Hu Meier

The girl's age was comparable to Su Mu and the others, not significantly older, but her movements were fluid and enticing, her figure curvaceous and her bosom undulating provocatively, making heads spin and eyes dazzle.

Though still young, she possessed a hint of mature allure, though it wasn't entirely polished, appearing somewhat unnatural.

"Hu Meier!" Upon seeing the girl, Su Mu's expression changed abruptly. His eyes couldn't help but follow her every move, and he swallowed hard.

If Su Mu was so affected, Li Yuntian and the others were even more so.

Their eyes clung to Hu Meier like leeches, fixated on her alluring figure, their breaths becoming heavy and their manners deteriorating. While in the world of martial arts, such behavior wasn't entirely uncommon, it was rare to encounter a girl like Hu Meier, especially one so young, merely fifteen or sixteen, with such a devastating impact on the senses.

Li Yuntian and his companions were in the prime of their youth, their blood boiling. Their reaction to this stimulating sight was understandable.

The lecherous gazes of the Lingxiao Pavilion disciples did not seem to bother Hu Meier; in fact, she appeared quite pleased, covering her mouth with her hand and letting out a delicate laugh. "So, Su younger brother, you know this elder sister?"

Su Mu quickly cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away, his face flushed. "Of course, I recognize you."

Cheng Shaofeng was the leader of the Body Tempering disciples from Wind and Rain Tower, while Hu Meier was the leader of the Blood Battle Gang's Body Tempering disciples. Her status was exceptional, being the daughter of the Blood Battle Gang's leader, Hu Man.

Despite her unfavorable reputation, her father Hu Man seemed indifferent, allowing her to wreak havoc. Though she was young, her entourage was numerous.

It was unclear why she was with Cheng Shaofeng today. Had the latter become a guest of hers?

This thought left Su Mu both envious and gleeful. He envied Cheng Shaofeng's apparent submission to Hu Meier, but he was also satisfied seeing Cheng Shaofeng subdued by a woman.

A strange smile appeared on Su Mu's face, and he looked at Cheng Shaofeng with a hint of disdain.

Cheng Shaofeng found this look unpleasant, especially with the Lingxiao Pavilion disciples' eyes still roving over Hu Meier. Growing more irritated, he stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Hu Meier to block their intrusive gazes.

This seemingly casual action amused Hu Meier, who smiled demurely.

"Su Mu, have your people step aside," Cheng Shaofeng said darkly, his patience wearing thin.

Su Mu sneered. "The road is wide and open. If we stand here, do we obstruct you?"

"Yes!" Cheng Shaofeng's expression darkened further.

"What if I refuse?" Su Mu countered. Their enmity was not new, and Su Mu was well acquainted with Cheng Shaofeng's methods, having no reason to fear him.

"Cheng younger brother, it's no trouble if Su younger brother stands here. We can take another path. No one will blame you," Hu Meier interjected, seeming to mediate but actually stirring the pot.

Su Mu inwardly cursed the scheming woman. As a member of the Blood Battle Gang, she undoubtedly wished for a conflict between Lingxiao Pavilion and Wind and Rain Tower.

Upon hearing Hu Meier's words, Cheng Shaofeng's previously hesitant demeanor became resolute. "If you don't move, you'll regret it."

Cheng Shaofeng was eager to assert his dominance in front of Hu Meier and was not about to relent.

Hu Meier smiled, her interest piqued as she glanced between the two, then subtly stepped back.

"Try if you dare!" Su Mu sneered at Cheng Shaofeng, while Li Yuntian and the others stepped forward, positioning themselves behind Su Mu.

"You brought this on yourself," Cheng Shaofeng said with a sudden smile, waving his hand. "Attack!"

As soon as he spoke, Cheng Shaofeng charged at Su Mu, throwing a punch at his face. Su Mu sneered and met the attack with a palm strike.

Their fists clashed, and Su Mu staggered back several steps, finally steadying himself. Cheng Shaofeng, on the other hand, remained composed, not a muscle twitching.

"You've broken through to the Qi Transformation realm?" Su Mu's face turned pale. From the clash, he felt the strength of Cheng Shaofeng's energy was far superior to his own, indicating a breakthrough to the Qi Transformation realm.

As Cheng Shaofeng continued to advance, he laughed heartily. "Su Mu, we started cultivating on the same day, but people are different. From now on, you'll only be able to follow in my footsteps and never surpass me."

Su Mu's face fell, bitterness filling his heart. Being surpassed by Cheng Shaofeng was even more humiliating than being insulted by Yang Kai. In an instant, Cheng Shaofeng was upon him, and Su Mu dared not underestimate him. Using all his strength at the ninth level of Body Tempering, he still couldn't fend off Cheng Shaofeng's assault.

As Yang Kai approached Black Wind Forest, he heard the sounds of a fight from afar, mixed with Li Yuntian's furious shouts and curses, filled with humiliation and despair.

Listening carefully, Yang Kai sensed something was amiss. It seemed Su Mu's group was in trouble.

Realizing this, Yang Kai quickened his pace. When he reached the crossroads, he saw Su Mu, battered and bruised, lying on the ground with a youth straddling him and beating him relentlessly. Li Yuntian and the others were desperately trying to protect Su Mu, but their efforts were in vain. The opposing group was numerous and stronger, leaving the Lingxiao Pavilion disciples unable to help Su Mu.

"Are you going to submit?" Cheng Shaofeng's fist struck Su Mu's eye, splitting the corner of his eye.

"Go to hell!" Su Mu spat blood onto Cheng Shaofeng's face.

"Will you submit?" Another punch landed, causing Su Mu's face to swell and bleed.

"I'll submit… to your ancestors!" Su Mu gasped, but his words remained defiant.

"Will you submit?"

"To your grandmother's behind!"

Cheng Shaofeng didn't waste words with Su Mu, landing a punch followed by the question, "Will you submit?" Su Mu's responses were crude and insulting, which only made Cheng Shaofeng hit harder and more ferociously.

Yang Kai watched from a short distance, quietly observing. He saw that Su Mu indeed had some spirit. Seeing Su Mu now was like seeing his past self—though battered and bleeding, he would never compromise against an overwhelming opponent.

This was not foolishness but a form of persistence!

Yang Kai had no intention of intervening. Su Mu was clearly being targeted for some past offense, and Yang Kai had no reason to get involved. However, Su Mu's unyielding spirit earned his respect.

Cheng Shaofeng, exhausted from the beating, continued to pummel Su Mu, whose face was swollen, eyes cracked, and mouth filled with blood. Despite his battered state, Su Mu's eyes retained their contemptuous glare.

Hu Meier, adding a final touch, said, "Cheng younger brother, let him go. Su younger brother has spirit, and I appreciate such people."

At these words, Su Mu could not help but turn and curse, "Vile wench!"

Cheng Shaofeng sneered, "Spirit? I like that too!" 

As he spoke, he casually picked up a stone from the ground, aiming it at Su Mu's head.