To fight ten men, nine of whom were masters of the same rank, and the tenth a Five-Star Meteor-level expert—a level higher than the rest—even with the aid of the Super Berserk Pill and Super Armor Pellet, Qin Fen could scarcely believe how swift and decisive the battle had been.

A flurry of rapid, dense punching and kicking sounds drew Qin Fen’s attention.

Du Zhanpeng and Scarlet Scorpion had both unleashed their Bio-Beasts, causing their combat strength to surge dramatically.

In terms of fundamental power, Scarlet Scorpion was a full rank above Du Zhanpeng, separated by the significant gulf between the Four-Star and Meteor classes.

Yet, when they actually engaged, Scarlet Scorpion couldn't gain any meaningful advantage.

Both utilized Bio-Beasts, but Du Zhanpeng’s Raging Tiger Bio-Beast was far superior in quality to Scarlet Scorpion’s Giant Scorpion Bio-Beast. With both beasts at Level Two Fusion, in terms of fused strength enhancement, energy supply during combat, and special abilities, Scarlet Scorpion's beast was nowhere near comparable to the Raging Tiger's.

The scions of the great families of the Federation could fight and win against opponents of higher ranks not only due to their superior cultivation techniques but also because their equipment was often multiple levels above others. When auxiliary items reached a critical point where quantitative change turned into a qualitative leap, the user's combat power became astonishing.

The issue for Du Zhanpeng was not only his Bio-Beast; his martial arts techniques also posed a significant problem for Scarlet Scorpion.

Qin Fen had only clashed with Scarlet Scorpion for a split second before the latter successfully utilized the Taiyin Scorpion Sting from his new martial arts style, channeling force directly into Qin Fen's meridians.

To control force with such precision was something Qin Fen himself admitted he couldn't yet achieve. For Four-Star or even Five-Star martial artists to concentrate force into an attack point smaller than a needle's tip for piercing strikes was only achievable by practitioners of new martial arts who underwent costly surgery for high-precision force chip implantation into their bodies.

Scarlet Scorpion had intended to leverage this advantage, continuously injecting True Qi into his opponent's meridians during exchanges, thereby drastically reducing the enemy's reaction time, speed, and attack power, securing a quick victory.

However, he had never anticipated encountering the Seven-Star Immortal Thunder Technique! This peculiar martial art specialized in striking acupuncture points to cause internal bodily explosions. While its True Qi concentration couldn't compare to chip-controlled precision, its unique nature was something all opponents dreaded.

Once an acupuncture point was struck, there was no need to penetrate the enemy's body with True Qi. The same point, depending on the downward pressure and angle of the strike, could elicit entirely different effects. If Scarlet Scorpion hadn't possessed a chip within his body offering superb control over his True Qi, he would likely have been detonated to death during the first exchange of blows by Du Zhanpeng.

Du Zhanpeng was not faring easily either. Scarlet Scorpion, true to his name, carried poison on all ten fingers—the toxic art of the Thousand Scorpion Venom Hands, similar in concept to the legendary Thousand Spider Venom Hands. Though Scarlet Scorpion was only a Five-Star Meteor-level expert at forty years old, his poisoned hands could likely kill even a Six-Star Meteor master if he managed to land a strike.

Mud splattered everywhere as the two combatants separated after their first clash.

By this point, the bulletproof vests worn by both men had been completely shredded during the mutual tearing and grappling, hanging on their bodies like ragged scraps of cloth.

Scarlet Scorpion glanced at the ten corpses lying on the ground, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. How were the ten men guarding the scientist hostages here? How were they all dead? It had only been such a short time. Did this young man kill them? His demeanor seemed off—did he use...?

A string of questions flashed through Scarlet Scorpion’s mind as he stared at the bodies, still in their T24 state, their flesh not yet withered. He found it incomprehensible; the rookie he fought moments ago, though strong, shouldn't have been able to dispatch his ten subordinates so instantly.

Du Zhanpeng also saw the scene after separating, but his lips curved upward in contrast to Scarlet Scorpion’s astonishment—only boundless amusement showed on his face.

A two-on-one fight!

How could Du Zhanpeng not be pleased? Qin Fen’s strength was revered among all the new recruits in the training camp. If not for the absence of a Bio-Beast, Du Zhanpeng wouldn't have been confident of victory in a one-on-one melee. The Raging Tiger Bio-Beast! Du Zhanpeng’s confidence wasn't baseless across the entire Federation.

Scarlet Scorpion’s eyes darted around. A sense of caution rose in Du Zhanpeng. He pushed off with his back foot and scraped with his front, his legs coiling like a drawn bow. He launched himself forward, his body like an arrow shot from a bowstring, reaching in front of Scarlet Scorpion in an instant.

