Chapter 1332 - 1308: The Battle of the Bet (2)

Chapter 1332: Chapter 1308: The Battle of the Bet (2)

Chu Qi controlled his retreating form, his sharp gaze sweeping towards Xiao Lin’s body technique, suspended in mid-air. The observers seemed to hold their breath, eager to see how Chu Qi would take on Xiao Lin’s next punch.

Everyone in the underground city knew that although their leader was fierce, compared to Xiao Lin he was just the tip of the iceberg. During their stay here, no one had truly seen Xiao Lin make a move; they only knew that in Sin City, if one encounters a person wielding two daggers, it’s best to stay far away. And now, watching Xiao Lin barehanded facing another in combat thrilled people beyond measure, with anticipation overtaking excitement.

After deflecting Xiao Lin’s strike, Chu Qi charged forward, his body bursting upwards, akin to a lion charging down from a mountain top, waving his claws with sheer strength, aiming fierce blows at Xiao Lin’s head.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Lin did not foresee the ferocity of Chu Qi’s next move. As he turned and leapt, Chu Qi simultaneously launched three different attacks, prompting Xiao Lin to exclaim in surprise; he too charged into Chu Qi’s punch wind.

The resounding clash reverberated deeply in the hearts of everyone present.

Lao Jiu stood with his hands clasped in fists at a high vantage, beside him were Yelü Shou and Troy, while Black Doctor stood at the innermost part of the circle, ready to treat any injured.

Yelü Shou silently watched Xiao Lin, feeling his skills had improved significantly, noting the clean speed of his punches. Currently, the situation was only discernible to the naked eye, indicating Xiao Lin hadn’t fully engaged yet. But as things started, this Chu Qi had made Xiao Lin serious, proving to be a worthy opponent.

"Hey, Yelü Shou, when they finish, why don’t we have a match too?" Lao Jiu shouted excitedly, looking at the two below, prompting Troy to join in the uproar at the mention of a fight.

"Boring!" Knowing the outcome without watching, Yelü Shou turned and left.

"You’re not watching?" Lao Jiu called after him!

"Matches with reserved power are dull." Xiao Lin had somewhat held back in this wager, several times hitting spots that were almost dissolved by the opponent. At first glance, it seemed Chu Qi was competent, but in truth, Xiao Lin used force to misalign his attacks, giving Chu Qi an opportunity.

"Young Master Xiao wants to retain such a person for our use, can’t you see?" Lao Jiu’s tone carried a hint of provocation. Yelü Shou merely smiled at him and refrained from engaging further, choosing instead to sit.

Suddenly, the activity in the center halted, followed by an explosive clash that split the trembling duo apart. Blood burst from tightly clenched fists, both having skin cracked to varying degrees from the heavy hits. Although Chu Qi’s shoulders shook, his eyes burned with an intense light.

"Military Doctor, truly impressive!" Chu Qi roared, charging again, this time radiating a scorching aura. Compared to before, his aura was steadier and calmer.

On the battlefield, the fear isn’t the enemy’s fierce and malicious tactics, but those who grow fiercer and calmer with each fight. Such individuals will objectively analyze situations, pinpointing their advantages and weaknesses to orchestrate counterattacks. Moreover, they possess outstanding mental resilience and persistence.

Xiao Lin discarded thoughts of toying, focusing entirely on Chu Qi. From the few effective strikes earlier, he noticed Chu Qi’s strength concentrated in his fists; though his footwork wasn’t weak, his punch pathways were peculiar, likely a self-created blend of techniques.

Seeing Xiao Lin not strike immediately, but instead staring at himself, Chu Qi felt doubtful, considering he might be awaiting an attack. However, he wasn’t willing to risk action either, thus staying still.

The tactic of immobility was utilized by both, each awaiting the other’s launch of a second wave of powerful blows, potentially the critical strike for victory.

As time ticked away, just as everyone was about to lose patience, Chu Qi silently darted towards Xiao Lin.

There was no roar, no whirlwind, only the simplest straight punch aimed at Xiao Lin’s center chest.

Such a move, under any circumstance, could be casually deflected or easily evaded without guarding, yet unexpectedly, Xiao Lin was hit solidly.

Even Lao Jiu couldn’t help but gasp, while Yelü Shou stepped forward just as Xiao Lin was struck by Chu Qi, sending him flying. Fortunately, Xiao Lin twisted midair, avoiding a collision with the wall.

"What’s going on here?" Yelü Shou felt perplexed, unexpectedly puzzled by the result of Chu Qi’s seemingly mundane technique.

"Who knows?" Lao Jiu’s thoughts mirrored Yelü Shou’s; perhaps Yelü Shou hadn’t noticed Chu Qi’s strike, but he had observed it all. Was it intentional by Xiao Lin, or did Chu Qi truly possess such capability?

Xiao Lin steadied himself, one hand clutched to his chest. Although Chu Qi’s move seemed ordinary, upon executing the straight punch, numerous fist strikes like raindrops exploded around, close enough to impact. Xiao Lin had presumed it to be a simple punch but realized the peculiarity too late. Though he evaded lethal impact, his chest still felt the raining blow.

For someone capable of striking Xiao Lin, the assassins present were astounded. They swiftly turned to Chu Qi, speculating about his identity. Though they found, much like their own identifications: an assassin, caught by Xiao Lin during an assassination attempt.

Seeing the successful hit, Chu Qi escalated with a storm-like rush, while Xiao Lin steadfastly defended, retaliating appropriately, but mainly focusing on defense, in a position of being hit.

Chu Qi’s fierce vigor bore the agility and might of a lion, unaffected by Xiao Lin’s uncharacteristic stance, reacting instinctively in his own manner.

Although Xiao Lin merely avoided, when met with dangerous moves, he could easily resolve them. What’s astonishing to all assassins was their inability to discern Xiao Lin’s movements; his speed left only afterimages.

Despite constant evasions and counter-strike responses, he never appeared disadvantaged, attesting to a draw where neither gained an upper hand.

"Finally serious, that person named Chu Qi is no simple figure." Yelü Shou remarked, witnessing Xiao Lin with a hint of expression on his face.

"Yes, the spectators might be clueless about Chu Qi’s techniques, yet Young Master Xiao has certainly become earnest because of this person." Lao Jiu concurred. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)