When a man encounters an enchanting woman, his initial impulse is to engage in profound communication with her. Similarly, when one acquires a commendable weapon, the desire to test its prowess naturally arises. This ingrained habit extends back to childhood, where even finding a good piece of bamboo by the roadside would transform into a cherished sword for playful exploits.
In this case, Zhang Yi procured a sniper rifle—a possession that transcends the aspirations of ordinary citizens in the Huaxia region, let alone considering its application in combat. "Let's examine the efficacy of this instrument," Zhang Yi remarked with anticipation.
Drawing the sniper rifle from his alternate space, Zhang Yi positioned himself on the balcony of the 24th floor, peering down below. The eightfold magnification scope proved itself formidable, transforming diminutive figures resembling ants from the 24th-floor height into distinctly visible entities.
Zhang Yi suppressed his breath, ensuring that the emitted warmth wouldn't blur the scope. The seven fleeing figures trudged through the snow at a sluggish pace, rendering them easy targets.
With palpable excitement restrained, Zhang Yi took aim at one person's back and delicately squeezed the trigger. In the instance the bullet discharged, an uncanny sensation enveloped him—a conviction that this projectile would unerringly hit its mark.
"Bang!"
The gunshot resonated with crystalline clarity in the serene night. Numerous individuals were jolted from uneasy slumbers by this sound. Through the scope, Zhang Yi witnessed the designated person collapsing onto the ground, crimson blood staining the pristine snow.
"Goodness, how is my marksmanship so precise? Could I be a prodigy?" Zhang Yi marveled, a mixture of astonishment and delight washing over him. Originally, he merely sought to assess the rifle's effectiveness with modest expectations. Yet, to his astonishment, the shot resonated profoundly.
"What was that peculiar sensation just now?" Zhang Yi wondered. Unable to dwell on it further, he shifted his focus as his companions, alarmed by the gunshot, hastened their pace.
Swiftly reloading and aiming at the next target, Zhang Yi experienced the same mystical sensation once more.
"Bang!"
Another gunshot echoed, and another figure crumpled to the ground. This time, Zhang Yi comprehended that his ability to shoot adversaries from the 24th floor wasn't happenstance but an innate gift.
Coughing lightly, he mused, "It seems my awakened ability transcends the mere confines of the alternate space. Its full potential, unfortunately, remains unexplored by my previous self."
Nevertheless, it was evident that his extraordinary ability was intricately linked with spatial manipulation, rendering him a natural sharpshooter.
In the past, wielding crossbows and handguns in close-quarters combat, Zhang Yi hadn't recognized this aptitude. He had merely sensed a pleasing tactility while shooting. However, with the sniper rifle, this sensation became strikingly evident.
Elated by this revelation, Zhang Yi reloaded and aimed at another, now setting his sights on the individual's head.
"Bang!"
The gunshot reverberated, and the person's head erupted in a burst of blood mist. Confirmed and undisputed, this was a potent skill in precision marksmanship.
Internally jubilant, Zhang Yi targeted the remaining individuals one after another.
"Click!"
"Click!"
"Click!"
He swiftly cycled the bolt, and the consecutive gunshots resonated through the residential complex. Before they could retreat, all the individuals met their demise midway.
Seven lifeless bodies sprawled across the vast expanse of the snow, transforming it into a conspicuous canvas of vivid red. Zhang Yi couldn't contain his grin; henceforth, he could skillfully evade conflicts, specializing in clandestine eliminations.
Meanwhile, the neighbors downstairs, awakened by the nocturnal gunfire, pieced together the situation.
"That gunshot—it originated from the building!"
"Upstairs, it must be Zhang Yi!"
"At such a distance, it can't be a handgun; it must be the force of a sniper rifle."
"Good heavens, from such a range, instant fatality. Zhang Yi is genuinely a marksman!"
Stupefied gazes and a sense of impending danger spread among the onlookers. Their imagination ran wild, envisioning Zhang Yi as a concealed military elite within the urban landscape. How else could one explain his remarkable marksmanship?
"In the future, it's wise to heed Zhang Yi's counsel."
"Indeed, we've survived because Zhang Yi hasn't turned hostile."
Human imagination, capable of terrifying flights, now elevated their awe of Zhang Yi to unimaginable heights.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, the midnight gunfire disrupted the tranquility of the entire residential complex. Zhang Yi holstered the sniper rifle, massaging his shoulders as the continuous firing had left them slightly sore.
Fortunately, his robust physical constitution mitigated the discomfort; otherwise, the ache would persist for days. On this particular night, many would find themselves sleepless once again.
Uncle You sent a message to Zhang Yi, inquiring if he was the one firing the shots. Having military experience, Uncle You promptly identified the sounds as originating from a sniper rifle. Zhang Yi, without concealing the truth, replied, "I obtained this today from the police station."
Inquisitive, Uncle You asked, "Were you in the military before? What was your unit designation?"
Zhang Yi chuckled, "I simply possess a natural talent, haha!"
Assuming Zhang Yi's reticence, Uncle You refrained from further inquiry. "As long as it's you firing the shots, it's safe for us. If someone else, we would be in peril."
Engaging in casual conversation, Zhang Yi returned to his room, sinking into the warmth of his soft bed for a restful slumber.
The following day, awakening around nine, Zhang Yi performed his morning ablutions before releasing Zhou Ke'er from her room.
"Let's prepare something to eat! I'm in the mood for freshly made dishes. Hm... how about you make two bowls of oil-sprinkled noodles?"
Zhang Yi instructed Zhou Ke'er with a nonchalant demeanor.
Zhou Ke'er smiled, "My rendition might not match the quality of a noodle house."
Indifferent, Zhang Yi shrugged, "Then practice more; we have plenty of time."
Accommodated with food from restaurants, occasional cravings for homely fare prompted this culinary diversity.
Zhou Ke'er obediently entered the kitchen, and shortly after, she emerged with two bowls of oil-sprinkled noodles.
Zhang Yi took a sip, finding the flavor quite satisfactory.
As a side note, Zhang Yi had installed surveillance cameras throughout the house, including the kitchen. He also provided the ingredients.
Regarding Zhou Ke'er, on her first day, Zhang Yi thoroughly examined her, scrutinizing her from head to toe. To this day, he conducted daily check-ups, leaving no corner unexamined.
This meticulous approach eliminated any possibility of Zhou Ke'er tampering with the food. Otherwise, Zhang Yi wouldn't consume anything prepared by others.
Seated at the table, Zhou Ke'er curiously inquired, "Yesterday, I heard gunshots. Did you fire the shots from the balcony?"