Chapter 16: Rest Assured, I Have No Interest in You

In an instant, he committed the name "Shu Yue Web" to memory—a site for brilliant, uninterrupted, free reading!

Yi Jifeng gazed intently at Hou Yaodong, trying to discern whether he was truly serious.

The incident of Hou Yaodong's cultivation going awry was common knowledge among the great families of the Hope Continent. Everyone understood that no expert on the continent could cure such a condition; it was said that those whose cultivation had backfired could no longer harness any spiritual energy within their bodies.

In that sense, Hou Yaodong was half crippled.

He feared the Hou family, but if it really came to a contest of strength, he was not afraid of Hou Yaodong.

"Second Brother, we can find another time to spar later. For now, let's help the younger generation settle their own affairs," Yi Jifeng said.

Hou Yaodong fixed Yi Jifeng with a deep stare, then looked over at Yi Tianxing and said, "Very well. Let the young ones handle it. Once they're done, you and I will settle things between us."

This was a warning—a clear message to Yi Tianxing that if he dared to harm Chu Yun, then Hou Yaodong would retaliate in kind against Yi Jifeng.

Yi Tianxing's eyes flickered with uncertainty. He glanced at his uncle Yi Jifeng, seeking guidance.

He truly wanted to cripple Chu Yun! In his anger, he might not have been able to restrain himself. But now, Hou Yaodong's words put him in a dilemma, so he could only look to his uncle for help.

Yi Jifeng hesitated for a moment, ultimately deciding that Hou Yaodong was bluffing. As a half-cripple, he couldn't possibly have been cured; there was no need to be intimidated.

He stepped to Yi Tianxing's side and whispered in his ear, "Your uncle can handle it."

A tremor ran through Yi Tianxing, and a look of delight crossed his face.

He raised his head and, with a momentary ferocity, looked at Chu Yun. "If you're a man, let's take this to the courtyard."

Ye Linglong instinctively clutched Chu Yun's arm, trying to reason with Yi Tianxing. "Young Master Yi, Chu Yun is just someone from the slums. What satisfaction can you find in bullying someone like him? He's ranked at the very bottom of the academy. Aren't you worried that sparring with him would tarnish your honor? He's simply fulfilling the wishes left by his elders in the Chu family. He's a filial son. Aren't you afraid of being gossiped about for pressing him so hard?"

Yi Tianxing replied, "Say what you will. You can protect him for the moment, but not forever. We'll see."

With that, he turned to Yi Jifeng. "Uncle, let's go. There will be other opportunities. Today, let's give Second Master Hou some face."

The main reason was that Chu Yun had remained silent from beginning to end—so cautious! No matter how much he tried to provoke him, it was useless. As Ye Linglong said, taking the initiative would be beneath him, and even victory would bring no honor. Most importantly, he wouldn't risk turning his uncle against Hou Yaodong just for this. Dealing with someone like Chu Yun didn't warrant direct action; matters involving people like Chu Yun never needed to be brought to the forefront.

"We'll leave the gifts here," Yi Jifeng said to Ye Zhenhuan and the others. "Think it over carefully. I'll give you some time to consider your answer to our Yi family. I hope everyone can remain amicable. After all, our clan leader thinks very highly of Linglong and hopes she can support Tianxing."

The faces of the Ye family changed instantly.

They had raised the stakes, invoking the clan leader himself! To refuse now would be to defy the entire Yi family.

Yi Tianxing's uncle chimed in, "The clan leader has high hopes for Tianxing. Linglong marrying the third-generation heir of the Yi family would hardly disgrace your Ye family or Linglong herself. I hope you'll make the right choice."

With that, the Yi family members all rose, preparing to take their leave.

Ye Linglong gripped Chu Yun's arm tightly. It seemed the Yi family's warning had pushed the Ye family to their limits.

Just as the Yi family was about to cross the threshold of the reception hall, Chu Yun realized the situation had spun beyond the Ye family's control. If anyone was to eliminate Yi Tianxing now, it would have to be him.

At first, he had only gone along with Ye Linglong's plan, feeling no special gratitude toward the Ye family or those around him. He hadn't wanted to get involved—he was only here because he'd been summoned, and all he had to do was play his role.

But he hadn't anticipated things would escalate to the point where the Ye family could no longer manage, and Yi Tianxing now regarded him as an enemy to be swiftly disposed of. This was no longer just the Ye family's business.

"Wait." Chu Yun suddenly spoke, "Didn't you want to challenge me? I accept."

Ye Linglong's eyes widened in shock as she looked at him.

She was about to stop him when her two brothers pulled her back. Clearly, the Ye family had begun to retreat.

At this point, only Chu Yun could appease the Yi family's wrath. At least Chu Yun still had Hou Yaodong behind him, while the Ye family had no one left. So, seeing Chu Yun step forward, the Ye family chose to abandon him.

Chu Yun strode out of the hall ahead of the Yi family, heading into the courtyard beyond.

Yi Jifeng whispered to Yi Tianxing, "Go. I'll handle Hou Yaodong."

Yi Tianxing put on the airs of a gentleman as he said to Chu Yun, "Forget it. Some people would say I'm bullying you if I win. There's no glory in that."

Chu Yun was already in the courtyard, rolling up his sleeves. Without even looking at Yi Tianxing, he spoke. "Fine, then let me challenge you. That shouldn't tarnish your reputation, right?"

Yi Tianxing looked to Hou Yaodong, hoping to dig a pit for him. "Second Master Hou, what do you think of this—?"

Hou Yaodong looked at Chu Yun, his eyes questioning.

Chu Yun finally lifted his head to meet Yi Tianxing's gaze, his expression calm. "Don't waste time. If I lose, it has nothing to do with Mr. Hou. But I have one condition: if you lose, the Ye family will have nothing more to do with the Yi family, and you will never pursue Linglong again."

Yi Tianxing grinned, a triumphant smile spreading across his lips.

"You know that in a contest, it's hard to hold back—"

Chu Yun cut him off. "You don't have to say it. I can't guarantee I'll hold back my fists either."

Yi Tianxing said, "Fine! I agree to all your terms!"

Chu Yun sneered. "Your agreement means nothing."

Yi Jifeng said, "We agree."

Only then did Chu Yun gesture toward Yi Tianxing. "After you."

Ye Linglong rushed to Chu Yun, hissing under her breath, "Didn't we agree? You weren't supposed to take this on yourself! Do you think this will make me like you? Don't do anything pointless. There's nothing between us but a transaction. Don't mistake my protection for affection. Don't get the wrong idea."

"I know," Chu Yun said quietly, lowering his gaze to her. "Don't worry, I have no interest in you at all. I simply can't stand that guy. That's all."