But now, William Harris has yet another reason to make a move. Brian Carter took down the fifth-ranked William Harris with a single move, already threatening his own third-place title. Especially now, with the academy about to hold a competition, there are quite a few prizes for the top three strength users, and most importantly, there is a Blood Spirit Fruit. For strength users, this Blood Spirit Fruit is the most precious thing.

If Brian Carter's strength has already surpassed his own and he drops to third place, then getting that Blood Spirit Fruit will be much harder.

Previously, Brian Carter's strength wasn't much, but now it seems to have improved. While he hasn't fully mastered it yet, it's best to defeat him now—ideally breaking his arms and legs so he misses the competition. Then there will be nothing to worry about.

As for the future, once he has the Blood Spirit Fruit and advances to a bloodline warrior, why would he need to worry about a strength user who can't advance?

"Fine, we'll do as you say!"

William Harris obediently placed four purple gold coins next to the crystal stone pouch, then stepped back a few paces to stand opposite Brian Carter.

Brian Carter focused his mind. He knew quite a bit about William Harris. William Harris was a level eight strength user, late stage, close to level nine. Facing Brian Carter, Brian Carter couldn't say for sure he would win, but a few days ago, Brian Carter had already advanced to level eight. After days and nights of training in the virtual space, he felt his strength had improved greatly. Although he hadn't broken through to level nine yet, even if he couldn't beat William Harris, he shouldn't lose either.

William Harris practiced the Thunder Lord Fist, a fierce and explosive boxing style. Every strike made it feel as if the fists and kicks were the warhammers of the Thunder Lord—extremely powerful and hard to defend against, making one feel both awe and excitement. The opponent's attacks would come in waves, relentless, until the other was knocked down.

Brian Carter straightened his body, elbows slightly bent. His left fist extended a bit, palm facing up, while his right fist was slightly pulled back, palm facing himself. Both fists were hollow, a common starting stance for the Void-Breaking Fist.

A hint of pride flashed in William Harris's eyes. The Thunder Lord Fist was at least a level above the Void-Breaking Fist. With equal strength, using the Thunder Lord Fist clearly gave him a much better chance of winning.

The two started at the same time, their clothes fluttering, making crisp sounds as they slapped against the air.

Their fists collided in an instant, both bodies shuddering as they were shaken back a step.

William Harris's gaze grew serious, while Brian Carter was secretly delighted—he hadn't lost out in a direct clash with William Harris. His strength had indeed improved a lot!

William Harris let out a loud shout, his aura astonishing, eyes wide open as if possessed by the Thunder God. Every move carried a strong whooshing sound, his clothes whipping up sharp cracks as they struck the air.

Brian Carter immediately felt immense pressure, forced to retreat step by step. The three onlookers nearby, including Mark Reed who had just gotten up from the ground, all looked delighted. The two young men who hadn't fought yet cheered loudly, rooting for William Harris.

The place where they fought wasn't exactly secluded, and the commotion had already attracted a lot of attention. Passing students gathered around, and many students poked their heads out of the dorms, watching the fight in shock.

"Hey, isn't that the eighth-ranked Brian Carter? Why is he fighting the third-ranked William Harris?"

"Probably a ranking dispute. But it looks like they're about equal. When did Brian Carter get so strong?"

"This is awesome! Haven't seen such an intense fight in a long time. Who do you think will win?"

"I still think William Harris will win. Look, Brian Carter is being completely suppressed..."

...

There were plenty of spectators, and even more people poking their heads out from distant dorms. The battle between Brian Carter and William Harris had already drawn a huge crowd.

Brian Carter felt the mounting pressure, steadied his breath, and pondered how he could turn the tables.

William Harris fought more and more fiercely, letting out a loud shout as his aura surged again.

He charged forward, left hand striking, while his right fist, like the Thunder Lord's hammer, came crashing down with tremendous force. The power was astonishing—William Harris had unleashed the Thunder Lord Fist's most powerful killing move: Thunder Lord Smashes the World!

With this move, Brian Carter had nowhere left to retreat!

At this moment, Edward Clark happened to walk out of the dorm and, leaning on the railing, caught sight of William Harris's immensely powerful punch. His brows furrowed slightly.

Watching that fist, like a weapon wielded by a giant spirit god, come down with unstoppable force, Brian Carter suddenly shuddered.

If he lost like this, not only would the two hundred gold coins he won be gone, but even his original twenty crystal stones would be lost!

Wouldn't he have to borrow money and crystal stones again?

No!

He couldn't lose!

A blazing fighting spirit surged in Brian Carter's heart, his whole body trembling in that instant. His left hand suddenly swept out in a strange arc, aiming at William Harris's descending fist.

A hint of excitement appeared in William Harris's eyes, sensing victory was near. Ha, finally out of tricks?

Trying to block this move with your hand?

Dream on—I'll break your hand!

At the same time, exclamations erupted all around. Clearly, no one believed Brian Carter could withstand William Harris's incredibly powerful smash!