Nightmare Despair

Chapter 19 The Difference Is Immediate
Senior Brother Chen?!

Upon seeing Chen Ping's intimidating expression, as fierce as Zhong Kui (a mythical figure known for his fierceness).

The arrogance on Wang Jinquan and his group's faces instantly vanished.

Wang Jinquan's lips twitched, and he glared fiercely at Zhou Kai...

This kid definitely has something going on with Chen Ping!
"go!"

Give a low drink.

Ignoring the fact that Zhou Kai was holding him back, Wang Jinquan led his henchmen away in a sorry state without looking back.

Seeing this, Zhou Kai also loosened his grip on her wrist.

"Damn, it feels like my bones are cracked..."

The man's lips were purple, and his face was flushed red, but he didn't dare to utter a single fart.

Even Brother Wang chickened out, what else could he say?
They could only tuck their tails between their legs and flee in disarray.

Zhou Kai watched the group's retreating figures and asked Chen Ping, who had walked up to him, "What are these people doing? Are they just bored?"

Chen Ping frowned, shook his head, and said, "They're all bad apples. The one who just attacked you was a student who was promoted last month."

Instead of practicing his skills properly, he spends all his time messing around with Wang Jinquan.

Chen Ping's disgust was ruthless, devoid of any social graces or tact, and far more scathing than when he had cursed Du Feng that day.

Zhou Kai was somewhat surprised to hear this.

He had previously shown disdain when he mentioned the members on the first floor.

It seems that the Falcon Wing Boxing Gym is not a monolithic entity.

Poor management has led to a breeding ground for corruption and malpractice.

Chen Ping seemed to see through Zhou Kai's thoughts and said in a deep voice, "Don't meddle in other people's business. But if anyone tries to mess with you, there's only one word—fight!"

"As long as you want to access higher levels of martial arts, these stumbling blocks will eventually be trampled under your feet."

Zhou Kai nodded: "Understood."

He finally understood... Coach Chen's position in Falcon Wing was quite extraordinary.

And now, this bigwig is willing to back him up.

Zhou Kai finally felt a long-lost warmth in his heart.

Things seem to be getting better.

"Let's find a place to rest. I'll take you to see your teacher after the exam."

Chen Ping said those words and turned to leave.

……

Around nine o'clock in the morning, Ma Yifan came over.

"Dude, are you confident about today's quiz? I think you have a great chance."

Zhou Kai had a good impression of this stranger who was willing to help, and was happy to chat with him a bit more.

He casually replied, "It should be fine."

Ma Yifan clicked his tongue, looking envious: "I arrived two weeks earlier than you. Talent is a damn hurtful thing."

At least two-thirds of the members at the boxing gym have no interest in traditional martial arts; they are only there to learn a few self-defense techniques because of Chen Ping's reputation as a "former national fighting champion."

There aren't many people like Ma Yifan who are genuinely interested in ancient martial arts. And because of all sorts of other reasons, the basic membership level can only send one to three people up each month on average.

It's simply a case of choosing the best among the worst.

But there is nothing we can do about it.

Zhou Kai hadn't made any special inquiries, but he had heard news about things like "the decline of ancient martial arts," "the death of martial arts," and "a wave of boxing gym closures."

It's already a miracle that Falcon Wing can maintain such a large presence under these circumstances.

"Don't overthink it. Come on, I'll practice with you."

Zhou Kai suddenly stood up and waved to Ma Yifan.

"Alright! I knew it wouldn't have been a waste of time to help you, kid!"

"Even if your ex-girlfriend comes after you next time, I'll take care of her! I'll even cover your dowry, haha."

Ma Yifan grinned and laughed heartily.

Zhou Kaichun took it as a joke.

These words struck a nerve with Lu Yan, who had just walked in.

Lu Yan frowned slightly: "Xiao Kai, when did you start dating?"

Zhou Kai felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end, and quickly waved his hand: "No! Brother Ma is just joking!"

Ma Yifan's eyes swept back and forth between the two of them, revealing a knowing smirk.

