Chapter Sixty-One: Overestimating One’s Abilities

It turned out that while the sniper was stalling for time, Xiao Ye had already devised this plan to lure his enemy into a trap. This was the Xiao family’s villa; anyone reckless enough to barge in would inevitably pay the price for their arrogance. Xiao Ye’s combat experience could only be described as seasoned—facing a formidable enemy, he instantly discerned their psychology, seeing through Lin Feng’s pride and conceit with utter clarity.

Once they fell into the trap, the members of the Red Dragon squad hiding nearby could ambush and eliminate them all. Lin Feng’s team of mercenaries now resembled men buried in a pit, scrambling to evade bullets, with a third of their number slain in the ambush within moments.

Through his night vision goggles, Lin Feng watched as his comrades’ bodies gradually lost warmth; his own hands and feet began to turn cold. “This tactic… could it be Xiao Ye? But I’ve never heard of him having any dealings with mercenaries—damn it!” Lin Feng, crouched behind cover, grew ever more furious, pounding the ground in vexation.

The shadow of his defeat years ago enveloped him once more. Now, being suppressed again filled him with uncontainable rage. He had encountered Xiao Ye in the past, but back then, he was just a small fry, never even getting the chance to meet Xiao Ye face-to-face.

Lin Feng’s mercenary squad huddled behind cover, mounting a counterattack; yet, despite their superior equipment, they could not locate the Red Dragon squad, who possessed the advantage of defending their home turf. The Red Dragon operatives moved like specters—each shot claimed another life.

As he watched his people fall one after another, Lin Feng could bear it no longer, shouting, “I’ve got heavy weaponry that can reduce this place to ashes in an instant! Stop firing, or we all die together!”

At his outcry, the gunfire gradually ceased.

“We’re only here to reclaim what’s ours. You know exactly what that is. And…” Lin Feng paused, then continued, “Xiao Ye, I know you’re here. Come out! Don’t hide like a coward.”

As Lin Feng finished speaking, the entire base fell into a sudden silence, as if everyone were deep in thought. Seconds later, power was restored throughout the base, and Lin Feng and his group were exposed under the harsh lights.

Members of the Red Dragon squad emerged from the shadows, their gun barrels trained unerringly upon the intruders. A hearty laugh rang out, and Xiao Ye descended the staircase.

Lin Feng stared fixedly at Xiao Ye, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

“I never imagined I’d fall into the hands of a nobody!”

“I didn’t expect we’d meet again here, either. If I’d known I’d bring this trouble on myself today, I should have killed you years ago,” Xiao Ye replied with a faint smile, stepping toward the mercenaries.

“Such arrogance. What happened years ago was just an accident. Besides, your life is in my hands now. At worst, we die together,” Lin Feng sneered, casting a pointed glance at the heavy weapon behind him.

“You truly overestimate yourself,” Xiao Ye replied coldly, meeting Lin Feng’s gaze.

Lin Feng, undaunted, retorted, “Dare you compete with me? If you win, I’ll leave. If I win, my demands are modest: kneel and kowtow three times, then return my belongings.”

At once, Xiao Ye burst out laughing.

“Your belongings? Perhaps you should ask your men how they acquired them. As for a contest, I see no reason to let you escape unscathed this time.”

The implication was clear: this was not just a battle, but a fight to the death.

Lin Feng understood. He did not know what Xiao Ye had experienced these past years, but he himself had grown and honed his skills; he was no longer the man he once was.

“Let them all bear witness. Today, it’s either you or me who won’t leave alive!” Lin Feng declared confidently.

“You seem certain, but don’t forget—this isn’t your home turf,” Xiao Ye remarked.

“No more words. Come!” Lin Feng rolled up his sleeves, ready for battle.

Before everyone present, the two faced off barehanded, without weapons—the duel began in earnest.

Haunted by the shadow of his past defeat, Lin Feng let out a furious roar, determined to sever the pain of years gone by.

Xiao Ye stood unmoving, watching Lin Feng approach. He wanted to see just how far this man had come.

“Dodging and evading—are you really such a coward? Come on, if you have the skill, strike me down again!” Lin Feng shouted. Xiao Ye’s retreat infuriated him, and his attacks grew even fiercer.

“Giving you the first move was only to watch you reveal your flaws. Though your strength has improved, your temperament still falls short!” Xiao Ye bellowed, blocking Lin Feng’s right hand and hooking his foot behind Lin Feng’s knee. Lin Feng toppled to the ground.

“Continue,” Xiao Ye stood with hands behind his back, his eyes utterly devoid of emotion.

Anger surged within Lin Feng. He sprang up, launching an even more ferocious assault. The two exchanged blows, but Lin Feng suffered more injuries overall.

To the mercenaries watching, the duel between the two was utterly spectacular.

The leader of the Red Dragon squad finally understood why Xiao Ye had been given command during the earlier battle.

The fight lasted about fifteen minutes. Lin Feng’s disadvantage gradually became apparent—his stamina waned, and his attacks lost their earlier force.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ye remained relaxed and composed. Lin Feng began to entertain sinister thoughts.

He suddenly kicked forward. Xiao Ye crouched, intending to sweep Lin Feng’s legs and send him sprawling. However, to his surprise, Lin Feng twisted in midair with incredible agility. Even more shocking, he drew a gleaming dagger from his boot and, using his momentum, thrust it toward Xiao Ye’s forehead.

In that split second, no one expected such a move—not even Xiao Ye.

Lin Feng steadied himself, the dagger advancing, now only centimeters from Xiao Ye’s brow.

Everyone held their breath, certain that Xiao Ye would be gravely injured and lose the duel.

But what happened next left them utterly stunned.

Xiao Ye’s hands moved faster than the eye could follow, catching the dagger in a barehanded grip.

No matter how hard Lin Feng pushed, he could not drive the blade forward even a fraction.

A crisp snap echoed through the room as Xiao Ye, relying solely on the strength of his hands, broke the dagger in two.