Chapter 62: The Magic of Love

Although the Black Panther admired his courage, he was unrelenting and launched another attack. Hu Guozheng could barely stand, let alone find the strength to dodge or fight back. In the midst of the beating, he felt as if several ribs had fractured—the pain at the site of the breaks was so sharp he could hardly breathe. Now, pushed into a corner, he was just one step from falling off the ring.

"Stop forcing yourself, you fat fool—just surrender. Even if the score ends two to two, we haven’t really lost!" Du Bin, after taking the antidote to clear the toxins from his body, lay in his hospital room watching the live broadcast. Excitement split his wound open again, and the nurse turned off the television, leaving Du Bin with no choice but to rest.

Outside this island, no one could watch the death match live. The only exceptions were special hospitals. The residents here were all reclusive ability users or their descendants.

Though Du Bin had been given the antidote, he was far from recovered. His attending physician was an ability user; only by combining surgery with supernatural healing had they managed to purge the wild bee’s poison completely. He survived, but his health was somewhat diminished—any strenuous exercise within the next month would leave lasting side effects.

Back at the arena, Hu Guozheng was already at the edge of the platform, a single misstep from tumbling onto the grass below. Unsteady, he fell to the ground. In this chorus of shouts, the Black Panther’s face was filled with smugness. Power coiled around him, gathering in his right foot.

"It’s time to end this. Let me show you my ultimate move—Dark Moon Spiral Kick."

The Black Panther leapt into the air with all his might, twisting as he came down. A wild wind howled in his wake. Hu Guozheng’s eyelids grew heavy—he knew he wouldn’t survive this blow and didn’t bother to dodge.

Just then, a woman in the audience shouted, "Hu Guozheng! You promised to help my father find the truth—if you die now, how will you keep your word?"

Hu Guozheng looked up and saw Zheng Shasha not far away, her eyes fixed on him, full of question and concern.

"You brat, about to die and you’re still ogling girls."

For some reason, Hu Guozheng no longer felt pain. He stretched out his hands and forcibly blocked the Black Panther’s attack, to the latter’s utter shock.

"Don’t get in Fat Lord’s way when he’s trying to woo a girl—step aside if you know what’s good for you. Ladies and gentlemen, Tyrant’s Cross Slash!"

Suddenly, a giant cross appeared behind Hu Guozheng, shooting skyward and hurling the Black Panther into the air. He crashed through the barrier and landed on the grass as the entire arena stared in disbelief. A full minute passed before anyone managed to react.

"What an incredible turnaround! With sheer determination, Hu Guozheng has managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The Hunting Team advances to the semifinals!"

"Impossible. I’ve already drained all his strength—how can he still use his ability?" the Black Panther said, incredulous.

"There’s no such thing as impossible. This is the power of love," Ye Tang said. Thanks to Le’er’s healing, her injuries were no longer serious, but she’d have to recover her powers on her own.

"Hmph. I’m not happy about losing." With a sullen look, the Black Panther left supported by Loli Panther.

Hu Guozheng dragged his exhausted body over to Zheng Shasha. Lowering his head, he needed no words; she threw her arms around his battered frame.

The touching scene stirred something in Ye Tang’s heart. How wonderful it would be if someone could hold her so. While Le’er beside her shared the same longing, she teased, "Little Tang, don’t be jealous. Isn’t the one who’ll hold you in the hospital right now?"

A faint blush crept onto Ye Tang’s cheeks as she stammered, "That’s not true, don’t talk nonsense."

Le’er grinned mischievously, and Ye Tang could only sigh at her taunts. In the hospital, Du Bin suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and sneezed.

After the match, Hu Guozheng was hospitalized too, lying next to Du Bin. The two fools, faces bruised and wrapped like mummies, joked with each other. What grated on Du Bin’s nerves most was how the other kept flaunting his relationship.

Ye Tang burst into tears in Aunt Lan’s arms when she saw her awake, and Lan Yi comforted her with tender care.

Zeng Yilong, who had expected the Hunting Team to lose, was astounded by their miraculous victory. To console Qin Ling’s friends, he, as their sponsor, prepared a banquet to celebrate their triumph.

Moreover, Qin Ling announced her pregnancy and revealed she would marry a month after the death match ended. Du Bin and the others offered their congratulations. Though every member was battered and bruised, they gathered together to play mahjong and cards, delighting in each other’s company. Poor Zeng Yilong, who always seemed to win, was forced by Qin Ling to split his hands and lose on purpose.

Although Le’er belonged to another team, it did nothing to hinder her friendship with Ye Tang. Aunt Lan kindly reminded her not to overuse her psychic energy.

After the banquet, it was late at night. Everyone returned to the hotel to rest. Du Bin and Hu Guozheng, both injured, rode their automatic wheelchairs back to the hospital. With Zheng Shasha accompanying them, the whole way was filled with the couple’s affectionate chatter.

Feeling awkward, Du Bin slowed down, eventually stopping altogether. The sky over Nansha Island was clear and bright, unlike the city’s murky air where you could barely see the stars. Unconsciously drawn by the quiet beauty, he wandered to the lighthouse, the waves crashing onto the shore.

Struggling to his feet, Du Bin slowly made his way inside. Climbing the stairs should have been simple, but in his condition, every step was a challenge. After only ten steps, he slipped and lost his balance—when a pair of slender hands steadied him.

He turned and was surprised to see Ye Tang. "Thank you," he said.

"No need to thank me. I just wanted to enjoy the view from the lighthouse and didn’t expect to run into you. What a coincidence."

With Ye Tang’s support, they soon reached the top. Sitting on the floor with their backs to the wall, they gazed up at the stars, the cool breeze gently brushing over them.

"Du Bin, all of us have reached our limits. I’m already prepared for the semifinals. I know we’ve done all we can. Though I’m reluctant, I’ll accept whatever comes."

"No, we can’t give up yet. We’ve worked so hard to help you win your inheritance—we can’t give up so easily."