Zhou Kai had no choice but to tell him to wait aside for now.

"Sis, you're awake? I thought you'd have to stay in bed all day, I even got you a day off."

Zhou Kai went to greet him.

Lu Yan's ear tips were a delicate pink. "Thanks... Um, is this yours?"

She pulled a card from her pocket, her eyes filled with doubt: "I don't remember it."

This action was clearly an attempt to change the subject, as she didn't want to revisit the embarrassing incident of being completely drunk and having to be carried home by her younger brother.

"Let me see."

Zhou Kai took it; the workmanship was exquisite, and the material was sturdy.

The front features several small, gold-stamped characters:
[To Sleepless Dreams]

Turn it over, and you'll find a specially encrypted phone number.

Again, "no dreams".

What are these persistent bastards up to?!
This card was most likely slipped into Lu Yan's pocket by someone while she was paying the bill.

Zhou Kai's face darkened.

The words "no dreams" were like a bomb, constantly reminding him of the dangers both in and out of his dreams, making him feel uneasy.

"Xiao Kai?"

Lu Yan wasn't wearing makeup today, and she had faint dark circles under her eyes, but it didn't affect her appearance at all; she had a natural, almost unnatural look.

She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Zhou Kai gripped the card tightly and stuffed it deep into his pocket.

He chuckled dryly twice: "It's nothing, just a junk ad card."

"Sis, you take a break first, I'll practice my boxing with him."

Lu Yan pursed her lips: "Okay, good luck."

……

With the exam approaching, Chen Ping has yet to show up.

As usual, Du Feng taught the class in his place and also served as the examiner for the quiz.

Soon, the quiz began.

Du Feng had the members who were willing to participate line up in several rows, and then they would spar with him one by one.

Whoever can survive ten moves will be exempt from further tuition fees and can go to the adjacent student area for advanced studies.

This time, Ma Yifan was very confident in himself. After being coached by Zhou Kai for half an hour, the weather cleared up and the rain stopped. Feeling confident again, he stood in the first position.

Zhou Kai, however, was dragged into second place by him.

While waiting, Ma Yifan winked and whispered, "Du Feng was actually promoted to a trainee just last month."

"I guess he was the one who went the lightest among the group on the other side."

"Since he's the examiner this time... what am I afraid of? Charge!"

Zhou Kai frowned slightly.

If we divide skill levels into Level 1 (Beginner), Level 2 (Proficient), and Level 3 (Master).

Du Feng's mixed martial arts should be classified as Level 2.

As for Chen Ping, he is at least at level three or higher, or even higher.

Both being at level two, and with the added advantage of my light footwork, I'd have this kid in the bag.

"Coach Chen isn't here, but don't expect me to go easy on you."

Not far away, Du Feng struck a coach's pose, his smile relatively gentle.

The mini-test has officially begun.

However, at that moment, a discordant voice came from the adjacent student area; the voice arrived before the person.

"Du Feng, you're a piece of trash who hasn't even mastered the Falcon Striker Technique. Do you even deserve to be an examiner?"

"Is this how Chen Ping manages his members?"

Among a group of trainees who were over 1.8 meters tall, a man who was less than 1.75 meters tall and whose build resembled Popeye walked out with a grin.

With such obvious features, who else could it be but Wang Jinquan?

With Chen Ping away, isn't this the perfect time for him to unleash his full potential?
Anyway, he was thinking of the gym's best interests!

Hopefully, the quality of trainees will be higher in the future.

The reason for the action was perfectly legitimate, and it was expected that even if Chen Ping found out later, he wouldn't be able to do anything to him.

Since there is a legitimate reason for the attack.

He then walked up to Du Feng with his head held high and commanded, "Get out of the way! Today, I'll take care of things!"

Du Feng's expression froze instantly, his lips twitching: "Brother Wang, don't do this..."

Wang Jinquan gave a malicious snort: "Heh, Du Feng, you think you're so great?"

"If you don't want to get beaten up, go stand over there!"

(End of this chapter)