C17 Conflict!

A wave of intense pain surged from the surface of his skin, then burrowed deep into his flesh and blood, and finally, the agony seeped into his bone marrow and internal organs.

His entire body was engulfed in a scorching heat. An ordinary martial artist would certainly not be able to withstand such pain and would leap out of the wooden barrel.

Ye Han was like a statue, sitting cross-legged at the bottom of the barrel, his expression unchanging as he silently bore the severe pain wracking his body.

Ye Han understood that only by enduring the most bitter trials could one rise above others. He was not one to give up easily. He remained seated, his mind focused, channeling the Spiritual Energy within his body and guiding it through his four meridians.

With each complete circulation of Spiritual Energy, the pain diminished slightly.

After three hours, the intense pain gradually subsided until it vanished altogether. A cool breeze flowed into his body, repairing the damaged flesh. A wave of relief spread throughout his body, nearly eliciting a moan from Ye Han.

With a splash, Ye Han stood up from the barrel, the once dark green liquid now crystal clear. He dried himself with a towel and changed into a fresh set of clothes.

Realizing there were only a few hours left until dawn, Ye Han had no desire to sleep. He sat down cross-legged once more, beginning to draw in Spiritual Energy.

After sunrise, at his mother's insistence, Ye Han had breakfast before taking his family's carriage to the Cloud Facing Pavilion.

In the depths of winter, a sudden snowstorm arrived, blanketing everything in a flurry of large flakes that danced on the mountain wind. It created a serene, picturesque landscape.

Upon reaching the Cloud Facing Pavilion, Ye Han found the snow was already a foot deep.

The chill of the snowy day bit at him as he stepped out of the carriage, prompting him to wrap his robe tighter around himself. He showed his emerald green waist tag to the guards and then proceeded directly to the courtyard.

Arriving at the courtyard entrance, Ye Han paused, surprised to find someone already waiting for him.

As they saw him return, the group quickly closed in, their shouts filling the air, their faces alight with the thrill of anticipated drama.

Ye Han watched the crowd quietly, a hint of suspicion in his mind: "What are they up to? Has the theft of the spiritual herbs been discovered?"

Lin Haoran emerged with an air of confidence, hands clasped behind his back, exuding an aura of superiority. He spoke with a hint of mockery, "Ye Han, we've all heard from Teacher Wen Yun about your lucky breakthrough to the Pulse Opening Stage, and your commendable perseverance."

"It's quite the surprise that the Cloud Facing Pavilion's biggest underachiever has finally seen the light. Truly unexpected."

Murong Xueer adjusted a stray lock of hair and added, "Ye Han, though you've only just opened your meridians, and admittedly it's a bit late, we're genuinely pleased for you."

Ye Han offered a wry smile. "So, you've come to offer congratulations? Save it. Your words seem reluctant and insincere, making them hard to hear."

Lin Haoran bristled with indignation. "Ye, what's with the attitude? I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Wen Yun's special request."

Zhou Chong let out a cold laugh. "Well, since the pleasantries are out of the way, Ye Han, let's discuss some personal matters."

"What could you possibly have to discuss with me?" Ye Han inquired.

"You spineless rat," Zhou Chong said darkly. "You punched me in class and then scampered off. I half-expected you wouldn't show your face again."

Ye Han chuckled. "So, my visit home is now a cowardly retreat? Zhou Chong, you're giving yourself too much credit."

Zhou Chong's sneer returned. "Ye Han, this can be easily resolved. You used some underhanded trick to make a fool of me that day. Today, just crawl under my legs and I'll forgive you."

Murong Xueer, observing Ye Han closely, interjected, "Zhou Chong, you might have a point, but let's not overdo it. We're all classmates here. An apology should suffice."

"He has no point," Ye Han retorted with a laugh. "Before I opened my meridians, he tried to humiliate me, thinking he had the upper hand. Instead, he got a taste of his own medicine. I did nothing wrong."

Murong Xueer fell silent, at a loss for words.

Enraged, Zhou Chong bellowed, "Shut it, you waste of space! I was merely off guard back then. Today, you won't get the slightest edge over me."

Ye Han glared at Zhou Chong, his anger mounting by the second. With a loud and clear voice, he declared, "Zhou Chong, you block my doorway to insult me? This is beyond endurance! I'm not a pushover; everyone has their breaking point. Since you're pushing me this far, let's battle it out!"

The phrase 'let's battle it out' resonated with force, echoing in the minds of the onlookers, who were all taken aback.

Zhou Chong was a cultivator at the Pulse Opening Stage Level Three, while Ye Han had only opened his meridians a few days ago. It seemed clear to everyone that Ye Han stood no chance of victory.

