Fall to your knees

In an instant, his fists clenched, a surge of anger welling up as he considered rushing forward to strike Chu Yi. He even entertained the thought of seizing the small elixir bottle for himself.

With an unthinkable swiftness, he circled around Daniu, heading straight toward Chu Yi with a punch.

"Come at me," Chu Yi remarked calmly, a smile tugging at his lips.

Finally, the confrontation had begun.

Perfect. I've just acquired the Master-level Eight Extremes Fist and haven't had a chance to use it yet.

This time, I'll show you the strength behind it.

With a determined focus, Chu Yi aligned his waist and legs, stepping forward with firm, confident strides.

As Ye Fan drew near, Chu Yi swung his fist, the wind from it sharp and forceful.

He struck with eight-tenths of his power, leaving just two-tenths for the recoil.

The punch landed with a powerful, audacious force, causing Ye Fan to stagger back, his chest heaving with the shock of the blow.

"Pfft!"

Ye Fan was sent stumbling several paces back, barely managing to keep his footing, almost toppling to the ground.

In stark contrast, Chu Yi remained poised and calm, his breathing steady, as though he had not even engaged in a fight.

"Damn you, Chu Yi," Ye Fan muttered, his face flushed with rage.

What truly stunned him was the revelation that Chu Yi had become so powerful.

Just last time, he was nothing more than an ordinary man.

No… I must have made a mistake. How could he be stronger than me?

What makes him stronger?

Infuriated, Ye Fan's anger reignited.

He glared at Chu Yi, adjusting his stance, preparing for another strike.

But just as he was about to unleash his next blow, a familiar voice rang in his ears, sharpening his focus.

"Ye Fan, you've truly disappointed me," the voice spoke, laden with disappointment.

"Uncle Xiao!" Ye Fan turned, his eyes widening in shock as he saw the elderly Xiao standing behind Chu Yi.

He had not expected Uncle Xiao to be here with Chu Yi.

Uncle Xiao's position was one of considerable influence.

"Ye Fan, I once saw potential in you, which is why I took you under my wing," Xiao said, his face hardening with displeasure. "But now, you've chosen to fall into disgrace."

Xiao had witnessed everything with clarity.

It was clear that Ye Fan had acted first, attacking without cause, and when Chu Yi had merely defended himself, Ye Fan sought to strike again.

There was no order, no regard for the law.

"Uncle Xiao, it's not like that," Ye Fan stammered, his voice filled with panic.

He owed Uncle Xiao everything. Had it not been for his intervention, his family would never have survived in the city of Mo.

That wealthy young man's father had shown no mercy back then, acting with ruthless finality.

"You need not explain, I saw everything clearly," Xiao interrupted, his gaze shifting to Chu Yi. "Chu Yi, I know that what I'm about to say may displease you, but I beg you to forgive Ye Fan, and refrain from further conflict."

"Uncle Xiao," Ye Fan's voice cracked with emotion. He was deeply moved by Xiao's intervention. In his heart, he silently vowed to avenge the humiliation of Xiao's plea for mercy.

"Forgive Ye Fan?" Chu Yi looked bewildered.

What was going on here?

Had this old Xiao just handed over control of the situation to him?

Chu Yi never intended to call the police or have Ye Fan thrown into prison. After all, with Ye Fan's tenfold fortune compared to his own, it would be no surprise if Ye Fan had connections to get out of trouble.

In his past life, Chu Yi had learned from countless novels about the intricacies of power, and knew better than to rely on the authorities.

At the outset, Chu Yi had planned for just a quick exchange of blows and to return home satisfied with the results. But now, seeing Xiao's insistence, it appeared he was being asked to provide a resolution to this matter.

Considering he was in the right, the opportunity to assert his position was now.

Clearing his throat, Chu Yi steadied his voice before speaking in Xiao's determined gaze.

"Then, let him kneel."

What?

Ye Fan, in front of everyone, kneel?

Daniu stood frozen in disbelief, but after the initial shock, admiration flooded his expression.

Young Master, you are truly ruthless.

To have the assistant to the District Director kneel before you, a mere gesture of face turned into a command for humiliation.

Was this truly giving face?

It felt more like desecrating someone's ancestors.

At that moment, Xiao's face flushed with discomfort. 

Had I truly given him face?

He couldn't help but think to himself.

"I… I misspoke," Xiao stammered. "What I meant was, I only ask that Ye Fan apologize to me."

Chu Yi's voice rang out once again, this time with a hint of hesitation. Clearly, he recognized that his demand had been excessive.

"Fine, Ye Fan, come here," Xiao sighed with relief, waving for Ye Fan to approach.

Ye Fan, despite his deep frustration and anger, understood that Uncle Xiao was looking out for him.

He couldn't refuse the favor being extended.

"Chu Yi, I'm sorry." Ye Fan's voice was stiff, robotic even. "My actions earlier were wrong. I acted without thinking, and I apologize."

"Have you not eaten today?" Chu Yi taunted. "Is this how you apologize to me?"

Chu Yi wasn't about to let Ye Fan off easily. He relished this rare opportunity to strike when his opponent was down.

"Chu Yi, I'm sorry." Ye Fan repeated, this time louder, with more emotion in his voice, though resentment still lingered in his eyes.

"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have made Ye Fan apologize to you for the first time."

"Ding! You have altered the course of events and earned 500 villain points and 10 luck points."

The voice echoed in Chu Yi's mind, causing him to smile with satisfaction.

"Enough, this will do." Chu Yi waved dismissively. "I forgive you, Ye Fan."

"Humph."

With that, Ye Fan stormed off, unable to bear the shame any longer, eager to leave the scene behind.

Watching him retreat, Chu Yi allowed himself a smile.

"Looks like this matter has come to a close," Chu Yi mused. "I should be leaving too."

Xiao, his face tinged with melancholy, spoke softly. "I had such high hopes for Ye Fan… I truly thought he could bring honor to the Northern District."

But now, the reality was harsh.

"Fine." Chu Yi nodded, preparing to leave.

Just as he was about to depart, a familiar voice called out, "Chu Yi, may I have your contact details?"

It was Lin Yunhan, running up to him with a bright, hopeful expression.

"Sure, I'll give it to you," Chu Yi replied, tearing off a piece of paper and jotting down his details for her.

"Thank you, Chu Yi," Lin Yunhan said, beaming with joy.

Her radiant smile, framed by the sunlight, was as captivating as a blooming flower.

Her delicate features stirred something deep within Chu Yi's heart.