Fiery Fist was one of the deadliest skills Derek had learned. It allowed the user to manipulate Inner Energy in such a way that the energy particles became sharpened, transforming into blade-like weapons. When used in battle, it could easily become a lethal blow.
However, crippling or killing a cultivator within a city under the Union's administration was a punishable offense.
If two or more people had a feud, they were required to report it to the Union. The Union would then conduct a trial, begin an investigation, and—after thoroughly examining the case—a judge would deliver a verdict.
This was the standard procedure followed by all cities under the Union's rule. Because of this system, crime rates within city boundaries had drastically decreased. Anyone who violated the rules faced extremely severe punishment.
Yet Derek dared to break this rule.
He was openly attempting to cripple a cultivator—perhaps even kill him.
How could the spectators not be stunned?
"I think Derek is trying to send us a message," one of the wiser spectators muttered after thinking for a moment.
"What do you mean, senior?" the person beside him—his junior brother—asked in confusion.
The senior smiled bitterly. "Back when his grandfather was only a Deputy Elder in the Punishment Department, Derek was already overbearing. But he restrained himself somewhat. He never offended just anyone. Even though his grandfather was part of the Union, his authority wasn't overwhelming."
He took a deep breath and continued, "But now his grandfather has become the Chief Elder of the Punishment Department. Derek now has a much bigger reason to act arrogantly."
The senior glanced at Ethan with pity. "He's trying to show us that his status has risen. He wants everyone to understand that the fear and respect he commands should now be far greater than before."
"So he's using Ethan as an example?" the junior asked quietly.
"But killing or crippling someone inside the city is still punishable, right?" the junior pressed. "His grandfather isn't the Branch Patriarch. If this matter escalates, what can he really do to protect Derek?"
The senior shook his head. "You underestimate the politics of the Union. Before this matter even reaches higher authorities, the Punishment Department could twist the truth. They might pin unrelated, unsolved crimes on this Ethan and declare him a criminal."
He sighed. "And since Derek 'handled' the criminal, not only would he avoid punishment—he might even be rewarded. When you hold political power, anything becomes possible."
The junior finally understood.
Not just him—many of the spectators who had been unaware of Derek's intentions now grasped the situation. They looked at Ethan with pity-filled eyes.
He wasn't wrong.
Yet he was still doomed to suffer.
This was the absolute law of the cultivation world: power decided everything.
Five Minutes Later.
Derek had charged forward, launching Fiery Fist at Ethan. His intention was clear—he aimed to punch Ethan's abdomen, destroy his internal organs, and cripple his cultivation.
But Ethan didn't move at all.
He simply stood there, welcoming the attack.
Derek thought Ethan had lost his mind. He was already within striking distance, yet Ethan hadn't prepared any countermeasure.
Just as Derek's fiery punch was about to connect with Ethan's abdomen—
Ethan moved.
At the last possible moment, he shifted 90 degrees to his left, his body moving with astonishing agility. The strike barely missed.
This wasn't luck.
Ethan had once demanded that the system impose strict requirements on his cultivation path—requirements meant to forge a foundation capable of shaking the heavens. The system, in response, demanded that he raise every basic attribute to precise levels before each breakthrough.
Others never had such a privilege.
They didn't know the exact state of their attributes. They advanced through cultivation blindly.
But Ethan was different.
The system forced him to strengthen everything—strength, stamina, endurance, agility—at every stage. Because of this, his foundation was flawless. And because of that, his movements were far beyond what his cultivation level suggested.
Derek was shocked when his punch missed.
As an experienced fighter trained personally by his grandfather, he knew that missing an attack meant exposing an opening. Without hesitation, he retreated to regain his balance.
But to his surprise—
Ethan didn't counterattack.
Instead, Ethan casually placed his hands back into his pockets.
He hadn't even taken them out during the entire exchange.
Derek hesitated.
But calm reasoning had never been his strength. He was hotheaded, driven by arrogance. In his mind, no one dared oppose him—not when he was the grandson of Chief Elder Johnson.
He convinced himself that Ethan had escaped by luck.
With a snarl, Derek charged again and threw another punch at Ethan's abdomen.
The same thing happened.
Ethan sidestepped 90 degrees to the left, dodging effortlessly.
This time, Derek reacted instantly.
As soon as his right punch missed, he struck with his left fist, targeting Ethan's kidney from behind.
But just before the attack could land—
Ethan moved again.
He stepped backward in a blur, his speed shocking everyone present.
Not just Derek—
Even the spectators were stunned.