At this moment, Ryan Ling, brimming with excitement, arrived at a coastal forest more than a hundred li from Harbor City, with the red-fur zombie Frank Qin in tow. He had no idea about the brewing chaos back in Harbor City.
Thunder Slash can only be used when there’s actual thunder and lightning overhead. Right now, though the sky was cloudy, thunder was a long way off. So Ryan decided to test out the Iron Body Talisman instead—it could be used three times a month, and wasting one activation didn’t matter.
He slapped the talisman onto his back. Instantly, his fists tingled, his whole body grew hot, and it felt like endless power was surging up inside him, begging to smash trees and rocks.
It was already the dead of night, and nobody would be wandering through a forest like this. Ryan could go wild. Without hesitation, he raised his fist and smashed it into the nearest towering tree.
With a loud boom, he punched a bowl-sized hole right into the trunk, steam rising from the impact.
“My lord, that’s some serious power!” Frank Qin couldn’t help but praise from the side.
Ryan was all smiles, totally pumped. After all these years of suffering, he’d finally become a ‘martial arts master.’
He squeezed his fists, feeling the steel-like strength overflowing—like he had endless energy to burn. In a flash, he punched a moss-covered boulder, and with a loud crack, it shattered into pieces.
This Iron Body Talisman was seriously OP. Ryan went wild wrecking the forest—at first, he just split tree trunks, but soon he was snapping them in half with one punch, crushing massive rocks, and finally even shoulder-charging them for the thrill. Feeling like a real-life Superman, he was having the time of his life.
Beside him, zombie Frank Qin was getting itchy too, and soon joined Ryan in smashing stuff. His defense and explosive strength were clearly even tougher and longer-lasting.
The two of them went wild like monsters, smashing up the forest until dawn broke and the sky began to lighten. Only then did they stop, grinning at each other.
Of course, neither of them knew that at the same moment, a heart-stopping scene was playing out back in Harbor City, a hundred li away.
Early in the morning, many Harbor City High students arrived at school with their backpacks. Ever since they avenged their soccer defeat against Experimental High, every student was still buzzing about it. School pride and honor were at an all-time high, and everyone was so motivated that even grades across the board had improved.
Just as the friendly school guards were welcoming students with smiles, a group of men in black suddenly barged in, blocking every entrance and exit.
“Who are you people? This is a school—what do you think you’re doing?” Two security guards immediately stepped up.
“Get lost, this isn’t your business. You’d better behave!” One of the Iron Fist Sect experts tapped them lightly, and both guards dropped to the ground. The rest in the guard booth were instantly subdued.
The Fan Family was determined to make a big scene, so Iron Fist Sect didn’t dare slack off. This time, they sent only their best—the Qiu Brothers Trio: Drake Qiu, Dirk Qiu, and Darren Qiu. Not only were they top Iron Fist Sect elites, they were also infamous on the Jiangnan killer list, with dozens of experts already taken down by their hands.
And it wasn’t just the Iron Fist Sect who showed up—the Fan Family mobilized at least a hundred men, surrounding the school from every direction. In just a short time, they’d completely encircled Harbor City High.
In a nearby black car, Frank Fan—the Fan Family’s eldest young master—and Experimental High principal Harvey Zhao were already clinking champagne glasses in celebration. Their plan was going smoothly: even the city government and police had been notified. After losing the soccer match last time, this time they were here to “exchange martial arts”—but in reality, it was just an excuse to beat people up. With the official story being a friendly contest, nobody could object.
“Principal, something’s happened! Someone’s barged into the school and is causing trouble!” At that moment, the security chief rushed into the principal’s office, panic-stricken.
At that moment, Principal Tony Zhang was in the middle of a lively chat with a burly man—none other than Jason Lin, the Axe Club boss. Thanks to his connection with Ryan, Jason often dropped by Harbor City High, and over time, he and the straightforward Tony Zhang had become friends. Tony didn’t care about Jason’s underworld status; they were just drinking buddies.
With Jason Lin watching over the school, nobody had dared cause trouble lately. But hearing someone was stirring things up now, Jason shot to his feet. During the soccer match, Axe Club had already warned that anyone who messed with Harbor City High again would get their legs broken. He’d barely finished making that threat, and now trouble had come—Jason’s pride was on the line.
“Brother Lin, what do you think?” With Jason here, Tony Zhang hesitated to say much—sometimes it was easier to let the underground handle things than go through endless police procedures.
