C12 Twelfth Chapter Internal Martial Arts Expert Liu Xu Three

When Liu Xu caught Ma Dazhuang's punch with just one hand, pinching him until he screamed in agony without so much as breaking a sweat or turning red, it was clear he was no ordinary man.

What followed lacked any spectacle. Liu Xu's overwhelming strength made it seem as though he was merely disciplining a child. Despite Ma Dazhuang's attempts at resistance, he was left swollen and bruised, a pitiful sight indeed.

Only when Ma Dazhuang no longer dared to retaliate did Liu Xu cease his assault. As he relaxed his grip, the physical transformation brought on by Talent Sharing slowly faded, and he returned to his normal size.

Hsu Xiaoyue looked on with the same awe one might reserve for Superman, prompting Liu Xu to concoct a half-threatening, half-concealing excuse for his display of power. "Since you've seen me, there's no point in hiding it," he said to the defeated Ma Dazhuang. "Truth be told, I am the one hundred and twentieth generation successor of the internal fist from Azure City Mountain. I have over a hundred brothers and sisters, each more formidable than the last. If you're not convinced, we can pick a time and place to settle this with a fight."

Hsu Xiaoyue's expression shifted to one of sudden understanding, clearly buying into his ruse. Meanwhile, Ma Dazhuang was petrified. The thought of facing not just Liu Xu but a hundred others even more skilled was overwhelming. Remembering Liu Xu's godlike stature, his legs turned to jelly, and it took all his effort to stagger to his feet. Shaking, he quickly capitulated, "No, no need for that. I'm leaving now, and rest assured, I won't come looking for trouble ever again."

Clearly, he feared Liu Xu might be as ruthless as the martial artists in the movies, who believed in eradicating the root of the problem. He was all too ready to surrender.

Liu Xu, seeing Ma Dazhuang's state, let out a deliberate snort and dismissively commanded, "Scram." Before the words were fully out of his mouth, Ma Dazhuang took off like a shot, not uttering a single word.

...

Once again, Liu Xu single-handedly defused a crisis. From that moment on, including Hsu Xiaoyue, all the employees saw him in a new light.

Who wouldn't want their workplace to be a safe and comfortable haven every day, complete with a guardian angel? And it certainly doesn't hurt when that guardian is a sunny-faced, strapping young man with more than decent looks.

Liu Xu, basking in the palpably different vibe around him, couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Clearing his throat, he suggested, "Well, since everyone's left, how about we grab a bite to eat?"

Hsu Xiaoyue's breezy demeanor shone through as she quickly chimed in, "Yeah, let's eat. Liu Xu, you were impressive today. Here, have an extra chicken leg on me."

With that, she deftly placed a chicken leg into Liu Xu's lunchbox.

As they gathered around the table, most eyes were on Liu Xu. It wasn't long before curiosity got the better of someone, and a round-faced young girl tentatively inquired, "Liu, Liu Xu, you seem so capable. You can talk to dogs and you're a martial arts expert from Azure City Mountain—stronger than those characters on TV."

Her voice trailed off as she blushed, unable to finish her thought.

The others couldn't resist joining in, showering Liu Xu with compliments.

"Absolutely, and he's got such a great temperament."

"And quite the handsome guy, too."

"Ha ha."

Liu Xu had never been on the receiving end of so many compliments from women before. Reveling in the moment, he couldn't resist boasting a little, "Let's keep it low-key. What you've seen is just the tip of the iceberg—hardly worth mentioning."

"You're not exactly modest, are you? Just eat your chicken leg," Hsu Xiaoyue retorted with a roll of her eyes and a playful tone.