Chapter 96: The Martial Arts Arena

A top-tier mercenary expert clashed with a group of prison gang leaders—naturally, the outcome was a foregone conclusion, so there’s no need to dwell on the details.

That night, Yang Jiekai secured the top bunk. The next morning, he woke up to find someone had already squeezed toothpaste for him, and there was even someone massaging his legs.

Wang Ying had initially worried that Yang Jiekai might suffer inside, but when she learned that he was actually enjoying a comfortable life there, she couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time.

Three days later, Yang Jiekai was bailed out, thanks to Han Ning pulling some strings. Wu the Blind only wanted to give Yang Jiekai a warning, not to wipe him out completely.

After enduring three days and nights in that smoky, chaotic detention center, the first thing Yang Jiekai did upon release was to take a long, comfortable shower and then prepare for a good rest.

But then he noticed something amiss on Han Ning’s face.

“What’s wrong, darling? Haven’t seen me for a few days—is that why you’re missing me?” Yang Jiekai teased.

Han Ning, instead of snapping at him like usual, sat beside him with a troubled expression, lost in thought.

Seeing her like that, Yang Jiekai’s tone turned serious. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”

“The company,” she replied.

Han Wei was on a business trip abroad, leaving Han Ning to manage all the company affairs alone. She was overwhelmed and without anyone to talk to, so she casually answered Yang Jiekai’s question.

“What’s wrong with the company? Is there anything I can do?”

Yang Jiekai spoke sincerely. Deep down, he felt guilty toward Han Ning. If he hadn’t appeared, Han Ning would still be at the helm of the vast Han Group. He had always wanted to do something to help her.

He grabbed a stack of documents from the table and started flipping through them. After just a few pages, his brow furrowed.

“What’s gotten into these people? Why are they targeting you?”

The documents revealed that the Mu Jia Company, once a partner with Zi Yu Corporation, had collectively turned against them, unilaterally canceling their contracts. Zi Yu was now facing a broken capital chain and the risk of bankruptcy.

“I don’t know!” Han Ning frowned. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s He Yuan behind this.”

“He Yuan?”

Yang Jiekai scratched his nose. “That He Yuan with the shady background who negotiated with you last time?”

Han Ning nodded. “No one else could be doing this to me, and only He Yuan has the power to turn all our partners against us at such a critical moment.”

Yang Jiekai pondered for a moment. “Is there no way to resolve this?”

Han Ning sighed deeply. “There is a way. If we can find a new partner and get an injection of funds, Zi Yu might still be saved.”

“How much do you need?” Yang Jiekai asked.

Han Ning exhaled slowly. “At least two hundred million.”

Yang Jiekai was stunned. The last time, Fang Shaojie gave him one million, which he was considering using if his wife needed it again. But hearing two hundred million, he was completely at a loss.

“What do you plan to do next?” he asked.

Han Ning looked distressed, sighing heavily. “Wait for the company to go bankrupt, then take it to court.”

“That won’t do!” Yang Jiekai immediately objected. He had just gotten out of that grim place; he wouldn’t let his wife be dragged in, nor watch the company she worked so hard to build collapse.

“Wait for me. I’ll think of a way!” he declared.

Afterward, Yang Jiekai drove out and called Wang Xiang en route. Before he could get to the point, Wang Xiang’s urgent voice came through: “Master, I was about to call you! Come to the school martial arts gym now!”

“What’s going on?” Yang Jiekai frowned.

“You’ll see when you get here!”

Yang Jiekai had just arrived at the school entrance when he saw Wang Xiang, dressed in martial arts attire, waiting eagerly.

“Master, you’re finally here!” Wang Xiang hurried over.

“What happened?” Yang Jiekai asked with concern.

“Let’s go to the gym; I’ll explain on the way.”

On the way, Wang Xiang told the whole story.

Since becoming Yang Jiekai’s disciple, Wang Xiang’s skills had skyrocketed by following his training methods. He had also become president of the school’s Martial Arts Association.

Just now, members from another university’s martial arts association came to challenge them. Wang Xiang and his friends were thoroughly beaten and were about to call Yang Jiekai for help when, unexpectedly, Yang Jiekai called first.

“Winning and losing is normal in martial arts. No one’s invincible. Losing isn’t a big deal. Why are you so nervous?” Yang Jiekai said, relieved. He thought something disastrous had happened from Wang Xiang’s anxious tone.

