Zhou Bo hadn't even reacted when his forehead suffered a heavy blow.
His entire head was instantly embedded into the tiles, like an iron ball smashing the floor and creating cracks in all directions.
Who am I?
Where am I??
What am I doing???
Zhou Bo felt dizzy, then his vision went black, and he fell into a deep, baby-like sleep.
"Zhou Bo—"
Huo Qichen was so shocked that his eyes almost popped out, and he shouted.
He never expected...
That Zhou Bo, who was almost like a mini-Superman, would be slapped into an unknown state of life or death by Su Fan.
This proved that Su Fan was also a martial artist, and his strength was clearly above Zhou Bo's.
Could he have reached the Grandmaster level of Internal Strength?
Or even the Peak of Internal Strength???
At his age, being able to cultivate Internal Strength was already astonishing, making him a peerless genius...
But even the most monstrous genius has limits—it's impossible for him to have reached the Peak of Internal Strength.
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
If he had reached the Grandmaster level, that would already be an outrageously defiant talent.
"You... you are also a martial artist? And at the Grandmaster level!"
"No wonder the Han family values you so much, so this is why..."
Huo Qichen's expression changed drastically, and he stuttered as he spoke.
The sudden turn of events was so shocking that he lost his usual composed demeanor.
Damn it!
How could this guy be such a powerful martial artist?!
A master of this level would be respected in all major families—this is the deterrent effect of absolute strength!
Even the Huo family wouldn't dare provoke such a powerful figure easily.
But now...
He had deeply offended Su Fan—what should he do now?
At the same time, he suddenly understood Han Xinqiao's strange behavior earlier.
As expected...
That selfishly calculating woman had known about Su Fan's strength all along.
The reason she jumped out to protect Su Fan earlier was simply to curry favor and win him over.
"Mr. Su, I believe there is a misunderstanding between us."
"I actually bear no hostility toward you. If I have offended you, please forgive me."
"How about we turn hostility into friendship? I can offer you a generous compensation!"
"Moreover, if you ever need anything from the Huo family, just say the word. Our family has been established for many years and, without boasting... we do have some influence."
"......"
Huo Qichen took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and chose to make peace with Su Fan.
He was a smart man—he knew that making an enemy of a powerful martial artist would bring no benefit to the Huo family.
As the saying goes:
A wise man adapts to circumstances.
A real man knows when to bend and when to stand firm.
His conflict with Su Fan had not yet escalated to a life-or-death situation, so it was best to resolve things peacefully if possible.
He believed that as long as Su Fan had some sense, he would seize this opportunity to climb up.
He had already given Su Fan an easy way out and even admitted fault—surely, Su Fan would make the wise choice.
After all, making peace with the Huo family was far more beneficial than engaging in a deadly feud.
At the same time, to avoid appearing weak, Huo Qichen subtly brought up the Huo family's "trump card."
"Speaking of which, the Huo family's honored master, He, seems to have gained some new insights recently!"
"In a short while, he might be able to break through to the Peak Internal Strength level, where he has been stuck for years..."
"Mr. Su, if you have any doubts about martial arts, I can arrange a meeting between you and Master He."
"....."
Huo Qichen, without revealing his emotions, brought up the family's strongest warrior to intimidate Su Fan.
At the same time, he dangled a tempting bait for any martial artist—the guidance of a master.
Even the most talented martial artist couldn't possibly master everything without a teacher, right?
Everyone needs a mentor to lead them in, so they can make rapid progress and achieve breakthroughs.
For martial artists, what they crave most is the guidance of an experienced master—sometimes, a single piece of advice could clear the fog on their path to mastery.
It had to be said, Huo Qichen was indeed the heir that the Huo family had placed great hopes in.
Upon discovering Su Fan's martial artist identity, he immediately executed a flawless public relations maneuver.
If Su Fan were just an ordinary Internal Strength martial artist...
Perhaps things would have gone exactly as he planned, with both sides setting aside their differences and shaking hands.
Unfortunately... he was dealing with the unstoppable Su Fan...
At this moment, the stunned crowd finally began to regain their senses.
The banquet hall was suddenly filled with the sound of gasps from all directions.
Gasp~~~
(???(??? ;) Huh???
Everyone was left slack-jawed by this earth-shattering reversal.
…..
"This twist... feels like a movie! The plot's way too unbelievable!"
"Wasn't Zhou Bo supposed to be an unbeatable expert? How did that kid slap him into an unknown state of life or death?"
