Chapter 15: Viewing with New Respect

Shi Feng walked past Nie Yan without even noticing him.

“Damn it, where is that kid hiding?” Shi Feng muttered to himself. He had no idea that he had already been exposed.

Nie Yan followed closely behind Shi Feng, his eyes locked onto the back of Shi Feng’s heart.

The dagger in his right hand moved like thunder, stabbing straight toward Shi Feng’s back.

Shi Feng felt something was off behind him, but it was already too late. Nie Yan’s dagger pierced into Shi Feng’s back.

Puh! The dagger easily tore open a wound, dealing 31 damage. Clearly, Shi Feng’s defense wasn’t particularly high.

Both attacking and being attacked, the stealth effects of the two players disappeared simultaneously.

Shi Feng spotted Nie Yan and immediately turned around, swinging his dagger at him.

Nie Yan took a step back. Shi Feng’s dagger sliced past his cheek.

His dagger seemed slightly shorter, but the distance was less than an inch.

“Critical strike!”

Nie Yan’s dagger flashed with a cold gleam, slicing across Shi Feng’s neck.

System: Critical strike completed. Attack position offset by 3%. Additional damage bonus applied.

The remaining 79 hit points of Shi Feng were instantly drained by Nie Yan’s attack. His eyes filled with disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost, and he fell to the ground.

The entire process lasted only a few seconds. Nie Yan was still at full health.

Nie Yan slightly curled his lips. Fighting with a level 2 novice ranger was hardly a technical challenge.

Both players were simultaneously returned to the spectator seats.

The 700 yuan in Shi Feng’s card was automatically transferred to Nie Yan’s account.

“Shi Feng, what happened?”

“Yeah, how come you came out so quickly?”

The group of youths surrounded Shi Feng, asking questions. What they saw on the battle screen was only the moment when Shi Feng and Nie Yan’s stealth skills ended and they exchanged blows—just a fleeting glimpse. In the blink of an eye, Shi Feng was already on the ground.

“He was so fast.” Shi Feng recalled the previous fight. Nie Yan had only used a few simple moves, but they were executed at peak speed, resulting in an instant kill targeting a vital spot. Although virtual games have skills that regulate movements, reaction speed, attack awareness, and other factors were all abilities inherent to the players themselves. In real life, if Nie Yan had a real knife in his hand, Shi Feng could hardly imagine the outcome of a fight between them.

Looking at Nie Yan, Shi Feng remembered how Nie Yan used to be timid and submissive whenever they picked on him. If Nie Yan had always been pretending in the past, that would be terrifying. Thinking about Nie Yan’s dagger, Shi Feng felt a chill run down his spine.

“I lost.” At this point, Shi Feng dared not deny his defeat. The facts were right in front of him, and he had lost the courage to face Nie Yan again.

Arrogant and domineering people are not scary; their strong exterior is merely a weak disguise. Shi Feng belonged to this category. What they fear most are those who are highly capable yet extremely patient.

Shi Feng thought of Lao Si from Mentou Village, who ran a restaurant. Lao Si was a quiet and obedient man. In the past, a gang of hooligans near his home often went to his restaurant to eat for free and cause trouble. Lao Si always endured it silently. Once, Shi Feng followed a group of more than ten people to Lao Si’s restaurant to eat for free, just when Lao Si’s daughter came back. Lao Si was ugly, but his daughter was pretty and delicate. They couldn’t help but harass her.

Lao Si begged for mercy, but the gang refused and started to tear off his daughter’s clothes. In a fit of rage, Lao Si grabbed a cleaver and cut down three hooligans, killing them instantly. He also chopped off Yin Laoda’s arm. Covered in blood, he calmly asked the customers nearby to call the police. Shi Feng was so scared at the time that he almost wet his pants.

Lao Si was sentenced to six months for excessive defense. After that, no one dared to cause trouble at his restaurant or touch his daughter.

Patient people are the most terrifying because once they erupt, they reveal their ruthless side, more brutal than anyone else. Thinking about that scene, Shi Feng felt a chill run through his body.

After that incident, Shi Feng behaved himself for a while. Later, he started following Wei Kai again. After today’s events, he felt a sudden chill. If one day they pushed Nie Yan too far, would Nie Yan, like Lao Si, grab a knife and slash their throats?

“From now on, we should avoid provoking that guy. He’s definitely not easy to deal with.” Shi Feng solemnly warned the people around him.

“Shi Feng, you’re not going to back down after losing one fight, are you? Don’t say I know you anymore!” A young man beside him shouted, and the others also showed disdainful expressions.

“I’ll repay the money I owe you. Just accept the loss.” Shi Feng said. He suddenly realized that people like them, who often bully others for fun, would eventually face retribution one day, just like what happened to Lao Si’s incident. Yin Laoda lost his hand and could no longer be the leader, reduced to collecting scrap, while the three hooligans who were cut down were even more unfortunate—they lost their lives.

“Go to hell, get lost.”

Nie Yan no longer paid attention to Shi Feng and others. He glanced at the ongoing match on the field. Tang Yao and Wei Kai’s match had entered the second round. Due to the plain terrain, Tang Yao had lost his advantage and was being hacked by Wei Kai with his sword.

