Feng never imagined his "notoriety" was so widespread among these people. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard a cold snort from a nearby youth.
"A bunch of idiots!" The youth's calm words struck like an unsparing blade.
The strong man with large hoop earrings blinked his leopard eyes wide, fixing his gaze on the youth. "Who are you calling names?" His voice boomed like a colossal gong, causing a tremor throughout the entire tavern.
Chen Feng had only managed a slight smile, yet it had instantly enraged the man; for this youth to speak so carelessly, it was enough to drive him mad.
"Tch... whoever is barking over there is who I mean!" The youth didn't spare the brute a glance, continuing to eat his meal.
"I think you're asking to die!" The large-hooped strong man strode across the two steps separating them and slammed his fist down onto the table with brute force.
With a resounding thud, half the table's dishes and liquids tumbled onto the floor.
"I don't want to kill anyone, get lost!" The youth’s eyebrows shot up, and he issued a cold warning.
"What the hell did you say? Brother Leopard, kill him!"
"Damn it, does this bastard not even know where he is to act so presumptuously here!"
The few men accompanying the strong man erupted in shouts, all rising to their feet and moving to surround the youth. These men were all soldiers of the Black Armor Army from the Golden Crow Demon Territory; they were accustomed to unchecked arrogance within the city walls. Being treated with such blatant disregard for the first time naturally ignited their fury.
"One idiot. Two idiots. A whole group of idiots. Even the entire Black Armor Army is full of idiots!" The youth shook his head as he spoke.
"You dare insult our Black Armor Army! It looks like you’re courting death!" The strong man roared, swinging his arm in a wide arc, aiming directly for the youth's head.
His fist carried a strong resonance of Dou Qi, whistling loudly through the air.
The youth slowly rose, not sparing a glance for the incoming fist. He suddenly lifted his right foot sharply.
CRACK! A single kick sent the large-hooped strong man flying, straight out of the second-story window, crashing down into the middle of the street below.
"Sixth-Stage Dou Zun!" Chen Feng and Ling Feng exchanged a look, their faces etched with shock.
Although the youth had not unleashed his domain, the instant power displayed and the fluctuation of energy when he delivered that kick clearly indicated he was at least a Sixth-Stage Dou Zun level expert.
The youth appeared no older than eighteen. A Sixth-Stage Dou Zun under the age of eighteen—his talent was undoubtedly extraordinary.
"He is..." Ling Feng looked at the youth's retreating back thoughtfully, a realization seeming to dawn on her.
"Charge him together!" The remaining Black Armor soldiers seemed to recognize the youth's unusual power, letting out a yell as they rushed forward in unison.
Thump, thump... Several crisp impacts sounded almost simultaneously, and the remaining men all collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain.
The highest cultivation among these Black Armor soldiers was merely a mere Seventh-Stage Dou Shi. How could they possibly contend with a Sixth-Stage Dou Zun? Furthermore, he had only shown the power of the sixth stage—who knew if his true cultivation was even higher!
The youth clapped his hands, turned around, and his pair of peach-blossom eyes swept over Chen Feng and Ling Feng. Upon noticing the Knight badges pinned to their chests, he offered a slight smile and slowly sauntered over.
"They ruined my meal; I trust you don't mind if I join you?" The youth said this, but his face held a lazy expression, as if his action was already a great courtesy to them.
Some of the dishes Chen Feng had ordered had already been served before the argument began, though neither of them had started eating yet.
Chen Feng felt a slight irritation at the youth's arrogant demeanor, but noticed Ling Feng frowning in deep contemplation.
The youth chuckled. "What's wrong? You look a little unconvinced?"
"Go as far away as you possibly can, and stay there!" Chen Feng replied coldly, ignoring the youth thereafter.
It was utterly inexplicable. Even if this youth was arguing with those Black Armor soldiers, it had nothing to do with the two of them. However, the youth’s manner clearly indicated he intended to provoke them. Did this guy think he was strong enough, or was his mind faulty, to start trouble after seeing that they were Knights?
