One Heart Gym, Whale Island
Li Mu stood tall in the gym, facing the rows of disciples with confidence. "Where's the master of the gym—Morad? I'm here to challenge him!"
A tall, broad-shouldered youth stepped forward—it was Solomon, one of the senior disciples. "Li Mu, if you can't even beat me, don't waste your time challenging Master Morad. You'll just get thrashed."
He wasn't mocking—Solomon genuinely believed Morad, who once trained with Gon's father Ging Freecss during his time on Whale Island, was unbeatable to most locals. Morad wasn't a Nen user, but his physical strength and combat experience made him the undisputed strongest on the island.
Li Mu, calm as ever, replied, "How do you know unless I try? Call out Master Morad. I must challenge and defeat him today—it's part of my path to the Hunter Exam."
Solomon sighed. "Stubborn as ever… Fine. But first, fight me. If you win, I'll bring the master out. If not, take your pride and go home."
Solomon cracked his knuckles. "Last time we sparred, it was an even match. But I've improved since then. This time, I'll say it's 70-30—my favor."
This time it's zero to ten, Li Mu thought.
With the [Frozen Fruit] ability integrated into his system and the enhancements from the Super Soldier Serum he received from the "One-Yuan Spike," his physical capacity had gone beyond Solomon's comprehension.
The gym disciples gathered around, cheering for Solomon, but one voice stood out—Na Yiling.
Unlike her father Morad, Na Yiling was gentle, poised, and sharp-eyed. She had inherited her mother's beauty and secretly admired Li Mu, though he seemed too dense to notice.
Before the echoes of their support died down—BANG!
Solomon flew back, crashing into the side wooden door with a loud thud.
"Senior Brother Solomon!" Several disciples rushed forward, worried but stunned. They couldn't believe Li Mu floored him with one punch.
Na Yiling covered her mouth in astonishment. Then a smile bloomed on her lips. As expected... he's incredible.
"Cough… Alright, alright, I'll get Master Morad," Solomon coughed as he stood up with the help of two disciples, clearly winded.
Na Yiling's face was conflicted. She rooted for Li Mu when he faced Solomon, but now he was about to challenge her father—a different story altogether.
"Brother Li Mu…" she leaned in and whispered, "I'll speak to my father. If he dares hurt you, I'll pull his beard!"
Li Mu chuckled. "Thanks, Yiling. But maybe… your father's the one who needs protection today."
A commotion stirred in the back. The heavy thud of footsteps echoed.
Morad, the gym master, entered the hall.
He was a towering man with a bear-like frame, a beard like a lion's mane, and a voice like thunder. He had once sparred with Ging Freecss and was known throughout Whale Island.
"So you came, huh?" Morad laughed. "I figured you chickened out when you didn't show up yesterday. Guess I was wrong!"
He walked over and ruffled Na Yiling's hair before whispering, "Don't worry, I'll hold back."
Truth be told, Morad admired Li Mu. He wouldn't mind having him as a future son-in-law. But pride as a martial artist still burned in his veins.
"Master Morad, I came prepared. You'll lose today," Li Mu declared.
Morad raised an eyebrow, amused. "Big words, boy. Alright! Let's see what you've got!"
The disciples cleared the mat. Li Mu and Morad stepped into the center.
"I'll let you go first. Three free moves. I won't use my hands," Morad said, arms crossed behind his back.
Li Mu didn't hesitate. He launched forward and landed a quick punch to Morad's abdomen—only using 20% of his strength.
"Ugh!"
Morad's eyes twitched. His face tightened.
That punch wasn't normal. It felt like a truck hit me… he thought. But pride kept him composed.
"Hah! That's all? Feels like a mosquito bite!"
Li Mu narrowed his eyes. He's still standing. Then... more force.
He launched a second punch—harder.
Boom!
Morad flew backward and landed on his back.
"Father!"
"Master!"
The gym erupted. Disciples rushed to his side.
"You brat! I didn't even say we started the second move! You sneak-attacked me!"
Morad stood, brushing himself off. "Fine then! No more freebies! I'll stop holding back!"
But deep down, he knew it—Li Mu's strength was terrifying.
Na Yiling watched, lips pressed together, her heart pounding.
Li Mu… you're really not ordinary. Could you go even further than Father or Ging?