"Are you blind? Can't you see? It's obvious that Su Fan is also a martial artist, and he's even stronger than that old man!"
"This is truly unbelievable! I've come across some information about martial artists! In this era of declining martial arts, it should be nearly impossible to achieve such strength!"
"Exactly! The fact that Zhou Bo reached the Grandmaster level of Internal Strength at his age is already remarkable. There are plenty of people his age who haven't even broken into the Internal Strength realm!"
"But is Su Fan some kind of monster? At such a young age, his strength has already surpassed what Zhou Bo couldn't achieve in a lifetime! Comparing oneself to him is just frustrating!"
"This talent is terrifying! No wonder Young Master Huo bowed his head! If Su Fan continues to grow in strength and doesn't perish prematurely, he might even reach the legendary level of Martial Dao Grandmaster!"
"Once one reaches that level, it's said that they can kill with a mere falling leaf or a plucked flower. They can even unleash their internal energy externally—such terrifying power~~~"
"A martial artist of this caliber, even the Huo family would have to tread carefully around them, not daring to provoke them easily, for fear of total annihilation!"
…..
Countless murmurs filled the hall as everyone looked at Su Fan with shock and reverence.
It was a complete reversal from the looks of disdain and contempt he had received earlier.
This was a young powerhouse with the potential of a Grandmaster—someone to befriend, not to offend.
Look...
Even the once-arrogant Young Master Huo was now bowing his head obediently—what more could they do?
In an instant, many eyes filled with goodwill and flattery were cast toward Su Fan.
Su Fan didn't even lift an eyelid in response.
He was long accustomed to people's shift from initial contempt to later admiration and fear...
Suddenly.
Behind him, Han Xinqiao took a step forward, puffing out her chest, looking as if she was sharing in his glory.
In her mind, Su Fan was bound to be hers sooner or later.
This glory should rightfully be shared with her.
"These fools! The man I've set my eyes on is a future Martial Dao Grandmaster! If I told them, they'd be scared to death!"
Han Xinqiao thought to herself, but kept a fake smile on her face.
She would never reveal Su Fan's true strength.
For one, this was Su Fan's instruction.
And on the other hand, she didn't want to attract unnecessary competition for herself.
But not being able to show off was really frustrating!
Han Xinqiao instinctively looked toward the high platform, eager for Su Qingge to witness this moment where she stood proudly beside Su Fan.
See that?
The man I've chosen is so powerful—he's a top-tier, legendary man.
Jealous? Envious?
Hahaha~~~
Han Xinqiao laughed, inwardly celebrating o(*≧▽≦)ツ with joy~~~
Little did she know that in Su Qingge's eyes, her gaze seemed completely baffling.
Does this woman have a screw loose?
Why does she keep winking at me (^_?)☆???
Looking at those squinting eyes filled with pure foolishness; Su Qingge couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of human intelligence.
However, her attention quickly returned to Su Fan.
His performance today had truly exceeded her expectations...
…..
'This Su Fan had hidden his strength so well, easily defeating Huo Qichen's personal bodyguard.'
'His strength must at least be at advanced or even peak internal energy.....'
'At his age, I have no idea how he cultivated this level of power—his talent is truly astonishing!'
'With such incredible strength, yet he's willing to stay by Ke Xin's side as a bodyguard? Could there be some kind of scheme?'
'Looks like I need to remind Ke Xin to be cautious...'
…..
'Once I fully recover, I need to start training harder as well.'
'My master said that my talent isn't bad. As long as I practice the techniques he taught me, I can rapidly improve once I reach Internal Strength...'
'Though there are side effects, I don't care anymore—I need power quickly.'
'I had just reached Internal Strength not long ago and was preparing to formally train in my master's techniques...'
'But who would have thought I'd end up in a coma due to an accident? Fortunately, I'm recovering fast.'
'In a little while, I should be able to resume my original plan...'
…..
The girl in the wheelchair watched the commotion in the distance, her mind filled with thoughts.
As her body gradually recovered, many things could no longer be avoided—she had to face them.
But unlike before her coma, there was now a new variable in her life...
Her gaze shifted.
Su Qingge turned her attention to the young man beside her.
He was holding a bag of sunflower seeds, casually munching on them while enjoying the show...
If this were the Su Qingge before she became comatose, she would've stuck to her original plan without hesitation.
But during this time unconscious....
With Lin Xuan's company, she could no longer disregard his presence.