Zhou Chong couldn't contain his delight, fearing that Ye Han might change his mind, he quickly retorted, "Ye Han, remember your words. Don't call the Discipline Hall guards over and then accuse me of bullying you."

With a scornful glance, Ye Han replied coldly, "Don't act as though you've already won. The outcome is far from decided. Watch out, or you'll be the one crying for mercy."

Zhou Chong's rage boiled over at Ye Han's stance. "Fine, Ye Han, if you won't accept a toast, you'll have to face the consequences. Don't blame me for showing no mercy!"

With that, Zhou Chong puffed out his chest, his bones cracking as his muscles expanded, straining against his clothes.

"Prepare to meet your end!"

With a low growl, Zhou Chong's right hand clenched into a fist, and he lunged forward, aiming a blow at Ye Han's chest.

Initially, Zhou Chong had no intention of physically attacking Ye Han; he thought a verbal reprimand would suffice to release his pent-up frustration.

But today, Ye Han's brazen confidence only fueled Zhou Chong's fury.

"It's you who's seeking death!"

Enraged, Ye Han raised his fist to meet the onslaught.

"Seeking death indeed! Zhou Chong is at the Pulse Opening Stage Level Three, and Ye Han has just begun. To think he's chosen to directly clash using fist strength."

"He must believe that opening his Pulse means he can defy all odds. How utterly foolish. That hand of his won't heal for at least ten days to a half month!"

When the crowd witnessed Ye Han's audacity, they couldn't help but find it laughable.

Murong Xueer shook her head, reflecting inwardly, "The person I encountered at the auction house couldn't possibly be Ye Han. That individual's presence was as stable as a mountain, unfazed in the face of an Earth Martial Stage Expert. How can Ye Han even begin to compare?"

With a resounding bang, the fists collided, sending a blast of air that whipped up the ground snow, obscuring the view of the fight momentarily.

A crisp crack echoed, reminiscent of jade shattering, signaling a bone fracture to the attentive ears of the onlookers.

Lin Haoran, with his hands casually behind his back, began to speak in a low tone, "You fool, our cultivation level is far from—"

But before Lin Haoran could finish, the snow settled, revealing not Ye Han, but Zhou Chong, who was at the Pulse Opening Stage Level Three, kneeling on the ground.

Ye Han stood tall and dignified, accepting Zhou Chong's submission with the grace of a conqueror on the battlefield.

Silence enveloped the area, an eerie stillness that spoke volumes.

"What's happening here? When did Ye Han become so powerful?"

"My God! It feels like I'm in a dream. What's going on?"

The spectators were struggling to process the turn of events. The sight before them shattered their preconceptions and upended their beliefs.

In an instant, Lin Haoran's face felt the sting of humiliation, as if he had been slapped repeatedly. His mouth hung open, yet no words came out.

Murong Xueer, her hand covering her lips, appeared equally astonished.

Ye Han massaged his wrist, casting a dismissive glance at Zhou Chong, devoid of any sympathy. "You've brought this upon yourself. Haven't you heard the saying about not burning all your bridges? You talked too big, and now you're paying the price," he said icily.

Zhou Chong looked up at Ye Han, his chest heaving with raw emotion, his eyes red with rage and his face a mask of indignation.

He had planned to assert his dominance over Ye Han today, to taunt him and showcase his own formidable strength.

At that moment, he found himself kneeling on the ground in disgrace, subjected to Ye Han's mockery and ridicule. The sight was utterly humiliating for Zhou Chong, who was seething with the desire to charge forward and dismember Ye Han, releasing the pent-up fury and loathing within him.

Despite his suffering, Zhou Chong was still a youth, his body having endured a recent calamity and his heart heavy with unspeakable sorrow. Overwhelmed by the ordeal, he broke down and wept.

Through his tears, Zhou Chong hysterically screamed at Ye Han, "You contemptible cur, hiding your true power to ambush me! One day, it will take your very life to cleanse my disgrace."

"Ye Han, if you lack the courage to kill me today, I swear I'll feast on your blood and flesh in the future, leaving you without a grave to rest in."

Zhou Chong's chilling words sent shivers down the spines of all who heard, as if a venomous snake had fixed its gaze upon them, poised to strike at any moment.

Ye Han felt a surge of lethal intent. He saw the venom in Zhou Chong's eyes. He was no naive boy, but a seasoned half-step Sovereign warrior reborn, with a resolute approach to combat. His initial impulse was to eradicate the threat entirely, but he reconsidered, mindful that he was within the sanctity of the Cloud Facing Pavilion, and thus he subdued the murderous impulse stirring within him.

"The rantings of a powerless man are no more than the ravings of a rabid dog. I spared you today not out of pity, but because the Cloud Facing Pavilion has afforded you its sanctuary."

With those words, Ye Han turned his back on the crowd and strode purposefully into the adjacent courtyard.