Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Four

Seeing Liu Haishan’s punch, Xiao Zhi bypassed his usual Tai Chi techniques and went straight for close-quarters combat. Liu Haishan was overwhelmed by Xiao Zhi’s relentless barrage of fast, close-range strikes, leaving him with no room to counterattack. In just three minutes, Liu Haishan was knocked to the ground.

Zhou Yu walked over, pulled Liu Haishan to his feet, and said, "Honestly, it’s like talking to a brick wall."

Liu Haishan chuckled and replied, "I'm used to it; I can't seem to break the habit."

Zhou Yu turned to Leng Yuhang and said, "Little Leng, why don't you have a go with the old man?"

Leng Yuhang, who had been flirting with Wang Lingling, was caught off guard by Zhou Yu’s request. His expression darkened as he said, "Brother, are you kidding me? You want me to fight him fair and square?"

"Get out of here," Zhou Yu retorted. "I know you better than that. You’re just as lazy as I am; you just hate the hassle."

Leng Yuhang made a bitter face and said, "You really love using me as your manual labor." With that, he stopped teasing Wang Lingling, walked to the center of the training area, and said, "Staff Officer Xiao, let’s give it a try since Little Yu has spoken."

Xiao Zhi looked at Zhou Yu and said, "You brat, trying to wear out an old man, are you?"

"Shall I go against you instead, then?" Zhou Yu asked.

Xiao Zhi smiled. "Since you've already figured it out, why don't you come and face me?"

Zhou Yu smiled back. "Alright, let's do it."

"Don't you need to warm up?" Xiao Zhi asked.

"No need," Zhou Yu replied. "I don't need to warm up for you."

Xiao Beibei was immediately displeased. "What kind of attitude is that? What is that supposed to mean?"

Ignoring her, Zhou Yu patted the hand he was holding—Nianyu’s—and said, "Wait for me; it’ll be over quickly." He then addressed the group, "Everyone, spread out a bit more."

He cracked his neck and said, "Come on, old man. You wanted to see what I’m capable of, so today I’ll show you—without my blade."

Facing Zhou Yu, Xiao Zhi didn't dare to be complacent and immediately assumed a Tai Chi starting stance. Zhou Yu stopped joking and took up a Wing Chun guard. Xiao Zhi paused—Wing Chun? What was this kid up to?

"Old man, watch out. Here I come," Zhou Yu said, charging toward Xiao Zhi. He executed a front flip, slamming his right leg downward. Xiao Zhi grabbed Zhou Yu’s leg, intending to strike at his foot. Mid-air, Zhou Yu forced his body to rotate, swinging his left leg toward Xiao Zhi’s head.

The onlookers were stunned by the move. Wang Lingling pulled on Leng Yuhang’s sleeve and asked, "Can you do that move too?"

Leng Yuhang paused. "I know the technique, but I’ve never tried using it in a real fight."

"Why not?" Wang Lingling asked.

Leng Yuhang chuckled. "I’m not as reckless as he is. You have no idea how many bruises and injuries he sustained just to master that."

Wang Lingling fell silent, stunned.

Xiao Zhi had hesitated for a moment but reacted quickly, pushing off and sliding backward. As Zhou Yu landed, he said, "Let’s use Baji Quan; I like close-quarters combat too."

With that, Zhou Yu moved, and Xiao Zhi followed suit. They both unleashed a flurry of rapid-fire punches, then instantly pulled apart.

Zhou Yu laughed heartily. "Haha, that was exhilarating! It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered someone like this. Let’s keep going!"

Rubbing his chest, Xiao Zhi said, "Hold it. Again? Are you trying to be the death of me?"

Zhou Yu smiled. "Alright then, let's call it a day. Everyone, disperse."

The onlookers stood there in a daze, still reeling from the realization that their superior officer could strike with such incredible speed, and that the newcomer was just as formidable.