278: Chapter 278 Muscular Tyrant Brother Jie and Bald Guy Fang Cheng

In Jiangdong District, Global Elite Combat Club.

After entering March, warm and cold air currents alternated in Dongdu City, and the average temperature rose significantly.

Today was even more unusual, directly soaring to nearly 30°C.

The central air conditioning had long been turned off, but the heat in the training hall had not diminished in the slightest.

The ventilation fans hummed loudly, and the air was mixed with the smell of sweat, disinfectant, and leather, feeling as stuffy as a steamer.

Sounds of equipment colliding, students shouting, and coaches instructing constantly came from all around, weaving together into a bustling scene.

The punching bag area was especially lively, with a row of black punching bags arranged in order from 50 kg to 400 kg.

Dozen of strong young men wearing fighting shorts and bare chests were practicing Punching techniques and kicking skills here.

Some panted heavily, using the exhalation and inhalation method of "Hei" and "Ha" to drive the rhythm of their punches.

Others brought walkmans to let the deafening rock music drown out the sounds of striking.

Sweat made everyone's clothes stick to their bodies, a premature experience of the passion of summer workouts.

Among them, a bald student with a shiny head practiced with exceptional vigor and dedication.

With bandages wrapped around his hands, his punches were fast and accurate, every single strike smashing the punching bag back and forth, causing it to vibrate violently.

Bang!

A fake jab with the lead hand, followed solidly by a straight punch with the rear hand slamming right into the centerline of the punching bag.

Without waiting for the punching bag to rebound, he twisted his waist, whipped his right leg out like a steel whip, and immediately followed up with a fierce side kick.

Clang!

The entire punching bag instantly swung up to an arc nearly as high as a person, the roaring wind generated causing nearby students to subconsciously tilt their heads to dodge.

Looking sideways, they saw that this heavy kick actually made the largest 400-kilogram punching bag almost parallel to the ground.

Creak——

The iron chains and brackets made a teeth-aching, harsh friction sound.

Then it swung back at an astonishing speed, carrying a huge impact force strong enough to send a person flying, smashing toward the trainee.

And what was even more surprising was that facing the punching bag crashing down like a battering ram, the bald man did not retreat even half a step.

Instead, he lowered his center of gravity, stretched his fists forward, and struck a classic Boxing guard posture.

Bang, bang, bang——

Three consecutive straight punches exploded like thunder and blasted out rapidly, every single strike accurately hitting the centerline of the punching bag, forcefully halting the momentum of this beast.

Immediately afterwards, his figure turned slightly, and with a "clang", a powerful hook blasted out like a cannonball.

The heavy 400-kilogram punching bag was struck high up by this blow, and the rising arc was actually comparable to when he used Kicking Techniques earlier.

He stood steadily like that, resembling an unshakeable copper wall and iron bastion.

His footsteps changed rhythm briskly, and the shadows of his fists fell like a violent storm.

Fierce straight punches, tricky uppercuts, vicious hooks...

Having abandoned Kicking Techniques, at this moment he displayed his Boxing skills to the fullest, with every single Move being as standard and textbook-like as possible.

And the colossal object hanging in mid-air was like a lightweight toy, wantonly manipulated under his fists, swaying helplessly back and forth.

Every heavy blow made the punching bag emit a painful muffled groan, and the iron rack squeaked and groaned incessantly, as if begging for mercy.

Several observing students nearby subconsciously swallowed saliva, their Adam's apples rolling up and down.

Was this hitting a punching bag? It was clearly treating this 400-kilogram colossus as an irreconcilable enemy.

It was hard to imagine if it was a real person facing this bald guy, would their entire skeleton have been dismantled into spare parts.

"Who is that guy? His technique is really good, he must have fought in amateur competitions before, right?"

A student who looked like a high schooler watched in a daze, couldn't help stopping his movements, and lowered his voice to ask the companion resting beside him.

"Amateur?!"

