Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Ready for the fight
Zhang Hao and Lin Yue walked side by side on the path leading to the training ground, their shadows intertwined in the morning light, as if foretelling that their destinies were closely linked. Lin Yue's long hair fluttered in the wind, her figure light and graceful, every step exuding effortless elegance. Zhang Hao's gaze occasionally fell on her profile, a warm current rising in his heart.
"Zhang Hao, you must be careful. The duels on the training ground can sometimes be more brutal than life-or-death fights," Lin Yue's voice carried a hint of concern.
Zhang Hao nodded, his gaze resolute: "I will, Lin Yue. I won't let myself get hurt easily." Lin Yue softly inquired, her slender fingers gently holding his arm, the touch sending a shiver down his spine.
"Rest assured, Lin Yue. I will be fine," Zhang Hao replied firmly, wanting to prove himself through action and to protect the woman who had captured his heart.
A charming smile appeared on Lin Yue's face, and she lightly bit her lower lip, causing Zhang Hao's heart to race and an odd sensation to wash over him.
"Hey, Lin Yue, why are you with this good-for-nothing?" Zhao Gang's voice rudely interrupted, his provocative gaze landing on Zhang Hao as if looking at a mortal enemy.
Zhang Hao and Lin Yue turned simultaneously, their eyes coldly sweeping towards Zhao Gang. Zhao Gang was accompanied by several inner sect disciples, who stared at Lin Yue without restraint, their eyes filled with lust.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Lin Yue's face, her lips slightly pursed, her beautiful eyes revealing determination. "Zhao Gang, watch your words. Zhang Hao is not a good-for-nothing; he has his own strength."
Zhao Gang sneered, his burly figure exuding a dangerous aura. "Strength? What strength does he have in front of inner sect disciples?" As he spoke, he deliberately shifted his gaze from Zhang Hao to Lin Yue's ample bosom.
"You…" Lin Yue's cheeks flushed with anger, her eyes glaring at Zhao Gang, her delicate hand clenched into a fist.
Zhang Hao's eyes also turned cold, and he stepped forward to stand beside Lin Yue. "Zhao Gang, your words are too much. Lin Yue is someone I protect, and you shouldn't speak to her in such a tone."
"Protect?" Zhao Gang laughed loudly. "What qualifications do you have to protect her? You can't even get into the inner sect and still want to protect her? What a joke!"
Zhang Hao's fists clenched, feeling the restlessness of his internal energy, ready to erupt at any moment. "Zhao Gang, I warn you, don't push it."
Zhao Gang seemed to take no heed of Zhang Hao's warning and instead took a step closer, his gaze shifting between Lin Yue and Zhang Hao. "Lin Yue, you'd better see clearly. Following him will lead you nowhere."
"Shut up!" Lin Yue could no longer contain herself, stepping forward, her pretty face taking on a cold expression. "Zhao Gang, listen to me. Zhang Hao is not someone you can insult at will. He has his pride and dignity, and you are not worthy to judge him!"
Zhao Gang's gaze lingered on Lin Yue for a moment, seemingly surprised by her momentum. "Heh, Lin Yue, I didn't expect you to be so protective of him. Alright then, I'll give you a chance. See you on the training ground in three days. We'll see who protects whom then."
With a mocking laugh, Zhao Gang dismissed Zhang Hao's threat. "Good-for-nothing, you really think you have a chance to win against me? In three days, I'll show you what true strength is."
"You…" Lin Yue was enraged by Zhao Gang's words, her fists clenched, itching to throw a punch at him.
Zhang Hao held Lin Yue back, whispering, "Ignore him, Lin Yue. He's just trying to provoke us. All we need to do is defeat him in the contest."
Lin Yue took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, knowing Zhang Hao was right. She looked at Zhang Hao, her eyes filled with trust.
Seeing the two unmoved, Zhao Gang continued to mock loudly, "Alright, good-for-nothing, let's see who's stronger in three days. Don't blame me for being merciless and beating you to a pulp."
Zhang Hao took a deep breath, knowing this was a challenge and an opportunity to prove himself. "Fine, Zhao Gang, in three days, I'll show you what true strength is."
Zhao Gang snorted coldly, turned, and left, leaving behind a warning, "Don't regret it then, Lin Yue."
Lin Yue watched Zhao Gang's retreating figure, worry creeping into her heart. She turned to Zhang Hao and said softly, "Zhang Hao, do you really have to duel with him? He's not someone to be underestimated. The elders said Zhao Gang's cultivation progress is swift; he's already reached the peak of the Body Refinement stage."
Zhang Hao's gaze was resolute, "Lin Yue, I know you're worried. But I must do this. I need to show everyone that I, Zhang Hao, am not a good-for-nothing; I have my own power."
A touch of emotion flickered across Lin Yue's pretty face, and she nodded gently, "I know you can do it. I'll always support you."
For the next three days, Zhang Hao immersed himself in the training ground. He trained hard, every punch fueled by anger, every kick as if to shatter his opponent. He wanted to unleash his internal energy to its fullest and display his martial skills to the utmost.
Lin Yue stayed by Zhang Hao's side, cheering him on and worrying for him. Watching Zhang Hao's determined profile, she felt a mix of emotions. She knew Zhang Hao was working hard, but Zhao Gang's strength was not to be underestimated.
"Zhang Hao, be careful," Lin Yue's soft voice came, standing by his side, her gaze filled with concern.
Zhang Hao didn't respond; he was fully focused on his training, sweat streaming down his handsome face, clothes clinging to his muscles, outlining his fit physique.
"Don't push yourself too hard," Lin Yue approached, her slender fingers lifting Zhang Hao's sweat-damp hair, her eyes showing tenderness, "I know you want to win, but don't forget, I'm here for you."
Zhang Hao turned to look at Lin Yue, a hint of tenderness in his eyes, "I know, with you by my side, I'm fearless."
Lin Yue's pretty face flushed slightly, and she lightly bit her lips, "You jerk, I'm serious."
Zhang Hao gave a confident smile, "So am I. I will win this contest. For you and for myself."
Lin Yue's eyes firmed up. "I believe in you."