King of Assassins
Chapter 264 - 240: Specializing in Slapping Faces
The sword competition of the social gathering was held on the beach, with a seven-meter diameter circle painted with white spray.
The news that Bai Yue was going to compete in swordsmanship with Gao Xuan spread, attracting a large crowd to watch.
Most people didn't know Gao Xuan, but they all knew Bai Yue. He was notorious within the circle.
The Bai Family, like the Xiao Family, Yu Family, and Lan Family, was among the top noble families on Taurus.
Bai Yue had been mischievous since childhood, often bullying others. From childhood to adulthood, Bai Yue had bullied countless people.
Perhaps due to his belligerent nature, Bai Yue had a special talent for cultivation. His cultivation level always far surpassed his peers. By thirty-eight, he had become a Silver Sword Hero.
The noble youth of his age more or less were bullied by Bai Yue. Even noble youths like Xiao Wan, who was a bit younger than Bai Yue, didn't escape it.
Lan Tiancheng, Bai Yue, and Yu Feiying had such a bad reputation mainly because Bai Yue's actions were too vile, bullying too many people.
Bai Yue actively looking for trouble with Gao Xuan was considered normal by everyone; that was just his character. It would be strange if he didn't bully people.
Just judging by appearance, Bai Yue looked like a long-armed gorilla, burly and fierce all over. Gao Xuan's appearance and demeanor surpassed Bai Yue by hundreds of times.
Standing together, the disparity was even more obvious. Not to mention Bai Yue's notorious reputation, annoying everyone he met.
Onlookers were inwardly supporting Gao Xuan. Many even cheered him on.
"Young man, don't be afraid, go for it!"
"Take down that gorilla..."
"Go Gao Xuan, you're so handsome, add me as a friend."
"Don't hold back, cut that guy down!"
"Bro, I've got your back!"
The group surrounding Gao Xuan was particularly enthusiastic, but such words of encouragement weren't practically helpful.
However, many beautiful women took the opportunity to add Gao Xuan as a friend.
After getting their requests fulfilled, each of them beamed with joy, surrounding Gao Xuan for photos and selfies, much like fans chasing a celebrity.
Gao Xuan accepted everyone warmly, kind and friendly to every beautiful woman.
When Xiao Wan rushed over upon hearing the news, she saw Gao Xuan surrounded by a group of beautiful women, enjoying himself immensely with his arms around them.
Xiao Wan was a bit displeased seeing this; she was anxious to get there while Gao Xuan was happily flirting with women. Moreover, it was a group flirt.
She said unpleasantly, "That boy, might as well let Bai Yue beat him to death. Look at his lecherous face."
Xiao Ting, who followed beside Xiao Wan, laughed it off, "Our Ah Xuan is just a bit flirtatious. But these cheap women shouldn't think they can get him."
Xiao Wan glanced at Xiao Ting, "I never knew you were so brazen."
"A woman changes when she encounters love."
Xiao Ting smiled blissfully.
Beside them, Xiao Jun wasn't happy, "Sister, it was I who fancied Gao Xuan first."
"Love doesn't consider who comes first."
Xiao Ting gently patted Xiao Jun's head, earnestly saying, "From now on, Gao Xuan is your brother-in-law, so stop yearning."
Although it was a joke, Xiao Jun couldn't laugh at all. She especially regretted it, wishing she had followed to the Purple Dragon Star.
In the end, she missed that step, and Gao Xuan was taken by her sister.
Her sister had always been conniving since childhood. Initially, she was wary of Gao Xuan, treating him like an enemy.
Now she was sleeping with Gao Xuan, unbelievable...
As a younger sister, Xiao Jun had always followed Xiao Ting. She only dared grumble inwardly, never daring to say anything to Xiao Ting.
The arriving three Xiao sisters immediately had a path cleared for them by those who recognized them.
The group of beautiful women surrounding Gao Xuan saw Xiao Wan with a cold face and awkwardly dispersed, forcing smiles.
Xiao Wan was a Silver Sword Hero, a top expert in their circle. A single look from her wasn't something they could withstand.
