The crowd could go crazy, but the referee had to remain calm. He carefully examined Carl's condition, confirming that while his external injuries were severe, there were no obvious signs of internal bleeding or concussion. Only then did he allow the match to continue.
In truth, if Jason Luo hadn't looked just as battered, and if the atmosphere of the fight hadn't reached this fever pitch, the referee likely would have stopped Carl from going on…
Though Jason Luo admired Carl deeply, this was still a fight. And this was his best chance. Coach Pedro, even while sick, was in the stands waiting to see him win!
Without hesitation, Jason Luo charged in. But Carl suddenly lunged as well, wrapping him up tightly. No matter how Jason Luo struggled, he couldn't break free…
No one laughed at Carl for clinching. The third round was almost over, and in his condition, he couldn't endure much longer. But if he could just get one minute of breathing room, the situation would improve.
Sure enough, only seconds later, the bell rang. Carl was saved! Jason Luo had missed his golden chance.
Back in his corner, Jason Luo returned with deep regret, only to be scolded by Brown.
"Damn it! After fighting to that point, how could you not guard against him clinching you? This… sigh!"
Jason Luo admitted his mistake.
"It's my fault. We went at each other for so long without a single clinch, I just—"
"Enough, Jason! Don't waste your breath. Every bit of stamina counts now. Remember, this is the final round. His points are far ahead of yours. Knocking him down is your only chance!"
"I've already paid so much. If I lose now, I'll never forgive myself! I have to finish this!"
Jason Luo gasped for breath, nodding firmly.
On Carl's side, the mood was even darker. His coach was frantic.
"Damn it! We were tricked. That kid isn't simple! Carl, this isn't about winning or losing anymore. As your coach, I have to take responsibility for your life! We're already in a desperate spot. Listen to me—give up!"
"Swallow your pride for now. We'll challenge him again. Your technique is far superior. Follow my strategy and I guarantee you can beat him. You'll still prove yourself!"
Carl panted heavily.
"No! Grandfather said… life always fades… forcing it to linger… is meaningless. What matters is… whether you used it… for something that matters…"
His coach knew him too well. Hearing those words, he realized persuasion was useless. Furious, he stomped his foot and turned to leave—but after a few steps, he sighed and came back…
The bell rang again, its sound immediately drowned in thunderous applause. Cheers of "Go!" shook the arena. There was no bias in the chants, no suffix attached, because both fighters had earned respect. To the audience, victory itself was no longer the most important thing—what mattered was their fighting spirit and perseverance. That was the essence of this legendary battle!
Round Four began!
Jason Luo attacked first. After a minute's rest, Carl's stamina had recovered just enough for him to dodge and occasionally counter. Jason Luo stayed sharp, his eyes locked on Carl's left hand to guard against any trick.
But time was running out. The effect of Unyielding Body was almost gone. Gritting his teeth, Jason Luo launched his final charge!
As he pressed forward, Carl, already on his last legs, couldn't keep up. After taking several punches, he collapsed against the ropes, barely managing to stay upright…
Now!
Jason Luo closed in quickly, swinging a massive hook with everything he had. If this landed, Carl wouldn't be able to withstand it!
The entire arena gasped. Everyone feared for Carl—already so drained, another blow like this could threaten his very life!
But in that split second, Carl bit his lip hard and ducked with astonishing speed, slipping under the fatal punch. In the same motion, his left hook shot upward like lightning, aimed at Jason Luo's jaw!
A chill shot through Jason Luo's body. His pupils shrank sharply. He jerked his head with all his strength—but too late! The hook missed his chin, but smashed squarely into his right cheekbone. Jason Luo spun 180 degrees through the air and crashed onto the canvas on his back!
Blank.
His mind went completely blank.
The world froze. The protective dome above the ring looked as though it had been hanging there since ancient times, utterly motionless.
Jason Luo felt deaf. No sound reached him. Time itself seemed frozen. After what felt like an eternity, voices slowly surged back, echoing as though from the speed of light—
"Get up! Get up! Stand up!"
The chants grew louder. His vision shifted—snow from the dome shook loose and fell.
Suddenly, the referee's face came into view.
"Are you OK?"
Jason Luo coughed, regaining control of his body. He tried to sit up, but his head spun violently—the sky and earth turned together. The referee pried open his eyes, and the dizziness eased slightly.
That punch had landed flush on his cheekbone. Had it been just a bit higher, striking his temple, Jason Luo would've been finished. The temple is a hollow cavity; vibrations there transmit directly to the brain. At best, it would've left him in a coma.
After a quick check, the referee's face grew stern.
"I'm starting the count! One…"
Jason Luo tried to rise, but his head felt like a mountain, impossible to lift. He reached out for something, but grabbed only air…
"Three!"
"Get up! Get up!"
"Jason Luo, stand up!"
It was Mr. Brown! He was calling me!
I can't lose! Coach Pedro is waiting for me to win. I won't give up!
If Carl can do it, then damn it, so can I! Get up!
"Six… Seven…"
Finally, at seven, Jason Luo staggered upright. The stadium's atmosphere exploded to a peak. The frenzied crowd could no longer express themselves—they roared, screamed, ripped their clothes apart…
Though this was only a Round of 16 qualifier, this bout was destined to be etched into the history of amateur boxing. No one could doubt it!
Carl, who had dropped Jason Luo with that single punch, now watched in despair as he struggled back to his feet. His heart sank. That punch had drained everything from him. He was nothing more than an empty shell…
Jason Luo steadied himself, locking eyes on Carl. Time was short, but there was still hope!
Then the voice echoed in his mind:
"Unyielding Body effect has expired. You are now in a weakened state. All attributes reduced by 20% until the end of the match."
In an instant, Jason Luo felt cursed. Most of his power drained away. Combined with the dizziness in his head, he could barely stand, let alone fight back.
...