Chapter 84: Offending the Xue Family

Chu Han remained silent, his gaze just as cold as before. He tightened his right hand, and the force of a hundred and fifty thousand jin was too much for Xue Gui to bear; he felt as though his bones would shatter under Chu Han’s grip. Instinctively, he released his hold, letting go of Ye Tingyu.

Ye Tingyu, terrified, scurried behind Chu Han for protection. “Xue Gui, let’s leave it at that this time. If you treat me like this again, I swear I’ll tell my father. Besides, I don’t like you—how many times must I say it? In a few days, I’ll ask my father to annul the engagement.”

Upon hearing her words, Xue Gui’s expression shifted. He shook his aching wrist and forced a smile. “Tingyu, has this guy fooled you? Don’t worry, I’ll deal with him first and apologize to you after. I was wrong just now, but I was only worried about you.”

With that, he turned his cold gaze on Chu Han. “Kid, you’ve got some strength. Have a match with me. If I win, you’ll stay away from Tingyu and the Imperial Capital. Don’t ever let me see you again.”

Seeing his attitude, Chu Han found him rather ridiculous—a lovesick fool with no sense whatsoever. There was nothing more to say; the man’s arrogance and the way he had treated Ye Tingyu were exactly the sort of things Chu Han detested.

“Although I have no interest in this little girl, your arrogance is truly offensive to me. Honestly, I don’t wish to fight you. I fear my strength might be too much—you could die from a single punch.”

As soon as Chu Han spoke, the crowd fell silent. Such unrestrained arrogance was unprecedented, rivaling even Tang Feng. Even the formidable Tang Feng would never dare speak to Xue Gui in this manner.

Xue Gui came from the Xue family, which commanded one hundred thousand elite troops in Great Chu. The family was full of military talent, invincible on the battlefield, and the Emperor’s most trusted support. That was why the Emperor had agreed to the Xue family’s proposal to marry Ye Tingyu to Xue Gui.

As for Xue Gui himself, he was a formidable figure—reaching the Ninth Palace of the Dao Palace realm at thirty-five, just a step from the peak. He was a true genius and a fierce warrior on the battlefield, with a reputation that intimidated the entire Imperial Capital.

“Heh, after all these years, you’re the first to speak to me like this. Since that’s so, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

Infuriated by Chu Han’s insolence, Xue Gui drew his longsword and prepared to attack.

To the onlookers, Chu Han’s words seemed the height of arrogance, but to Chu Han himself, it was merely confidence. His raw strength had reached a hundred and fifty thousand jin—he was speaking the truth. If he struck with all his might, he truly feared he might kill Xue Gui with a single blow.

But there was no time for hesitation, for Xue Gui’s attack was already upon him. There were many ways in which Xue Gui differed from Chu Han’s previous opponents—his speed was unremarkable, but his strength was tremendous, likely honed on the battlefield. His strikes were wide and powerful, exuding a sense of unrestrained ferocity.

The spectators were mostly allied with the Xue family, especially the Ma family, who also had ties to Tang Feng. Ma Wen, hoping to avenge Tang Feng, had concocted this vicious scheme: if Chu Han killed Xue Gui, the Xue family would never let Chu Han or Tang Hao escape. If Chu Han died at Xue Gui’s hands, so much the better.

Blue lightning crackled around Chu Han as he raised his right hand to block Xue Gui’s heavy sword. With his Purgatory Golden Body, his flesh was nearly indestructible; Xue Gui’s attacks could not even scratch his defenses.

“Heh, your strength is at best eighty thousand jin. Pathetic.”

Chu Han sneered, dodging a few strikes, then lashed out with a kick to Xue Gui’s chest. Xue Gui grunted and staggered back several steps.

Though he wore armor, it felt as if he had been rammed by an elephant. He coughed up blood, his internal organs trembling from the impact. Realizing the danger, he knew he was outmatched.

Just as he prepared to concede, Chu Han’s next blow landed. Since Xue Gui was armored, Chu Han punched him directly in the face. The sickening crack made everyone’s scalp tingle—they all knew it was the sound of Xue Gui’s bones breaking.

Xue Gui was sent flying, landing on the ground in a bloody, unrecognizable heap. His injuries were grave; though still alive, even if he were healed, he would likely never recover his former strength.

Witnessing this, Ma Wen gained a new understanding of Chu Han’s power. This was no ordinary man. Yet his goal was achieved: with Xue Gui crippled, the Xue family would certainly seek vengeance on Chu Han and Tang Hao. Now, all that remained was to watch the ensuing chaos.

With this in mind, Ma Wen’s eyes flashed with malice. He tried to slip away quietly, but as soon as he turned, a figure blocked his path. Looking up, he saw Chu Han standing before him. Startled, he cried out and stumbled back a few steps.

“Ma Wen, isn’t it? Don’t think I don’t know what tricks you’ve been playing. You want to deal with me? You’re not worthy. Don’t expect to leave here unscathed.”

Chu Han reached out, seized Ma Wen’s right hand, and with a twist, broke it in a way that made Ma Wen scream in agony. Just as he’d done before to Lin Yan, Chu Han ensured that without his intervention, Ma Wen would never regain use of that hand.

“Pass on a message to all the great families: if you want to oppose me, Chu Han, you’re welcome to try. But I warn you, do not target my father. Otherwise, the fate of the Tang Prince’s household will befall you all. Now get out of my sight.”

Ma Wen dared not utter a word, hurriedly gathering his men and slinking away.

He had always taken Chu Han for a fool, never realizing that Chu Han had seen through his schemes from the start. When Chu Han noticed Ma Wen’s reaction upon seeing him with Ye Tingyu, he knew something was amiss, though he didn’t know exactly what orders Ma Wen had given his subordinates.

When Xue Gui arrived, the truth became clear—it was all a plot to use another’s hand to kill. The Ma family’s young lord had once told him that, having received Tang Feng’s favor, they would certainly deal with him. He hadn’t expected them to resort to such cruel methods so soon. Since Ma Wen had played such a venomous game, Chu Han wouldn’t let him walk away unscathed.

“Chu Han, you’re amazing! It’s the first time I’ve seen Xue Gui in such a sorry state. Don’t be afraid of the Xue family—I’ll protect you. With me here, they won’t dare touch you.”

Seeing Xue Gui lying unconscious on the ground, Ye Tingyu cheered. She was no fool; she knew that after Chu Han had injured Xue Gui for her sake, the Xue family would not let Chu Han off easily. She patted her chest, making a solemn promise.

Her antics made Chu Han laugh aloud. This little girl was truly a character—if he ever needed to rely on Ye Tingyu for protection, what a pitiful state he’d be in.

“Don’t worry, little one. The Xue family is nothing to me. You should return to the palace and speak to your father about annulling the engagement. Otherwise, the Xue family will keep using it as leverage, and you’ll be the one to suffer.”

Chu Han patted her on the head and spoke gently. Ye Tingyu realized he was right, nodded, and promised to find him after speaking with her father. With that, she gathered her people and left with great swagger.

As for Chu Han, he didn’t spare a glance for Xue Gui, who lay unconscious on the ground. He simply strode away. He had never cared for subtlety or hiding his strength. Those who pretend to be weak will eventually become truly weak—this he firmly believed.