Chapter 283: I Admit Defeat!

"Master?"

Seeing Tang Nian, clad in blue armor, carrying a light‑blue long sword, his face the only thing visible, Bai Wei and the others were stunned.

Because they had never seen their own master dressed like this.

Even Zeng Zhiten, who was closest to him, wore a shocked expression.

If the latter hadn't shown his face, they would never have guessed, even to death, that the person before them was their master.

Jiang Cheng squinted, his expression turning serious.

He didn't expect that the guy not only had a combat suit but also an A-grade Alloy Battle Knife.

Thanks to a few trips to Auctions, although he couldn't afford many items, he still looked around, and after a few glances recognized that the light‑blue long sword in the other's hand should be an A-grade Alloy Battle Knife.

Because of its color, it was named Ice Soul; although it is the lowest among A-grade alloy weapons, it is sufficient against a Level 7 Original Force Warrior.

As for the blue combat suit the other wore.

Jiang Cheng had no recollection.

But judging from the weapon in the other's hand, it might also be an A-Level Combat Suit, at least capable of blocking many attacks from a Level 7 Original Force Warrior.

The situation seemed a bit tricky.

Jiang Cheng was not flustered.

Because good equipment requires the user to have sufficient strength to unleash its intended effect.

Know that even the top‑tier A-Level Combat Suit, the Obsidian Set, only boosts a Force Warrior's power and speed by ten percent, let alone other A-Level Combat Suits.

A Fifth-level Force Warrior, no matter how formidable, is only comparable to a Sixth-level one; at most its combat suit's defense is strong, like wearing a turtle shell.

Right now the opponent is fully armed, seemingly to give him a warning strike, but actually it feels like they're handing over equipment.

Jiang Cheng's heart stirred, his gaze landing on the knife in the other's hand.

"Master, save me!"

Xiao Yuanqing was the first to react and rushed forward.

"Get out!"

Tang Nian kicked the other, sending him sprawling.

"You spineless thing, none of your senior or junior brothers are like you—unwilling to act and only know how to run away."

Bai Wei and the two others, upon hearing that, showed varying degrees of change in their eyes.

"Master, he—he came at me."

Xiao Yuanqing knelt on the ground, looking very aggrieved.

"You also know he came at you."

Tang Nian snorted coldly, "I'll settle the score with you later."

Hearing that, Xiao Yuanqing finally let his heart settle back into his belly.

In any case, his life should be safe today.

After this is over, at most he'll be scolded by his master and locked up for a few days; after all, this isn't his first time experiencing such a thing.

Tang Nian's gaze turned to Jiang Cheng, and he said, "I don't know who you are, but this isn't a place for you to run amok. If you have any sense, get out quickly."

Don't be fooled by his A-Level Combat Suit and A-grade Alloy Battle Knife; he hasn't fought anyone in a long time.

Since this person knows Xiao Yuanqing, he must also know that the latter is his disciple; yet he still dares to show up, which proves what? It proves that this man's strength is certainly not below his.

Therefore, avoiding this fight is best.

Of course, that doesn't mean the opponent will leave and the matter ends here.

Later he'll have someone investigate the other's background; if the pedigree is high, that's fine, but if it's average, the person must be eliminated, or else endless trouble will follow.

Jiang Cheng gave him a faint glance, then looked at the kneeling Xiao Yuanqing beside him.

"I can leave, but he must go with me as well."

Xiao Yuanqing shivered in fear and quickly looked at his own master.

"What if I don't agree?" Tang Nian's voice grew cold.

If it were other members, he'd be fine; as for reputation damage, there's no worry—just kick the other out.

They're not from his Martial Arts Hall, so why should he care? Anyway, the final right of explanation lies with him.

But Xiao Yuanqing is different; the other is his personally transmitted disciple.

Not to mention, several disciples are watching nearby.

On his own turf, handing over his subordinate disciples—how would others view him as a master? Could they still be as deferential as usual?

If morale scatters, the team becomes hard to lead.

Thus, he could never agree to Jiang Cheng's demand.

"If you don't agree, then let's see your true strength on the battlefield."

"Fine! This is on you."

Even mud figures have three parts fire; let alone a person.

"All of you, step aside."

Zeng Zhiten, hearing this, quickly withdrew his hand and, together with Bai Wei and the others, stepped aside, "I didn't want to argue with you, but you refuse the toast and take the penalty drink, so I can't blame myself!"

Tang Nian let out a low growl, a faceplate suddenly appearing on his face, covering it; at that moment his whole body was wrapped in the combat suit. In less than a blink, he covered more than ten meters, arrived before Jiang Cheng, and with a slash that tore the air, he struck fiercely at Jiang Cheng's head! A murderous glint flashed in Jiang Cheng's eyes.

Very good.

The first move was a killing technique.

Then he wouldn't hold back later either.

Seeing the blade within less than a fist's length from his head, Jiang Cheng flashed and dodged away.

The Gym Master's speed was fast, but the gap in strength between them was evident here.

In the instant he dodged, Jiang Cheng mobilized his whole body's strength and pounded a fist into the opponent's right hand holding the knife.

Bang!

The recoil force transmitted through the hand armor made Jiang Cheng's right hand ache slightly.

Conversely, on the opponent, the spot that was hit only dented the armor a little; the Alloy Battle Knife remained tightly gripped.

Level 7 Original Force Warrior!

However, Tang Nian was still frightened.

His A-Level Combat Suit was also the lowest among its kind, able only to block the attack of a Level 7 Original Force Warrior.

And Jiang Cheng could smash a pit in the combat suit with a single fist, undoubtedly Seven-level, because even a six-level might not be able to move it.

Jiang Cheng said nothing, intending to seize the chance and pound a few more punches at the opponent's knife‑holding hand.

A whooshing sound rang out.

Tang Nian turned around and delivered a horizontal slash.

Jiang Cheng quickly dodged, circled to the opponent's side, and pounded another fist.

Peng!

A dent appeared again on the armor of his right hand.

Tang Nian turned again and executed a downward Chop.

The attack was easily evaded by Jiang Cheng, who circled to the side and pounded another fist.

Tang Nian's right‑hand armor could no longer hold; a large section cracked open, exposing wires, and sparks flew everywhere, releasing a sharp burnt smell.

At that moment, Jiang Cheng's fourth punch arrived.

Tang Nian was shocked, realizing that if the knife in his hand fell into the opponent's grasp, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Instinctively he tried to Chop with the knife, but recalling the earlier lesson, he quickly abandoned the thought, leapt backward, and shouted while retreating, "I concede! I concede!"

(End of Chapter)