In the six months that followed, Xiao Yufan gradually transformed under the intense and brutal training, a transformation witnessed by every member of the Tian Team.
By the fifth month, Xiao Yufan successfully defeated the expert in Sanda, an absolute demonstration of overwhelming strength that left everyone stunned.
In the sixth month, during the overall assessment of the Dragon Team, Xiao Yufan ranked third. No one dared underestimate his strength anymore.
By the seventh month, he ventured alone into the Yunnan jungle and successfully eliminated a Southeast Asian drug lord on the run. In that battle, Xiao Yufan single-handedly wiped out an entire drug trafficking gang of thirty people!
Again and again, Xiao Yufan proved that his strength was steadily climbing to new heights. The hardships he endured over this period were likely known only to Tianxuan and himself…
“Xuan, what do you think my chances are against you now?”
His handsome face, now slightly weathered, radiated an imposing aura. Xiao Yufan fixed his gaze on Tianxuan’s slender figure—not with desire, but with admiration.
“Master, it would be fifty-fifty between you and me.”
Hearing this almost affectionate term, Tianxuan remained calm outwardly, as she had grown accustomed to it. Yet inside, she was far from composed.
Over these past few months, Tianxuan and Xiao Yufan had been nearly inseparable. She knew better than anyone the sacrifices he had made along the way. To her, the training ground they had endured could only be described with words far stronger than “purgatory.”
“Fifty-fifty, huh?” Xiao Yufan’s eyes twinkled mischievously, his smile causing Tianxuan to momentarily lose focus. Then he continued, “Then let’s spar again…”
…
On the underground arena’s stage, Xiao Yufan and Tianxuan stood facing each other. Below the ring, not a single member of the Tian Team was absent—not even Ye Tu.
The Tian Team had witnessed Xiao Yufan’s transformation firsthand. They now firmly believed that if he had arrived a few years earlier, his potential would have been something they could only admire from afar.
“Do you think the Master can last how many rounds against Sister Tianxuan?”
The Tian Team members began murmuring among themselves. They now naturally referred to the man they had once scorned months ago as “Master”—because Xiao Yufan had earned that title.
“At most twenty rounds. Tianxuan will definitely win. How could the strongest in Tian Team be ordinary?”
“You’re not necessarily right. I think even if Tianxuan wins, it’ll be after a hundred rounds. The Master’s strength is far beyond what we can comprehend…”
Another person voiced a different opinion. Only Ye Tu remained silent, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yufan with an enigmatic, faint smile.
On the stage, Xiao Yufan’s gaze swept across the Tian Team members, his smirk making him appear even more defiant. The one-year deadline was approaching. It was time to reveal what he had achieved!
“Ready?” He tilted his head slightly, his eyes unusually gentle as he looked at Tianxuan. After all this time, he couldn’t deny that she had taken a special place in his heart.
Tianxuan nodded lightly. Compared to months ago, she was like a completely different person. Even the Tian Team couldn’t understand why this “female assassin” had changed so much…
Before the Tian Team could react, the two on the stage had already moved. Their fists and feet collided in an instant.
Xiao Yufan and Tianxuan moved at incredible speed. After one swift exchange, they both stepped back two paces—testing each other, the result was a draw.
Without any flashy footwork, Xiao Yufan seized the initiative again. It wasn’t that he lacked chivalry, but because his opponent was Tianxuan, a woman feared even by top-tier assassins.
Flipping sideways and striking with his elbow, Xiao Yufan’s movements were fluid and precise. Though not overtly brutal, each move was difficult to counter easily.
Tianxuan’s usually agile eyes turned serious. Though she was familiar with Xiao Yufan’s techniques, she was still caught off guard—because she had no idea he had been concealing his true strength all along!
As Xiao Yufan’s attack came in a flash, Tianxuan barely dodged, but still, her right side slammed into his elbow, sending waves of pain through her body.
The fleeting sensation of softness stirred something in Xiao Yufan’s chest. Seeing Tianxuan’s furrowed brows, he couldn’t help but worry he might have hurt her…
The murmurs below the stage abruptly ceased. Except for Ye Tu, everyone wore expressions of shock. In just the third round, it was Tianxuan who had fallen behind first—something no one had imagined.
“You actually managed to hide your strength so deeply. Master, you’re truly extraordinary. I underestimated you…”
Tianxuan’s face carried a hint of coldness. Whether it was from anger over Xiao Yufan’s deception or not, her cheeks flushed red, the color spreading to her ears.
“I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I just wanted to give you…”
Xiao Yufan inwardly cursed. Tianxuan had never shown such emotion in front of him before. It was clear she was truly angry this time.
“What’s there to explain? We’re not even close. Let’s continue. I’d like to see just how strong you’ve become with your hidden power!”
Before Xiao Yufan could finish speaking, a cold snort from Tianxuan cut through the air. Her icy gaze pierced him, stirring unease deep in his chest. He truly cared for this girl.
Watching Tianxuan suddenly rush forward, Xiao Yufan felt a headache coming. He couldn’t just stand there and let her attack—he might actually end up seriously injured if she kept this up in her rage…
“I should settle things with this girl first before explaining. Otherwise, she won’t even listen!”
Muttering to himself, Xiao Yufan furrowed his brows, eyes locked on Tianxuan’s movements. He couldn’t afford any carelessness—if she found even the smallest opening, even with all his confidence, he might still end up hurt.
The brief pause was like a small interlude, unnoticed by the Tian Team. What followed, however, was when they truly witnessed the power of Xiao Yufan and Tianxuan…
The atmosphere on the stage changed dramatically. Tianxuan’s shift in attack style disrupted Xiao Yufan’s rhythm. Influenced by their emotions, both fighters’ auras surged, though not yet at their peak.
But soon, both fighters realized this and adjusted accordingly. Their sharp figures, exuding an intimidating presence, kept crossing and re-crossing the stage in fierce combat…
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