Shock

On August 22nd, Zhang Shuai and Huang Tianli boarded a flight bound for the Beautiful Country together.

This was Zhang Shuai's first time flying in his life. With Pan Xiaoyu's help, his passport and visa had been processed smoothly in five days, and Huang Tianli had personally accompanied him on this trip to the Beautiful Country.

Their destination was the world-famous gambling city of Las Vegas in the Beautiful Country.

Just after they stepped off the plane, a man of Dragon Kingdom descent, around thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, pulled up in a Mercedes-Benz G-Class to pick them up.

"Old Huang, is this the expert you were talking about?"

Although the man was speaking to Huang Tianli, his eyes were fixed on Zhang Shuai, scanning him with deep skepticism.

Huang Tianli replied, "Rest assured, his strength is beyond your imagination. You just need to arrange as many matches as possible over these next few days; you'll get every cent of the commission you're owed."

Afterward, Huang Tianli began to introduce Zhang Shuai.

"This is Situ Changtian, a member of the overseas Hong Sect. You can just call him Brother Situ. He is very familiar with the underground boxing scene in the Beautiful Country, and I've entrusted him with arranging the matches this time."

Zhang Shuai was also sizing up Situ Changtian. He had heard of the overseas Hong Sect through various domestic media reports. Situ Changtian appeared to be around thirty-five or thirty-six, with a slightly stout build, a full beard, long hair, and arms covered in tattoos; he didn't look like a conventional person.

However, since he needed the man's help, Zhang Shuai greeted him politely, "Brother Situ, my name is Zhang Shuai. This is my first time abroad, so I'll have to trouble you with the match arrangements."

Situ Changtian nodded. He seemed to have doubts about Zhang Shuai's strength but didn't ask further. Once Zhang Shuai and Huang Tianli got into the car, he started the engine and drove out of the airport.

Half an hour later, the car pulled into the parking lot of a five-star hotel.

Situ Changtian led them to a room on the seventh floor. It was a double room with decent facilities.

"Old Huang, you two will stay in this room for the next few days. Remember, don't wander around, especially at night. This isn't the Dragon Kingdom; it's very unsafe here after dark."

Huang Tianli agreed repeatedly, saying, "Don't worry, we won't go anywhere except for the matches. Please arrange the fights for Zhang Shuai as soon as possible; we're here to make money."

Situ Changtian replied, "There's no rush to arrange matches. I need to gauge Zhang Shuai's strength first. Underground boxing is different from professional matches; if things go wrong, there's a risk of death. Every year, at least hundreds of people are beaten to death in these rings due to a lack of skill. As a fellow countryman, I have to be responsible for his safety."

Zhang Shuai quickly added, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Situ, but I am very confident in my abilities. Please go ahead and arrange the matches; there won't be any danger."

Situ Changtian said, "Under normal circumstances, that might be fine, but there are several world-renowned experts in town this week. I cannot be careless."

Zhang Shuai smiled and said, "Brother Situ, please rest assured. I'm not someone who values money over my life. Director Huang Tianli has already tested my strength."

"I am taking responsibility for your life. Even if you aren't afraid of death, I have to consider my own reputation. If you get beaten to death the moment you step into the ring, the organizers might revoke my status as a talent scout. You must understand that this is Las Vegas. The underground rings here have massive audiences, and the prize money is the highest in the world. That is why I must verify your skill. Have you ever fought in underground black-market matches before?"

"I have not."

"Then what boxing or fighting competitions have you participated in, and what were your results?"

"I haven't participated in any competitions, but..."

Before Zhang Shuai could finish, Situ Changtian grew annoyed. He looked at Huang Tianli and said with great dissatisfaction, "Old Huang, why did you bring a novice with no experience here? Are you trying to get him killed?"

Huang Tianli quickly replied, "Brother Situ, don't be so hasty. Even though Zhang Shuai hasn't fought in any matches, his strength is immense. I sparred with him before coming here, and I couldn't even hold out for a single move against him. You must trust my judgment; if he enters the ring, no one will be his match."

Huang Tianli's explanation left Situ Changtian astonished. He knew Huang Tianli's record well—the man had won the World Fighting Championship Gold Belt twice in his youth. Even if he was older now and not at his peak, he wasn't someone an ordinary person could defeat.

"Fine. Since you hold him in such high regard, I will find a way to start arranging matches. However, I still need to test his strength myself. Follow me to a place; I'll arrange for someone to spar with him."

Zhang Shuai could not refuse Situ Changtian's request.

Situ Changtian led them out of the hotel and drove them to a Dragon Kingdom martial arts school over twenty kilometers away.

The school was quite large. As they walked in, Zhang Shuai saw over a dozen students practicing Dragon Kingdom martial arts, and he was surprised to see that most of them were blonde-haired, blue-eyed foreigners in their teens.

"This is a school run by my friend, Yang Song. He once won the Dragon Kingdom Martial Arts Championship before coming to the Beautiful Country to develop his career. I'll have Yang Song spar with you in a moment. Just keep it light."

After briefly explaining the history of the school, Situ Changtian led them to a training room equipped with sandbags and wooden dummies.

He then called Yang Song over.

Yang Song was about 175 centimeters tall and in his early thirties. His frame looked solid, and his arm muscles were thick and powerful—he was clearly a practitioner.

"Brother Situ, what brings you to my school?"

As he spoke, Yang Song noticed Huang Tianli and exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Huang Tianli? What are you doing in the Beautiful Country?"

Huang Tianli wasn't particularly close to Yang Song, but they had crossed paths before and had even shared a meal and drinks during a previous visit.

"Haha, Yang Song, your school seems to be doing well! Plenty of students. I've brought this young brother here to fight in a few underground matches."

Hearing this, Yang Song's sharp gaze landed on Zhang Shuai.

"Young brother, you want to fight in the underground rings? I advise you to be cautious. Those who fight there are true experts and desperate men who don't fear death. Don't let my championship title fool you; even I wouldn't dare participate in the underground matches here."

Zhang Shuai smiled. "Brother Yang, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Situ Changtian said to Yang Song, "Yang Song, spar with this young brother. If his strength is sufficient, I'll arrange matches for him. If he's not up to it, I won't let him go out there to die. He's a fellow countryman, after all."

Yang Song smiled. "Alright. Come, young brother, let's spar. Let me weigh your strength."