Nightmare Despair

Chapter 15 Quiz

Zhou Qing is the kind of person with frighteningly high energy levels.

If she gets caught up in something, she won't feel tired even if she doesn't sleep for a day or two.

When she was in high school, she ran away from home with Zhou Kai, who was still in junior high school, and rode a broken bicycle for 130 kilometers in one night.

When she was in college, she took her entire dorm and rode a seven-hour hard-seat train to climb a mountain to watch the sunrise.

After starting work, Zhou Kai also saw similar feats of hers on his WeChat Moments.

Zhou Kai rarely admires anyone from the bottom of his heart. If he had to name one, it would be his sister.

"Xiao Kai, how's it going at the boxing gym? You look much better lately."

“Yanzi called me late last night and praised you for a full half hour.”

Because Zhou Kai was there, Zhou Qing and Sui Die's conversations would always intentionally or unintentionally steer towards him.

She asked with concern, "How about I extend your stay for another month? You can take some time to adjust your physical and mental state, and don't rush out to make your way in the world."

Zhou Kai shook his head: "No need, sis."

Zhou Qing glared at him: "You know what you're doing, don't let those irrelevant things bother you... I'm your own sister."

Zhou Kai immediately patted his chest and exaggeratedly replied, "I promise I won't!"

This made Zhou Qing laugh heartily.

Meanwhile, Sui Die's expression would occasionally become somewhat subtle.

She seemed to care a lot about Zhou Qing and Zhou Kai...

After breakfast, Zhou Qing wanted to take Zhou Kai to the newly built shopping mall in Xishan City.

But Zhou Kai tactfully spoke up: "Sister, Sister Sui."

"I might have to go to the boxing gym first..."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's smile froze, and her eyes dimmed slightly.

"Ah... well, you go ahead then."

Sui Die suddenly reached out and blocked Zhou Kai's way, "Excuse me, can I leave my contact information?"

"Row."

……

It took Zhou Kai more than ten minutes to get to the boxing gym, where the members' area had already finished a round of warm-up exercises with the coach.

As soon as Zhou Kai changed his clothes and walked into the team, people started whispering that Coach Chen Ping might be in a bad mood.

But when Chen Ping saw Zhou Kai, his expression was very gentle.

"Lu Yan already told me... It's good that you're here."

"You should practice with me this morning."

This is a privilege enjoyed only by those with exceptional talent.

"Thank you, Coach Chen."

Zhou Kai thanked him again, saying he didn't dislike this preferential treatment.

Although envious or jealous glances would occasionally fall upon him, he absorbed all of these emotions when his mind was clear...

But who cares?

Be low-key when you should be, and don't compromise yourself when you shouldn't.

……

[Mixed Martial Arts Experience +2]

[Light Steps Experience Points +1]

During the half-hour practice session at noon, Zhou Kai's progress was clearly visible.

The two became increasingly skilled in their fighting, their movements displaying a captivating beauty that inevitably drew the attention of many in the training area.

A short, stocky man coming down from the second floor called out to Du Feng, gesturing with his chin toward Zhou Kai: "What's that kid's background?"

A hint of disgust flashed in Du Feng's eyes, but he still answered truthfully: "Last week, or maybe the week before last, he's a new guy... or maybe even earlier. It feels like he comes and goes."

"Senior Brother Wang, why are you suddenly showing concern for these members who come to exercise?"

Wang Jinquan instantly lost face and slapped him across the face: "Get the hell out of here, can't you speak properly?"

"You've got some nerve, haven't you? Trying to take me by the nose!"

Du Feng easily dodged the question, replying casually, "I wouldn't dare. I'm off, Senior Brother Wang, I'm in a hurry to have lunch."

After saying that, he left without looking back.

The few sycophants following Wang Jinquan around didn't dare to stop him.

Among the basic disciples at the boxing gym, who didn't know that Du Feng followed Chen Ping?

"Damn it, what a bunch of scum!"

Wang Jinquan already had a fiery temper, and Du Feng's retort made his neck turn red with anger.

His gaze toward Chen Ping and Zhou Kai grew increasingly hostile.

"That bastard Chen Ping, does he really think he owns the boxing gym?"

"They even give us this kind of special treatment?" "I wonder how much membership fee they've pocketed behind the scenes..."

The people around him immediately chimed in with their own opinions.

……

In the afternoon, Chen Ping asked Du Feng to come and substitute for him.

He then led Zhou Kai to the second floor in the elevator.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a small practice room exclusively for Chen Ping.

He began by asking, "The mini-exam is tomorrow. Are you confident?"

Zhou Kai remained calm and composed: "I'll give it my best."

Chen Ping chuckled. He stood by the window with his arms crossed, his back to Zhou Kai.

"Stop joking, kid."

"Although I don't know how you did it, a mere small test can't stop you."

"In just six days, your skills, physical fitness, and combat awareness have all improved dramatically... You're extraordinary."

Zhou Kai felt a chill run down his spine.

Even though he tried to hide it, Chen Ping still found out after practicing with him every day for the past two days.

"But I'm not surprised, nor am I curious."

Chen Ping turned around and stared intently at Zhou Kai: "I've also seen people with even more terrifying talent than you, who awakened earlier."

Zhou Kai lowered his guard, revealed his sincerity, and asked earnestly, "So, Coach Chen... what do you mean?"

Chen Ping reached into the sand bucket beside him, his fingertips rubbing against the iron filings, making a rustling sound that made people a little anxious.

He pondered for a moment before speaking: "Do you really want to learn martial arts?"

"The preliminary test is just the most basic screening. Even if you pass, you still have to stay on the first floor with those members who are just going through the motions, and spend at least a month honing your basic skills and becoming familiar with the fundamental martial arts before you can truly become an apprentice."

"A month is too long."

"I can take you directly to compete for the qualification to become an apprentice."

Zhou Kai lowered his eyes: "There's no such thing as a free lunch. Coach Chen, what do you need me to do?"

Chen Ping laughed: "It's too early to talk about this now."

After saying that, he distanced himself from Zhou Kai and assumed a standard fighting stance.

"If you can hold on, from now until the quiz tomorrow morning."

"You can challenge me to a duel anytime."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Kai bowed deeply.

"Coach Chen, I'll have to accept your offer!"

Teng!
Zhou Kai bowed, before he could finish speaking.

A gust of evil wind is already blowing in!

Chen Ping's figure blurred and magnified the moment he looked up, and a sudden, unexpected swing punch came straight at him!

The wind arrives before the fist.

Chen Ping's fist tore through the air, producing not a sound of wind breaking, but a piercing shriek that hurt the eardrums.

In Zhou Kai's vision, the fist seemed to have drained all the light and sound along the way, smashing fiercely toward his face.

fast.

It's so fast that even a neural response becomes a luxury.

Zhou Kai's heart suddenly stopped.

"Old man, are you training me or killing me?"

In a flash, the idea exploded in his mind.

No... this is not a personal grudge.

This is forcing me.

It forced me to unleash the madness that I had fought my way out of my nightmares... that was my instinct.

He could already smell the familiar scent of blood and death.

This is the taste of the body being pushed to its limits when facing life and death.

tread!
The instinct for survival overwhelmed all other thoughts.

Instead of retreating, Zhou Kai suddenly took a step forward.

The body's center of gravity shifted forward like mercury, allowing the body to move sideways with a mere millimeter's width in a posture that defies common sense.

They avoided the vital points.

But it's still too slow.

scoff-

(End of this chapter)