"Tsk..." The youth laughed, looking at Chen Feng with disdainful amusement. "Having a Knight badge makes you special? But why do I feel like those two badges were stolen?"
His tone was now nakedly provocative.
A murderous intent flared on Chen Feng’s normally impassive face. Though his temper wasn't as explosive as it once was, it didn't mean he would tolerate such sarcasm without reacting.
The youth seemed to sense the killing intent emanating from Chen Feng, idly picking at his nails with one hand, then gesturing toward the men lying on the floor. "The one they were talking about, Chen Feng, that’s you, right!"
Ling Feng’s soft remark, "I didn't expect you to become famous too," had actually been overheard by this youth.
Ling Feng’s voice had been very low earlier, almost like a private transmission, inaudible to the Black Armor soldiers, yet this youth had caught it—a clear sign of profound cultivation.
"I came specifically for you this time!" The youth stared intently at Chen Feng.
"For me? Are you from the Purple Garden Demon Territory?" Chen Feng finished speaking, his aura suddenly surging. If the other party was from the Purple Garden Demon Territory, he would have to execute him here and now; otherwise, allowing him to report back meant Chen Feng would be on the run for the rest of his life. While even Saint Domain experts couldn't harm him, a life spent constantly fleeing was hardly desirable.
"Don't compare those weaklings from the Purple Garden Demon Territory with me!" The youth sneered, dismissing the people of the Purple Garden Demon Territory as worthless.
"When I was in the family, I heard about a fellow under eighteen who caused chaos alone in the Purple Garden Demon Territory and escaped without a scratch. That’s why I specifically came out to look for him. It wasn't for any grand reason, really—just to see what kind of character the person all those elders in the clan were praising to the skies actually was. But looking at you now, I'm quite disappointed!"
The youth spoke with a sigh of regret, looking down on Chen Feng. After all, Chen Feng’s cultivation was only at the Second-Stage Dou Zun, barely worthy of his notice.
Ling Feng suddenly lifted her head and stared at the youth, speaking calmly. "A duel? I fear you can't afford the loss!"
"Can't afford the loss?" Lei Di roared back. "I think you're scared and dare not accept!"
Chen Feng offered no argument. "I hear your defense is quite good. I won't take advantage, so I'll stand right here and let you hit me three times. Then I'll hit you three times. Whoever gets injured, loses! The loser serves the winner as a slave for one year, how about that?"
"A test of defense?" Lei Di sneered. To challenge the defense of the Qilin Beast, first among the Four Divine Beasts, was tantamount to suicide!
Before he could reply, he heard Chen Feng say with an air of hesitation, "One year is too long, perhaps? I'm afraid you can't afford the loss, so forget it—how about just one month as a slave?"
"Five years! Whoever loses serves the other for five years!" Lei Di raged.
Proud people could never withstand goading; it seemed there was some truth to the tactic.
"Very well, but I’m afraid you won’t admit it if you lose," Chen Feng continued to pour oil on the fire.
"I won't admit it? Nonsense! There’s no way I can lose!" Lei Di roared, nearly descending into madness.
ps: I must explain the delay over these past four days. My girlfriend fell ill. Nearly half of her students caught colds, and she has been sick for four days. I've been accompanying her, leaving no time for writing during the day, so... I’m now worried it might be the Flu—the symptoms are very similar: persistent coughing, sore throat, and general weakness, though no fever yet.
Also, I’ve been spending these days carefully outlining the subsequent plot, which is why the updates have been a bit slow and fewer than usual. Please bear with me.
Many people have commented that I use too much superfluous writing. I have noticed this myself and am actively trying to correct it now. Please let me know if this chapter still contains too much filler. If not, I will continue writing in this style as I gradually improve! I genuinely want to write a good story, and I know you all want to read one. It’s mutually beneficial, hehe! (The postscript does not count, as it’s not paid content...) (To be continued. To know what happens next, please visit www**comm for more chapters and to support the author and genuine reading!) First published