"Chen Yanshuo?"
Mike frowned. He had never heard that name before.
Yet, the current situation told him everything he needed to know—this guy was unfathomably strong.
The guards stationed outside Mike's room were all at least A-rank combatants, yet now, they stood motionless, as if frozen in time. Though still alive and connected to Mike's skill, their bodies refused to budge, resembling lifeless statues.
The security system? Completely silent.The patrol drones? Their operational indicators had dimmed.Even the city's outer defense forces remained unaware of what had happened.
This intruder had walked straight into Jinling City, bypassing layer upon layer of defense, effortlessly arriving at Mike's doorstep.
This level of power... he was almost on par with Chen Dapeng. Maybe even stronger.
"You're from Shen City," Mike said coldly, his voice carrying through the door.
Outside, the young man chuckled, scratching his head with a wry smile.
"Mr. Su, wouldn't it be better to talk face-to-face? Speaking through a door makes it seem like you have rather... unique hospitality."
His tone was light and casual, as if he wasn't standing at the heart of an enemy stronghold. It was as if he had just dropped by for a friendly visit, unconcerned with Mike's obvious wariness.
Mike remained silent, sneering inwardly.
Did this guy really expect him to open the door?
What if his ability was tied to opening doors? Wouldn't he be walking straight into a trap?
As he mulled over Chen Yanshuo's identity, he activated his detection skill through one of the immobilized guards.
[Target possesses the "Ordinary" effect. Skill activation failed.]
—Failed?
Mike's eyes narrowed.
This was the first time his skill had ever failed. Even Chen Xing, an SSS-ranked powerhouse, couldn't escape his detection.
"'Ordinary' effect? Is that his ability?"
Mike's fingers twitched, debating whether to call the old man. He would definitely be scolded for being a nuisance again, but when it came to life and death, a few harsh words didn't matter.
Just as he was about to summon the old man, he suddenly felt something.
A new presence.
A pair of eyes.
Someone was watching him.
Mike's heart skipped a beat as he spun toward the window.
Floating outside was a short man, arms crossed, calmly observing him.
Mike's eyes widened in shock—then, barely managed to suppress a shout.
"Wang Chen!"
The war god himself.
The very same Wang Chen who had been sent to Shen City just recently.
Mike didn't know why he was back or why he had come to find him first instead of reporting to Jiang Xiaoci. But at that moment, he didn't care.
He had a trump card now.
Outside, Chen Yanshuo, who had yet to receive a response, chuckled and shook his head.
"They told me you were someone extraordinary. That you were the key to survival."
"But now, it seems you don't even have the courage to face me. How disappointing."
"Well, whatever. If you won't open the door, I'll just let myself in."
Without any visible movement, he simply stepped forward.
The bedroom door swung open—without a single touch.
And Chen Yanshuo strolled in as if he owned the place.
Mike turned, locking eyes with him.
—This guy's ability is trouble.
Before he could react, Chen Yanshuo's gaze swept across the room—then landed on the window.
His smile froze.
"...Mr. Su," he said abruptly, "Goodbye. Sorry for the intrusion."
Then, without hesitation, he spun on his heel and fled.
Mike: "???"
—Wait, what?
You were so arrogant just now!
All it took was one glance at Wang Chen for you to run?!
Before Mike could process the absurdity of the situation, footsteps echoed from outside.
Chen Yanshuo was back.
Only this time, he was walking backward into the room.
—Because in front of him, hands clasped behind his back, was Wang Chen.
Mike had no idea how Wang Chen had gone from the window to the hallway, but he didn't question it. When it came to the war god, anything was possible.
Step by step, Wang Chen advanced.
Step by step, Chen Yanshuo retreated.
It was an almost comical sight. The once-confident intruder now had nowhere left to go.
When his back finally hit the wall, he slowly raised his hands in surrender.
"Mr. Su... I, uh, seem to be out of room."
Mike said nothing, merely raising his short sword and pressing it against Chen Yanshuo's side.
"Shit!"
Chen Yanshuo cursed. "Are you two teaming up on me?!"
"You just accused me of not having the courage to face you," Mike murmured behind him. "Well, Chen, do you dare to turn around now?"
Chen Yanshuo stiffened.
He glanced at Wang Chen—who remained expressionless.
"...Nope," he admitted. "I don't."
"Good. Because I'd hate for you to die before we even start talking."
Chen Yanshuo gritted his teeth but didn't refute it.
Instead, he muttered, "You weren't in Shen City. How the hell did you get back here?"
Wang Chen ignored him.
He wasn't here to talk—only to act when necessary.
Mike, meanwhile, eyed Chen Yanshuo curiously.
"You really fear him that much, huh?"
Chen Yanshuo said nothing.
Mike sighed, glancing at his battle-hardened bodyguard.
"Any ideas? If he won't talk, we'll have to kill him."
Wang Chen nodded.
Then, he raised a hand—
Snap.
The moment his fingers clicked together, the entire room trembled.
Chen Yanshuo's body slumped onto the couch, his breath ragged.
"...His ability is unique," Wang Chen explained. "He can suppress the powers of others—make them 'ordinary.' He can also enhance others, helping them evolve. It's a rare, troublesome talent."
Mike's eyes widened.
—Even Wang Chen called him 'troublesome'?
Even Chen Dapeng never received this level of recognition!
Chen Yanshuo groaned from the couch, rubbing his temples.
"Goddamn monster..." he muttered, still dazed.
Mike exhaled slowly, sheathing his sword.
"Can we talk now?"
"...Yeah."
Chen Yanshuo finally looked at Mike—but only for a second before turning back to Wang Chen, just in case.
Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Before we begin... can I make a small request?"
Mike raised a brow. "Depends on what it is."
"It's really simple."
Chen Yanshuo lowered his voice as if he were sharing some deep secret.
"I might have forgotten to turn off my gas before coming here... Can I leave and check real quick? I promise I'll come back."
Mike: "..."
Wang vs. Wang.
A deadly stand-off.
An intense psychological battle.
And this was what you were thinking about?!
"Mr. Su, this is very important," Chen Yanshuo said seriously. "If my place explodes, I won't have a shelter anymore."
"Then let it explode."
Mike exhaled, his eyes narrowing.
"Because a dead man doesn't need a shelter."
"Okay! Okay!"
Chen Yanshuo straightened up, waving his hands.
"I get it! Point taken! I'll talk!"
"...Finally."
Mike sat back, gesturing for him to continue.
Chen Yanshuo smirked slightly.
"First of all, let's correct a mistake."
"I'm not Shen City's commander."
Mike's eyes darkened.
"Then who are you?"
Chen Yanshuo grinned.
"I killed the commander. I took his place."