He dodged nimbly, and in a few quick moves, he had already slipped deep into the dense forest.

After a while, Ethan Brooks finally shook off the monsters chasing him. Just as he caught his breath, the solid ground beneath his feet suddenly split open, and a powerful spinning suction grabbed him, pulling him rapidly downward.

Ethan Brooks felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and in the next second, he found himself in a strange space.

All around was hazy and dim, the whole body seeming to sink into a thin liquid, soft and without support. In an instant, more than a dozen thoughts flashed through Ethan Brooks's mind as he desperately searched for a way to escape.

A faint light suddenly appeared ahead, growing brighter and larger, slowly expanding into a halo, and finally transforming into a humanoid figure of light.

Chapter 7: The Essence of Combat

A head of silvery-white long hair cascaded over broad shoulders like a waterfall. His face was chiseled like stone, and his deep eyes glowed with a blazing emerald light. His upper body was bare, with solid muscles bulging like rocks, knotted and intertwined. His long, strong legs were wrapped in fiery red steel armor, supporting a tall and imposing figure, like a war god from a computer game, exuding an unshakable, mountainous aura.

The figure of light grew clearer and gradually transformed into a solid, physical body.

Ethan Brooks recoiled in shock, glancing around the surroundings from the corner of his eye, quietly preparing an escape route.

"Welcome to this place, student who has survived the monster assassination trial."

The war god-like man did not attack Ethan Brooks at all. His voice was flat and emotionless, devoid of any human feeling.

"I believe that at this moment, you have developed quite an interest in combat."

Ethan Brooks felt a stir in his heart. Just now, when he was dealing with danger, he had relied mainly on evasion and dodging, his movements guided by some inexplicable force within his body—a natural reaction, not any real fighting technique. What the other said did indeed spark his curiosity about martial arts.

"Who exactly are you?"

Ethan Brooks asked tentatively.

"I am the embodiment of all the essence of combat."

"I don't understand."

The other explained mechanically, "I am equivalent to a virtual robot, programmed with all the martial arts and combat techniques from ancient and modern times, from all over the world. Any student sent here will be taught combat skills by me."

Only then did Ethan Brooks breathe a sigh of relief, letting down his guard completely.

"Combat is the most efficient use of every part of the body. Fists, feet, elbows, knees, and head can all become deadly weapons. You must use the most effective, simplest, and most destructive means to deliver a fatal blow to your enemy."

The war god-like man said, "Please note, I will now launch an attack at a basic combat level, so you can deepen your understanding of fighting techniques through actual combat."

Ethan Brooks was slightly startled. The other suddenly spun and kicked, his leg shooting like lightning toward Ethan Brooks's abdomen.

Ethan Brooks dodged nimbly to the left. The man's right fist immediately followed, aiming for his face, while the kicked leg landed naturally and swept like lightning at Ethan Brooks's ankle.

"Pay attention to the continuity of your attacks!"

The war god-like man instructed Ethan Brooks as he unleashed a storm of attacks, his fists and feet carrying a suffocating, terrifying power, forcing Ethan Brooks to dodge left and right.

Although Ethan Brooks was completely on the defensive, his footwork was unusual and his movements agile. Each time he was nearly hit, he managed to evade with an incredible move.

As time passed, Ethan Brooks naturally grasped some fighting techniques. For example, even a simple straight punch had three or four variations, and depending on the direction, speed, force, and target area, the effect would differ. To prevent the opponent's counterattack, one must also minimize openings while attacking and maintain proper defensive strategies.

"Now, this is an intermediate-level combat attack."

The other said in a muffled voice, his punches and kicks growing heavier, his speed more than doubling. Elbow strikes, knee attacks, and all sorts of moves dazzled the eye. Yet his speech remained steady and slow, continuously explaining combat techniques to Ethan Brooks.