Silence. A deathly stillness pervaded the scene.

No one dared to breathe loudly; no one dared to break the silence.

The sight was simply too shocking. It signified not only that Chen Fei's strength far exceeded Luo Gang's, but that even Liu Chun—the Major Team Leader of their Flying Leopard Branch base—had been defeated right before their eyes! This was the contemporary head of the Drifting Snow Sect, a Third-Tier Ancient Martial Arts faction famous within the Circle of Ancient Martial Arts. Yet, he was no match for Chen Fei, who was still so young.

"I'll break one of your hands as a punishment. If you're not convinced, shall we continue?" Chen Fei said emotionlessly, his gaze cold. He looked down at Liu Chun, who trembled and slumped to the ground, his own eyes filled with awe and fear.

That was just the kind of person he was. He could often smile and chat amiably, but if you insisted on being unreasonable, pushing your luck, and looking for trouble—especially over matters of principle—the ruthless nature buried in his bones would be ignited. Might as well have a fight first. I'd really like to see just how tough you think you are.

HISS!

Upon hearing Chen Fei's cold, emotionless voice, everyone present shuddered, a bone-deep chill rising up their spines.

Liu Chun's vicious reputation within Flying Leopard was no joke. He was the epitome of arrogance, with a sinister and cruel personality, and his methods were naturally brutal. The slightest disagreement would often lead to him breaking someone's limbs. Even Lei Long's words had minimal effect on him. Normally, no one dared to provoke him.

But now, this very man, a figure they considered synonymous with 'danger,' was being stepped on and mocked by a young man barely in his twenties. It felt like a dream, utterly incredible.

This was especially true for Instructor Lei Long. Having once possessed the strength of a King of Soldiers, he knew better than anyone that even a novice First-Class Ancient Warrior possessed a terrifying power unimaginable to ordinary people. Once such a person was enraged, they could not be bound by mundane laws. Even the Flying Leopard would find it difficult to restrain them.

So when he saw Chen Fei actually defeat Liu Chun, the shock in his heart was beyond words. And in that moment, he finally understood why Chen Fei had refused his offer.

It seems it wasn't that he wasn't interested, but that he looked down on us. At this thought, Instructor Lei Long couldn't help but shake his head, a bitter smile touching his lips. Who would have thought that the esteemed Headquarters of Flying Leopard would one day be spurned? Alas, there's really nothing to be said.

"I'm convinced, I'm convinced. It was I, Liu Chun, who failed to recognize a great man. I have offended you. I beg for your leniency, please spare me," Liu Chun said, his face pale. Although his lungs were about to explode with rage from the immense humiliation, he didn't dare act presumptuously in front of Chen Fei again, wisely lowering his head.

As a true Ancient Martial Artist, Liu Chun knew perfectly well what it meant to encounter someone with a higher cultivation level in the Circle of Ancient Martial Arts. Moreover, he had just personally experienced Chen Fei's terrifying strength. They weren't on the same level at all; Chen Fei could have wiped the floor with him. He was now consumed with regret for being so foolish as to provoke such a freak.

"Mr. Chen, what Liu Chun did was indeed wrong. However, for the sake of the Flying Leopard, I ask you to be magnanimous. I guarantee he will never dare to provoke you again," Instructor Lei Long said with a slight frown, seeing Liu Chun lying on the ground in a state of panic. Although he and Liu Chun were often at odds, with Liu Chun typically ignoring his words, the man was ultimately a member of the Flying Leopard. He couldn't just stand by and watch.

"That's right! Wherever you are, Mr. Chen, I, Liu Chun, will keep my distance! If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning!" Liu Chun exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he bit his lip and swore. To any observer, it was clear that Liu Chun was genuinely terrified. Otherwise, why would he make such a promise?

In Liu Chun's eyes, however, this was a small price to pay. As long as he could prevent Chen Fei from secretly dealing with him later, what was keeping his distance? Compared to one's life, what did a little face matter?

"Since Instructor Lei Long has spoken on his behalf, let's leave it at that," Chen Fei said casually with a noncommittal smile. It wasn't that he thought the instructor carried that much weight; he simply hadn't intended to do anything more. Since that was the case, why not go with the flow?

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Mr. Chen," Liu Chun said, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Chen Fei ignored him, turning instead to Lei Long. "My apologies, Instructor Lei. Oh, right, your injury…" He finally remembered the purpose of his visit.

