{Chapter: 127 Close combat with Chi Qian!}
The sudden voice was as pleasant as the melody of a yellow oriole, crisp and soothing to the ears.
Hearing such a beautiful voice, Lin Yuan instinctively turned around.
"Chi Qian?" He was surprised but not entirely shocked.
After all, it was not unusual for Chi Qian to frequent this exclusive club. In Jiangbei, this was one of the few places where firearms training was legally permitted, and while it had never been explicitly mentioned before, it was only natural that someone like Chi Qian would be drawn here often.
Chi Qian had always shown a keen interest in combat and was exceptionally skilled in handling firearms.
Today, she was dressed casually, wearing loose gray trousers and a simple white t-shirt with sleeves. Her smooth, waist-length hair was tied back in a ponytail, giving her a youthful yet energetic appearance.
Despite the simplicity of her attire, she remained strikingly glamorous.
Even with only a glimpse of her delicate arms exposed, her presence commanded attention. Her beauty was undeniable—flawless features that naturally drew the gaze of every man in the training hall.
Almost instinctively, several trainees stole glances at her, captivated by her effortless charm.
With a gentle smile, Chi Qian spoke, "What a coincidence, Young Master Lin. I had just arrived when I saw you practicing close combat with her. I didn't want to disturb you, but…" She paused, her bright eyes flickering with amusement. "She seems capable, yet for some reason, she wasn't performing at her best."
Then, without waiting for a response, she added with a playful tone, "I have a bit of experience myself. Do you need my help?"
Her arms looked slender—nothing like the muscular frame of Shi Shengnan, the woman Lin Yuan had been training with earlier.
Lin Yuan's thoughts briefly drifted. He recalled that, in terms of close combat, Chi Qian could hold her own even against the protagonist, Ye Feng. She came from a family with a strong military background, which naturally meant rigorous combat training.
Despite her delicate appearance, Chi Qian was not someone who would collapse from a single blow.
She might not possess Shi Shengnan's raw strength, but what she lacked in brute force, she more than made up for in adaptability. Chi Qian was proficient not just in close combat but also in mid- and long-range warfare, excelling in the use of firearms and strategic positioning.
In a real-life deathmatch, she might even have a greater chance of survival than Shi Shengnan.
With that in mind, Lin Yuan saw no reason to refuse.
"Alright," he nodded, his tone relaxed but appreciative. "Since Miss Chi Qian is willing to teach, it would be a waste not to learn."
Of course, he couldn't deny there was a stark contrast between being trained by Chi Qian and Shi Shengnan.
One was a beautiful and elegant instructor, while the other was a muscular powerhouse.
It was clear which option was more appealing.
As Lin Yuan accepted, Chi Qian stepped closer, bringing with her a subtle, refreshing fragrance that was neither overpowering nor artificial. It was the natural scent of someone well-groomed and refined, making her proximity all the more distracting.
"First, your movements should be like this…" Chi Qian began, her voice carrying a gentle authority.
"This way…"
She demonstrated the correct posture, her every movement precise and fluid.
Lin Yuan focused, following her lead. Chi Qian's teaching method was methodical yet engaging, and he found himself learning quickly. There was a lot of unavoidable physical contact, but neither of them seemed to mind.
As the lesson progressed, Lin Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Miss Chi Qian, you're so elegant and refined. I wouldn't have expected you to be so skilled in combat. Who taught you?"
Chi Qian's lips curled into a small smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"My aunt."
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow. "She must be quite the instructor. But, if I recall correctly, doesn't Miss Chi Qian dislike physical contact with men? There's quite a bit of it in this training—does it not bother you?"
For a moment, Chi Qian said nothing. Then, a slow, knowing smile spread across her flawless face.
There was a warmth in her expression, like the gentle breeze of spring.
"If it's Young Master Lin," she said lightly, "I don't mind."
Her voice was calm, but the weight of her words was anything but ordinary.
Her gaze lingered on his, unwavering and filled with an almost teasing intensity.
It was a simple remark, yet coming from a beauty like Chi Qian, it carried immense power.
Lin Yuan hadn't expected such a response. He froze for half a second before quickly averting his gaze, letting out a light cough to mask his reaction.
"Ehem… Oh, so Miss Chi doesn't mind." He forced a chuckle, keeping his expression composed.
However, inwardly, he knew exactly what Chi Qian was doing.
It seemed she was still looking for a way to get back at him after their last exchange—particularly after he sang Blue and White Porcelain.
She had been waiting for a chance to turn the tables.
Her words had been flirtatious, almost seductive.
But Lin Yuan wasn't going to fall for it that easily.
A virgin is still a virgin, after all. Nothing worth mentioning.
At least, that's what he told himself.
Chi Qian, on the other hand, was slightly surprised by his lack of reaction.
She knew that Lin Yuan had an unusually strong resistance to beauty and charm, but even she had expected at least a little flustered reaction.
Still, she didn't press the matter. Instead, she continued instructing him, focusing on the fundamentals of movement, response, and various tactical applications.
Half an hour passed in no time.
"That should cover most of the basics," Chi Qian finally said, stretching slightly. "But the only way to truly improve is through actual combat."
She took a step back, her eyes assessing Lin Yuan with interest.
"A person's reflexes and available responses in a fight are always limited," she continued. "So, knowing how to counter and adapt to an opponent's attack is the key."
Her lips curved into a subtle smirk.
"Now, let's put it to the test."
Lin Yuan immediately picked up on the shift in her tone.
He could see the faint glimmer of mischief in her expression.
She had been teasing him the entire lesson without much success.
Now, she had a different idea.
Since she couldn't fluster him, then perhaps she could humble him.
She wanted to see him struggle in combat.
Lin Yuan understood her intent immediately.
This beautiful woman was planning to beat him up—under the guise of 'training.'
He almost laughed.
But if she thought he would be an easy target, she was mistaken.
Actual combat was an unavoidable part of growing stronger, and as a man, he wasn't about to back down.
Without hesitation, he activated his system.
'Shen Lan, upgrade fighting skill to the elementary level,' he commanded internally.
[Ding! Fighting skill has been upgraded to elementary level!]
Instantly, a flood of knowledge entered his mind. Techniques, counters, and movements—all sharpened to perfection.
Lin Yuan clenched his fist, feeling the newfound control in his body.
"Are we starting now?" he asked casually.
Chi Qian smiled charmingly. "Of course. Since I was your instructor, I'll let you make the first move."
"Alright," Lin Yuan smirked. "Then don't blame me for not showing mercy."
Without warning, he lunged forward.
His fist shot out, appearing as though he was aiming straight for Chi Qian's flawless face.
The strike seemed forceful, almost reckless.
But it was a feint.
Just before impact, his foot shifted—suddenly lashing out toward her knee instead.
This was his real attack!
***
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