Bullying the Weak and Fearing the Strong

Ye Yun's words, which completely disregarded him, thoroughly enraged Gu Dahai. With a clang, he drew the large saber from the table and said with a chilling tone, "Kid, you're quite arrogant! Don't think you're so great just because you have a bit of money. Others might fear you, but I, Boss Gu, am not afraid. I'll give you two options: first, hand over the money willingly, and I'll let you off; second, let me do it. But I'm a rough man, and I tend to be heavy-handed. It would be a shame if I accidentally injured you."

"Arrogant?" Ye Yun wagged his index finger, a calm expression on his face. "Firstly, I was quietly eating my meal and didn't do anything arrogant. Secondly, while my money might not smell particularly good, it's definitely not foul. Lastly, do I know you? Why would I give you my money? You're not the shopkeeper."

Ye Yun's face was filled with indifference, and his words lacked any emotional fluctuation, as if he were merely stating facts to a stranger. It wasn't just Gu Dahai; even Zhang Zifeng, standing nearby, found it unbearable. Although Ye Yun was speaking the truth, for some reason, Zhang Zifeng felt an urge to hit someone.

"You're asking for death!"

Gu Dahai roared, raising his long saber high and slashing at Ye Yun like lightning. If this blow landed true, Ye Yun would be crippled, if not killed. Most of the other patrons in the inn turned away, unable to watch. Zhang Zifeng, in particular, closed his eyes in pain. However, to their surprise, after a long moment, the expected screams of agony never came. The entire inn was silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

With intense curiosity, Zhang Zifeng slowly opened his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, then closed them again, waited about three seconds, and then snapped them open. To Zhang Zifeng's disbelief, the scene hadn't changed. The young man was still effortlessly holding Gu Dahai's saber between two fingers. He even saw the young man wink at him.

"A celestial being! This, this is real... How is this possible!" Zhang Zifeng whispered in disbelief. His words echoed the thoughts of everyone else in the inn.

"Tsk, with strength like this, you dare to act like a bully? Or perhaps..." Ye Yun's words were cut short by two sabers slashing at him from behind. This made Ye Yun very angry. He tightened his grip on Gu Dahai's saber, twisting it slightly to snatch it away. He then swiftly swung it backward. With a clang, the two gleaming steel sabers were sent flying.

After blocking the two sabers, Ye Yun didn't stop. He swept his left hand across the table, and two wooden chopsticks were driven into the ground, pinning the feet of the two men who had attacked him. By the time Ye Yun finished, the others hadn't recovered from their shock. They blinked, and the steel sabers in the hands of the three men vanished.

The moment his saber was caught, Gu Dahai knew he was in trouble. When Ye Yun easily dealt with his two brothers, he had no hope left. He had clearly encountered a master. This wasn't the first time he'd been in such a situation. As long as he behaved, admitted his mistakes, and promised not to offend again, he could usually escape unharmed. So, without hesitation, he knelt down and said loudly, "Hero, spare my life! I was forced into this line of work just to make a living. I've never truly harmed anyone; I just scared them a little to get some money. I know I was wrong, and I swear I'll never do it again. If I break this oath, may heaven and earth destroy me."

Ye Yun hadn't expected the man to back down so quickly. He hadn't even said anything yet, and the man was already surrendering. This was Heyang City, after all. Although it was a world of Xuanhuan, countries still existed, and where there were countries, there were laws. Killing someone on the street was a serious crime anywhere. Besides, he had never intended to kill these three men. However, while their lives could be spared, they couldn't escape punishment. If they weren't taught a lesson, how could these arrogant individuals learn to behave?

Seeing Ye Yun deep in thought, Gu Dahai knew his words had an effect. These noble young masters cared most about their reputation. Although the patrolling constables were lax and wouldn't interfere in minor brawls, they would relentlessly pursue anyone who drew blood. These noble young masters feared such incidents the most, as they would lose face. Therefore, Gu Dahai was certain this person wouldn't kill him. If he lowered his head even further, he might not even suffer physical pain. These noble young masters generally felt that engaging with people like them was beneath their dignity. And since this person wasn't accompanied by any attendants, he would suffer no losses if he got away with it. As for his two injured brothers, they could be compensated with some money later.

With this thought, Gu Dahai lowered his head even further, his body trembling uncontrollably, feigning extreme fear. He looked as pitiful as possible. Anyone unaware would think he was the victim and Ye Yun the villain.

The other patrons in the inn shook their heads. They had seen this situation many times. Yet, Gu Dahai remained the same, acting as he always did. Zhang Zifeng wanted to warn Ye Yun but feared retaliation. He opened his mouth, then dejectedly lowered his head.

If it were anyone else, Gu Dahai might have succeeded. But who was Ye Yun? He was someone who had been tempered by countless novels and films in his previous life. Would he fall for such a cheap trick? It was laughable.

Ye Yun was too lazy to play games with him. He casually tossed the steel saber he was holding aside, stood up, and walked with a smile to Gu Dahai's side. To everyone's astonishment, he kicked Gu Dahai down. Then, while repeatedly kicking Gu Dahai, he shouted, "For being a bully, for extorting and blackmailing, for pretending to be pitiful to gain sympathy, for swearing to deceive me, For ruining my meal..."

Ye Yun kicked Gu Dahai for a good minute or two before stopping, completely satisfied. The accumulated frustration of years had vanished. Gu Dahai's face had swollen into a pig's head. His two brothers, who had been groaning in pain while clutching their feet, fell silent the moment Ye Yun started his assault. They squatted on the ground, not daring to even tend to their injured feet, for fear of attracting Ye Yun's attention.

Ye Yun tidied his clothes, let out a long sigh, and smiled with satisfaction. "That feels much better. Stop playing dead. I know how hard I hit you. It's at most a flesh wound; no bones are broken. Get up and come with me. I have something to ask you."

As soon as Ye Yun spoke, Gu Dahai, who had been lying motionless on the ground pretending to be dead, clutched his face and reluctantly stood up. The other patrons in the inn looked at Gu Dahai's swollen, pig-like face, wanting to laugh but not daring to, their faces all flushed red.

Ye Yun glanced indifferently around the inn, beckoned the waiter, and pointed at Zhang Zifeng. "Add this scholar's food and drink to my tab. Also, bring another table of the same dishes I ordered, also on my tab."

After speaking, Ye Yun nodded at Zhang Zifeng and walked out.