"As so many number cards were drawn, you can challenge others. I don't know whether to call you lucky or unlucky," Xue Dong remarked.
Gao Teng responded indifferently, "Winning against five people is a piece of cake."
Xue Dong widened his eyes in surprise. "So arrogant?"
Gao Teng shrugged. "I'm just stating the facts."
Despite Gao Teng's relaxed attitude, Xue Dong still felt his chances of winning were low. He patted Gao Teng on the shoulder and said in a low voice, "Even if you fail, don't worry. With your potential, the Security Bureau would be happy to let you in through the back door."
Gao Teng sighed helplessly. "Why do you underestimate me so much?"
Xue Dong answered honestly, "Brother, you're just too sensitive. I see you like everyone else."
"Just wait, I'll surprise you."
Xue Dong looked at him seriously. "Seeing you this confident, I'll be looking forward to your performance."
Gao Teng turned around, waved his hand, and walked into the crowd.
Everyone drew number cards, and soon the results were out.
Among the ten who obtained a spot, Fang Meng was the strongest, followed by Gao Teng, and then Wang Ya, whose beauty made her stand out. The others weren't worth mentioning, just the kind of nobodies who didn't deserve further attention.
Gu Xiao from Liushun Street and Li Gangqiang, the boss of the Beast Clan, didn't get a spot, but given their strength, winning a place wasn't an issue.
Gao Teng sighed to himself. Being able to see the ranking of each person's abilities with his golden finger really made things easy.
"Now that you've drawn your cards, let's start the battles," Xue Dong announced, glancing at those who received blank cards. "Who do you want to challenge?"
"Gao Teng!" everyone shouted in unison, as they all believed he was the easiest target.
As expected…
Xue Dong shook his head. After ten days of special training, Gao Teng had performed the worst, so it was only natural that he'd be the main target.
"There's only one Gao Teng, and all of you want to challenge him. So, how do we decide who goes first?"
Gao Teng frowned slightly at Xue Dong's words, feeling they were a bit strange.
"I have an idea. You two fight each other first, and the winner gets to challenge Gao Teng. How about that?"
Xue Dong was trying to look out for Gao Teng by suggesting a way to wear down the challengers. Unfortunately, the crowd wasn't buying it. They protested silently, pressuring Xue Dong with their glares.
"Fine, rock-paper-scissors it is. Fair enough?" Xue Dong offered.
Everyone agreed, and they decided the order with a round of rock-paper-scissors.
"The first match is Gao Teng versus… What's your name again? Never mind, it's not important."
"...My name is Wu Pu!" the challenger replied.
"Ah, no score to settle then. So, why challenge Gao Teng? You're just asking for trouble."
Wu Pu was speechless.
"Alright, let's not waste time. Let the battle begin."
As soon as Xue Dong finished speaking, Wu Pu charged at Gao Teng. He specialized in close combat, and an iron rod materialized in his hand.
An ability to conjure iron rods? Is this guy planning to make a fortune selling scrap metal?
With his elevated view, Gao Teng could only think of such trivial things.
Wu Pu swung the iron rod at Gao Teng's head with full force. However, Gao Teng didn't bother dodging. He didn't take this person seriously at all.
Wu Pu ranked 41,563rd among Class D ability users, while Gao Teng ranked 870th. The difference was enormous.
"Watch out!" Wu Pu shouted as the iron rod came crashing down.
Gao Teng remained calm as his immense power surged forth.
Suddenly, Wu Pu was blasted away like a cannonball, crashing to the ground several meters away and coughing up blood. The blow had done significant damage, leaving him unable to get up.
The entire area fell silent.
No one had expected it.
Gao Teng's strength was much greater than they had thought. Everyone had assumed he was an easy target, but they had been gravely mistaken.
Xue Dong was equally stunned. He hadn't expected Gao Teng to dispatch his opponent so effortlessly. Clapping his hands to get everyone's attention, he said, "Alright, rock-paper-scissors again to decide the next challenger. Any objections?"
The crowd exchanged glances and reluctantly started another round of the game. Despite Wu Pu's defeat, they still believed Gao Teng was the easiest to deal with.
They concluded that Wu Pu had lost because he underestimated Gao Teng. The best strategy against a weaker opponent was to wear them down. Once their energy was depleted, victory was inevitable.
"Okay, we have the next challenger. Gao Teng versus... well, does your name even matter? You're going to lose anyway."
The new challenger gritted his teeth but didn't bother introducing himself like Wu Pu had. He planned to defeat Gao Teng and then declare his name proudly, embarrassing Xue Dong in the process.
However, before he could act, he suddenly found himself on the receiving end of a heavy blow. His eyes bulged, and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was flung several meters away, his body crumpling like a shrimp.
Gao Teng shook his head. "What was he thinking, standing there giggling during the battle? I had no choice but to strike first…"
Xue Dong chimed in, "See? What did I say? You all judged Gao Teng by appearances, thinking he was weak. But he's clearly much stronger than you gave him credit for. If you're still thinking about an easy win, you should reconsider. The lessons are right in front of you!
Don't focus only on Gao Teng. There are still nine others you can challenge. Why insist on Gao Teng? I know you're all trying to save your energy for the later rounds, but Gao Teng has proven he's no pushover. You only get one chance to challenge someone, and if you fail, that's it!"
Despite Xue Dong's advice, the group remained unconvinced. They believed Gao Teng was running out of energy, and they still considered him their best chance.
Another round of rock-paper-scissors decided the next "victim."
Once again, the battle commenced, and once again, Gao Teng emerged victorious.
Even after several rounds, everyone still believed Gao Teng was the easiest to bully.
Xue Dong grew tired of arguing, letting them continue with their rock-paper-scissors routine. And once again, Gao Teng triumphed.
Now, he was only one victory away from becoming a full member of the Security Bureau.
For the first time, the group hesitated, unsure whether to continue targeting him.
"Brother Li, are you going to challenge Gao Teng next?" Gu Xiao asked Li Gangqiang, a man with an intimidating presence, flashing his signature sunny smile.
"I don't take advantage of people when they're down," Li Gangqiang replied, his voice full of principle. Though his background was shady, he lived by a code. He helped old ladies cross the street, beat up elementary school bullies, fed stray animals, and visited the elderly in nursing homes.
His gang's manifesto was to do one hundred good deeds daily, making the city a better place.
"In that case, I'll take my turn," Gu Xiao said.