“No need to say anything. I want to see who dares make trouble on my turf!” Jason was annoyed, and rushed out immediately. Tony followed close behind, along with several school staff.
By now, a crowd of students had gathered at the main gate platform. Two security guards were still down, and now two burly teachers had joined them—one clutching his thigh, wailing in pain.
Tony Zhang’s face darkened at the sight. Both teachers were PE teachers, and one was a well-known boxing specialist—easily able to handle four or five people at once, and last year had even taken second place in the city boxing competition.
“What do you think you’re doing? You’ve got some nerve, attacking people in a school!” Tony shouted, realizing things were even worse than he’d imagined.
“Principal Zhang, why so anxious? I’m here on behalf of Experimental High to exchange martial arts—sometimes injuries are inevitable.” Outside, Harvey Zhao had already lost patience and strode over, followed closely by Frank Fan, who was scanning the crowd, clearly searching for Ryan Ling.
“Exchange martial arts? Harvey Zhao, I don’t have time to spar with you—your people are way too rough…” Tony Zhang tried to argue, but Harvey immediately cut him off.
You don’t get to refuse today! Unless you kneel down right now, give me three loud kowtows, and admit that everyone at Harbor City High is trash, you don’t have to fight!
Harvey Zhao, you—you bastard! I’ll take care of you myself!' Tony Zhang’s face went dark with rage. He wasn’t a martial arts novice, either—he still practiced Sanda every week.
But Jason Lin grabbed Tony Zhang just in time. With his experience and sharp eyes, he instantly saw that the Qiu Brothers Trio were no ordinary thugs. If Tony went up against them, he’d end up worse than the injured PE teacher.
Don’t move—I’ll handle this!' Jason clenched his fists. Judging by the way things looked, a serious fight was about to break out.
Jason Lin’s face was grim as he strode outside. “Causing trouble in a school doesn’t make you tough. If you’ve got guts, let’s fight outside—I’ll take you all on!”
Jason Lin? The Axe Club’s Jason Lin?' Harvey Zhao’s face fell. He knew plenty of people in this world, and Jason’s reputation was infamous. Instinctively, Harvey took a step back.
But Frank Fan wasn’t fazed at all. He sneered, “So you’re Ryan Ling’s best bro—the Axe Club boss, Jason Lin?”
Since you know the connection, why aren’t you running already?' Jason Lin roared like a lion.
Heh, today I’m taking down everyone connected to that little bastard Ryan Ling. The Axe Club? If my Fan Family makes a move, you’ll all be wiped out in minutes!' Nobody expected Frank Fan to talk so big, but before he finished, Drake Qiu lunged at Jason Lin, unleashing a bizarre, threatening aura.
An inner-strength master?' Jason was startled and quickly retreated. He’d been in real fights and survived knife wounds, but as a street boss, he was nowhere near a true martial arts expert.
“Not bad!” Drake Qiu sneered, unleashing a flurry of Iron Fist attacks. Fueled by inner strength, his blows struck with massive force—no matter how tough Jason Lin was, he was sent flying after just a few hits, his body cracking in several places.
“Young Master Fan, how should I handle this?” Drake Qiu asked, clearly uninterested in further fighting.
Isn’t it obvious? Cut his tendons first!' Frank Fan waved his hand dismissively.
Is that really okay?' Harvey Zhao asked nervously.
What’s not okay? Today I want all of Harbor City to see—anyone who dares flirt with that bastard Ryan Ling will end up dead!' Frank Fan snarled, making it clear he was here for Ryan.
You lawless thugs, let go of Jason Lin!' Tony Zhang shouted, unable to hold back. But before he could get close, Drake Qiu kicked him flying.
Anyone else want to step up? Where’s that little punk Ryan Ling—wasn’t he hot stuff on the soccer field? Why’s he hiding like a turtle now?' Frank Fan swept his gaze over the crowd, suddenly locking onto Sophie Su, who was glaring at him with clenched fists.
Frank Fan had already investigated Sophie Su’s connection to Ryan Ling. Grinning wickedly, he grabbed Sophie’s arm. She struggled desperately, but couldn’t break free.
With all the Fan Family goons around, none of the teachers or students dared move.
Ryan Ling, you cowardly bastard, let’s see how long you hide in your shell. I’m going to have a good time with your girlfriend right now!' Frank Fan shouted, dragging Sophie Su toward the car in front of everyone.