The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the four-way intersection. The dusty road trembled beneath hurried footsteps, tension thick in the air as two groups of disciples faced each other. On one side stood Su Mu and his followers from High Heaven Pavilion, their expressions wary but defiant. On the other, Cheng Shao Feng, the leader of the Storm House tempered body disciples, stood with an arrogant smirk, exuding confidence that only came with newfound power.
Between them, an alluring figure stepped forward—Hu Mei Er.
She wasn't much older than Su Mu, yet the way she carried herself spoke of an awareness far beyond her years. Every step she took was deliberate, her hips swaying provocatively, her delicate hand lightly resting against her lips in mock amusement. The mere sight of her was enough to send many of the young disciples into a daze, their gazes shamelessly glued to her well-developed figure.
"Hu Mei Er!" When he saw this young lady, Su Mu's expression couldn't help but change, his mouth widened into a smile, and his gaze swept across her body. Unconsciously he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Even Su Mu had reacted to such a degree, let alone others with less self control like Li Yun Tian.
Every pair of eyes were like the eyes of dragonflies and locusts, glued onto Hu Mei Er's body. As they stared at that well developed figure, their breathing gradually became ragged and their shameful inner selves were revealed. Although, throughout the lands, pretty boys and girls were not scarce, those of exceptional beauty like Hu Mei Er were exceedingly rare. Not to mention that she was only a fifteen-sixteen year old girl and still had skin so tender it was out of reach.
Hu Mei Er's lips curled into an amused smile. "Ah, so younger brother Su recognizes this older sister?" she teased, her voice carrying a velvety softness that only further entranced the boys around her.
Though Su Mu quickly tried to straighten up, his reddened face betrayed him. As the daughter of Blood Group's master, Hu Mei Er held considerable influence, and her reputation was anything but innocent. The number of people under her sway was vast, and today, for some reason, she was standing beside Cheng Shao Feng.
Su Mu narrowed his eyes. Had Cheng Shao Feng fallen into her grasp as well? The thought irked him. He had always envied Cheng Shao Feng's luck with women, but now it seemed the tables had turned—Cheng Shao Feng had been subdued by a woman.
When he thought about that, not only did a strange smile appear on Su's face but when he glanced over to Cheng Shao Feng again, a look of contempt appeared on his face.
The tension between the two young men had long been simmering, and today, it was ready to boil over.
"Su Mu, tell your people to move aside," Cheng Shao Feng demanded coldly, his posture rigid with authority.
Su Mu merely chuckled, crossing his arms. "The road belongs to everyone. Why should I move just because you say so?"
Cheng Shao Feng's expression darkened. "If you don't get out of my way now, you'll regret it."
Su Mu remained unfazed. "Oh? And what if I don't?"
"You brought this upon yourself!" Cheng Shao Feng barked, his patience snapping. Without another word, he charged forward, his fist swinging straight for Su Mu's face.
Su Mu reacted instantly, meeting the strike with an open palm. The impact sent a shockwave through his arm, and before he could steady himself, he was thrown back a dozen steps. When he finally regained his footing, his face was filled with disbelief.
"You… you broke through to the Kai Yuan Stage?" Su Mu's voice was filled with shock.
Cheng Shao Feng's smirk widened. "Surprised?" He took a slow step forward. "You and I started cultivating at the same time, but the difference between us is like heaven and earth. From now on, you'll always be chasing my shadow."
Su Mu clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him. A tempered body ninth-stage cultivator like himself was no match for someone who had stepped into the Kai Yuan Stage. He had no chance of winning.
Yet, despite knowing that, he refused to back down.
The battle erupted in full force. Su Mu's men clashed against Cheng Shao Feng's group, their shouts and grunts echoing through the crossroads.
Nearby, hidden in the trees, Yang Kai observed the fight. His sharp eyes took in the scene—Su Mu, bloody and bruised, pinned beneath Cheng Shao Feng's relentless fists.
"Submit or not?" Cheng Shao Feng sneered, sending another blow into Su Mu's face.
"Submit to hell!" Su Mu spat, his mouth filled with blood.
Another punch.
"Submit or not?"
"Submit to your ancestors!"
Cheng Shao Feng's fists grew heavier, each strike laced with fury. But no matter how much Su Mu was beaten down, the fire in his eyes never dimmed. His face was swollen beyond recognition, his body trembling, yet his spirit remained unbroken.
Watching from afar, Yang Kai's lips curled slightly. This Su Mu is not so bad.
Hu Mei Er, who had been watching with amusement, finally decided to intervene. "Younger brother Cheng, why don't you spare him?" she cooed. "I do love men with unyielding character."
At her words, Su Mu, despite his injuries, turned his head with sheer defiance and spat, "Shameless whore!"
Cheng Shao Feng let out a sinister chuckle. "Unyielding, huh? I like that too."
He bent down, picking up a sharp stone from the ground.
Yang Kai's eyes narrowed.
Enough watching.
It was time to step in.