The companion snorted, draping a towel over his sweat-soaked neck, and instructed:

"Bro, are you talking in your sleep? With his strength and technique, he's qualified to fight in heavyweight Boxing matches and compete for the heavyweight champion's golden belt."

Hearing this, the young student smacked his lips:

"With this skill, why doesn't he go pro? Could it be some well-known fighter in disguise coming to our place to pretend to be a pig to eat the tiger?"

As he spoke, he unconsciously rubbed his faintly aching wrists, muttering with full envy:

"I'm afraid this guy's wrists are made of iron..."

Several professional boxers who had just finished training also gathered over, drinking mineral water while joining the discussion.

"Looking at this bald appearance, he might just be a warrior monk from Shanglin Temple."

"I guess so too, perhaps monks have some monastic precepts that don't allow them to return to secular life to play professional matches."

"No, how could a monk have such Killing Intent?"

Everyone whispered to each other, pointing and talking in low voices.

"F*ck, are you guys idiots, that's Fang Cheng!"

An veteran student nearby couldn't help it anymore, suddenly interrupting with a remark.

"Ah, Fang Cheng?!"

Hearing this, everyone exclaimed in unison, suddenly widening their eyes,

and the mineral water bottles in their hands dropped onto the plastic floor with successive "clatters".

In the corner, a new student who was clumsily adjusting his Boxing gloves raised his head blankly:

"Fang Cheng? Who is Fang Cheng?"

Several nosy students then started introducing him all at once.

This man was the gold-medal sparring partner jointly certified by all professional fighters and coaches in the entire club, the invulnerable endurance king of the Physical Body, who once beat an arrogant fighter who came to challenge the gym to the point that he didn't dare step half a step into the venue ever again.

Only then did everyone look closely.

That robust figure with a bald head gleamed with a dazzling luster under the ceiling lights of the training hall.

If one didn't look closely, it was indeed hard to connect this man full of Evil Qi with the Fang Cheng in their memory.

No wonder they didn't recognize him for a moment.

Fang Cheng was usually elusive, showing his face only once every few days, and sometimes not even seeing a shadow of him for a month.

Let alone that he had now shaved his head, completely ruining the gentle and Yingjun young scholar image in everyone's minds.

Bang!

Accompanied by another muffled striking sound, just as the punching bag swung violently again,

that bare-headed man directly reached out his hands and steadily caught the oncoming punching bag.

His feet were nailed to the ground without moving a fraction, and he thus forcefully controlled the 400-kilogram heavy object in front of him.

Then, the punching bag completely came to a stop, and the iron frame finally stopped making painful groans.

Fang Cheng, who was in deep Focus during training, didn't care about the gazes cast by everyone.

He merely tried his best to control the power and speed of his punches to avoid appearing too shocking and scaring others.

After the training ended, he walked to the side of the court, picked up a towel, and wiped the sweat from his face and chest.

At the same time, a trace of light flashed before his eyes, and the panel popped up with prompt information.

[Boxing Experience + 2]

Coupled with the 3 experience points gained from practicing Shadow Boxing during morning exercise today,

the current skill progress bar showed:

[Boxing Lv2 (483/500)]

Looking at how he was only 17 experience points away from completing a Breakthrough and promoting from the Great Master level to the Grandmaster level.

Fang Cheng pondered inwardly, a feeling of anticipation welling up naturally.

From the end of the treasure-hunting operation in Miwu Mountain to today, more than a week had passed.

He had practiced his skills diligently every single day, rain or shine, and seeing that he was about to reap the results, how could his heart not leap with joy.

As for hitting the punching bag for nearly an hour and only gaining this little experience, it was also within expectations.

There was no help for it; the skill Rank was too high, making upgrading increasingly difficult.

The experience gained from usual sparring was very little, let alone basic training like hitting punching bags.

Even if he deliberately increased the difficulty and used Boxing techniques to control the swing trajectory of the punching bag, the progress was still slow.

