The announcer below shouted out, his voice booming across the arena.
Just two short sentences, and the whole stadium erupted again.
"Tiger Fang! He’s the guy who retired from the Tiger Special Forces!"
"Last time during the Regimental War Game, he single-handedly crippled both First Blade and Second Blade—they were stuck in the hospital for ages! His methods are insane. I can’t believe he’s here fighting for Flying Eagle Company now!"
"I thought he wasn’t going to join this time. Now that he’s in, how’s anyone else supposed to compete? I heard Tiger Special Forces has a ton of special attack techniques, and they actually learn real martial arts—not like the regular company guys at all."
Up in the stands, the chatter was nonstop.
Most people present knew how fierce Tiger Fang was, but honestly, hardly anyone had actually seen him fight in person.
For one thing, Tiger Fang hadn’t been with the company long. Last time he showed up was at the Regimental War Game—everyone only heard about the results: who won, who lost, and that Tiger Fang personally put First Blade and Second Blade in the hospital, nearly forcing them to retire.
Now, just hearing his name sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Moments later, Tiger Fang—with his wild, rebellious look, steely face, and a smirk at the corner of his mouth—strode out from Flying Eagle Company’s side.
He strode up to the ring, and when he was still more than two meters away, he suddenly sprang in place—leaping straight onto the platform to a chorus of cheers.
On the other side, First Blade Frank Xu took a deep breath, then walked up to the ring from the opposite end.
Compared to Tiger Fang, his build was leaner, and his face didn’t have the same fierce edge. Instead, his aura was much steadier.
"Last time I crushed the bones in your hand. Never thought you’d heal so fast!" Tiger Fang squinted, eyes flashing coldly as he locked onto First Blade.
"All thanks to my instructor’s bone-setting skills." First Blade kept his eyes fixed on Tiger Fang, not relaxing for a second.
"Once I deal with you, I’ll make time to ‘consult’ that so-called instructor of yours! Didn’t get to talk to him at the hospital last time, but after this match, I’ll have plenty of time." Tiger Fang’s face darkened.
That day in the hospital, Tiger Fang had been completely suppressed by Evan Lin—a first in all his years as a soldier. It happened so fast he hadn’t even had time to react before he lost.
Afterwards, Tiger Fang reflected for a long time and decided he only lost because he was caught off guard. If he got a rematch now, he was sure he could go toe-to-toe with Evan Lin.
"You’re no match for my instructor. In his eyes, you’re way too weak." First Blade shook his head, and Tiger Fang’s face instantly darkened, turning even colder.
On the ring, the tension was palpable—like swords drawn and bows bent.
Up above, Lena Xu pressed her face against the glass, eyes glued to the fight below.
Her gaze kept shifting between First Blade and Tiger Fang. She actually seemed impressed: "That First Blade doesn’t look scared of Tiger Fang at all. I thought guys from special forces were supposed to be intimidating no matter where they went."
"First Blade is Knife-Edge Company’s number-one expert. He comes from a Wing Chun family, and he’s got a rock-solid temperament. No matter who he faces, he never backs down—instead, he rises to the challenge. He’s a rare talent!" Deputy Commander Su took the chance to brag.
"A Wing Chun family? That’s pretty impressive." Ethan Xu nodded approvingly when he heard this.
"Impressive or not, he still lost to Hawkeye before, didn’t he? He couldn’t even beat Hawkeye, and now he dares to challenge Tiger Fang? Deputy Commander Su, I think your First Blade isn’t brave—he’s just overestimating himself! Did you forget, back at the Regimental War Game, your so-called top expert teamed up with Second Blade and still lost to Tiger Fang?" Colonel Sean Chen sneered.
"It hasn’t even been that long—already forgotten the pain after the scar’s healed?"
Sean Chen’s string of comments made Deputy Commander Su’s expression shift repeatedly.
"Brother Yuan, what do you think? Tiger Fang learned all those techniques you left behind at Tiger Special Forces—he should be insanely strong, right? Against First Blade, he’s got this in the bag, doesn’t he?" Lena Xu asked, full of anticipation.
Even though Grant Yuan’s predictions had all been wrong so far, that didn’t shake his status in Lena Xu’s eyes.
"Tiger Fang has no reason to lose."
Grant Yuan spoke up, crisp and decisive.
In his eyes, soldiers from Tiger Special Forces—even the discarded ones—were still way stronger than any regular company trooper!
"Even if Tiger Fang isn’t with Tiger anymore, he’s still got Tiger blood in his veins. I don’t believe anyone from a regular company could beat him. In a showdown like this, the only one who could defeat Tiger Fang is Tiger Fang himself!"
Grant Yuan’s eyes flashed with pride. As he spoke, his voice rang out, full of passion and confidence, and his whole presence seemed to swell.
For a moment, Major General Gavin Yue and the others could all feel the pride and fierce confidence of a former Tiger Special Forces instructor—like a tiger’s awe-inspiring strength, it made him stand out from the crowd.
"Hey, what about you—who do you think will win?" Lena Xu’s eyes sparkled with excitement at Grant Yuan, but when she turned to Evan Lin, her gaze was full of annoyance.
"You got lucky with your guesses before, but this time, you’re not just going to say ‘fifty-fifty’ again, are you? If you do, you’ll never be wrong—no matter who wins, it’s always a fifty percent chance!" Lena teased, humming and tilting her chin up.
Lena Xu’s tone was full of playful sarcasm as she hummed and lifted her chin.
"Master, what do you think?" Deputy Commander Su was nervous as hell.
He honestly didn’t think First Blade had a shot, but he still clung to a sliver of hope.
"Tiger Fang will definitely lose."
Evan Lin spoke calmly.
The moment those four words left his mouth, Grant Yuan’s brows shot up, Lena Xu burst out laughing, and Colonel Sean Chen snapped, "Ignorant!"
Ethan Xu glanced at Evan Lin again, his eyes showing a hint of displeasure.
Every member of Tiger Special Forces was a national pride, and their combat strength was beyond question.
Now, Evan Lin’s words made it clear he didn’t take Tiger Special Forces seriously at all.
Major General Gavin Yue coughed. "Isn’t that a bit premature? Tiger’s training methods are nothing like those of regular companies."
"We’ll see."
Evan Lin’s four words made Gavin Yue’s face darken too.
This kid really wasn’t giving anyone any face.
"Fine, I’ll be watching closely then." Gavin Yue’s face grew even more serious. He nodded and turned to Deputy Commander Su. "This instructor you brought in seems pretty confident. I’d like to know where you found such a ‘master.’ If I get the chance, you’ll have to tell me all about him!"
Deputy Commander Su broke out in a cold sweat and could only give a bitter smile.
Just like that, Evan Lin had managed to offend everyone in the room.