"You're having quite a good time," Xiao Wan said sarcastically.
Gao Xuan smiled, "I'm always this popular, can't help it."
He nodded at Xiao Ting, "Sister Ting is here."
Xiao Ting went over and gave Gao Xuan a strong, affectionate hug, whispering in his ear, "Sister missed you."
"The bed in that big sea-view suite is great, let's meet up later," Gao Xuan whispered back.
"Hehehe..." Xiao Ting giggled coyly.
Others couldn't hear what they were saying, but seeing their intimate, ambiguous posture, one could guess it was surely sweet nothings between lovers.
At this moment, who knows how many beautiful women were silently cursing Xiao Ting as shameless.
Opposite, Bai Yue's veins were bulging on his forehead, and his gaze grew even more sinister.
If earlier he was faking some frenzy, now he was genuinely angry.
"Brother, what's with the murderous look?"
Lan Tiancheng patted Bai Yue's shoulder, "No need to be like this."
Lan Tiancheng's long hair was disheveled, his features were defined and well-formed, with a scruffy beard. He wore a big floral shirt and had deeply tanned, shiny bronze skin, exuding a world-weary vagabond vibe.
Noble youths all carried an air of arrogance and prestige; someone as full of Jianghu flavor as Lan Tiancheng was very rare.
Standing among the crowd, Lan Tiancheng was indeed very eye-catching.
Bai Yue had always respected Lan Tiancheng, but today he couldn't keep this anger down.
With a sullen face, he said, "Everyone knows I like Xiao Ting. Xiao Ting openly flirting with this guy is a slap in my face!"
In his youth, Bai Yue especially liked Xiao Ting; they were of similar age and even in the same class during school.
Many of the things Bai Yue did were largely to show off to Xiao Ting.
He knew Xiao Ting liked strong individuals, so he cultivated madly. By his twenties, he had become the Silver Sword Hero. Among the youth of Taurus, he was a genius.
Still, Xiao Ting always rejected him.
The Bai Family and the Xiao Family didn't have a good relationship, making it difficult to form an alliance through marriage. Xiao Ting's rejection was normal.
Bai Yue believed as long as he held the right to speak, he could eventually marry Xiao Ting.
But he never expected Xiao Ting to get involved with Gao Xuan!
Noble youth focused solely on pleasures and wouldn't concern themselves with Gao Xuan.
Yet, all major noble families on Taurus were very interested in Gao Xuan. In just two months with the Xiao Family, he accomplished an earth-shattering feat on Purple Dragon Star.
After this battle, the Xiao Family firmly established themselves on Purple Dragon Star, even controlling most of Cloud Province.
Cloud Province was a crucial Red Steel Ore-producing area. At least 20% of the Red Steel in the Twelve Star Domain came from Cloud Province on Purple Dragon Star.
By taking over Cloud Province, the Xiao Family controlled vast Red Steel resources, expanding their influence far and wide.
For top-tier noble families, this was an extremely important event, a substantial change.
The root cause of it all was Gao Xuan single-handedly killing Guo Zhengjun!
As a Silver Sword Hero and backbone of his family, Bai Yue naturally heard of Gao Xuan, and about Gao Xuan's close relationship with Xiao Ting.
The noble families conducted thorough investigations, and Gao Xuan's personal information was no secret, making it easy to explore. His close relationship with Xiao Ting was no secret; many had witnessed it firsthand.
After reviewing these materials, Bai Yue's heart was aching to the point of bursting. He always considered Xiao Ting gentle, wise, shrewd, and modest in action, ideal wife material.
He never expected Xiao Ting would casually sleep with someone.
This time, he intentionally sought trouble with Gao Xuan, aiming to insult him with words and deliver a brutal mental blow.
Xiao Ting's intimate actions with Gao Xuan further fueled Bai Yue's killing intent.
Lan Tiancheng sighed, saying, "Xiao Ting is deliberately provoking you. Don't be driven by emotions. Gao Xuan is a terrifying swordsman. I suspect he might have already advanced to Sword Hero. You mustn't be careless even for a moment."
