Capítulo 32: Subduing the Aces (1)

As befitting of the abode of this generation's geniuses, Ace Villa boasted a state-of-the-art training center. It consist of a highly modernized shooting area. A sparring arena along with top-notch fitness equipment and other basic sports gear. Outside was a wide track field as well as an obstacle course. Beyond the training center was a forest suitable for hiking and parkour practice. Obviously, the administration didn't want them to be mere intellects.

Yan Qing Shan was currently facing off seven handsome men and a delicate woman. It was time for her test. Qi Xia had informed her of what they had agreed on. Though Yan Qing Shan was a bit surprised, it did not matter to her either way.

"So which one of you will challenge me first?"

She asked going straight to the point. It would be best for her if this was over and done with as quickly as possible.

"That would be me. We'll have the shooting first then a hand-to-hand combat. Do you accept?"

Yan Qing Shan didn't bother replying and merely glanced fleetingly at Hong Zhen Yue's buff form. She went straight to the shooting range without waiting for him and the other aces to recover.

"How do you want to play?"

She asked neutrally when she felt their presence come nearer. Seriously, why are these people dilly-dallying so much? At this rate, it would take her another day to compete against all of them.

"Ten shots. Highest score basis."

Hong Zhen Yue curtly answered. The corner of her lips lifted up in an indistinct smile. Heh. This guy didn't even bother explaining. At least he's moving a lot quicker now.

Yan Qing Shan assented to his words before turning away from them to pick out a gun. After shuffling through the stack of firearms, Yan Qing Shan took out a small, inconspicuous handgun.

She heard Hong Zhen Yue snort when he saw her choice. She internally sneered. Not that he could blame him, of course. As a man and of a military origin at that, using Sig Sauer P938 is a joke.

But Yan Qing Shan goes by the principle of familiarity. She would rather use one she was familiar with and be ridiculed than show off and lose. The handgun may be merely 5.9 inches but she knew how potent it was as a concealed carry weapon. Besides, unknown to those not from the underworld, Sig P938 was Izanami's scythe.

"You go first."

She turned to Hong Zhen Yue who as she expected picked a Smith & Wesson M&P. The latter shrugged and proceeded to the booth. Hong Zhen Yue put on his ear and eye protection, afterwards he aimed and shot his first bullet to the target.

Bang!

10 pts.

Bang!

9.8 pts.

Bang!

9.9 pts.

Consecutive gunshots echoed within the shooting range. Hong Zhen Yue's scores never strayed far from the range of nine and 10. Finishing up, he looked at Yan Qing Shan with a smug smile.

A corner of her mouth twitched in slight annoyance at the guy. Where was that smugness coming from? His score was worse than hers even when blindfolded. This Hong Zhen Yue was blaspheming the honor of marksmen.

Yan Qing Shan squinted her eyes at him. A sudden mischievous thought crossed her mind. He needed to learn how fatal complacency can be.

She went to the booth, not bothering to put on eye and ear protection. Yan Qing Shan found those gears cumbersome. You can't possibly ask an opponent for a time out just to wear those during a battle.

Then she casted a glance at the target. Her gaze lingering for a mere couple of seconds. She turned herself sideways. Her hand aiming at the target but her eyes directed to the bewildered Aces watching her. Without much ceremony, she fired her Sig P938. The shots were seamless and nonstop.

A resounding boom of fanfare reverberated in the shooting range.

"Perfect score! Congratulations!"

Eight pairs of bulging eyes met her nonchalant once. Hong Zhen Yue, specifically was stupefied and full of disbelief.

Pin-drop silence blanketed the atmosphere. Suddenly, a certain glutton was too dense to notice the tense air spoke in his pleasantly cute voice.

"Jie jie! You're so amazing! You weren't even looking at the target. Hong Zhen Yue, this stupid battle maniac was totally trashed without so much a sweat."

Ning Xie Zhi's tone was fawning. On top of that his eyes glittered with awe and admiration. The Aces even thought he was about to go and prostrate at Yan Qing Shan's feet. Not to mention, it almost made them forget his contemptible tongue. Except it still wreaked its havoc, with Hong Zhen Yue as the victim.

Yan Qing Shan: "...."

Other Aces: "...." Who are we? Where are we? What is going on?

Hong Zhen Yue: "...." Vomits blood.

Ning Xie Zhi: "...." Why are they so silent?

Hong Zhen Yue cleared his throat and then chuckled awkwardly. He didn't expect her to be an expert sharpshooter. He lost so terribly he couldn't even utter a complaint.

However, this did not lessen his enthusiasm in testing out Yan Qing Shan. It increased his excitement and interest in her even more.

He even formed a sliver of respect to Yan Qing Shan. He knew that her skills with the gun has far surpassed his. She was most probably already on par with his father and grandfather who were military elites.

"It's my loss this time. I'm not going to let you off in the hand-to-hand combat though."

Hong Zhen Yue spiritedly said. His confidence brimmed. After all, she may be a sharpshooter but that doesn't mean she'll be an expert at handfighting as well.

Yan Qing Shan raised her brow. As expected of the battle maniac from the Hong family. Able to take a loss gracefully.

"If you say so."

She replied, her lips holding a trace of a mysterious smile.