Wu Chen completely calmed down.

While voicing his doubts, his eyes, as cold as razor blades, scrutinized the young man before him, who was several years his junior. The young man was as impassive as an ancient well, his depths impossible to fathom.

What he couldn't understand was how such an unremarkable-looking fellow could command such profound respect from Zhao Dejiang, a Martial Guard. Zhao Dejiang had even berated him for it.

Not even thirty, yet Zhao Dejiang is this deferential? If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it, no matter who told him.

Just the thought of it left a bitter taste in Wu Chen's mouth. As a peer in the Martial Department, he held the high rank of a Sixth Grade Martial General and was known as the peerless King of Martial Kings. Hadn't he always been the one to create miracles and stir up waves, making everyone flock to him as if he were a deity?

Come to think of it, this might be the first time someone has stolen my thunder.

Heh... The mighty King of Martial Kings, now just a green leaf meant to accentuate a red flower!

Wu Chen's anger simmered. How could something like this happen? This is getting interesting!

As he voiced his question, he stepped toward Chen Yang but deliberately maintained some distance. Extending a hand, he said, "I am Wu Chen, a Sixth Grade Martial General from the Riyao Martial District. And you are?"

The distance was intentional. For Chen Yang to accept the handshake, he would have to step forward. Although it was just a small step, it would demonstrate Wu Chen's superiority, subtly elevating his own status. As the King of Martial Kings, he would never allow himself to be at a disadvantage, no matter the situation.

However, what he could never have imagined was that the other party not only refused to extend his hand but didn't even spare him a single glance.

What, is there shit smeared on my face or something?

His expression flickered erratically. The outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air, his pride shattered on the ground. Instantly, rage boiled up inside him. This damned piece of trash dares to be so arrogant in front of me, ignoring my very existence?

He then retracted his hand, smoothly pulling out a cigarette. After lighting it, he sneered, "Kid, you've got some nerve, huh?"

"Cut the childish, pathetic little mind games," Yang Hu interjected with a sneer. "First of all, my Boss doesn't play such games. But if he did, you'd have to call him Grandpa."

He was the Nine Gates Governor, holder of the title Zhennan Prince—the first of his kind since the nation's founding. It is said that those in high positions must possess the strategies of dragons and tigers to command all directions. The art of war is deception.

By eighteen, Chen Yang had already cultivated an exquisite mind and discerning eyes, capable of seeing through anything. Did he now have time for such low-level games?

Wu Chen: "..."

The wind was biting cold, yet at that moment, he felt a scorching heat on his face.

Childish and pathetic? I'd have to call him Grandpa?

Though cursing inwardly, Wu Chen forced a casual smile. "Play what? Kid, have you lost your mind?"

Standing to the side, Zhao Dejiang could hardly miss that things were going wrong. He frowned, his grim gaze fixed on Wu Chen. "That's enough. Stop making trouble."

Zhao Dejiang's words, rather than calming him, only fueled his defiance and fanned his anger. "What trouble am I making? We're all young. If you can't even take a little joke, it just shows how petty you are," Wu Chen said nonchalantly, his words pointed.

Zhao Xiaoya, who had been secretly sizing up Chen Yang, glanced at Wu Chen and shook her head. It was obvious at a glance who was superior. His incessant nagging was just plain effeminate. The thought that this was the man her grandfather had suggested for her made her feel sick. She didn't want to spare him another glance.

"Let's go inside! I have a few bottles of treasured wine, and I'm opening them all today!" Zhao Dejiang laughed, making a respectful "please" gesture before leading the way.

Chen Yang, who had no desire to linger outside anyway, nodded and followed him.

Wu Chen's mouth twitched. What's the meaning of this? Am I just being left out? Besides, I'm here for a matchmaking meeting today, aren't I?

As they were walking, Chen Yang suddenly turned and ordered Yang Hu, "Since he's a colleague from the Martial Department, teach him some manners."

"Teach me manners? Who do you think you are, treating me like I'm nothing?" Wu Chen could no longer suppress his rage. "Sending a mere subordinate to deal with me? I'll beat you until you're on your knees begging for mercy!"

WHOOSH!

He lunged forward, his sandbag-sized fist shooting out, his momentum as fierce as a tiger descending a mountain.

However, Yang Hu simply extended a hand and effortlessly blocked the punch.

Huh? Wu Chen's eyebrows shot up, slightly surprised by the strength Yang Hu had shown.

But before he could make another move, Yang Hu grinned. "My turn. Why don't you take a punch from me?"

As he spoke, Yang Hu raised his other hand and thrust it straight forward.

BOOM!

A sudden, muffled thud echoed through the air. Wu Chen was sent flying seven or eight meters, landing awkwardly before collapsing thunderously to his knees.

This... this... I couldn't even take one punch?

"Pfft—"

He's just a subordinate! How can he be this strong?!

A tenth-level Fist Master. He might not be much against the Nine-Bag Elders of the Martial Association, but below the tenth level, he was practically invincible.

Yang Hu retracted his hand, clasped it behind his back, and glanced at the kneeling Wu Chen. "Actually, we didn't treat you like you were trash. You just *are* trash."

With a final grin, Yang Hu turned and followed Chen Yang.

Wu Chen: "..."

Zhao Dejiang, leading the way, didn't try to stop it. In fact, before stepping into the courtyard, he shot Wu Chen a warning glare. He was just asking for a lesson. A little suffering will do him good.

Wu Chen struggled to his feet, his eyes practically splitting with rage. The punch had not only injured him but had shattered his confidence, leaving his entire psyche on the verge of collapse.

That was just a subordinate!

Most crucially, his future wife was watching from the side. For this meeting, he had changed into a new outfit and shoes and had even styled his hair meticulously. And the result? He had just met Zhao Xiaoya, without even saying a word, and he'd been knocked down. No, I was forced to my knees! What an absolute humiliation! One punch. It was just one punch!

Wu Chen ground his teeth, his sinister gaze locked on Chen Yang, who was already crossing the courtyard toward the main hall. "Who in the world are you?"

What if Chen Yang himself had been the one to attack?

Wu Chen's expression shifted multiple times before settling into a savage sneer. "I don't care who you are. I, Wu Chen, am no pushover."

Turning, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Dad, I got beaten up... Right, I'll wait for you on Qiyun Road."

...

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