Against someone at Body Tempering Layer 1, Ning Chen really could not be bothered to use any martial arts techniques.
"Bang!"
The punch landed squarely on Duan Shuliu’s face, sending him flying. Two streams of blood sprayed into the air.
It wasn't just Wen Qinglan and her group who were stunned; even the elderly man with the cane in the spectator stands rose abruptly, his eyes wide with shock!
After flying through the air for a second, Duan Shuliu crashed off the stage and hit the floor hard. He clutched his nose and mouth, wailing in misery. The floor was splattered with blood.
"..."
Everyone was dumbfounded. Duan Shuliu, the senior disciple of the Ancient Martial Arts Club and hailed as the best fighter at Qingzhou University, had been taken out in a single punch?
"Boring."
Ning Chen stepped off the stage, feeling underwhelmed, and headed straight for the exit of the martial arts hall.
"Stop right there!" Wen Qinglan shouted, panicked.
"What? You want to trade a few blows with me too?" Ning Chen cast a sidelong glance at her.
"Who... exactly are you?" Wen Qinglan stared at him, dazed. "Are you really a freshman at our school?"
"Clinical Medicine, Class 2. If you don't believe me, go check for yourself." Ning Chen waved a hand impatiently.
The moment he turned, a gust of wind struck!
It was Duan Shuliu! Unable to accept his defeat in front of a crowd, he had launched another sneak attack!
"Addicted to sneak attacks, are we?"
Ning Chen was annoyed. He turned back, grabbed the foot Duan Shuliu had kicked at him, and twisted it in the opposite direction!
With a sharp *crack*, a piercing scream echoed through the hall: "Aaah—my foot!!"
"Your foot is broken," Ning Chen said ruthlessly.
"Senior Brother! Senior Brother!" A group of Ancient Martial Arts Club members rushed over, looking at Duan Shuliu in horror.
Duan Shuliu was crying in agony, clutching his leg and screaming at the top of his lungs, "Call an ambulance! What the hell are you all standing around for? Call an ambulance! My foot can't be broken!"
"You surnamed Ning, you wait for me! This isn't over! You’re dead meat!! Ah..."
The group scrambled to dial emergency services.
"Well, this should ensure no one at Qing University dares to mess with me again," Ning Chen thought to himself, then walked out of the hall with his hands in his pockets.
Just as he was leaving the Student Activity Center, the senior named Wen Qinglan called out to him again, "Wait!"
"What now?"
Ning Chen turned, annoyed, and noticed an old man in a suit standing next to her. The man was about seventy, holding a rosewood cane, with silver hair and a kindly face, looking at him with a complex expression.
"Good day, Mr. President."
"Good day, Mr. President."
Some students walked by. Hearing the title, Ning Chen gave Wen Qinglan a look of silent frustration. *Tattling so quickly—you really are something, aren't you?*
Just as Wen Qinglan was about to explain, the elderly man with the cane chuckled. "Heh, I never expected a master at the External Force Great Accomplishment level to be hiding among our freshmen. May I ask where you come from, young friend?"
"I’m just an ordinary student," Ning Chen replied.
"An ordinary student who can defeat young Duan in one strike?" The old man frowned and said, "Do you know that young Duan just won third place in the youth division of the Jiangnan Province Martial Arts Tournament? The school has already decided to recommend him to the Longhu Martial Arts Hall!"
"I don't know about any tournament or any Longhu Martial Arts Hall. I just know he's pathetic," Ning Chen said truthfully.
"You!" Wen Qinglan was so angry she wanted to curse, but seeing how her senior had been defeated in one blow—even with a sneak attack—she was left speechless. Where on earth did this Ning Chen come from?
"Young friend, come to my office and we shall talk." The elderly man’s expression grew grave. "You just broke young Duan’s foot. This matter is much more serious than you imagine. Without me to mediate, your path in martial arts might well be cut short here. At the end of the day, you young people are far too heavy-handed."
***
Ning Chen had nothing better to do, so he simply followed the old president. He wanted to hear exactly what kind of formidable background this Duan Shuliu had.
During the walk, he learned the man was Wen Yue, Wen Qinglan’s grandfather and the former president of Qingzhou University, who commanded great respect at the school.
Once in the office, Wen Yue had Wen Qinglan pour tea for Ning Chen and began fishing for information.
"Young Ning, you couldn't have achieved this level of skill without the guidance of a Transformation Realm Master. May I ask who your mentor is?" Wen Yue asked with a smile.
"Even if I told you, you wouldn't know them," Ning Chen said, a flicker of distant memory in his eyes. His master...
"You’ve got quite the ego!" Wen Qinglan, having finished pouring the tea, said unhappily. "My grandfather is a permanent director of the Qingzhou branch of the Martial Arts Association. There isn't a single Transformation Realm Master in all of Qingzhou, or even the Jiangnan region, that he doesn't know."
Wen Yue smiled without refuting this; it was true. He was well-versed in the records of all the masters and Internal Force experts in Jiangnan.
