Chapter 54: Beating Them Until They Fear

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Qiu Taifei had heard of Fang Tianhe's name before. After all, the Rift Heaven ability was unique within the entire Star Shield Refuge—only Fang Tianhe possessed it. Those who had witnessed it all said that even among rare abilities, the Rift Heaven power ranked among the very top. Yet Qiu Taifei had always scoffed at such claims. He wasn’t unfamiliar with other rare abilities; most were about the same level. Fang Tianhe was simply overhyped because his ability was so rare.

However, after their recent clash, Qiu Taifei realized the rumors were not exaggerated. His expression instantly turned grave, and he began to ponder whether he should keep resisting. But by this point, the initiative to continue fighting was firmly in Qiu Taifei’s hands.

After exchanging blows, Fang Tianhe showed no sign of stopping and immediately launched a kick. Dark light swirled around his leg, also infused with the Rift Heaven ability. Qiu Taifei hadn’t expected Fang Tianhe to press his advantage so ruthlessly, and his face darkened further. Fang Tianhe made no move to relent, forcing Qiu Taifei to instinctively raise his leg to block. Yet the moment he did, an uneasy feeling crept into his heart.

Their abilities differed fundamentally. The Rift Heaven ability manifested as an energy form that could envelop any part of the body, enhancing all parts equally. In contrast, Qiu Taifei’s werewolf transformation was strength-based, primarily boosting his arms. His legs were somewhat strengthened but not significantly.

Bang!

After their kicks collided, Qiu Taifei was decisively sent flying, crashing against the elevator shaft wall. Members of the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group were stunned—they never expected their leader, who had just matched Fang Tianhe blow for blow, to be kicked away so suddenly.

What stunned them even more was that Fang Tianhe showed no intention of stopping. He stepped forward, drew the great sword hanging at his waist, and swung it down toward Qiu Taifei slamming into the wall.

“Stop!” Qiu Taifei shouted, but Fang Tianhe seemed deaf to the command. With no sign of halting, he even infused the blade with the Rift Heaven ability. At that moment, Qiu Taifei felt the threat of death looming. Desperately, he blocked with his claws while dodging with all his might.

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Clang! Clang! Clang!

Three claws shattered in succession, slightly delaying the sword strike. Seizing the moment, Qiu Taifei barely dodged away.

Boom!

The great sword struck the wall behind Qiu Taifei—a wall forged from alloy—but it left a massive crack over a meter long. Qiu Taifei’s face grew paler. From the sheer force of the blow, it was clear Fang Tianhe was holding nothing back. Had he not dodged quickly enough, that strike could have killed him.

“Does this madman not understand the consequences of killing inside the refuge?” Qiu Taifei cursed silently. He dared only to think it, fearing that speaking out loud would provoke Fang Tianhe’s relentless attack.

Qiu Taifei quickly retreated to his mercenary group. Both groups had now drawn their weapons, and the atmosphere was tense, teetering on the brink of violence. No one had expected matters to escalate this far.

All eyes fixed on Fang Tianhe, watching for his next move—including Qiu Taifei’s. If the two mercenary groups clashed violently, no matter who won, no one would come out unscathed. Any sensible leader would never order such a thing.

But was Fang Tianhe sensible? At least Qiu Taifei wouldn’t believe that. Who in their right mind would openly kill inside the base? Within the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group, others shared this concern. Despite having greater numbers, their tension only mounted.

Meanwhile, the Rift Heaven Mercenary Group remained calm. Though puzzled by Fang Tianhe’s actions, they fully supported him. They knew their leader’s temperament well—steady and measured, always planning before acting, and consulting Deputy Leader Shen Han for uncertain matters. They understood that Fang Tianhe must have a reason for this, and their role was to cooperate.

Sure enough, Fang Tianhe did not give the order to attack. He simply stared silently at Qiu Taifei. Several times Qiu Taifei tried to speak but faltered, unsure what to say.

This awkward tension did not last long.

Overhead, more than ten armed drones appeared, their dark gun barrels trained on everyone below. Fully equipped soldiers rushed in.

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“Drop all your weapons!” the squad leader barked.

Fang Tianhe calmly sheathed his blade. Seeing this, the others put away their weapons as well.

“You’re all mercenaries. Don’t you know that fighting inside the refuge violates safety regulations?” the patrol leader scolded. Of course, he understood these were desperate men, so the reprimand was symbolic before he asked, “Now tell me, what happened? Why did this start? And weapons and abilities were used?”

He glanced at the massive sword mark on the wall, his expression grim.

Qiu Taifei spoke first: “He was the one who first used a weapon.”

Fang Tianhe retorted: “That’s because you started it.”

Qiu Taifei replied: “I acted because you charged at me.”

Fang Tianhe countered: “That’s because your Wild Wolf Mercenary Group blocked the entire elevator shaft.”

“I didn’t!” Qiu Taifei denied at this crucial point.

Their exchange had laid out the incident clearly. If Qiu Taifei refused to admit blocking the shaft, the matter would likely be muddled, with both sides punished. This was not a bad outcome for him, effectively delaying the Rift Heaven Mercenary Group.

“He’s lying,” Xu Haishui said from the side.

“What are you? Some small-time captain daring to slander me?” Qiu Taifei’s face darkened instantly. Having already been humiliated by Fang Tianhe, now a mere captain dared contradict him? His anger flared.

“Tsk! Should I take that as a sign you’re embarrassed?” Xu Haishui replied coolly, operating the wrist-mounted computer. “Earlier, I envied Lin Xinghai’s talent, but today, seeing what happened between him and the Axe Gang, I realize the man has his methods. For example, recording events first to preserve evidence—that’s something I can learn from.”

“So, you say I slandered you? Just wait until you see this footage. Let’s see if you still have the nerve to say that.”

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Not in the best form today, and the later outline isn’t fully sorted—just one chapter this time. Apologies!