Chapter 111: The Perfect Choice

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Shen Xueying asked those beside her, “Have you ever seen martial arts techniques like these?”

“Not only have we never seen them, we’ve never even heard of them,” came the reply. Those nearby responded similarly, and Mao Wuying shared the same reaction.

Among all the Night Execution Division members currently stationed in the royal capital, if one were to select the top three in combat prowess, Lu Santong would undoubtedly be among them.

Though somewhat arrogant and prideful, Lu Santong’s skills were undeniably formidable. His boldness in every mission earned the trust of his comrades.

However, this time, when facing Jiang Chen, a potential recruit for the Night Execution Division, Lu Santong behaved clumsily. He resented Shen Xueying’s attempt to bring Jiang Chen in, believing that this rustic youngster was unworthy of their ranks.

Now, he had the chance to truly understand Jiang Chen.

In their confrontation, Lu Santong appeared somewhat awkward, possibly due to underestimating his opponent and being unprepared. In short, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

Within just a few exchanges, the confident Lu Santong was caught off guard. He found his eyes struggling to keep up with Jiang Chen’s movements. Every time he tried to counter a move, he was a step too slow.

That single step often placed him in a passive position, as Jiang Chen struck repeatedly at various parts of his body. Fortunately, Lu Santong wore an impenetrable chainmail armor, preventing him from being utterly overwhelmed.

Han Yuyang stood silently behind, seemingly unwilling to intervene. Meanwhile, other Night Execution Division members subtly adjusted their positions, ensuring that when the time came to seize Han Yuyang, he would find no easy escape.

Every ideal escape route was occupied by these seasoned members; they were determined to capture the culprit who had directly caused the front-line situation to deteriorate so rapidly.

Jiang Chen’s offensive surged wave after wave. Without his trusty weapon, Lu Santong’s abilities seemed constrained, but his proud nature wouldn’t let him admit that.

Their battle reached a critical point. In this bare-handed duel, Jiang Chen began to gain overwhelming advantage. The Night Execution Division members silently worried for Lu Santong. If he were to lose, it would be a blow to their overall morale.

Anyone who made it into the Night Execution Division must possess exceptional talent and an inherent pride.

Only Shen Xueying openly admired Jiang Chen. She viewed this encounter as Jiang Chen paving the way to join the Night Execution Division. Once he defeated Lu Santong, no one would doubt his place among them.

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“Boom!”

Jiang Chen’s fist surged forward. Lu Santong hurriedly blocked with both hands, but his back slammed heavily against the wall, causing the entire house to collapse.

The punch was so powerful that Lu Santong’s burly frame was thrown backward. Had he not braced himself against the wall, absorbing much of the force, he would have fallen in disgrace.

“Looks like I’ve won,” Jiang Chen said, ready to stop.

He didn’t want matters to escalate; he would still have to deal with the Night Execution Division later. If Lu Santong lost face too badly in front of his comrades, it would only cause trouble down the road.

But Lu Santong found no way to back down. His tiger-like eyes blazed as he prepared to strike back.

“It’s not over yet! You bastard, first knock me down before you talk!” he snarled.

“It’s just some friendly sparring. No need to take it so seriously,” Jiang Chen replied.

Yet, his gaze did not fix on Lu Santong but drifted to the distance.

Suddenly, Shen Xueying sensed something was amiss. Just as she was about to order the capture of Han Yuyang, Han Yuyang took the initiative. He struck down the two enemies closest to him and then turned to flee toward a nearby abandoned building.

The move was unexpected. The building was empty—a dead end. Even hiding there would only buy some time.

Shen Xueying asked Mao Wuying, “Why would Han Yuyang abandon three clear escape routes and run into a dead end, cutting off his own retreat?”

“I’m not sure, but I can go in first to engage him and prevent any further mischief,” Mao Wuying said.

Though Shen Xueying felt uneasy, she couldn’t pinpoint why. She allowed Mao Wuying to investigate and ordered others to surround the abandoned building.

However, just as Mao Wuying and the others approached, a crimson halberd suddenly appeared, piercing through one of the support pillars and triggering the collapse of the entire structure like an avalanche.

These long-abandoned houses were already on the verge of collapse, and once the fragile pillar was destroyed, the downfall was instantaneous.

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Debris, earth, and tiles tumbled down in waves, kicking up dust that obscured vision.

Lu Santong was stunned. His treasured weapon, the crimson halberd, had been kicked away by Jiang Chen’s foot. That damned bastard was enough to make him spit blood in frustration!

As the dust settled, the Night Execution Division found no trace of Jiang Chen or Han Yuyang. They extended their search far and wide but found no sign.

“Damn it! They actually managed to escape!” Lu Santong grumbled, deeply frustrated, yet still failing to grasp the true nature of the situation.

Shen Xueying said, “I suspect Jiang Chen planned everything from the start. He made you lower your guard and drop the halberd, and he also figured out how to escape with Han Yuyang.”

“What? You mean that bastard intended this all along, deliberately toppling the building to create chaos?”

“Most likely.”

The ability to devise a quick escape plan amid such unfavorable circumstances—and then execute it successfully—made Jiang Chen increasingly admirable in Shen Xueying’s eyes.

“Jiang Chen is a man of unfathomable strength and sharp intellect. More impressively, he’s somewhat cunning yet fiercely loyal to his comrades. Such a person would be an excellent addition to the Night Execution Division,” she praised, seemingly unbothered by having just been outwitted.

Lu Santong, however, was displeased. “No matter what, this kid is guilty of harboring a fugitive. That’s a grave crime. He can never join the Night Execution Division!”

“Whether Han Yuyang is truly a murderer remains unconfirmed. As for their killing those few camp commanders, it’s inconsequential to us,” Shen Xueying replied coolly.