Chapter 21: Exiting the Long Alley, Facing the Light
Chapter 21: Exiting the Long Alley, Facing the Light
Chen Chuan's Second Self had now overlapped with his current self for over a minute, which was more than enough for him at this moment.
As the two selves merged, his running speed became astonishingly fast. In the blink of an eye, he rushed to the front, nearly reaching the person ahead of him. That person hurriedly raised a metal pipe, but Chen Chuan shook his hand, and the two stones he held flew out first.
A cry of pain came from the front, and with a quick push off the ground, he lunged forward with a knee strike. Before the person could even finish their scream, they were knocked back, causing the people behind to be blocked as well.
As he landed, he grabbed the collar of the person in front and pulled them to the right, swinging them up to block the incoming attacker.
Hearing the wind from behind, he bent down, dodging the sweeping pipe above. Without turning around, he leaned back, and with an elbow strike to the attacker's abdomen, they instantly crumpled to the ground.
A figure on the side moved, swinging a metal pipe downwards. Chen Chuan lifted his left arm to block it without changing his expression. With a swift motion, he grabbed the pipe and threw a punch, hitting the attacker's nose bridge. The attacker's head snapped back, and they released the pipe, covering their face as they retreated into the crowd.
At this moment, he heard hurried footsteps and shouts from behind, knowing that the people were rushing towards him.
Ignoring them, he advanced towards the crowd ahead. As he got closer, he took a step to the right, and with a natural motion, swept the pipe towards the crowd. This strike utilized the Whip Arm technique of Major Free Fighting, twisting his waist and swinging his arm like a whip, instantly hitting the forearm of an incoming person. The arm visibly bent, and the pipe clattered to the ground.
His movements were fluid, and with a waist-driven arm swing, he swept the pipe to the left, hitting someone's knee. That person seemed unaware at first, and as they took a half-step forward, their legs suddenly gave way, and they fell to the ground, clutching their knee and wailing in pain.
Chen Chuan kept moving as he swung the pipe, ensuring his mobility. After two strikes, he had already passed by, and during this, two people tried to embrace him, intending to restrain him. If they succeeded, it would be difficult for him to use his skills with the crowd pressing in.
However, with the enhancement of the Second Self, his footsteps were incredibly fast. He swiftly glided past the two people, leaving them off-balance and falling forward. Their momentum caused those around them to tumble as well.
Chen Chuan had now emerged through the crowd, and ahead, a robust man wearing work pants stood firmly, giving off a unique aura. As Chen Chuan approached, the man raised his metal pipe, aiming it straight at Chen Chuan's center.
Chen Chuan sidestepped while simultaneously lifting his other hand to deflect and push. His fingers slightly spread, ready to grasp the pipe if it came within reach. However, the man's upper arm remained still, and with a quick wrist rotation, the pipe was maneuvered to avoid being grabbed, abruptly striking towards Chen Chuan's face!
Chen Chuan's reflexes were even faster. Before the pipe could reach his face, his footsteps carried his body away, creating distance. The robust man's offensive continued; he lifted his right leg, bent backward, and with a swift motion, flipped upside down, thrusting the pipe like a spear. This strike was both fast and accurate, catching Chen Chuan off guard.
Chen Chuan responded by pushing off with one foot, not retreating but advancing. He tilted his head and lunged forward, allowing the pipe to graze past his cheek while simultaneously throwing a punch to the opponent's side ribs. The force of the punch lifted the opponent's body off the ground, eliciting a muffled groan.
Chen Chuan noticed that the opponent was still gripping the pipe tightly, seemingly unwilling to surrender. He swiftly raised his knee and kicked the opponent's chin, causing broken teeth to fly out, mixed with blood and saliva. The robust man flipped backward, and a moment later, his body heavily hit the ground.
Chen Chuan retracted his foot, his body motionless, and glanced back. Only one person remained, their eyes filled with fear. As Chen Chuan's gaze swept over, they took a few steps back and then threw away the pipe, turning to flee.
At the other end of the alley, the rushing footsteps gradually slowed down, and soon, all sounds ceased.
Chen Chuan turned around, holding a steel pipe, and walked towards the group. Despite the presence of seven or eight people, they instinctively retreated as he approached, backing away as he advanced.
Chen Chuan, with a calm expression, walked through the crowd of wailing and moaning people, all the way back to where he had initially stood. He tossed the steel pipe forward, and it clanged loudly on the ground, startling the group into retreating a few more steps.
Chen Chuan picked up his clothes, brushed off the dust, and draped them over his shoulder. He walked towards the end of the alley, where sunlight bathed the ground.
This time, the remaining people did not dare to stop him. They merely watched with awe and fear as he left.
Inside the rented room, Qi, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, stood by the window. His eyes twitched slightly, and the man in the floral shirt was even more astonished, his mouth agape, and his eyes filled with disbelief and a hint of fear. "This... this kid, he's so strong..."
On the other side, Wei Dong, the young boy, had already jumped down from the upper floor, intending to help Chen Chuan. But before he could even reach the ground, the fight was over. Wei Dong stared at Chen Chuan's departing figure, his face filled with surprise. "Wow, is this really necessary?"
From the moment Chen Chuan took action to the moment he defeated them, only seven to eight seconds had passed. The speed, strength, and reflexes he displayed were unlike anything he had ever seen in his peers.
Wei Dong glanced around, seemingly stimulated, then quickly climbed back into his room. Soon, the sound of punching a punching bag echoed from within.
Chen Chuan had already left the alley and arrived at a four-corner phone booth. He picked up the receiver, dropped in a coin, dialed a number, and waited for the connection. "Patrol Bureau? I'm looking for Captain Nian Fuli, my uncle. I have a matter to discuss with him."
After a while, Nian Fuli's voice came through. "Chen Chuan? What's the matter?"
Chen Chuan had not inquired about the attackers' origins earlier, as he knew the Patrol Bureau would investigate.
"Are you alright?" Nian Fuli asked.
"I'm fine, just a bit heavy-handed."
"Did you bring your bag?"
"I've been running back and forth these days, so I didn't bring it."
"I understand. Go back first, I'll handle it."
Inside the Patrol Bureau, Nian Fuli hung up the phone, his face turning grim. "Xiao Wu, come here."
A young, capable patroller immediately approached. "Sir?"
"Take some men to West Gang District." Nian Fuli instructed, then whispered a few more words. Xiao Wu nodded, bowed, and left. Soon, a sharp whistle and the sound of marching boots echoed outside.
Nian Fuli picked up the receiver again, dialed a number, and said, "Hello, Old Yu? It's Old Nian..."
Chen Chuan hung up the phone, stepping out of the phone booth. At this moment, the shadow of his second self seemed more solid.
He looked up at the azure blue sky, not a wisp of cloud in sight.
Tomorrow was the enrollment day.
(End of Chapter)
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