Chapter 45: A Brutal Confrontation
Among the twenty warriors participating in the competition, Yan Song was the most robust. Standing a little over one meter eighty, his face was resolute, his gaze sharp as lightning, and his hair cropped short like steel needles. Dressed in a camouflage vest, Yan Song stood on the stage, earning a round of applause from the crowd below.
The Old Wolf stepped onto the ring, baring his pale, vicious teeth at Yan Song’s ready posture. “So, you’re my opponent? Unlucky fellow. Do you know why they call me Old Wolf? Because I like to eat meat raw—human meat included!”
Yan Song’s expression was grave as he raised his hands and spoke quietly, “Enough talk. If you want to fight, come at me.”
Seeing Yan Song’s composure, Old Wolf shouted angrily, “Then die!” With a rush of wind, Old Wolf advanced, feet never pausing, lunging at Yan Song head-on. As his palms swung, there was a faint glint like cold steel.
Yan Song met the attack without panic, drawing strength from his core, his left elbow guarding his chest while his right fist aimed straight at Old Wolf’s fierce palm strike.
Within moments, fists and feet collided in close quarters, Yan Song and Old Wolf exchanging a flurry of blows. With a heavy punch, Yan Song struck Old Wolf’s shoulder, forcing distance between them, his face showing a hint of annoyance as he looked at his opponent.
Across Yan Song’s chest were two wounds a foot long, blood and flesh torn open, and his exposed arms bore several bloody gashes. He steadied his stance, took a breath, and became fully serious.
The crowd erupted in shouts; on the surface, Old Wolf had the upper hand. His palms bore inch-long, hardened nails—no one knew what training had produced them—which had inflicted some injury on Yan Song.
“Impressive, is that Eagle Claw technique?”
“Nonsense, who’s got martial arts these days? You think this is a kung fu movie?”
Amidst the murmurs, Yan Song let out a shout and launched a counterattack, targeting Old Wolf’s ribs and joints with fists and elbows.
Old Wolf secretly cursed. He hadn’t expected this recruit of less than three months to possess such formidable physique and strength; that punch had left his shoulder numb for several seconds, affecting his subsequent movements.
Now, as Yan Song began to attack seriously, Old Wolf was overwhelmed, forced to defend desperately. But facing Yan Song’s well-practiced combat skills, he could no longer fend him off.
Soon, Old Wolf screamed in pain as Yan Song’s powerful punch cracked his chest, the sound of bone breaking audible to all.
Old Wolf staggered back several steps, fell to the ground, and spat out a mouthful of blood. With a fierce glare, he struggled to rise.
Yan Song frowned and glanced at Cao Muhua, silently asking if he should continue.
Seeing Old Wolf gravely injured, Cao Muhua cursed, “Useless! Can’t even beat a recruit! If you die, don’t waste my food.”
Hearing this, Old Wolf’s face flushed as he roared, coughed up more blood, and charged at Yan Song, claws raised in a reckless assault.
Yan Song’s expression hardened—this was a battle to the death, and he could not hold back.
Memories flashed in Yan Song’s mind: comrades lost due to his own mistakes, the captain’s care for him, and the miraculous medicine he’d been given.
He stamped his foot, caught Old Wolf’s claws with both hands, and as Old Wolf paused to catch his breath, Yan Song shifted his weight and slammed into him—Mountain Press!
More bones cracked in Old Wolf’s body, blood gushed from his mouth, but his eyes remained stubbornly fixed on Yan Song.
Yan Song did not pause, rushed forward, and delivered a full-force kick to Old Wolf’s shoulder. With a strength of over twenty points, Old Wolf was knocked off the stage as though struck by a vehicle, landing heavily on the ground.
The crowd howled in dismay, as if unwilling to see Yan Song’s victory.
“Excellent! The first match goes to the Independent Company!”
Chen Yukai’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched Yan Song’s victory in just ten minutes, studying him closely.
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“This set of combat skills, every move and posture shows the composure of a veteran. Wang Ji is truly extraordinary,” Liu Tao remarked.
Chen Yukai nodded, saying, “It’s not just technique and experience. His physical reaction and strength are at the elite level of the army.”
The two exchanged glances, marveling—these recruits were all products of Wang Ji’s training!
After his victory, Yan Song felt much of the frustration in his heart dissipate, and he quickly left the stage.
“I did not fail my mission!” He saluted Wang Ji and Mouse once more.
Wang Ji approached with a smile. “Yan Song, I’m glad to see you back to your old self! Go treat your wounds quickly.”
The female soldier responsible for treating the injured hurriedly pulled Yan Song aside for disinfection and bandaging.
“Yan Song, once this matter is cleared up, return to your post and help us. We need talents like you.”
Wang Ji patted Yan Song’s shoulder, showing encouragement and hope.
Yan Song straightened, suppressing his emotions, and after a moment saluted in reply. “Yes, Captain!”
Wang Ji smiled with satisfaction. Yan Song overcoming his psychological shadow was Wang Ji’s greatest gain in this affair.
