C23 The Power of the Godking!

Xu Rui was on the verge of panic, her red lips quivering. Had the car door not been locked, she might have screamed out loud. Yet, when she caught sight of Yu Haoran's deep, penetrating gaze, an unprecedented sense of safety washed over her.

Without another word, Yu Haoran stepped out of the car. "If you don't want me calling the cops, then beat it and keep your distance from her," he said, his voice calm and measured.

Such individuals were not unfamiliar to him; in the Divine World, they were the ones who collected debts or preyed on the weak. In the presence of the God-King, they would be swiftly dealt with. But now, with Tuantuan in his life, his desire to mete out such harsh justice had lessened considerably.

"Oh? And who are you supposed to be? Don't think you can strut around here just because you've rented a car! Believe me, if you don't want trouble, you'd better scram," the thug sneered, eyeing Yu Haoran dismissively. Dressed in cheap market clothes, driving a car that's supposedly a luxury model? He was probably just another poser trying to impress women by flaunting wealth.

They encountered such pretenders often enough that it no longer surprised them. As the thug finished his taunt, his cronies began to hoot and holler, hurling a barrage of obscenities.

"Mr. Yu, please go. They wouldn't dare do anything to me; we live in a society governed by law," Lee Rong implored, hurrying to Yu Haoran's side and speaking in a hushed tone. She was aware of Yu Haoran's formidable strength, but with the darkness concealing potential weapons, she feared for his safety.

Yet, as she spoke, her conviction waned. A lawful society? Even the brightest light casts shadows, and society was no different. The actions of these men were a stark reminder of the filth that lurked beneath the surface.

Torn by her conflicting emotions and unsure of her next move, Lee Rong was interrupted by the sound of a voice that, under the circumstances, seemed almost comical.

"Do you ants really dare to bark in front of me?"

This was the God-King's iconic line in the Divine World. Whenever he uttered these words, it was guaranteed that some "ants" would vanish. But this was Earth!

"Haha... Boss, what's this kid talking about? Ants? God-King?"

"Damn, has this kid lost his mind? Is he trying to play dumb?"

"God-King? He sure thinks highly of himself. I'm the freaking Jade Emperor, for crying out loud..."

...

Yu Haoran furrowed his brow, pondering a question. Why did such a standard phrase always elicit laughter every time he said it?

"Why do they laugh every time I say that? Is there something wrong?"

In the Radiant Empyrean of the Divine World, whenever this voice was heard, everyone knew the God-King was about to unleash a slaughter. They wouldn't even dare to breathe too loudly. But here...

"Uh... Maybe..."

Lee Rong replied awkwardly amidst the tense and thrilling moment.

If it weren't for this situation, if it weren't for her, she might have laughed as well.

This man was truly unique. He was amusing.

To say something like that at a time like this, especially after the same scenario unfolded with Lee Jingtian earlier in the afternoon.

Lee Rong finally couldn't contain herself any longer. "Pfft!" She quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

"Hmm?"

Yu Haoran was baffled. Why was she laughing too?

"Moron! With your smarts, you're trying to woo women and play the hero? Look, even she's laughing!"

"Boss, let's turn him into a bear today!"

"Bang!"

"Smack! Smack!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Yu Haoran's patience had its limits, and being ridiculed by what he considered ants and trash was too much, even for him. After all, he was once a revered God-King!

If a tiger doesn't display its might, will you mistake it for a sick cat?

A cacophony of punches, kicks, and slaps ensued. In an instant, dozens of people were on the ground, moaning in pain.

They looked at Yu Haoran with eyes filled with terror.

"Clang!"

A sound echoed as the only standing thug dropped the machete that had appeared in his hand onto the ground.

His mouth hung agape, his eyes glazed over as if he were a statue.

Yes, he was petrified with fear!

Was this even a human?

As Yu Haoran made his move, he drew the machete he was holding. But before he could wield it, he watched his men collapse to the ground.

Surely this was a demon from hell!

He couldn't summon a shred of courage or will to fight. They were simply not in the same league. The difference was too vast.

Thud!

The thug leader, accustomed to such dirty work, realized the tide had turned. He immediately knelt down, his face twisted in a grimace of bitterness.

But before he could utter a word, a voice cut through the tension.

"Cut the act. Get up and beat it. Next time you won't be so lucky. And keep your distance from her."

At the sound of that voice, the gang felt a wave of relief wash over them. They scrambled to their feet and hobbled off into the night, the leader included.

He vowed to steer clear of this woman for the rest of his life! She was terrifying.

Ultimately, Yu Haoran escorted Lee Rong to her apartment. Given the late hour and concerns for her safety, he couldn't, in good conscience as a man, decline.

"Yu... Mr. Yu, would you like to come in for a glass of water?" she asked, her voice low and her gaze flickering.

In that moment, she harbored a small hope yet also a sliver of fear. What if Yu Haoran accepted her invitation?

Amidst her conflicted thoughts, Yu Haoran turned and descended the stairs.

"You have my number. If you ever need anything, just call me."

Watching Yu Haoran walk away, Lee Rong found herself at a loss for words.

His departing figure struck her as effortlessly cool. So cool, indeed. But was he truly not thirsty?