The Reckless Provocation Backfires

Liu Yichen strode purposefully toward Zhu Xiaotian, his steps steady and resolute. His tall, upright posture made him seem as if he had suddenly grown in stature, exuding the air of a king surveying his domain—a stark contrast to his previously timid demeanor.

The noisy chatter in the square gradually died down, as if an invisible hand had muffled the clamor. The crowd's eyes were drawn to the suddenly assertive young man like iron to a magnet. Whispers of astonishment buzzed around like a swarm of insects.

Zhu Xiaotian's mocking grin froze on his face, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. This kid, who was like a stray dog before, how dare he act so arrogantly now?

"Where is Xun'er?" Liu Yichen's voice, though not loud, rang out clearly like a bell in a silent valley. His tone carried an undeniable authority, and his icy gaze seemed to send a chill through the ears of those who heard him.

Zhu Xiaotian, furious, let out a cold laugh, his eyes narrowing into slits. Just as he was about to retort with a sarcastic remark, Liu Yichen's lips curled into a mocking smile, and a torrent of insults poured out like a storm: "Zhu Xiaotian, you despicable, shameless scoundrel! A petty thief who even steals maids! Do you have any shame? You're nothing but trash, scum, a waste of space!" Each word struck Zhu Xiaotian like a hammer to the chest, the pain of the verbal blows fueling his rage to the point of near madness.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, the sharp pain barely registering as his spiritual energy surged within him. Just as he was about to strike and teach this insolent brat a lesson, he suddenly froze.

"Ding! Anger Point +100!"

"Ding! Anger Point +200!"

A series of system notifications rang sharply in his mind, like icy needles stabbing into his brain. His anger was momentarily replaced by overwhelming confusion.

What… is going on? Anger Point?

Meanwhile, Liu Yichen's face was filled with smug satisfaction, his eyebrows slightly raised. He could feel his heart racing with excitement as he watched Zhu Xiaotian's stunned expression, his eyes brimming with mockery. The system is truly amazing! The thrill of getting stronger by provoking others is just too good!

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Liu Yichen taunted, his sharp gaze like twin swords piercing Zhu Xiaotian, a sneer playing on his lips.

At that moment, Liu Zixuan's eyes darted around, and he quickly stepped forward to Liu Yichen's side. His hurried steps and fawning smile betrayed his eagerness to curry favor. He tugged at Liu Yichen's sleeve and whispered in a low voice, "Brother Yichen, you should know that Senior Brother Zhu Xiaotian is one of the top inner disciples. His strength is unfathomable. You… you should really tone it down." As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with a hint of schadenfreude, his feigned concern barely masking his delight. This waste, Liu Yichen, actually dares to offend Zhu Xiaotian. This is going to be fun to watch!

Liu Yichen frowned, shaking off Liu Zixuan's hand with a look of annoyance. "Mind your own business," he said coldly, his tone dismissive.

Mo Wanqing stood in the crowd, watching Liu Yichen's back with a slight frown. She bit her lip gently, her eyes filled with worry and disappointment. She remembered a time when she had been alone with Liu Yichen. Back then, though he was somewhat timid, he had also shown kindness. But now, his impulsive behavior made her feel that he was beyond redemption. She sighed inwardly, her resistance to their arranged marriage growing stronger.

She wanted to step forward and stop him, but hesitated, her foot lifting and then settling back down. In the end, she remained where she was.

Zhu Xiaotian, incensed by Liu Yichen's barrage of insults, felt his face burning with humiliation. His expression darkened, his eyes blazing with fury, his teeth grinding audibly.

He could no longer endure this humiliation. With a roar that echoed like thunder across the square, his star soul power surged forth, a powerful pressure enveloping the entire area.

The crowd felt as if an invisible hand had gripped their throats, making it hard to breathe. The temperature in the square plummeted, the cold air cutting like knives against their skin. A murderous aura filled the air.

Some of the weaker disciples began to shiver uncontrollably, their teeth chattering, their faces pale as paper.

"You little bastard, you're asking for death!" Zhu Xiaotian snarled, his voice like a demon from hell, sending chills down everyone's spines. His eyes were filled with killing intent.

