C214 The Crazy Zhang Zhongqi!
Many people scrambled to turn around, eager to catch a glimpse of the high-profile figure who had brazenly dropped all pretenses and even dared to lay hands on Zhang Zhongqi, a person of extraordinary stature!
"It's him!"
"How can that be!"
Upon witnessing the figure emerging slowly, a collective gasp of astonishment echoed through the crowd, eyes wide with incredulity.
To them, anyone bold enough to strike Zhang Zhongqi had to be a major player, and not just any, but one of the absolute elite!
It could even be one of those few at the very top!
Yet, to everyone's amazement, the one who had stepped forward was a young man!
How could he have the audacity to attack?
And more importantly, how did he manage it?
In that moment, many recalled Zhang Zhongqi's formidable prowess.
He was a mid-tier Diamond Level Great General, the cream of the crop within that rank, far surpassing the strength of an ordinary High Order Diamond.
While the young man had previously slain a top-tier mid-ranked Demonic Beast, the insiders among them were aware that those beasts had their own issues, their strength merely average.
Thus, by all accounts, this young man should not have been a match for Zhang Zhongqi.
But why, why did it happen this way?
Confusion reigned among the onlookers, yet their speculation was of no consequence to the two adversaries locked in confrontation.
"To call a worthless wretch like you a War God is laughable!"
The voice rang out, icy and dripping with scorn.
His words triggered a wave of sharp intakes of breath across the crowd.
The gloves were off!
The dispute had escalated beyond repair!
The previous skirmish was nothing compared to this mockery. It was as if Zhang Zhongqi's dignity had been stripped away and trampled underfoot repeatedly!
The crowd was aware that it wasn't just Zhang Zhongqi who wouldn't stand for such humiliation—none of them could.
So, what would follow...
As expected, the next moment saw Zhang Zhongqi's aura explode with fury.
He had completely forgotten how he had been previously overpowered, and of course, he also overlooked the fact that Chu Yi had a true War God by his side—a superlative warrior of the 'War God' caliber, not a self-proclaimed 'War God' like himself!
A surge of power coalesced into his mightiest blow yet. At that point, Zhang Zhongqi appeared to have completely lost his reason.
If such a strike were to occur, hardly anyone in the hall would survive.
Thus, the VIP lounge's powerful figures, after their initial shock and anger, took decisive action!
Countless forces intertwined, creating a complex web of power. Yet, these influential individuals refrained from targeting Zhang Zhongqi or Chu Yi.
In fact, the simplest solution to the problem at hand would be to subdue Chu Yi and Zhang Zhongqi.
Suppressing these two would naturally prevent the impending conflict and catastrophic clash from erupting.
But clearly, no one chose this path.
It wasn't for lack of insight; these seasoned veterans were far too experienced to overlook such an option!
The reason why...
The movers and shakers who intervened were all too aware!
In an instant, they collectively struck, sealing off the surrounding space completely.
This action was taken to prevent any damage to the area. Had it been just one or two individuals, such boldness would not have been displayed.
But among those who acted, there were at least fifteen who had attained the High Order or Diamond Level status of a Great General.
With so many elite fighters involved, there was nothing to fear.
The eyes of these power players shimmered with an enigmatic light. They were eager to witness the true outcome of this confrontation!
They had only observed the aftermath of the previous exchange. It wasn't that Chu Yi and Zhang Zhongqi's attacks were too swift to track; rather, their focus had been on Chu Tianfeng nearby.
They believed Chu Tianfeng would intervene.
Zhang Zhongqi was no match for Chu Tianfeng, so if Chu Tianfeng decided to strike with full force, they would have to step in.
But if it was merely a light reprimand, they would stand aside.
Regrettably, Chu Tianfeng had not acted at all from start to finish.
Nevertheless, Zhang Zhongqi ended up at a disadvantage!
Indeed, although Zhang Zhongqi appeared to be in a dire state, he had only suffered a setback and was far from being severely wounded.
Yet, this alone was shocking enough.
Now, the showdown between Zhang Zhongqi and Chu Yi would finally reveal the full extent of Chu Yi's capabilities...
Zhang Zhongqi unleashed his most formidable strike, channeling his ultimate power into an overwhelming blow.
As this strike descended, not even the ordinary High Order Diamond Level Great Generals could withstand it!
This was the mighty blow of a powerhouse who had lain dormant within the Diamond Level for decades...
Countless onlookers widened their eyes in awe.
Such an opportunity was rare; witnessing a Diamond Level powerhouse in combat was undoubtedly enlightening for anyone.
Moreover...
Zhang Zhongqi's enraged attack was fearsome. At that moment, he had nearly lost all reason, casting aside any thoughts of restraint.
At last, the fearsome strike came crashing down.
In that instant, a wave of shock flashed through the eyes of all who watched.
Because Chu Yi made his move.
Because Chu Yi, too, raised his arm.
Because Chu Yi, too, unleashed a punch!
He didn't opt for evasive maneuvers, nor did he use protective gear. He didn't even show a hint of hesitation.
Chu Yi chose the most brutally direct approach.
He was set on a head-on collision with Zhang Zhongqi!
The faces of the influential figures paled as power surged, fortifying the space around them.
They had never anticipated this scene, assuming Chu Yi would dodge the fierce onslaught.
But who could have imagined that this seemingly timid youth would be so boldly aggressive?
