CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45: PATIENTLY WAITING

Black Tiger Hall’s Bai Que?

Hearing Youu Cancan’s words, Ye Fei couldn’t help but curl his lips into a grin.

He hadn’t expected Youu Cancan to even know about Bai Que greeting Huang Xiong’s master.

But since that was the case, Ye Fei curiously asked, "What makes it unusual?"

"Let me put it this way! Among martial artists, there are a handful of individuals at the pinnacle, honored as Innate Martial Kings! Each of these people holds a status akin to that of a nation’s high-ranking general—unfathomable, isn’t it?"

Youu Cancan smiled mysteriously and said, "This time, the person Bai Que has invited is likely one such Innate Martial King!"

So Huang Xiong’s master is coming after all?

Ye Fei silently nodded upon hearing this.

Since becoming a Cultivator, he had yet to go all out in a serious battle.

From the memories of the Soul-controlling Demon, he knew that cultivation as a Cultivator involved not only relying on Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures paired with painstaking practice but also engaging in combat to enhance oneself—a rapid way to ascend in strength.

If he could face off against an Innate Martial King, Ye Fei wouldn’t just gain clarity about the pinnacle of power Earth currently held; he could also absorb experience in combat and attempt a breakthrough.

Such a twofold benefit made Ye Fei feel a faint sense of anticipation.

"By the way, do you have any intel on this Innate Martial King?" Ye Fei immediately turned to Youu Cancan and asked.

"Do you think Innate Martial Kings are as common as roadside cabbages? How could I possibly have intel on someone like that?"

Youu Cancan shot Ye Fei an exasperated glare, then, with a dismissive smirk, added, "Since you’re so curious, I’ll tell you what I know. Regarding that Innate Martial King, I only know one thing—his name bears a slight resemblance to yours!"

"Resembles mine?" Ye Fei was momentarily taken aback.

"Exactly! That Innate Martial King’s name is Wang Fei. See? You’re Ye Fei, he’s Wang Fei—isn’t that kind of similar?" With a teasing grin, Youu Cancan laughed.

Upon hearing this, Ye Fei was left speechless.

How does that even count as resembling?

But Wang Fei—now there’s a name that fits China’s naming conventions.

Didn’t Huang Xiong say his master was an overseas Innate Martial King?

At that moment, Hee Youliang, who had recovered from the shadows of being terrified by Wei Dong, spotted Ye Fei’s contemplative expression. He suddenly took the opportunity to sneer disdainfully, "Kid, you’re awfully curious about Innate Martial Kings. What, are you thinking of challenging one?"

"What if I said yes?" Ye Fei replied with a grin.

"Yes? Hahaha—you’re seriously saying yes?"

Hee Youliang burst into laughter, his voice growing louder with every second.

"Junior Brother Dong, did you hear that? This brat actually said yes! Look at yourself, kid—do you think you’re even remotely qualified?"

Dong Youcai chimed in with a mocking laugh, "Brother Hee, don’t laugh! This kid is just daydreaming. Why crush his dreams so cruelly? But hey, if he dares challenge an Innate Martial King, I’ll go challenge the king’s father! Haha!"

"Did you catch that, kid?"

Hee Youliang scowled at Ye Fei and added viciously, "Why not be realistic? Go home, make money for us, and serve us well with good food and drink. Maybe then we’ll teach you a couple of neat tricks. Otherwise, prepare for me to use you as my personal punching bag whenever I feel like it!"

Listening to the mockery from Hee Youliang and Dong Youcai, Ye Fei simply shook his head, too indifferent to respond.

It wasn’t worth it!

Moreover, if Wang Fei the Innate Martial King did show up, Ye Fei would surely step into the arena—and at that point, Hee Youliang and Dong Youcai would have to swallow every word they’d just spat.

Seeing Ye Fei remain silent despite their harsh derision, Hee Youliang and Dong Youcai soon lost interest and resorted to calling him a coward before turning their attention back to the arena.

On the arena, the ongoing battle was nearing its conclusion.

Just as Youu Cancan had said, Zhou Tian’s straightforward punches seemed utterly ineffective against the cloaked fighter employing the Spiritual Snake Fist, as if he were up against his natural nemesis, unable to even demonstrate his abilities.

To make matters worse, the cloaked fighter’s strength was inherently superior to Zhou Tian’s.

After over a hundred intense rounds, Zhou Tian made a reckless move, giving the cloaked fighter an opening to unleash a series of combo punches, forcing Zhou Tian into retreat again and again.

Ultimately, Zhou Tian spat out a mouthful of blood and fell off the stage.

"Bravo! Haha, well done, Mr. Ouyang!"

One-eyed burst into laughter upon seeing the outcome, then turned to Guo Wenyuan and said, "Guo Wenyuan, you wouldn’t go back on your word now, would you? Sure, Mr. Guo commands our respect, but if Guo Wenyuan tries to cheat, none of us here in Southern Su will let that slide!"

"Naturally not!"

Though Guo Wenyuan’s hands were digging grooves into his seat’s armrests, he maintained a composed exterior and replied, "From this day forward, I, Guo Wenyuan, will no longer interfere in the aquatic product trade of Wulian County. Moreover, the surrounding transport routes are all yours!"

"Haha, much appreciated!"

One-eyed burst into triumphant laughter.

Seeing Guo Wenyuan’s face turn ashen, Hee Ming leaned in and said, "Mr. Guo, let him bask in his moment of glory. Once Mr. Ye arrives, whatever he swallows, we’ll make him spit it back out!"

"Indeed!"

With Hee Ming’s reassurance, Guo Wenyuan suppressed his anger and nodded. "Well said! But with Master Zhou injured, if someone calls us out again, what will Yuntai do?"

"This..."

Hee Ming suddenly faltered, his expression troubled.

Historically, Yuntai relied on Hee Ming and Bai Que to support Guo Wenyuan. Even if Hee Ming couldn’t compete, Bai Que’s team was an option.

But this year, Bai Que had defected to Southern Su’s Runzhou due to internal feuding. As a result, Yuntai was left short-handed.

If Ye Fei didn’t show up soon, neither Hee Ming nor Guo Wenyuan would have anyone to send!

One-eyed, fully aware of the situation, seized on the opportunity and shouted, "I seem to be on quite the lucky streak! Well then, Chairman Hee, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to help Guo Wenyuan save face?"

Hee Ming’s face immediately darkened, the exact scenario he had feared unfolding before him.

Before he could speak, Bai Que suddenly stood and declared, "The Flame Dragon Association belongs to me! Anyone who dares challenge me is my enemy!"

At these words, One-eyed snorted coldly, "What’s this? Bai Que, you’re just a stray dog wagging your tail for Southern Su now, yet you dare oppose me? I heard you’ve recruited some so-called expert—care to show them off to me?"

The other Southern Su bigwigs also shot scornful looks at Bai Que.

Bai Que, however, remained calm, slowly standing and shouting southward, "Master Lei, I, Bai Que, most humbly invite you to step forward!"