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Chapter 12: The Duel
Chapter 12: The Duel
Yu Gang stepped outside and saw over a dozen people gathered in the open area. Most of them were scattered around, dressed in deep blue work uniforms. Each person had their fists wrapped in shiny silver chains, giving off a fierce aura.
Four individuals stood at the forefront, led by a man in his thirties with a short stature. He wore rimless glasses and an old-style plain-collar robe. Behind him were two middle-aged burly men, and a bit further back stood a young man with a shaved head, his eyes radiating defiance, seemingly in his early twenties.
Upon seeing Yu Gang, the leader smiled and clasped his fists, saying, "Mr. Yu, it's been a long time since we last met."
Yu Gang returned the gesture, saying, "I didn't expect Mr. Qi to grace us with his presence. My place is simple, and I have nothing to offer as hospitality. Please forgive me."
Mr. Qi sighed and said, "Nonsense, I didn't come here to drink tea or wine. I'm here to see you, Mr. Yu."
Yu Gang replied, "I'm just an ordinary martial arts coach. There's nothing special to see."
Mr. Qi smiled and said, "Mr. Yu, there's no need for modesty. Who doesn't know of your skills? I came here today specifically to invite you to join our Iron Chain Gang. Please, don't refuse us just yet..."
He waved his hand and continued, "We know you have troubles, but we can help you solve them."
Yu Gang spoke in a low voice, "My problems are not something the Iron Chain Gang can handle. It will only bring you trouble."
Mr. Qi didn't seem to care, or perhaps he was extremely confident. He said, "How can we know if we don't try? Those in power are not to be trifled with, but neither is the Iron Chain Gang. If you join us, we'll be brothers, and your problems will be our problems. We'll help you, and in a way that satisfies you, Mr. Yu."
Yu Gang remained silent.
At that moment, Mr. Qi clasped his hands again, ensuring everyone present could hear him. He said, "Mr. Yu, if you join the Iron Chain Gang, I can become your disciple. Surely, you won't doubt our sincerity then, right?"
Yu Gang couldn't help but fall silent. The Iron Chain Gang wasn't known for being kind. With the conversation reaching this point, he had to give a clear response, or else it would be a loss of face for these people.
Mr. Qi maintained his smile and the gesture of clasping his hands, waiting for Yu Gang's reply.
After a moment, Yu Gang seemed to have made a decision. He looked at Mr. Qi and the others and said, "Well, I, Yu Gang, only know how to fight. Let my student fight your man. If your man wins, I'll agree to join the Iron Chain Gang. If your man loses, at least don't come looking for me for a year."
Mr. Qi seemed to have expected this and lowered his hand, smiling. "We'll give Mr. Yu face." He turned and called out, "Ding Shuo!"
"Here!" The shaved-head young man in his early twenties stepped forward and said, "Mr. Qi."
Mr. Qi said, "You go and spar with Mr. Yu's student. Be careful. Mr. Yu is skilled, and his student is likely no pushover."
Ding Shuo looked at Lu Ke, who was standing behind Yu Gang, and glared at him fiercely.
Yu Gang called Lu Ke over and instructed him, "Lu Ke, go and fight him, but be careful." Lu Ke, a bit nervous, agreed, "Yes, Master."
Mr. Qi said, "Mr. Yu, we're all friends here. There's no need for life or death. Just touch and stop." He turned to his side, "Ding Shuo, did you hear that?"
Ding Shuo said, "Mr. Qi, watch closely." He took off his top, revealing his muscular body. He took out a hand wrap from his pocket and bound his hands before starting to jump and warm up his body.
Lu Ke also began warming up, but he seemed a bit out of it, constantly taking deep breaths.
At this moment, Chen Chuan stood at the entrance of the training ground, observing the commotion outside. The Iron Chain Gang and the Bloodstain Gang were the two largest gangs in Yangzhi City, often clashing with each other.
He wasn't aware of the specifics of their feud, but he had heard that the Bloodstain Gang had the backing of the Mo Lan Corporation. The Iron Chain Gang, being able to stand up to the Bloodstain Gang, likely had the support of some powerful force as well.
He didn't know why they had come for Yu Gang this time. To be fair, if Yu Gang were to be recruited by the Iron Chain Gang, it would disrupt his training plans...
After a short wait, Lu Ke and Ding Shuo were ready. They stepped into the open area, exchanged customary fist salutes, and then took a few steps back to assume their stances.
Ding Shuo grinned and charged forward, immediately executing a leaping knee strike at Lu Ke with exceptional ferocity.
