Since Chang Feng wanted to see Han San spar with Luo Yan five times, it shouldn't have been too much trouble.
But what Chang Feng hadn't expected was that he wouldn't have to go looking for trouble. Trouble would come looking for him.
He had just finished discussing the arrangements for Luo Yan's five sparring sessions with Lian Ran when an unexpected guest arrived at his door.
The mysterious black-clad man wore a mask, making it impossible to see his face clearly.
Even so, when he saw Chang Feng standing beside Luo Yan, his eyes filled with undisguised hostility.
Luo Yan warily studied the black-clad man. His muscles were taut all over, as if he were ready to spring into action at any moment.
"Who are you?"
The masked man glanced at him without answering, then turned to Chang Feng and said flatly, "I have no interest in teaching you a lesson or breaking your legs. But you've crossed the line. If anything happens to Han San at your academy, I won't let you off."
Luo Yan let out a cold laugh. "What, are you threatening us?"
What he hadn't expected was that Han Chen would admit it outright.
"If you want to understand what happened, I don't mind telling you."
Luo Yan's face darkened, and a surge of anger rose within him.
His academy wasn't some insignificant school with no backing. Dai Yuebai was a member of the Star Luo imperial family, while Duoxu was the eldest daughter of one of the seven great clans.
And yet this man was threatening them over Han San?
Lian Ran had clearly heard them. He turned and said, "That's right. I founded the academy years ago, and many talented students have graduated from it. Some of them died in various accidents."
"If you don't want Han San staying at Taolangke Academy, you can take him away right now."
"Otherwise, you have no right to interfere in how we teach our students."
Luo Yan couldn't tell whether Lian Ran was trying to provoke Han Chen.
His academy had indeed lost students over the years. Some had died while trying to obtain spirit rings; others had met with accidents while out hunting soul beasts.
Perhaps that was simply part of being the Heavenly Emperor. Even during the peaceful era of the Tang Clan's rule, no academy could guarantee that its students would be safe from every danger.
Han Chen stared at Luo Yan, then let out a cold laugh. "Is that so? Then let me see what you're capable of."
As he spoke, Han Chen summoned his soul power. A massive Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand, its black, yellow, black, black, and red soul rings circling above it, revealing his formidable identity.
The moment the red soul ring appeared, Luo Yan and Chang Feng's expressions changed. They dropped their arrogant posturing and bowed toward Han Chen.
"Greetings, Heavenly Emperor."
Once Han Chen's identity was revealed, both Chang Feng and Luo Yan were stunned.
Just as Luo Yan had been about to provoke Han Chen, Chang Feng had tried to stop him. He had wanted Luo Yan to understand that Taolangke Academy wasn't someone to mess with.
But now, standing right in front of them, Han Chen was the academy's biggest backer. The student Luo Yan was protecting was Han Chen's own disciple, and Han Chen was the youngest Titled Douluo in history.
In particular, the other students who had mocked Han Chen earlier knew full well how terrifying the man was. Even if they were at the Soul Saint level, none of them would dare attack him.
Against Han Chen, Chang Feng and Luo Yan didn't stand a chance.
Han Chen was very satisfied with their reaction. He enjoyed seeing his reputation inspire fear in others.
But just as he had back at the academy in Slaughter City, he had taken the initiative to show himself to Chang Feng and Luo Yan because he wanted them to know that Han San was his disciple. That way, they'd take better care of him while teaching him.
Still, rather than build a good relationship with them, Han Chen preferred to use his strength to speak. He wanted to beat them up so badly that they'd never dare provoke Han San again.
That was exactly why, despite only wanting to spar with Chang Feng and Luo Yan, Han Chen remained calm.
"You two, come at me together. That way, I can see whether I'm really qualified to teach you a lesson."
Hearing that, Chang Feng and Luo Yan exchanged a glance, then looked at Han Chen with bitter smiles.
"There's no need for that, Your Majesty. Rest assured, we'll make sure Han San stays safe. We won't let anything happen to him."
Luo Yan hurriedly chimed in. "That's right. Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Even if something happens to me, we won't let Han San come to any harm."
Taolangke's two vice deans hurriedly made their way over.
After all, even if they both joined forces, they still wouldn't be a match for Han Chen.
Rather than take a beating for no reason, they might as well admit defeat, let Han Chen go back first, then figure things out later. At worst, they could just accept some blame.
Chang Feng thought: I'm not about to get beaten up over this.
But contrary to their hopes, Han Chen didn't seem satisfied with their agreement. Holding the Clear Sky Hammer, he pointed at the two men and said, "Don't talk so much. I said I wanted to spar with you. You have to fight me."
Seriously, even bullying people had limits.
His friends had already admitted defeat. Did he really have to keep pushing them? Did he think they weren't afraid of him?
Well, of course they were.
Chang Feng and Luo Yan had already come to an understanding. There was no choice but to grit their teeth and spar with Han Chen.
To avoid drawing the attention of others, Han Chen generously suggested they move somewhere more secluded.
Chang Feng thought: Then I really do have to thank you.
Han Chen was still Han Chen, after all.
Even if Chang Feng and Luo Yan fought with all their strength, they'd still be crushed before him. They had no chance of fighting back.
And Han Chen, despite intending to teach them a lesson, wouldn't go so far as to cause lasting harm. As long as he didn't threaten their lives, he didn't hold back.
After the battle finally ended, Han Chen left with complete satisfaction.
Chang Feng and Luo Yan lay on the ground, their faces covered in bruises, struggling to breathe.
"Even if Xiao San finds out I came to see you, don't reveal who I am in front of him. From now on, he'll be in your care."
"And like I said, no matter how you teach him, you must make sure nothing happens to him."
Chang Feng, whose face was swollen beyond recognition, squeezed out a smile and answered with the utmost sincerity.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I'll make sure Han San grows into a renowned expert."
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