Chapter 37: Are You Handing Out Alms to Beggars Here?

"This..."

Hong Jinlong was momentarily stunned.

He had imagined countless ways Su Yifan might respond, but this was one he had never expected.

They say true masters are eccentric, but this was eccentricity taken to a whole new level.

Seeing the alliance leader Hong Jinlong at a loss, Zheng Yuan hurried to explain, "Young Master Su, this is our Martial Arts Alliance leader."

Su Yifan responded with a nonchalant "Oh," and continued sipping his tea.

Watching this, Hong Jinlong nearly ground his molars to pieces.

What kind of attitude is this?

He’d just told him he was the Martial Arts Alliance leader, and all he got was a single "Oh"?

Did this brat even take him seriously?

"Is there anything else you need?" Su Yifan glanced at the two of them, his tone indifferent.

Hong Jinlong held his tongue, swallowing his anger.

Zheng Yuan saw this and quickly said, "Young Master Su, we actually came today to discuss two matters with you."

"Oh? What are they?" Su Yifan asked, pouring himself another cup of tea.

"Young Master Su, you killed the younger brother and personal guards of the War God, Ye Wushuang. He will definitely come seeking vengeance," Zheng Yuan said seriously. "For your safety, we’ve informed Dragon Division about what happened. They will intervene to stop Ye Wushuang from attacking you."

"Dragon Division?" Su Yifan’s brow furrowed.

"Dragon Division is one of the most powerful special organizations in Xia Country," Zheng Yuan explained. "They have broad authority, both domestically and abroad. If anything involves martial artists and national security, they have the right to intervene. Although you killed Ye Wushuang’s brother and guards, ultimately, it was King of the Southeast who was at fault. And those two guards attacked you with murderous intent—you acted in self-defense. We’ve explained all this to Dragon Division. Their people are already on their way to Cloud City."

He finished in one breath. His intentions were clear: he wanted to draw Su Yifan into the alliance.

"So Dragon Division is coming to Cloud City to stop Ye Wushuang from seeking revenge on me?" Su Yifan asked.

"Yes," Zheng Yuan nodded.

At this, Su Yifan sneered, "Ye Wushuang alone isn't enough to threaten me. Tell Dragon Division not to bother sending anyone."

To say nothing of Ye Wushuang—he wouldn't be afraid even if a hundred or a thousand like him came.

Still, Ye Wushuang was, after all, a member of the military. If he kept his distance, Su Yifan would leave him be. But if he dared cause trouble, not even his status as a soldier would save him.

"Boy, you’re too arrogant, do you kno—"

Slap!

Hong Jinlong finally lost his temper.

He had intended to explain Ye Wushuang’s strength, to remind Su Yifan that there is always someone stronger, but before he could finish, Su Yifan’s palm struck out.

Hong Jinlong was sent flying.

"Young Master Su—" Zheng Yuan attempted to speak.

"What? Are you missing my slap as well?" Su Yifan said coldly.

The words died in Zheng Yuan’s throat. He looked anxiously at their leader.

Alliance Leader, I told you to keep calm and stay humble. Now look—couldn’t you control your mouth?

Hong Jinlong staggered to his feet, a clear palm print on his face.

"You brat—"

"What did you call me? Think carefully before you speak." Su Yifan flexed his fingers.

Hong Jinlong swallowed the word he'd been about to say. "Y-Young Master Su, I only meant to remind you. Why did you hit me?"

Damn it!

If only he could win, he’d have punched this kid a few times himself!

Su Yifan smiled. "You don’t know why you were hit?"

"I—" Hong Jinlong began to protest but caught Zheng Yuan frantically signaling to him.

He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, "I understand."

Su Yifan nodded with satisfaction. "Good. I thought you might need another slap to get it."

Hong Jinlong nearly spat blood.

So you want to hit me again, is that it? Fine, you’re powerful, you’re the boss!

Su Yifan had no desire to waste more words. His voice was cold:

"All those I’ve killed in recent days were persecutors of the Su family. My grandfather died because of them—they all deserved to die!"

"As for Ye Wushuang, he’d better stay away from me. Otherwise, even if he’s with the military, he won't escape death!"

As he finished speaking—

Boom—

A mighty aura erupted from Su Yifan.

Standing closest, Zheng Yuan was forced to muster his internal energy just to withstand the pressure.

Even at a distance, Hong Jinlong could feel Su Yifan’s overwhelming strength.

Only now did he truly understand why Su Yifan could speak so confidently; a true powerhouse fears nothing.

"Is there anything else? If not, you should leave," Su Yifan ordered, making it clear they were no longer welcome.

Hong Jinlong quickly said, "Y-Young Master Su, there’s one more matter."

"Speak."

"We would like to invite you to join our Martial Arts Alliance." Hong Jinlong cupped his hands, his expression earnest.

Zheng Yuan, too, clenched his fists, his face full of anticipation. With Su Yifan’s strength, if he joined the alliance, Cloud City’s Martial Arts Alliance would soon dominate the entire Southeast Province.

"And what do I gain by joining your Martial Arts Alliance?" Su Yifan asked.

With his strength, joining such a small alliance would be laughable. More importantly, what could he possibly gain from it? He had no intention of being bound by rules for no benefit.

"This..." Hong Jinlong was stumped.

He had only thought about how to recruit Su Yifan, never considering what the alliance could actually offer someone like him.

For a man of Su Yifan's power, money was surely not enough.

What to do now?

"What, nothing to say?" Su Yifan smiled faintly. "Then please leave."

The guards stepped forward. "Gentlemen, please."

Hong Jinlong’s mind raced. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and he blurted out, "Young Master Su, our alliance can provide you with spirit stones."

"Spirit stones?" Su Yifan's interest was piqued.

They actually possessed spirit stones?

Wait—these weren’t cultivators. What did they need spirit stones for?

As an old fox, Hong Jinlong could tell at a glance that Su Yifan was tempted. He seized the opportunity. "Young Master Su, as alliance leader, I can personally allocate one spirit stone to you every month if you join."

Su Yifan was pondering why they had spirit stones and what use they had for them.

Hearing this, he couldn't help but laugh aloud.

Seeing this, both Hong Jinlong and Zheng Yuan were inwardly elated.

Just as expected—no martial artist can resist the lure of spirit stones.

As the two congratulated themselves, Su Yifan slowly spoke:

"One spirit stone? Are you trying to pacify a beggar?"