At the critical juncture between life and death, Zhao Zhongxian relied on years of battle instinct and abruptly turned, raising both arms to cross them before him.
"Bang."
The thunderous collision of fist and arms echoed across the wilderness, and the shock wave sent dust billowing into the sky.
Zhao Zhongxian felt as if his arms had been struck by sledgehammers. His bones tingled, and his entire body flew backward uncontrollably.
After landing, he staggered back seven or eight steps with a series of "thuds" before finally steadying himself. The earth beneath his feet was stamped with a string of pits, each a different depth.
Liu Jialin stood in place and shook her fist, her knuckles still tingling slightly.
She stared at Zhao Zhongxian's arms, her beautiful brows lifting faintly... She had clearly landed that blow, yet it had felt like striking iron.
At that moment, a pitch-black sheen covered the skin of Zhao Zhongxian's arms, as though they had been plated with dark armor. Clearly, he had used his ability to reinforce his defenses.
"Whew... s-so strong..." Zhao Zhongxian panted heavily, his arms still trembling as lingering fear surged through his heart.
If he had not reacted quickly, then even with his awakened ability, that punch would probably have broken his arms cleanly.
Liu Jialin rolled her wrists, letting the numbness fade, and said coldly, "Zhao Zhongxian, you sold contraband without authorization. The evidence is conclusive... Surrender now, and you'll suffer a little less."
"Surrender?" Zhao Zhongxian suddenly sneered, his eyes reddening with fear and madness. "If I fall into the hands of your Ability Management Bureau, do you think I'll get any good treatment? Keep dreaming."
He suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out a dark-red pill. Without the slightest hesitation, he shoved it into his mouth