He darted forward with an Arrow Step Thrust Finger, taking the shortest straight-line path toward the center. The sound of his index finger piercing the air crackled, like the most venomous snake flicking its tongue. However, this Seven-Star Immortal Thunder Piercing Finger was a hundred times more toxic than the deadliest serpent. If it struck the Shanzhong acupoint, the victim’s entire life force and blood flow would rush back toward the heart, eventually causing it to burst.

The Seven-Star Immortal Thunder Technique—a killing move from the very first strike!

Du Zhanpeng’s finger, in terms of agility, power, and force, far exceeded what someone his age should possess. Beneath the imposing aura of the Raging Tiger was concealed the sinister venom of a King Cobra.

Scarlet Scorpion dared not be complacent. His fair palms instantly turned dark blue and black, though his discoloration differed from the dense veins on Qin Fen's skin. As his palms darkened, a faint, foul odor permeated the air.

This was a fight to the death; every moment counted, and neither man would show mercy.

Qin ফেন stood quietly to the side, suppressing the surging power of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Technique within his body.

The turbocharging effect of the Vajra Suppressing Origin Technique...

Qin Fen, relying on his ancient martial arts and his mastery over force control, was forcibly simulating the complex pressure amplification that should have been managed by a computer chip. Under the effects of the Super Berserk Pill, his power was nearly an untamed wild horse, making this pressure exertion far more difficult than any previous attempt. Mismanaging the amplification of this True Qi could instantly lead to paralysis.

Qin Fen proceeded with extreme caution. Against Scarlet Scorpion, who utilized a Bio-Beast, even his Vajra Wild Dance would be useless. To severely injure or kill Scarlet Scorpion using only his Four-Star power required the Berserk Tidal Surge, preferably one amplified by the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Technique.

Qin Fen observed every movement of the two men on the field meticulously. The moment any opportunity arose, his fiercest ultimate technique would be unleashed without any reservation.

Scarlet Scorpion vaguely sensed a heavy threat emanating from outside the immediate combat zone. For the first time, he felt the situation slipping from his control. He shouldn't have come alone to eliminate these two rookies.

Retreat!

Scarlet Scorpion was a decisive man. He never lingered in battles where he saw no path to victory—this was the secret to repeatedly evading the Federation's encirclements. His right leg, executing a Scorpion Tail Whip, slammed into Du Zhanpeng’s Seven-Star Immortal Thunder Steel Breaking Kick. Using the immense force, he rapidly backed away, while simultaneously reaching toward his waist with his right hand. His cunning eyes avoided Du Zhanpeng, whom he was just pushing back, focusing instead on Du Peng, who lay heavily wounded on the ground.

Even if he retreated, he would take down one elite rookie. If this person survived, he would undoubtedly become a major threat in the future.

Scarlet Scorpion drew the pistol from his waist, which held only two bullets, aiming at Du Peng.

All these developments happened too quickly. Neither Qin Fen nor Du Zhanpeng expected Scarlet Scorpion, who held the momentary upper hand, to retreat so decisively, targeting the motionless Du Peng as he fled.

Qin Fen’s legs had just tensed to spring when the sound of Scarlet Scorpion’s gun cracked. The bullet spun in the air, flying toward the back of Du Peng’s head at a speed Qin Fen could not possibly match.

Scarlet Scorpion, still retreating, had his entire face contorted in manic ecstasy. He never imagined that the rookie Bio-Beast user who had just severely wounded Du Peng would immediately leap in front of Du Peng to shield him from the bullet.

With almost no conscious thought, Scarlet Scorpion fired his second and final bullet, which pierced Du Peng’s back, right near the heart.

Scarlet Scorpion stopped his retreat with a stomp of his feet. The most troublesome Bio-Beast kid had seemingly gone mad, shielding a man who was likely beyond saving with a bullet meant for someone nearly dead? Then why had he severely wounded Du Peng just moments ago?

Wait... he was trying to save him! Scarlet Scorpion finally understood. If not for that aggressive strike intended to claim glory, the AK47 bullet wouldn't have merely wounded the rookie severely; it would have killed him!

Their appearances... Scarlet Scorpion now saw the striking resemblance between the two; they must be brothers or closely related.

Scarlet Scorpion felt a pang of regret. All these thoughts clicked into place in his mind within that single, fleeting moment, and at that same instant, Qin Fen moved. A surge of all his stored power and emotion exploded outward, with a force incomparable to any move he had made before.

As he stomped down for this kick, the ground within a ten-meter radius shook violently. The muddy, damp earth beneath him no longer merely spattered like mud clods; vast amounts of deeper soil churned up from underground, as if dozens of groundhogs were digging simultaneously.

"Giant Elephant Stomp." The Dragon-Elephant Prajna Technique was once described as possessing the strength of one elephant—there was a similar resonance here.

Qin Fen, moving like a humanoid armored vehicle, reached Scarlet Scorpion. The roaring, surging aura of the ocean erupted from his body.

