To Ye Shen's surprise, Zhang Quan was still able to stand after eating a devastating punch right on his chin.
Soon after, the gym members began to surround the octagon cage, each with their smartphones ready in their hands to film what was happening. Everybody gasped, they couldn't believe that a Ranked Fighter in the Universal Martial Tournament was defeated by a random fighter so easily.
Granted, Zhang Quang was ranked 7269 out of ten thousand UMT fighters in the whole solar system. Moreover, he was the top one thousand fighter in Neo Hong Kong City, for a common human with minimum body augmentation, he was regarded as a formidable fighter in his own right.
It didn't take long before the clip went viral. In just a matter of seconds, Zhang Quan's defeat during the sparring had reached even the remotest village of the mainland.
"This is ridiculous! Who is that long haired guy?"
"What was his name again?"
"Where did he come from? I never heard of him before. What is his rank in the championship?"
"If I'm not mistaken, Miss Meilan introduced him as Ye Shen!"
"Ye Shen?! Search his profile, quick!"
Everybody has the same thoughts, and began to surf the internet about his digital footprints yet to no avail. Everything about him was neither redacted, or never been recorded, digitally.
Staggering on his feet, Zhang Quan readied his stance, arms raised before his face.
"I'm not done yet!"
Ye Shen looked at the young man flatly. He was so disinterested in fighting a weakling. However, Ye Shen also sees his past self in Zhang Quan. He remembered when he was a kid, and couldn't do anything
Nevertheless, Ye Shen still shows some respect to his opponent. He didn't mock him for getting caught by an uppercut.
"You only have two options." Ye Shen said, pointing two fingers at Zhang Quan. "Your career, or your honor as a fighter! Forfeit, and you will fight another day. Come at me, and I will make sure to cripple you!"
"Hmph! I'd die as a fighter rather than a coward! I don't know who you are, but you're one hell of a fighter! I shall remember your name, Ye Shen!"
"Very well, I will show you one pointer or two!"
Not a second later, they were already embroiled in a brutal fight despite it being just sparring only. Though Ye Shen's cultivation stage was reduced to a mere First Stage Body Foundation, he still remembered all of his moves and technique that could turned someone's bone to dust if he wants to.
Zhang Quan was so overwhelmed by Ye Shen's speed. None of his strikes landed on its target.
On the other hand, Ye Shen was able to read his opponent by eight moves ahead. Just like playing chess, all he needed to do was place the pieces and sacrifice the pawns. At this time, he understood how common mortal fight in this little blue planet.
Compared to how he used to fight in Nine Heavens Continent, this was just a kid's play. Nevertheless, Ye Shen didn't let his guard down.
Ye Shen allowed Zhang Quan to have his abdomen which was absorbed by his dense yet flexible muscle. But in exchange, Ye Shen managed to land another jab, as fast as a bullet. As it landed right between Zhang Quan's eyes, Ye Shen followed with a one two combo onto his temples consecutively.
Though Ye Shen's swing was wide and far, his insane speed compensate the delay perfectly. Within two consecutive strikes, Zhang Quan got knocked out.
Everybody's mouth was wide agape. Their untrained eyes couldn't possibly follow his speed.
"What was that?!"
"His move was just like straight from the movies!"
However, Zhang Quan was still trying to get up. He refused to admit his defeat. Luckily, Bai Ning quickly stepped in to stop the fight.
"It's enough Zhang Quan… You lost."
"Not yet!"
"I said, ENOUGH!" Bai Ning exclaimed, tears welled in the corner of her eyes. "If you insisting to fight, I will suspend your next rank up fight."
"Aargh!" Zhang Quan slammed the canvas with both arms, crying. He was so disappointed in himself.
On the other hand, Ye Shen casually walked out of the cage without saying anything. In his thoughts, Zhang Quan was young, and he need to learn a humility. And it goes the same to him. This win is nothing but to test his current strength.
Subsequently, the system chimed, displaying his progress.
[Congratulations! You won a sparring fight!]
[You have obtained these following rewards!]
[10 Strands of Pure Yang Qi]
[100 MMA Coins]
[Universe's MMA Rule Books]
[Basic Training Manual]
Though the sound that the system made was cheerful, Ye Shen remained indifferent. He took off the protective gear, gloves, and mouth guard. Finally, he could take a breath on the bench.
Before long, the crowd began to surround him, asking him numerous questions. But, Ye Shen finds it very annoying and noisy. Fortunately, Meilan came to him, bringing him a towel and some water.
"Great fight,Ye Shen! I never thought that you have a knack for fighting!"
"En. Seems like my old memories still remain in my subconscious state."
"On top of that, how are you feeling right now? Is there any discomfort with your neural link?"
Ye Shen shrugged dismissively. "I feel great. Never been better."
Suddenly, a reporter who masqueraded as a gym member held out her smartphone right in front of Ye Shen's mouth, it was already recording his voice.
"Mr. Ye Shen, where did you come from? What is your relationship with Miss Meilan?"
Subsequently, another reporter joined the fray.
"How long have you been in Neo Hong Kong?"
Before Ye Shen was eaten alive by these ravenous sharks, Bai Ning stepped down from the octagon ring, shooing the reporters away.
"Alright, alright… Enough with the interviews. He is just a civilian. He has the right to remain silent to protect his privacy."
"Aww! Just give us one minute! This raw talent is very rare in Neo Hong Kong! Promoters would be very delighted to get him contracted in the Universal Martial Tournament!"
"Ye Shen?" Bai Ning glanced at him. "Do you want to do the interviews?"
"I'd wish to have some privacy."
"Right choice, young man. Let's head to my office." Bai Ning tugged Ye Shen's hand, and striding toward her office.