C23 In the Small Forest

"This is a school, and fighting here would tarnish my reputation. How about we find a different location?" Gao Mu suggested to Ma Ruo.

Ma Ruo was momentarily taken aback, not expecting Gao Mu to propose such a thing. In truth, he was acutely aware of the repercussions that would ensue if he started a fight at the school gate. He had been intent on luring Gao Mu to a secluded spot to give him a thrashing. At the entrance of the school, he wouldn't dare to have someone openly take Gao Mu away. Despite being a thug, he wasn't foolish. If he took Gao Mu away in front of a crowd at the school entrance, it would look like a kidnapping. That would spell trouble not only for Ma Ruo but potentially for Lee Fanghui as well.

"Are you asking for trouble?" Soong Yingqiu demanded, glaring at Gao Mu.

Gao Mu remained unfazed. "If you're scared, you're free to go home."

"I'm not scared," Soong Yingqiu declared defiantly.

Seeing Soong Yingqiu's determined expression, Gao Mu could only shake his head in resignation.

A short distance from Tianhai No.1 High School lay a sizable forest. Its proximity to the school made it a popular spot for both romantic rendezvous and settling scores. The frequent brawls had trampled a clearing in the midst of the otherwise overgrown woods.

In the center of this clearing, Gao Mu positioned himself with Soong Yingqiu sheltered behind him.

"You're truly seeking death!" Ma Ruo sneered at Gao Mu's calm demeanor. "You managed to beat me yesterday not because you're strong, but because I've been suffering from stomach troubles these past few days."

"Today, I'm back in top form. I've returned to my peak condition. So rest assured, what happened yesterday won't be repeated today."

Even now, Ma Ruo was still making excuses.

"Are you actually ready?" Gao Mu asked, smiling at Ma Ruo.

Ma Ruo nodded, his expression fierce. "I'm more than ready to give you a beating. And after that, I plan to spend the night with the young lady behind you!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Gao Mu was already in front of him.

"Bring it on!"

Ma Ruo let out a bellow, seized the steel pipe in his hand, and swung it down hard towards Gao Mu's head.

With his freestyle grappling skills at their peak, Gao Mu's reflexes had become much sharper.

As the steel pipe bore down on him, Gao Mu effortlessly raised his hand and caught it.

Ma Ruo, a veteran of countless brawls, had never before been countered like this.

Caught off guard, Ma Ruo could only watch as Gao Mu's fist closed in on his face.

Before his henchman could even react, Ma Ruo was sent flying by Gao Mu's blow.

Hitting the ground, Ma Ruo kicked up a cloud of dust.

Gao Mu had held back, using less than one percent of his strength. Had he not, Ma Ruo's fate would have been far grimmer.

One of Ma Ruo's cronies was the first to snap out of it. He let out a roar and charged at Gao Mu.

The rest of the gang regained their senses and followed suit, rushing at Gao Mu.

Turning to Soong Yingqiu, who looked terrified, Gao Mu reassured her, "Don't worry. They're no match for me!"

As he spoke, Gao Mu's right foot shot out like a bolt of lightning, striking the first henchman who had charged at him.