As the most talented soldier in this group, Wang Ji had always regretted Yan Song’s troubles. Since the incident at the fuel depot, Yan Song had dutifully trained and carried out orders, but Wang Ji could still see him trapped by guilt.
Such issues could only be resolved by the person himself, and today, unexpectedly, Yan Song had found his way.
“Proceed with the next match,” Chen Yukai ordered as Cao Muhua had Old Wolf carried off, immediately arranging the next bout.
Now, it was Wang Ji’s team’s turn.
Mouse glanced at the soldiers, now fired up by Yan Song’s victory, and said with a smile, “Next up, Lin Zheng!”
Lin Zheng, just twenty, was well-built, his dark face still bearing traces of youth. Hearing Mouse’s call, he excitedly took off his jacket and folded it neatly aside.
He stretched his limbs and prepared to mount the stage.
Wang Ji, seeing this young man close to his own age, spoke warmly, “Don’t feel pressured—we’ve already won one round.”
Lin Zheng smiled gratefully, sensing Wang Ji’s concern in his words.
“Captain! Don’t worry, I’ll complete the mission!”
With that, Lin Zheng took the stage and waited for his opponent.
Meanwhile, Cao Muhua, still angry, saw that Wang Ji had sent up a mere twenty-year-old recruit and felt deeply insulted.
“Damn it! Wang Zhenhu, get up there. If you lose, pay with your life!”
Cao Muhua’s words caused a stir among those nearby.
Wang Zhenhu was the king of soldiers in Chen Yukai’s battalion! Since enlisting, he’d held the title for years, later joining Cao Muhua’s Second Company as chief of the guards—a man of unparalleled brute strength.
As Wang Zhenhu was called, the crowd erupted in cheers.
He was the burly captain who had previously glared at Mouse. After acknowledging Cao Muhua’s command, he turned and stepped onto the ring.
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The defeat of Old Wolf in the first match had left Wang Zhenhu displeased.
“Kid, better surrender now, or my fists will be nothing like Old Wolf’s!” Wang Zhenhu rolled his shoulders before Lin Zheng.
Lin Zheng felt the pressure emanating from Wang Zhenhu and thought soberly, This guy is strong—even stronger than my own improvements! His face grew serious as he replied, “Don’t worry, there are no cowards in the Independent Company!”
Never lose in spirit—that was his creed, the principle that had allowed him to stand out in the company.
Mouse, seeing their captain on stage, exploded with fury, “Shameless!”
Changing fighters on the spot violated basic rules, but Wang Ji held Mouse back.
Through the X-system’s scan, Wang Ji saw that Wang Zhenhu’s strength was at 25 points. Fortunately, Lin Zheng had an edge in agility—otherwise he’d have no chance at all.
“Lin Zheng! Be careful. If you can’t hold out, surrender—there’s no shame!” Wang Ji shouted, easing Lin Zheng’s burden.
Lin Zheng said nothing, only nodded slightly, focusing all his attention on Wang Zhenhu.
“This Tiger Subduing Fist—I’ve practiced it for twenty-five years. If you can withstand three strikes, you win!” Wang Zhenhu arrogantly took his stance and faced Lin Zheng.
Lin Zheng crouched, body leaning forward, hands raised in basic defense.
“Hah!”
Wang Zhenhu shouted, stepping forward in a chain of stable movements, pushing toward Lin Zheng like a mountain.
His punch aimed straight for Lin Zheng’s chest!
Lin Zheng concentrated, feeling the fierce wind from Wang Zhenhu’s fist. He crossed his arms to protect his chest, shifted his steps, moving like a boat facing an oncoming storm.
“So strong! I can’t go head-to-head—I need to use speed to dodge and look for an opening to attack!”
Knocked back several steps by Wang Zhenhu’s punch, Lin Zheng only managed to dissipate the force after retreating. His arms throbbed with pain; if not for his improved physique, his bones would have fractured.
“Oh? That’s surprising!” Wang Zhenhu looked intrigued. “So you have such strength hidden beneath that slight build. Now I’ll get serious!”
Wang Zhenhu threw himself into the fight, seemingly exhilarated to find a worthy opponent, punching at Lin Zheng again and again.
Lin Zheng, having tested Wang Zhenhu’s power, dared not clash directly, instead using his speed to dodge and evade the attacks.
The two chased each other across the ring, shouts echoing all around.
The crowd was excited; Wang Zhenhu’s combat prowess renewed their hopes for victory, and their spirits soared as they cheered him on.
Cao Muhua sat smugly in his chair, watching Lin Zheng struggle to avoid Wang Zhenhu’s attacks, savoring his hot tea.
“See that? The people are with us!”
Wang Ji and Mouse watched Wang Zhenhu with grave expressions—this man’s overall strength surpassed everyone on their side, and only Mouse, after repeated enhancements, might stand a chance.
“Captain, this guy is too strong—should I go up instead?” Mouse whispered to Wang Ji, suggesting surrender.
Wang Ji shook his head slightly. “Wait and see how long Lin Zheng can hold out.”