Boss Chen understood. Wang Zhan's past actions could only prove one thing: he was incredibly cautious! So, when Wang Zhan's caution led him to repeatedly stir up tempests and single-handedly dominate the situation, Chen Zhong finally came to his senses. Wang Zhan wasn't just being cautious; he was clearly apprehensive of something! It was those hidden things in the shadows that forced this young man to continuously suppress his brilliance and remain impassive. It was those lurking background elements that made him appear increasingly unfathomable, to the point where no one could discern the truth he concealed.

Thus, upon arriving in Ming State, this young man finally dropped his pretense! So, what did this imply? It implied that Wang Zhan had been scheming for a long time, was thoroughly prepared, and the things he had been wary of no longer existed—or, at least, were not in Ming State.

So what if there were four Martial Kings? Even if there were five, six, or seven, as long as Wang Zhan maintained this attitude, Chen Zhong wouldn't dare to be complacent. This was no longer an era where three cobblers could outwit a Zhuge Liang. When facing Martial Artists, only truly overwhelming power held any meaning. Fortunately or unfortunately, Wang Zhan happened to possess precisely that kind of overwhelming power.

On the other hand, Chen Zhong couldn't believe that Wang Zhan, knowing Ku Zhu had been dispatched and aware of Chen Zhong's own background and foundations, would still recklessly endanger himself by accompanying him into the Ming State Underground City. Unless he has other backup? Realizing this, Chen Zhong found the young man far more terrifying than he had initially imagined. Therefore, the best he could do was prevent any conflict between his younger brother and Wang Zhan, even if everyone present knew that certain aspects were clearly an act. Even if one didn't know whether this charade was meant to convince others or oneself, one certainly shouldn't break character and call everyone fools. If one was going to play the game, one had to play it properly and respect the rules.

For this reason, Chen Zhong gazed at his younger brother and said solemnly, "Step aside! Once I complete this matter, I will never return. Even if you despise me, I hope that at this moment, you can set aside our past grievances and remember that I am your elder brother!"

He was desperately trying to prevent a conflict between Wang Zhan and the middle-aged man. At the same time, he was also placing a bet. Even if he lost this bet, it was preferable to losing everything. At least it could provide a buffer for his younger brother, or for Wang Zhan, thereby saving some lives.

However, so what if Wang Zhan saw through Boss Chen's intentions? He wasn't some frenzied, psychopathic murderer. Would he really slaughter five Martial Kings? Wang Zhan chuckled inwardly, perfectly calm and composed. Besides, even if he did kill them, what of it? To him, these people would only be a burden. It was better to let them live and, in doing so, secure long-term value. He could even turn this place into his rear camp base. Apart from the mission, Wang Zhan wasn't interested in much else, but he hadn't forgotten his urgent priority: to quickly establish his own forces. When the time came, this place would undoubtedly become another important strategic point for him.

So, he could only gently reassure Yao Yao, who was already poised for battle, softly saying, "It's alright. They're just some rats hiding in the underground world. The world has changed; today's Federation is vastly different from the Federation of over a decade ago. Unfortunately for them, they missed the most exciting inception of this new era. Even if they try to get back on this path now, they are destined to be far behind us. Why should we be nervous?"

There wasn't a hint of urgency in his voice; instead, he seemed increasingly composed. His gaze swept over the crowd, meeting their many meaningful looks with an equally profound calm. They are the ones who should be nervous! Wang Zhan needed nothing from them except for one thing: for them to consciously get out of his way. Otherwise, he wouldn't mind letting them experience the current power of the Federation. Although Wang Yidao likely still viewed the Federation's path as mistaken, under Wang Zhan's influence, this supposedly 'wrong' path was clearly and rapidly converging with the correct one. This was Wang Zhan's greatest source of confidence!

However, Wang Zhan's reassuring words to Yao Yao only served to further enrage the powerful Martial Kings and Grandmasters present.

"How audacious!"

So what if he's a genius! Wang Zhan's taunts were like sharp barbs, each one piercing deeper, more painfully, and becoming more infuriating and unacceptable than the last. They found it inconceivable that they, who were once lofty Martial Kings, were now being referred to as mere rats by Wang Zhan. This was simply intolerable; it was tantamount to being dragged to the ground and ruthlessly trampled upon! They had never endured such treatment! Wang Zhan truly deserved death; only his demise would silence that detestable mouth.

