Chapter Thirty-Four: Fair and Just (Part One)

In this era where martial arts are practiced by all, every criminal sentenced to prison will have their powers sealed. This is achieved through a technological device that blocks several rarely understood yet crucial meridians in the human body, thereby suppressing their abilities.

Only regional courts are equipped with such devices. Even the standard prisons lack this technology; released convicts are first brought to the regional court to confirm their identity before the device is used to lift their seal. This is clearly explained in the curriculum for prison management.

However, the Montbatten Special Prison is no ordinary facility. Whenever Zhao Li thought of the old warden, he felt that anything was possible there. He asked casually, not expecting Jiang Hao to nod in response.

To be honest, after these two rounds, Zhao Li didn’t feel any sense of release. Even when he fought, he only subdued his opponent; there was no satisfying thrill of a true battle. Hearing that such a device existed here, he immediately turned and followed Jiang Hao. “Sir, take me there!”

Jiang Hao didn’t say anything more; this sergeant was truly impressive. Twice in a row, the instructor of the African District Special Forces had been taken down by the same move under Zhao Li’s hand—something that would have been unthinkable before. Especially Zhao Li’s use of the police baton—it seemed almost alive, striking wherever he aimed, agile and graceful, yet filled with an indescribable steadiness. Zhao Li’s mastery of the police baton could only be described as transcendent.

The other prison guards were not as skilled in this aspect. Most had been transferred from the military police or special forces and were only halfway trained in prison management. They all had their own combat specialties, and few paid much attention to the police baton, which is designed primarily for subduing enemies. In contrast, from the outset of his training, Zhao Li had only ever practiced with this special T-shaped baton, never even touching a military dagger like those used in field units. Strictly speaking, Zhao Li was the only one with formal training in the field of prison management.

Jiang Hao could only concede to Zhao Li’s recent performance. Although the subdued instructor was not convinced, Jiang Hao knew the truth: even without using any combat techniques, this errant instructor’s raw strength and defense alone were equivalent to a level-four practitioner’s power. Zhao Li himself had only recently passed his level-four exam, so it wasn’t much of an advantage.

Yet the instructor was still dissatisfied, and Zhao Li, stubborn as ever, insisted on meeting his challenge. Jiang Hao felt nothing but respect. After all, if Zhao Li allowed his combat abilities to be sealed, he would have to rely solely on raw strength and physical attributes against the other man. Judging by Zhao Li’s physique, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

Facing such dangerous people, one careless move could mean death or permanent injury—no other outcome was likely. Unless the challenger’s strength far outclassed these inmates, but such cases were rare. No one locked up here was weak. The fact that Zhao Li couldn’t injure his opponent, even with his full power, was proof enough.

The device was not here—it was still with the warden. Jiang Hao made no attempt to stop Zhao Li, but after they left the others’ sight, he spoke to him quietly. “Sergeant, your performance today has been outstanding. If you want to stop now, no one will laugh at you. Are you sure you want to fight him?”

Zhao Li’s face was stern as he turned to Jiang Hao. The bloodshot eyes remained unyielding. Zhao Li didn’t speak, but the determination in his gaze made his resolve clear. Jiang Hao said nothing more and led him once again to the old warden.

The old warden was still lounging comfortably in his chair, soaking up the sun. This time, though, there was no stinky tofu, caviar, or wine—it wasn’t lunchtime yet.

When he heard that Zhao Li wanted to use the sealing device, the old warden seemed surprised and even sat up. “Who is your opponent?”

“Number 98, Sanders, sir,” replied Jiang Hao, as Zhao Li still didn’t know the names of the inmates. He also took the opportunity to report Zhao Li’s recent performance.

Zhao Li’s bloodshot eyes fooled no one, least of all the old warden. In fact, the warden saw this as a significant turning point. Without revealing his thoughts, the old man simply nodded, granting Zhao Li’s request.

What surprised Zhao Li was that the device was right there in the warden’s office. It looked very much like a medieval shoulder guard. After a few adjustments, it was fitted onto Zhao Li’s shoulders. The old warden did something Zhao Li couldn’t see; he only felt a numbness in his shoulders and then nothing more.

Very soon, Zhao Li realized that he could no longer summon his combat energy. This device was truly remarkable—painless yet so effective. It must have been designed by someone in prison management.

After a few minutes of adjustment—since suddenly being unable to access his energy required some acclimation—Zhao Li was fine. He had always been able to switch between basic body training and combat techniques on the fly; he only needed this time to act normal in front of others.

Closing his eyes, he activated his foundational body-strengthening technique, completing a full cycle—about the time it took an ordinary person to do one round. Then he opened his eyes, still bloodshot. “Let’s go.”

This time, not only Jiang Hao, but even the old warden, wearing a mysterious smile, accompanied him to the scene. The atmosphere seemed to freeze for a moment when the warden appeared, but quickly returned to normal.

Zhao Li clearly sensed the shift and gave the old warden a curious look. The old man did nothing, only had Jiang Hao bring him a seat, and sat comfortably without saying a word.

Looking at this seemingly useless old man, Zhao Li couldn’t help but doubt the events of the other day. Could such a pleasure-seeking elder really wield such extraordinary power? Was that moment just an illusion?

Regardless, today’s frustration was caused by this old man, and Zhao Li was determined not to let himself be underestimated again. With that in mind, he gripped his police baton and slowly walked to face Sanders.

“I’ve had my martial arts sealed by the warden. Now we’re even. Come on.”

With the warden present, there was no doubt Zhao Li was telling the truth. As soon as he spoke, several of the watching inmates changed expression. This young sergeant actually dared to face Sanders after having his powers sealed?

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Third update of the day, climbing the rankings—please recommend and vote, thank you everyone!