"My master’s Taoist title is Yaoguang," Ning Chen said.
"Yaoguang? A woman?" Wen Qinglan paused.
"A Taoist title? Are they a Taoist priest?" Wen Yue frowned slightly. Taoists were different from martial artists—the former focused on the soul and Taoist arts, while the latter focused on the body and martial skills. But searching through his knowledge of southern experts, Wen Yue didn't recognize a female Taoist named "Yaoguang."
Of course he didn't. Venerable Yaoguang had been a Supreme Elder of the Pure Yang Wuji Palace in the Lesser Nantian Realm, a high-level cultivator at the peak of the Nascent Soul Stage.
Fifteen hundred years ago, Ning Chen had become her disciple, the least talented among her ranks. Through relentless effort, he eventually became the most brilliant disciple of the Pure Yang Wuji Palace, inheriting all her teachings. But later, Yaoguang failed her breakthrough to the Divine Transformation Stage, her soul dissipating. The Palace lost its Supreme Elder, and Ning Chen lost his master...
"My master was a recluse; it’s only natural you haven't heard of her," Ning Chen said, pulling himself out of his memories.
"I see." Wen Yue nodded. "Let’s get back to business. I checked young Duan’s injury. His right foot is badly damaged; he won't be recovered for at least half a year. He is at the golden age for martial arts training, and the Duan Family surely won't let you off easily."
"The Duan Family? Are they that powerful?" Ning Chen’s expression remained calm.
"You’re not from Qingzhou?" Wen Qinglan frowned.
"I am, but my parents are just ordinary people," Ning Chen stated.
"No wonder..." Wen Qinglan crossed her arms. "The Duan Family is a wealthy clan in Qingzhou, with influence on par with our Wen Family. They keep many martial artists on their payroll. You are in big trouble."
Ning Chen couldn't help but laugh. "And who should I find as a backer? You, the Wen Family?"
Seeing his attitude, Wen Qinglan was livid. "Do you think we want you? The Duan Family has great ties with the Martial Arts Association; we don't want the trouble! You’re just at the External Force Great Accomplishment level, what are you so arrogant about?"
Wen Yue waved a hand. "That's enough, Qinglan."
Wen Yue turned back to Ning Chen. "Young friend, at your age, having reached the External Force Great Accomplishment, you could register for the assessment at the Longhu Martial Arts Hall. If you pass, I can put in a good word for you, and if you offer an apology, the Duan Family might let you go."
Ning Chen shook his head. "Forget it, too much trouble."
Wen Yue: "..."
Wen Qinglan couldn't hold back. "Hey! My grandfather is trying to save your life, what is with that attitude?"
Ning Chen set down his tea and stood up leisurely. "Thank you for the kindness, Elder Wen, but I don't need it."
Wen Yue didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Young friend, the Duan Family takes in many stray martial artists, some of whom have committed murder. You..."
Before he could finish, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
A teacher wearing glasses stood in the doorway, sweating profusely. He pointed at Ning Chen and said, "It’s about this kid! The security guards can't hold them back anymore!"
"So fast?" Wen Qinglan was shocked.
"I have business to attend to, so I'm leaving." Ning Chen walked out of the office.
"Young friend, wait!" Wen Yue tried to call him back, but Ning Chen ignored him and stepped out. Wen Yue stomped his feet and hurried after him.
"Grandfather, since he doesn't appreciate the help, why are you still worried about him?" Wen Qinglan was furious.
In the hallway, Ning Chen was soon blocked by a sturdy man. He was about forty, with copper-toned skin and a powerful build. He wore cloth shoes, and his stance was steady. Behind him lay a group of security guards, all clutching their stomachs and groaning in pain.
"Are you the student named Ning Chen?" the man asked.
"That's me. What do you want?" Ning Chen replied calmly.
"So, you’re the one who injured our Young Master?" The man’s eyes narrowed.
"If your young master’s surname is Duan, then yes, that was me," Ning Chen nodded.
"Good kid, you’re honest!" the man sneered.
Wen Qinglan, who had followed out, nearly fainted at those words. *Is this guy missing a screw in his head?*
"Iron-Foot Seven!" Wen Yue stood beside Ning Chen, his voice grave. "You dare come to Qing University to cause trouble? Aren't you afraid the Martial Arts Association will arrest you again?"
"Old Man Wen, it’s been a while. I hope you've been well," the man named Iron-Foot Seven said with a smirk. For some reason, Ning Chen sensed a faint mockery in that smile.
"This is none of your business, Old Man Wen. I am here by the order of my master to take this kid back," Iron-Foot Seven said.
"At Qingzhou University, it is my business!" Wen Yue stomped his cane.
"Elder Wen, this really doesn't concern you. You should stay out of it," Ning Chen suddenly countered.
"You..." Wen Qinglan was nearly speechless.
Iron-Foot Seven burst into boisterous laughter. "Old Man Wen, did you hear that? This kid doesn't appreciate your help at all."