After all, a punching bag was dead matter after all, and simply couldn't compare to the effects of actual combat and sparring with people.

"A little gain is still a gain; I'll grind it out slowly."

Fang Cheng picked up the mineral water bottle, tilted his head back to gulp down a few mouthfuls of water, and pondered silently in his heart:

"Anyway, I have the panel's blessing. As long as I persist and accumulate day by day, even ten thousand experience points will eventually reach the goal one day."

Just as he was pondering, a familiar greeting came from the entrance of the training hall:

"A-Cheng, sorry to keep you waiting."

Fang Cheng instantly gathered his thoughts and looked up.

A muscular and tall brawny man wearing red fighting shorts was stepping over this way.

Seeing that the employer for today's sparring lesson had arrived, Fang Cheng put down the mineral water bottle and also greeted with a smile:

"Brother Jie, I heard you won your match again last week. It seems you have hope of breaking into the annual grand finals and competing for the championship."

"Haha, just good luck."

Brother Jie laughed heartily, his face showing a trace of complacency.

Then looking at Fang Cheng's sweat-drenched appearance, he pointed at the punching bag and asked: "Were you warming up just now?"

Fang Cheng nodded:

"Yeah, practiced for a bit while waiting for you."

Hearing this, Brother Jie couldn't help raising his thumb and praising:

"You kid, you're practically even more diligent than me, a professional fighter!"

The two skillfully put on their Boxing gloves and stood opposing each other in the center of the ring.

Brother Jie struck a Boxing stance, a look of appreciation flashing in his eyes:

"A-Cheng, your strength is slightly greater than mine, and your technical level is on par with mine. Every time I finish Boxing practice with you and then go up to the ring to beat those opponents, I always feel a lot more relaxed."

"Brother Jie flatters me."

Fang Cheng said modestly: "Every time I spar with you, I can also reap a lot of experience."

This wasn't polite talk, but truly sincere words.

In the club, opponents who could truly make Fang Cheng look forward to them could be counted on one's fingers, and Brother Jie was one of them.

Fang Cheng loosened his neck, then his steps bounced briskly, and his fists were placed one in front and one behind in an offense-and-defense stance, quickly entering the zone.

The sparring between the two attracted the gaze of the people around.

One was a moderately famous national free combat competition contestant, and the other was the club's recognized gold-medal sparring partner.

The chance to watch such masters exchange blows up close was rare.

"Quick look, buffed Brother Jie and bald guy Fang Cheng are sparring!"

"Let's go, let's go take a look."

Several students shouted excitedly.

Soon, a large group of people holding the purpose of watching the fun or learning gathered under the Boxing ring.

Some shouted slogans to cheer and boost morale for the side they supported.

Others pointed out the movements on the field with a serious air, commenting from time to time:

"This punch is fierce indeed, but the angle is not tricky enough", "When that kick is thrown out, the center of gravity is too far forward, making it easy to be caught and blocked".

Holding his purpose, Fang Cheng mostly used standard Boxing techniques, striking and escaping without getting excessively entangled.

Brother Jie was much more versatile, occasionally adding some free combat Kicking Techniques and wrestling skills.

The two lithe figures moved quickly on the ring, their fists and feet intersecting to emit crisp "papapa" sounds.

Sunlight shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the blue plastic floor, illuminating the entire ring even brighter.

Sweat constantly splattered amidst shouts and cheers, flashing with a crystal-clear luster under the sunlight.

"Beautiful!"

A burst of cheers suddenly erupted from under the ring.

Seeing Fang Cheng execute a deft side dodge, evading Brother Jie's high roundhouse kick, and then returning it with an accurate straight punch that made the opponent stagger back several steps and almost fall.

As the clock in the training hall ticked, the hands slowly pointed to eleven-thirty.

This sparring lesson had also reached its end time.

"Hoo——"

Brother Jie let out a long breath, drenched in sweat, but his eyes flashed with an excited glow.

The two of them tacitly withdrew their stances at the same time, touching their Boxing gloves together to show respect.