But seeing their fury, Wang Zhan merely laughed. "GYE GYE GYE! Audacious? So what if I am? Not audacious? And what if I'm not? Aside from flapping your gums, which one of you dares to step out and fight me? And you," he pointed, "how about we have a go right here? Let's see how much martial spirit is left in you rats who've grown accustomed to hiding underground."

Instantly, the entire assembly erupted in fury! Although Wang Zhan's gaze was fixed on one man, he was undoubtedly challenging everyone present. The one standing before Wang Zhan, bearing the brunt of his contempt, was indeed their leader—Boss Chen Zhong's younger brother! Simultaneously, he was also the true sovereign of the Ming State Underground City: the Council Chairman, Chen Min! Therefore, while it appeared that only Chen Min was enduring Wang Zhan's scorn, Wang Zhan was, in reality, expressing his disdain for everyone in the Ming State Underground City on a much deeper level.

At this moment, Chen Min's face was indescribably ugly; he stared at Wang Zhan with an expression like that of a corpse. His subordinates behind him could no longer restrain themselves. How could they possibly endure this? Hadn't Wang Zhan provoked them again and again, yet they had consistently failed to send out a suitable challenger? Wasn't this a blatant self-humiliation? Moreover, as their leader, if Chen Min was so easily pressured by Wang Zhan, wouldn't his subordinates be the ones to ultimately lose face? After all, if the leader himself has to take the lead in battle, what use are his followers?

Instantly, a furious roar erupted, like a great bell, startling countless people. "Impudent brat, let me test your strength!"

BOOM! A figure shot forward like a gust of wind. "DIE!"

Looking up, one could see a man, exuding the imposing aura of a Grandmaster, lunging forward. His speed was so ferocious it was chilling. This chilling effect, however, did not extend to Wang Zhan.

Yao Yao was somewhat worried. She wasn't concerned about these lesser figures, but rather about potential sneak attacks from the Martial Kings lurking in the background. After all, once people reach a certain age, if they're willing to cast aside their dignity, shamelessness can become second nature, their sense of face eroding day by day.

"Be careful!" Yao Yao said, looking at Wang Zhan with concern.

Hearing this, a faint smile touched Wang Zhan's lips. He gently tapped Yao Yao's nose and patted her small head, then said casually, "Don't worry! They're all just rats hiding in the underground world. They haven't even realized that the longer they've been away from the Federation, the weaker their strength has become, to the point where they've completely diverged from its path..."

Honestly, setting all else aside, Wang Zhan's ability to remain so composed, even affectionate, in the face of a formidable enemy was truly unparalleled. Thus, even as the Grandmaster closed in, with only three seconds left to react, Wang Zhan slowly raised his head. His eyes held a glint of wild arrogance and bloodlust. After a sweeping glance at his surroundings, he said to Yao Yao with utter confidence, "You wait here for a moment. After I deal with this fellow, I'll come back and help you overturn this entire Ming State Underground City! GYE GYE GYE! Though, they'd better have some truly outstanding individuals, otherwise I doubt they'll even get the chance to dirty your hands..."

His words, once spoken, were utterly domineering! Wang Zhan's meaning was simple: Everyone present was trash! Barring any surprises, he alone could sweep through them all, reducing everyone to terrified silence, not even giving them a chance to dirty Yao Yao's hands. What utter contempt, what profound disdain! It was as if in Wang Zhan's eyes, regardless of whether these "rats" were Martial Kings or Grandmasters, they were all insignificant, laughably weak, perhaps even lacking a reason to exist!

However, with Wang Zhan's repeated provocations, the atmosphere in the surroundings suddenly grew chillingly taut, filled with icy glares. There was no room for anything else; they only wanted to see Wang Zhan dead.

"Good, good, very good! It's been a long time since I've encountered someone I wanted to personally grind to dust..."

"I wonder if his flesh and blood will be as tender as that of the Beast Clan! I can hardly wait. That brat had better survive and pray he falls into my hands. Otherwise, such fine meat ending up as dog food would be a true pity..."

"GYE GYE GYE! So what if it feeds the dogs?! I'm quite eager to see if his skull is as hard as his mouth! Otherwise, wouldn't the work of art I intend to carve be flawed from the start?..."

Amidst the crowd, all those lurking in the shadows were seething, their minds consumed by malevolent intent towards Wang Zhan. They likely had no doubt that Wang Zhan could be killed by any high-level Grandmaster among them. Yet, it was obvious that each one of them wanted Wang Zhan to die by their own hand. Because these individuals, whom Wang Zhan had dismissed as mere rats living beneath the Federation, had undoubtedly already marked him as their prize, eagerly anticipating an even more frenzied slaughter from him.

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