Han Shaobai… he actually apologized??

How, how was this possible?

In an instant, everyone in the vast banquet hall was petrified. Not even the sound of a heartbeat or a breath could be heard.

Jia Guangping was beaten, and instead of Han Shaobai going after the culprit, he was the one offering an apology?

What kind of act was this?

Everyone was dumbfounded, their minds a complete blank.

"Mr.… Mr. Han, what's happening?" Jia Guangping demanded after a long moment, his eyes wide with disbelief. He simply couldn't trust what he was seeing.

"Shut up!" Han Shaobai shot a cold glare at Jia Guangping. "If you dare say another word, I'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs!"

Jia Guangping was speechless.

Everyone fell silent.

No one present was a fool. At this point, it was clear that this was someone even Han Shaobai didn't dare to offend.

Involuntarily, everyone's gaze returned to Chen Yang. Who on earth is this guy?

Chen Yang ignored Han Shaobai's apology. Instead, he pointed at Jia Guangping and said with a wry smile, "He just said you could kill me with a single finger?"

"He's spouting nonsense!"

Han Shaobai's lips trembled, and he quickly forced a conciliatory smile. "How could I possibly be your opponent? I apologize. I'm truly sorry."

"I don't accept apologies," Chen Yang said, picking up a glass of wine and swirling it gently.

Han Shaobai was left speechless.

Then, he strode toward Jia Guangping.

"Mr.… Mr. Han, what are you doing?" Jia Guangping cried out in terror, trying to scramble backward on his hands.

Han Shaobai grabbed him by the throat, his expression twisting with malice. "I apologized on your behalf, but he didn't accept! So, you have to die!"

"No…"

CRACK!

The crisp sound echoed through the hall, sending a chill down everyone's spine and making their hair stand on end.

Many swallowed hard. That was a Steward of the Martial Association, and he was just strangled to death?

Nearby, Zheng Xiaoduo clutched Zheng Xiaoman tightly, her head bowed, too afraid to look.

Zheng Xiaoman held her close, her own eyes fixed intently on Chen Yang. Her burning gaze seemed to want to pierce right through him and see into his very soul. She couldn't understand. What kind of person could frighten a disciple of Ye Nantian to such an extent?

After crushing Jia Guangping's neck, Han Shaobai forced a smile and addressed the crowd. "This dog has brought shame upon the Martial Association by bullying others wantonly. According to our rules, this is a capital offense!"

This statement served as a way for him to save face. After all, he couldn't afford to completely lose his dignity.

The crowd nodded, feigning understanding. Internally, however, they were scornful. As if you don't bully people all the time? When have you ever cared about the rules then? People, after all, couldn't escape the basic instinct to bully the weak and fear the strong.

Han Shaobai continued, "I regret to inform you all that the Martial Association does not plan to establish a branch in Lingjin City. Any previous reports were merely rumors. Please do not take them seriously."

What?!

Suddenly, the room erupted with shocked murmurs.

"Mr. Han, people from the Martial Association itself started that rumor! Wasn't one of the reasons you came to Lingjin City to prepare for the new branch?"

"Exactly! And with Lingjin City's population and its influence over Qingqiu Dao, there's more than enough room for a Martial Association branch here!"

"How can the esteemed Martial Association go back on its word so quickly?"

One person after another began to question him. They had dropped everything and dressed up for this event, only to receive this news. One could only imagine their frustration.

Han Shaobai's face was as dark as night, his teeth clenched in anger. Of course, he understood everything they were saying. Before planning to establish a branch, they had naturally investigated all the relevant factors.

But the problem is… this guy made a blatant threat. As long as he's around, Lingjin City is forbidden from having a Martial Association branch! What else can I do? I have to obey for now, report the situation to my master and the Martial Association Headquarters, and let them send someone to remove this thorn.

Han Shaobai subconsciously glanced back at Chen Yang, only to see him sipping his wine leisurely, which made him clench his teeth even tighter.

"It was this damned fool's irresponsible rambling that misled everyone!" Han Shaobai pointed at Jia Guangping's body on the floor and said coldly, "It's a pity he only had one life to give. Otherwise, I would have killed him several times over!"

A wave of cold fear washed over the crowd, silencing them instantly. They were just venting, but if they truly angered this Mr. Han, people might die.

"Everyone, please disperse," Han Shaobai said, beginning to dismiss the guests.

No one dared to linger. Though they hadn't achieved their goal, they had witnessed quite a spectacle, so it wasn't a total loss.

Only then did Han Shaobai turn around, his heart pounding with trepidation.

Huh?

The spot where Chen Yang had been standing was empty.

Han Shaobai looked around and, confirming that the man was truly gone, finally let out a huge sigh of relief. He nearly collapsed to the floor, his face deathly pale. He only now realized his entire body was drenched in cold sweat.

For some reason, facing Chen Yang felt like facing a ferocious, man-eating beast. It left him capable of nothing but submission.

He took several deep, shuddering breaths before wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. His expression gradually twisted into a vicious snarl. "That reckless fool, daring to provoke the Martial Association?"

"I've already reported this. Just you wait to die!"

Han Shaobai's voice was chilling. "When the time comes, I will skin you alive, flay you, and hang you from the old city gates of Lingjin! I'll let the entire city see the price for offending the Martial Association!"

「Outside the hotel.」

After a call to Yang Hu, Chen Yang decided to walk around and buy a small gift for Qin Qiu. Regardless of how she treated him, he figured life was better with a few little surprises.

Just then, a voice called out, "Hold on a moment!"

Zheng Xiaoman shouted as she hurried over. She was wearing exceptionally high heels today, and her tight-fitting dress restricted her stride, making every step a struggle. The stares from onlookers brought a rare blush to her cheeks.

Hm?

Chen Yang glanced back with a slight frown.

"Mr. Chen, I now formally invite you to be my sister's teacher," Zheng Xiaoman said, panting for breath.

She had figured it out. This man was a hidden grandmaster, reminiscent of the Sweeper Monk from 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'. How could she let such an opportunity slip by?

"President Zheng, I've already said that I have no intention of taking on a disciple. Besides, you made it very clear before that I wasn't qualified to teach your sister," Chen Yang said coolly.

Zheng Xiaoman was momentarily speechless. She then offered an apologetic smile. "I was presumptuous before. I sincerely apologize and hope you won't hold it against me."

"And?" Chen Yang prompted.

Zheng Xiaoman was once again at a loss for words.

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