The Beauty CEO's Personal Expert
Chapter 635 - 632: Sparring (2)

Chapter 635: Chapter 632: Sparring (2)

Thinking of the possible consequences, Tong Nan nodded and stepped toward the martial arts field.

But at this moment, a sudden exclamation burst out from the spectators: "Look, Song Yi can’t hold on any longer."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Song Yi. Indeed, at this moment, Song Yi’s face was slightly pale, his shoulders trembling slightly as if he was shivering. From his appearance, he obviously couldn’t hold out much longer.

By comparison, although Ling Chen seemed a bit short of breath, he was in a much better state than Song Yi, his eyes sharp and clear with no sign of defeat.

Seeing this, Tong Nan’s expression couldn’t help but change.

This guy... such strong Inner Strength! Just from this alone, his martial arts cultivation is definitely not weak. Has he been hiding his true capabilities all along?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, a light shout came from the martial arts field: "Let go!"

As the voice fell, a meaty palm fiercely struck out, hitting right in the middle of Ling Chen and Song Yi’s interlocked hands. Disrupted by the blow, both Ling Chen and Song Yi immediately took several steps back, disengaging from combat.

Ling Chen gasped for breath and looked at the person who had intervened: "Elder Zhou!"

Zhou Qi glanced at Ling Chen, then turned his gaze coldly towards Song Yi and reprimanded sharply: "Song Yi, you are a member of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Is this how you treat a guest?"

Song Yi tried to defend himself: "I..."

"Enough!" Zhou Qi waved his hand impatiently: "I do not wish to hear your excuses. The Pavilion Master has ordered you to reflect on your actions. You are not to leave Yangxin Pavilion for three days. Do you hear me?"

Seeing Zhou Qi invoking the Pavilion Master’s name, Song Yi immediately wilted like an eggplant hit by frost.

"Yes, I understand."

"Elder Zhou, Song Yi was just exchanging pointers with Ling Chen, making friends through martial arts. There’s no need for punishment, right?" Tong Nan suggested with a smile, hoping that Zhou Qi would be lenient and retract the punishment for Song Yi.

Zhou Qi replied coolly: "These are the Pavilion Master’s direct orders. I am merely the messenger. If you have any objections, you may take them up with the Pavilion Master." After a pause, Zhou Qi added: "Tong Nan, you’re one of the senior disciples of Yangxin Pavilion. You had better think carefully before you act, so as not to cause trouble for the Pavilion Master."

"Elder Zhou, rest assured, I know my limits." With that, Tong Nan turned to Ling Chen and cupped his hands: "Ling Chen, if there has been any discourtesy, I ask for your forgiveness."

"You’re taking it too seriously. As you said earlier, it is common for those in the Martial Arts to spar and exchange pointers. If there is a chance, I would still like to ask for your guidance."

Hearing this, a sharp cold light flashed in Tong Nan’s eyes as he replied with a smile: "I believe there will be an opportunity. Elder Zhou, since you’re here, you go on with your work. I’m going back to see my Master."

Watching Tong Nan and Liang Zheng leave, Zhou Jun and Song Ge hurried to Ling Chen’s side, asking with concern: "How are you, are you alright?"

Ling Chen patted his chest and said with a smile: "What could be wrong with me? I’m perfectly fine."

"You... you are too bold. To actually compete in Inner Strength with Song Yi, don’t you know how dangerous that is?" Zhou Qi scolded, but despite the blame, there was a hint of admiration in his voice. He was startled earlier when he saw Ling Chen and Song Yi competing in Inner Strength. Such a contest was no joke; the slightest carelessness could lead to a serious injury, and one might even lose all their martial power. That’s why Su Mei had hurriedly called him to intervene.

Ling Chen said sheepishly: "Elder Zhou, I’ve caused you concern. I will be more cautious next time."

Relieved to see Ling Chen unharmed, Zhou Jun and Song Ge suddenly became interested and asked eagerly: "We all thought you would lose, but you actually won against that boy Song Yi. How did you manage it?"

"There’s nothing to ask about. Inner Strength comparisons don’t involve any trickery. It’s entirely a test of one’s own strength. Ling Chen’s victory over Song Yi only proves that he is stronger."

Upon hearing Zhou Qi’s words, Ling Chen nodded, seemingly agreeing with him.

In truth, he knew best. When it really came down to sheer strength, it was difficult for him to defeat Song Yi. The reason he won was entirely due to Su He’s guidance.

Although there were no tricks in an Inner Strength contest, if one mastered the art of ’Control,’ they could maximize the power of their Inner Strength. For instance, during the contest with Song Yi, the latter had been bluntly channeling his Inner Strength outward, trying to overpower him in one go.

However, Ling Chen was very clever. Knowing that his Inner Strength was inferior to Song Yi’s, he condensed his own Inner Strength to counteract his opponent. In doing so, not only did he enhance the power of his Inner Strength, but he also conserved what would otherwise be wastefully expended Inner Strength.

That’s why Song Yi’s Inner Strength depleted too quickly and couldn’t last as long as his.

In essence, Song Yi didn’t lose to him, but to his own pride.

After leaving the martial arts arena, Ling Chen and the others followed Elder Zhou back to their room.

Sitting on the bed and feeling a bit tired, Ling Chen rested for a while. After all, he had exhausted so much Inner Strength that he felt weakened.

It wasn’t until lunchtime that Ling Chen finally recuperated.

...

Time flew by in the blink of an eye.

Ling Chen had already been at Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion for three days.

During these three days, Zhou Jun and Song Ge visited Ling Chen’s room every day, sharing drinks, chatting, or strolling around, which was rather leisurely.

However, when the night was deep and quiet, Ling Chen wasn’t that leisurely anymore.

These last few days, the contact from the God Organization had begun to inquire about the progress of the operation. If he did not make any progress soon, the safety of Xia Mutong and porridge girl would be difficult to ensure.

Looking at the blue bottle in his hand, Ling Chen, resting his head on one hand, pondered some strategies.

Lin Jiawei had said that as long as he poured the liquid from the blue bottle into the drinking water of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, it would render everyone there powerless. Then, with an inside-outside coordinated attack, they could eliminate everyone from the Pavilion.

But as easy as it sounds, it was extremely difficult to accomplish.

During his time with Zhou Jun, Ling Chen had gleaned quite a bit of information indirectly. The food and water of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion were separate from Yangxin Pavilion. Moreover, the Pavilion was very strict about managing their kitchen, not allowing unrelated or external personnel to enter the sensitive area.

Ling Chen had originally wanted Zhou Jun to take him on a tour of the kitchen, but Zhou Jun had told him that not even he was qualified to enter the kitchen, let alone bring someone else.

If it were Elder Zhou, then it might be possible, as he was the steward of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, in charge of managing many affairs, including logistical work.

What a problem!

Ling Chen sighed helplessly, not knowing what to do.

Lin Jiawei had only given him ten days, and one-third had already passed. If there was no progress, he could forget about ever seeing Xia Mutong and porridge girl again.