Match after match, ten matches in total, Tang Yao won two and Wei Kai won eight. Tang Yao lost 1200 yuan.

“Damn it, Wei Kai has also learned new skills. His Berserker’s magic resistance aura is really frustrating to fight against.” Tang Yao grumbled. The magic resistance aura could increase a player’s magic resistance. With the magic resistance aura, Berserkers were practically the nemesis of magic users.

“Actually, the magic resistance aura only reduces a little damage. In a duel, an Arcane Mage needs to have fast movement, stable output, quick reaction, and proper timing of spell casting,” Nie Yan explained. In terms of strength, Tang Yao’s Arcane Mage was much stronger than Wei Kai’s Berserker. The reason Tang Yao lost wasn’t because Wei Kai’s skill was significantly better than Tang Yao’s, but because the Arcane Mage was more skill-dependent. A skilled Arcane Mage could easily defeat a Berserker of the same level, while a poor Arcane Mage could be easily killed by a Berserker of the same level. Professions like the Berserker, which were heavy armor melee, didn’t require much operation.

“Didn’t expect you to know so much.” Tang Yao said in admiration. Thinking back carefully, Nie Yan’s words did make sense.

On the other side, Wei Kai and others walked in through the door. Shi Feng followed behind them, glancing at Nie Yan with a complex expression.

“Tang Shao Ye, your brother is getting more impressive. He actually defeated Shi Feng.” Wei Kai, with his willow-shaped eyes, narrowed his eyes at Nie Yan. Nie Yan had always been a timid and submissive person. Today, he was indeed different from before. Both his demeanor and temperament had changed significantly.

Wei Kai switched the big screen video to the scene where Nie Yan defeated Shi Feng earlier and played it in slow motion. The entire battle was completed within three seconds, and Nie Yan’s movements were flawless.

After watching the video, Tang Yao looked at Nie Yan in disbelief. When had his brother become so strong?

“You actually fought with Shi Feng just now?” Tang Yao still couldn’t believe it. The person in the video was Nie Yan.

“Just a small game. He was too weak.” Nie Yan replied casually.

Wei Kai gave a signal to a boy in a flowered shirt standing beside him.

Nie Yan noticed this. The person was named Li Yang, one of Wei Kai’s followers.

“Kid, don’t get too cocky. Do you think I won’t beat you up?” Li Yang kicked at Nie Yan. Although he was one or two years younger than Nie Yan, he was stronger and more robust.

Nie Yan was indeed a bit short and thin, with signs of malnutrition.

Nie Yan coldly smiled, dodged Li Yang’s right foot, and stepped hard on Li Yang’s left ankle joint. He was no longer the timid teenager who could be bullied in the past.

His strength was already no less than an average second-level Sanda athlete, although his physical strength was still a bit weak. Dealing with a few small hooligans was more than enough for him.

“Ahhh!” Li Yang let out a piercing scream and staggered backward.

This scream made everyone present shiver with fear.

This ruthless demeanor reminded Shi Feng of Lao Si again. He suddenly felt that being a good student at school was such a happy thing.

“Looking for trouble.” The few people behind Wei Kai wanted to rush forward and beat Nie Yan up, but Wei Kai stopped them.

Li Yang’s action was just a test by Wei Kai. He was also surprised. Nie Yan, who had always been timid and fearful, actually had such skills. Such fast movements were something he had only seen in a few people. Fighting skills weren’t something that could be improved in just a few days; it required long-term training to gradually improve. Could it be that Nie Yan’s timidity in the past was all an act?

The Nie Yan today looked and felt completely different.

Wei Kai didn’t look at Li Yang, who was on the ground holding his leg and screaming. He walked up to Nie Yan and said, “Nie Shao, are you interested in having a match?” He changed his way of addressing Nie Yan. Having been in the underworld for so long, he knew which people he could mess with and which he couldn’t. Nie Yan’s display just now completely shocked him.

“Playing one or two matches is fine, but I won’t play if the stakes are too low.” Nie Yan couldn’t help but feel surprised. Wei Kai was indeed a formidable figure. Many cunning mafia bosses showed remarkable talent at a very young age. Nie Yan had heard that in his previous life, Wei Kai had a glorious period until he committed a major crime and disappeared.

“1000 per match, I have 3000 here.” Wei Kai said, taking out all his money.

“That’s not fair. A level 3 Berserker against a level 2 Windblade Thief—don’t you think it’s too much of a bullying match?” Tang Yao said discontentedly. There was a level difference. A heavy-armor melee fighter against a light-armor melee fighter—the outcome was obvious.

“3000 per match.” Nie Yan interrupted Tang Yao and said to Wei Kai.

“Alright, I’ll play,” Wei Kai said. He didn’t believe that a level 2 Swiftwind Thief could turn the tables.

“Nie Yan, are you insane!” Tang Yao cried out in alarm. A level 2 Swift Bandit going up against a level 3 Berserk Swordsman—unless you were a top-tier expert, it was basically a surefire loss.

