Xiao Liu mastered Baji Fist, his striking force robust, marked by grand and expansive movements.
The Northern Baji Fist has traditionally been passed down by the Li family within the sect. Xiao Liu’s father, once a servant in the Li family, secretly learned a few moves. Despite only grasping these few techniques, he honed them to mastery, allowing him to dominate wherever he went.
But just now, someone’s casual critique effectively countered Baji Fist.
Unless they were a true master of internal arts, it would be absolutely impossible to understand the counter technique.
Knife Scar Man couldn’t help but grow cautious and instinctively tightened his grip on the Mystic Iron Stick.
Zhao Haotian quickly realized he was nothing but an amateur. His opponent’s palm struck his chest—a resolute move—and targeted directly at the ulnar nerve...
At the critical moment, his neck was gripped as though by a magnetic force, yanking him backward and perfectly evading the opponent’s elbow strike.
The brutal force carried by the elbow strike, even through a thin layer of fabric, sent his heart into an uncontrollable frenzy.
Had this strike landed, he’d either be dead or crippled.
Zhao Haotian’s knees grew weak, and his forehead broke into a cold sweat.
"Your execution of the left-and-right frontal attack is quite polished, but your speed still falls short. Against a true master of the same school, you’d only succeed with a single decisive strike."
The youth’s voice carried an air of cool indifference, landing in Li Liu’s ears like a thunderous explosion.
On his rugged and dark-skinned face was a pair of resolute and bold eyes, now filled with startled disbelief as they looked at the languid, gold-haired youth.
"Who the hell are you?"
His father had once said similar words to him: in the duel of masters, ultimate victory hinges on both speed and force. Li Liu focused solely on force, ultimately sacrificing speed—otherwise, he wouldn’t have exposed a gap for the opponent to counter earlier.
Clearly, not only did this person understand Baji Fist, but they were an elite practitioner.
Could they be someone from the Li family sect?
"Forms and techniques allow people to learn theory and mastery of killing moves, while flexibility and adaptability must be honed through real-life combat," the youth remarked.
As soon as the words fell, he made his move—his left hand wrapping around Li Liu’s right arm, while his right hand formed into a fist, its movement sharp and fierce, hurtling toward Li Liu’s face...
The entire sequence was as fast as lightning, each strike executed with wind-like speed.
The "Wrap" technique within Baji Fist!
Arm Wrap followed by Elbow Break!
Li Liu’s eyes widened in terror, his pupils filled with the image of that impossibly refined and pale fist.
In that tense, split-second moment, a bizarre thought surfaced in his head.
Such a delicate and graceful fist was capable of conveying a striking force so ferocious and overwhelming.
Were it not for seeing it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t believe it.
The fist halted just millimeters from the tip of his nose.
Li Liu could even feel the wind from the strike brushing against his cheeks, causing the fine hairs on his face to curl and tremble.
The oppressive aura emanating from the youth towering above him made him quake with fear.
It was the sheer dominance of the strong crushing the weak.
Li Liu’s knees almost buckled, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.
The youth retracted his fist, released his right arm, and stepped back.
"Since when could Grade C PT mercenaries stoop to playing henchmen?"
Knife Scar Man’s pupils shook violently, "How do you know?"
Amos raised an eyebrow.
That gaze and expression seemed to say, "You don’t deserve to know."
Knife Scar Man glanced at the dazed Li Liu, realizing that this day, they had kicked an iron plate.
Even if the four of them attacked together, they wouldn’t be able to harm a single strand of his hair.
Moreover, the opponent seemed to know their every detail, while they knew nothing about him.
"Who’s your direct supervisor?"
Knife Scar Man pursed his lips.
This person, knowing they were Grade C mercenaries, must also be aware of the strict regulations within their organization: any mercenary breaking societal laws, regardless of severity, faces harsh penalties.
This person was mysterious in identity, overwhelmingly skilled in combat, and even capable of stirring turbulence in the Xie Group. How could a few small-time Grade C mercenaries challenge him?
At this moment, regret swelled in his heart. Why had he accepted Xu Cong’s commission and attempted to score some extra cash?
