"Steven! Mr. Drake!"
"Steven! Elite Four Drake!"
"Boss! Old man Drake!"
"Steven... Elite Four Drake..."
"Steven! Mr. Drake!"
The greetings came one after another, and genuine smiles spread across the young people's faces.
They all belonged to the next generation of the Seventeen Families. Although Steven was a few years older, he had earned the sincere trust and admiration of these exceptional young talents.
Beyond his personal charisma and formidable strength, Steven had also done a great deal to look after them.
Seeing his young friends again after so long, Steven gave them a warm smile.
"It's been a while. What a rare treat-almost all of you are here."
Takuya Ruri had no time to provoke his archrival now. Instead, he grinned and patted Wuneng Hao on the shoulder, speaking with easy confidence.
"We heard about A-Hao's challenge, of course! Besides, I really want to see just how strong this boy you've taken a liking to is!"
Yi Tengguang nodded in agreement.
"Your judgment is never wrong, Steven, but seeing is believing. I still find it hard to believe that someone our age from a small family could surpass us and reach your level!"
Smack!
Yi Tengguang took a light punch to the chest and smiled helplessly as Takuya Ruri frowned and challenged him eagerly.
"What are you talking about, Yi? How could Shiyan Yong possibly be on the Boss's level? For all we know... he might not even be able to handle A-Hao!"
At those words, Wuneng Hao, who had been rather quiet, raised his eyebrows and gave him an exasperated look.
"Hey, hey, hey! I appreciate your confidence in me, but... why does that sound... kind of wrong?"
Takuya Ruri chuckled and hooked an arm around Wuneng Hao's, looking every bit his best buddy as he teased him.