Chapter 144: Subduing a Level 5 Psychic

While tending to Harry's wounds, Xiaofeng said, "I will heal your injuries completely. After that, no weapons—just a duel between men."

Harry sneered, "Fine. I'll crush you with a single punch."

"I hope you can deliver that fatal blow in one strike. But if you can't, it'll be disappointing. Besides, a bare fight between us is dull. Let's make a wager."

Harry chuckled, "Alright, what's the bet?"

Xiaofeng, brimming with confidence, replied, "If I win, you must grant me one request. If you win, I will grant you one, provided neither of us asks for the impossible—no death wishes or the like."

"Very well. Since you're so straightforward, I won't call you a coward anymore," Harry retorted.

Xiaofeng furrowed his brow, inwardly thinking, This guy truly lacks wit.

Having healed Harry's wounds, Xiaofeng tossed his alloy blade aside and stood before him, already calculating how to overcome this formidable Level 5 psychic.

Rubbing his knuckles and eyeing the bloodstains on his body, Harry remained confident despite the healing; the blood lost was gone forever, sapping his strength somewhat. He shook his head to clear the dizziness and faced Xiaofeng—whose speed and strength were clearly inferior—with unwavering certainty.

Harry believed that within a minute, he would strike down this arrogant upstart.

He suddenly launched a fierce punch aimed at Xiaofeng's chest.

Xiaofeng's thoughts crystallized: This moment will decide everything.

Seeing Harry's fist hurtle toward him, Xiaofeng knew evasion was impossible—he didn't even try to dodge.

Instead, he focused every ounce of his concentration on Harry's strike.

At the instant Harry's fist was about to collide with Xiaofeng's chest, Xiaofeng slipped backward, narrowly avoiding the blow. Simultaneously, he seized Harry's arm with both hands.

Harry's brow tightened, murderous rage flashing in his eyes as he snarled, "Die...!"

He swung another punch at Xiaofeng.

But mere centimeters from impact, something unexpected happened. A surge of powerful electricity coursed from Xiaofeng's wrist into Harry's arm. Harry's robust body convulsed in paralysis and collapsed to the ground trembling.

Xiaofeng chuckled softly, then removed his mask, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. "Damn, that was close... almost didn't work."

Yet Harry's gaze shifted, no longer full of fury but now tinged with reluctant respect.

Reiss and Rush, seeing Xiaofeng unharmed, breathed sighs of relief. Reiss, in particular, produced a chain from somewhere and began to bind Harry.

Xiaofeng smiled and said to Reiss, "No need to tie him up. Such chains won't restrain this guy. He's lost, and I trust he'll honor his wager."

"Do you really trust that bastard?"

"Heh. I do. If he reneges, Rush and I will just beat him up again. First time, second time, there'll be a third. He's only a Level 5 psychic—what's to fear?"

Xiaofeng then helped Harry to his feet. Though lacking the psychic powers of Harry or Old White, Xiaofeng's armor lent him enough strength to lift the man.

Looking at Harry, Xiaofeng smirked, "So... do you admit defeat?"

Harry's expression fell. "How do you have three different psychic abilities?"

"Heh, I have more than that if you believe it. But to deal with someone like you, three is more than enough. So, do you concede?"

Harry sighed deeply, defeated like a vanquished beast. "I lost. I shouldn't have underestimated you as a coward. Speak your terms."

Xiaofeng smiled, but instead of insults, he said, "From now on, you'll follow me. I need many talents."

Reiss and Rush nearby froze in surprise. So Xiaofeng intended to recruit this man.

Harry looked at the unmasked Xiaofeng, whose youthful face gleamed confidently in the light. Suddenly, Harry felt a flicker of admiration and asked, "Follow you? Follow you to do what?"

Xiaofeng laughed, "To rebel."

With that, he tossed Harry to the ground. "Honestly, the alliance is fractured—Brom and Victoria's company are allied, while Sam and Hilton's company stand together. We side with Brom. Understand?"

Harry snorted. "I don't care whose side you're on. Just tell me, why do you want me?"

"To fight. What else could there be?"

"Well said. Following you to fight suddenly seems promising."

Xiaofeng chuckled. "Better if we become friends. Come, let me introduce you." He beckoned Reiss and Rush. "Come here! From now on, we're brothers."

Reiss rubbed his jaw where Harry had punched him, approaching. Harry laughed heartily, "We're brothers now? I, Harry, a hero of my generation—don't worship me too much. Being punched by a hero should be your pride. Brother, if you're still mad, just hit me again!"

Reiss, doubting Harry's sanity, declined to engage.

After securing Harry, Xiaofeng glanced toward the distant alliance soldiers and then asked him, "What's your relationship with the level-two sergeant here?"

Harry smiled, "I was just passing by. This guy saw my psychic ability and kept me around. I don't have much to do with them."

Xiaofeng nodded. "Good. This 57th Protection Zone is ours now. Harry, do you want to govern it?"

Harry laughed heartily. "Sure! Finally, I can be an officer!"

Xiaofeng shook his head, thinking that if Rush's intellect was low, Harry's was even worse—almost idiotic. Yet Xiaofeng knew all too well that such fools were the easiest to manipulate.