Chapter 48: The Curtain Falls

Qin Jue could never have imagined that Cui Dongxing would suddenly resort to murder at this juncture.

However, Cui Dongxing's thoughts were entirely different.

In his eyes, now utterly consumed by madness, there was only one path left: kill Qin Jue first, take back the points token, and then bribe the surrounding inspectors.

He plotted to disguise the whole thing as a false scenario where Qin Jue, knowing he was no match, broke the rules by pulling out a dagger to launch a sneak attack, only to be killed in self-defense by him instead.

After all, everyone knew Qin Jue’s strength was far inferior to his own; no one would suspect that he had committed premeditated murder.

With the dead unable to speak, he would still securely hold the throne as the number one in the camp!

It was this insane, supposedly foolproof plan that made Cui Dongxing appear exceptionally decisive and ruthless when he struck at the final moment.

At this very moment, a frantic flame burned in the depths of his eyes, as if he could already envision himself gaining the appreciation of the commander and his uncle through this "victory," paving the way for a smooth and rapid rise.

However...

At the critical moment when he lunged at Qin Jue, a spark suddenly burst forth from the darkness.

This spark was exceedingly bright, and in an instant, an overwhelming and peerless aura swept across the scene like a roaring tsunami, enveloping the entire area.

Immediately following that, a tall and upright figure rushed out from the shadows like a ghost, moving so fast that the naked eye could barely capture it.

In the blink of an eye, this person stood firmly between Qin Jue and Cui Dongxing.

He extended a thick, powerful hand and, with absolute precision, grabbed Cui Dongxing’s wrist as it held the dagger.

The flickering spark surrounded that massive hand, making it impossible for Cui Dongxing's dagger to advance even a fraction of an inch further.

Cui Dongxing slowly raised his head to look at the sudden arrival.

His face, which had been distorted by madness, was instantly replaced by terror, drained of all color.

With a soft click, the dagger slipped from his limp hand and clattered to the ground.

At this moment, Cui Dongxing’s entire body trembled violently and uncontrollably, his expression filled with absolute panic.

His thin lips quivered slightly as he squeezed out two difficult words: "Commander!" His voice was laden with despair and fear.

By this time, Qin Jue had also caught sight of the newcomer.

This man possessed a burly and imposing stature, bronze-colored skin, and a broad, slightly prominent forehead. His eyebrows were thick and swept upward, carrying an unshakable majesty at the outer edges of his brows.

He stood like an abyss-deep spring or a towering mountain peak, profound and restrained!

This was the first time Qin Jue had laid eyes on Wang Zhong, and he immediately felt an aura as heavy and massive as a mountain press down upon him.

Forcing his body to endure, he cupped his hands and bowed: "Many thanks, Commander, for saving my life!"

Wang Zhong gave a slight nod, his expression calm and his profound gaze quickly shifting to Cui Dongxing, who was now trembling like a leaf in the wind. A trace of coldness flashed through the depths of his eyes.

He had not expected this disciple to dare to brutally murder a comrade-in-arms.

Had he not been observing from the shadows the entire time and intervened promptly, this fellow would likely have succeeded.

"This person will be dealt with by others," Wang Zhong said in a low and even tone.

Considering the fact that Cui Dongxing was the military strategist's nephew, otherwise, given his vicious behavior just now, he would have mercilessly crippled his cultivation with a single palm strike, ensuring he received the punishment he deserved.

Qin Jue’s heart stirred slightly; he had not expected that someone of the commander's status would be willing to give him an explanation, so he cupped his hands once more: "I leave it entirely to the Commander's discretion!"

Wang Zhong gave him a deep look, a flicker of imperceptible appreciation flashing in his eyes. Then, grabbing the back of Cui Dongxing’s collar, his figure suddenly soared into the air.

In an instant, sparks materialized around his body, radiating a dazzling and brilliant light like a shooting star cutting through the night sky, and vanished into the boundless darkness in the blink of an eye.

