"Didn't you give him permission to strike? And now you're complaining that he was too forceful?"

Everyone was rendered speechless by Xu Ke's words.

Shi Hongda, on the other hand, was so furious he could have spat blood. This... this is taking advantage of the situation and then playing the victim! How shameless!

As for Huang Zhendong, who had brought Shi Hongda to show off his "fists," he didn't even let out a peep. This wasn't showing off at all. This was coming here specifically to get humiliated!

But Xu Ke wasn't finished. He looked at Qin Feng, still smiling. "Family Head Qin."

"What?" Qin Feng was stunned. Why is Xu Ke suddenly talking to me? The next moment, his face turned livid with rage.

"Let me teach you something," Xu Ke said with a chuckle. "This is what's known as quitting while you're ahead."

After speaking, he ignored the seething Qin Feng and turned to Peng Hetong. With a smile that wasn't a smile, his words dripped with menace, "Peng Hetong, once your godfather leaves in a few days, you and I are going to have a long talk."

Hearing this, Peng Hetong felt a chill shoot from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, his blood running cold.

A broad smirk spread across Yuan Shang's face. Xu Ke is getting even for me!

Finally, Xu Ke completely ignored the fuming Jin Hankang and let his gaze sweep over Lin Zhongtian, who had remained silent the entire time.

Lin Zhongtian's body went stiff as he cried out inwardly. I haven't done anything. Surely he's not going to target me, is he?

Xu Ke offered another one of his non-smiles but said nothing before turning to leave.

Seeing Xu Ke provoke everyone without exception, the crowd collectively gasped. Is he throwing all of our words right back at us? Is he really determined to offend every single one of our families? Does he have to be so vengeful? Does he really think he's so incredible? He's just relying on the power of a few Innate Great Perfection masters! If we had that many masters with us, we could be just as arrogant as him!

So, after the initial shock, their awe turned to disdain for his flagrant arrogance.

Just as Xu Ke turned to leave, his body suddenly and inexplicably went limp.

"Be careful!" Tang Yingchang rushed forward to support him, his expression full of concern.

Xu Ke waved him off. "I'm fine."

He then deliberately glanced at Jin Hankang and the others, a flustered, guilty look on his face, before quickly turning away.

This brief display did not escape their notice. They were taken aback and exchanged glances. What's happening?! Why would Xu Ke's body suddenly go limp while he was just standing there?

Kang Chenghua, who had been silent while watching Xu Ke put them in their place, now broke into a triumphant smile. So that's how it is! It seems Xu Ke really was poisoned! When he first came in, he was just forcing himself to look energetic. In reality, he's already severely injured, a spent force.

He knew it. How could the Ghost-Poison Duo be wrong?

As Kang Chenghua connected the dots, the others understood as well. Xu Ke is nothing but a spent force!

And so, with the exception of the injured Shi Hongda, everyone else wore the smiles of victors.

So what if Xu Ke was triumphant now? Once he was in the ring, his opponent would only need to use a little force, and he'd likely drop dead right there. At this thought, the humiliation they had just suffered suddenly seemed insignificant. Why bother arguing with a dead man?

As Xu Ke turned back, he thought to himself... I hope this bunch does a good job spreading the news about my "severe injuries"!

Before the competition began, the major families all had their own rest areas. Xu Ke and his group returned to theirs.

Walking ahead with Wong Qifu, Xu Ke chuckled, "How did I do?"

Wong Qifu tilted her head up, her own smile blooming as she looked at his expectant expression. She nodded. "Great!"

She was smiling not just at his plea for praise, but also because he had stepped forward to shield her. For the past ten years, she had always been the one standing at the front, facing everything head-on. Now, there was someone standing in front of her, protecting her from the storm.

"Just one word?" Xu Ke feigned dissatisfaction. "Come on, praise me a little more. Or give me a reward."

"What reward do you want?" Wong Qifu laughed.

Xu Ke stroked his chin, leaned closer to her, and inhaled her sweet fragrance. "A kiss?" he whispered tentatively.

Wong Qifu's eyes widened slightly before her cheeks inexplicably flushed crimson. "What nonsense are you spouting?" she chided.

The office was one thing, but this was a stadium with so many people standing right behind them. How could he be so direct?

"COUGH, COUGH!"

A few gentle coughs sounded from behind them, followed by a voice. "Wang Wu, I think I drank too much water. Could you show me to the restroom?"

"Aunt Lin, I have to go too!"

Seeing the two of them make their excuses, the others quickly found reasons to wander off. Xu Ke had spoken softly, but their hearing was sharp enough to catch every word.

As they walked away, Wang Qiya rolled her eyes and muttered angrily, "Why are those two being so lovey-dovey in public? They're never this mushy at home..."

Lin Qinghua and Wang Wu were amused by her comment.

Seeing that everyone had intentionally given them space, Wong Qifu glared at Xu Ke, the blush deepening on her cheeks. It was the first time in her life she'd ever been flirted with so openly in public. How could she not be embarrassed?

"Did I do something wrong?" Xu Ke asked innocently.

"Yes!" Wong Qifu's anger gave way to a laugh. Looking at his face, she grew more exasperated and reached out to pinch his waist.

"Ah, don't, be gentle... I was wrong, I was wrong."

Only after Xu Ke and Wong Qifu had sat down and seemed to be talking seriously did Wang Wu, Tang Yingchang, and the others sneak back to their seats. Wang Qiya was about to tease them, but seeing that they were discussing important matters, she held her tongue.

"Are you sure there won't be any problems?" Wong Qifu asked, looking at him.

Xu Ke smiled. "There shouldn't be. Those two will listen to me."

Wong Qifu nodded. Everyone else understood immediately who Xu Ke was talking about.

Just then, a voice called out. "God Xu... Xu Ke!"

Zhou Qingzhi and his contingent were approaching. At the sight of the newcomers, the Wang Family members immediately stood up.

The Zhou Family had arrived.

The group consisted of Zhou Qingzhi, Zhou Yiyi, and Zhou Xiuyun. Elder Master Zhou couldn't make it due to his health, and Zhou Qingyong's official status prevented him from attending. Not that Xu Ke minded Zhou Qingyong's absence; his presence would have just been another headache.

The arrival of the Zhou Family drew the attention of the entire venue, including the other six major families.

"Family Head Zhou," Xu Ke said, stepping forward to greet him. He would normally call him "Uncle Zhou" in private, but seeing as Wong Qifu and Zhou Qingzhi were peers, he opted for the formal address.

Wong Qifu also nodded in greeting.

"Family Head Wang, Mister Xu..." Zhou Qingzhi acknowledged them both, his expression deliberately turning grave. "How is your body?"

Xu Ke grinned. "Feeling great. More than ready to fight."

"That's good, that's good!" Zhou Qingzhi nodded, satisfied. He reached out as if to pat Xu Ke on the shoulder but hesitated and then pulled his hand back.

Seeing this from nearby, Jin Hankang sneered. Heh. Zhou Qingzhi doesn't even dare pat you on the shoulder, and you still claim you can fight? You're a dead man walking!