Unexpected Battle

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The building towering before me was a hundred stories high, its opulent decoration and palace-like entrance topped with the gilded characters "Winter Arrival Hotel." Below it, a smaller inscription read: "Si Nan Family Palace." It was a blend of Eastern and Western styles, yet it stood in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. Come to think of it, wasn't this an industrial city? Why would there be a building like this, typically found in tourist destinations? And what was this "Si Nan Family Palace" all about?

"Don't look so surprised... I don't know what the family was thinking back then, adding a 'palace' after it was finished. It's embarrassing just looking at it," Si Nan Ying said, sounding displeased as she pulled me into the palace—no, the hotel.

"This hotel was funded by the Si Nan family. Every city under the Si Nan family's jurisdiction has Si Nan property in its center. It's for the convenience of family members who come out on business for lodging and meals. Of course, the family members investigating this case are also staying here," Si Nan Ying explained as we walked towards the counter. The hotel lobby was incredibly spacious. I'd heard the Burj Al Arab's lobby in Dubai could fit the Statue of Liberty, and this place probably wasn't far behind. In the center was a massive fountain, and directly opposite it was a twenty-meter-long counter. Chinese-style carved beams and painted rafters were perfectly combined with Western-style grandeur, creating a dazzling and magnificent sight.

Just for convenience with lodging and meals... It seems I had underestimated the Si Nan family before. I had thought they were just ordinary nouveau riche, but looking at this, they were practically god-tier wealthy! Was land and building materials free in this world? Then Si Nan Ying said something that made me want to spit blood.

"Well... I don't really want to stay here either, but this is the only decent-looking hotel in this city," she added.

Do you usually live in a crystal palace...

When we reached the counter, the beautiful woman behind it was stunned when she saw Si Nan Ying. Then, almost in tears, she said, "Second Miss, you're finally back! Elder Hong has asked about you several times; he's almost driven mad! Please go see him quickly!" "What's the big deal... I just went out for a bit; I can protect myself," Si Nan Ying pouted helplessly. "We'll talk about this later. This is my friend, arrange a room closest to mine for her, immediately!" "But, your surrounding rooms are occupied by your guards. Adjusting them now might..."

"It's fine! Liu Ye is very strong! Stronger than those guards!" Si Nan Ying said proudly, patting her chest.

...Suddenly, I had a bad feeling.

"I couldn't just pretend I didn't hear that, Miss."

A voice came from behind. Turning around, I saw a group of men and women in silver-grey uniforms approaching. Their steps were neat, and their expressions were serious; they were clearly well-trained. Leading them was a tall woman. She was plain-looking and expressionless, yet she exuded an inexplicable pressure. Her uniform was blue-grey, setting her apart.

The tall woman bowed to Si Nan Ying and said, "Miss, I understand your feelings about valuing your friend, but protecting you is my duty on this trip. Forgive my rudeness, but I absolutely cannot compromise on reassigning guards. Furthermore, outsiders are forbidden from entering or leaving the Winter Arrival Hotel during the investigation. Please reconsider."

Her tone was neither servile nor overbearing, and her words were logically sound. What a sharp and capable woman! I thought. The real reason I followed Si Nan Ying in was to get closer to her and see if my intuition was correct. But if it caused unnecessary trouble, it wouldn't be worth it. In that case...

I quietly tugged at her clothes, wanting to tell her to let it go. But before I could speak, she confidently declared, "How about this! You send one person, and if they can defeat Liu Ye, I'll listen to you. If they can't, you listen to me!"

After saying that, she looked at me with an innocent smile and said, "It's up to you, let them see how amazing you are!"

...Amazing my foot!!!!!

They say you're not afraid of god-like opponents, but of pig-like teammates. I finally truly understood the meaning of that phrase.

The tall woman smiled slightly. Si Nan Ying's reaction was exactly what she wanted. This way, she could ensure the Second Miss's safety and also probe the hooded woman's capabilities. It was killing two birds with one stone!

"Since Miss is so enthusiastic, I, Si Nan Yuan, will be presumptuous. Rui Feng, you go."

"Understood!"

A man around twenty-five years old stepped forward. He was tall and had a stern face. The close-fitting uniform revealed the contours of his muscles, showing he had undergone years of training.

...Honestly, I really didn't think I could win, but it was too late to back out now. I was in a difficult position.

Stepping forward with a forced smile, I saw Rui Feng stand with his legs slightly apart, shoulder-width, arms hanging naturally at his sides. His gaze was alert but not tense, and his entire being exuded an impregnable aura.

