Chapter 118

Zhou Yu gestured for the others to follow him outside.

By the time Xiao Zhi reached the training ground, Liu Haishan was still practicing his obstacle course runs. Watching Liu Haishan’s movements, Xiao Zhi was visibly surprised. He turned to Zhou Yu and asked, "Was this taught by that kid, Xiao Leng?"

Zhou Yu smiled. "What, losing your confidence?"

"It’s not a lack of confidence," Xiao Zhi replied. "I’m just becoming increasingly curious. What kind of magic do you possess that allows you to gather such an extraordinary group of people?"

Zhou Yu offered a mysterious smile. "It’s a secret. You’ll find out in time."

Xiao Zhi called out to Liu Haishan, "Haishan, take a break for a moment, then we’ll begin."

Hearing this, Liu Haishan ran over to Xiao Zhi, came to a gradual halt, and saluted. "Chief, I’m fine, I’m not tired. We can start now."

Xiao Zhi waved his hand with a smile. "It’s alright. Use this time to rest while I warm up. You wouldn’t want people saying you bullied an old man like me, would you?"

Without waiting for a reply, Xiao Zhi turned to Zhou Yu. "Any interest in running a couple of laps?"

Zhou Yu laughed. "Sure. Just don't come crying to me if you lose. Haha."

"Why would I cry?" Xiao Zhi retorted. "How about we have Xiao Leng and the others join in as well?"

Zhou Yu glanced at Xiao Zhi, considered the suggestion, and said, "That works. It’ll be a good chance for you to see their true speed." He turned to Xiao Long and the others. "You guys join in too. It’s been a while since we competed. Let’s have some fun."

Wang Hao replied dryly, "Competing is fine, but what’s the wager?"

Zhou Yu laughed. "If you win, you can take anything of mine you want, excluding my blades and daggers."

Leng Yuhang chuckled. "And what if I want your wife?"

Before Zhou Yu could respond, Pan Yuxin’s eyes turned cold. "Brother Xiao Leng, that is not a joke to be made."

Zhou Yu waved a hand, his tone shifting to one of cold, heavy intensity that radiated a powerful sense of pressure. "Xiao Leng, Xin is right. Some jokes shouldn't be told. They are never, and will never be, a bargaining chip. If they were, I would fight to the death."

Leng Yuhang didn't take it too seriously and shrugged. "Alright, alright. What’s with the intensity? You really think I’d take your wife? Look at how worked up you got."

Liu Long stepped in. "Enough, stop messing around. If we're going to compete, let’s get started."

"Wait a second," Zhou Yu said. Under the gaze of the group, he removed his outer layer. Then, he added coolly, "Xiao Leng starts five seconds late and has to complete five shuttle runs."

Leng Yuhang shouted indignantly, "On what grounds? Why do I have to start late?"

"It’s a penalty for you," Pan Yuxin said. "Besides, you’re not that short on five seconds."

Leng Yuhang shot back, "Who says I’m not? Do you guys even know how fast that brat Zhou Yu really is?"

Hearing this, the others looked at Zhou Yu with puzzled expressions. Sensing trouble, Zhou Yu quickly interjected, "Alright, alright, let’s just get started. Two seconds late, that’s the absolute minimum."

Leng Yuhang thought about it and conceded. "Fine. But I get to call the start."

"Agreed," Zhou Yu said.

When everyone stood at the starting line, Leng Yuhang bypassed the "ready" command and shouted "Start!" immediately. The others were no slouches; after a split-second of hesitation, they all bolted forward. As they began navigating the first obstacle using their respective techniques, Leng Yuhang, still back at the start, took off like a shot.