0021 Rage Unleashed

"Drink up, drink up, Brother Shan, let me toast you again."
"Cheers!"
"Heh, Brother Li, that girl just now was really something. Next time you find some good ones, don't forget your brothers."
"That's nothing. Your Brother Li has plenty of girls—any type you want. Next time, I'll find a sixteen-year-old for Brother Shan."
"Alright, I'll remember that. Let's drink."

The group was still clinking glasses, not noticing that Hou Rui had already crept within ten meters of them. Just as he was preparing to take them down in one swift move, Xia Xiaoru ruined everything—she bumped into something, making a loud noise.

"Who's there? Shit! That kid's out!" One of Brother Shan's men turned and spotted Hou Rui, jumping to his feet and hurling a beer bottle at him.

With a crash, Hou Rui, his cover blown, smashed the flying bottle with his club. Since a sneak attack was now out of the question, he straightened up and charged forward.

Brother Shan, sitting directly opposite Hou Rui, proved himself a seasoned thug even in chaos. He barely managed to bark out orders: "San'er, Da Xiazi, you two go first, take him out. Li Zi, grab a weapon." With that, he reached for the double-string hand crossbow on the table.

By that time, Hou Rui had already engaged with Shan's two henchmen. He dodged a punch aimed at his nose, then swung his stun baton hard against the attacker's arm. As the man drew back, Hou Rui struck again, even quicker and more ferociously, across the side of his face, dropping him instantly.

But in that moment, the other thug rushed in and locked his arms around Hou Rui’s waist, yelling ferociously, trying to buy time for the others to counterattack.

Being grabbed around the waist, it was almost impossible to break free immediately. At this moment, Hou Rui couldn't help but miss Dis, the superwoman, and her grappling skills. If only he were as skilled in close combat, he wouldn't be so passive now! But wishing was pointless. Hou Rui staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance, then drove his elbow hard into the thug's back. Again and again, until the man's strength gave out and his grip slackened.

With a roar, Hou Rui finally wrenched himself free. Now he moved with agility—he swung the stun baton like a club, striking viciously at the man’s vulnerable knee, then delivered a hefty kick, sending the half-kneeling thug sprawling aside.

Taking out the two of them had cost too much time. As Hou Rui turned to deal with Brother Shan, two crossbow bolts were already flying