The elders were not amused.
Especially Elder Zhen, a lean, sharp-eyed man whose robes bore the mark of the Vermilion Flame Hall. His disciple—Meng Fan—now lay groaning on a stretcher, jaw dislocated, face redder than fire lotus wine.
"You dare humiliate my personal disciple before the entire sect?" Elder Zhen's voice rang out, silencing the arena's murmurs.
Ye Feng didn't flinch.
In fact, his gaze sharpened.
[System Prompt: "Initiate Elder Slap Arc?"]▸ Note: Direct elder-slapping not allowed (yet). But disciples? Fair game.
System: This one comes with prestige, political backlash, and premium satisfaction. Want in?
Ye Feng: "Accepted."
⚠️ [New Mission: Slap the Chosen Dog]
Target: Jin Mu, Core Disciple, flame element specialist, peak Body Forging RealmAffiliation: Elder Zhen's direct discipleDifficulty: ★★★★☆Optional Bonus: Slap him in front of Elder ZhenReward: +150 EXP, + Elder Reputation Ripple, + New Passive (TBD)
From the front row, Jin Mu stood up, flames swirling faintly around his palms.
"You've insulted my senior brother, Ye Feng. It's only fair I break every bone in your body."
His voice was calm, but deadly.
Ye Feng raised an eyebrow. "You talk like your bones are worth more than his."
Snickers echoed from the crowd.
"Arrogant fool!" Jin Mu shot forward like a comet, flame bursting behind him.
[Skill Ready: Slap Returner (Lv. 1)][Combo: Mockery Multiplier][New Trigger: Flame Evasion Counter Lv. 1 — Available for Fusion]
System: Incoming hothead! Want me to fuse Flame Evasion into your slap engine?▸ Yes ▫ No
Ye Feng thought for half a second.
"Yes."
[Fusion Successful: New Skill — Inferno Redirector (Lv. 1)]Description: Converts flame-based attacks into kinetic backlash on next slap.
The moment Jin Mu's fiery punch reached him—Ye Feng leaned just enough.
Then came the slap.
FWOOOOM—SMACK!
Jin Mu's body did a complete spin, his flaming aura backfiring mid-air. He crashed onto the stone floor, rolling twice before stopping at Elder Zhen's feet.
A glowing handprint sizzled on his cheek.
Elder Zhen's eyes twitched. "You—"
[+150 EXP][+2 Public Infamy][+70 Reputation][Passive Unlocked: Fire Immunity Lv. 1 — (Temporary)]
System: You just slapped a flame cultivator with his own flames. This is poetry.
Elder Zhen: Fuming. But restrained by sect law. For now.
Lin Ruyan: Watching from the upper pavilion. She bit her lip. "He's not just improving… he's glowing."
Why does seeing him rise make my chest ache?
Violet-eyed girl: Smiling again.
"He absorbs humiliation and returns it with elegance. Slap cultivation… interesting."
She turned to the head elder beside her.
"Grandfather, I want to meet him."
Updated Stats
Name: Ye FengTitles: Fallen Genius, Slap SaintLevel: 4Reputation: 200Public Infamy: 4Face-Slaps Delivered: 6Skills:– Slap Returner (Lv. 1)– Mockery Multiplier (Lv. 1)– Inferno Redirector (Lv. 1) (NEW)– Crowd Conqueror (Lv. 1)Passives:– Iron Face– Fire Immunity (Temporary)Slap-Style Cultivation: 1.5%
System: You're making enemies and admirers in equal measure. I'm proud. Also slightly aroused. But mostly proud.