Volume One: Rising to the Peak at Debut Chapter 22: Brother? Uncle? Father!!

No matter what dangers I might face, as long as that towering figure remained, I felt no fear.
—Chen Molly

The little boy gazed blankly as the imposing figure walked past him, moving toward the villains who pursued him. Watching that determined silhouette, the boy uttered a hoarse, “Don’t…” but lacked the strength to say anything more.

The pursuers stopped near the doorway, their eyes fixed on Chen Jing as he approached. The leader frowned, glaring at the shadowy figure before him, certain he was not dealing with a friend.

The leader discreetly signaled to his men, then addressed Chen Jing, “Friend, there’s no need for trouble. We’re just after a child; we don’t want to cross paths unnecessarily. Give us some face—pretend you didn’t see anything.”

“In truth, I…” Chen Jing looked nonchalantly at the leader, “am the kind who likes to meddle, and I don’t care for pointless chatter…”

The leader barked, “Take him!” But as soon as he shouted, the shadow before him vanished. Instantly, cries erupted among his men. He spun around in panic, only to see the figure behind them all, covering the last man’s mouth and slitting his throat.

Ignoring their shock, Chen Jing grinned, “Good morning!”

“Get him.”

“Shoot!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunfire exploded, but within half a minute, all sounds ceased.

The leader stared in terror at the figure before him, desperately clutching the hand that held the knife embedded in his chest. His mouth gaped, but no words came; his eyes glazed over, and his bo