Intelligence had always been Li Feng’s weakness. Although An Hu had established an intelligence network, he wasn’t trained in intelligence gathering and had to focus on cultivation, resulting in clear deficiencies. Despite investigating for so long, the information gathered was limited.
As Zhong Shuhui had just mentioned, much of it was unknown to him—Blood Sand, Qin Feng, and the like. If he had known these people were targeting him, he would never have been unprepared.
As a former soldier, Li Feng understood the importance of intelligence. This was why, after forming the Black Hawk team, he specifically ordered An Hu to build an intelligence network.
But ideals were grand, while reality was harsh. The network An Hu built was far from satisfactory.
“Young Master, do you know what I do by Madam’s side?” Zhong Shuhui’s voice interrupted Li Feng’s thoughts.
“What do you do?” Li Feng asked instinctively.
“I manage intelligence for Madam,” Zhong Shuhui said with a smile. That stunning smile left Li Feng momentarily dazed.
“Manage intelligence?” Li Feng looked at her in surprise. If she hadn’t said it herself, he would never have believed she was an intelligence operative.
But thinking of his mother, Mu Chunfeng, and the Li Corporation, Li Feng nodded inwardly. It was possible. Still, he asked, “If you manage intelligence for my mother, why did she send you here?”
“Because in Madam’s eyes, you’re more important than anything,” Zhong Shuhui said, enunciating each word clearly.
Li Feng’s body trembled, a kind face flashing in his mind.
After a while, he spoke, “So, you’ll stay by my side from now on?”
“Unless Madam orders otherwise, I’ll stay to protect you,” Zhong Shuhui replied. Though reluctant, it was Mu Chunfeng’s order, and she had no choice.
“If you’re willing to stay, help me manage intelligence. But if you do, you won’t be able to return to my mother’s side. Even if she allows it, I won’t let you go. Think carefully,” Li Feng said, looking at her.
Li Feng had long wanted someone to replace An Hu. An Hu was a fierce general, suited for charging into battle, not managing an intelligence network. But he had lacked a suitable candidate until Zhong Shuhui’s arrival gave him an opportunity.
As Mu Chunfeng’s confidante, her loyalty was unquestionable, though it was to Mu Chunfeng. Li Feng was confident he could win her over with his methods. Besides, she said she managed intelligence for Mu Chunfeng, so she had expertise. If she took over from An Hu, he’d be at ease.
But as he said, if Zhong Shuhui chose to manage his intelligence, he wouldn’t let her go, no matter what. His intelligence network would hold many of his secrets, and even his mother, Mu Chunfeng, shouldn’t know too much.
“This…” Zhong Shuhui hesitated. In her view, staying with Li Feng was temporary, but his words made it clear: either stay permanently to manage intelligence or follow his arrangement to protect Hu Yuanyuan.
Zhong Shuhui didn’t understand why Li Feng was forcing her to choose. Truthfully, she didn’t want to stay with him. First, she was used to being by Mu Chunfeng’s side. Second, the Li Feng she knew wasn’t someone she’d pledge loyalty to.
But if she didn’t stay, she couldn’t complete Mu Chunfeng’s task.
“Think it over carefully and let me know when you’ve decided,” Li Feng said, standing to leave, leaving Zhong Shuhui to ponder alone.
A quarter of an hour later, Li Feng returned. “How’s your decision?”
Zhong Shuhui bit her lip, struggling. “Young Master, isn’t there a third option? I’m only here to protect you, not to manage intelligence.”
“Protect me? Do you think your skills are strong?” Li Feng smiled faintly.
“You’ll know if you try,” Zhong Shuhui said calmly, meeting his gaze.
“Alright, let’s test it. Outside,” Li Feng said, curious to see if Zhong Shuhui truly had the ability.
They went to the woods outside the villa. It was workday hours, so the area was mostly empty, perfect for a spar.
They stood facing each other. Li Feng looked at Zhong Shuhui and said, “Come on.”
Without hesitation, Zhong Shuhui unleashed a powerful aura and threw a punch at Li Feng.
Li Feng stood unmoved. As she closed in, he roared, “Take this!”
Boom!
A deafening sonic boom, like a thunderclap, exploded in the woods as their fists collided.
Zhong Shuhui grunted, sent flying backward.
Li Feng shook his head in disappointment. He had only used thirty percent of his strength, yet Zhong Shuhui couldn’t withstand even one punch. How could he not be disappointed?
“So strong?” Zhong Shuhui flipped mid-air, landing steadily, staring at Li Feng in shock. Though she hadn’t used her full strength, her punch carried seventy percent of it, yet Li Feng had repelled her so far. His strength stunned her.
Previous intelligence indicated Li Feng was strong, but not how strong. Zhong Shuhui thought even if he was formidable, there’d be a gap between them. She never expected him to be this powerful.
“Young Master, I won’t hold back anymore,” Zhong Shuhui said gravely, a soft sword appearing in her hand. Her gaze was calm and cold. “Be careful.”
“Come, show me your full strength,” Li Feng said calmly, nodding with a smile.
“Young Master, make your move!” Zhong Shuhui said.
“Alright.” Li Feng stepped toward her. When he was less than ten meters away, he suddenly accelerated, becoming a blur charging at her.
Hah!
With a shout, Li Feng threw a punch, fierce as a dragon, overwhelming with momentum, earth-shaking, and unstoppable.
Swish, swish, swish…
Zhong Shuhui remained composed, her wrist flicking as her sword conjured countless sword shadows, sealing Li Feng’s path.
Li Feng sneered, turning his fist into a palm, striking forward with a torrent of palm shadows. At that moment, Zhong Shuhui’s swordplay shifted, the countless shadows merging into a single silver streak, stabbing at Li Feng.
Whoosh!
Zhong Shuhui’s sword struck at the moment Li Feng changed moves, piercing with thunderous force.
“Heh!”
Li Feng, far from alarmed, was delighted. He flicked his finger, retreating swiftly.
“Not bad, now that’s some skill,” Li Feng laughed, dodging her sword, stomping the ground, and soaring like a black hawk toward Zhong Shuhui.
“Starlight Sparkle…!”
Zhong Shuhui’s expression remained calm as she leaped, shooting toward Li Feng like a snake, passing him.
“Not bad, not bad, seems you have some ability,” Li Feng said, landing and turning to face her with a smile. “But this strength isn’t enough.”
He extended his hand, palm open, revealing a button.
“This…” Zhong Shuhui’s expression changed. Looking at her sleeve, she realized the button was gone.
“How is this possible?” Zhong Shuhui was incredulous. This wasn’t just about a button—it meant Li Feng could have taken her life.
She couldn’t believe Li Feng was this strong. The first time, she hadn’t used full strength, but this time she had gone all out, yet she still wasn’t his match.
Zhong Shuhui had trained since childhood, over a decade, and though not a top-tier expert, she was confident against peers. But before Li Feng, all her pride crumbled.
She had known Li Feng long ago, back when she saw him as timid and weak. If he weren’t her young master, she wouldn’t have spared him a glance. Yet in just over a year, he could easily defeat her.
“There’s no impossible. It’s not that I’m too strong—it’s that you’re too weak,” Li Feng said, flicking his hand as a silver light flashed.
