Chapter 64: Fighting a Monk

Chapter 64: Fighting a Monk

John Brown and the Dao of Spanking versus Brother Tao and the Dao of the Staff!

The announcers voice had just finished ringing, but both fighters were already on the sand. There were three more pairs fighting, but of course, but few people paid them any mind.

I have long yearned to face you in combat, brother John, Tao said. He was a bald Tibetan monk with orange robes, clear eyes, and a black metal staff held steady in his hands. So far, he hadnt suffered a single defeat.

Human (Earth-387), Level 39

Faction: -

Title: Planetary Frontrunner (100)

Almost everyone remaining had that title.

The pleasure is mine, brother Tao, Jack replied with a nod. My Dao shines best not on mindless brutes or pretty girls, but on warriors such as yourself. Please do not be alarmed by its appearance; spanking is as noble as every Dao, and not at all a disgrace.

I would never think that. I understand that every weapon has a spirit, even those that on first glance seem dull or lacking. He span his staff once, so fast it caused a gale. He then pointed it at Jack, one hand holding it from the front and the other from the back. As he stood on the sand barefoot, steady like a tree and with eyes clear like a mountain lake, he truly seemed like a fearsome opponent.

I did not enjoy being the executioner in previous rounds, but alas, my monastery needs me, he continued. Will you give me a good battle, brother John?

Absolutely, brother Tao. I feel the same.

Though he spanked people, Jack wasnt a mean person. When his opponents were respectful, like now, he returned that respect in full. He only mocked those who mocked him first.

Then, here I come, Tao said, exploding into motion. He closed the distance in three steps and brought his staff down on Jack.

In Jacks eyes, this Tao was a true warrior. His entire body was riddled with hard, wiry muscles, and though he didnt seem muscular, he could have easily beaten most pre-System humans into submission. Tibetan monks spent most of their lives training their body and martial arts, and Tao was no exception.

The staff fell like a rock, then slithered like a snake. Its momentum span as Tao turned his body, coming at Jack from the right. He had no choice but to block with the bottom of his flip-flop, absorbing the strike but sliding backward on the sand. His forearm hurt.

Jack grinned. Finally.

He then charged, slapping his flip-flop against the air. Tao stepped back, rotating his staff to defend. His skills were undeniable. As he turned the staff around his body, one end was always where the flip-flop would strike. Jack could only keep up because of his weapons lightness. His strikes fell like the rain, but Tao blocked them all.

His defense was like a mountain, and he definitely had several body-augmenting and defense-augmenting skills. It would take more than brute force to overpower him.

Flip-flop and staff clashed a dozen times in the blink of an eye before Jack jumped back. He rushed to the left, then planted his foot in the sand and changed directions, trying to throw Tao off. He failed. The staff was already waiting, and Jack took a blow to the shoulder as he flew backward, somersaulted in the air, and landed on his feet.

Ouch, he said.

I have trained for my entire life, brother John, Tao said, still as clear-eyed as ever. He made a small smile. I hate to say it, but you are not my match in skill.

Is that so? Jack asked. He could feel the grin splitting his face and did nothing to stop it. His fighting spirit began to rise.

He echoed Taos sentiments. The previous fights had been tiresome, unpleasant affairs. This time, however Could the Dao of Spanking actually prevail against a strong opponent?

He couldnt wait to find out.

Meteor Spank.

The flip-flop met the staff, and all color and sound returned at once. The world exploded. The impact generated a shockwave so strong it shook the arena, as well as a burning white flash that seared Taos eyebrows clean off, making his head completely free of hair.

For a moment, the world seemed to go still, the two weapons locked in a heated clash surrounded by red and purple sparks. The staff gave way. It flew high, slamming into the energy wall that served as a ceiling before falling back down.

Tao let it hit the sand. He did not move.

Jack only had one flip-flop leftthe other was a burned stumpand he pointed it at Taos face with a bright, wide smile. Tao exhaled deeply, then opened his eyes and returned the smile.

Congratulations, brother, he said. That was very well-fought.

Jacks smile widened even further. Same to you, brother Tao. It was very close.

Thank you for your kind words.

Jack lowered the flip-flop, then shook Taos left handthe right one lay broken at his side.

The audience cheered like mad. They had seen an amazing battle, and the two fighters had reconciled at the end, too! What a sight! What a spectacle!

You should get that looked at, brother Tao, Jack said, motioning at the broken wrist.

I will. You have my thanks.

You too. I hope we meet again in the final phase.

If fate wills it, we will.

Jack gave Tao a final smile before jumping to his seat, while the crowd still cheered at Taos receding back.

Great fight! Edgar said, smiling.

We did it! Karvahul roared, red-faced from excitement. We did it, my boy! We reached the goal!

The goal? Jack asked.

Oh, System damn in. Karvahul leaned closer, then did his best to whisper. The two million. We just reached it!

Really!? Jacks eyes widened. That fast?

That guy was strong! He had a lot of backers! Nevermind the details, but the stronger your opponent, the more credits we get if you win. We earned four hundred thousand in this fight alone. We did it!

Yes! Jack pumped a fist, unable to contain his excitement. That was one issue taken care of. Plus, there was only one round left in the tournament.

In other words, Jacks qualification was guaranteed, and so were his credit goal for the auction. Moreover, hed just gotten a second Dao Root, and his skills all felt on the cusp of evolving. He would need to be pushed to his limits to actually evolve them, but as the fights got tougher, it was bound to happen.

In other words, Jack was at an all-time high.