Chapter 013: First Display of Talent

Chapter 013: The First Glimmer of Edge

Leaf Feng had intended to keep his spirits high and stroll through the streets, but unexpectedly, discordant voices sounded behind him. Turning around, he saw five thuggish-looking men kicking and beating a security guard who lay helplessly on the ground, unable to resist at all. Beside them stood a sharp-featured man, watching with a smug, sinister smile at the corner of his lips.

Leaf Feng felt a surge of displeasure at the sight—this was blatant bullying. Though the security guard seemed incapable and unable to defend himself, the sheer number against one was simply outrageous. Huang Wei, standing nearby, also noticed the anger in Leaf Feng's eyes, thinking to herself that a good show was about to begin.

"Stop!" The words echoed the classic hero's intervention, though Leaf Feng felt a bit like a dog meddling in others' affairs. After all, the victim wasn't some damsel in distress—there was no need to make a show of bravado. Still, he couldn't stand idly by. In this era, only the strong thrive; to grow stronger is the ultimate destiny.

The five thugs, hearing someone step forward, frowned and turned. They saw a young man approaching, whose build was hardly as solid as their own, and sneered in contempt. Damn it, was this kid tired of living? The cold-faced man watching from the sidelines felt his anger rising.

"Hey, kid, where the hell did you pop up from? Get lost, and stop acting tough!" One of the taller men spat out the words disdainfully, sizing up Leaf Feng’s physique and scoffing at his bravado.

Leaf Feng chuckled lightly, "Shouldn’t I say that to you? What sort of heroes are you, ganging up on one person?" He spoke with ease—these punks hardly warranted his attention. It was one thing for them to loaf around the streets, but to bully someone in his presence? That was unacceptable.

"Kid, I’m conducting business here. If you’ve got nothing to do, get out of my way!" The cold-faced man finally spoke, his tone calm but laced with chilling intent. Those who knew him would recognize this as a sign of true anger, a man accustomed to domineering in the provincial capital.

Leaf Feng shrugged, "I’m conducting business here too. Shouldn’t you be the ones to get out of the way?" He spoke nonchalantly; whether facing one or a group, it made no difference. Since his days in the military, he’d rarely feared anyone.

"Damn it, kid, do you even know who you’re talking to? So arrogant—clearly you don’t know what it means to court death," one burly man shouted, knowing his young master’s reputation on the streets. Few dared raise their voices to him, and this kid must be trying to cheat death.

"I’m just talking to a bunch of posers. What, you don’t like it? If you don’t, come at me—I’ll show you what it means to get beaten!" Leaf Feng’s eyes flashed with a fierce light. He hadn’t intended to clash with these men, but their arrogance had crossed the line.

"Get him!" The cold-faced man couldn’t take it anymore. He was used to few daring to provoke him, and this kid was not only ignorant but also audacious. If he didn’t teach him a lesson now, how could he stand tall on the streets? Here, reputation was everything; all else was fleeting.

At the young master's command, the five thugs instantly surrounded Leaf Feng. Huang Wei grew anxious at the sight—though she believed in Leaf Feng’s prowess, as the saying goes, two fists are no match for four hands. Facing so many at once, would Leaf Feng be alright? At that moment, Huang Wei realized she was worried for him, a strange sensation she couldn't quite explain. A sweet warmth lingered in both their hearts.

The five men launched their assault, but Leaf Feng weaved among them with ease, even grace. They had hoped to land a decisive blow and finish him off, but the longer the fight dragged on, the more shaken they became. This kid was terrifyingly strong, especially his fists—wherever they landed, bruises blossomed.

What they didn’t know was that Leaf Feng had decided not to hold back. His fists flew, legs swept, and within minutes, all five men had been beaten to the ground. "Sir, we were wrong, we won't be arrogant anymore! Young master, save us!" they wailed, seeing the blood-red glare in Leaf Feng’s eyes, as if he wouldn't rest until he'd finished them off. Their hearts filled with dread—after all, they had elders and children at home; they couldn’t die here.

"Useless fools." The cold-faced man spat in disgust and suddenly lunged at Leaf Feng. Expert! Leaf Feng immediately sensed his opponent’s formidable skill and dared not be careless.

The two exchanged blows, their fists meeting with force, sending a powerful wave of energy rippling outward. Leaf Feng gritted his teeth, channeling a fierce surge through his fist, forcing the man to retreat several steps, his face filled with shock and disbelief.

Heavens! This young man looked even younger than himself, yet his strength was overwhelming. The man gathered his energy and attacked again, now aware of Leaf Feng’s true capabilities. Leaf Feng took him seriously—though his opponent was slightly weaker, their skills were not far apart.

Again their fists collided, power surging forth. With a loud bang, the man was forced back several steps, while Leaf Feng remained unmoved. For the first time, the young master felt he had met his match. Damn it, this kid was truly strong, the man thought. So be it; today he’d encountered a master.

"Brother, my men were indeed at fault just now. I hope you can forgive them. As for the security guard’s medical expenses, I’ll cover everything. I hope you’ll be merciful today." Though his family had skilled fighters, he didn’t want this matter to escalate. The young master thought to himself.

Seeing his opponent’s sincere apology, Leaf Feng wondered if this was enough—any more trouble could lead to unpredictable consequences. Noticing Leaf Feng’s brow relaxing, the young master felt relieved, but suddenly, he realized that relief might be premature.