Consenting to Xiao Ming!

"Impressive," Xiong Yan's voice cut through the tense air like a blade, cold and sharp.

"It's been a while since someone dared to challenge me so blatantly. If your strength can prove your arrogance, then Gu Xilin here is itching to test you." His icy gaze bore into Xiao Ming, who remained oblivious, lost in his thoughts as his fingers drummed absently on the worn wooden table.

BAAM!

The sudden slam of Xiong Yan's palm against the table reverberated through the room, the force controlled yet deliberate, causing the table to shudder violently without breaking.

The sound jolted Xiao Ming back to reality. His eyes flickered open, meeting Xiong Yan's piercing stare and the array of curious, mocking, and indifferent gazes from the onlookers.

The once lively tavern had fallen into an eerie silence, the atmosphere thick with tension.

Xiao Ming blinked, his mind racing to piece together the situation.