“Here I only have 1400, lend me 1600.” Nie Yan grinned.

“Damn it, if you lose, it’s fine, but you’ll drag me down too.” Tang Yao grumbled angrily.

“I’ll pay you back later.” Nie Yan said. Although Tang Yao’s father was rich, Tang Yao didn’t have much pocket money, which he earned through part-time jobs. This was how modern high-end elites usually educated their children—to be self-reliant.

“Nonsense, if you lose, just lose. Who wants you to pay me back.” Tang Yao swiped his card and transferred 1600 to Nie Yan.

“Thanks.” Nie Yan said. Tang Yao was the kind of person with a sharp tongue but a soft heart. If Nie Yan lost, Tang Yao definitely wouldn’t ask him for that 1600.

In his previous life, Nie Yan had received too much kindness from Tang Yao, but Tang Yao had never asked Nie Yan to repay him. That was what true brotherhood was.

“Help Li Yang up, we’re leaving.” Wei Kai said, and the group of people went to another booth in the room.

“That kid Nie Yan suddenly became so strong. Damn it, it hurts so much. Next time I’ll definitely find someone to beat that little bastard to death.” Li Yang sat on the sofa, lifting his pants leg, revealing a large bruise.

“Save it. He didn’t use much force, otherwise your leg would have been broken. From now on, remember this: don’t provoke Nie Yan. Keep a safe distance from him. If anyone brings me trouble, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Wei Kai said. There were courses in school that taught Taekwondo, boxing, and combat. He could tell that what Nie Yan had just demonstrated was standard combat moves, but compared to what was taught in school, they were more ruthless, with every move targeting deadly spots. Who exactly was this kid?

Thinking about Nie Yan’s previous timid demeanor, this guy’s mind was deep enough to hide for so long. Wei Kai felt a chill in his heart.

“Are we just going to let it go like this?” Li Yang asked unwillingly.

“What else can you do? Do you think you can beat him? From now on, go to your Taekwondo classes seriously, and you won’t lose so badly!” Wei Kai replied.

“Boss, it’s about to start.” A boy beside him said.

Wei Kai put on his helmet.

In another booth, Tang Yao looked Nie Yan up and down for a while before saying, “I was stunned just now and forgot to ask. Little guy, you’re impressive. When did you become so strong? You took down Li Yang with one move.”

“At home, I practiced for a while. I can handle them easily.” Nie Yan said. This body’s strength was too weak. Otherwise, his strength wouldn’t be just this much. Li Yang and those small hooligans were just paper tigers. Wei Kai was slightly better, but he wasn’t a match for Nie Yan either.

“You really impressed me. I’m still doubting whether you’re the same Nie Yan I’ve known since childhood.” Tang Yao said with emotion.

“No matter how I change, you’re still my brother.” Nie Yan said. In his previous life, even at his lowest point, Tang Yao had always treated him as a brother. Time reveals a person’s true character.

“Just for that sentence, let’s have a good drink when we go back.” Tang Yao punched Nie Yan’s shoulder.

“Wei Kai is already waiting inside.”

“Do you really have confidence?” Tang Yao asked worriedly.

“Don’t worry, just watch. You’re not worried about me not being able to repay your 1600, right?” Nie Yan teased with a smile.

“Forget it, money is just a bastard. Losing isn’t a big deal. You don’t have much pocket money each month. If you lose 1400, you’ll have to eat instant noodles for a month.” Tang Yao replied.

“Just a level 3 Berserker. Watch how I play with him!” Nie Yan said confidently with a smile.

“Alright, kid, you’re getting more arrogant now.” Tang Yao laughed and scolded.

The two put on their helmets and entered the game.

When Nie Yan reappeared, it was on a grassland terrain—a vast expanse of green meadow, with dense grass about knee-high.

“What bad luck, it’s grass terrain,” Nie Yan thought with a frown. However, even on the plains, he had his own tactics. The green background of the grassland provided excellent conditions for the thief’s stealth, with the only drawback being that the dense grass on the ground might expose the thief’s whereabouts.

“It’s plain terrain. If you feel it’s unfair, we can change the terrain,” said Wei Kai. Since it was just a single match, there was a lot of randomness involved. Different terrains suited different classes. The grassland terrain, for instance, was ideal for reckless charging classes like Berserkers.

Although Wei Kai was just a hooligan, he was quite fair-minded.

“No problem, grassland terrain is fine,” Nie Yan said, gripping his dagger backward and entering stealth mode. His opinion of Wei Kai had changed a lot.

A gentle breeze blew, and the grass bent in one direction. Nie Yan’s figure slowly disappeared.

Does Nie Yan really have such a big ability? Wei Kai calmed his mind. His expression became serious because he focused but couldn’t find Nie Yan’s location. The grass on the ground also showed no abnormalities.

Nie Yan indeed had some skill. Wei Kai held his greatsword and slowly approached, knowing that the closer he got, the easier it would be to spot Nie Yan.

Nie Yan’s footsteps followed the wind direction, constantly changing his pace. Even when stepping on the grass, the direction of the grass bending was consistent with the wind direction.