Chapter 027: A Single Spark Ignites a Thousand Pounds

Facing a madman who had just killed someone and was still gripping a kitchen knife, Lin Yu could not possibly remain calm, but he knew that any disorder among their group would be disastrous. If panic broke out, the knife-wielding maniac—already unhinged—would surely charge at them. After all, whether he killed one or two made no difference to him now; he was clearly in a state of utter desperation, ready to drag everyone down with him.

On the other hand, Lin Yu’s friends were rarely used to seeing him lose his temper. When he suddenly shouted at them, they were all startled. Zhang Zhilong, his eyes flickering with understanding, immediately called the two girls to retreat step by step. Quick to react, he knew this was the only course left to them; every second of hesitation would only increase the danger for everyone.

Qi Yue, though reluctant, realized her presence would only distract Lin Yu, so she withdrew toward the street, turning back every few steps, clearly unwilling to leave. Zhang Chao and Dai Peng, however, stood their ground, stubborn defiance written all over their faces, refusing to move.

In these few seconds, the man with the knife, having just felled someone, regained his composure. He had thought to change his clothes and flee right after the killing, but hadn’t expected so many witnesses to appear out of nowhere.

He knew he couldn’t possibly kill them all. Given the current standard of police investigations, as long as even one person could describe his face, he would never escape. “In that case, the more the better,” he thought grimly. He shouted, “Blame yourselves for looking where you shouldn’t. Now die!”

With that, he raised his cleaver and charged at the three young men near the door.

For a moment, the three brothers stood frozen, needing precious seconds to process the immediate peril. The knife in the man’s hand was a grave threat—no matter who it landed on, it would bring devastating harm. They had to be cautious.

At that critical moment, Lin Yu suddenly turned and shoved Zhang Chao and Dai Peng out of the way, lifting a four-legged stool and charging forward himself.

There is a saying: no matter how skilled you are, you still fear the kitchen knife. Lin Yu was terrified, but he understood that in a narrow confrontation, courage would win the day. He showed no sign of weakness; in fact, his presence was formidable. Moreover, having lived two lifetimes, his composure far surpassed that of most.

As Lin Yu, his face ferocious, surged forward, Zhang Chao and Dai Peng, thrown to the ground, were nearly in tears with anxiety. They only needed a second or two to reach Lin Yu; they knew those few seconds could mean the difference between life and death.

What is true brotherhood?

Brothers are those who face life and death together, who place loyalty above all else. In moments of crisis, they shield you without hesitation, risking everything for your sake. They knew that if all three survived today, they would henceforth follow Lin Yu without question. In the face of mortal danger, Lin Yu had not retreated, but protected them to the very end—something few friends would ever do.

After all, they were only human—how many could truly disregard life and death?

Inside the restaurant, everything seemed frozen in time.

Zhang Chao and Dai Peng, still sprawled on the ground, both stretched out their right arms and shouted desperately. What they yelled, no one cared to hear.

What terrified them even more was that with less than two meters between Lin Yu and the knife-wielding lunatic, Lin Yu suddenly stopped, lowering the stool as well.

It was a fatal move—if the man slashed now, Lin Yu could very well die on the spot.

From behind, Zhang Chao and Dai Peng couldn’t see that Lin Yu’s mouth was agape in shock, his face frozen in astonishment as he stared past the man’s shoulder and exclaimed, “You—you’re still alive…”

“Huh?” The man was caught off guard, a chill creeping up the back of his neck.

“Damn, that guy was playing dead,” he realized instantly. Fearing a greater threat behind him, he spun around, ready to swing his knife.

But to his horror, there was no one behind him. The man he had cut down lay motionless on the floor.

“Damn, I’ve been tricked.” The thought flashed across his mind as he swung back, intending to attack Lin Yu.

But Lin Yu, fully prepared, wasted no time. The instant the man turned, Lin Yu’s eyes changed, and he swung the stool hard at the man’s knife hand.

The man, in his panic, hacked at the oncoming stool, but quickly realized it had already left Lin Yu’s grip. Lin Yu’s attack had been a feint—at the moment the stool flew free, he raised his right foot, his specialty, and kicked at the man’s wrist.

The man had guarded against the stool but not Lin Yu’s follow-up. Caught off guard, the knife was kicked from his hand, flying several meters away and skittering under a square table.

“Perfect!” Lin Yu, an experienced brawler, rejoiced as his ruse succeeded and the knife was sent flying. He gave the man no opportunity to recover, launching a series of kicks.

The man, though a frenzied brute, was still just an ordinary person, untrained in any real fighting techniques. He was quickly overwhelmed, struck again and again, unable even to bend down for the knife.

At this point, Zhang Chao and Dai Peng recovered and charged forward.

Realizing the situation had turned against him, the burly man broke for the kitchen. But Lin Yu couldn’t allow him to grab another knife and reappear. He sprinted forward, tripped the man with an outstretched foot, and sent him sprawling.

Zhang Chao and Dai Peng, both seasoned fighters, leapt upon the fallen man, intent on subduing him.

“Careful! Danger! Get back!” Lin Yu shouted suddenly. He had noticed that the assailant was dangerously close to the other man he’d felled—no more than a meter apart. The madman could easily reach out and grab a second kitchen knife lying on the ground.

But Zhang Chao and Dai Peng were already in mid-leap. Even though they sensed the danger, there was no stopping now; they could only grit their teeth and press on.

“What do I do? What now?” Lin Yu’s heart pounded in his chest.

As he’d feared, things were taking a turn for the worse. The fallen brute, spotting the knife, reached for it at once. If he got hold of it, the consequences would be dire.

In that instant, Zhang Chao, flying through the air beside Dai Peng, shoved his friend aside, choosing to face the knife himself. The sight was nothing short of heroic.

Pushed to the side, Dai Peng’s eyes were bloodshot with desperation. He could see the man’s hand closing around the knife handle, ready to swing.

Zhang Chao’s fate hung by a thread.