Chapter 105: The Struggle of a Cornered Beast

After the private instructor’s detailed introduction to firearms, Yagyu absorbed everything in one go, committing it all to memory and gaining a profound understanding of every weapon. After two hours of live-fire practice, Yagyu was nearly flawless, hitting every target. Ren Xia Dong also performed admirably, his passion for guns making him a quick learner.

“Are you sure you’ve never fired a gun before?” the instructor asked in astonishment, for Yagyu’s marksmanship surpassed even his own, and he could disassemble firearms effortlessly after just a glance.

At that moment, Ren Xia Dong interjected, “Does shooting a handgun count?”

“Have you never shot before?” Yagyu asked Ren Xia Dong, and the two burst into laughter.

The instructor then said, “Genius, it’s a waste that you don’t compete in the Olympic shooting events. But remember, on the battlefield, accuracy isn’t the most important thing. More crucial are calmness and ruthless resolve. Mercy toward the enemy is a wound to yourself.”

Both Yagyu and Ren Xia Dong fell silent, contemplating the gravity of killing. Neither had any real concept of taking a life, yet what they faced would surely demand it. If they softened their hearts, it would cost them their lives.

On their way back, the two walked in silence, reflecting on the instructor’s words. If killing became necessary, could they bring themselves to do it?

“Yagyu, can you bring yourself to do it?” Ren Xia Dong finally asked.

After a long pause, Yagyu answered, “If not killing the enemy means death for me, what choice do I have?”

“Hopefully, it won’t come to that,” Ren Xia Dong replied, and once again they fell into deep thought. The weight of the matter pressed heavily upon them, so they chose to walk back to school, trying to calm their minds.

Thus began their rigorous routine: rising at four every morning to enhance physical fitness, attending classes in the morning, skipping afternoon classes if necessary to train, and spending two hours each evening practicing live-fire under Yagyu’s guidance.

One month later.

“I’ve taught you everything I can, without holding back. The rest depends on you. Practice often. Yagyu’s got no problem; Ren Xia Dong only needs to consolidate his skills. But Xiaojia, can you please show me some respect?” Old Nine cursed whenever he mentioned Xiaojia, who was admittedly less gifted. Yet under Old Nine’s tutelage, even Xiaojia could handle two or three mercenaries without issue.

Then Old Nine said, “Tonight, you’re coming with me. Training alone isn’t enough—you need real combat experience.”

That evening, Old Nine led Yagyu and the others to the underground fighting arena in Zhong City, where competitors of champion caliber gathered. The winner would receive a prize of one hundred thousand yuan. Of course, the wealthy came to gamble here.

Old Nine did not participate himself; his purpose was to give the trio real combat exposure—and to place bets on Yagyu’s victory.

The arena was an iron cage. The rules: two fighters face off until one cannot stand.

“Tonight’s event is different. Our champion, Ada, has held ten consecutive titles and is bored with the lack of challengers. So Ada has declared he will accept any and all challenges. Anyone who defeats him will claim tonight’s one hundred thousand prize!” The announcer’s words sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Another host took the microphone: “Please welcome our champion, Ada, from Thailand—a Muay Thai master. One punch can fell an elephant; one kick can snap a ten-centimeter-thick tree. His technique and combat prowess are unparalleled. Challenges come one at a time!”

On stage stood Ada, around 175 cm tall, weighing about 130 pounds, but his chiseled muscles made him intimidating.

The first challenger stepped into the cage. The host locked the cage’s exit with a chain, and the crowd eagerly placed bets, all favoring Ada.

The challenger taunted Ada, but when he launched his attack, Ada delivered a high kick to the challenger’s face, knocking him unconscious instantly. The crowd erupted with cheers tinged by the thrill of profit.

One challenger after another stepped up, all swiftly defeated by Ada. As opponents fell one by one, the crowd’s cheers grew louder, and bets on Ada’s victory surged.

Eventually, no new challengers dared step forward. Old Nine pointed at Xiaojia and shook his head. “Don’t go in. You’d just be an easy target.”

“Please! I won’t go—I’m afraid of getting beaten!” Xiaojia protested, hurt by Old Nine’s disdain.

“Even if you begged me, I wouldn’t let you go. If you got hurt, I’d have to treat you!” Old Nine said, then turned to Ren Xia Dong. “You’re up.”

Ren Xia Dong, brimming with excitement, said, “I’ve been waiting impatiently. Watch me take down Ada!”

As the host locked the cage again, Ren Xia Dong clasped his hands together and greeted Ada with “Sawadee ka~”

Ada returned the gesture, “Sawadee ka~”

Ren Xia Dong glanced back at Yagyu and smiled, “See? Knowing a foreign language is important.”

The crowd laughed heartily, but Ada, misunderstanding the gesture as mockery, charged forward with an elbow strike.

Ren Xia Dong swiftly crossed his fists to block the blow, but Ada’s strength was overwhelming. Ren Xia Dong fell to one knee but refused to yield, sweeping Ada off his feet with a powerful leg sweep.

Ada rose, clearly angered, and unleashed a ferocious attack. For a hundred rounds, their fight remained evenly matched, frustrating the audience who had all bet on Ada.

However, Ren Xia Dong’s stamina waned. During the next exchange, he lost points. Gasping for breath, he was struck by a jumping elbow to the head, collapsing with blood flowing from his scalp.

Yagyu rushed to the cage’s edge, watching anxiously as Ren Xia Dong slowly rose.

“Xia Dong, that’s enough! You’re already impressive. Stop!” Yagyu shouted.

Ren Xia Dong refused to listen. “I’ll follow you in everything, but when it comes to defending a man’s dignity, I won’t back down. A man can’t say he’s beaten. Unless he knocks me down for good, II'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.