He took a step forward, the ground trembling beneath his feet. The crowd felt the earth shift like waves, as if it might split apart. Behind him, a massive tiger phantom formed, glowing with blinding light and roaring with a deafening sound that shook everyone to their core.

Just as everyone thought Liu Yichen was about to be torn to pieces, a clear, commanding voice rang out like a heavenly melody: "Stop."

The voice was crisp and carried an undeniable authority, like a warm current in the cold winter night.

Following the voice, a graceful figure emerged from the crowd.

As Diao Lingyue appeared, the air around her seemed to freeze, her beauty radiating a mysterious aura. The crowd felt a bright light as a white glow spread across the ground with her every step, as if paving a path of holy light.

She wore a long white dress, her movements so light it seemed as if she were floating on water. Each step she took seemed to resonate in the hearts of the onlookers, making their hearts race and their breaths quicken.

"Master," the woman said as she approached Liu Yichen, bowing slightly. Her voice was clear and melodious, like the first birdsong of spring, echoing clearly in the silent square.

Diao Lingyue walked to Liu Yichen's side and gracefully knelt, her posture elegant, like a blooming snow lotus.

"Master," she said again, her voice soft but striking like a thunderclap in the square.

"Master?!" The crowd was stunned, their eyes darting between Liu Yichen and Diao Lingyue.

This peerless beauty was actually Liu Yichen's servant?

Zhu Xiaotian felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Jealousy burned in his chest like a raging fire, his eyes nearly spitting flames.

He had always believed that his strength and status would attract any woman's attention. Yet now, this woman he had dreamed of was showing such respect to Liu Yichen. How could he bear it?

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced his palms. The intense jealousy and resentment threatened to consume him.

He glared at Diao Lingyue, his teeth grinding as he spat out, "You actually acknowledge him as your master? You'll regret this!" His face twisted with jealousy and hatred.

Diao Lingyue merely glanced at him with disdain, a faint smile of contempt on her lips, before ignoring him completely.

Liu Yichen was ecstatic. He could feel his blood boiling with excitement, his eyebrows twitching with joy. The system's rewards are truly extraordinary!

Suppressing his laughter, he calmly said to Diao Lingyue, "Lingyue, make him kneel before me." His tone carried a commanding edge, though he tried not to appear too eager.

"Yes, Master," Diao Lingyue nodded slightly, then turned to face Zhu Xiaotian. Her aura changed instantly, an overwhelming pressure enveloping the square like a towering mountain pressing down on everyone's hearts.

The crowd felt as if a massive boulder were crushing them. The temperature in the square dropped sharply again, the cold wind howling, carrying a biting chill.

Zhu Xiaotian felt an immense force restraining him. He struggled but found his body bound by countless invisible ropes, forcing him to move toward Liu Yichen against his will.

He could only watch helplessly as he walked step by step toward Liu Yichen, eventually kneeling before him.

Slap! A crisp sound echoed across the square.

The onlookers gasped in shock. They could hardly believe that the once-timid Liu Yichen was now so bold as to strike Zhu Xiaotian, a top inner disciple, and reduce him to such a pitiful state.

Without hesitation, Liu Yichen slapped Zhu Xiaotian with such force that it sent him sprawling to the ground.

A bright red handprint immediately appeared on Zhu Xiaotian's face, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He could feel the searing pain on his cheek as he lay there, humiliated.

Liu Yichen crouched down, lifting Zhu Xiaotian's chin with his hand, a look of mockery in his eyes. "Weren't you so arrogant earlier? Why are you lying on the ground like a dog now?" Zhu Xiaotian glared at Liu Yichen, struggling to break free but unable to move. He spat out through gritted teeth, "You… you'll die a horrible death!"

Liu Yichen felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Seeing the once-mighty Zhu Xiaotian now kneeling before him, humiliated and at his mercy, filled him with exhilaration.

Enraged by the slap, Zhu Xiaotian scrambled to his feet, his eyes bloodshot like a wounded beast, filled with madness.

The tiger phantom behind him began to glow with intense light, a violent energy surging within him, ready to explode at any moment.

"Liu Yichen! I'll kill you!"