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Chapter 12: The Duel
Chapter 12: The Duel
Upon stepping outside, Yu Gang found himself in the presence of over a dozen individuals gathered in an open area. Most of them were scattered around the periphery, dressed in deep blue work attire, with their fists adorned by layers of polished silver chains, exuding a fierce and intimidating demeanor.
Among them, four individuals stood at the forefront, led by a man in his thirties, of short stature, wearing plain glasses and an old-fashioned collarless robe. Behind him were two middle-aged burly men, and slightly further back stood a defiant-looking young man in his early twenties with a shaved head.
Spotting Yu Gang, the leader of the group smiled, clenched his fist in greeting, and said, "Master 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 here. I, Yu, have a humble abode, and I have nothing worthy of offering as hospitality. Please forgive my inadequacy."
Mr. Qi sighed and said, "Nonsense, my visit today is not for tea or wine, but solely to meet with you, Master Yu."
Yu Gang humbly replied, "I am but an ordinary martial arts coach. There's nothing special about me."
Mr. Qi smiled and said, "Master Yu, there's no need for such modesty. Who doesn't know of your skills? I've come here today specifically to invite you to join our Iron Chain Gang. Ah, Master Yu, please don't rush to refuse..."
He waved his hand and added, "We are aware of your troubles, Master Yu, but we can help you resolve them."
Yu Gang's voice turned grave as he said, "My problems are not something the Iron Chain Gang can solve. It will only bring trouble to you."
Mr. Qi, brimming with confidence, replied, "How can we know without trying? Master Yu, those in power are not to be trifled with, but neither is our Iron Chain Gang. Once you join us, we become brothers, and your problems become ours. We will help you, and in a way that will satisfy you, Master Yu."
Yu Gang remained silent.
At this moment, Mr. Qi bowed slightly, ensuring his voice carried to everyone present, and said, "Master Yu, if you join the Iron Chain Gang, I, Qi, can become your disciple. This way, Master Yu, you won't doubt our gang's sincerity, will you?"
Yu Gang couldn't help but fall silent. The Iron Chain Gang was not a group to be taken lightly, and with the conversation reaching this point, a clear response was necessary, or it would be a loss of face for these people.
Mr. Qi maintained his smile and bowing posture, awaiting Yu Gang's reply.
After a moment, Yu Gang seemed to make a decision. He turned to Mr. Qi and the others, saying, "Alright, I, Yu, know nothing but combat. Let my student fight one of your men. If they win, I will agree to join the Iron Chain Gang. If they lose, at least for this year, don't bother me."
Mr. Qi, seemingly expecting this, lowered his hand and smiled, "We will give Master Yu this face." He turned and called out, "Ding Shuo!"
"Coming!" The young man with the shaved head, about twenty years old, stepped forward and said, "Mr. Qi."
Mr. Qi said, "You fight with Master Yu's student, be careful. Master Yu's skills are exceptional, and his student will likely be no less."
Ding Shuo glared at Lu Ke, who was standing behind Yu Gang.
Yu Gang called Lu Ke over and instructed, "Lu Ke, you go and fight him. Be cautious." Lu Ke, a bit nervous, replied, "Yes, Master."
Mr. Qi said, "Mr. Yu, we are all brothers here. There's no life or death, only a friendly match. Ding Shuo, did you hear me?"
Ding Shuo responded, "Mr. Qi, watch me." He removed his top, revealing well-defined muscles. He took out a hand wrap from his pocket and bound his hands, then started jumping and moving to warm up.
Lu Ke also began his warm-up, but he seemed a bit tense, taking deep breaths.
Chen Chuan arrived at the entrance of the training ground, observing the scene. 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 knew that the Bloodstain Gang had the backing of Ink Orchid Group. For the Iron Chain Gang to stand against them, they must also have the support of some powerful force.
He wondered why they had sought out Yu Gang this time. Honestly, 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. Following the custom, they bowed to each other in greeting, then retreated a few steps to assume their stances.
