Chapter 36: A Trial of Strength

Ever since Mu Bolin founded Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd., Chen Yunze had been his right-hand man, always serving him loyally. Had Chen Yunze lacked capability, he would have been ousted long ago. Although he did not share the same ambition as Han Fucheng, he had always craved success and status.

Now that Mu Bolin was dead, the tree had fallen and the monkeys had scattered—who wouldn't covet Xinhai Technology? It was a golden brand; whoever seized it could become a major figure in Chongqing. Han Fucheng had always been eyeing it, and Chen Yunze was deeply envious, yet he knew he lacked the capacity to hold it. Even if he were lucky enough to sit in the chairman's seat, he would soon be toppled. Thus, Chen Yunze remained still, letting Han Fucheng stir up trouble, though unfortunately, Han Fucheng lacked the strength to match his own ambition. Now that Han Fucheng was dead, Chen Yunze stood to reap the rewards. Who, then, was the truly clever one?

The next day, as the sun began to rise, Nie Yunyang and Tan Weibo climbed out of bed. Tan Weibo owed his success in the underworld to his solid skills; he had spent a long time at the Shaolin Temple, learning from the warrior monks. While many modern monks might be seen drinking, eating meat, or engaging in deceit, the true warrior monks were formidable. Nie Yunyang had also learned quite a bit of martial arts on Mount Longhu, though his training from various sects was eclectic and lacked depth. He had studied Taizu Long Fist, the Twelve-Road Tan Leg, as well as judo and free combat.

After breakfast, before Chen Yunze arrived, Mu Qingyao was in the study handling company business. Tan Weibo was practicing in the courtyard, showcasing his Shaolin skills, while Nie Yunyang and Chen Jiong watched from the sidelines.

"Brother Tan, I heard from the old master that among the thirty-first generation of Shaolin disciples, you were the most outstanding," Nie Yunyang remarked.

Tan Weibo finished his warm-up and walked over, smiling. "The Shaolin Temple is a place where hidden talents abound; every warrior monk there is incredibly skilled."

"Brother Tan, you are too modest. If you don't mind, I would like to exchange a few moves with you," Nie Yunyang said.

Tan Weibo tossed his towel onto the ground, stepped back three paces, and laughed. "No need to be so formal. Your master and my old master were old friends, so we have some history. Let's learn from each other. Come on."

Tan Weibo bent his legs, crouched, and extended his arms, ready for combat.

"Now?" Nie Yunyang asked, slightly surprised.

Tan Weibo smiled. "Shaolin martial arts emphasize both offense and defense. If you can break my defense, you win."

"Then I shall accept your offer."

Nie Yunyang stepped onto the lawn. Naturally, he would not miss such a rare opportunity. Tan Weibo was calm and composed, while Nie Yunyang stood as firm as a rock. In their sparring, the first thing they tested was their presence. Unable to restrain himself, Nie Yunyang made the first move. Like a lion pouncing on an antelope, he raised his right leg and aimed a kick directly at Tan Weibo's waist.

Tan Weibo was unhurried, extending his right arm to block. Unexpectedly, Nie Yunyang feinted and quickly swung his fist toward Tan Weibo's chest.

"Good lad, playing dirty with me, are you?"

"In war, there are no constant rules; in water, no constant shape. Whatever strikes you down is a good punch!"

Tan Weibo hurriedly sidestepped to avoid the heavy blow and retreated to create a safe distance. Nie Yunyang seized the momentum, closed the gap, and used Taizu Long Fist, attempting to break Tan Weibo's stance.

Chen Jiong, seeing Nie Yunyang in action for the first time, was stunned. To be able to force Tan Weibo to retreat proved that Nie Yunyang’s moves were incredibly oppressive. Tan Weibo was equally shocked; he had assumed Nie Yunyang’s strength was similar to Chen Jiong’s, but he had clearly underestimated the boy.

The servants in the villa had never seen such a scene—it was more spectacular than anything on television. They gathered in the courtyard, cheering incessantly. Mu Qingyao noticed the commotion and couldn't help but walk out to the balcony. She knew Nie Yunyang was skilled, but she had never seen Tan Weibo fight.

The two were evenly matched. Originally, Tan Weibo’s strength exceeded Nie Yunyang’s, but because he only defended and did not attack, he found himself in a passive position. Nie Yunyang tried to break through the center to strike at Tan Weibo’s face, but he was pushed into the air by a counter-force. Taking advantage of this, Nie Yunyang performed an aerial flip and delivered a whip kick from above, forcing Tan Weibo to retreat to barely dodge the blow.

At that moment, Chen Yunze’s Maybach pulled up to the gate of the Mu villa. Tan Weibo knew it was time to end it. As Nie Yunyang finished a flamboyant turn, Tan Weibo finally struck, bumping into Nie Yunyang and sending him flying.

Nie Yunyang landed three meters away, steadied himself, and stopped, panting. "Brother Tan, ginger is indeed spicier when it's old. I admit defeat."

"You were plotting against me, lad. If I hadn't been careful and given it my all, I would have fallen for your trick," Tan Weibo said.

Nie Yunyang laughed heartily. "Today was just a friendly exchange. If you really wanted my life, Brother Tan, wouldn't it have been a matter of seconds?"

"Enough talk. We have a distinguished guest," Tan Weibo said.

Nie Yunyang stopped smiling and turned to welcome the visitor. By then, Chen Yunze had stepped out of the car with two bodyguards. Nie Yunyang went straight to the point: "Uncle Chen, you finally arrived."

"Yunyang, your skills are impressive. Few young people today can endure such hardship," Chen Yunze remarked.

Nie Yunyang shook his head. "How can I compare to you, Uncle Chen? I heard from Yaoyao that back in the day, you were the strongest fighter by Master Mu's side, clearing out eight streets in one go."

"Enough of that. That’s all ancient history; a hero shouldn't boast about past glory. Where is Qingyao?" Chen Yunze asked.

Nie Yunyang gestured for him to enter. "Yaoyao has been waiting for you at home. I will take you in."

Chen Yunze followed Nie Yunyang toward the second floor, but his bodyguards were stopped at the foot of the stairs by Tan Weibo. One bodyguard complained, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Shut up! I am here to discuss matters with the young miss; it is not your place to speak. Wait here," Chen Yunze commanded.

The two bodyguards had no choice but to obey and stay at the stairs.

In the second-floor living room, Mu Qingyao had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Chen Yunze, she rose slowly. "Uncle Chen, it has been a long time. Why have you grown so thin?"

"Ever since Master Mu passed, I haven't been able to eat or sleep. My heart has been heavy," Chen Yunze replied.

Mu Qingyao could not tell if he was sincere, but she feigned being deeply moved. "Uncle Chen, you are the only one who truly misses my father. The people in the company are all ungrateful wretches."

"Qingyao, Master Mu was my benefactor. The bond between us is naturally something others cannot compare to," Chen Yunze said. As a high-level executive and a former right-hand man to Mu Bolin, he had indeed felt genuine grief since Mu Bolin’s bitter end.

Mu Qingyao nodded slightly. "Uncle Chen is right. That is why I asked to speak with you today. Please, take a seat."

Chen Yunze did not stand on ceremony and sat on the sofa. Mu Qingyao poured him tea, while Nie Yunyang stood guard nearby.

"Qingyao, we are all family here. If you have something to say, feel free to speak your mind."

"Uncle Chen, I do have many matters regarding the company that I wish to discuss with you, but I don't know how to start. Let Nie Yunyang speak to you instead."

Hearing this, Chen Yunze’s expression changed drastically. "Nie Yunyang? He..."