Chapter 176 - 141: Robbery
"Since you’re here, you’re not leaving."
Yang Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold killing intent flaring to life.
With a wave of his hand, the burly man in black beside him lunged forward.
THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!
With every step the burly man in black took, the ground trembled and let out a dull thud.
He was clearly being cautious, believing that even when hunting a rabbit, a lion should use its full strength.
This guard of Yang Yan’s had already reached the level of Great Success in Marrow Transformation.
And he didn’t believe the man before him could be stronger; after all, he looked far too young.
He knew all the genius Martial Artists of the younger generation in Shanyang Prefecture who were stronger than him, and this man was not one of them.
Therefore, his display of power was merely out of caution.
As he stepped forward, the burly man’s Qi and blood surged, and veins like writhing dragons bulged on his skin.
When he was less than two zhang from Fang Yue, the burly man stomped his foot and leaped into the air.
He threw a punch that shot toward Fang Yue like a cannonball.
In that instant, the very air seemed to solidify, creating immense pressure, as if a giant hammer were crashing down.
’That man in black has reached Great Success in Marrow Transformation, and he seems to practice some kind of Powerful Boxing Technique. His strength is on the verge of Qi Sensing.
’He’s far beyond any ordinary Marrow Transformer Martial Artist. This guy is too careless. How can he just let that brute build up power for his punch?’
To the side of the courtyard, the blue-shirted youth—trussed up like a turkey and completely incapacitated—couldn’t help but sigh as he watched the scene unfold.
"You’re right. My uncle only managed to hold his own by relying on his Spiritual Body Technique."
With that, the rich young master turned his head away, unable to bear watching any longer.
’The burly man in black was known for his raw power. The Martial Arts he practiced grew more ferocious the more he charged up his attacks.’
’Ordinary Martial Artists of the same level wouldn’t dare to face him head-on.’
’This scarred man is being so careless. I’m afraid his fate is sealed.’
’I thought a savior had arrived, but it turns out he’s just a good-for-nothing.’
’To dare a head-on clash in this situation...’
’How foolish!’
’Hmph. Arrogant fool. Today, I’ll teach a lesson to a punk like you who doesn’t know his own limits!’
Seeing that he had finished charging his attack while the scarred man opposite him still seemed slow to react, the burly man in black sneered inwardly and then smashed his fist forward.
The next moment, Fang Yue’s eyes flew open.
In that instant, a divine light seemed to flash in his eyes. He then took a step forward, hollowing his chest and arching his back, his entire body coiling like a Strong Bow as he, too, threw a punch.
Fist met fist, and a powerful shockwave of Qi erupted from between them, spreading in all directions.
THUD, THUD, THUD... THUD, THUD, THUD...
The burly man’s savage expression instantly twisted in agony. With a stagger, he was sent flying backward, crashing into a nearby courtyard.
"*Gasp!* What just happened?"
Everyone around was stunned.
To send a Martial Artist of Great Achievement in Marrow Transformation flying with a single blow, his condition unknown...
Just who was this scarred man?!
Instantly, everyone—from the sneering Yang Yan to the pitying blue-shirted youth—stared with wide eyes and open mouths, their faces a picture of disbelief, as if they had seen a ghost.
"Someone of your strength can’t possibly be a no-name. I misjudged. Here are silver banknotes worth ten thousand taels. Please accept them as my apology. How about we call it a night and forget this ever happened?"
"Otherwise, I’ll just burn these silver banknotes."
Yang Yan was an adaptable man. Seeing that this newcomer’s strength far exceeded his expectations, he knew that even if all his remaining men attacked together, they would likely be no match for the scarred man.
He immediately decided to back down, hoping to buy his way out of this disaster.
"Heh heh, well said. Everyone’s out to make a profit. Hand it over."
Hearing this, Fang Yue gave a slight smile. The smile tugged at the ’scar’ on his face, making him look even more terrifying.
"Of course, of course."
A look of delight flashed across Yang Yan’s face as he tossed the stack of silver banknotes over.
Fang Yue caught the silver banknotes and gave them a quick glance. Each one was for two hundred taels. ’Hm, they’re all real. No fakes.’
Watching Fang Yue’s actions, the respectful look on Yang Yan’s face slowly twisted into a cold sneer.
"Heh heh, ten thousand taels... you really are greedy. Don’t you know that greed is the root of all disaster? Are you feeling your Qi and blood stagnating? Your body growing weak? That’s the poison taking effect."
A victor’s smile spread across Yang Yan’s face.
Just then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from the distance. The few men in black who had given chase earlier were now returning.
"It’s our men on the horses. We didn’t find anyone else," one of the returning subordinates reported.
"Yes, I know."
Yang Yan nodded, then walked up to Fang Yue. "Has anyone ever told you that disguise on your face is incredibly fake? It might fool a commoner, but that’s about it."
As he spoke, he reached out to peel off Fang Yue’s disguise, but just as his hand drew near...
Suddenly, Yang Yan felt his hand caught in an iron vise.
"Heh heh. To think you’d poison the silver banknotes."
Fang Yue smiled faintly. He carried a Wooden Token made from a piece of the Mo Mountain Tribe’s Grand Elder’s scepter. Ordinary poisons were completely useless against him.
Therefore, this black market merchant’s petty scheme was doomed to fail from the start.
"Let go of our leader, or you’ll die without a burial place!"
Another Martial Artist of Great Achievement in Marrow Transformation, who had just returned, roared in fury. However, even as he shouted, he was already launching an attack on Fang Yue.