This chain of kicks was executed with excellent speed and control over angles. However, the power did not exceed that of a seventh-level Warrior—clearly, Ryan Zhou was deliberately holding back. As a ninth-level Warrior, his strength had been honed through countless battles; even without using martial techniques, he could defeat most ninth-level Warriors.
Though he was restraining his power, his vision and experience were still those of a ninth-level Warrior. Not to mention sixth-level Warriors—even seventh-level Warriors might not be his match.
Facing Ryan Zhou's chain kicks, Landon Lu had two choices: either take the attack head-on or retreat.
Taking the attack directly would be unwise, so both Sean Xiao and Martin Tai, who were watching, expected Landon to retreat. But if he did, the rhythm of the fight would likely fall under Ryan Zhou's control.
"Old Tai, how many moves do you think Lu can last?" Sean Xiao asked with a friendly smile.
"Three moves at most," Martin Tai shook his head. "The gap between him and Ryan Zhou is just too great!"
Just then, Landon Lu advanced instead of retreating, sidestepping Ryan Zhou's chain kicks. Instantly, his right arm whipped out like a heavy lash, slicing through the air with a whoosh as he struck at Ryan Zhou's chest.
"Nice!"
"Nice!"
Martin Tai and Sean Xiao couldn't help but praise in unison. Neither of them expected Landon to advance instead of retreat. They also noticed that Landon's body control was far superior to the average person, and his observational skills were exceptional. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to catch that tiny flaw and slip past Ryan Zhou's chain kicks.
Ryan Zhou was also a bit surprised. He had expected that, at the very least, his chain kicks would force the opponent to suffer a little. But not only did Landon dodge the attack, he even countered—and his timing was perfect, striking just as Ryan's old strength faded and new strength hadn't yet surged.
Still, he was a seasoned fighter. His body suddenly arched backward, dodging Landon's arm. At the same moment, he rolled in midair and lashed out with both legs, the kicks whistling through the air.
But right then, Landon moved with the speed and agility of the 'Eight-Step Toad,' stepping forward twice in quick succession. He shifted from fists to palms, slapping toward Ryan Zhou's chest again.
"Brilliant!"
Seeing this, Martin Tai couldn't help but cheer for Landon.
Sean Xiao, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking to himself how strong Landon's combat instincts were.
In battle, combat awareness is crucial. With exceptional instincts, it's often possible to defeat a stronger opponent.
In the ring.
His attack missed again, and Ryan Zhou was even more astonished. He sank his stance, his back nearly touching the floor, then spun like a top, his legs blurring into twin shadows as he launched another flying kick.
"Exploding Cloud Fist!"
Suddenly, Landon let out a low shout, his aura surging as both fists swung forward, smashing down at lightning speed...
Bang! Bang! Bang!
With a series of heavy impacts, Landon staggered back several steps before regaining his footing, while Ryan Zhou stood up straight, hands clasped behind his back.
"Little Lu, if I were at your cultivation level, I might not be your match!" Ryan Zhou said with genuine admiration.
"Deputy Captain Zhou, you're too kind—I'm not worthy!" Landon replied.
"Hahaha, Deputy Captain Zhou rarely compliments anyone. Little Lu, you're impressive!" Sean Xiao strode over, looking thoroughly satisfied.
"So, can I join the City SWAT Division?" Landon asked.
"Of course! The City SWAT Division needs young people like you!" Sean Xiao replied with a smile.
Having passed the test, Landon's entry into the City SWAT Division was now set in stone.
Sean Xiao told him to report to the City SWAT headquarters on Monday.
Inside a police hovercar, Sean Xiao glanced at Ryan Zhou. "Deputy Captain Zhou, you seem to think highly of Landon Lu?"
"The kid's really got potential," Ryan Zhou nodded.
"If he can catch your eye, he must be good," Sean Xiao agreed, nodding as well.
Suddenly, the car's video comm lit up, revealing a young policewoman in uniform. "Captain Xiao, Deputy Captain Zhou, the Minister orders you to return to headquarters for a meeting immediately!"
The two men exchanged a glance, both looking serious. Something big must have happened.
The City SWAT headquarters was located in a metal compound on the city's outskirts.
Several hovercars landed one after another, and out came the other battalion captains and deputy captains.
"Old Hong, you're the most well-informed—any idea what's going on?"
Sean Xiao stepped forward and asked the slightly overweight middle-aged man.
This was Robin Hong, captain of the City SWAT Third Battalion.
"I rushed over as soon as I got the order, so I don't know anything yet," Robin Hong shrugged helplessly.
As they spoke, a group of ten strode toward the conference room.
Shortly after everyone was seated, a tall, imposing man in his early fifties entered and took the main seat. This was Harvey Zhang, the minister of the Plumridge City SWAT Department, whose cultivation had reached fifth-level War General.
"I've called you all here today because I've just received orders from above: the One-Eyed Thief may have slipped into Plumridge City!"
At the mention of the One-Eyed Thief, Sean Xiao and the others looked visibly moved.
The One-Eyed Thief was notorious, having committed numerous major heists and repeatedly escaped police dragnets.
"Minister, rumor has it the One-Eyed Thief only steals rare and valuable items. Has he set his sights on something in Plumridge City?" Sean Xiao asked gravely.
Harvey Zhang hesitated slightly, then said, "He's probably after an auction lot at Christie's Auction House."
"A Christie's auction item? What exactly is it?"
Everyone looked curious.
"It's Nirvana Spirit Elixir!" Harvey Zhang announced.
"What? Nirvana Spirit Elixir?"
Everyone cried out in astonishment.
Everyone present knew that with Psychic Solution as an aid, the chances of becoming a Psychic Adept increased dramatically.
But Nirvana Spirit Elixir guaranteed a 100% success rate in awakening as a Psychic Adept.
However, Nirvana Spirit Elixir was extremely rare and expensive—practically priceless. For Christie's to offer it at auction showed real boldness.
"Enough!" Harvey Zhang rapped the conference table. "Christie's auction will be held in five days. Our City SWAT has two missions: first, do everything possible to catch the One-Eyed Thief; second, ensure the safety of the Christie's auction lots!"
"Minister, if we have to catch the One-Eyed Thief and protect the auction lots, won't we be short-handed?" one battalion captain protested.
Harvey Zhang's expression hardened. "Short-handed is no excuse. Here are the assignments: First and Second Battalions will search for the One-Eyed Thief. Third Battalion will maintain city security. Fifth Battalion will deploy near Christie's to safeguard the auction lots. Fourth Battalion is mobile—go wherever you're needed! Now, get moving!"
............