# 516
**Chapter 516: Confrontation**
Lin Qiye folded the letter and tucked it away.
“Are we really sparring inside this building?” He glanced around and asked.
A seven-on-seven fight, with almost every participant at the “Sea” realm—one careless move and this old building would be rubble. If the match were held here, the 007 squad’s headquarters would probably collapse within a minute.
“No, we’ve prepared an open field on the outskirts of Huaihai City,” Guang Qingsheng replied. “It’s a bit far—about two hours by car.”
Lin Qiye nodded, checked the wall clock, and said, “Then let’s head out early. We don’t want to delay your duties.”
“Alright. I’ll arrange it. We’ll ride over together with our team.”
Guang Qingsheng stepped outside, made two calls, and within two minutes a tourist coach pulled up in front of the building.
“The bus is here, Captain Lin—climb aboard.”
Lin Qiye gave a soft grunt, led his people downstairs, and boarded.
The 007 squad was already fully geared. Cao Yuan greeted them; both teams loaded their equipment and took their seats.
The left side of the coach was all 007; the right side, Lin Qiye’s group. In the aisle between them lay a cold, black coffin, staring the 007 members right in the face.
“Vice-Captain Han… why do I feel the Fifth Reserve Team didn’t come to play? It’s supposed to be a friendly match—who brings a coffin…?”
Zhao Kun leaned toward Vice-Captain Han Qing and whispered.
Han Qing shot him a glare. “Stop the nonsense.”
Zhao Kun shrugged and sat back.
“A-hem! Allow me to introduce myself—Baili Pangpang, at your service!” Baili Pangpang stood, fished a fistful of Rolexes from his pocket, and beamed at the 007 squad. “First meeting today, and I’ve brought no gifts—just a little Rolex for each hero, a token of respect, nothing more!”
007 squad: ???
The members stared at the glittering watches, utterly stunned.
Lin Qiye palmed his face in resignation.
Here we go again…
Baili Pangpang, steady as a mountain despite the swaying bus, strolled down the aisle and pressed a Rolex into every hand, smile dazzling.
He dared to give; none dared to take.
“Um… Comrade Baili,” Vice-Captain Han Qing interjected, “isn’t this… ill-timed?”
We’re about to fight—could the bribe be more obvious?
Baili Pangpang froze, slapped his thigh in theatrical remorse. “How rude of me! My apologies, Vice-Captain Han—I only wished to befriend you all, nothing more! Tell you what: after the match, win or lose, I’ll make good on these gifts as a small token of goodwill.”
He cupped his hands politely and returned to his seat.
The 007 members exchanged glances; the hostility in their eyes had noticeably cooled.
Lin Qiye caught Baili Pangpang’s reflection in the driver’s mirror, his own expression complicated.
This little fatty… he’s leveling up fast.
The gifts weren’t delivered, yet the casual promise of “after-match presents” had quietly set the tone of the duel. Hard to swing hard at a guy who’s already promised you a Rolex whatever the outcome—makes things awkward later.
He’d neutered the 007’s combat edge without throwing a punch.
The dim-witted rich kid was long gone…
Ring-ring-ring!
The front-seat phone shrilled; Guang Qingsheng answered.
“Hello?”
“…”
“What?”
His brows knit, eyes turning grave.
“Understood.”
He hung up, stood, and turned to Lin Qiye with an apologetic bow. “Sorry, Captain Lin—today’s match is off.”
“Trouble?”
“A suspected ‘Boundless’-tier mystery has appeared in Huaihai’s east district. My team has to deploy immediately.”
Lin Qiye blinked, then smiled. “Captain Guang, why make things complicated? A contest doesn’t need a fixed format—let’s switch it up.”
Guang Qingsheng narrowed his eyes. “You mean…”
“Both teams start from here. First to kill the ‘mystery’ wins. Saves time, resources, and helps you out.”
Guang Qingsheng’s eyes lit; he pondered, then nodded. “Deal. But hear me—if you lose this race, there won’t be a rematch.”
“Fine.”
“Brief intel, then.”
Everyone pricked their ears.
“The entity appeared too recently and witnesses are few. We know it’s humanoid, highly intelligent, extreme stealth and mobility, low aggression. Only sighting: the East District Grand Theatre. That’s all—move.”
Before the bus fully stopped, 007’s seven members vaulted through the windows and vanished in seconds.
Lin Qiye’s side watched calmly, waited for the bus to brake, then unhurriedly filed out.
“Aren’t we taking this a bit too easy?” Baili Pangpang muttered.
Lin Qiye lowered his head, fitted on the Sun Wukong mask, and pressed the air.
A giant magic circle unfurled overhead; a colossal Flame-Vein Earth Dragon knelt before them.
Lin Qiye clapped, unperturbed. “What’s the rush? We’ve got a dragon—do they?”