"Enough talk." Ning Chen cut him off, his face showing signs of impatience. "If you want to fight, just do it. Are you done yapping yet?"
***
"..."
Wen Qinglan was completely baffled. She had seen arrogant people, but never anyone this arrogant.
"Young people today really are fearless," Iron-Foot Seven sneered. "As your senior, it seems I must teach you a lesson."
He raised his right leg high, his foot arched like a venomous snake, his stance rock-solid.
"Whoosh!"
A dark blur flashed by—Iron-Foot Seven's foot shot toward Ning Chen’s chest like a bullet. He knew that if this landed, an ordinary person would be dead or severely wounded.
But half a second later, he kicked at thin air. Ning Chen had vanished.
Before he could react, a sharp, excruciating pain erupted from the left foot he was using to support his weight!
"Aaaaah—"
Iron-Foot Seven’s scream echoed through the corridor. He collapsed, clutching his shattered left foot, his cloth shoe soaked through with blood.
"Aah!" Wen Qinglan screamed. Even Wen Yue and the teacher gasped in horror. Iron-Foot Seven’s foot had been reduced to a mass of mangled flesh.
"Low-level trash, coming out to make a fool of yourself!" Ning Chen said coldly.
Finding the man’s wailing annoying, he kicked Iron-Foot Seven once more, knocking him unconscious. Then, under the stunned gaze of Wen Yue and his granddaughter, Ning Chen walked away.
"How... how could this be, Grandfather?" Wen Qinglan couldn't believe it.
"What incredible speed!" Wen Yue’s gaze was filled with shock. "To be so young and able to defeat—no, cripple Iron-Foot Seven... truly extraordinary. I wonder what kind of master could have trained such a student!"
***
The news that Iron-Foot Seven had been crippled by a university student quickly spread throughout the Jiangnan martial arts circles.
In a private villa in Qingzhou, Duan Rong, the head of the Duan Family and father of Duan Shuliu, stared at the news on his phone, his expression growing grave.
"Master," a butler entered, "Iron-Foot Seven’s injuries are even worse than the Young Master’s. The bones and tendons in his left foot are crushed. He will be on crutches for the rest of his life."
"What a ruthless kid..." Duan Rong frowned. "Have you found out his background?"
"He is from Dongyang County, studying Clinical Medicine at Qingzhou University. Also, he is currently living with the daughter of Xu Jingshan of the Xu Family."
"The Xu Family?" Duan Rong was startled. "Is he with the Xu Family?"
"It’s not yet clear, sir."
"Keep digging!" Duan Rong ordered coldly. "Find out who taught him martial arts and what his connection to the Xu Family is! And bring Tu Tao to me!"
Hearing the name Tu Tao, the butler froze. He was the most ruthless and powerful master in the Duan Family’s employ.
"Should we let the Martial Arts Association handle this?" the butler suggested.
"Break his legs first, then hand him over," Duan Rong said, his eyes flashing with lethal intent. "My son isn't being broken for nothing. In the old days, he’d already be a corpse in the street!"
***
Ning Chen didn't give the Duan Family a second thought.
After leaving the center, he skipped his afternoon classes and strolled out of campus. He bought some beef and chicken at a local market to take back for Li Mei to cook.
As he was paying, he noticed several missed calls from Xu Shuyan.
"Hello? Something up?" Ning Chen called back.
"You finally answered!" Xu Shuyan’s voice was anxious. "Where are you? Are you okay?"
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" Ning Chen asked, puzzled as to why she was suddenly concerned.
"Weren't you taken away by those people from the Sanda Club?"
"Oh... that. I ran into the president, and they let me go," Ning Chen lied casually. "Anything else? If not, I’m hanging up. I’m buying groceries."
"Whatever! As if I was dying to call you!" Xu Shuyan hung up angrily. *My phone number is something countless boys dream of, and he’s acting so impatient!*
"Shuyan, how is Dali? He didn't end up in the hospital, did he?" Jiang Tang asked worriedly.
"He got lucky and ran into the president!" Shuyan said.
"Oh... that’s good." Jiang Tang patted her chest, then remembered something. "Right, Shuyan, didn't Auntie Qiao ask you to tell Dali to have dinner at the Intercontinental tonight?"
"Oh, right. I forgot." Shuyan paused, but thinking of his impatient tone, she couldn't bring herself to call him. In the end, Jiang Tang dialed him instead.
***
Meanwhile, at the top floor of the Mingzuan Club on Shuiyue Street, Bai Xiao looked at the bag of mushrooms on the bar and slapped Yang Kai across the face.
*Slap!*
"I told you to get me poison, and you bring me this?" Bai Xiao snapped. "Waste! You can't even handle such a small task!"
"Brother Xiao, you’ve wronged me!" Yang Kai said, aggrieved. "Don't underestimate these mushrooms. They’re called Ghost Hand Green, from the Lingnan region. They are lethal! Forget a student, they could take down a bull!"
Bai Xiao’s eyes brightened. "Really?"
"Yes! These have killed many people; they aren't even allowed to be sold anymore."