Chapter 212 - Crocodile vs. Tiger (1/2)

”Let the fight begin!”

With Song Yazhu's go-ahead, Hu Jie and Wani Garrett sprinted forward without hesitating a second. They had known each other for years now and didn't need to study their opponent. They just wanted to come to blows as soon as possible, as evidenced by their crazy excited smiles on their faces.

”Metal Crocodile Bloodline, Activate! Metal Law, Bronze Scales!”

The pale scars on Wani Garrett's body glowed with a bronze glow as they formed a pattern similar to the scales of a crocodile.

”White Tiger Bloodline, Activate! Metal Law, Diamond Body!”

Hu Jie's body also lit up, giving his body a diamond light.

PENG!

A loud metallic noise rang throughout the stadium. It was as if two large blocks of metal had crashed into each other at high speed. Yet, they were only two young spirit soldiers.

In the center of the fighting stage, the two fighters were grappling in a show of strength. Their hands were locked onto each other, and they were trying to push their opponent back. But neither of them gave an inch as they created sizzles of light generated by their metallic skin contact.

”You have improved in power since the last time we have seen each other.” Hu Jie commented.

”And not only that. Intent of the Claws, Crocodile Vice!” Wani Garrett answered.

Screech!

Wani Garrett's Spirit Metal claws glowed with spirit power before sinking into the back of Hu Jie's diamond hand. Since the diamond skin wasn't so easy to penetrate, the claws didn't sink into the flesh but scr.a.p.ed the outside, generating loud screeches.

”Huh? Don't you try to overpower me by force alone like last time? Ahahah, Tiger Grip!”

Like Wani Garrett, Hu Jie buried his hands on the back of his opponent's hand even though he didn't possess Spirit Metal claws. Yet he too generated screeches of scraping, and the reason was his impressive grip strength. If given the opportunity and enough time, Hu Ji could destroy his enemies' defensive layer with the power of his fingers alone.

Screech!

'Shit. I can't go on like this.' thought Wani Garrett before lifting his right leg and hitting Hu Jie in the stomach.

Peng!

Hu Jie's left leg intercepted Wani Garrett's kick. The former had seen his opponent move his leg and intercepted the blow by hitting the ankle, thus canceling the kick's momentum and power.

”What's up? Didn't you want to do a strength showdown? Or do you know that your Bronze Scales aren't as tough as my Diamond Body?” mocked Hu Jie; he was in control of the situation.

”Don't claim your victory, Hu Jie. We have just started. Metal Law, Silver Scales!”

The scars-scales on Wani Garrett's body lit up again. The former bronze color faded to be replaced by a silver tint. At the same time, Wani Garrett's muscular body visibly deflated like a balloon that had been punctured.

Slip!!

Wani Garrett's now thin hands slipped out of Hu Jie's grasp, thus freeing himself from that dangerous situation. However, soon after, the former launched another kick, this time a roundhouse kick aimed at the head.

Peng!

Hu Jie received the kick in full without batting an eye. The non-kicking power wasn't enough to hurt him, but it still left him slightly stunned. He was unable to anticipate it as he had done with a low kick before.

”Get ready, Hu Jie! Wani Family Technique, Crocodile Swimming!”

Wani Garrett moved from where he stood. His speed had reached an impressive level, far surpassing what he had previously demonstrated. And with his new speed, he began to fill Hu Jie with blows.

Peng! Screech! Peng! Screech!

Rather than punches, Wani Garrett clawed with his Spirit Metal claws. Even if they couldn't penetrate Hu Jie's skin, it was uncertain whether this would last throughout the fight. But the most important thing was that Hu Jie was unable to respond. Or at least that was how it seemed.

Peng!

Wani Garrett's claw crashed into Hu Jie's closed fist. The former was baffled because his attack had been anticipated despite his speed while the latter responded with a roundhouse kick, similar to the one he had received.

Woosh!

The kick cut the air like a blade but didn't reach its goal. Wani Garrett was faster and ducked down quickly to avoid the impact. However, Hu Jie also anticipated this response.

Peng!

Seeing Wani Garrett come down, Hu Jie stopped his kick as soon as he passed him. Then, at the same time, he grabbed Wani Garrett's outstretched hand with the arm used to counter the claw attack while bending the leg used for the kick so that it dropped down.

In an instant, he had blocked his opponent's arm, preventing him from escaping, and with the heel of his raised leg, he struck Wani Garrett's face. But it wasn't over there. The ram served only to disorient Wani Garrett momentarily to gain the few moments he needed for the next move.

”Tiger Armlock!”

Hu Jie took the already trapped arm's wrist in both hands and twisted it to contort it. He then pushed his right elbow down on the twisted arm, forcing Wani Garrett to fall to his knees to the ground due to the sudden movement.

At that point, he quickly moved his right arm over Wani Garrett's left shoulder as his left arm hooked his neck and pushed him forward, causing him to fall to the ground. Finally, he placed his left knee over his opponent's neck as he twisted his arm again behind his back.

A few seconds. This was the time it took for Hu Jie to reverse the situation he was in. Not only had he defended himself and blocked Wani Garrett's rampage of attacks, but he had counterattacked, forcing the latter to the ground in a submission hold.

'What an amazing technique. There are no flaws in his technique, and his speed of execution is impressive. It wasn't a fortuitous situation; he was aiming for an armlock from the start. '