Am I a Wanted Man?

A system notification echoed in his mind.

He sensed that his grasp of sword techniques had ascended to an entirely new level.

This experience was beyond description.

Suddenly, Xu Zhong recalled his teacher's words. Some exceptionally gifted martial artists would have profound insights triggered by certain stimuli or specific environments.

It was like an epiphany!

"Did I just experience an epiphany?" Xu Zhong could feel a deeper connection with the sword in his hand.

Surprisingly, apart from the benefits bestowed by the Invincible Simplification System, he could also progress through epiphanies.

He opened the system interface to check his current status.

[Invincible Simplification System]

[Host: Xu Zhong]

[Age: 18]

[Realm]: F-rank martial artist

Vitality: 141 points

Sword Intent: 311 points

Cultivation Technique: Primal Chaos Body Formula (Minor Accomplishment), Pure Divine Art (elementary level), Muscle-bone Strengthening Scripture (Uninitiated)

Martial Arts: Thunder Fist (elementary level), Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms (elementary level), Storm Sword Technique (Uninitiated)

Everything seemed in order, but the Sword Intent column stood out significantly.

Impressive…

Xu Zhong raised an intrigued eyebrow, eager to see the destructive potential of activating his sword intent willingly.

…

When dinner time arrived, Xu Zhong decided to find a buffet restaurant to satisfy his hunger.

Upon reaching the foodie street, he settled on a buffet restaurant. However, as he approached, he noticed the waiter's expression abruptly change.

The waiter appeared terrified, as he had just encountered a fearsome beast.

He took a photo, compared it, and promptly positioned himself before Xu Zhong like a brave soldier. In a calm tone, he uttered, "Sir, you… you can't enter."

What? Am I a Wanted Man?

Xu Zhong frowned but chose not to argue with these people. Their livelihoods weren't easy, after all.

Moreover, the male waiter had indulged in betel nuts and alcohol for quite some time. There was a distinct odor emanating from him that Xu Zhong found unpleasant.

However, it appeared that all the buffet establishments on this street had barred his entry.

He approached a seafood buffet restaurant called "Crab Boss." The waiter in front of him halted Xu Zhong once more. "Sir, you… you can't go in."

"What if I insist?" Xu Zhong inquired with a stern expression.

The waitress immediately burst into tears after observing Xu Zhong's unyielding stance. "Please, our manager said only one of us can stay here…"

The waitress was tall and possessed a seductive allure. Her legs were exceptionally long, she wasn't wearing stockings, and the back of her smooth feet peeped out from her black high heels. Especially when she cried, Xu Zhong felt a twinge of guilt.

Alright…

Given the circumstances, Xu Zhong decided not to make life harder for the waiter.

He casually consumed a bowl of noodles to appease his appetite.

He wasn't hungry today, thanks to the 4,000 yuan Vitality Pill he had taken earlier.

As he walked, he played with his phone.

Just as he was about to call his sister to inquire about her return, he happened upon a narrow alleyway.

At that moment, a hand abruptly seized his arm, yanking him into a dimly lit alley.

Xu Zhong instinctively yearned to break free from this force, yet a realization washed over him, holding him back from resisting actively. Instead, he allowed the unseen assailant to pull him further into the obscurity of the alley.

"Help! Somebody, help!" Xu Zhong shouted.

A short while later, six shadowy figures materialized before Xu Zhong, effectively sealing off the narrow alley and obliterating any trace of daylight or external illumination.

This was a calculated move…

Xu Zhong muttered secretly.

He could guess who wanted to attack him.

Xiahou Chi.

Who else but the prodigal scions of the aristocratic families would dare flaunt their martial prowess on the streets of Luo City?

Some bore facial scars, while others displayed tattoos on their arms. A few even sported lip studs. Their colorful hairstyles and shabby ornaments served as an advertisement for their thuggish affiliations.

"Hey, hand over all your valuables," the ringleader of the hooligans demanded, brandishing a small silver bone fan, his gaze cold and calculating.

"Sure, I'll give you all my money."

Xu Zhong refrained from launching an immediate counterattack, not yet having assessed the full extent of their background. He was most concerned that these individuals might be armed with firearms

With his current capabilities, he couldn't afford to bear the damage such weapons could inflict.

"I'm sorry, but we're interested in more than just your money. We also want your life!"

In the blink of an eye, the ringleader exchanged a meaningful glance with his henchmen. They converged on Xu Zhong. Their faces contorted into menacing and savage grins.

The lead thug struck Xu Zhong's shoulder without hesitation.

What their leader intended was for Xu Zhong to retain his life but endure the dislocation of all his limbs and be carved into sticks.

A thud resounded.

A dull, unexpected noise reverberated through the alley.

The iron rod had descended forcefully onto Xu Zhong's shoulder, yet the excruciating pain he had envisioned failed to materialize. A peculiar stillness descended upon the entire alley.

"Huh?" The thug stood momentarily perplexed. Xu Zhong grinned and quipped, "What's the matter? Still hungry?"

He felt the pain, but it was completely bearable.

His Vitality was close to 200 now, and his physical fitness was far from what an ordinary person could compare to.

He might be completely fine even if a car hit him.

However, it was one thing to have a strong body, but he could still feel the pain.

"Are you a martial artist?"

The hooligans didn't comprehend the situation.

"And even if he is, I'm a martial artist too!"

A green-haired thug chimed in, brandishing a gleaming steel knife and slashing it toward Xu Zhong's left arm with murderous intent.

He meant to take Xu Zhong's life.

In response, Xu Zhong swiftly drew his wooden sword without hesitation.

Clang!

The next moment, a piercing scream pierced the air.

The knife clattered, and the green-haired thug clutched his wrist, howling in agony.

At some point, a gaping wound had appeared on his arm, and blood streamed down his palm.

How had he managed that?

Only Xu Zhong comprehended the true nature of the attack.

Huh, so my sword intent has grown this powerful already?

Even without unleashing his sword intent, Xu Zhong was confident to handle these assailants using his Thunder Fist technique.

"Don't just stand there! Attack together, and after we finish this mission, we'll celebrate with some drinks tonight!"

Someone instigated in the crowd.

As anticipated, the prospect of "drinks" increased excitement among the hooligans.

Without hesitation, one thug quickly kicked Xu Zhong's face. Xu Zhong was even faster. He grabbed the whip leg and twisted it forcefully.

That person's leg bone was directly broken!