Once Wang Zhong had completely departed, the taut strings of Qin Jue's nerves instantly snapped, and a wave of lingering fear washed over him.

He had almost been done in by a stealth attack!

In the future, he must always keep some victory points reserved for boosting his constitution to prepare for unforeseen emergencies!

Qin Jue thought to himself, then struggled to his feet, dragging his exhausted body as he prepared to leave.

However, the fierce confrontation prior had already drained him physically and mentally.

At this moment, a mountain-like wave of exhaustion surged over him like a tide, and the scene before his eyes began to distort violently.

With a dull thud, his legs could no longer support his weight, and his entire body crashed heavily to the ground. It felt as though every ounce of strength had been drained from him, leaving him completely unable to move.

Qin Jue lay flat on his back, gazing at the bright moonlight in the night sky, his heart a turmoil of mixed emotions.

Though he had won, the victory was far too grueling, and he had no idea how long it would take for him to recover.

Rustle, rustle—

At that moment, a commotion reached his ears—the sound of someone stepping on fallen leaves.

Qin Jue's heart sank abruptly.

He checked his personal panel; the victory points had been completely wrung dry, leaving him with no way to add any more points to his constitution.

"It seems someone will reap the benefits of the fisherman after all," Qin Jue thought to himself, a trace of reluctance and helplessness showing in his gaze.

"Tsk tsk, I didn't expect you to actually beat that fellow Cui Dongxing!" At that moment, a surprised voice rang out suddenly.

A man strode into view, his eyebrows angled high, exuding an innate heroism, complemented by a finely sculpted nose that added an extra touch of handsome dignity.

This person was none other than Wu Xiao!

A large shadow fell over him, and as Qin Jue caught sight of the other's face, a bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, lacking even the strength to reply.

Originally, he had expected the other party to simply strip the points token from his waist and stride away leisurely.

However...

To Qin Jue's astonishment, Wu Xiao sat down right beside him, bending one knee and casually resting his right hand upon it, simply sitting there quietly without making any further moves.

"Taking advantage of someone's precarious state—that is something Wu disdains to do!"

A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes as he tilted his chin up slightly and spoke with haughty pride.

Qin Jue’s heart trembled slightly.

Rumor had it that this man was a combat maniac who had no interest in anything other than fighting.

He had not expected him to possess such a straightforward and unrestrained side.

Just then, the bushes not far away rustled, and another martial artist, attracted by the commotion, arrived at the spot.

That martial artist cast his gaze forward and saw Wu Xiao sitting leisurely to the side while Qin Jue lay weakly on the ground. He couldn't help but pause slightly, a look of surprise and confusion flashing across his face.

"Well? Do you want to have a match with me?" Wu Xiao’s gaze burned like torches as he stared fixedly at the newcomer, a blazing fighting spirit instantly igniting in his eyes, his leisurely voice filled with irrepressible excitement and anticipation.

Realizing he was no match, the martial artist cupped his fists and departed.

"Hah, a cowardly act!" Wu Xiao shook his head with a smile, looking genuinely regretful.

A quarter of an hour later, having recovered a modicum of strength, Qin Jue finally spoke: "Many thanks to Brother Wu for standing guard!"

Wu Xiao raised an eyebrow, noticing that Qin Jue had recovered somewhat, and smiled faintly: "Just a minor favor, and besides, the title of camp number one rightly belongs to you anyway."

With that, he added, "Scoundrels like Cui Dongxing simply don't deserve it. Even if the Commander hadn't stepped in just now, I would have made my move!"

Hearing this, Qin Jue realized that the other party had arrived quite early and had witnessed the entire scene of him being ambushed.

Judging by Wu Xiao's actions just now, Qin Jue believed he was not lying—he truly would have intervened!

"Once you get out of here, we will have a proper, head-on fight!" Wu Xiao spoke again.

This time, his gaze locked firmly onto Qin Jue's eyes, and within those profound pupils burned an intense, soaring fighting spirit, like an ever-burning flame.

"Agreed!" Qin Jue accepted.