Returning to the Mysterious Era-Chapter 370 - Combat Artist Simone

In arena one, a figure stood quietly while another lay on the ground panting. One was graceful, the other disheveled. A sharp contrast was formed, imprinting deeply in the minds of the surrounding disciples and leaving a profound impression on everyone.

Moon Fist Shaq faced Thunder Dog Simone. The second-ranked younger generation of the east faced off against the first.

Everyone had expected a match between equals—a clash of strong opponents on the same level, a battle of techniques at the same tier. It would be an exciting showdown!

However, reality left everyone astonished.

Moon Fist Shaq lost, and he lost cleanly and completely! He couldn't even withstand ten moves against Thunder Dog Simone. What did this imply? It meant that Moon Fist Shaq and Thunder Dog Simone were not on the same level at all!

Disciples and instructors with sharp eyes could see that the initiative in their series of exchanges was entirely in Thunder Dog Simone's hands. All of Shaq's moves were completely suppressed!

One must know that Shaq being called one of the Eastern Three Stars is absolutely well-deserved. He mastered the Star Ring Fist's Sun, Moon, and Stars Secret Technique, especially the Moon Secret Technique, with which he has a very high affinity. He has even trained it to the point of perfect mastery over several years.

Core disciples within the Eastern Nine Sects occasionally had exchanges. His strength was evident and beyond doubt. Yet, he lost so decisively to Simone, effectively becoming a stepping stone. This instantly elevated Simone's fame and status to another level.

The number one among the younger generation in the Eastern Covert Martial Arts community, not just one of the Eastern Three Stars!

In the dozen or so seconds following Simone's win over Shaq, the surrounding area was silent. It wasn't until the referee snapped out of it and climbed back onto the arena that the disciples from various sects erupted into an uproar.

"The outcome was decided in an instant! Too fast... Was it even five seconds? Three seconds? This is too outrageous."

"The two exchanged seven moves. Moon Fist Shaq initially tried to attack but achieved nothing. Then Simone counterattacked, and Shaq was defeated in four moves! This was a complete suppression, a significant lead in raw strength. Moon Fist Shaq didn't lose unfairly..."

"I can't believe the gap between Shaq and Simone is this big. I thought the Eastern Three Stars were all experts on the same level, with similar strength. But it seems that Thunder Dog defeating Moon Fist is no different from him crushing those other sects' first and second core disciples..."

"Moon Fist Shaq is definitely not weak. It must be that Thunder Dog Simone is too strong. He's ahead by one or even two levels."

"..."

Everyone was abuzz, most of them shocked and admiring Simone's sudden display of full strength. They also clearly realized that the Eastern Three Stars were not all on the same level but had significant differences. Thunder Dog and the other two were not in the same tier!

Unlike the commotion on the first floor, the second and third floors didn't show much shock. Only some casual discussions, like normal conversations, came occasionally, mainly from the Cloud Dog Fist's area.

"Fes, congratulations. For Simone to defeat Shaq in this manner, he has probably reached the pinnacle of the pugilist realm, with one foot into the combat artist realm. The top spot in this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament should be his."

"It's not just about winning the exchange tournament. With Simone's strength, he can soon attempt to break through to combat artist. I'm afraid that after this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament ends, Cloud Dog Fist will have another combat artist expert. I'm envious, truly envious..."

"..."

A few elders from various large and small sects surrounded the Cloud Dog Fist members, chatting and congratulating them with smiles. Standing by the metal railing, Fes was both happy and worried. Happy that Simone seemed to have suddenly shaken off his state of decay, regaining his ambition and drive. However, he was also worried about Simone's physical condition—fighting at full strength without restraint, even for a short time, might place a heavy burden on his deformed spine. In severe cases, it might even lead to paralysis.

Furthermore, as someone who understood Simone the best, Fes had vaguely felt that Simone's recent changes were a bit off. Whether it was good or bad, Fes was waiting for Simone to confide in him. He believed that no matter what the boy did, even if it was something outrageous like betraying his master, he would definitely tell him in advance, even if only by hinting at it.