Lu Ke quickly dodged to the side. As Ding Shuo landed, he nimbly pivoted and matched Lu Ke's pace, unleashing a ferocious combination of punches. Suddenly, he followed up with a swift low sweep, but Lu Ke showed no weakness, blocking it with a timely knee lift. However, the kick seemed powerful, forcing Lu Ke to sidestep to dissipate the force.
Chen Chuan observed closely, judging from Ding Shuo's smooth force exertion and the barely discernible exhalation, he concluded that this person had also mastered the breathing technique. However, if Lu Ke performed normally, he still had a chance.
Lu Ke dodged repeatedly under Ding Shuo's aggressive attacks, maintaining a relatively stable defense while searching for his opponent's vulnerabilities.
Soon, he found an opportunity. After Ding Shuo's two punches, just as he was about to sweep with his leg, Lu Ke suddenly raised his leg and countered with a straight kick to Ding Shuo's abdomen.
This kick was impressive, not only disrupting Ding Shuo's upcoming kick but also delivering a powerful counterattack.
This strike should have disrupted Ding Shuo's rhythm, marking the beginning of a counterattack. Unexpectedly, Ding Shuo not only didn't break his momentum but also thrust his abdomen forward. Lu Ke felt a force pushing back from his foot, causing him to involuntarily stumble backward.
Given his physical condition, he should have quickly regained his balance. However, it seemed like he had a muscle spasm, and his legs suddenly went soft, causing him to fall to the ground. He quickly flipped over and knelt, raising a fist in front of him to guard against Ding Shuo's subsequent attacks.
Instead of rushing forward, Ding Shuo took a couple of steps back and gestured with his palm, seemingly telling Lu Ke to get up quickly.
At this moment, Chen Chuan noticed a flush on Lu Ke's face, and his breathing became rapid. He recalled something and turned to look at Lu Ke's usual spot, where he saw a small medicine bottle next to Lu Ke's water bottle, its lid open with two pale yellow pills inside.
Lu Ke took a deep breath and stood up. Ding Shuo then lunged forward, and a gust of fist wind rushed toward him. Instinctively, he raised his arm to block, but before he could, his ribs were struck by a knee, causing him to grunt and stumble a few steps backward, collapsing to the ground. He managed to prop himself up with his arm, preventing a complete fall.
It was now evident to everyone that something was wrong with him.
Ding Shuo, dissatisfied, asked, "What are you doing? Are you ill?"
Yu Gang sighed softly and said, "Lu Ke, come back." He paused, then continued, "Mr. Qi, this round..."
"Wait a moment, Teacher Yu."
A voice came from inside the building.
Mr. Qi and the others followed the sound and saw a well-proportioned, handsome young man walking out.
Chen Chuan approached Yu Gang and said, "Teacher Yu, I can also be considered your student, right? Brother Lu seems to have some health issues, and this fight is a bit unfair. The outcome is still undecided, can I take his place and continue?"
Yu Gang looked at him and said, "You don't need to step in; this isn't your concern."
Chen Chuan replied seriously, "Teacher Yu, this is now my concern as well. You know, if that's the result, I might not be able to continue studying with you."
If it were just about Teacher Yu Gang, he wouldn't have taken the initiative to step in. However, Mr. Nian LiFu had reminded him that Teacher Yu Gang had a case, so he should just follow and learn without getting too close. Perhaps there was something to be cautious about. But if Teacher Yu Gang joined the Iron Chain Gang, to avoid suspicion, he would definitely not be able to continue learning with him. So, he might as well take the initiative to try to change things.
Mr. Qi smiled and said, "Teacher Yu, isn't he also your student? Since it was agreed that your student would fight, letting him take over is also following the rules."
Ding Shuo clicked his tongue, but he had no objections. Winning against a sick person didn't bring him any satisfaction, and the previous rounds had only served to warm him up.
Seeing that they had no objections, Yu Gang considered for a moment and said to Chen Chuan, "Be careful, this Ding Xiao's punches and kicks are formidable."
Chen Chuan immediately understood that formidable punches and kicks meant other skills were slightly inferior, so he could fight more freely.
Lu Ke got up, holding his ribs, and approached Yu Gang. He said, "Master, I..."
Yu Gang patted his shoulder and said, "Don't overthink it. It was Master's negligence. Go back and take your medicine quickly."
Lu Ke softly acknowledged and turned to glance at Chen Chuan, who was starting to warm up. He took a deep breath and slowly walked back into the building.
Chen Chuan soon finished his warm-up and stepped onto the open ground, facing Ding Shuo.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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