C3 This Brat Is Still Human!

Despite his reservations, Ke Dong stepped out of the room with honesty, his grip on the Coldsteel Sword unwavering.

The area bustled with activity, yet Ke Dong, an avid reader of apocalyptic novels, understood that such vibrancy didn't negate the presence of danger. In a place devoid of rules, he knew the greatest test and the least trustworthy element was human nature.

The clearing was vast, approximately a hundred meters in both length and width, totaling around ten thousand square meters—ample space to comfortably hold a hundred and eighty people.

Ke Dong kept to himself, wary of causing any misunderstandings with a misplaced gesture. He sought refuge in a corner, hoping to overhear snippets of useful information.

A few others lingered nearby, maintaining a respectful distance. None seemed startled by his presence.

"Hey, isn't that Ke Dong? What a surprise to see you here," a sharp voice called out, drawing Ke Dong's attention. He turned to find two acquaintances: Chen Qiang, the security guard, and Yu Xuan, the company receptionist.

Back before the maze, Ke Dong worked in sales, Yu Xuan manned the reception desk, and Chen Qiang patrolled the office building as security. But there was bad blood between Ke Dong and Chen Qiang.

Chen Qiang had been a streetwise teen, frequently ending up at the police station. It wasn't until his twenties that he landed the security job, yet his old habits persisted. He'd harassed Yu Xuan, using his position to his advantage, and even followed her after hours—only to be caught by Ke Dong, nearly costing him his job.

Now, encountering Chen Qiang in this place, Ke Dong's instinct was to brace for potential retribution.

In the maze, absent the rule of law, there was no telling what Chen Qiang might do.

Turning his gaze to Yu Xuan, he noted her disheveled hair and the fear in her eyes as she looked at Chen Qiang. Despite her apprehension, she didn't resist his arm around her waist. It appeared they had come to some unspoken understanding.

Upon spotting Ke Dong, a surge of hope suddenly blossomed in Yu Xuan's heart. She remembered how he had once come to her aid and clung to the possibility that he might do so again.

If Ke Dong could rescue her from Chen Qiang's clutches, she was ready to do anything!

Thus, her gaze toward Ke Dong carried a hint of desperation, silently begging him to intervene.

But Ke Dong had no desire to get involved in the troubles between Chen Qiang and Yu Xuan any longer, nor did he wish to pick a fight with Chen Qiang. He turned to leave.

Watching Ke Dong walk away, Yu Xuan's heart sank with heavy disappointment, and her view of him shifted drastically—from a courageous hero to a spineless villain.

"Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me talking to you?"

Chen Qiang confronted Ke Dong, reaching out to shove his shoulder, but Ke Dong nimbly sidestepped.

"Back off. I can't be bothered with you!"

Chen Qiang let out a cold laugh, "You may not want to deal with me, but I'm not done with you! Remember our unfinished business? You can't seriously think you can strut around here like you do outside, can you?"

Ke Dong's face hardened, aware that shaking off Chen Qiang wouldn't be easy without a fight.

"What's it going to be?"

"What's it going to be?" Chen Qiang sized Ke Dong up, eyeing the sword in his hand. "That's a nice piece you've got there. Lucky you, finding such a fine weapon. I've yet to find one that suits me. Hand over the sword, and I'll let you walk away. If not, don't expect any mercy!"

Ke Dong's expression turned icy, "And what if I refuse?"

At that moment, the tension between Ke Dong and Chen Qiang escalated, drawing the attention of onlookers. Yet, they seemed unfazed by the confrontation, merely whispering among themselves.

"That guy with the sword looks like he's in trouble."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"He's got the weapon, sure, but he doesn't look like he's used to fighting. No significant muscle. Now, the other guy—he's built, ready to pounce. Clearly, he's no stranger to a brawl."

"I guess that kid's about to hit a streak of bad luck."

"Hmph, it's more than just bad luck! Have you forgotten where we are? What's a few deaths here? If I were that big guy, I'd either not lay a finger on him or make sure he's dead. Can't be leaving troubles for myself!"

Ke Dong's senses had been heightened after taking the marrow cleansing pill, his hearing included. He caught every word those people had said, gaining a new perspective on this place.

Killing someone here wasn't a big deal—it was practically routine.

Chen Qiang, seeing Ke Dong still bold enough to confront him, wasted no more time. He swung his right fist, aiming for Ke Dong's head.

Though the punch looked rash, Chen Qiang was ready. As his right fist flew, his left hand was poised to defend against the Coldsteel Sword in Ke Dong's right hand, half-expecting a counterattack.

But to Ke Dong, Chen Qiang's moves were painfully slow, like watching a turtle trudge along. A slight tilt of his head dodged the punch, and with a swift kick to the abdomen, Chen Qiang was sent flying back over two meters, crashing to the ground with a thud, unable to rise for quite some time.

Standing over 1.8 meters tall and weighing 90 kilograms, Chen Qiang's flight through the air was a testament to Ke Dong's formidable strength.

The bystanders, who had been enjoying the spectacle, now wore expressions of shock.

Is this kid even human?

"Hey, didn't you say the guy with the sword was no good? What's happening now?"

"How the hell would I know? Can we predict the ways of the powerful?"

Yu Xuan's expression shifted again as she saw Chen Qiang toppled by Ke Dong's kick. Her gaze towards Ke Dong was filled with a peculiar brilliance, and she seemed invigorated.

Ke Dong himself was somewhat astonished by his own prowess. His previous fight with the tiger hadn't given him a clear measure of his strength. Now, using Chen Qiang as a gauge, he realized just how powerful he had become.

Yu Xuan dashed toward Ke Dong and reached out to grab his arm. Ke Dong instinctively stepped back; he was on high alert these days, not willing to trust anyone easily, not even the seemingly harmless receptionist, Yu Xuan.

Her impulsive action made Yu Xuan's heart lurch as she realized her mistake. She quickly pleaded, "Brother Dong, thank you! I never expected to run into Chen Qiang here. He coerced me—if I hadn't obeyed him, he would've killed me. Please, take me with you. I'll do anything you ask, anything at all."

Her plea was desperate, the last sentence hanging in the air like an unspoken offer to throw herself at Ke Dong's mercy.

"I'm not taking you with me. Find someone else," Ke Dong flatly refused. This wasn't a place governed by law, and having Yu Xuan by his side could spell trouble, especially given her striking beauty.

Beauty, in these parts, often came with a hefty price of complications.

Without another glance at Yu Xuan, Ke Dong walked away. Yu Xuan tried to follow, but Chen Qiang, recovering from the ground, seized her and yanked her back.

"Damn you for betraying me! Believe me, I could kill you right here and now!" he bellowed, punctuating his threat with a sharp slap that left Yu Xuan reeling. Clutching her face, she remained silent, her eyes brimming with unspeakable hurt and a touch of resentment as she watched Ke Dong leave.

Ke Dong frowned but didn't look back. Frankly, Yu Xuan wasn't worth the trouble.

Just then, a fit middle-aged man approached, giving a respectful bow to Ke Dong. "I am Soong Wan. May I inquire as to your name, friend?"

Ke Dong sized up Soong Wan. Despite the man's lack of aggression, an undeniable aura of authority emanated from him.

This Soong Wan was clearly a force to be reckoned with.