Chapter 39 THIRTY-NINE

Chapter 39: Chapter THIRTY-NINE

Xin Linhua’s brows knit together. The face in front of him is new, he has never seen the man before.

The man is dressed like he has a board meeting to attend to– a formal wear with a long coat. He adjusts his glasses, dark eyes glinting behind them. He shoves his hands in his pocket as he makes his way over.

"Who are you?" Hirano blocks his view of Xin Linhua.

"I should be asking you." The newcomer tilts his head "Are you his Sentinel?"

"No. But you do not want to mess with that guy."

"Now, I’m intrigued." The man chuckles "You’re not the one I’m looking for, move out of my way."

"C-Rank?" Hirano raises an eyebrow "I don’t remember seeing you in the institute. And I know all Sentinels, I wouldn’t miss someone who’s on the same level as me."

"Move." The man’s tone changes "Before I make you."

"You–"

"Senior, it’s fine." Xin Linhua pats his shoulder and walks out from behind him "I’m Xin Linhua. Who are you?"

"Ah...so it’s really you."

"You look familiar." Xin Linhua tilts his head "Have I kicked your ass before?"

"Haha!" The man laughs "So it’s true, you have fetish for beating up Sentinels."

"Well, I wouldn’t call it a fetish, but sure, that works too."

Xin Linhua walks towards him, stopping just three feet away. His eyes skim across the figure who’s also assessing him in return.

"Do you know who I am?"

"What the fuck..." Xin Linhua’s frowns deepen "Am I supposed to just know you because you feel important? Did you get lost? This isn’t a meeting room, it’s a training grounds. Look around."

"What a sharp mouth. My brother was right about you."

Xin Linhua’s eyes finally clear up. No wonder the bastard before him looks so familiar! Then again, the two brothers are nothing alike. Their style, aura, manner of walking are all different. Though, they’re both narcissistic and think the world evolves around them.

"You’re Gao Chengi’s brother." Xin Linhua states "I never knew the bastard had a brother."

"Ah..." The man smoothens his hair "Insulting my brother before me?"

"Ah sorry, I have a fetish for downgrading narcissistic Sentinels."

If the start of the confrontation didn’t attract much attention, the continuation sure does.

People have abandoned their training gear and spar partners, their eyes are glued to the scene before them.

"Mm, you do look like him..." Xin Linhua tilts his head "But I never knew the Gao had another son."

"A few weeks ago, my brother called me and told me something interesting..." The man’s gaze flickers to Xin Linhua’s neck "A few weeks later, he’s hospitalized and he hasn’t woken up ever since. Tell me, Mr Xin, what do you think I should do to the one responsible for his condition?"

"Don’t ask me. I only know how to use my wits and fist. You can try that too. But I can’t guarantee the outcome."

Hirano moves to shield him again, but Xin Linhua stops him. He turns back to the man with anticipation.

"Well?"

"I guess you’re right." The man’s gaze lowers "Wits and fist like you said."

Before anyone can blink, the atmosphere changes.

The man charges at Xin Linhua, closing the three feet distance in a flash. His hands reach out, grasping thin air.

"Careful now..." Xin Linhua leaps back "I wouldn’t want you to end like your brother. "

"Don’t worry about that." The man follows after.

"I hope you know, there’s no rigid law in the training grounds." Xin Linhua dodges once more "If I kill you here, no one will hold me responsible. Besides, you came here to avenge your brother."

"You talk too much!"

"I’m trying to keep myself from getting bored!" Xin Linhua laughs "But now I’m getting annoyed."

Xin Linhua switches from defense to offense immediately. He juggles both tactics, closing in on the man in an instant.

The entire training grounds were ready to witness a battle but Xin Linhua turns it into a mere bar fight.

He grabs the man’s wrist, twists his own body slightly and locks the man’s arm behind him. He pins him down

"Had enough?"

"You’re strong, I’ll give you that." The man laughs "But you’re far too confident in yourself."

"What...?"

The man reaches out with his free hand, and grabs onto his hood.

Xin Linhua cusses beneath his breath, and shoves him aside, but his opponent is clearly not willing to let go. His hood slides down his head.

The once lousy place goes dead quiet. Some people have their jaws on the floor. One drops a dumbbell on his own leg, cussing immediately.

"Shit! Is that a ra?ar? On his neck!" Someone yells from the crowd.

"Only high level Sentinels wear them. I caught a glimpse of it on Phantom’s neck once."

"Leave the neck, check the ears! He has rows of ra?ars on them!"

"Shit! What’s going on!?"

Xin Linhua’s gaze darkens. The smug smile on the man’s face is doing nothing to quench the rage burning in his chest.

"You, Gaos, are bastards."

Xin Linhua’s punch comes fast and rage filled, catching the man off guard.

The man staggers back, holding his bleeding nose in disbelief and a bit of excitement. To get a reaction out of Xin Linhua is exhilarating!

"A guide that can guide any Sentinel." His clear voice echoes across the place "I’ve never seen anyone like you. No wonder my brother was obsessed. A guide with a 100% purity rate. One guiding session and even a feral Sentinel will be at your mercy."

Xin Linhua’s hands start to itch again. Bloodlust curls around him, impossible to miss. Murderous intents swim in his eyes but he can’t afford another court hearing.

The people in the room exchange glances. Their expressions start to flicker.

To find a compatible guide is easy. To find one with a high rate match is hard. But to find one with a 100% purity rate? That priceless! Unheard of!

One session with Xin Linhua and they’ll be in top shape for weeks! With him by their side, they can dare to venture into a rift!

Xin Linhua starts to notice the change in their eyes. The tensed muscles under their skins. The way they stare at him.

"Go find your Sentinel." Hirano’s voice drags him back.

"Senior..." Xin Linhua turns to him.

"They look like feral animals and they might let loose." Hirano slowly pulls him back "If you don’t leave now, we’ll have a room full of feral Sentinels."

"Leaving so soon?" The man straightens his clothes "I haven’t even started."

"Start what?"

A cold, emotionless voice echoes from the entrance of the room, cutting through the tension in the room.

The crowd turns to the source, the heat in their eyes dying down by more than half. They step back a bit.

The man frowns, clearly displeased by the sudden interruption.

"Took you long enough." Hirano laughs "Your guide is about to become an auction piece."

"Who is that?" The man asks.

"The guy I told you not to mess with."