He paused and added, "Frankly speaking, Xiao Ting never loved you."
"Exactly. Let me put it bluntly, Xiao Ting is a scheming bitch."
Yu Feiying bluntly chimed in, "How could Xiao Ting be interested in someone as brainless as you? You don't even meet her aesthetic standards."
Yu Feiying, with his long brows and sharp eyes, exuded a chilling aura between his brows. Even at such gatherings, he donned a solemn military uniform.
This person felt like a block of ice, his presence naturally imparting a sense of coldness. His words were as cold and direct as his demeanor.
Bai Yue didn't expect both friends to speak this way, so he unhappily said, "Don't talk about Xiao Ting like that."
"Xiao Ting's been with another man, and you're still clinging on..."
Lan Tiancheng shook his head, finding it hard to understand Bai Yue. He had no shortage of women and enjoyed life, yet was reluctant to let go of Xiao Ting.
"I call it deep affection!"
Bai Yue grew more displeased, his thick brows furrowing tightly.
Lan Tiancheng dared not provoke Bai Yue further, fearing what this volatile guy might do if he lost control.
Yu Feiying could only shake his head.
Bai Yue lost interest in speaking and strode into the circle with his wooden sword, pointing it at Gao Xuan, "Low-class scum, come and meet your end."
"Bai Yue, watch your words."
Before Gao Xuan could respond, Xiao Ting spoke up first, "Respecting others means respecting yourself. You just never understood this, always arrogant and rude."
"Xiao Ting, I love you so much, yet you sleep with a young boy. Aren't you betraying me!"
Bai Yue was provoked by Xiao Ting, speaking without restraint.
Xiao Ting shook her head, "On one hand, you're indulgent with countless women, on the other hand, you pretend to be deeply affectionate with me—it's so pointless. You're always arrogant, even self-moved, without any regard for others."
She then turned to Gao Xuan, saying, "He's just a fool, don't hold back, teach him a harsh lesson."
"Following Sister Ting's advice."
Gao Xuan accepted the wooden sword Yun Qingshang handed him, "I'm great at teaching lessons."
Gao Xuan stepped into the circle, smiling as he saluted with his sword, "Please."
Bai Yue didn't bother with formalities, loudly exclaiming, "Watch the sword!"
Bai Yue's voice was like thunder, echoing all around. The force of his shout was like a massive iron hammer aiming directly at Gao Xuan.
Those nearby were affected by the echoing sound waves, their ears momentarily deafened, leaving all astonished.
The Sword Assembly at such gatherings was meant for skill exchange, but Bai Yue's overwhelming power seemed far beyond mere sparring.
Bai Yue didn't care what others thought. After his loud shout, his wooden sword chopped straight towards Gao Xuan.
The Bai Family's Thirty-Six Celestial Peaks Sword was a renowned swordsmanship.
The Thirty-Six Celestial Peaks represented thirty-six towering mountains piercing the sky. Each mountain had its own aura—lofty, upright, weighty, or steep.
Bai Yue's sword strike seemed like a Divine Mountain descending from the heavens, the sword qi supremely fierce and majestic, enveloping all directions.
Spectators felt their breathing stagnate, as if a mountainous weight pressed down, ready to explode.
Such a weighty sword momentum was especially counter to the Quick Sword, embodying the strong overcoming the weak, power suppressing speed.
Lan Tiancheng and Yu Feiying felt that this sword's momentum was peerless, reaching Bai Yue's peak level.
Facing Gao Xuan, known for the Quick Sword, was a situation that threatened to completely counter him.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, Gao Xuan did not retreat. He lightly parried Bai Yue's sword with a gentle strike, causing the descending mighty wooden sword to halt.
Seizing the slight opening, Gao Xuan's wooden sword rotated, slamming onto Bai Yue's left cheek.
Bai Yue was completely stunned, his head jerked sharply, spitting teeth and blood from his mouth.
Gao Xuan, twirling the wooden sword leisurely, said, "When hitting people, aim for the face; when insulting people, reveal their shortcomings—now that's satisfying."
He addressed Bai Yue, "My dear son, what do you think?"