“It’s not exactly that, but within our circle, this is generally a question best left unasked. If you’re not careful, others might think you’re probing out of dissatisfaction, and it’s easy to offend people.”

Terry offered an explanation, then continued, “Young man, you have an excellent physique and abundant vitality. It looks like you exercise regularly. With such a foundation, if you were to learn martial arts, you’d surely achieve great things. I’m a team instructor at the Changkong Martial Arts School, and I also hold the title of deputy director at the local branch. This time, I’ve brought a few promising students from our school to the Rocky Mountains for intensive training. If you’re interested, why not join us and learn about the cultural essence of our ASEAN region?”

“Changkong Martial Arts School.”

Samuel Thompson seemed to recall seeing it in the news; this school was renowned throughout the Kingdom of Xia, one of the six major martial arts schools with branches nationwide.

As for the names of the other five major schools, he couldn’t remember them at the moment.

“That’s right, Changkong Martial Arts School. If you like it, you can even join us. As long as you master the skills, whether you become a contract employee or a full member, it will open up a promising future for you. If you excel, I can personally accept you as a formal disciple, making you part of the school’s core and teaching you the essence of martial arts.”

Samuel Thompson looked at Terry and said seriously, “I want to have a match with you.”

Terry was taken aback.

This person’s way of thinking…

Was a bit unconventional.

“A match with me?”

Terry shook his head, a little amused. “That’s not appropriate. The age gap between us means we’re not in the same category. If you’re curious about martial arts… you can visit our Changkong Martial Arts School. There are plenty of students your age there.”

Samuel Thompson put down his hiking backpack and reiterated, “I want to see how strong the deputy director of Changkong Martial Arts School really is.”

Terry could tell that Samuel Thompson had a solid foundation, probably exercised regularly, but from his words and actions, he could also judge that the other party was not a martial artist from the circle.

However…

Looking at Samuel Thompson’s physique, he truly was a rare talent. In order to draw him into martial arts, Terry thought for a moment and agreed, “Alright, let’s have a sparring match so you can experience the wonders of martial arts up close. We’ll… keep it friendly.”

“No, I want to know just how strong you really are. Please show me your full strength.”

Samuel Thompson stared at Terry, and as he entered a combat state, his energy and spirit underwent a dramatic transformation.

“I will. You too…”

Originally, Terry had the mindset of guiding a junior, but when he sensed the intimidating aura emanating from Samuel Thompson, his expression changed, and a hint of surprise flashed deep in his eyes.

“A young man not even twenty, yet with such vitality?”

At that moment, the deputy director of Changkong Martial Arts School dared not underestimate him any longer. He gave Samuel Thompson a formal salute: “Changkong Martial Arts School’s Terry, please.”

“My name is Samuel Thompson…”

With the introductions done, Samuel Thompson moved instantly.

The dormant energy in his body boiled over the moment he sprang into action, like water brought to a rolling boil.

Step one, a feint; step two, gathering force; step three, a charge; step four, breaking through the air.

In just four steps, Samuel Thompson not only crossed the ten-meter gap between them in a single breath, but also pushed his momentum to the extreme. In Terry’s eyes, it was as if a peerless tiger was roaring through the mountains, sweeping up a wild wind, charging in with unstoppable force. The sheer presence made even a martial arts expert like him, who had mastered “dark force” half a year ago, break out in goosebumps, his blood surging.

Was this really just a youth who had never been part of the martial arts circle!?

This thought flashed through Terry’s mind.

With years of martial arts experience, his hands didn’t slow even as his mind raced. He quickly gathered his surging energy, and as Samuel Thompson’s thunderous attack came crashing down like a tiger descending the mountain, he thrust his right hand forward, meeting the punch head-on. In the instant their forces collided, he forcefully swept and deflected Samuel Thompson’s fierce blow to the side. At the same time, his left hand shot out, bracing against Samuel Thompson’s lower back, unleashing his strength with the intent to lift and throw him backward.

But as his left hand pressed against Samuel Thompson’s back, Samuel Thompson pushed off with his legs, channeling power from his thighs into his waist, forcing a twist. Using the momentum from his deflected right hand, his body spun a full three hundred and sixty degrees. In the midst of the spin, his left elbow struck out, aiming straight for Terry’s head.

“You…”

Terry saw that Samuel Thompson was going all out, targeting his vital head area, and his face darkened in anger. He was forced to retreat rapidly, but just as he dodged, Samuel Thompson’s right hand, having completed the spin, came crashing down again, the force of the punch creating a whistling shockwave that made Terry dare not hold back any longer.

“Enough!”

Terry gave a low shout, his blood surging, unleashing his dark force, and met Samuel Thompson’s thunderous blow head-on…

“Bang!”

The two forces collided fiercely in midair.

Chapter 8: Celebrity

The instant their punches collided, a piercing pain shot through Samuel Thompson’s fist.

A surge of force broke through the barrier of flesh and skin, penetrating the surface of his fist and threatening to shatter his wrist.