Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1798 - 989: Friendly Sparring (Part 2)

Shang Caiwei, pleased with herself, saw Xue Yuantong agree to her request, remembering how many times Tongtong had accompanied her for ranking matches and wishing for another go.

Thus, the group of friends entered the gym.

The receptionist, recognizing Shang Caiwei, greeted her with a practiced, dazzling smile, “Weiwei, you’re here! Your brother is already inside.”

“These are my classmates,” Shang Caiwei introduced them.

As the receptionist guided them into the training area, a cacophony of sounds assaulted their ears before they could see anyone clearly.

“Good one! What a hit!”

“Aim your right hook at him!”

“Keep the pressure on!”

Jiang Ning activated his Divine Sense, observing two shirtless men on the boxing ring, their bodies taut with fierce energy as they exchanged blows.

One of them possessed a muscular physique, embodying the quintessential gym-goer, yet he clearly lacked endurance. His punches were feeble, and his movements were sluggish.

In stark contrast, the other man was incredibly lean, launching a relentless barrage of precise punches at the muscle-bound fighter, who could do little more than shield his head.

Finally, Coach Du called an end to the bout, his voice booming, “This fellow, who’s been hitting the gym for a decade, couldn’t keep up and surrendered. Still, he put up a commendable fight, lasting the full three minutes.”

“The ultimate victor is…!”

Coach Du triumphantly raised the arm of the slender young man standing beside him.

The young man, who had only dedicated a year to boxing training, felt an unusual surge of confidence.

Other students grumbled, “He just got lucky!”

These students relished challenging those who had spent years building muscle, finding it more satisfying to fight someone sturdy and capable of taking hits than to strike a seemingly defenseless opponent.

Coach Du gave the victor a pat, offering a word of caution, “Don’t get too arrogant, or Brother Shang will show you some real intensity!”

Hearing this, the young boxer visibly deflated.

Shang Zhengyu was renowned as one of the gym's strongest members, frequently defeating new challengers and having sparred with almost everyone present.

Dong Qingfeng, also among the onlookers, gazed at the young man in the ring, his eyes alight with aspiration.

He turned to Duan Shigang, who stood beside him, and declared, “Gangzi, just wait and see. In a year, I’ll be far stronger than him.”

Duan Shigang replied, “Why do I get the feeling he’s not that impressive?”

Dong Qingfeng blinked in surprise but then understood, “It’s because you’re an outsider; you haven’t experienced the thrill of the fight.”

Duan Shigang genuinely perceived them as lacking exceptional strength.

Dong Qingfeng noticed his sincerity and, at that precise moment, saw Shang Zhengyu emerge from a private training room. He quickly asked, “Then, do you think *he* is strong?”

Duan Shigang casually glanced over, and his eyes widened in astonishment: “Good heavens, the real heavyweight!”

Coincidentally, Shang Zhengyu recognized Duan Shigang, his previously stoic expression shifting to one of detached recognition.

“Gangzi, why the silence?” Dong Qingfeng’s smile faltered slightly. “Brother Shang’s strength is top-tier; I’ve personally witnessed it.”

After a moment of contemplation, Shang Zhengyu approached Duan Shigang, extending a challenge, “Boxing rules. Care for a match?”

Duan Shigang promptly shook his head.

He was well aware of the formidable power behind this man’s strikes; only in grappling or ground combat could he hope to maintain an even footing.

Dong Qingfeng looked on, puzzled, “Do you two know each other?”

He then advised Shang Zhengyu, “Brother Shang, please don’t bully Gangzi; he’s still quite new.”

In Dong Qingfeng’s estimation, reaching Shang Zhengyu’s level of skill in his lifetime would be akin to achieving graduation.

Shang Zhengyu considered whether to forgo payment for a match, seeing as his initial offer was declined.

Suddenly, a voice called out from a distance, “Brother Shang, your sister is here to see you.”

Shang Zhengyu immediately disengaged from Duan Shigang, turning swiftly and striding away. Upon arrival, he found not only his sister but also the familiar face of Jiang Ning.

Shang Zhengyu inquired, “Weiwei, how did you get here?”

Shang Caiwei replied, “I rode on Jiang Ning’s electric bike.”

Shang Zhengyu took a sharp breath, “Were you sitting in front or behind?”

Jiang Ning interjected nonchalantly, “She was behind me, naturally.”

The thought of his precious sister riding on the back of an electric bike with an unfamiliar man caused Shang Zhengyu’s eye muscles to twitch involuntarily.

Before Shang Caiwei could utter a word, his intense gaze fixed upon Jiang Ning.

He extended an invitation, “Since you’re here at the gym, why not spar a friendly match?”

