If not for Xiao Jing, Xiao Hong could have easily dodged Shen Chengfeng's fist. But since Xiao Jing was standing right behind Xiao Hong, dodging Shen Chengfeng's sudden attack would have left her exposed. Therefore, Xiao Hong had no choice but to face Shen Chengfeng's attack head-on.
To protect Xiao Jing, Xiao Hong had to retreat two steps away from Shen Chengfeng. He looked down at his chest and saw a big hole in his shirt caused by the corrosion, right where his heart was.
Shen Chengfeng's eyes narrowed. It was the first time that he had ever seen the cold and unrelenting Xiao Hong protect someone in such a manner. As expected, there had to be a reason why the Xiao family hadn't mentioned Xiao Jing all these years. Shen Chengfeng found it intriguing.
Clutching Xiao Hong's hand, Xiao Jing said anxiously, "Second Brother, all this is happening because of me. Allow me to have a talk with the Commander so that we may settle this peacefully?"
"Since General Shen has already brought the Xiao family into this, we are not going to let it slide just like that. No matter what, Xiao Jing is a member of our family, and no outsiders are allowed to discipline one of our own." Xiao Hong pointed towards the door and said to Xiao Jing, "Wait for me outside."
"Commander! Second Brother!" Xiao Jing was at a loss. It wasn't that she didn't have faith in her Second Brother's capabilities. Although a fight with the devil incarnate could lead to him getting hurt, the injuries shouldn't have been life-threatening.
But what about after the fight?
Xiao Jing was still going to be the one who was getting hurt. She would be the one cleaning up the mess, and she would be the one suffering the brunt of the consequences.
"Get out!" shouted Shen Chengfeng. He put on his gloves and pants and stared fixedly at Xiao Hong, who was already getting ready to attack.
Xiao Hong swiftly bridged the gap between them, as if he had just teleported in front of Shen Chengfeng. His blows fell fast and thick, raining upon Shen Chengfeng. If his target had been someone other than Shen Chengfeng, that person would have lost his fighting strength by now, or perhaps even his life.
Shen Chengfeng showed no signs of hesitation or slowing down. He fought fire with fire and also delivered multiple blows to Xiao Hong. When their fists met, the energy generated was intense enough to numb their arms temporarily.
Xiao Hong broke the contact by jumping away and did not waste any time in sending a kick in Shen Chengfeng's direction.
Unsurprisingly, Shen Chengfeng dodged the kick without any difficulty and started launching the next step of his offense.
"Bam!" Xiao Hong's foot landed on the tap, causing it to crack. Water then started sputtering through the cracks.
The two of them were subject to an impromptu shower, and neither of them made a move, as if contemplating what their next step should be.
"Do you know why I'm so curious about Xiao Jing?" Shen Chengfeng clenched his fists and could be heard cracking his knuckles.
Xiao Hong's pupils constricted. He did not even know why the good-for-nothing Xiao Jing had managed to attract Shen Chengfeng's attention. Based on her physique and abilities, she was not even suitable for a regular battalion, even less so the Special Command Unit.
Why was the devil incarnate suddenly so interested in her?
"I have Xiao Ye to thank for this. Had it not been for his recommendation, I would never have realized that it was possible to find someone immune to me."
"Xiao Ye!"
"Xiao Jing is very important to me. No matter how many people the Xiao family sends, I will never let him leave. Anyone who has a death wish is welcome to take me on," said Shen Chengfeng, as he beckoned to Xiao Hong, obviously taunting him on purpose.
"Xiao Jing is not yet officially part of Steel Eagle, so it wouldn't be difficult for me to get him transferred."
"Yes, you are right. Which is why I have decided to make an exception by giving him an opportunity."
"Since when has the great Master Shen become so easy-going concerning his unit? A lot of people are going to talk behind your back if you decide to take in a slacker like Xiao Jing."
Shen Chengfeng, being the unbothered "king" he was, put on his coat casually. As usual, his face showed no signs of emotion, as if he couldn't care less what people thought about him. It wasn't like they were capable of defeating him, anyway.
"Don't forget, the Xiao family can exercise discretion in transferring people across camps, regardless of their troop," said Xiao Hong coldly as he stared intensely at Shen Chengfeng.
"I know. That is why I don't like the Xiao family. You always play dirty when you can't get things to go your way. Do you think that will work on me?" countered Shen Chengfeng.
Xiao Hong's face darkened visibly. Everyone knew how stubborn the Commander of Steel Eagle was, but no one could do anything about it. He was the number one general in the Empire. After all, his results spoke for itself.
"I've said too much today." Shen Chengfeng walked right out of the shower room.
Xiao Jing had been standing outside the door all along, so when she sensed someone approaching, she automatically moved to the side.
Stopping in his tracks, Shen Chengfeng stared silently at the person standing awkwardly before him.
Xiao Jing gulped. "Is anything the matter, Commander?"
"Assemble at Zone B, Camp 4, at five tomorrow."
Xiao Jing heaved a sigh of relief as she watched Shen Chengfeng's retreating figure.
"You heard what Shen Chengfeng said just now. What are your thoughts?" asked Xiao Hong.
Xiao Jing turned around to look at Xiao Hong and smiled wryly in response. Her thoughts? What kind of ideas could she possibly have? How about wanting to give him two hard slaps?
Xiao Hong stared somberly at Xiao Jing before asking, "Did you ask Xiao Ye to recommend you, or did he do it of his own accord?"
"Does it make a difference?" Xiao Jing thought to herself.
Seeing that Xiao Jing was at a loss for words, Xiao Hong had a pretty good idea of what the answer was. With a nod, he then said to her, "There are urgent matters in the camp that I have to tend to, so I might not be able to find time to visit you. If anything happens and you are unable to resolve it on your own, look for this person. He will inform me."
Xiao Jing glanced at the piece of paper that had been placed in her hand, which had a name and room number scribbled on it. "I can take care of myself," she said in mild bewilderment.
"Yes, you might be able to handle it on your own, but that's provided you are strong enough. You ought to have been courageous and fearless in a situation like just now, not hiding in a cowardly manner behind me. You may not need assistance when you become strong enough on your own. But it is of utmost importance to you now!"
"Second Brother—"
"Knowing what Shen Chengfeng is like, you have probably become his target. Watch out for yourself, and get as far away from him as possible. You don't wanna mess with him."
Grasping the piece of paper in her hand, Xiao Jing was pondering over the fact that ever since she had joined Steel Eagle, her family seemed to be keeping close tabs on her. Something felt odd, but she was not quite sure what.
Whatever it was, something did not feel quite right.
"Ahem, ahem." Xiao Hong coughed lightly and patted Xiao Jing on the shoulder. "I know you're a stickler for hygiene, but the camp is filled with brutes, so you don't have to be too particular. It's okay, even if you don't take a shower."