"This way, Mr. Chen. Let's talk inside," Lei Long said, his eyes flashing with a bright light as he clasped his fist in salute. To be honest, a short while ago, he wouldn't have believed that Chen Fei could cure his old ailment and remove the Saliva of the Snake King poison from his body. But now, after witnessing Chen Fei perform such a miracle, a flicker of anticipation had ignited within him. He's so young and has such terrifying strength. Could his medical skills be just as incredible? I really hope so.

Seeing their instructor speak so respectfully to a mere youngster like Chen Fei would have shocked the other members of the Flying Leopard under normal circumstances. But now, the scene seemed perfectly natural. They knew that even at his peak seven years ago, Instructor Lei Long might not have been stronger than Chen Fei was now. And in their circle, the rule was always that the accomplished came first and the strong were revered.

"You're too kind, Instructor Lei. After you," Chen Fei replied politely. He held a great deal of respect for these soldiers who served the country and its people, dedicating their lives to the benefit of society. He naturally wouldn't show any disrespect toward Lei Long. Only then did he truly seem like a young man from the new era.

In truth, he simply used different methods for people from different circles. His attitude toward the Circle of Ancient Martial Arts was already deeply ingrained. First, he had been influenced by his master since childhood. When he roamed the martial world, he represented the entire lineage of Xingyi Fist. Therefore, he could never bring shame upon their name, lest he disgrace his ancestors. Second, his personality had been slightly altered after receiving the inheritance from the high-level practitioner from the Cultivation World.

"Alright, let's go."

Instructor Lei Long nodded and led Chen Fei into the depths of the base.

After watching them leave, Liu Chun departed with a grim, gloomy expression. He was a knife user, but his wrist had been crushed by Chen Fei. Even if it could be reattached, it would never regain its former agility. This injury would undoubtedly cause his strength to decline.

Witnessing this, the other members of the Flying Leopard had expressions of awe and complexity. Before today, the name Liu Chun had been a synonym for danger in their minds, and they never expected him to end up in such a state. It just went to show that it was better to be low-key. After all, if you linger by the river, you're bound to get your shoes wet.

「Half an hour later, deep within the Flying Leopard Branch base.」

Instructor Lei Long sat shirtless on an ordinary bed while Chen Fei stood calmly beside it.

Inside this secret room, besides the two of them, was another man, nearly seventy years old. He looked energetic, dressed in civilian clothes. Though he had a kindly smile, he exuded an imposing aura. It was as if his aged body harbored a terrifying energy, his turbid eyes sparkling with vitality.

"Hello, young man," he said, looking at Chen Fei with a soft smile.

"Er, hello, sir," Chen Fei replied, feeling a bit awkward. Given the man's advanced age, he certainly could have been his grandfather.

"Mr. Chen, this is Chief Luo, former Commander of the Lingnan Military District," Instructor Lei Long introduced.

Chen Fei couldn't help but inhale sharply in astonishment. Commander? The Lingnan Military District was a major military region. What did it mean to be its former commander? He would have been a Lieutenant General at the very least—a position equivalent to a top provincial official. No wonder he was so surprised. Moreover, he sensed a dangerous aura from the man. It was highly likely that he was also a formidable King of Soldiers.

"That's all in the past, no need to bring it up. Young man, please take a look at Lei Long first," Chief Luo said with a light smile.

"Yes."

Chen Fei's expression turned serious again, his calm demeanor returning. His gaze fell upon Lei Long's robust torso, and his brow furrowed deeply.

The body was in terrible shape. It was not only crisscrossed with scars from blades and bullets, but his Dantian and chest cavity were completely rotten, exposing necrotic flesh that oozed a black, corrosive blood. The fluid was so potent that ordinary bandages were completely useless.

"I'm truly impressed you didn't die from this," Chen Fei couldn't help but say, genuinely awestruck. It was hard to imagine how anyone could endure such torture for seven long years. The mere sight of it made his scalp tingle and sent a chill crawling up his spine.

"I didn't want to die, so I survived," Lei Long said with a self-deprecating laugh. "Of course, I also have Elder Xunn of the Medical Sage Hall to thank. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it this long."

"The Medical Sage Hall?" Chen Fei echoed, surprised.

"It's a top-secret special department established by our country, with a rank even higher than the Headquarters of Flying Leopard," Chief Luo suddenly interjected. "This department, the Medical Sage Hall, has very few official members—only four or five. But all of them are practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, and they are all exceptionally skilled."

"All practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, and all exceptionally skilled?" Chen Fei's eyes flickered with interest. Now that has caught my attention. A place filled entirely with exceptionally skilled doctors of traditional Chinese medicine?

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