248: Chapter 243 Another Game

"Arranging for you to be on standby at headquarters back then was both a recognition of your abilities and the organization's trust in you. We hoped to activate you in an emergency at a major crisis point," the Sickly Middle-aged Man said to Cao Xiao, suddenly wearing a fake smile.

Cao Xiao watched the Sickly Middle-aged Man and the young man beside him, who were looking at him with sinister expressions. Their hypocrisy and contempt were palpable, making him highly skeptical of their words.

"I'm afraid this isn't the proper way or attitude for inviting someone," Cao Xiao said, his face darkening as he expressed great doubt about the Sickly Middle-aged Man's words. At the same time, he glanced at Duan Hong and Li Quanshuo, who were unconscious on the ground.

Sensing the suspicion in Cao Xiao's expression, the Sickly Middle-aged Man continued to pile on his fake smile and said, "The confidentiality level of the mission you're being activated for is very high; it's better if as few outsiders know as possible. Don't worry, they are only temporarily unconscious and their health isn't in danger. They'll wake up soon after a short rest."

Although Cao Xiao remained somewhat skeptical of the mission the Sickly Middle-aged Man mentioned, he knew the man wasn't lying about the condition of Duan Hong and the others. Only then did his hostility lessen slightly.

The moment Duan Hong and the others collapsed, Cao Xiao had already used his Spatial Situational Awareness ability to perform a comprehensive scan of Duan Hong and Li Quanshuo's physical states. Knowing they were only suffering from general unconsciousness, he felt relieved. Otherwise, given Cao Xiao's current Obvious Power cultivation, he would never have let the matter rest.

Fortunately, the Sickly Middle-aged Man had shown some restraint and a sense of chivalry before acting, choosing not to target He Yueyou as well. Otherwise, even if it were only general unconsciousness, Cao Xiao would never show mercy to someone who dared to harm the woman he loved.

Cao Xiao knew that if the opponents truly harbored malicious intent, they wouldn't have had such reservations during their initial strike.

When Superpowered Martial Artists clash, they emphasize the element of surprise and killing with a single blow. Especially for someone as unscrupulous as the Sickly Middle-aged Man, when facing an opponent with extremely strong Yuan Energy, he wouldn't bother with modesty, courtesy, or martial ethics. Once the initiative is lost and the opponent becomes alert and defensive, it's nearly impossible to gain an advantage again.

Therefore, Cao Xiao concluded that the opponent's sudden attack was nothing more than an attempt to test his cultivation, show off their own, and simultaneously give him a warning blow.

"Why should I believe anything you say? Show me whatever skills and techniques you have left so I can see for myself whether you are true superpowered individuals or just some frauds with empty reputations," Cao Xiao questioned, showing no weakness in the face of the Sickly Middle-aged Man and the youth's provocation.

Cao Xiao spoke this way primarily to verify if the other party was telling the truth. If there really was an emergency mission requiring his activation, it meant an extremely serious and complex situation had arisen. As a member of the Supervision Department, he had a responsibility and duty to protect China's interests. Giving his all and braving any danger for the country and its people was an absolute obligation. Even if the military and the Supervision Department hadn't found him, given Cao Xiao's character, he would never have stood idly by.

Furthermore, by attacking so rashly, the other party—as Superpowered Martial Artists—had already violated several restrictive regulations set by the Supervision Department for experts joining Superpowered Organizations. It smacked of showing off.

Although private "sparring" between Superpowered Martial Artists happened from time to time, as long as it didn't hurt innocents or cause negative social impact, the Supervision Department generally turned a blind eye.

As superpowered experts, their egos were naturally sky-high. Internal rivalries, refusal to back down, and debates over sect superiority were common. However, they usually found private, secluded spots to "spar." For the Sickly Middle-aged Man and the youth to flaunt their skills in public like this was truly a disregard for organizational rules.

Since the other party was the first to break the rules and abandon martial ethics, Cao Xiao naturally felt no need to observe rules or ethics with them.

Cao Xiao had to teach them a lesson and show them how to behave, using his "skills" to make them yield completely.

Fortunately, except for He Yueyou, everyone else present was currently unconscious. Cao Xiao had to seize this opportunity; this way, he could achieve his goal of teaching them a lesson without being seen as violating regulations too severely.

Both the Sickly Middle-aged Man and the youth heard the contempt and the challenge in Cao Xiao's words, and their expressions instantly darkened.

The youth had just witnessed Cao Xiao's agility and prowess and knew deep down he was no match for him. Thus, he didn't dare to act out in front of Cao Xiao again. After glancing at the Sickly Middle-aged Man beside him, he still responded stubbornly, "Fine, you've got guts, kid. Then I'll let you witness the formidable techniques of our sect."

After speaking, the youth had enough self-awareness to take a step back, leaving the field to the Sickly Middle-aged Man and Cao Xiao. Meanwhile, he watched Cao Xiao's every move warily to prevent a sudden attack on himself.

At this moment, upon hearing the youth's words, the Sickly Middle-aged Man's sallow face, which had held some expression, suddenly became as deathly still as a corpse.

The Sickly Middle-aged Man hunched his back and coughed heavily several times. If he hadn't just used Fire Control Techniques, anyone seeing this sickly ghost who looked like he had terminal tuberculosis would never guess he was a Superpowered Martial Artist with Great Success in Obvious Power and divine strength.

"After you," the Sickly Middle-aged Man suddenly became polite again, wanting Cao Xiao to make the first move.

The reason the Sickly Middle-aged Man started acting with martial ethics again was that he wasn't entirely confident facing Cao Xiao. However, he also believed that with his sect's ultimate killing technique and his own combat experience, his chances of winning against a young Superpowered Martial Artist like Cao Xiao were still quite high.

Moreover, by letting Cao Xiao strike first, he could gauge the reality of his moves and skills, allowing him to counter them as they came.

Even if he couldn't defeat the opponent, as the one who showed courtesy, the other party would have no excuse to use lethal force. Stopping at the right moment would preserve the grace of a duel. Otherwise, Cao Xiao would lose the moral high ground in this match. If that happened, Cao Xiao's reputation would be completely ruined within the entire Superpowered Organization, leaving him with no place to stand.

Martial ethics usually only constrain those with virtue. For a shameless person like the Sickly Middle-aged Man to speak of them so grandiosely was the height of absurdity and utter shamelessness.

Cao Xiao had clearly seen through the Sickly Middle-aged Man's despicable intentions but didn't take them to heart. He simply wanted to give these low-life martial artists who ignored the rules a brief lesson; he had no intention of killing them.

"Yueyou, go wait for me to the side for a moment," Cao Xiao said gently, turning to He Yueyou.

He Yueyou gave Cao Xiao a deep look. Seeing the calm and resolute expression on his face, she said no more and silently walked to the side, leaving the space to Cao Xiao and the Sickly Middle-aged Man.