On the third floor of the Black Pupil Tower, two figures looked downward.

"The kid indeed has some talent. Stepping into Class B won't be a problem. I just don't know how far he can go..." Amos commented while holding a wine glass, sounding not too optimistic about Simone. In fact, he was speaking the truth.

As always, every Covert Martial Arts Practitioner who achieves the level of combat artist is a genius. Each possesses unique talents superior to others—be it innate ability, comprehension, or willpower. They might be top-notch among pugilists, crushing their peers. However, once they step into the realm of combat artist, their opponents will be elevated to similar or even higher tiers. No one could say for sure whether Simone will become mediocre after entering the combat artist realm.

Of course, even if he becomes ordinary, he would still be a combat artist.

As a combat artist, what truly mattered was a person's courage, the accumulation of battle experience, and the honing of techniques. All these would require a long time to prove.

"I actually have high hopes for him. This kid is quite good..." Cassius took a sip of wine expressionlessly.

He and Simone were a bit alike.

First of all, they were both orphans! Secondly, they both carried a sense of alienation and loneliness from those around them. Though the reasons may be different, the manifestations were the same.

Furthermore, both were self-centered. In other words, sufficiently cold and ruthless, seldom bound by emotions. Once they've made a decision, they would follow their own will.

Such a person, if they can seize the opportunity, will achieve significant success. Cassius was willing to offer this opportunity.

"By the way, after observing these days, can you confirm how many combat artists have come to the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament?" Amos glanced at the second floor, then looked aside, and spoke slowly.

"Fifteen in total, eight from the Eastern Nine Sects, and seven from other sects. Two of the Eastern Nine Sects couldn't have their combat artists attend due to special reasons, and Evil Eye Fist has two combat artists." Cassius recounted some information he had noticed in recent days.

"Fifteen? That's more than expected... In that case, the situation might be harder to control when the time comes." Amos frowned and said in a low voice.

"Actually, it's six. The combat artists from other sects won't intervene rashly. In our operation against Evil Eye Fist, the only ones who might help them are people from the Eastern Nine Sects. Altogether, the Eastern Nine Sects have eight combat artists, but we can disregard the two from Evil Eye Fist, so there are six in total." Cassius smiled faintly, his lips somewhat cold.

"Disregard the two from Evil Eye Fist? What do you mean?" Amos responded with some confusion.

"Heh heh, ignoring means ignoring... They have no combat power anymore, so can't we just disregard them?"

"Are you planning to...?"

On the first floor of the Black Pupil Tower, the battles were still ongoing. Because the first match was too astonishing, although the next three matches were intense, they seemed somewhat lacking in comparison. At the moment, most eyes were on Simone, while a few were watching Dead Soul Sword Sid.

As time passed, Simone and Sid each defeated their opponents and advanced to the final of the Eastern Exchange Tournament.

After a ten-minute break, under the gaze of all, the final was held in arena one.

Cassius watched the entire process from beside the metal railing on the third floor. Dead Soul Sword Sid was indeed very strong among the younger generation, even stronger than Moon Fist Shaq, who was traditionally ranked second among the Eastern Three Stars. He took a total of twenty-one punches from Simone; some were full-on clashes, but more were evasions.

Sid seemed to have mastered a unique technique, allowing him to precisely predict the enemy's moves, as if he had an extra eye.

However, the gap in strength was ultimately too big, and Simone still won the battle without any suspense. After all, he had been trying to break through to combat artist for several years. Once he could unleash his strength without reservations, his solid foundation could eliminate any surprises.

At the center of the arena, Simone stood proudly, a stream of turbid air slowly exhaled from his nose. A stirring suddenly surged in his mind; his body was healthy, his accumulation was vast. Some thresholds he should have crossed long ago appeared before him once again.

"Combat artist, combat artist!" Simone was excited.

In his daze, he didn't even hear the referee's announcement of his victory. When he came back to his senses, the surroundings were filled with thunderous cheers. The champion of the once-every-four-years Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament had been born. His name was Thunder Dog Simone!