The other man slowly uttered a name.
The four individuals simultaneously shuddered and turned their terrified gazes toward the golden-haired youth, their expression akin to facing a deity.
Knife Scar Man stammered, "How... how did you know?"
"If you wish to end this kind of life, then follow my instructions. This is your only chance," the youth said coolly.
Knife Scar Man gritted his teeth, exchanging a glance with Li Liu, then took a step forward, his demeanor becoming exceptionally respectful.
"We’re at your command," he replied.
He could have chosen to risk his life and honor his loyalty, but he still had to consider his brothers. For their sake, he decided to gamble this one time.
Zhao Haotian stood there dumbfounded. What was happening?
Amos had swayed them to submission with just a few words? Could it really be this simple?
Xu Cong sensed something amiss and emerged from the bushes opposite, angrily pointing at Knife Scar Man. "You took my money and dare betray me?"
Knife Scar Man glanced at Amos, who raised an eyebrow and leaned against the wall with a leisurely air, looking as though he was enjoying the show.
Gritting his teeth, Knife Scar Man dashed forward, subdued Xu Cong in a single move.
Xu Cong shrieked as he was pushed before Amos.
Amos lifted his foot, pressing it against Xu Cong’s shoulder. The youth’s pale face bore a serene yet mischievous smile, and he gradually pushed Xu Cong down toward the ground.
Xu Cong grimaced in pain, his expression twisted, but he couldn’t break free no matter how hard he tried.
"The Xu family has fallen, yet you still dare not behave. Do you want to die?"
Xu Cong was utterly terrified and realized he had kicked an iron plate, immediately begging for mercy.
"Tch." Zhao Haotian spat on his face.
"You cowardly piece of trash. See if I don’t kill you today..."
"Aren’t you a coward yourself? Without Amos sir, what are you? Do you even have the right to lecture me?"
Xu Cong, stimulated by this insult, retorted.
"Can you compare yourself to me? I can assist Amos sir. What can you possibly do?"
Xu Cong stubbornly raised his chin. "I can help Amos sir too."
The youth raised his eyebrows with interest, "Oh? Tell me, what can you do for me?"
Xu Cong rolled his eyes and said, "Amos sir, I know a secret about my cousin that no one else—not even a fourth person in this world—knows. But I’ll only tell you."
Zhao Haotian chuckled. This guy was really making use of any opportunity that arose. However, Amos sir clearly wasn’t falling for it.
Xu Cong gritted his teeth and revealed, "My cousin is actually gay."
Zhao Haotian gasped sharply. "Well, now that’s unexpected..."
The youth narrowed his eyes slightly, "Is that so?"
This genuinely surprised him. Xu Cong wouldn’t lie about such matters; he must know something.
Afraid of being doubted, Xu Cong quickly explained, "I saw it with my own eyes, though it was pitch black in the garage. I just caught sight of a tall man beside him—couldn’t make out the face. But I can guarantee my cousin is definitely gay."
The youth remarked nonchalantly, "In this day and age, sexual orientation is one’s freedom—nothing surprising there."
Yet a trace of intrigue briefly flickered beneath his gaze.
"But my cousin’s wife doesn’t know. She’s been deceived into marriage. If she learns the truth, she definitely won’t forgive him, and her family wields considerable influence."
Xu Lang’s wife, Yan Xue, hailed from a prominent family with a celebrated reputation. Their union was once regarded as a fairy tale, though many secretly mocked Xu Lang for marrying above his rank.
The youth suddenly furrowed his brows, startling Xu Cong into silence.
At this moment, a ringtone broke the tension. The youth answered the call, placing the phone against his ear.
"Boss, the Yan family is taking active measures to get Xu Lang out. With their connections, it likely won’t take long."
This was the trump card Xu Lang had left for himself—a powerful wife’s family that could shield him safely amid turbulent political waters.
The youth’s lips curled slightly, his sapphire eyes as clear as the ocean.
Xu Cong noticed Amos glance at him—he couldn’t tell why, but that subtle smile on his lips felt inexplicably eerie, sending a chill down his spine.