Chapter 128: The Appearance of the Diamond Shield

Before long, all the soldiers were gathered near the training ground, where a platform resembling a ring stood. As expected, Niu Erhu lived up to his name—he looked like a robust bull with the ferocity of a tiger. He stood nearly a full head taller than Chen Erpao, his physique immensely powerful, muscles bulging. Compared to him, those so-called fitness coaches outside probably wouldn’t have the face to show themselves.

Liu Yuan stepped forward and addressed the soldiers. “Today, a commander has arrived at our garrison training base in Hong Kong. Soon, he will spar with Niu Erhu, the champion of the arena for three consecutive seasons. Let us welcome him with a warm round of applause.”

After the applause, Liu Yuan solemnly spoke to Niu Erhu, “Niu Erhu, I know you’re the reigning champion, but this commander is extraordinary. You must not be careless; give it your all, understood?”

Chen Erpao smiled faintly. Liu Yuan was a crafty old fox indeed. ‘Give it my all,’ he chuckled to himself. If they could knock me down, I imagine Liu Yuan would be the first to lower his gaze.

Huang Le stood nearby with a gentle smile on her face. Her delicate features, combined with the faint smile, exuded an irresistible allure, yet somehow carried a hint of cunning.

Chen Erpao maintained his calm smile. Since he was called a commander, he had to maintain his image before these soldiers. After removing his jacket, he leapt onto the platform and locked eyes with Niu Erhu.

“Greetings, Commander,” Niu Erhu said, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. There was no trace of mercy or fear despite the title.

Chen Erpao nodded with a smile, then turned to Liu Yuan. “Chief of Staff, you may begin.”

Immediately, Liu Yuan drew his pistol. At the sound of the shot, the duel officially commenced. Niu Erhu charged forward like a dragon and tiger unleashed, his right fist transforming into a blade-like strike—a fierce thunder chop cutting through the air with terrifying speed.

“Well struck.”

Chen Erpao called out softly, transforming his fist into a claw, lightning-fast, grabbing Niu Erhu’s wrist and swinging forward. Yet, to his surprise, he did not send him crashing to the ground as expected.

That seemingly casual move actually contained great force, Chen Erpao knew. But it only slightly shook his opponent, revealing how truly powerful Niu Erhu was—a strength both bull-like and tiger-like, worthy of his three-time championship title.

Niu Erhu grinned proudly, lifting his foot slightly and driving his knee forward. At the same time, his hand shifted seamlessly into an elbow strike. The sudden change was as swift as lightning.

In an instant, Chen Erpao activated his Nie Sheng technique. The hardened energy condensed rapidly throughout his body; his skin turned as if cast from fine bronze, radiating a faint golden glow. He appeared like a majestic war god descended to earth, awe-inspiring and sacred.

Not far off, Liu Yuan and Huang Le, standing close to the platform, clearly witnessed the transformation and gaped in astonishment.

Liu Yuan couldn’t help but think, “The Dragon Unit of China truly is extraordinary—astonishing indeed.”

Huang Le, unaware of Chen Erpao’s true identity, felt a complex mix of emotions in her eyes. This young man held too many mysteries and surprises; he was truly remarkable.

Niu Erhu also noticed the subtle changes in Chen Erpao’s body, his expression one of greater astonishment than anyone else.

“Commander, I didn’t expect you to be a practitioner of the same hard training as I am. I have mastered the Vajra Shield of Shaolin Temple. Today, let us see who truly possesses an indestructible body,” Niu Erhu declared.

Suddenly, his muscular form seemed to shimmer with an unseen radiance, his skin turning a deep bronze hue as well.

“Vajra Shield, indeed,” Chen Erpao exclaimed. This technique was among Shaolin Temple’s highest arts, passed down for thousands of years. In any era, it was considered supreme. Those who mastered it could sweep away all foes in times before firearms and cannons—truly impervious to blades, spears, fire, and water.

However, like Iron Shirt, Vajra Shield was primarily a defensive skill, offering little in terms of offensive power.

Nie Sheng, on the other hand, was different. It not only provided exceptional defense but could condense hardened energy into a single point, transforming it into formidable offensive strength. When Chen Erpao had reached the second level, a mere light strike on Chen Liu’s skin left a palm print, accompanied by intense heat.

Chen Erpao took a swift, powerful step forward; the platform creaked under the force, his momentum overwhelming, sending a tremor through the spectators. His large bronze fist collided with Niu Erhu’s massive hand.

“Clang.”

The sound resembled two metals striking, producing a strangely beautiful resonance.

Niu Erhu hastily withdrew his hand, staring in shock at a bright red mark forming on his arm. It felt as if he had collided with a piece of molten steel—searing hot.

Chen Erpao seized the moment to attack. Though not yet at full strength, his movements were rapid and fierce, making it difficult even for the soldiers watching to clearly follow their relentless exchanges.

“Clang, clang.” Niu Erhu found an opening and unleashed a thunderous barrage of strikes, his palms pounding Chen Erpao’s chest twice. Yet, all that returned were ringing sounds. Instead, he was pushed back a step.

Chen Erpao chuckled softly, his fists and feet becoming sharp weapons, pressing Niu Erhu back, who was forced to retreat continuously. Red marks spread across Niu Erhu’s body. If he hadn’t practiced the Vajra Shield, his bones would have shattered long ago.

“Down!” Chen Erpao commanded softly. His right palm shone brilliantly, the bronze glow blinding, as he struck heavily against Niu Erhu’s chest, leaving a conspicuous palm print.

With a sharp “clang,” followed by a “bang,” Niu Erhu winced in pain, ready to leap up and continue the fight. But the commander was faster, springing high into the air with overwhelming presence. His massive bronze fist, like a meteor tearing through the sky, smashed down with a thunderous roar.

Niu Erhu’s face paled in alarm. Desperately, he summoned all his strength and rolled awkwardly to the side.

“Boom!” The platform was shattered by the punch. Everyone was stunned beyond belief.

Though simple, the platform was constructed from reinforced steel and thick wooden planks. Punching through the wood was one thing, but breaking the steel bars exposed outside—with several snapped—was extraordinary.

Cold sweat beaded on Niu Erhu’s forehead. He dared not imagine what would have happened if that punch had landed on him. Yet, it also ignited his wild, unyielding spirit like a bull and tiger combined.

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