He then let out a furious roar. Ignoring the several fireballs hurtling toward him, he raised the ’Immovable’ Shield in front of him. Like a crazed bull, he charged through the explosions and flames, rushing at Yang Wenqing with grim determination.
However, Yang Wenqing’s eyes merely turned cold. His left hand formed seals even faster, and three more Anti-Demon Spells shot out in a triangular formation to block Wu Qianjun’s advance. Simultaneously, he activated a Light Body Spell and once again increased the distance between them.
Wu Qianjun swung his shield to shatter two of the fireballs and braced for the impact of the third. The explosion sent him staggering, his charge faltering. He could feel the stabbing pain in his Spiritual Veins growing more intense, his vision starting to blur.
On instinct, his trembling left hand reached for the leather pouch, where his last Qi Gathering Pill lay.
Just as his fingers were about to touch the pill—
"Stop!"
The authoritative command rang out from Vice Director Gao, who had been watching silently from the side of the ring!
Vice Director Gao’s sharp gaze swept over Wu Qianjun before turning to the VIP section. He spoke in a low, serious voice, "Director Zhang, if Chief Wu takes another Qi Gathering Pill, he will cause fundamental damage to his Spiritual Veins and jeopardize his future path of cultivation. This is an internal competition, not a life-or-death battle. Shouldn’t there be a limit?"
All eyes in the arena instantly focused on Director Zhang Qiming in the VIP section.
Director Zhang stood up, his voice echoing throughout the arena via a sound-amplifying Array. "Chief Wu, this battle ends here. Concede."
On the ring, a complex expression flickered across Wu Qianjun’s face as he heard Director Zhang Qiming’s command. There was the bitterness of defeat and confusion over the abrupt end to the fight, but overriding it all was a bone-deep obedience. In an instant, the enraged tiger reverted to a disciplined soldier, ready to follow any order.
With a wave of his left hand, the ’Immovable’ Shield transformed into a streak of black light and returned to his Storage Bag. He sheathed his ’Armor-Piercing’ long knife with a soft, dull click. Then, his right hand swiped over the leather pouch at his waist, activating a ’Healing Spell’ Rune paper that shimmered with a gentle white light. He slapped it onto the bloody wound on his right arm.
Having done all this, Wu Qianjun sat down cross-legged on the spot to begin repairing the damage to his Spiritual Veins.
Seeing this, Vice Director Gao gave an almost imperceptible nod. He then announced loudly, "The winner of this duel is Chief Yang Wenqing. He will assume the position of Deputy Team Leader of the Major Case Team."
A smile touched Yang Wenqing’s lips. He had now officially entered the management echelon of the City Defense System. Though it was the lowest rung, it was the highest position one could hold with the rank of Chief.
Vice Director Gao raised his hand, and the protective barrier surrounding the ring slowly dimmed and faded. Several officers from the Operations Division, who had been waiting outside, entered in an orderly fashion and began guiding the spectators out of the stands.
Director Zhang Qiming and Director Qin also rose from their seats in the VIP section and made their way onto the ring.
Director Zhang went first to Wu Qianjun, who was sitting cross-legged and regulating his breathing. He carefully inspected the wound on Wu Qianjun’s arm, then hovered his hand over his shoulder and neck, channeling a gentle stream of Spiritual Power to probe his internal condition.
After a moment, his brow furrowed slightly. "Your Spiritual Veins are indeed damaged," he said in a low voice, "but fortunately, it’s not too severe. Focus on recuperating quietly for now. Don’t try to forcefully circulate your power."
Wu Qianjun opened his eyes, his gaze calm and steady. He simply nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Director Zhang."
Meanwhile, Director Qin approached Yang Wenqing.
Yang Wenqing had already put away his ’Cyan Blade’ short sword and dismissed the Spells around him. Seeing Director Qin approach, he immediately straightened his posture and saluted. "Director Qin."
Director Qin wore a gentle smile. "Well done," he said kindly. "You understand how to leverage your strengths against your opponent’s weaknesses."
He paused, his tone laced with expectation. "The position of Deputy Team Leader of the Major Case Team carries great responsibility. Make sure you apply yourself to the task."
"I will take Director Qin’s guidance to heart. I will do my utmost and not betray the trust placed in me!"
Just then, Director Zhang Qiming finished comforting Wu Qianjun and walked over. He wore the magnanimous and composed expression befitting the head of the bureau. He stopped in front of Yang Wenqing, met his gaze, and even offered a genuinely warm smile. "Wenqing," he said, "congratulations!"
PS: That’s all for today. Thank you all for your support.