Chapter 707: PAID

The duel ended, leaving only the sound of the wind and an eerie silence on the stage.

Not even the faintest breath could be heard as I slowly raised my head, my gaze falling on Forest Tempest Fist, now collapsed before me.

I took a deep breath, calming myself.

‘Ah, this feels a bit awkward.’

A faint smile tugged at my lips.

I had known for some time that he had reached the Flowing Flame level—just barely.

Even though he tried to suppress his aura, his lack of control caused faint traces to seep out.

And I understood why he had been concealing his level.

It was hard not to feel a twinge of guilt.

In another situation, this stage would have been his, and he would have shone as the protagonist of this match.

‘But then again, I’m grateful things turned out this way.’

I straightened my back as I stood.

“…What the…?”

“W-What just happened?”

The silence shattered, replaced by murmurs rippling through the crowd.

“Forest Tempest Fist… collapsed?”

“But isn’t he supposed to be at the Flowing Flame level?”

“Was that all a lie?”

Questions and doubts began to spread, but not everyone was confused.

“No,” a voice declared firmly, “Forest Tempest Fist is undeniably at the Flowing Flame level. I, Lightning Spear, can vouch for it.”

“Lightning Spear…?!”

“Wait, the Lightning Spear?”

“Yes! The one with the long scar across his cheek—it's Lightning Spear himself!”

All eyes turned to a burly man seated among the spectators.

Lightning Spear Bun Rang, a renowned member of the Hundred Great Masters.

The realization that such a figure had been watching the tournament sent ripples of awe through the crowd.

“And if Lightning Spear confirms it…”

“Then Forest Tempest Fist truly is at the Flowing Flame level.”

With this confirmation from another Flowing Flame-level master, the discussion shifted to a new question.

“Then… what just happened here?”

The question sparked a wildfire of speculation.

“Did that young man just… defeat Forest Tempest Fist?”

“It must’ve been some kind of sorcery!”

“Sorcery? Don’t be ridiculous. Do you think anyone would dare use sorcery in the Martial Alliance’s tournament?”

“Besides, no kind of sorcery could take down someone at the Flowing Flame level…”

“Then… are you saying that young man is also at the Flowing Flame level?”

The weight of this possibility drew every gaze to Lightning Spear once again.

Though clearly uncomfortable with the attention, Bun Rang remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowed deeply.

The truth was simple.