C20 What a Surprise

He had become numb to the routine.

He couldn't even recall how many days it had been since he started delivering these small gifts. Initially, Ye Qinghui harbored some resentment, but now, he had grown accustomed to it. The relentless back-and-forth between the two was wearing thin on him. He contemplated whether today was the day to ask his master directly if he was willing to accept him as his spouse. The endless hassle was truly bothersome.

Ye Qinghui resolved that today would be the final attempt.

However, gaining entry to the Jade Garden today proved to be a challenge.

The establishment was besieged.

A skilled martial artist led the encirclement, tasked specifically with confronting Ye Qinghui.

Last time, Ye Qinghui had to resort to using his fists and feet, which was quite humiliating. This time, the strategy was simpler: target his strengths. If his fists and feet were formidable, they would be the focus of the attack. The goal was to ensure he didn't have an easy time.

The plan was sound, but Ye Qinghui was nowhere to be found.

The standoff had lasted for an hour.

It appeared to exert infinite pressure on the Jade Garden, coercing them to surrender the individual in question.

The Jade Garden seemed to be buckling under this immense strain. In reality, they were at a loss; with no one present, how could they comply? Had the person been there, they might have consulted with Ye Qinghui on a course of action.

Unaware of these developments, Ye Qinghui only knew he had come bearing gifts for his future mistress, only to find his path obstructed by those who clearly weren't patrons.

It seemed the opposition was intent on maintaining their blockade indefinitely.

This wouldn't do; it was wasting his time.

Such circumstances were unacceptable.

"Excuse me, could you please let me through?" Ye Qinghui politely requested of the individual blocking his path.

"Beat it!" came the brusque reply, dripping with rudeness and disrespect. There was no intention of engaging in a civil conversation with Ye Qinghui.

The adversary's eyes bore into Ye Qinghui with a menacing glare.

And the result?

Thwack!

A palm struck the opponent's body. The blow, seemingly playful, caught him off guard, and yet, it failed to be lethal. The attack had landed, but it fell short of its intended effect.

Bang!

Another palm strike thundered down!

But it failed.

Bang!

Yet another palm strike!

Failed again!

If the opponent could withstand it, failing to kill with a single palm strike meant failure.

And with failure, the only option was to keep persisting.

"Hey, what are you up to?!"

The gang leader had arrived.

A'Tu's gaze was locked onto Ye Qinghui.

"What am I up to? Nothing at all. I just wanted to enter, and he decided to block my path. It annoyed me, so I attacked. What's the issue?"

"You're not taking me seriously, are you? Do you realize I'm the King of underground boxing?"

"The King of boxing? Is that like the toughest of the tough, the ruler of the ring?"

Ye Qinghui asked A'Tu, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

A'Tu's hands clenched into fists, creaking with tension.

This man's way of speaking showed no ounce of respect.

It was utterly infuriating!

"That's the guy!"

A younger gang member pointed at Ye Qinghui and yelled to A'Tu.

A'Tu nodded; Ye Qinghui was indeed the target. This was perfect timing. If he could take down Ye Qinghui, he could take control of the Jade Garden.

At this point, Ye Qinghui's survival seemed impossible.

Swish!

A'Tu launched his attack.

The might of the underground boxing King was about to be unleashed.

Just watching those iron fists swing, you'd know they were tough to handle. Imagine the pain if they landed a hit – it would be excruciating.

It was supposed to be a simple equation of pain and power.

Or was it?

Was that really all there was to it?

Ye Qinghui watched A'Tu with a cool detachment.

His eyes held not even a sliver of respect.

And as for the attack, Ye Qinghui effortlessly dodged every move.

First attempt, missed!

Second attempt, missed!

Third attempt, missed again!

It was beyond frustrating!

A'Tu reminded himself not to be provoked. The other party was just trying to make him lose his cool. Fine, as long as he didn't take Ye Qinghui seriously, there was no way Ye Qinghui could get under his skin.

Clang!

Ye Qinghui unsheathed his sword.

Ah Tu's gaze grew colder. The intelligence had noted the adversary's formidable hand-to-hand combat skills, yet it failed to mention their proficiency with bladed and blunt weapons.

Now, the adversary had drawn their sword, a clear indication of confidence in their martial prowess.

This raised the question: did the adversary possess martial strength or not? If they truly did, it would pose a significant challenge.

Whoosh!

The attack arrived, carried by a fierce gust.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, it relentlessly targeted his body.

It was evident that this was a fearsome and formidable assault, seemingly aimed to claim his life.

No, this couldn't continue.

Whoosh!

The first blade narrowly missed Ah Tu's front.

Then, the second slice swiftly followed, leaving a bloody gash on Ah Tu's body.

Crucially, the third and potentially lethal strike was on its way.

Atop the rooftop.

Xiang observed Ye Qinghui's display of martial prowess.

"Xiang, that must be Chen Laosan's Life-Threatening Three Strikes!" exclaimed an onlooker.

"Indeed, Chen Laosan has clearly passed on his signature technique to him," Xiang confirmed.

"Chen Laosan must have great trust in him. Isn't that move meant to be taught to his future children? Could it be that he is Chen Laosan's illegitimate son? Wow, Xiang, do you have a child?" Ah Hong inquired.

Xiang rolled her eyes at the absurdity of the suggestion.

Such a train of thought was indeed perplexing. She was at a loss for words, feeling a profound sense of melancholy.

The battle had come to an end.

The blade's tip had grazed the skin, poised to plunge into the heart at any moment.

Ah Tu had not anticipated defeat; his greatest strength lay in his fists.

Yet, here he was, facing an opponent armed with a knife, spear, and staff.

What sort of man was this?

Damn!

It was truly astonishing.