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Chapter Twelve: Saving the Great Tang

“Didn't you want me to fight with one hand? Come on, take it!” Duan Mingyu landed a fierce punch on Zhang Baobao’s pale face, venting all the frustration from his recent misfortunes onto him.

A bright bruise immediately blossomed on Zhang Baobao’s ashen cheek. Enduring the blow in pain, sweat beaded and dripped from his forehead like tiny pearls. He shouted viciously to his gang nearby, “You bastards, hurry up and save me! If anyone’s too scared to step up, I won’t spare him when I get out first!”

The crowd was drenched in sweat, bewildered by his boast. What did he mean by “won’t spare him once I’m out,” as if he’d been imprisoned for years?

The gang members, hearing this, quickly straightened themselves, puffed out their chests, and shouted loudly, “Brothers, charge! Save our leader, save Bianliang, save our beloved Great Tang! Charge!”

Wow, even their slogans were so practiced. Professional gangs really are a different breed.

Duan Mingyu inwardly rejoiced. It seemed this bunch was just making a show—big noise, little action. While they shouted, he landed several more punches on Zhang Baobao’s face.

Before losing consciousness, Zhang Baobao roared in anger, “Duan Mingyu, I’ll never let you off!”

Duan Mingyu replied coldly, “Is there any point in saying that now? Scum like you will never understand the principle of leaving a way out when you’re away from home. A cornered rabbit bites; a cornered dog jumps over walls. What more can the handsome and dashing top scholar do?”

With that, his fists rained down like a storm on Zhang Baobao’s face. Xu Zuye sighed for Zhang Baobao—people say don’t hit the face too much, yet this guy specifically targeted that spot mercilessly. How will Brother Zhang face the world in the future?

Zhang Baobao saw stars spinning above his head and his swollen face looming large. Nearby, his gang and Xu Zuye fought sporadically, shrieking in pain.

“Ouch, too strong! I can’t hold on.”

“My waist got kicked.”

“My arm’s slashed.”

Really? That kick didn’t even land on you, so what’s all the screaming about? And as for the knife—you call that a slash? I didn’t even see a cleaver. Where did that come from?

These guys were truly clever, full of potential, and damn cool. Duan Mingyu chuckled secretly and continued mechanically beating Zhang Baobao. Poor Zhang Baobao was kicked in the groin, unbearable pain followed by being pinned down without a chance to resist, which was why Duan Mingyu was so satisfied with the thrashing.

Duan Mingyu looked down on Zhang Baobao. Such poor skills and yet he was a boss? Back when I watched “Young and Dangerous,” none of the bosses were this pathetic.

Meanwhile, Xu Zuye gradually pushed Zhang Baobao’s gang towards the stairwell, then kicked them all down the stairs with a single blow.

These trashy thugs all pretended to be unconscious—none got up to continue fighting. One even shouted before passing out, “Ah, I’m fainting!” and then naturally collapsed.

Fainting and still shouting? Brother, could you please fake it a bit more professionally next time?

Duan Mingyu looked at the crowd and thought, although your leader’s in my hands and I have to be cautious, this is just too much...

He felt frustrated. These people actually collect protection fees? Zhang Baobao, pampered and spoiled, was completely unsuited for this line of work. It was utterly unfair. Starting tomorrow, I’ll collect protection fees too—definitely better than these guys.

Xu Zuye, who had thought the situation was hopeless, finished dealing with the gang and walked over to Duan Mingyu. “Duan, enough. Let’s go quickly. Reinforcements will come soon, and then we really won’t be able to leave.”

Duan Mingyu glanced at the unconscious Zhang Baobao and felt immense satisfaction. He clapped his hands contentedly and looked at Xu Zuye eagerly. “Let’s go. By the way, Xu brother, what technique did you just use? You kicked Zhang Baobao flying with one blow!”

“Childhood training. Want to learn?”

“Better not! Haha, just asking casually, just asking…”

Duan Mingyu sighed in disappointment. Keeping a pure body to practice that technique? Impossible! I still have to continue the Duan family line and pass on our name!

Thinking this, Duan Mingyu left a large footprint on Zhang Baobao’s face and strode away with flair.

The two walked slowly, so people could clearly hear their shameless banter.

“Brother Xu, you’re the bravest in the army. You took down that gang in no time. I’m truly impressed.”

“Nah, nah. Brother Duan’s ‘groin kick’ technique is truly mesmerizing, dazzling to the eyes. Even the legendary martial arts masters can’t match it!”

“Brother Xu, you’re too modest. I can’t compare to your wisdom and valor.”

“Brother Duan, you’re being modest