16: Chapter 16 Duel in the Training Grounds

Su Bai did not retreat, instead stepping forward. He narrowly dodged the left fist, while his right fist, at an uncanny angle, passed beneath Li Hu's right fist and struck directly at the target, slamming into Li Hu's chin!

This punch condensed all of Su Bai's spiritual power; it was fast and caught his opponent off guard.

Li Hu was shocked!

He never imagined that Su Bai would dare to counterattack at such a moment, and the angle he chose was so tricky that it completely bypassed his defense.

In his panic, Li Hu tried to pull back to defend, but it was already too late.

"Bang!"

A crisp sound rang out!

Su Bai's fist landed solidly on Li Hu's chin.

Li Hu felt his head swim, stars dancing before his eyes. A tremendous force surged from his chin, sending his entire body flying backward.

He crashed heavily onto the bluestone slabs at the edge of the martial arts arena.

"Cough, cough..."

Li Hu struggled to get up, but his limbs felt weak. A sweet taste rose in his throat, and he nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

The look he gave Su Bai was filled with disbelief.

He had lost!

He actually lost to a Loose Cultivator at the Fifth Layer of Qi Refining?!

And he lost so thoroughly!

The other guards on the martial arts arena were also stunned.

They had assumed Li Hu would easily take care of this Loose Cultivator, but they never expected such an outcome.

Su Bai slowly withdrew his fist, his expression unchanged, his breathing steady.

In truth, Su Bai was also a bit surprised.

This Li Hu was truly worthy of being an elite in the army; his strength far exceeded that of a Loose Cultivator at the same level.

If it hadn't been for last night, when he utilized the Classic of Yin-Yang Union and Joy to engage in Dual Cultivation with Lin Weiwei and the other two, greatly tempering his Physical Body, he might not have been a match for Li Hu in today's battle.

Even Zhou Zheng was a bit surprised that Su Bai had won.

He had originally thought that although Li Hu acted recklessly, he was, after all, someone he had personally promoted, and his cultivation at the Fifth Layer of Qi Refining was no mere decoration.

One had to know that guarding the entrance to the Jiedushi's Residence was not a job that just anyone could secure.

Who would have known that this Loose Cultivator could actually defeat Li Hu.

It seems that even he had misjudged things this time.

However, since Su Bai had won, Zhou Zheng would not go back on his word.

He withdrew his gaze from Li Hu, swept past the stunned guards on the martial arts arena, and finally landed on Su Bai.

He didn't say much, turning to walk toward the desk on the side.

A moment later, Zhou Zheng picked up a brush and wrote quickly, soon completing a letter.

He picked up the sealing wax nearby to seal the envelope.

"You should head to the barracks tomorrow."

Zhou Zheng handed the letter he had written to Su Bai and said softly, "When you get there, give this letter to the general; once he sees it, he will naturally arrange for you to have work."

Su Bai took the letter and bowed respectfully.

Afterward, he tucked the letter away safely.

Subsequently, Zhou Zheng swept his gaze once more toward Li Hu, who was sprawled on the bluestone slabs.

There was a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he couldn't say much; after all, he had witnessed the fight just now.

Although Li Hu hadn't handled certain aspects perfectly, he had still fought according to the rules.

Having lost even under those circumstances, he could only blame his own inferior skills.

Zhou Zheng snorted coldly and walked forward.

Su Bai followed behind at a steady pace.

The gazes of the soldiers around the martial arts arena fell upon Su Bai, filled with curiosity, and most of them even carried Battle Intent.

But he didn't pay it any mind, simply following silently behind Zhou Zheng.

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered.

Zhou Zheng sat behind his desk, while Su Bai stood below, not speaking, just standing there quietly.

"I will handle the matter of you injuring Li Hu," Zhou Zheng said slowly.

"Although he is reckless, he is still my soldier, after all. You held back at the last moment and didn't leave Li Hu crippled, so I thank you on his behalf."

Su Bai lowered his eyes and replied politely, "You are too kind, My Lord. Li Hu and I are not mortal enemies; it is best to be forgiving when one can."

"To be forgiving when one can—a fine turn of phrase."

Zhou Zheng's eyes brightened. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Su Bai and said, "I will send people to help guard your small courtyard to ensure your family remains safe."

Su Bai's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive.

He guessed that Zhou Zheng was trying to show goodwill, but it was also a form of surveillance.

However, having someone guard the courtyard was indeed a good thing for him.

After all, if Butcher Zhu were to bring his cousin to cause trouble later, having people from the Jiedushi Residence step in would be useful.

"As for Qingying."

Zhou Zheng set down his teacup, looked at Su Bai, and said, "For this period, just let her recover from her injuries at your place."

Su Bai's brow twitched imperceptibly.

Having Zhou Qingying recover from her injuries at his place was not as simple as just taking care of her.

"Yes, Su Bai will certainly take care of Young Miss Zhou with all his heart."

Su Bai stood respectfully in place, his tone sincere as he spoke.

Zhou Zheng looked at Su Bai, nodded with satisfaction, and a trace of a smile appeared on his face.

Afterward, he picked up the brush again, wrote another letter, handed it to Su Bai, and instructed softly, "Give this letter to Qingying for me."

Su Bai took the letter, cupped his hands toward Zhou Zheng, and said, "If there is nothing else, Su Bai will take his leave."

Zhou Zheng waved his hand, signaling that he could leave.

Su Bai bade farewell and turned to leave the study.

Stepping out of the gates of the Jiedushi's Residence, a complex emotion welled up in Su Bai's heart.

Today's events, all in all, could be considered as achieving all of his goals.

He had not only gained the favor of the Military Governor but also secured the opportunity to enter the barracks and head to the front lines.

Returning to his small courtyard, Su Bai gently pushed open the gate.

In the courtyard, three beautiful figures rushed toward him almost simultaneously.

"Young Master, you've finally returned!" Ji Yingying's voice was laced with a hint of coquettish complaint.

Before Su Bai could react, Ren Yingying had hung herself onto him, her soft, delicate body pressing tightly against his.

Lin Weiwei also wrapped her arms around Su Bai's other arm, rubbing her little head against his shoulder.

As for Lin Chanchan, she cutely mimicked her sister's actions, clumsily hugging Su Bai's thigh.

Feeling the softness in his arms, the exhaustion in Su Bai's heart dissipated by more than half.

He reached out and gently patted Ji Yingying on the back.

Unexpectedly, Ji Yingying wiggled coquettishly in his arms, almost wiggling Su Bai's soul right out of his body.

Ren Yingying clearly knew her own charm, the corners of her mouth curling into a sly arc.

Su Bai sucked in a cold breath, but on the surface, he feigned ferocity and glared at her.

He scolded Ren Yingying softly:

"You little enchantress, it hasn't been long since we last met, and you already dare to be so presumptuous?"

He gently hooked Ji Yingying's chin with his finger and said with a touch of doting, "It seems it's time for this Young Master to properly discipline you."

Hearing this, Ji Yingying giggled, her voice as crisp as silver bells,

and said with a touch of teasing:

"Isn't it just because this servant missed you, Young Master? How do you plan to discipline me, Young Master?"