"Exhilarating!"

Brother Jie wiped the sweat from his face, panting and laughing:

"A-Cheng, sparring with you is truly gratifying. Now I have even more confidence in the weekend match."

The onlookers under the ring discussed unexhausted, dispersing in twos and threes.

Some were still imitating the wonderful Moves they saw earlier, while others enthusiastically discussed technical details.

Fang Cheng also deliberately portrayed a flushed face and panting appearance.

But in reality his breathing rhythm was still steady, quietly looking at the popping up prompt information:

[Boxing Experience + 4]

[Boxing Lv2 (487/500)]

Taking another step forward toward the Grandmaster level.

Wonderful!

Seeing this, the corners of Fang Cheng's mouth couldn't help rising slightly.

Soon after wiping a few drops of sweat from his forehead, he sincerely looked at the "experience baby" standing in front of him:

"Brother Jie's state looks very good; you will definitely achieve good results in this competition."

Hearing this, Brother Jie laughed heartily, vigorously patting his shoulder:

"May your kind words come true! Let's go, let's go take a shower together, and we two brothers can arm-in-arm rejoice and have a good chat."

"This... I still have some things to do, Brother Jie you go wash, we'll add another time."

After speaking, he grabbed his jacket and jumped down from the Boxing ring.

A hearty laugh from Brother Jie came from behind:

"Good, next time big brother will show you my ultimate Move!"

Fang Cheng quickly put on his sports jacket, bent down to pick up the scattered towels, water bottles, and protective gear.

Then he walked quickly back to the locker room, took out his mobile phone from the locker, and dialed a call.

"Beep... beep..."

After several ringback tones, a sweet and pleasant female voice finally came from the other end of the phone:

"Brother Cheng?"

This voice was like a wisp of warm wind in spring, carrying a bit of jubilation and intimacy.

"Is class over?"

Fang Cheng held the phone with his neck, asking while tidying up his items.

"Not yet, you wait for me a bit longer, I'm outside right now secretly calling you back."

Zhou Xiumei replied in a lowered voice.

"Alright, I'll go wait for you at the door of your classroom later."

Fang Cheng responded briefly and hung up the phone.

The music training camp where Zhou Xiumei attended classes was on the third floor of Wantong Shopping Center.

Back then, Fang Cheng accidentally saw the enrollment ad, and that's why he signed her up, pre-paying the tuition fee as a New Year gift for her.

During this recent period of time, as long as Zhou Xiumei had classes and he had sparring work, the two of them basically got used to taking a taxi together to come here to work, and then eating lunch together at noon.

Fang Cheng continued to pack up his personal items in the locker, calculating today's itinerary.

"I need to find time in the afternoon to go to Guanlan District to check the house decoration progress..."

According to what the contractor said, it could be finished in half a month at most, and now more than a week had passed, so it should be taking initial shape.

This decoration mainly targeted the kitchen and bathroom, ensuring basic living conditions.

As for the living room, he specifically requested it to be retrofitted into an industrial style like the club's training hall, laying various pipes and iron frames to install training equipment like punching bags and wooden dummy piles.

Having finished packing the equipment and clothing in the locker, Fang Cheng then carried his messenger bag and walked towards the shower room.

The warm water flow washed away the fatigue of morning training, and he closed his eyes, enjoying this moment of relaxation.

A few minutes later, after finishing his shower, he changed into a clean T-shirt and sweatpants.

Then he stuffed the changed-out clothes into his messenger bag and temporarily threw them into the locker.

Fang Cheng glanced at the sports watch on his wrist.

It was almost 12 o'clock noon, and the time was about right.

So he stepped out of the venue, looked up towards the escalator leading to the third floor of the shopping center, preparing to go up and find Zhou Xiumei.

"Fang Cheng!"

Suddenly, a shout came over, making him stop his steps.

Fang Cheng turned his head to look, his brows slightly raised, recognizing the newcomer with some surprise.