Ding Shuo grinned and lunged forward, executing a leaping knee strike at Lu Ke, appearing extremely fierce.
Lu Ke quickly dodged to the side. After Ding Shuo landed, he nimbly turned and matched Lu Ke's pace, unleashing a fierce combination of punches. Suddenly, he followed up with a swift low kick, which Lu Ke blocked with a timely knee lift. However, the force of the kick seemed immense, forcing Lu Ke to sidestep to mitigate the impact.
Chen Chuancai observed Ding Shuo's technique closely, noting the smoothness of his movements and the barely discernible sound of his breathing. He concluded that Ding also possessed breath control skills, but Lu Ke still had a chance if he performed to his usual standard.
Lu Ke, despite being on the defensive, managed to find an opportunity to counterattack. As Ding Shuo threw two punches, Lu Ke seized the moment and kicked, striking Ding's abdomen. This elegant move not only disrupted Ding's kick but also provided a powerful counter.
This strike should have disrupted Ding's rhythm and initiated a counterattack, but unexpectedly, Ding maintained his stance and even advanced, causing Lu Ke to stumble backward.
Lu Ke's physical condition should have allowed him to regain his balance quickly, but he seemed to cramp up, and his legs gave way, causing him to fall to the ground. He quickly flipped over and knelt, bracing himself with a fist extended in front for defense against Ding's potential strikes.
Instead of rushing forward, Ding took a couple of steps back and gestured for Lu Ke to get up.
At this moment, Chen noticed a small medicine bottle next to Lu Ke's usual water bottle. The lid was not secured, and two light yellow pills were still inside.
Lu Ke took a deep breath, stood up, and faced Ding. Ding lunged forward, and Lu Ke instinctively raised his arm to block, but before he could, he was struck in the ribs by Ding's knee, causing him to grunt in pain and stumble.
Lu Ke managed to stay on his feet, supporting himself with his arms. It was evident to everyone that something was wrong.
Ding Shuo, annoyed, asked, "Hey, what are you doing? Are you sick or something?"
Yu Gang sighed and said, "Lu Ke, come back." He paused, "Mr. Qi, this round..."
"Wait, Teacher Yu."
A voice came from inside the building.
Mr. Qi and the others turned to see a well-proportioned and handsome young man stepping out.
Chen approached Yu Gang and said, "Teacher Yu, I consider myself your student as well. Brother Lu seems unwell, and continuing this match would be unfair. Can I take his place since the outcome is still undecided?"
Yu Gang replied, "You don't need to do this; it's not your concern."
Chen insisted, "Teacher Yu, it's not just about me now; it's also about me. You understand that if things turn out that way, I might not be able to continue learning from you."
If it were solely Yu Gang's issue, he wouldn't have intervened, but Nian Fuli had reminded him that Yu Gang had a case, and he should learn from him. However, if Yu Gang joined the Iron Chain Gang, to avoid any suspicion, he wouldn't be able to continue learning from him. So, Chen decided to step in and try to make a change.
Mr. Qi smiled and said, "Teacher Yu, this is also your concern. Since it was agreed that your student would fight, letting him take over is within the rules."
Ding scoffed but didn't mind. He didn't feel satisfied defeating someone who was unwell, and the previous rounds had only served as a warm-up.
Yu Gang, seeing no objections, cautioned Chen, "Be careful, this Ding fellow's punches and kicks are formidable."
Chen understood that he could fight more freely, as Ding's other skills were slightly inferior.
Lu Ke got up, clutching his ribs, and approached Yu Gang. "Teacher..."
Yu Gang patted his shoulder and said, "Don't overthink it. It was my oversight. Go and take your medicine."
Lu Ke quietly acknowledged and glanced at Chen, who was warming up nearby. He took a deep breath and slowly made his way back inside.
After a short warm-up, Chen stepped onto the open ground, facing Ding.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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