139 The Quintet

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Seeing Zhong Yun suddenly burst through the door, Chu Tiange, already irritated, felt a surge of joy; he would not miss this chance. With a punch accompanied by a gust of wind, he aimed straight at Zhong Yun’s face.

“Stop—!” Bai Yuwan watched closely but was too late to intervene; his face instantly turned pale.

“Exactly three minutes,” Zhong Yun said with a wistful smile.

Both Ershi Yi and Zeng Xiao San looked regretful, while Wang Xiao Er remained calm.

When Chu Tiange’s fist was only twenty centimeters from Zhong Yun’s face, Zhong Yun shouted fiercely, and a strong purple light radiated from him. Chu Tiange’s body felt as if it had plunged into a viscous liquid, a tremendous resistance stopping his fist from advancing even slightly.

Chu Tiange was shocked; a hand lightly touched his chest and then withdrew.

Zhong Yun stepped back a few paces, and the mysterious resistance on Chu Tiange vanished. He stood there stunned for quite a while before struggling to say, “I lost.”

Chu Tiange lowered his head, unable to see Zhong Yun’s expression. After speaking, he turned and walked away without looking back.

The other five were stunned by the sudden turn of events. Just as Zhong Yun seemed about to be defeated, the purple light flashed, reversing the situation dramatically. Chu Tiange’s concession caught them off guard.

Ershi Yi and the others hesitated briefly before rushing after him.

“Sigh, take the mecha back,” Bai Yuwan shouted after them, but they had already disappeared.

“Is it okay to leave it here?” Zhong Yun approached.

“Zhong Yun, you’re really strong,” Bai Yuwan sincerely praised.

Zhong Yun smiled faintly. “That Chu Tiange’s power is really strange. Suddenly, his strength improved drastically. Do you know what happened?”

“Chu Tiange has a unique ability. Very peculiar. That small cluster of red energy can temporarily boost physical strength,” Bai Yuwan explained.

Zhong Yun admired, “This ability is truly amazing, enhancing one’s strength. It’s my first time seeing this. Can it work on others too?”

“His ability can be used on anyone with the same effect,” Bai Yuwan said regretfully. “Unfortunately, it can’t enhance a person’s innate powers, only their physical stamina.”

“So, his power is more of a support type,” Zhong Yun concluded, holding back a bit. Combat abilities with strong destructive power can reach a level where they can be projected outward, becoming unstoppable and able to rival mechas.

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But with Chu Tiange’s ability, even if it reached level ten, could flesh and blood really stand against metal mechas?

“These guys are quite interesting. What’s their background?” Zhong Yun thought of the five quirky fellows and found it amusing.

“They’re peculiar, but very talented,” Bai Yuwan smiled wryly. “Actually, I’ve known them since I was very young.”

“Oh?”

“We all grew up in the same orphanage. We were fairly close as kids. I was chosen first as a mecha pilot candidate and came to this base for training. Within two years, they joined too.” Bai Yuwan’s voice held a trace of nostalgia.

Zhong Yun smiled. “I didn’t expect you all to have such a connection.”

“Most members here are orphans from welfare homes,” Bai Yuwan explained. “Our orphanage was funded by the Yida Group. Our achievements today are thanks to the support of the young lady. To us, she is like an angel incarnate.”

Bai Yuwan’s expression mixed reverence and admiration. Zhong Yun sensed his feelings toward Yu Daoqing were complicated, likely more than mere gratitude.

“You met the young lady when you were a child?” Zhong Yun’s eyes flickered.

Bai Yuwan recalled, “About ten years ago, during my first trial training, I saw her. I’ll never forget that day… Ten years haven’t changed her a bit.”

Zhong Yun estimated her age accordingly. If Yu Daoqing was around twenty then, she must be close to thirty now.

The next day, Chu Tiange and the others returned—not to cause trouble this time. Since they didn’t return their mecha to the storage as required the day before, they were punished. For one month, no combat mechas; only practice units for training.

At first, the five and Zhong Yun practiced separately, like strangers. After a few days, the shy Wang Xiao Er took the initiative to approach Zhong Yun.

“You’re a first-time mecha user?” Wang Xiao Er’s surprise was evident when Zhong Yun admitted being a beginner.

“What are you doing, Xiao Er?” Zeng Xiao San called from afar.

“Come join us,” Zhong Yun invited warmly.

The three—Chàngrán, Ershi Yi, and Zeng Xiao San—looked at each other, then at the silent Chu Tiange. Under their gazes, Chu Tiange stood up and walked toward Zhong Yun, followed quickly by the others.

“Tiange, you go head-on. Xiao San and I will flank. Move fast and hard; try to take him down in one move…” Ershi Yi whispered behind him.

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Chu Tiange faced Zhong Yun, while Ershi Yi and Xiao San prepared to swarm him at the first move.

“You’re very strong,” Chu Tiange sat down, surprising his two friends with his words. They exchanged glances and smiled bitterly, realizing their plans to antagonize were in vain.

Since Chu Tiange showed a willingness to reconcile, the three standing also sat down.

“You’re strong too,” Zhong Yun smiled. “I just caught you off guard. If we fought again now, who would win is uncertain.”

Chu Tiange fell silent, thinking that if Zhong Yun hadn’t been so sudden and if he hadn’t been careless, he wouldn’t have lost so badly days ago.

“Your ability is strange, more of a binding type?” Chu Tiange voiced his doubts.

“Something like that, but not entirely,” Zhong Yun replied, unsure of his main attribute. The destructive technique was extremely powerful; the binding technique could restrain and even heal. Quite versatile.

With five more joining, things became livelier. Not only were their names odd and their styles eccentric, but they loved mischief. Zhong Yun felt relaxed with them.

“Pretty boy, what’s your relationship with the young lady?” Once familiar, the five all called Zhong Yun “pretty boy.” Zeng Xiao San asked, while the others, including Bai Yuwan, perked up.

“What do you think our relationship is?” Zhong Yun countered.

“Siblings?” Ershi Yi guessed, licking his dry lips.

“No,” Zhong Yun shook his head, then added, “Well, not exactly.”

“Family friends?” Zeng Xiao San asked.

“Closer to that,” Zhong Yun nodded.

“Good friends?” Chu Tiange.

“Lovers?” Wang Xiao Er’s unexpected remark froze everyone. Wang Xiao Er said what they all wanted to but dared not. The six looked tensely at Zhong Yun, waiting for his answer.