By this time, the onlookers had already retreated dozens of meters away. Seeing the killing intent emanating from the Flying Tigers, they all fell silent, yet at the same time, felt a surge of excitement. The much-anticipated show was finally about to begin.
Li Yuan, observing Zhang Fan’s continued composure and calm demeanor, couldn't help but feel admiration.
Having navigated the world for decades, he, Li Yuan, had witnessed all sorts of scenes and believed his temperament to be exceptionally honed, capable of calmly handling any crisis. However, compared to Zhang Fan, he felt as immature as a toddler.
Yet, in the end, temperament was just temperament. No matter how good one's disposition, without sufficient strength, escape from this predicament would be unlikely. Facing the now murderous Flying Tigers, composure would be of no use.
In contrast to Li Yuan’s contemplation, Boss Jin, standing nearby, watched the scene with immense excitement. Having suffered greatly at Zhang Fan’s hands, he was naturally delighted to see Zhang Fan in trouble.
"Hmph, I can't afford to offend you, but you foolishly chose to provoke the Flying Tigers. Not even a god descending from heaven could save you," Boss Jin thought with schadenfreude, wishing Zhang Fan would be killed on the spot by the Flying Tigers.
As for his son, Jin Cheng, he was utterly dumbfounded. He couldn't understand why he had been so foolish as to cross paths with such a madman.
As for the few people behind Zhang Fan…
Yi Ziping tightly gripped Geng Lesheng’s arm, appearing quite nervous. Qi Wenxuan’s young girlfriend, Su Xuan, had already nestled her petite body into Qi Wenxuan's embrace, only revealing her pair of dark, large eyes that darted outward occasionally.
Xu Youran, Geng Lesheng, and the others, having spent some time with Zhang Fan, understood him to some extent and knew he always had a plan, so they weren't particularly worried.
However, Su Xuan, being an ordinary college student, had never witnessed such a scene. Furthermore, she didn't know Zhang Fan well and was unsure if his actions were a show of bravado or if he truly possessed the strength.
Only Qin Luoshui remained calm, as she had unconditional trust in Zhang Fan and believed in his abilities.
As the Flying Tigers closed in, Zhang Fan still made no move, as if completely unaware of their presence.
However, this did not make the Flying Tigers' elite members relax. Lin Xiao’s tiger-like eyes were fixed on Zhang Fan, trying to discern his next move. He refused to believe that a master whose strength might reach the level of an invincible Grandmaster would surrender so easily.
Just as the Flying Tigers entered within five meters of Zhang Fan, and as Zhang Fan took a gentle step forward, preparing to swat these Flying Tigers members away with a palm strike.
*Whoosh!*
The sudden development startled everyone present, even the Flying Tigers' elite members.
Under the light, they saw that less than half a meter from the foot of a Flying Tigers member, a dark, triangular bayonet was lodged in the ground, forcing the numerous Flying Tigers members to halt their advance.
Even Lin Xiao, who was directing the entire operation, couldn't help but slightly change his expression upon seeing this.
It wasn't for any other reason than that this completely black triangular bayonet was the personal weapon of the Black Panther Squad.
"Colonel Lin, long time no see!"
A clear voice echoed through the quiet bar street. Subsequently, everyone saw dark figures flashing across the rooftops of the buildings lining the street, climbing the walls like Spider-Men before soaring over the crowd and landing successively in front of the Flying Tigers.
This squad numbered only a dozen or so individuals, clad in black, form-fitting combat suits. The only distinguishing feature on their backs was a long, three-foot black triangular bayonet.
In terms of numbers and equipment, this squad seemed to be on a completely different level compared to the nearly hundred-strong, fully armed Flying Tigers.
However, upon their arrival, the Flying Tigers' elite members, including their captain Lin Xiao, all slightly changed their expressions.
"Black Panther Squad, what are they doing here?"
The Flying Tigers members, however, began to panic. Despite their superior equipment and numbers, having dealt with the Black Panther Squad before, they knew that if a real firefight ensued, their Flying Tigers squad would likely be annihilated. Perhaps only their captain, Lin Xiao, could hold his own.
It wasn't that they had such self-defeating thoughts; it was simply because the combat effectiveness of the Black Panther Squad was too formidable.
According to their understanding, to join the Black Panther Squad, even to become the most ordinary member, one needed to cultivate true qi and reach the level of a True Qi Master.
And every captain of the Black Panther Squad possessed the strength of a Xiantian Grandmaster.
It was worth noting that within the entire Flying Tigers squad, besides Lin Xiao, no one else had reached the Xiantian Grandmaster level.
As for the other members of the Flying Tigers, apart from the captains of the thirteen teams, very few even reached the True Qi Master level.
This illustrated just how terrifying the individual strength of the Black Panther Squad members was.
Of course, if it were merely this, they wouldn't be so fearful. After all, they wouldn't shy away from facing three to five Xiantian Grandmasters from the martial arts world.
But the Black Panther Squad was different. Not only were their individual strengths formidable, but their training was specifically tailored to deal with modern weaponry.
"Qin Hu, what is the meaning of you bringing your men here?" Lin Xiao’s gaze fell on the man leading the Black Panther Squad as he asked in a deep voice.
Qin Hu was a young man of slightly slender build, appearing to be around thirty years old. His features were also exceptionally handsome, a stark contrast to his somewhat rugged name.
However, none of the elite Flying Tigers members present dared to underestimate this youth with his somewhat delicate appearance.
Upon hearing Lin Xiao's voice, Qin Hu turned his head to look, but said nothing further. Instead, he walked towards Zhang Fan.
Seeing that Qin Hu had ignored him, Lin Xiao was initially annoyed. Just as he was about to speak again and demand an answer, Qin Hu’s subsequent actions and words caused the words he was about to utter to lodge in his throat, forcing him to swallow them back.
"Report, Flying Tigers Third Squad is in position. Please issue your orders, General!" Qin Hu stood ramrod straight, saluted Zhang Fan, his voice resounding.
Behind him, the dozen or so Black Panther Squad elites stood at attention, awaiting orders.
Witnessing this solemn scene, everyone's faces showed disbelief. The area fell into a profound silence, where even a pin drop could be heard.
…