Wang Xiang grimaced as he walked. “I get that, but this challenger is no ordinary opponent. We fought in rounds and still couldn’t beat her. Worst of all, she’s a woman. She said if no one beats her today, our Martial Arts Association will be disbanded. I’m the president—if that happens, I won’t be able to survive at school.”

“Oh, a woman?” Yang Jiekai’s interest piqued.

By then, they had reached the gym.

Inside, several people were grappling. A woman in sportswear with a ponytail punched and kicked with lightning speed, swiftly taking down the men who tried to gang up on her.

“Anyone else?” the woman sneered. “If no one dares to step up, as agreed, the Martial Arts Association of Anhai University will be dissolved.”

Yang Jiekai eyed the girl but didn’t rush in. Instead, he said to Wang Xiang, “You go first. Let me see what this woman’s style is.”

“But…” Wang Xiang hesitated. He had already fought her and was still sore.

“If you’re afraid to lose, then don’t be my disciple!” Yang Jiekai said firmly.

“Yes, Master!” Wang Xiang shivered at the words, preferring to be beaten again than be expelled.

“Zhao Xue, don’t get cocky. I was careless just now. Let’s go again!” Wang Xiang stepped into the center and took a stance like a lion hunting a rabbit.

Zhao Xue sneered. “What, not enough just now? Fine, three moves. You go first.”

Wang Xiang shook his arm, let out a yell, and charged at Zhao Xue.

Half a meter away, he suddenly threw a low hook punch aimed at her chin—one that Yang Jiekai had taught him.

Zhao Xue didn’t flinch or dodge; she gently flicked his fist upward with one hand, then smoothly grabbed and redirected his force. With her hands opening, Wang Xiang’s chest was fully exposed.

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

Zhao Xue unleashed a barrage of rapid punches to Wang Xiang’s chest. Before he hit the ground, she stepped forward, grabbed his collar, and rained down more punches before finally kicking him flying.

Yang Jiekai smiled, instantly recognizing Zhao Xue’s style.

It was authentic Wing Chun.

Yang Jiekai’s instructor had once taught him some Wing Chun moves and told him that when mastered to perfection, Wing Chun was unbeatable in close combat.

Though Zhao Xue’s Wing Chun wasn’t yet legendary, her rapid attacks amazed Yang Jiekai. She looked barely over twenty and had already achieved such a level—quite an accomplishment.

“Anyone else want to try?” Zhao Xue scanned the room with a challenge, but no one stepped forward.

Yang Jiekai stretched his neck and walked over, watching Zhao Xue with amusement. “Your Wing Chun is good, but you’re a bit stiff in a few areas. If you can fix that, you’ll level up.”

Zhao Xue sized him up with disdain. “Who are you?”

Wang Xiang, just getting up, looked up proudly. “He’s my master, Yang Jiekai!”

“Heh…” Zhao Xue sneered. “Perfect. Today I’ll take down both the disciple and the master.”

Yang Jiekai sighed inwardly, thinking, “Such youthful boldness.”

“Zhao Xue, since your Wing Chun was impressive just now, to be fair, I’ll only use one hand. If you can stay standing after three moves, you win—and the Martial Arts Association of Anhai University will be disbanded.”

“Hahaha!” Zhao Xue burst out laughing. “Such arrogance. Bring it on!”

Yang Jiekai sighed again and casually took a stance. “Your move.”

Zhao Xue, angered by his disdain, twisted her heel, creaking on the floor, and launched into a series of quick strikes.

Wing Chun is characterized by speed, precision, and short-range power. Her punches came like a machine gun.

Yang Jiekai kept one hand behind his back, slightly turned his body, and with the other hand, grabbed her wrist.

Zhao Xue flipped her wrist, trying a Wing Chun sticky hand technique, but found his grip like iron tongs—impossible to break.

He twisted her wrist aside, then suddenly released, slapping her shoulders twice, sending Zhao Xue to the ground.

“Good job, Master!” cheers erupted around.

“Again!”

Zhao Xue gritted her teeth and attacked once more, but realized her Wing Chun moves were ineffective against him.

After the fifth fall, she stopped.

“I lost,” Zhao Xue said, turning to Wang Xiang. “I accept the bet. From today on, I’m your girlfriend.”

What?!

Yang Jiekai shuddered upon hearing this. So that was what Wang Xiang had rushed to him about.

Seeing Wang Xiang grinning and Zhao Xue’s resigned yet charming expression, Yang Jiekai thought to himself, “What a shining gem wasted on a pig!”