Many people were shouting his name. For a moment, Simone felt as if he were being lifted high by thousands of people. He took a deep breath and looked up. First, he saw Uncle Fes on the second floor smiling and nodding at him.

Then he saw the third floor. The Golem Sect Master turned around, his side profile sharp and well-defined.

"Simone, what's there to be proud of in becoming the champion of the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament? You were already able to do it two years ago! You need to step into the realm of combat artist and experience the more magnificent and magical world of Covert Martial Arts!" It was as if a voice in Simone's heart was reminding him. At this moment, he seemed to realize his true nature.

He was unwilling to be lonely... Break through to the combat artist realm and become the fourth combat artist elder of Cloud Dog Fist? No, that's too boring! The days ahead would be predictable at a glance—stable but without any waves. Lifeless, like a stagnant pool.

He wanted a life that was unknown and exciting—surging waves, even more grand and magnificent! Rather than staying home and farming obediently, Simone preferred to be a wandering traveler. For that to happen, only the Golem Sect Master could help him.

He could sense it from Amos's instructions to him. The Golem Sect Master was planning something big! Something very big solely from the part he was responsible for alone.

One word, thrilling! Not to mention what the Golem Sect Master himself was going to do!

Moreover, Simone also knew that Golem Sect and the Gate organization had enmity! He had learned through Eye Devil's narration about the strength of the Gate organization. It was a tremendously powerful world-class force. The Golem Sect clearly wanted to clash with the Gate organization, probably due to the Black Rain Manor he talked about. Going against such a strong enemy was dangerous yet thrilling.

After his body recovered and he regained hope for further advancement in Covert Martial Arts, Simone's mindset changed. In the time ahead, he wanted to live for himself! To live more splendidly!

Uncle Fes, I'm sorry...

On the morning of October 1, the individual matches for core disciples ended. The next three days would be the stage for ordinary disciples to perform, and the atmosphere wouldn't be as exciting. After all, the main event had passed. The only thing worth watching was the elders' sparring on the last day.

Hence, during these three days, Simone had been in seclusion. He went into seclusion right after the individual matches ended on the morning of October 1. The inspiration to break through to combat artist was hard-won; it would be a pity to miss it.

Sunrise and sunset both came and went, and time flew by. In a blink, it was October 4.

Rumble...

It was as if muffled thunder exploded in the private room, followed by the sound of airwaves hitting the walls.

Immediately afterward, a powerful Qi instantly penetrated the concrete, enveloping the Cloud Dog Fist members gathered near the room's door.

At this moment, the air seemed to solidify like viscous glue. Some Cloud Dog Fist disciples tried to resist in panic but found the air resistance immense. Their movements were in slow motion until that Qi was withdrawn.

With a click, the private room opened again and Simone walked out. He seemed like a different person compared to three days ago.

His gaze carried an imposing Qi that was intimidating. The disciples who made eye contact with Simone felt fearful.

"S-senior brother, have you become a combat artist?" A disciple asked cautiously.

"Yes. I'm going to see Elder Fes." Simone nodded in acknowledgment and turned to leave, leaving behind his junior brothers and sisters who looked at each other with inexplicable excitement.

Five minutes later, Fes looked at the slowly closing door and sighed. Letting Cloud Dog Fist reselect their sect's chief—that was Simone's intention. Its implications were quite clear.

Fes roughly guessed what Simone planned to do.

"Go ahead and show your talent and courage. I don't know who helped you break through to the combat artist realm or what price you have to pay. None of that matters—as long as you don't doubt your choice and can live happily..." Fes glanced at the morning sun outside the window, his white hair disheveled.

At 8:20 AM on October 4, the weather was clear.

On the first floor of the Black Pupil Tower, all the participants of the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament were gathered. As the event time approached, some sect elders from the second and third floors also came down, stretching their bodies, waiting for the sparring exchanges.

Among them, a young man wearing a black trench coat also walked down slowly, gradually taking off his white velvet gloves.