Chen Yang glanced at Guo Xinli dismissively, remaining silent as he lowered the hand from under his arm and clasped it behind his back.
He could clearly see that the Martial Association President's strength had reached the pinnacle of the fifteenth rank, a full two major realms higher than the widely rumored thirteenth rank. If someone of the fourteenth rank, or even the fifteenth, were to encounter him, they would likely have to kneel in submission.
He does have a bit of cunning.
The vast venue fell utterly silent. The onlookers, who had been a beat too slow to react, now stared at Chen Yang, wide-eyed and holding their breath. Just a moment ago, they were thinking that anyone who dared to confront the Martial Association had to be no ordinary person.
So, it was him!
At the battle of Chilian Peak, he had fully revealed his strength for all to see, deterring countless petty opportunists.
But in our hearts, the Zhennan Prince—or more precisely, the deposed Zhennan Prince—will forever be an irreplaceable legend. So, he really is this young. We had only heard stories, but today we finally see him in person. He's so handsome.
At that moment, a warm current flowed through the hearts of countless people. Their eyes grew moist, their vision blurring.
On what grounds was he deposed? What were the reasons? Perhaps, in this world, it is truly impossible to satisfy both loyalty and righteousness.
"Association President, why aren't you speaking anymore? Weren't you just strutting around so pompously a moment ago?" Seeing Guo Xinli's rapidly changing expression, Su Ling was thoroughly amused. "Didn't you want my Boss to repeat what he said? I think my Boss didn't hear you clearly. Why don't you say it again?"
Guo Xinli: "..."
Nearby, Cao Kun didn't dare to breathe too loudly, repeatedly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. A cold sweat broke out all over him, and he felt as if needles were pricking his back.
I never dreamed I would encounter this terrifying figure here. After all, in the battle at Chilian Peak, this man leveled the entire Qi Family with a single swing of his sword. Afterward, even when ambushed by two fifteenth-rank experts, he easily turned the tables and killed them. I was there, and I saw it all up close. That must be why I frowned and tried so hard to remember when I first saw him; back then, I only caught a glimpse of a blurred profile. This man seems young, but he possesses an awe-inspiring presence, and he isn't even showing his formidable side right now. No wonder he could hold the prestigious position of Nine Gates Admiral at such a young age. He truly seems to possess the temperament of a Hidden Dragon. This heavyweight was supposed to be dealt with by the old men behind the Martial Association, but now... It's all over!
After a long moment, Guo Xinli's expression grew solemn as he forced himself to calm down. "So, it's you!"
Chen Yang took a final drag from his cigarette, then extinguished the butt and flicked it away. His casual demeanor made it clear he held no regard for this Association President, a man revered as a Divine Residence by everyone in the Martial Association.
Guo Xinli's mouth twitched, his heart a turmoil of mixed emotions. In some respects, he was second only to one man, holding a lofty and distinguished status. In all his decades, who hadn't respectfully addressed him as "prince"? They served him diligently, fearing any misstep. But the man before him showed him absolutely no regard. The most frustrating part was that he was furious but dared not show it. This man is strong. Even I can't say for sure that I could defeat him.
"How do you like the sign for my martial arts school?" Chen Yang finally spoke, his tone indifferent, almost cordial.
Guo Xinli subconsciously glanced at the gilded sign. "Not bad. Quite imposing."
"How does it compare to your Martial Association?" Chen Yang asked nonchalantly, playing with a lighter.
"They're about the same."
Guo Xinli's face grew even uglier. He refused to believe that this man, who had sworn to Annihilate the Martial Association, would only engage in such trivial banter upon meeting him.
"When the time is right, I'll pay your Martial Association another visit," Chen Yang said, lighting another cigarette and cutting to the chase. "First, let's talk about your title. 'Prince.' Quite grandiose. Does it signify that you are beneath one but above ten thousand? I'm curious, who gave you that title?"
"It's just a title, not worth mentioning," Guo Xinli said dismissively, now feeling as though he were sitting on pins and needles.
"Indeed, not worth mentioning," Chen Yang said with clear implication.
Guo Xinli's expression darkened abruptly. How could he not hear the sarcasm? It suggested he was unworthy of the title and was just flattering himself.
"Cangyun City is vast. Now that you have your Martial Association, why can't other martial arts schools be established?" Chen Yang's tone shifted as he stared at Guo Xinli, his eyes narrowed to slits.
Guo Xinli: "..."
The moment their eyes met, Guo Xinli felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He staggered back a step, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
How... how can he be so powerful? It was just a look...
Instantly, Guo Xinli became thoroughly tense, his aura surging chaotically.
"So an outsider who wants to open a martial arts school in Cangyun City must have your approval? Otherwise, it means they have no respect for you?" Chen Yang repeated the implied sentiment, then smiled. "You're right. I have no respect for you."
Guo Xinli: "..."
"Call the person behind you," Chen Yang commanded.
Guo Xinli froze for a second, then, without a word, took out his phone and dialed a number.
Soon, a muffled voice came through the speaker. "How is the matter being handled?"
"He... he wants to speak with you."
The line went silent.
Chen Yang flicked the ash from his cigarette and raised his voice slightly. "I'm giving you plenty of time. Within one hundred days, gather all the power you can muster."
The other party: "..."
"I will come knocking."
The other party: "..."
Guo Xinli: "..."
Does this mean he won't just annihilate the Martial Association, but will also hunt down everyone connected to it, tearing them out by the roots? Seeking revenge is one thing, but to announce it in advance, to give your enemy time to prepare for your arrival? What kind of confidence, courage, and audacity does it take to say something so outrageously arrogant? Incredible!
"You're arrogant, kid," the voice on the phone said carelessly after a brief pause.
"You'll soon find out whether I am or not."
CRACK!
With a wave of Chen Yang's right hand, the phone in Guo Xinli's hand twisted violently before falling to the ground, a wisp of white smoke rising from it.
"Make your move. Of course, you can also choose to run," Chen Yang said, glancing at Guo Xinli. His calm indifference was utterly terrifying.
"You..." Guo Xinli's face flushed crimson. He was the President of the Martial Association, after all. When had anyone ever looked down on him like this?
WHOOSH.
Guo Xinli moved, lunging forward with the speed of wind and lightning.
Chen Yang simply spread his fingers and pushed his palm forward.
Guo Xinli's figure seemed to freeze in mid-air. His expression changed drastically as he hurriedly raised his hands to block the blow from above.
BOOM!
A dull thud echoed as Chen Yang's palm slammed Guo Xinli down to the ground. He landed on his knees, half of his body buried deep in the earth as dust and debris filled the air.
Chen Yang took a pair of golden scissors from Li Zhendong and gave them a gentle toss.
SWISH.
The scissors flew through the air and embedded themselves in the ground right in front of Guo Xinli.
"Chairman Guo," Chen Yang said. "Let's have a ribbon-cutting."
Guo Xinli: "..."
Everyone: "..."
...