Merely facing this momentum gave Scarlet Scorpion an urge to retreat. But he had just switched from rapid retreat to a dead stop, and now needed a moment to switch back to an offensive push—he was a fraction too slow.

Before Scarlet Scorpion could even raise his palms to strike, the air was already filled with the ferocious roar of ocean waves. The next thing Scarlet Scorpion saw was a sky full of palm shadows imbued with roaring power.

This was different from the spar with Park Jong-hwan; this opponent was a terrorist, a life-and-death struggle. In this moment, Qin Fen felt as if he had truly broken through, entering the Five-Star Meteor level.

The target zone for the Berserk Tidal Surge shifted this time from the chest to the throat, lower abdomen, and vital organs... The ocean tide doesn't just wet one specific spot on a person; it douses everything visible.

The Berserk Tidal Surge was the same.

Scarlet Scorpion didn't even have time to react defensively. The Berserk Tidal Surge slammed into him like a violent storm. A rapid, brutal symphony of breaking bones sounded out as Scarlet Scorpion tumbled through the air, spitting blood, flying over fifteen meters before skidding another fifteen meters along the ground, finally slumping with his head tilted, dead.

Several broken ribs from his ruptured chest cavity, thanks to Qin Fen’s precise setup, had pierced his heart, turning it into a complete honeycomb.

Achieving his goal, Qin Fen immediately rushed back to Du Zhanpeng’s side and carefully turned his body over. The metallic bullet was embedded in his chest, barely a fraction away from piercing the skin.

“Looks like... I’m going to die...”

Du Zhanpeng, lying in Qin Fen’s arms, showed none of his former haughtiness, only a slightly awkward smile tugging at his lips: “Don’t let them see me like this.”

Qin Fen looked at Du Zhanpeng’s pierced heart and nodded softly without speaking. As someone who also had an older brother, Qin Fen had perceived, deep within Du Zhanpeng’s eyes from their first meeting, a tenderness toward Du Peng that transcended coldness and arrogance. Qin Fen rarely felt true aversion toward Du Zhanpeng. If an older brother treats his younger brother this way, he must have his reasons. Whenever Qin Fen thought about questioning Du Zhanpeng, the image of his own brother, Qin Zhan, would surface, making him feel no malice toward Du Zhanpeng.

“I never thought he would actually do it,” Du Zhanpeng managed, his lips twitching. “Don't tell too many people about my current pathetic state.”

“Hurry up and say what you need to say,” Qin Fen murmured, slowly channeling True Qi through the Resurrection Art into Du Zhanpeng’s body, though he knew even this wouldn’t buy much time.

“You person…” Du Zhanpeng weakly pointed a finger at Du Peng. “Make a cut on his wrist and force my blood into his system. Otherwise, if he dies from excessive bleeding, my death will be meaningless.”

The usually proud and aloof man was suddenly talking a great deal, even on the verge of death. Qin Fen was slightly unaccustomed to it but complied with his request. His eyes widened again in surprise as Du Zhanpeng began transferring his True Qi and blood to Du Peng.

“The Seven-Star Immortal Thunder Technique and the Formless Waterfowl Technique were originally a single cultivation method,” Du Zhanpeng said, smiling faintly. “Theoretically, True Qi cannot be transferred to another person and retained permanently. But this is not absolute. Mutually complementary True Qi, combined with the blood of close relatives, can achieve it—and there are other conditions...”

Du Zhanpeng smiled, but his voice grew much softer. “Help a dying person...” Qin Fen’s voice caught in his throat; Du Zhanpeng’s behavior reminded him of his own beloved brother. Du Zhanpeng looked at the unconscious Du Peng with deep sorrow. “From the moment he was born, his destiny was fixed by our family: to be my crucible. This is a cold rule in large families; many people are accustomed to it. But I am not accustomed to it. He is my brother...”

Du Zhanpeng’s emotions caused his voice to rise again. “We share the same blood! I know Du Peng is a bit stubborn. If I had told him the truth, Grandpa might have noticed something and forcibly turned him into my crucible before he became truly strong. I could only provoke him, constantly provoke him, so that his hatred for me would generate power. I thought, if he became strong enough, Grandpa would spare him because of his value...”

Qin Fen nodded slowly, making no comment. He knew Du Zhanpeng’s life was irrevocably over.

“Take care of him for me. You are his only friend.” Du Zhanpeng’s words grew faint. Most of the True Qi and blood in his body had entered Du Peng. His pale right hand, which couldn't be lifted moments before, now trembled as he slowly raised it to gently touch Du Peng’s face. “Little brother, I was always harsh to you before. I’m sorry. Forgive your brother, okay?”

The strength supporting his arm failed again. Du Zhanpeng’s hand fell onto his own back; his pupils dilated slightly, and he murmured in a voice as faint as an insect: “Silly kid, what brother wouldn't love his younger brother? This is all I can do for you. Don't blame me, understand? The one thing I wished for most in my life was to hear you call me ‘brother’ in person...”