Chapter 77: Here to Steal the Spotlight, Aren’t You?

In the end, the outcome of the contest between Zhang Ze's group and the three Duan brothers was truly unexpected. It never even came to Cheng Ren's turn; Qi Lijun quickly defeated Duan Peng. This caught Zhang Ze's attention, as in his eyes, Qi Lijun's stats weren't particularly outstanding.

...

"Cell strength only 380S, yet Qi Lijun managed to easily beat Duan Peng. That's really surprising," Zhang Ze said, slipping his right hand beneath his jacket as he called out to Qi Lijun in the ring.

"Brother Ze~"

"That five million..."

"Oh, no~"

"Is that inner armor comfortable? Let me touch it."

As he spoke, Qianqian had already reached for Zhang Ze's jacket as well.

"Slap~"

Zhang Ze knocked away Qianqian's wandering hand, muttering under his breath, "If you have the ability, win one yourself. What are you doing trying to touch mine?"

"Besides, I'm a grown man. How could I let a pervert like you mess around?"

Rejected, Qianqian looked thoroughly disdainful.

...

"My armor's protection is pretty good, too," Qi Lijun said softly to the fallen Duan Peng from the ring.

Duan Peng glanced at the three-centimeter-thick steel plate and turned pale. Did they really think the disciples of Jiuhua Sect were all fools?

Ignoring Qi Lijun, Duan Peng staggered over to join Duan Qingkuang and the others.

When Duan Peng lost to Qi Lijun, Duan Qingkuang already foresaw their fate. Was there any point in continuing? No need to embarrass themselves further.

Even Cheng Ren, whose hands had been itching for a match, realized that the Jiuhua Sect group probably had no intention of having a third bout. Cheng Ren was regretful, but then a young man's voice rang out.

"Senior Zhao, though my brothers lost to the martial arts academy students, I, Duan Wuren, am not willing to leave just yet," the young man spoke passionately. "I ask Senior Zhao to allow me and Cheng Ren to have one final match!"

"After this bout, the Jiuhua Sect will not trouble you further and will depart!"

Duan Wuren's sudden request caught Zhao Jinghong off guard. Three matches, Jiuhua Sect had already lost two. Was there any point in a third? They should just pack up and leave!

But Zhao Jinghong couldn't say that aloud. After all, even if Jiuhua Sect was lacking, it stood as a symbol of traditional martial arts. As the head of the martial arts department at Anqing Martial Bureau, he also represented the stance of Long Country's martial bureau towards such traditions. Naturally, Zhao Jinghong wouldn't press too hard.

...

Without hesitation, Zhao Jinghong looked at Cheng Ren and said, "The purpose of sparring is for young martial artists like you to recognize your own shortcomings. Jiuhua Sect is one of our province's top traditional martial arts sects."

"Cheng Ren, do you wish to have this final bout with Duan Wuren?"

Cheng Ren's hands were itching for action, and he eagerly replied, "Minister Zhao, I would be glad to spar with Duan Wuren."

...

With both sides in agreement, others—like Zhang Ze—could only keep silent. Soon, Duan Wuren and Cheng Ren stepped onto the ring.

It was then that Zhang Ze, through his system, saw their cell strength values:

Cheng Ren: 485S
Duan Wuren: 491S

Zhang Ze had known the three Jiuhua brothers all exceeded 400 in cell strength, so Duan Wuren's number wasn't a surprise. But seeing Cheng Ren's stats, Zhang Ze was genuinely shocked.

He couldn't help but mutter, "Brother Ren is ridiculously strong!"

Qianqian, confused beside him, asked, "Which Brother Ren are you talking about?"

"Cheng Ren or Duan Wuren?"

...

Bang~

While those below the ring argued, Cheng Ren and Duan Wuren paid them no mind. After exchanging two rounds, Cheng Ren realized Duan Wuren's formidable strength. Unlike his brothers, Duan Wuren's prowess was not just in his cell strength!

Here it must be said: the three Duan brothers had trained in martial arts at Jiuhua Sect since childhood and had skills far beyond their peers. But because of this, Duan Hong and Duan Peng were somewhat rigid in their techniques. It's like learning from the same teacher for years; you may grow more skilled, but your thinking becomes limited.

Qi Lijun could swiftly defeat Duan Peng because he'd spotted flaws in his moves. Cheng Ren had expected Duan Wuren to be similar, but only after sparring did he realize his opponent's true power.

Their duel, unbeknownst to them, seemed to overshadow someone else.

...

"Damn~"

"Cheng Ren is insane!"

Peng Fei watched in awe, muttering to himself. Most tellingly, as he praised Cheng Ren's strength, his eyes kept darting to Zhang Ze, making his meaning all too clear.

"Is it easy for me to steal the spotlight?" Zhang Ze grumbled inwardly, noticing Zhao Jinghong's gaze fixed on Cheng Ren in the ring. "I need to find a chance to flatten Cheng Ren, too!"

...

Boom~

Thud, thud, thud~

Cheng Ren and Duan Wuren exchanged blows, both landing fists on each other's shoulders. They staggered back several steps before steadying themselves.

Usually calm and reserved, Cheng Ren now furrowed his brow, refraining from acting rashly. If one looked carefully, they would notice Cheng Ren's right hand trembling slightly. In contrast, Duan Wuren seemed to recover more easily.

"Hmph~"

Unlike Cheng Ren, Duan Wuren wasted no time after regaining his footing, charging at his opponent again.

Cheng Ren stayed cautious, his stance firm, muscles rippling in his arms. With a loud shout, his right hand unleashed a series of sonic booms!

Boom~

The clash of two second-tier martial artists created a powerful sonic shockwave. Even Zhang Ze, though somewhat unwilling to admit it, had to acknowledge the terrifying destructive power of martial artists in this world, thanks to their formidable bodies.

If second-tier martial artists were already this powerful, how much more fearsome would seventh-tier ones be?

...

Nanye City.

After seeing his mother, Cai Hu seemed to have died and been reborn, his eyes dull and lifeless. Not yet twenty, his unkempt beard made him look like a disheveled man in his thirties or forties.

Yet Zhuang Ning could do nothing about it.

...

In another ward, Ma Cheng stood by Qin Yao's side, leaning on a crutch. Meanwhile, Zhuang Ning and two officers from the Detective Division stood together.

"All right, I've got the basic picture," Zhuang Ning said to Ma Cheng. "Take care of her. After some time, when she's forgotten that incident, it shouldn't be a problem."

Seeing Qin Yao's vacant gaze, Ma Cheng could only nod helplessly.