Several people who had been feeling proud stepped forward to try, only to discover it was not as easy as they had imagined!
A strong wind blew across the pitch today, raising the difficulty of tasks requiring extreme precision, such as hitting the crossbar of the goal, by another notch. They would either have to account for the wind speed and calculate precisely how to strike the ball, or, like Cao Baiming’s final shot, unleash a super cannonball with maximum speed, making the wind’s impact negligible.
However, they possessed neither the computational ability and touch nor Cao Baiming’s immense power.
Interestingly, after taking turns making fools of themselves, several players actually started enjoying it. Since everyone was in the same boat, they felt less self-conscious!
Vieira and Nielsen took turns, though they mostly missed the target anyway and started performing fancy tricks, using the outside of their foot and volleys. The outcome was predictable.
Cao Baiming stood to the side, watching silently, trying his best not to burst out laughing.
Just then, the system's voice chimed in, as expected.
“Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission. You may choose one Talent Skill Card to break through to max level as a reward. Do you wish to make your selection now?”
Cao Baiming pondered for a moment.
“No.”
He would consider it carefully after training concluded; he couldn’t make such a hasty decision.
After all, this was his first time breaking through a talent. He had no idea what the effect would be. Would it be just a name change with an upgrade, or entirely useless, a form of intellectual tax?
Soon, Arteta could bear it no longer and stepped forward.
“Alright, alright, you’ve had your fun. The triangle passing and possession drills today haven’t met my satisfaction yet. Now that Cao Baiming is here, we need to raise the difficulty.”
Although it was a dampener, everyone had to stop what they were doing and return to the center of the pitch.
An assistant on the sidelines tossed a few balls onto the field, and then the possession training began.
The intensity of training hadn’t been high these past few days, primarily because the players were somewhat restless.
Perhaps it was because the World Cup had just ended, or maybe the recent long holiday had taken its toll, making it difficult for everyone to find their form.
Of course, one reason also couldn't be ruled out: their recent league matches had been against weak opponents, all mere cannon fodder, whom they simply didn't take seriously.
In reality, with Cao Baiming in the squad, this fully-equipped Arsenal team would find it no difficult task to play against any team.
It was understandable for them to get a bit complacent.
Training didn’t end until dusk, as the sky began to darken.
Several players eagerly stepped onto the pitch and approached the goal, wanting to settle the challenge they hadn’t finished earlier.
However, Messi and Cao Baiming watched from the side. The activity had been initiated by the two of them, but the others had become increasingly addicted to it, with no one wanting to be outdone.
They were determined to find ways to score one more goal than the others.
As they continued playing, Henry took a shot. The result was a solid hit against the post, and it was a powerful strike. Although the goal didn’t shake as violently as Cao Baiming’s, the speed of the ball indicated significant force!
The others remembered Cao Baiming standing nearby.
“Can you demonstrate again? How did you hit that cannonball?”
“Can you make the goal shake?”
Henry lowered his head in shame. He admitted he couldn’t do that. The goal was too sturdy; it was a professional-grade goal!
Then, Cao Baiming smiled faintly.
“Making the goal shake is certainly no problem. If I use my full strength, I can flip this goal over within ten shots.”
Cao Baiming spoke with a calm expression, as if it were nothing.
However, his words felt like bragging. But upon reflection, Cao Baiming had rarely said something he couldn’t do.
Still, this was too exaggerated. His teammates weren’t fools. Ten consecutive hits on the crossbar might be nothing, but actually flipping the goal over was stretching it.
Disbelief was evident on everyone’s faces. This was simply unbelievable, unless something was wrong with their brains.
From their memories, they recalled that when Cao Baiming first transferred to Arsenal, he had accidentally hit the crossbar in a practice match, and the goal had directly flipped over.
However, that was different. The goal was already faulty at that time, and it was only temporarily set up to serve its immediate purpose. Even if it wasn’t Cao Baiming, someone else might have been able to do it.
Messi and Henry were both present then. Henry had the good fortune to witness that scene, while Messi had not.
After a moment of surprise, Henry was the first to speak.
“Don’t boast too much. We know you’re good, but you can’t underestimate this goal!”
Henry recalled his own attempt just now; he couldn’t even make the goal shake or vibrate slightly. It was clear this goal had been reinforced multiple times and was far stronger than the previous one!
“Alright, let’s make a bet. I don’t think you can flip the goal in ten shots, and the shooting distance will be the same as the crossbar challenge earlier. What do you say?”
Cao Baiming felt a surge of excitement. He was more than willing to accept Henry’s proposal!
What was the fun in a mundane life if not for a bet!
“I think it’s fine. The distance remains the same, ten chances. It’s agreed!”
Cao Baiming’s voice was exceptionally confident, showing no sign of panic. At this moment, the people around them couldn’t help but re-examine their thoughts, realizing that the times they had dismissed Cao Baiming’s boasts as empty words had often ended with them being proven wrong.
This guy might actually be able to do it…
However, Henry couldn't back down now. Since he had proposed it, he had to see it through.
“What’s the stake?” Cao Baiming suddenly asked.
At this moment, the surrounding teammates also looked at Henry with curiosity and a hint of anticipation. After all, Henry had just won a hundred quid in the crossbar challenge!
But how could such a small-stakes game showcase his status?
Henry pondered for a few seconds before speaking again, his gaze firm as he looked at Cao Baiming.
“The stakes are the cars we arrived in. It’s simple: if you win, my car is yours. But if I win, your car belongs to me. You can drive it away directly when we leave!”