But this was merely a demonstration. In a real battlefield, unless one could neutralize these hidden weapons, the onslaught would be endless.

"He was already holding back before by engaging in hand-to-hand combat, refraining from using weapons."

"That's because other opponents didn't even pose a challenge. Those who fought him said it felt like hitting a shield, with attacks rebounding back, leaving him impervious."

"After this battle, the role of psychic controllers in warfare will be reevaluated. There will likely be a surge in practitioners focusing on internal energy."

"Internal energy isn't easy to master. I spent three years and still couldn't even scratch the surface."

This battle reshaped many martial artists' perspective on internal energy. To many, Zhou You seemed almost god-like at this point.

And it was evident, Zhou You was yet to unleash his full potential.

During his previous fight with Gu Zhuo, Zhang Huai Sen didn't feel this oppressed. He had a fighting chance. Today, he realized the vast gap between them.

Zhang Huai Sen remained on guard, waiting for Zhou You's psychic energy to be depleted and his hidden needles to be neutralized. Just when he thought he could breathe a sigh of relief, several flying knives silently glided towards him from behind.

The spectators gasped, covering their mouths, fearing they might unintentionally alert Zhang Huai Sen. This silent assault was terrifying.

Zhang Huai Sen hadn't let his guard down entirely. They all knew that when facing a psychic controller, one had to remain ultra-vigilant. Hidden weapons could come from any direction, anytime.

With one hand on the ground, he performed consecutive backflips, his face narrowly missing the thrown dagger by a whisker.

When will it end? Just how many concealed weapons does he have on him?

It's the same question the audience had in mind. For formal matches like this, competitors declare their weapons beforehand. Many choose their forte. Those who utilize hidden weapons typically release them bit by bit. Yet he hurls them out in bundles.

Even more terrifying is the fact that these weapons seem to have eyes of their own, homing in on their target. This isn't something an ordinary practitioner of hidden weapons can control.

"I want to become his disciple!" resonated among those who used concealed weapons and those who didn't.

"Does Mr. Zhou have any apprentices already?"

"Why hasn't such an expert like him established a martial school? Could it be he's unwilling to pass down his unique skills?"

"Joke's on you. He gave live-streamed lessons at the Jiangnan Base. Those three sessions are still top-rated. Not just for commoners, even established instructors diligently follow them."

Xuan Yue wished he could broadcast to the world: He is my master! He belongs to me!

Of course, he wouldn't mind if his master took more disciples, but this time, he had to be the eldest among them!

"Master! Go for it!" Xuan Yue shouted enthusiastically. Those around him thought he was shouting randomly, but they soon joined in, cheering, "Master! Go for it!"

Zhou You sheathed his dagger and asked Zhang Huaishen, "Still got energy left?"

After moving around the arena like an acrobat, Zhang Huaishen, catching his breath, nodded, "I'm good."

"Alright, let the real battle commence." Zhou You brandished a dagger, twirled it, and lunged at Zhang Huaishen.

He moved at an astonishing speed. Almost instantly after speaking, Zhang Huaishen felt an overpowering presence, accompanied by the chilling glint of the dagger.

Zhang Huaishen's sword was already nicked. But in a contest between a sword and a dagger, the former should have the advantage. He was eager to test Zhou You's close-combat prowess.

The audience was tempted to shout 'Master' again. On the stage, Zhou You, holding his dagger with a single hand, attacked swiftly, simultaneously striking from top, middle, and bottom. If not for Zhang Huaishen's own swift reflexes, he would've been unable to defend on all fronts.

"How is this even a match?"

"Since when are psychokineticists skilled in close combat?"

"Well, not every psychokineticist is Zhou You."

"I just had a thought. Since everyone claims Marshal Shao isn't fit anymore due to his health, why not let Zhou You take over? With his combat prowess, who could best him?"

"Now I'm curious, who was stronger in their prime? Marshal Shao or Zhou You?"

Online polls immediately sprouted, debating who was stronger: Marshal Shao or Zhou You.

In the past, Shao Qi was hailed as the nation's top martial artist.

"Clang!" Zhang Huaishen's sword was sent flying, with Zhou You's dagger now pressed against his throat. Zhang Huaishen had lost.

"The second match for the championship title: Zhou You wins!"

A roar of cheering erupted within the venue, the duel between these experts had everyone's blood boiling with excitement.

For the final match, Zhou You would face Shi Kong for the championship. However, Shi Kong had barely outperformed Cheng Yuran in the previous fight and was injured, making him seemingly inferior to Zhou You.

"I'm not so sure," Qingfeng Daolong commented to the Shaolin abbot, "During Zhou You's fight with Huaizen, he controlled multiple hidden weapons for half an hour. Even with deep internal strength, it’s unlikely he's unscathed. Given such short recovery time, it will be challenging for him to maintain his prior performance."

"Amitabha. Zhou You is truly formidable, surpassing Shi Kong," the abbot replied.

Qingfeng Daolong nodded with a knowing smile. He had realized this after finding out Zhou You was competing. Although his disciple might not win the championship, it brought comfort knowing the other two major sects wouldn’t either.

This seemed fair.

The betting hosted by the association had been closed prior to the final. Currently, Zhang Huaizen topped the list, followed by Zhou You. By the looks of it, the martial arts association stood to make a profit.

After a thirty-minute break, Zhou You returned to the arena. Cheng Yuran, due to severe injuries, conceded, eliminating the need to decide third place. This was the final battle.

Zhou You's gaze swept the entrance of the stadium; he had sensed something amiss when a few individuals entered earlier.