Xue Yuantong quickly chimed in, “Weiwei, quickly tell your brother, Jiang Ning is incredibly skilled in combat!”

Shang Caiwei thought to herself, ‘I might have been able to dissuade him if he hadn’t heard that, but now, it’s impossible.’

Shang Zhengyu narrowed his eyes, issuing a simple, two-word response, “Very well.”

He then signaled to Coach Du.

Coach Du immediately hurried over, “President Shang, what can I do for you?”

Shang Zhengyu commanded, “Draft a challenge agreement.”

Coach Du briefly assessed Jiang Ning: an ordinary high school student in appearance, quite tall but lacking noticeable muscle, even appearing rather slender.

This young man, pitted against President Shang?

Coach Du, without uttering a single unnecessary word, dared not risk upsetting President Shang.

Xue Yuantong, understanding the situation, inquired, "You're here for a challenge, correct? Is there any prize for victory?"

Shang Zhengyu's voice was cold, "Five thousand. If you win, you get five thousand."

Xue Yuantong rejoiced, exclaiming, "Jiang Ning, today we won't have to peddle fish for money!"

Jiang Ning cast a glance at Tongtong, momentarily uncertain if her words were intended or accidental.

It was possible that, during their numerous encounters on Nanhong Road, Tongtong had also perceived Shang Zhengyu's contemptuous gaze.

Coach Du presented an A4 sheet, instructing, "Write down your name, then place your fingerprint in the designated blank space."

After imprinting his fingerprint, Jiang Ning politely declined to change his clothes, opting instead to don a pair of gloves.

Dong Qingfeng, who had been freely practicing on the punching bag, detected the nearby disturbance. Upon seeing who had arrived, he was astonished, exclaiming, "Holy cow, isn't that Jiang Ning?"

"Jiang Ning?" Duan Shigang's heart tightened. Having engaged in combat for years, he was acutely aware of Jiang Ning's formidable reputation.

He immediately became fully focused and alert.

Dong Qingfeng observed both combatants ascend the ring, equally filled with anticipation. Jiang Ning was undeniably strong; from his freshman year until the present, he had participated in numerous fights, intimidating the entire class and even subduing assailants.

And Shang Zhengyu was also exceptionally powerful. In just a short week, Dong Qingfeng had personally witnessed him spar against and defeat all the expert fighters in the gym, remaining undefeated.

With two such formidable individuals facing off, surely an exhilarating contest was imminent, wouldn't it be?

Coach Du stepped between them, introducing, "President Shang, no need for further words. He's at a professional level!"

At this juncture, the ring was encircled by students, their expressions notably relaxed.

"And this young man, Jiang Ning, may I inquire about your background..."

Jiang Ning stood tall in the ring, a faint smile on his lips, stating, "A high school student. The champion of the school sports meet's 100-meter dash."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding students erupted in laughter, unable to contain themselves. A woman practicing yoga covered her mouth, chuckling, "Little brother, you're still too young."

Shang Zhengyu also laughed, remarking, "You certainly have a sense of humor."

However, he harbored no fondness for humorous individuals, particularly those who showed interest in his sister.

Shang Zhengyu appeared quite relaxed, recalling a past race against Jiang Ning where he had suffered a humiliating defeat, causing him to lose face in front of his sister.

He had perpetually sought an opportunity to reclaim his honor, and finally, the chance had presented itself.

Shang Zhengyu brought his fists together, tilting his head slightly. His entire demeanor instantly became sharp, a chilling aura emanating from his face.

Coach Du announced the commencement of the match, "Sanda rules, three minutes per round!"

With those words, Shang Zhengyu sidestepped to initiate his attack, his body swaying as he launched a ferocious punch toward Jiang Ning's face.

Witnessing this display, Dong Qingfeng was reminded of the brutal beating he had endured days prior, a sensation that seemed to resurface.

Duan Shigang intently observed this critical moment.

The students were poised to cheer, urging Brother Shang to go easy.

The yoga practitioner observed with an air of leisure.

Confronted with the fiercely incoming strike, Jiang Ning remained motionless, making no move from his position. He didn't even employ his Divine Sense. His physique, augmented by the Body Refinement Technique, made the incoming punch appear agonizingly slow to him.

Jiang Ning finally lifted his arm. With a simple swing, his counter was like lightning – swift and precise – it surpassed the incoming blow and struck Shang Zhengyu squarely on the chin.

A heavy "Bang!" echoed.

Shang Zhengyu's well-honed physique instantly stiffened from the impact.

"Bang!" His body crashed onto the ring floor, resembling a lifeless wooden puppet.

The entire area fell into a dead silence; all the surrounding noise vanished instantly.

Shang Caiwei's startled cry cut through the quiet, "Brother, you can't sleep here!"