Mo Dao Zu Shi: Astray

Radiant, Part One

"And another one goes down!"

A man lay on the ground, unable to get up after taking the finishing blow to his chest.

A total knockout.

The loser rubbed his head and groaned in pain as he was carried away on a stretcher.

"And that concludes this match! Once again, The Valiant is the victor!"

An uproar of cheering burst from the crowd.

The Valiant stood proudly, basking in the crowd's praise.

"Anyone else feels like taking a chance for glory against The Valiant?" The announcer gestured to the audience. "Anyone?"

Members of the audience shook their heads at each other.

"Nope."

"No way."

"I want to leave here with my dignity intact, thanks."

Only an idiot would want to go up against The Valiant after witnessing the smackdown his opponents received.

No one wanted to get their ass handed to them in public.

"Any contenders? Going once. Going twice-!"

The Valiant scoffed. "Please. No one else would dare challenge-"

"Excuse me!"

Everyone's heads turned in astonishment.

A somewhat small and scrawny boy had his hand raised in the air. "I'll challenge you."

The crowd murmured in disbelief.

"Is this guy serious?"

"Look at him! He's so small!"

"The Valiant's probably going to crush the poor guy like an ant!"

The announcer laughed. "Oho! What a twist! What's your name, brave young man?"

"Pan Wukun."

The announcer nodded and then shouted to the crowd, "All right, everyone! A new match is about to start! Prepare to make your bets!"

"Here, we have the undefeated champion, The Valiant!"

Loud cheers erupted from the crowd.

"And over here, his opponent in the opposing corner! Pan Wukun!"

Cheers came from the crowd, but they were much fainter than the cheers for The Valiant.

The Valiant sneered at Pan Wukun. "You're either incredibly brave or foolish, pipsqueak."

Pan Wukun tightened the straps on her bracers. "If you let your guard down because I'm small, you're going to get hurt."

The Valiant laughed boisterously. "Does everyone hear this pipsqueak? What a funny joke!"

A referee stepped near the arena.

"Ready...?"

The Valiant gestured politely to Pan Wukun, "Out of courtesy, pipsqueak, I'll let you make the first move."

Pan Wukun smiled sweetly. "I thank you for your kindness."

"FIGHT!"

Next thing The Valiant knew, he was flat on the ground with a throbbing chest.

The Valiant blinked up at the sky several times in disbelief. - What was with this kid's punch? Felt like he was pelted with a rock!