C31 One Punch

The scorn and contempt in Hong Tengqing's eyes were palpable.

He had no real expectation of Liu Xingchang becoming his servant on their journey, nor did he intend to use Liu Xingchang as a means to assert his dominance among the five. His aim was simply to bully Liu Xingchang.

This behavior was typical for him, reminiscent of a spoiled child who never considered whether his actions might embarrass others; he acted purely on whim.

What's more, his father was still present.

To foster the independence of its newly recruited disciples, the Hidden Dragon Sect mandated that they travel to the auditions without family protection. They had to traverse mountains, nations, and cities on their own to gain experience.

Thus, while on the road from Cloud Ascending City, Hong Tengqing couldn't lean on his family's influence.

Had Hong Tengqing been so brazen en route, Liu Xingchang could have easily put him in his place. But the situation was different now—they hadn't yet left the city, and President Tong was still by his son's side.

The Gong Family Merchant Association wielded power across many nations, making both the City Lord’s Manor of Cloud Ascending City and the royal family of the Great Pine Kingdom wary of crossing them. How then could Liu Xingchang dare to reprimand Hong Tengqing in front of President Tong?

At this moment, Hong Tengqing felt he could act with impunity.

Liu Xingchang narrowed his eyes, quietly swapping all ninety Spirit Mark Runes for speed-oriented ones, while covertly preparing his Water Shadow Body technique.

"Given that the five of us will be traveling together for the next half month, I'd prefer our relationship to be on good terms. So, if you apologize now, we can put this whole affair behind us," he said.

At these words, Hong Tengqing burst into unrestrained laughter, as if he'd heard the funniest joke imaginable.

His laughter made his chubby cheeks resemble a blooming chrysanthemum, and his ample flesh quivered like the folds of a steaming dumpling.

Still chuckling, Hong Tengqing pointed at Liu Xingchang's face and taunted, "Are you trying to kill me with laughter? You actually expect me to apologize to you? And what will you do if I refuse to apologize?"

Liu Xingchang offered a faint smile and remarked, "If you refuse to apologize, then I'm afraid your despicable mouth is going to find itself in trouble."

Hong Tengqing retorted with a sneer, "Do you really think you have the guts to hit me? Are you unaware that I am the eldest son of the Gong Family Merchant Association?"

President Tong narrowed his eyes and warned Liu Xingchang, "Young man, don't do something you'll regret."

Liu Xingchang simply laughed, choosing to remain silent.

He now understood the root of Hong Tengqing's arrogance; with such an irrational father, it was no surprise his son was equally unreasonable.

Emboldened by his father's support, Hong Tengqing grew even more insolent. He pulled a face at Liu Xingchang and taunted, "I'll insult you, you pair of lowly servants. What can you possibly do to me?"

Liu Xingchang let out a resigned sigh and bowed his head.

Hong Tengqing mistook this gesture as a sign of submission and his expression grew even more contemptuous.

But in the next instant, Liu Xingchang abruptly lifted his head, a dangerous glint in his eyes. To the astonishment of all onlookers, he landed a fierce punch on Hong Tengqing's mouth.

"Bang!"

Hong Tengqing cried out in agony as he was sent flying like a shell, several teeth scattering in his wake.

The crowd was left gaping in disbelief.

Liu Xingchang had actually struck Hong Tengqing?

Was he not aware that Hong Tengqing was the scion of the Gong Family Merchant Association? Did he not see President Tong standing right there?

While the crowd was still reeling, Liu Xingchang swiftly activated ninety speed-type Spirit Mark Runes along with the Water Shadow Body, and darted towards the mountain range outside the city with lightning speed.

Onlookers gaped anew, utterly taken aback by Liu Xingchang's audacious move.

He had hit and then run, seizing the upper hand and making a quick escape, reminiscent of a child's play.

Hu Gewan was initially taken aback, but then she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

She had assumed Liu Xingchang would bite his tongue and bide his time for revenge against the pompous young man, considering it wasn't the right time to confront Hong Tengqing. Yet, she hadn't anticipated that Liu Xingchang would strike and then dash off, managing to release his pent-up frustration without any repercussions.

When Liu Xingchang sent Hong Tengqing flying, President Tong instinctively rushed to his aid. By the time President Tong had set Hong Tengqing down, Liu Xingchang had already vanished into the mountain depths, making him difficult to track down. This elicited a smug lift of Yan Tianni's eyebrows.

Yan Tianni had contemplated two solutions to the recent events. The first was to directly challenge the formidable Gong Family Merchant Association, while the second was to swallow her pride and bide her time, waiting for the right moment to teach Hong Tengqing a lesson when no one was around. Given that there were five of them traveling together, it was impossible for the Gong Family Merchant Association to provide protection for all.

The first approach, however, was foolhardy and certainly not the act of a true hero. The second method, though more prudent, was disdainful to someone as proud as Yan Tianni. While it's inspiring to hear of someone who can endure great humiliation and eventually seek revenge, Yan Tianni, with her phoenix-like pride, could never embrace such a tactic.

Despite her preferences, she couldn't come up with a third strategy. Yet, Liu Xingchang's approach unexpectedly impressed her. Of the 36 stratagems, fleeing was the best. There was no disgrace in retreat, especially since Liu Xingchang had fled only after avenging himself. His tactic was both clever and amusing, and she had to acknowledge that this man, whom she was meeting for the first time, certainly thought differently from others. His punch had not only demonstrated valor but also kept him out of harm's way.

Yan Tianni was particularly struck by one detail: Liu Xingchang had directed Hong Tengqing towards President Tong, creating an opportunity for her to escape. She made a mental note of Liu Xingchang's name.

As Liu Xingchang disappeared without a trace, Hong Tengqing spat blood, and President Tong's eyes narrowed with displeasure. Unable to retaliate against Liu Xingchang, President Tong turned his cold gaze to Patriarch Hu, stating icily, "Although Liu Xingchang is not of your Linghu Clan, you were the ones who brought him here. If he succeeds in the Hidden Dragon Sect's selection, so be it. But should he fail and abscond, I will hold your Linghu Clan accountable for that punch!"

Patriarch Hu merely smiled, offering no response.

Despite the Gong Family Merchant Association's considerable strength, President Tong was a businessman at heart, prioritizing profit above all. He certainly wouldn't risk antagonizing the formidable Linghu Clan over a trivial grudge.

The Gong Family Merchant Association's attempts to cause trouble were sure to be unpleasant for them, but Patriarch Hu was confident that Liu Xingchang would sail through the Hidden Dragon Sect's selection process. He had dispatched agents to the Great Pine Kingdom just yesterday to gather intelligence on Liu Xingchang, and the information they unearthed was nothing short of astonishing. Liu Xingchang's previous accomplishments were almost beyond belief.

Moreover, even if Liu Xingchang were to be rejected, with Liu Jitai in the picture, would the Gong Family Merchant Association truly have the audacity to lay a finger on Liu Xingchang?