Chapter 126: A Martial Arts Tournament?

He sat down in the chair, looked at the crowd before him, and felt a dull ache behind his temples.

"Let’s begin. Introduce yourself first."

Rat had prepared two chairs, sitting in one with an air of mock formality, mimicking the job interviews he had seen on television.

"Young Master Xiao, I’m here for the interview." The man offered a sycophantic smile as he spoke.

Xiao Ye rubbed his forehead. Things were starting to take a strange turn.

"Show us what you’re capable of!"

"No need," Xiao Ye said, waving a hand. "Next!"

The man froze, not expecting it to be over so quickly. He opened his mouth to speak, but Rat slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Are you deaf? Get lost!"

Seeing he was treated with such blatant disrespect, the man’s eyes flickered with resentment as he turned and walked away.

Xiao Ye sighed. He didn't want to waste time, so he simply commanded, "Five of you at once. Let's pick up the pace!"

About twenty minutes passed, and the line had been cut in half. Yet, Xiao Ye still hadn't seen a single person who satisfied him. Their skills were so shallow that he could judge them with a single glance.

"This is an urgent mission. If you aren't serious about it, don't bother coming!" Xiao Ye told the remaining queue. Hearing this, a few hesitated, but eventually, they left the line.

Ten minutes remained, and everyone left was dismissed; not a single one was qualified. Xiao Ye massaged his temples. He had truly been tricked by Rat today.

"Young Master Xiao, not a single one caught your eye? I actually thought a few were decent," Rat said, looking over the resumes to himself.

"Forget it. You handle the rest. Whatever compensation is needed, just include it in the activity budget," he said with a sigh.

Xiao Ye’s standards were naturally higher, but few from the underground world could truly impress him.

After leaving the port, he was preparing to head home when he received a call from Red Dragon.

"King Xiao, someone has delivered a challenge to you, inviting you to attend a Martial Arts Tournament."

"A Martial Arts Tournament?" Xiao Ye frowned. He had never heard of any such event. He was about to refuse, but Red Dragon’s next sentence caught his attention.

"The inviter’s name is Yu Han. He said if you don't attend, he will continue to harass you..."

Xiao Ye frowned. He had no interest in this man or this matter. However, he had never encountered anyone so shameless. Since that was the case, it would be better to resolve the issue in person.

"Tell him I’ll go. When is it?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Xiao Ye pondered for a moment before saying, "Come with me tomorrow. We’ll settle this and return."

They exchanged a few more words and hung up. Back at the villa, Xiao Ye didn't tell Qin Xue’er where he was going. It was better not to report such things; he would be back in a few hours anyway.

...

The next morning, around eight o'clock, Red Dragon arrived at the airport with a large group of bodyguards. These men were actually members of his elite team disguised as security, every one of them a battle-hardened veteran.

Xiao Ye looked at them with suspicion and asked, "It’s just the two of us. Why bring so many people?"

"We don't know what might happen on this trip. I’m doing this for your safety," Red Dragon replied reasonably. Xiao Ye nodded, and they headed into the airport.

As a prince of a different surname, Xiao Ye naturally owned a private jet. The plane took off quickly. Looking at the scenery outside, he watched as a vast, gloomy bank of clouds slowly pressed down from above.

...

After a two-hour flight, the plane landed in the Jiangnan District. As Red Dragon and Xiao Ye stepped out of the airport, they found a crowd of people waiting at the entrance—more than the number of bodyguards they had brought.

"Welcome. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Yan He, a disciple of Master Yu Han. I’m here specifically to escort you both to the Martial Arts Tournament." Yan He spoke with his chin held high, as if he didn't hold the two in any regard at all.

Xiao Ye scanned the crowd. Although there were many, few looked like they could actually fight.

"Honestly, I didn't think you’d dare to come. After all, the pressure of facing us in person must be immense!" Yan He’s tone was dripping with mockery as he reached out a hand toward Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye remained silent, his expression cold, and did not shake the hand. Yan He looked slightly embarrassed, but he retracted his hand and continued, "This young man doesn't look very strong either. With arms that thin, I hope he doesn't get killed by a single punch from Uncle Wang later."

A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd behind him. Red Dragon’s gaze turned icy, and just as he stepped forward, Xiao Ye held him back.

"It’s not worth it."

Hearing this, Red Dragon struggled to suppress his anger and ignored Yan He’s taunts.

"Getting angry already? How boring. Let’s go, gentlemen. Plenty of people are waiting for you!" Yan He said, getting into a car. He had arranged a vehicle for Xiao Ye and his group that looked ready for the junkyard—a clear sign of his disdain.

Xiao Ye didn't care; he merely found Yan He incredibly childish. The motorcade passed through the city center of Jiangnan and finally arrived at a boxing gym.

"We’re here, gentlemen." Yan He jumped out of the car and walked up to Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye ignored him and led his group into the gym, where people were already waiting. A middle-aged man stood on the ring with his hands behind his back. Seeing them enter, he turned to face them.

"So, you are the one who killed my junior brother and my grand-disciple?"

Xiao Ye paused, only then recalling the two men who had died by his hand. The atmosphere in the gym instantly turned frigid. Xiao Ye finally understood: this was a trap.

Just as Yan He and the others were about to rush forward aggressively, the man on the ring stopped them.

"I won't resort to petty tricks. Since this is a vendetta, I will handle it myself!"

"Tell me, who is the one you’ve prepared to fight today?" The man unleashed his full presence, roaring at those below the ring.

"Me."

Red Dragon was about to speak, but Xiao Ye stepped forward and said calmly, "May I ask your name?"

"Xiao Ye."

"You are Xiao Ye? Good! You’ve got guts!"

"I hope you still have this heroic spirit after our match!" Liu Haiyang laughed and vaulted off the ring.

"Mr. Wang, you worry too much; save it for yourself," Xiao Ye said, hoisting himself up and leaping onto the ring.

"Patience. Sign this first." Liu Haiyang produced a paper from behind him—a life-or-death waiver.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Ye signed his name.