C5 Shocking the Entire Audience

Chu Yangxiang looked at Chu Huixiang with a cold sneer. "You grovel before others without a shred of dignity. And yet, you have the audacity to boast about guiding me? Take a good look at yourself. Do you really think you're qualified?"

Chu Yangxiang's words sent shockwaves through the crowd. They stared at him as if he were a monster, astonished by his audacity to openly insult Chu Huixiang. It seemed he was deliberately courting disaster.

The newcomers stood agape, unable to believe what they were witnessing. They speculated that even if Chu Yangxiang were to grovel and plead for Chu Huixiang's mercy, it was doubtful that he would be spared. Chu Yangxiang's tirade against Chu Huixiang was a clear provocation.

"Chu Yangxiang is just looking for trouble. He thinks he's something special because he's a Grade 2 Talent, but he has no sense of restraint," someone commented.

"Indeed, he's utterly arrogant and ignorant," another agreed.

"This time, Chu Yangxiang is bound to get a thrashing he won't be able to avoid," a third person predicted.

The members of the Chu Family's inner courtyard regarded Chu Yangxiang as if he were an oddity. No newcomer had ever entered the inner courtyard without showing due respect to those who had arrived before them.

This year, Chu Yangxiang had the audacity to insult Chu Huixiang right to his face. He clearly didn't understand the gravity of his actions; he was practically begging for his own downfall.

If Chu Huixiang couldn't discipline Chu Yangxiang, he would lose all credibility within the inner courtyard. Regardless of Chu Yangxiang's identity or the severe punishment he might face from the family, Chu Huixiang was determined to correct this clueless upstart.

"Chu Yangxiang doesn't even consider you a threat. He's gone so far as to call you a dog," someone taunted.

"Chu Huixiang, are you going to take action, or will you cower away? If you act like a scared turtle, we'll lose all respect for you," another challenged.

"Chu Huixiang, if you're not up to it, I'm willing to step in and handle it for you," offered a third.

Chu Huixiang's eyes were bloodshot with fury. As an inner disciple of the Chu Family Courtyard, he couldn't let an insult from an outer disciple go unpunished. How could he maintain his dignity if he didn't teach Chu Yangxiang a lesson?

Moreover, when Chu Huixiang brutally assaulted Chu Yangxiang yesterday, Chu Yangxiang's frail body could barely stand a breeze. A single punch from Chu Huixiang was enough to keep Chu Yangxiang bedridden for an entire day.

"You'll pay dearly for those words."

Chu Huixiang's frame shuddered as he charged forward with long, rapid strides, employing Quick Steps. With each step, he barreled toward Chu Yangxiang, his movement stirring the air into a howling wind that whipped up dust in his wake.

"Chu Yangxiang, prepare to die!"

Chu Huixiang's rage flooded his mind. It wasn't just Chu Yangxiang's taunts that had enraged him; Chu Huixiang was, after all, an inner member of the Chu Family, a Profound Warrior One-star. His status in Zhenhai City was not insignificant.

For Chu Huixiang to be insulted by a newcomer on his first day in the courtyard, with so many onlookers, meant that if he didn't beat Chu Yangxiang into abject terror, forcing him to kneel and weep for mercy, Chu Huixiang's own reputation would be at stake. How else could he maintain his authority within the Chu Family Courtyard?

This was about establishing dominance and deterring others.

Chu Huixiang was like a tiger descending the mountain.

Many spectators shut their eyes, anticipating the worst for Chu Yangxiang. Those on the periphery often lived in poverty, with inadequate nutrition and physical conditioning. And with Chu Huixiang being a true Profound Warrior One-star, a towering figure, defeating a feeble boy seemed like child's play.

The sound of a body hitting the ground echoed in everyone's ears. Most assumed Chu Yangxiang had been struck down.

But when they opened their eyes, they were stunned to find Chu Huixiang sprawled on the ground instead. His complexion was a ghastly shade of green, his mouth contorted in agony.

Shock filled everyone's gaze. What exactly had just transpired?

As Chu Huixiang launched his attack, Chu Yangxiang didn't flinch. He planted himself in a firm horse stance, channeling all his strength into his arms. His skin quivered just as it had the night before when he was carrying the tank, focusing all his power into his hands.

Chu Yangxiang paid no heed to Chu Huixiang's grasping hands. His fists landed squarely on Chu Huixiang's shoulders with force.

Chu Huixiang had no way of knowing that Chu Yangxiang's strength had soared to that of a Profound Warrior Two-star overnight.

With a single blow, Chu Yangxiang sent Chu Huixiang crashing to the ground. Chu Huixiang's head struck the earth, nearly knocking him unconscious as his own momentum contributed to his downfall.

Chu Yangxiang advanced, his foot coming down on Chu Huixiang's right hand, eliciting a sickening crack that reverberated around them.

On the ground, Chu Huixiang screamed in agony.

Unrelenting, Chu Yangxiang dashed forward, his left foot stamping down on Chu Huixiang's left hand. The clear snap of breaking bones filled the air.

A rush of triumph surged through Chu Yangxiang as he reveled in his newfound power. The sound of Chu Huixiang's fracturing bones fueled his fervor. Gone were the days of helplessness under others' tyranny; the exhilaration of wielding power over life and death was intoxicating.

Deep within, he affirmed his resolve: "I must grow stronger."

Chu Huixiang writhed in excruciating pain.

"You're merciless, Chu Yangxiang," Chu Huixiang wailed, "My hands are completely useless now."

With a disdainful snort, Chu Yangxiang retorted, "Yesterday, eight of you ganged up on me. I was left unconscious. Weren't you merciless? Before leaving, you kicked me hard and vowed to beat me every time you saw me. How is that not merciless?"

"If you bully others, expect to be bullied in return," Chu Yangxiang declared, standing his ground and sweeping his gaze over the onlookers. He proclaimed confidently, "Anyone who dares to bully me will end up with broken hands and feet."

Chu Huixiang was a testament to that promise.

Chu Yangxiang stood tall, an embodiment of an undefeated God of War, his presence commanding and his aura overwhelming. His arrogance was palpable, and the atmosphere hung heavy with tension.

The Chu Family's disciples were taken aback, none having anticipated such a turn of events. Despite being a simpleton, Chu Huixiang was a Profound Warrior One-star. Yet there he lay, bested and broken by Chu Yangxiang.

This was an affront to everyone involved.

"You're speaking too arrogantly. I'm eager to see how you'll manage to break my hands and feet," he sneered, a man known for his vicious cunning.

Among those who had tormented Chu Yangxiang the day before was Chu Mingxiang, who possessed a Two-star Cultivation Level. The chasm between a Two-star and a One-star Cultivation Level was vast and unbridgeable.

Chu Yangxiang was aware that no one present exceeded the rank of Profound Warrior Two-star. Although his Profound Power was lacking, the Martial God Heavenly Technique had granted him strength on par with a Two-star Profound Warrior. Coupled with the South Bear Fist technique he had mastered that morning, he was ready to test the true mettle of a Two-star Profound Warrior.

"So you're Chu Mingxiang, aren't you? Don't think I've forgotten you were among those who bullied me yesterday. Come at me; I want to witness firsthand what's so remarkable about a Profound Warrior Two-star."

A surge of pride swelled within Chu Yangxiang, fueling a defiant spirit. The night before, he had activated the Small Black Cauldron, which bestowed upon him the Martial God Heavenly Technique and enabled him to absorb fifty Profound Qi Pills, thus fortifying his capabilities.

Today, he was no longer the pushover he once was.

With this in mind, he saw no reason to be overly lenient with them.

Chu Mingxiang was itching for a confrontation.