Chapter 66: Drinking and Grilling Skewers Is the Real Business!
Zhang Ze and Lin Dong began their sparring match, while the other two groups had already finished their competitions. It was worth mentioning that Leng Bingbing advanced as a representative of the Yangyue Martial Arts Academy. Moreover, she was the only female fighter to emerge from the group stages.
The final qualifier from Group Six was a young man named Cheng Ren. He hailed from Changxing Martial Arts Academy in Heyue City, and his strength caught the attention of many. The last person to be defeated by Cheng Ren was Li Zixing, who bore a swollen face resembling a pig’s head. Whether Li Zixing’s loss was due to his new skin, no one could say for sure.
With Groups Six and Seven concluded, the crowd’s gaze shifted to Zhang Ze.
…
The outcome was not surprising; Lin Dong, who had not yet reached the second rank, could only suffer defeat at the hands of Zhang Ze. In fact, once Zhang Ze learned that both Jiuhua Sect and Huizhou Logistics would be involved in this martial arts exchange, he began to prepare in earnest.
Fortunately, Zhang Ze had a system at his disposal, along with the Qi-boosting pills he had prepared beforehand. Just last night, he had refined the fourth meridian in his upper limbs, and his physical strength had correspondingly increased.
With his strength now above 300, and having kept up with his training in martial techniques and stances, Zhang Ze went on to defeat three opponents in a row, becoming the last member to qualify from the group stages.
…
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the news.”
With Zhang Ze’s qualification, the first phase of this martial arts exchange came to an end. Zhao Jinghong did not rush to dismiss the participants; instead, he spoke gravely: “The eight martial arts academy students who have distinguished themselves will now exchange with disciples from Huizhou Logistics and Jiuhua Sect.”
“Of course, these exchanges will help you better understand yourselves and achieve greater progress.”
After this rare speech, Zhao Jinghong introduced the two men beside him—Hu Guanghui and Duan Qingkuang!
The former was the head of Huizhou Logistics, while Duan Qingkuang was the younger brother of the current Jiuhua Sect leader.
Zhang Ze was not surprised by their identities; what caught his attention was the list of the eight qualifying students Zhao Jinghong announced.
Group One: Jia Zhengyi (Mengyang Martial Arts Academy)
Group Two: Qi Lijun (Bangqing Martial Arts Academy)
Group Three: Qian Xiaoming (Longhu Martial Arts Club)
Group Four: Liu Qianqian (Yongsheng Martial Arts Academy)
Group Five: Fang Ying (Liuqing Martial Arts Academy)
Group Seven: Leng Bingbing (Yangyue Martial Arts Academy)
Group Eight: Zhang Ze (Yongsheng Martial Arts Academy)
…
After detailing the eight qualifiers, Zhao Jinghong revealed a piece of information everyone was eager to hear.
Anqing Martial Bureau would select four individuals from the thirteen remaining competitors. These four would not need to undergo the September assessment at the bureau.
Upon hearing this, the crowd broke into discussion. Zhao Jinghong, having explained the next steps, left with Hu Guanghui and Duan Qingkuang.
As everyone exited the training ground, chatter erupted.
Amusingly, this time Qianqian and Peng Fei did not approach Leng Bingbing and her companion. Not because they feared Li Zixing, but because as soon as they stepped outside, Leng Bingbing and Zhang Qingping came over of their own accord.
“Hey—”
“I didn’t expect Yongsheng Martial Arts Academy to be so strong,” Leng Bingbing said with a gentle smile to Zhang Ze.
He nodded, not feeling the need to say more just because of her attractive appearance.
But she was right; with two of the eight spots claimed by Yongsheng Martial Arts Academy, their performance was impressive.
…
As the group chatted, Zhang Ze noticed someone missing from his side.
He asked the Jinlong brothers, “Did Tiger go to tend to his injuries? I haven’t seen him around.”
Everyone paused, realizing they hadn’t noticed Cai Hu’s absence amid Zhao Jinghong’s announcement. They shook their heads; none knew where he had gone.
Finally, team leader Zhao Wu spoke gravely: “Cai Hu received a phone call and left immediately.”
“Now that you mention it, his state seemed off at the time.”
After Zhao Wu finished speaking, Zhang Ze frowned.
He called twice, but no one answered; everyone sensed something was wrong.
…
“He’s eighteen or nineteen, surely he can’t have been abducted?” Zhang Qingping said softly, seeing the group’s concern.
Leng Bingbing agreed, then turned to Qianqian and Peng Fei: “The next match is the day after tomorrow. Aren’t you going to celebrate?”
There was little they could do about Cai Hu at the moment. Hearing Leng Bingbing’s question, Zhang Ze smiled, “What do you suggest?”
“Are the two of you planning to join us?” he added.
Before he could finish, Peng Fei nudged him in the side with his elbow.
Peng Fei, trying to ingratiate himself, moved beside Leng Bingbing and asked eagerly, “Do you ladies have any good ideas?”
…
In truth, Leng Bingbing could hardly be blamed for meddling.
She was usually gentle and shy, but the reason she brought Zhang Qingping along to join Zhang Ze and the others was because someone had told her Peng Fei was secretly fond of her friend.
Wishing to play matchmaker for Peng Fei and Zhang Qingping, Leng Bingbing made her suggestion.
…
In the end, under the two women’s proposal, everyone headed to a bustling street-side barbecue stand.
Leng Bingbing, ever thoughtful, arranged for her friend Zhang Qingping to sit next to Peng Fei.
Noticing her subtle maneuver and seeing Qianqian’s mischievous grin, Zhang Ze immediately guessed the reason.
He thought, “Qianqian must have been playing the matchmaker for Peng Fei!”
“You young ladies, how do you manage to like street-side stalls?” Zhang Ze asked with a knowing smile as he turned to Leng Bingbing.
She was surprised, her pout showing her displeasure, “What do you mean, ‘young ladies’?”
“And what’s wrong with street stalls?”
With her retort, Zhang Ze shook his head, deciding not to press further.
Leng Bingbing, her voice soft, turned to Qianqian with concern, “Did you take your medicine for your injuries? Are you still going to drink beer?”
Peng Fei, annoyed he wasn’t sitting with Leng Bingbing, grew jealous at her attention to Qianqian and said, “Don’t worry, I checked on the way here. The hospital is just a hundred meters away.”
“If anything happens to Qianqian, we’ll make it in time!”
Leng Bingbing was speechless.
…
As the group drank beer, enjoyed skewers, joked, and flirted, none noticed Li Zixing’s figure nearby.
But they were somewhat flustered by someone asking for directions.
“Hey—”
“Zhang Ze, walk me back to the dormitory!”
Just as they were enjoying themselves, Zhang Ze almost choked when Qi Lijun, a grown man, said such a thing.