"What's wrong, Qingge? Want some sunflower seeds?"
Noticing her gaze, Lin Xuan smiled, turned his head, and picked out a sunflower seed kernel.
Before Su Qingge could react, he popped it into her mouth.
"?(′??) Does it taste good?"
Faced with his question, Su Qingge smiled and nodded.
At the same time, she stopped overthinking it. She decided to focus on fully recovering first—then she would take things one step at a time...
On the other side.
Facing Huo Qichen's attempt at reconciliation, Su Fan remained expressionless.
That so-called Master He, who had reached the peak of Internal Strength—what kind of trash was that? He wants to mentor me?
He's nothing more than an ant!!!
"Get lost!"
Su Fan, annoyed by the noise, shouted impatiently.
No matter how much Huo Qichen tried to build a relationship, Su Fan had already stated before...
The Huo family had no reason to exist anymore. From this day forth, they would be erased from Magic City!!!!
Su Fan was a man of his word. When he said something, it was set in stone. If he said he'd exterminate a family, then he would—without hesitation.
Moreover, from Huo Qichen's eyes, Su Fan could see deep hatred.
If left unchecked, this guy would definitely seek revenge if given the chance.
Of course...
Su Fan considered himself invincible and feared no threat.
But today, the matter involved the Su family and his own sister...
For safety's sake, the Huo family had to be eradicated.
However, when he left the mountain, he had promised his masters that he wouldn't make an enemy of the Chinese government.
So, Su Fan couldn't take action against Huo Qichen in front of so many people.
As long as he didn't leave any evidence for the authorities, it wouldn't count as defying them... right?
Once this banquet was over...
He would storm the Huo family estate and slaughter every last one of them!!!
Oh, right—he'd leave one person alive...
He had mentioned before—he wanted to see with his own eyes what expression Huo Qichen would have after losing the family he was so proud of.
Thinking of this,
Su Fan grinned, but his smile was as cold as ice.
"You—"
"Fine, fine, I'll leave!"
Even though he feared Su Fan greatly, he had already lowered his head and apologized in front of so many people.
Yet Su Fan refused to give him any face and shouted at him to "get lost."
Huo Qichen couldn't help but feel a raging fire of anger in his heart.
But his strongest warrior had already been defeated, so he didn't dare to provoke Su Fan further.
If Su Fan were to attack him now, no one would be able to save him...
And this... was the deterrent power of a martial artist!
No matter how powerful or wealthy you were, in the end, you were just an ordinary person with only one life.
If a powerful martial artist discarded all restraints, they could take your life in an instant.
At this moment, Huo Qichen was so furious that he nearly ground his teeth to dust.
Today was undoubtedly the most humiliating day of his life!!!
But as long as the green mountains remain, there will be wood to burn.
He chose... to endure!!!
So, he grabbed Mu Xiaowan by the wrist, signaled his subordinates, and prepared to carry Zhou Bo away.
"Wait—"
Seeing that Mu Xiaowan was about to be taken away, Su Fan's heart stirred, and he spoke to stop them.
That bastard?! What does he want now!!!
Huo Qichen's face turned ashen, and he turned around before he could even question him.
Su Fan spoke first, but his words were directed at Mu Xiaowan.
"Senior, do you want to leave him?"
"If you don't want to go with him, you can stay. I'll take you away!"
Hearing these words, Mu Xiaowan's eyes lit up, and she felt a bit tempted.
To be honest, her mind was still in a daze from everything that had happened tonight.
Everything she had experienced tonight was beyond the comprehension of an ordinary girl like her.
But one thing she knew for sure...
This junior in front of her was incredibly strong—strong enough to suppress the lunatic by her side.
If she wanted to escape from him and regain her freedom, this might be her only chance...
"Su Fan, don't push me too far!!!"
"This is my woman! She's carrying my child! Stay out of this!"
Huo Qichen's face twisted in rage, and he roared uncontrollably.
This was about a man's pride—everything else could be endured, but having his woman taken away? That was unforgivable!!!!
Especially for someone like him, a controlling CEO-type, how could he allow another man to take away his woman?!
Not to mention, she was carrying his child?!
Under Huo Qichen's cold and threatening gaze, Mu Xiaowan hesitated, unsure of what to do.
But the next second.
Su Fan's furious figure flashed between the two of them.
With a heavy slap, he struck Huo Qichen's face.
"Since when do insects dare to interrupt?!!!"