Chapter 62: So-Called Divine Possession

A few minutes later, they got down to business. Second Brother Tong raised his hand, and immediately a subordinate walked forward carrying a small box, which he opened.

"Five guns, twenty-five thousand Hong Kong dollars each; three hundred rounds of ammunition, ten thousand dollars. Altogether, that's one hundred thirty-five thousand. Comrades from the mainland, please check," Second Brother Tong said, passing the box over.

Chen Erpao took it, glanced inside, and closed it again, his face radiant with a broad smile. "No need to check. Surely we can trust our Hong Kong friends!"

Second Brother Tong laughed heartily, "Mainland comrades are indeed straightforward. Well…"

"Oh, the guns, right? They're here," Chen Erpao replied as he opened his own box, revealing three pistols. "The other two are on me for protection."

Second Brother Tong had noticed there were only three guns in the box and his expression changed, but Chen Erpao's explanation reassured him; it made sense.

Chen Erpao waved his hand, prompting two Iron Guards to retrieve the guns. At the same time, it was the agreed signal to Wang Xing and Liu Huagang to prepare for action.

"Hong Kong friends, I’ve suddenly changed my mind. With all your money, I think if I kidnapped you, I’d get a lot more! This little bit isn’t enough to build a house, let alone furnish it. Sorry, but I can’t help it. Next time, I’ll invite you to the mainland to meet some mainland girls. How about it?" Chen Erpao wore a conflicted expression.

Second Brother Tong was stunned; just as the deal was about to succeed, Chen Erpao’s words left him speechless. But he quickly recovered; after all, he was a veteran of the underworld, and a murderous aura surged forth.

"Damn it, so mainlanders are all idiots. Screw this, get them! Take the guns!" Second Brother Tong shouted, deeply frustrated.

Chen Erpao smiled calmly, drawing the exquisite pistol Zeng Fan had given him. "No kidnapping now—just robbery."

"Kill—" A cold, chilling expression instantly replaced Chen Erpao’s earlier playful face. A powerful presence surged forth.

Suddenly, two groups burst from the front and back doors of the warehouse, encircling Second Brother Tong and his men.

Second Brother Tong turned pale with shock, glancing at Chen Erpao. "You’re not from the mainland. You’re Chen Erpao from Lingnan!"

Chen Erpao replied, "That’s right. But now you know—too late."

The two armed Iron Guards quickly pulled their triggers. Bang! Bang! Several men who dared to rush forward fell instantly.

Second Brother Tong, terrified and pale, retreated toward the door behind his subordinates. Liu Huagang gripped a large knife, staring coldly at Second Brother Tong as he approached. With a shout, he leapt forward, blade flashing, and two would-be blockers were cut down in an instant.

Wang Xing, like a tiger descending the mountain, plunged into the enemy ranks, his fists whistling through the air. His body, trained in iron shirt techniques, was impervious to blades and bullets; with a sweep, he knocked down several men.

Chen Erpao stood to the side, smoking, pistol in hand. In just a moment, only Second Brother Tong remained standing; his men were all down.

Second Brother Tong’s face was deathly pale as he looked around, realizing he was alone. Suddenly, he burst out laughing, his gaze venomous as he stared at Chen Erpao. "Fine, fine. Today I admit defeat. But I’ve heard Chen Erpao of Lingnan has remarkable skills. If you really have guts, fight me one-on-one, so I can die with some dignity."

Chen Erpao replied, "I accept. I’ve also heard you practice the Divine Strike technique, your martial arts are impressive. Today, I’ll see for myself. Come!"

Second Brother Tong’s face showed no emotion, but inwardly he was delighted, confident in his own abilities. He thought, as long as he could capture Chen Erpao and use him as a hostage, escape would be no problem.

"Ah!" Second Brother Tong pressed off with his right foot, lunging forward. His legs were swift as lightning, striking in succession. Chen Erpao met him head-on, his own fierce kicks clashing, producing a series of sharp sounds.

Suddenly, Second Brother Tong slapped several acupoints on his body; instantly, his skin flushed red, his veins bulged as if ready to burst.

"Even if I die today, I’ll take you with me," Second Brother Tong laughed darkly, charging at him, his massive fists whistling through the air.

Chen Erpao’s eyes flashed; he caught a gap, seized Second Brother Tong’s wrist, and twisted, but Second Brother Tong’s strength seemed to have multiplied, and he broke free, sweeping his right leg across.

Chen Erpao dodged slightly, then swiftly closed in, his iron fists flying, shadows covering Second Brother Tong’s upper body.

Bang! Bang! Several punches landed on Second Brother Tong’s chest, sending him stumbling back several steps, barely able to stand. Chen Erpao knew the power of his own fists, but Second Brother Tong showed no sign of pain; only his face grew redder.

Second Brother Tong sneered, launching another ferocious attack. His strikes were ruthless and sharp, more formidable than the Japanese Kobayashi he encountered the other night. Chen Erpao had once considered recruiting him, but after further investigation, realized this man would never serve him sincerely.

Chen Erpao moved quickly, using a grappling technique, "Wrist Twist Seizes Heaven’s Bag," then a "Carp Drop and Leap," grabbing Second Brother Tong’s wrist and flipping his own body.

Second Brother Tong’s arm twisted dramatically, and the crisp sound of a bone breaking rang out.

Only then did pain show on Second Brother Tong’s face, cold sweat pouring down his forehead in streams.

Chen Erpao looked calmly at the hunched, suffering man. "This so-called Divine Strike is but a crooked method. By stimulating certain acupoints, you temporarily unleash your body’s potential—your strength and resistance increase several times. But it doesn’t last, and afterward, you’ll suffer lasting effects. Am I right?"

Second Brother Tong was astonished that Chen Erpao understood this so well. His eyes flickered anxiously; the Divine Strike’s effect was about to fade. If he couldn’t seize Chen Erpao now, he’d surely die.

Then, just a meter away, a long knife caught his attention. Gritting his teeth, face set with desperate resolve, he lunged, snatched the blade, and rolled nimbly to the ground, ending up right in front of Chen Erpao, ready to strike.

Bang! A single gunshot rang out. Chen Erpao raised his pistol, blew the smoke from the barrel, and murmured, "You use a knife, I use a gun. I’m not stupid." If Second Brother Tong had heard these words before dying, one wonders what he would have thought.