The rumble echoed—
Though these powerhouses worked together to minimize the damage, ensuring that bystanders wouldn't suffer any real harm, they couldn't defend against the sound waves.
In that moment, the sound wave impact was like a category ten hurricane tearing through the hall, leaving chaos in its wake.
Those of lesser strength fared worse, with blood streaming from their eyes and ears in a ghastly display.
The terrifying aftershocks were contained by the concerted efforts of the Diamond Level big shots, yet the sheer force left them deeply shaken.
This was nothing less than a desperate clash between two of the most elite High Order Diamond Levels!
"You're seeking your own demise!"
Zhang Zhongqi's angry bellow filled the hall. In that moment, they saw the disheveled Zhang Zhongqi relentlessly attacking, his hands unleashing a myriad of unparalleled techniques, as the hall resounded with the roars of tigers and dragons!
Over the years, Zhang Zhongqi has been anything but idle. Despite his limited aptitude preventing rapid advancement, he carved out his own path by amassing an arsenal of formidable techniques. While he couldn't elevate his cultivation realm, these techniques allowed him to bolster his power significantly.
As various fearsome combat arts emerged, a peculiar gleam could be seen in the eyes of some Intermediate Diamond-level practitioners. They were well aware that they would stand no chance against Zhang Zhongqi.
These practitioners, though at the Intermediate Diamond level, were not to be compared with the average ones in their tier. Their formidable presence was enough to send shivers down one's spine, and even the prodigies within the Intermediate Diamond realm were no match for them.
Their talents might have capped their progression, but they had been entrenched in the Diamond realm for decades, even centuries. This very stagnation had honed their strength to an extraordinary degree.
Each of these powerhouses considered themselves the undisputed sovereigns of their domain. However, witnessing Zhang Zhongqi's array of lethal techniques and the explosive release of his power, they came to a sobering realization of the vast chasm between them and him.
At present, Zhang Zhongqi's prowess was on par with some of the average top-tier Diamond High Order Great Generals—a fact they could grasp. But what of Chu Yi?
They recognized Chu Yi's innate talent and strength, yet they were convinced it would take him considerable time to pose a real threat or to catch up with them. Chu Yi was no match for them; if they took him on with full seriousness, he would likely fall within fifty moves. In a battle to the death, they could dispatch him in just a few exchanges.
But the current situation painted a different picture. Zhang Zhongqi was acknowledged as a stronger force than them. Yet, in his confrontation with Chu Yi, even with all his might unleashed, Zhang Zhongqi was utterly unable to affect Chu Yi.
Indeed, he was completely ineffective against Chu Yi. Despite the onslaught of dreadful combat arts raining down around Chu Yi, none could inflict the slightest damage. The fearsome attacks failed to touch Chu Yi, and with each counterstrike, he precisely targeted Zhang Zhongqi's most vulnerable points.
To the untrained eye, Zhang Zhongqi and Chu Yi appeared to be engaged in a fierce battle, with Zhang Zhongqi seemingly dominating and leaving Chu Yi with only the slightest chance to counterattack.
But what was the reality?
These onlookers were far from clueless; they could see the situation for what it truly was!
Contrary to appearances, Zhang Zhongqi was not in control. In fact, he was utterly overpowered by Chu Yi.
Chu Yi had taken complete command of the fight.
There was no longer any point in speculating about the outcome.
"Enough, Zhang Zhongqi!"
"There's no need to fight any further!"
Some influential figures had spoken up, their eyes reflecting a stern gravity.
Although they took pleasure in seeing Zhang Zhongqi defeated and humiliated, such a spectacle was meant for behind closed doors.
Here, in front of this crowd, Zhang Zhongqi was the face of the government.
He had already suffered enough embarrassment. If Chu Yi were to defeat him, the government would be utterly disgraced.
These power players were not willing to witness such a downfall!
Moreover, after tonight's events, they had come to a stark realization.
Zhang Zhongqi was no longer the man he once was.
The impact of this defeat on Zhang Zhongqi was unimaginable.
He would no longer be seen as the untouchable deity he once was, the figure no one dared to cross.
Chu Yi had thoroughly brought him down to earth...
This was clear to all, and Zhang Zhongqi, seething with rage, was certainly not oblivious.
Hadn't all his previous efforts, even at the expense of his own integrity and the honor of those who had sacrificed for him, been in pursuit of that ultimate pinnacle?
But now, it was all over.
Everything had come to an end.
Even when he was relegated to Adirang Academy by the military, Zhang Zhongqi had never lost hope, even finding a more covert path to ascend.
But now...
Despair was all that remained in Zhang Zhongqi's heart, nothing but despair.
He knew that all hope was lost.
A Zhang Zhongqi no longer revered, no longer feared—what authority did he have to command anyone?
"It's all your fault, you jerk!"
Zhang Zhongqi didn't hold back; his rage erupted even more fiercely.
Amidst it all, terrifying halos began to converge.
Above, the starry heavens seemed to shower down innumerable rays of light, and every sound between heaven and earth appeared to vanish.
Unnoticed, a vast chasm had formed overhead in the banquet hall's ceiling.
And it was from these gaping holes that the stars were ceaselessly falling!
Zhang Zhongqi stood enveloped in the infinite starlight, resembling an eternal deity, exuding a majesty that was beyond description and imagination.