Chapter 62: A Lesson in Respect

The two individuals took their places.

Yang Tao adopted a fierce attacking stance, his face etched with solemnity. His sharp gaze was fixed on Lin Xiao, seeking an opportune moment to strike. Although he had consistently underestimated Lin Xiao, he was aware that Lin Xiao must possess some skills to have earned the role of the president’s bodyguard, and hence, he remained extremely cautious.

To his irritation, Lin Xiao seemed utterly unfazed, his face a picture of calm. His hands rested naturally at his sides, no stance taken.

“Who do you think will win? I’m certain Brother Yang will. We all know about his strength. He’s sure to emerge victorious,” one voice started.

“I agree. Brother Yang is our best bet. After all, he’s a disciple of the most powerful and enigmatic Chen’s Martial Arts Hall in Jinghai City. There’s no way he’d lose.”

“Exactly, not a hint of martial arts posture. Who does he think he is? With Brother Yang’s skills, defeat is out of the question.”

The security guards whispered among themselves, none holding out much hope for Lin Xiao. It wasn’t just because of Yang Tao’s influence but also his undeniable skills, which had earned their admiration and given him considerable sway in the security room.

As for Lin Xiao, they knew he was the president’s personal bodyguard and had demonstrated some abilities during his interview, yet they had no real gauge of his actual strength.

Observing Lin Xiao’s seemingly lackadaisical approach, not even assuming a defensive position, they were further convinced of his pretense, concluding his abilities to be rather lackluster.

“I believe Brother Lin will come out on top. You can’t even begin to comprehend his true strength,” Luo Xiaofeng retorted a bit defensively from the side, his faith in Lin Xiao’s prowess unwavering.

The crowd shot him dismissive looks, thinking he was nothing more than a sycophant. They eagerly anticipated his justification after a predicted loss.

Their hushed debates were inaudible to Yang Tao, while Lin Xiao, though aware, remained indifferent. However, upon hearing that Yang Tao was a disciple of Jinghai City’s formidable Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, Lin Xiao’s curiosity was piqued.

But before he could ponder further, Yang Tao had already launched his attack. His arms thrust out like spears, targeting Lin Xiao’s chest.

Yang Tao’s biceps were taut as iron, the veins along his arms writhing like tiny serpents.

From a single move, it was evident that despite Yang Tao’s questionable character, his strength was nothing short of extraordinary. No wonder the security personnel placed such faith in him.

His simple maneuver exuded both significant power and sheer force. Compared to the master from the Hundred Seat Society he’d previously encountered, or the individuals Lin Xiao had sparred with, they were incomparable.

A spark of anticipation flickered in Lin Xiao’s eyes. Confronted by Yang Tao’s intense assault, he stepped back, raised a leg, and swiftly aimed a kick at Yang Tao’s midriff.

Lin Xiao was not a man prone to bloodlust. Although Yang Tao’s taunts irked him, he was far from angry.

The position of logistics department director, most likely originally intended for Yang Tao, had been handed to him, and the resultant dissatisfaction was only human nature.

Lin Xiao merely sought to suppress Yang Tao, halt his disruptions, and play the role of a laissez-faire manager. He had no intention of harming Yang Tao.

Thus, he only employed a small portion of his power in the kick.

However, while Lin Xiao exercised restraint, Yang Tao misinterpreted this as the full extent of Lin Xiao’s capabilities. A flicker of surprise crossed his mind, but the speed wasn’t beyond his predictions.

His eyes burned with malice as he stared at Lin Xiao. He blocked the kick with a grunt, and the moment Lin Xiao began to pull back, he lunged forward.

In a flash, three punches flew out in succession.

Each one packed full force—each one sharp, fast, and heavy, tearing through the air with a faint, chilling whump. A normal man taking just one would be bedridden for two weeks.

As his fists drew closer to Lin Xiao, Yang Tao’s heart pounded with excitement. He could almost see the scene of Lin Xiao being wounded, followed by the president’s approval and his subsequent rise to Lin Xiao’s position.

However, what Yang Tao believed to be a speedy punch was discernible to Lin Xiao.

Seeing the ferocity behind Yang Tao’s punch and the hostile expression on his face, an icy expression flashed across Lin Xiao’s eyes. This wasn’t a friendly spar, it was clear that Yang Tao planned to inflict harm.

If he truly was as strong as he had shown, Yang Tao’s sudden three-punch assault would have undoubtedly left him injured. He didn’t anticipate that his restraint would result in Yang Tao’s excessive aggression.

Lin Xiao abandoned his restraint. His form shifted dramatically, legs crisscrossing in an instant, and his body twisted to evade Yang Tao’s attack. Then, he lunged forward, instantly closing the distance between him and Yang Tao.

All Yang Tao could register was a blur. Before he knew it, Lin Xiao was right in front of him. A sudden cold shiver ran down his spine. His scalp tingled as an indescribable chill enveloped him.

Too fast! Too quick even to track with the naked eye.

Yang Tao felt a sharp pain in his chest, a force he couldn’t resist pushing him backward, sending him involuntarily airborne, followed by a wave of weightlessness.

With a loud crash, Yang Tao found himself sprawled on the ground three meters away.

“This…”

“How… How is this possible? How did he move so fast?”

“Am I seeing things? It’s over just like that? Brother Yang lost? And he lost so swiftly?”

While the entire exchange seemed to have taken quite some time, it was over in less than a minute. As if in the blink of an eye, it had ended.

The security guards stood dumbstruck, their faces registering disbelief. This scene was beyond their wildest imaginations. They hadn’t expected Yang Tao to lose, and certainly not so swiftly.

Looking at Yang Tao moaning on the ground and then at Lin Xiao’s serene expression, the security guards felt a surge of apprehension.

Only Luo Xiaofeng, standing on the side, was brimming with excitement, a triumphant look on his face as he said loudly, “See, didn’t I tell you? Brother Lin’s skills far exceed your expectations.”

The guards lowered their heads, not daring to contradict him. After all, the scene before them had spoken volumes.

Lin Xiao’s next words further lowered their spirits, fearing Lin Xiao would turn his attention to them.

“Someone call the hospital. He’s injured and probably can’t stand up for now,” Lin Xiao announced.

“What?”

Only at that moment did everyone notice Yang Tao lying on the ground in visible pain. He was attempting to stand but seemed unable to straighten his back.

They had not known that Yang Tao was the first to launch a serious attack. All they saw was Lin Xiao’s ferocious retaliation, which left Yang Tao in a state needing hospitalization.

This triggered a wave of fear among them. If he could attack even the chief of security like this, then weren’t they, as mere subordinates, susceptible to his casual onslaught?

Without daring to utter many words, they hurriedly dialed for an ambulance. When it arrived, they hoisted Yang Tao into the vehicle.