"Senior Guard of the Si Nan family's main branch, Rui Feng," he announced his name like a master from a wuxia novel.

"Liu Ye," I said, having no significant title to report.

"Please guide me!" With that, he quickly bent down, assuming a sprinter's starting stance. Through his tight-fitting pants, one could clearly see his leg muscles contorting, compressing like springs! Immense power accumulated in his legs. He let out a low growl, and the springs, compressed to their limit, suddenly sprang open!

Accompanied by an explosive sound as his feet left the ground, he shot towards me like a cannonball! This guy is indeed strong, but don't treat me like a pushover!

Large masses of blood erupted from beneath my skin, forming a massive Blood Shield before me through my clothes. It collided with the charging Rui Feng in mid-air!

With a boom, one figure was sent flying backward, only stabilizing several meters away. It was Rui Feng! On the other side, my Blood Shield also showed cracks, almost shattering.

Such immense power! His charge attack was even stronger than a Bone Armor Lion's! I was astonished. It seemed I had encountered a formidable opponent this time.

Rui Feng was equally surprised. Understanding his captain's intentions, he had planned to end the fight quickly, so he had unleashed his full power in that attack. He never expected it to be blocked so easily. It seemed this opponent had some real skills!

For a moment, Rui Feng and I stood facing each other, observing one another. Our nerves grew increasingly taut, brewing a fierce fighting spirit, and then, we both attacked simultaneously!

Rui Feng lunged forward like lightning, the spring-like muscles in his right arm twitching. His fist swung like a pile driver. I quickly condensed a small Blood Shield, not to block head-on, but to deflect to the side of his fist, perfectly altering its trajectory. Then, with one hand, I conjured a flexible Blood Whip, as thick as a child's arm, and lashed it forcefully at Rui Feng's body, which was unable to stop due to inertia! Rui Feng let out a cold snort, his waist muscles contracting violently, bending his body unnaturally to evade the Blood Whip. Immediately, he threw another punch, which collided with a second Blood Whip that followed closely behind!

One red and one grey figure moved at high speed, Blood Whips and heavy fists intertwining. It was astonishingly fast. In just a few seconds, they had exchanged more than twenty blows! Si Nan Ying cheered them on from the side, while Si Nan Yuan observed the battle with a serious expression. Rui Feng's Supernatural Ability was muscle control, which didn't sound strong, but in close combat, it could unleash astonishing power. Combined with years of training, his close-combat ability was considered upper-middle among the main family guards. The fact that Liu Ye could fight him to a standstill proved his strength without a doubt!

"Investigate this Liu Ye. I want the most detailed information by tonight," Si Nan Yuan quietly ordered her subordinate. Anything that could threaten the Second Miss's safety must be thoroughly investigated!

As I fiercely exchanged blows with Rui Feng, I was amazed by my own rapid improvement. This was only my third battle since arriving in this world, yet I could clearly feel my strength increasing. This strength wasn't about the intensity of my Supernatural Ability, but my combat effectiveness. Blocking Rui Feng's first attack had been a bit rushed, but now I could fight him on equal footing, even showing signs of gaining the upper hand. My body was adapting to combat at an astonishing rate! Moreover, I realized that after transforming, my five senses, reaction speed, and physical abilities were several times stronger than before!

Another exchange, fist and whip colliding and recoiling. It was time to end this...

A whip lashed out towards his abdomen. He predictably used his arm to block. Now!

The tip of the Blood Whip twisted, instantly transforming into a sharp Blood Blade, stabbing towards his muscular arm! This stab could cripple his arm! Who would have thought—

Click—Rui Feng's elbow joint suddenly bent backward, evading the Blood Blade. He had controlled his muscles to dislocate his own arm!

Having dodged the Blood Blade, Rui Feng lunged forward, pressing close to me with my guard wide open. Another click came from his elbow, and he had reconnected it! "Checkmate," he said, pressing his fingertips to my neck. "I admit your strength, but I am the one who wins in the end!"

"Hmph..." I sneered.

"You really think so? Look at your feet!"

"What!?"

The blood I had scattered on the ground during the fight suddenly surged up, engulfing his body like a membrane, leaving him no chance to dodge! At the same time, my Blood Blade pressed against his chest.

"So that's how it is... The initial Blood Blade was a feint, to divert my attention from the ground..." Rui Feng sighed. "I admit it, I lost."