C5 Iron Shirt

Ke Dong was well aware that in a labyrinth where everything was shrouded in mystery, an additional powerful ally could significantly increase one's chances of survival. However, his cultivation interface was a secret that belonged solely to him, one he could never share with anyone else.

Soong Wan, a master of martial arts, undoubtedly excelled in many areas. If Ke Dong were to explore the maze with Soong Wan, he couldn't be certain that the martial arts master wouldn't detect the existence of his cultivation interface. Therefore, he preferred to venture through the maze alone.

For the time being, armed with the Coldsteel Sword and a basic sword control skill, he felt unbeatable in this place. Neither Soong Wan nor Chen Qiang stood a chance against even a single strike from his blade.

Only when he had sufficiently advanced his cultivation level and was confident in his ability to defend himself without fear of his unique abilities being discovered, would he consider forming a team with others.

Soong Wan hadn't anticipated Ke Dong's outright refusal of his invitation and couldn't help feeling a bit put out. Luckily, Wang Chun seized the moment to defuse the situation.

"Master Soong, I understand that money holds little appeal for a martial arts master like yourself. I was presumptuous earlier. However, I did find something else in the maze. Its purpose is unclear to me; perhaps you could take a look?" Wang Chun suggested.

Soong Wan gave a slight nod, though he had little interest in Wang Chun's item. He was merely looking for a way to ease the awkwardness.

Wang Chun handed over a black bead that felt heavy and inscrutable. But when Ke Dong caught sight of it, he instantly recognized its extraordinary nature, as the strand of Spiritual Qi within him stirred with curiosity.

Despite his intrigue, Ke Dong had no intention of seizing the bead. Though the maze had no rules, his principles, shaped by over two decades in a society governed by law and ethics, held firm.

After a brief examination, Soong Wan found nothing noteworthy and was about to return the bead to Wang Chun when Ke Dong interjected.

"Master Soong, I believe you would do well to keep that bead. It could prove advantageous to you," he advised.

"Really?" Soong Wan was taken aback, giving the bead another thorough examination. Though he discovered nothing new, he valued Ke Dong's input, sensing an enigmatic depth to the man that he couldn't quite fathom.

Just as he was about to inquire about the bead's unique properties from Ke Dong, a figure burst forth, snatching the bead from his grasp. Yet Soong Wan, a martial arts master, reacted swiftly despite the surprise attack.

With his left hand forming a palm, he delivered a fierce strike to the back of the thief, sending the assailant tumbling through the air, coughing up blood before crashing to the ground.

It was then that Soong Wan recognized the assailant—it was none other than Chen Qiang!

Soong Wan scoffed coldly. He had exerted seventy percent of his strength in that palm strike; a blow that would leave an ordinary person critically injured. Even someone as robust as Chen Qiang couldn't withstand such a hit. Surviving the strike was one thing, but continuing to explore the labyrinth was quite another.

Wang Chun, taken aback that a mere security guard would dare to steal from him, was ready to pounce on Chen Qiang and deliver a few vicious kicks while he was down. But before he could close the distance, Chen Qiang erupted into maniacal laughter.

"Iron Shirt! It's the Iron Shirt technique! This is a jackpot!!"

As Chen Qiang exclaimed, a yellow glow radiated from the bead, enveloping him. In moments, his wounds miraculously healed, his skin taking on a bronze hue, appearing extraordinarily tough.

Soong Wan was dumbfounded by the spectacle. He hadn't anticipated the bead to be an actual treasure!

Being a martial arts master, he was well-versed in the formidable external technique of Iron Shirt.

Indeed, the Iron Sand Palm he had practiced since childhood, like the Iron Shirt, focused on external strength, emphasizing power and aggression. While one excelled in offense, the other was a bastion of defense. Had he heeded Ke Dong's advice and seized the bead, absorbing that earthen yellow light to master the Iron Shirt, it would have significantly bolstered his defensive capabilities, enhancing his combat prowess immensely.

Alas, any regrets were now moot.

Wang Chun, too, was petrified by Chen Qiang's transformation, frozen in place, his mind awash with remorse. Had he known the bead's potency, why on earth would he have offered it to Soong Wan?

Why not keep it for himself?

Before he entered the labyrinth, he had indulged in every conceivable luxury, with his sole desire being to possess a truly formidable physique. Then, just like that, the opportunity slipped through his fingers.

The onlookers were equally shocked by the abrupt turn of events, never anticipating that Chen Qiang would emerge as the victor of the ordeal.

Some of the more astute spectators began edging away, recalling how Ke Dong had just disciplined Chen Qiang. Given Chen Qiang's penchant for retribution, wouldn't he seek vengeance against Ke Dong now that he had acquired the Iron Shirt?

A confrontation seemed unavoidable, and it was wiser for them to keep their distance.

While the rest of the crowd was clueless about the unfolding drama, Ke Dong saw everything with crystal clarity. It was during Soong Wan's assault that Chen Qiang's blood happened to splatter onto the bead, setting the stage for the subsequent events.

The old trope of blood recognition, as predictable as ever.

In the meantime, Soong Wan had snapped out of his daze, his face etched with remorse, yet he braced himself for what might come next.

He had been the one to wound Chen Qiang, and now that Chen Qiang had suddenly come into the Iron Shirt, trouble was likely heading his way. Despite the prowess of his Iron Sand Palm, caution was paramount without knowing the extent of Chen Qiang's mastery over the Iron Shirt.

Chen Qiang rose from the ground, his face smeared with blood, but he seemed utterly indifferent to it. He advanced toward Ke Dong with deliberate steps, his grin taking on a sinister edge.

"Ke Dong, bet you didn't see this coming, huh? This golden opportunity has landed in my lap! I'll offer you a chance to save your skin. Kneel, apologize, and call me 'grandpa' three times. Do it, and I might just let you stick around as my lapdog!"

Ke Dong let out a cold laugh. "You think you're up to it? Worthy? Please."

Soong Wan, witnessing Chen Qiang's aggression towards Ke Dong, quickly filled Ke Dong in on the Iron Shirt in hushed tones. They were, after all, in the same boat.

"The Iron Shirt is an incredibly potent external martial art, cultivated from a young age with various tools. Once mastered, it renders one nearly impervious to blades and bullets. How about we join forces? Target his eyes and throat—his vulnerabilities. Together, we stand a good chance of taking him down."

Ke Dong shook his head dismissively. "No need. It's merely an Iron Shirt technique—I hardly consider it a threat."

After all, the Iron Shirt, no matter how formidable, was just a martial arts technique. How could it possibly compare to the power of cultivation? He thought of the Coldsteel Sword he wielded, its edge so keen it could slice through iron as if it were clay. It was the perfect counter to the Iron Shirt. So, why should he fret over Chen Qiang's retaliation?