"He's here! The morning's One-Punch Man has arrived!""The enigmatic masked fighter is back!""I wonder if he'll clinch victory with a single move again this afternoon. The anticipation is killing me!"In stark contrast, the older, more seasoned martial arts masters wore grave expressions, their eyes clouded with a complex mix of emotions, their hearts a tumultuous sea of conflicting feelings.Evan cast a fleeting glance around the arena, taking in the myriad expressions of those present. A faint smile played on his lips as he leisurely made his way towards Ring Seven, hands clasped behind his back.As he walked, head slightly bowed, gently yet firmly pushing aside the throngs of people surging towards him, a man clutching a microphone and trailed by a camera operator intercepted his path."Excuse me, sir. I'm a field reporter from WGN America. We'd like to interview you briefly.""I apologize, but I must decline. This isn't an opportune moment for an interview," Evan replied, extendi
"At odds with me?" Evan was perplexed. "Why would he take issue with me? I haven't done anything. I've been keeping an exceedingly low profile!""Indeed, I find your conduct most disagreeable!" Kenneth Boyd's eyes gleamed with disdain as he fixed his challenging gaze upon Evan. "You've gravely injured three members of the Kongtong Boxing Sect, including their heir apparent, Fred Gonzalez. Tell me, how could I possibly harbor any fondness for you?"Ah!With those words, not only did Evan grasp the situation, but the spectators below also came to a sudden realization.This was far from a simple matter of personal distaste. It was clear that Fred Gonzalez of the Kongtong Boxing Sect had paid a hefty sum to enlist Kenneth Boyd's services in defeating Evan!"But Master Chen," the referee of Ring Seven interjected, visibly uncomfortable, "this isn't right. Contestant number 13 has already advanced to the next round."Indeed, Jesse Smith, competitor number 13, had already secured his place i
"Heavens above! Who is he? How can he possess such an overwhelming aura?" Even among the spectators, those of grandmaster level couldn't help but exclaim in shock, their pupils constricting at the sight before them.On the platform, Kenneth Boyd was visibly unsettled. His brow furrowed as he inwardly cursed his predicament. Had he known the masked man was this formidable, he would never have accepted Fred Gonzalez's $80 million offer."I'm about to make my move. Prepare yourself!" Evan's eyes snapped open as he launched himself forward with explosive force. His form blurred into a mere afterimage as he closed the distance, his hand raised to deliver a single, decisive slap to Kenneth Boyd's face.The audience could only perceive a series of phantom images streaking across Ring Seven towards Kenneth Boyd."Crack!"The crisp sound of a palm striking flesh rang out.Kenneth Boyd was instantly sent flying off the platform.The spectators stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disb
On the platform, Kenneth Boyd had indeed heard Evan's words clearly. Despite his swollen face and clouded mind, the mention of money caused him to halt abruptly. "You know how much they're paying me?"Evan's lips curled into a smirk. "I don't.""Are you toying with me?" Kenneth Boyd's eyes flashed with murderous rage as he continued to inch closer."I genuinely don't know, because there's no need for me to know. Whatever they're paying you is merely pocket change to me," Evan replied, his expression morphing into an enigmatic smile as he observed Kenneth Boyd's approach.Kenneth Boyd didn't respond verbally, but his advancing steps noticeably slowed, and his face grew increasingly somber, as if a storm was brewing beneath the surface.Evan shrugged, his eyes gleaming with disdain. "Please, direct your attention to the main screen in the arena."If my words fail to enlighten you, perhaps my actions will, Evan thought to himself.As Evan spoke, his demeanor remained unnervingly calm, ye
Viewers at home sat slack-jawed, unable to close their gaping mouths.$800 million!This enigmatic masked figure had casually dispensed such an astronomical sum. Just how vast was his fortune if he treated $800 million as mere pocket change?Truly, poverty limits one's imagination!Kenneth Boyd's expression grew grave. This masked man had now transferred $800 million – ten times the amount Fred Gonzalez had offered him.By his own standards, this $800 million could secure the services of ten grandmaster-level fighters like himself, more than enough to utterly annihilate him.A chill ran down his spine as realization dawned. Had this young man been trying to convey all along that he was an entity beyond Kenneth's capacity to offend?He raised his eyes to meet Evan's, only to find the youth regarding him with a playful smirk.Suddenly, it all clicked into place.Yes! This young man had indeed been warning him all along. He was someone Kenneth couldn't afford to antagonize. Even without
"Wait, Mr. Smith! There's one more thing I need to report," Adam hurriedly interjected as Evan was about to hang up. "Our surveillance caught Kenneth Boyd rushing out after your departure. He was reportedly muttering Fred Gonzalez's name with intense animosity.""Noted. If Kenneth Boyd returns, direct him to me," Evan acknowledged with a nod.Naturally, Kenneth Boyd had gone to settle scores with Fred Gonzalez. Rumor had it he single-handedly incapacitated the entire Kongtong Boxing Sect. He later sought out Evan, claiming his actions against Fred Gonzalez were merely in gratitude for Evan sparing his life, without mentioning any financial compensation.Following his call with Evan, Adam promptly announced to everyone that the mysterious masked contestant number 13 would no longer participate in any future matches.This news electrified the remaining contestants.After all, the enigmatic number 13 had been an overwhelming presence. With him in the competition, these ordinary fighters
"Super Divine Alchemy?"Evan found himself dumbfounded. While he had anticipated that the Super Cooking Technique would prove beneficial in the future, he hadn't foreseen such an immediate and magnificent surprise!Alchemy—the stuff of ancient emperors' dreams and a divine skill in fantasy novels!It was beyond his wildest imagination that the Super Cooking Technique, acquired for a mere 50 Super Rich Coins, would react so spectacularly with the Godlike Medical Technique, spontaneously generating such a prodigious ability!What's more, this derivative Alchemy skill was retained alongside the two original techniques. It was as if he had procured two skills for the price of 50 Super Rich Coins, with Super Divine Alchemy typically commanding a price of 1,000 Super Rich Coins in the Superpower Market!"Not bad at all!""Let's delve into the specifics of this Super Divine Alchemy!"Evan's enthusiasm for the Super Cooking Technique had waned, supplanted by an intense curiosity about Super D
He employed a variety of cooking methods—pan-frying, stir-frying, braising, and deep-frying—to coax out the unique flavors of each of the eighteen ingredients.Next, he meticulously layered the prepared dishes into a large clay pot, adding precise amounts of superior stock and wine to allow the flavors to meld harmoniously.He then sealed the pot with fragrant lotus leaves before placing it over a gentle flame to simmer.Ordinarily, preparing Buddha Jumps Over the Wall would be an extremely challenging endeavor. However, with his newly acquired Super Cooking Technique, Evan found the process as effortless as a world-class chef preparing a simple dish of stir-fried potato strips.As the dish simmered over a low flame, Bella and Ava, having primped and preened, arrived at Evan's Riverside Villa.Possessing a key to the villa, Bella let herself in without knocking. Upon entering, she called out teasingly:"Brother, didn't you say you'd cook for Ava and me? Don't tell me you've given up a