Chapter 84: Who Here is Named Hun Yan?
"How is this possible? A boy who looks only fifteen or sixteen having such terrifying power?"
The three family heads, accustomed to regarding a Dou Wang (Battle King) as the pinnacle of strength, were utterly shaken by Xiao Yan's aura. The sheer force pressing down on them filled their faces with shock and made their knees weak, a primal instinct urging them to kneel.
"This can't be real! No one so young could possibly be this strong!" Even Yafei, typically composed and confident, couldn't mask her disbelief.
In the Jia Ma Empire, a fifteen year old reaching the rank of Dou Zhe (Battle Practitioner) would already be considered a prodigy. A fifteen year old Dou Shi (Battle Master) was unheard of. Yet, this boy no, this young man possessed a power that surpassed even the family heads' combined strength.
The situation felt like a dream. But the crushing reality of Xiao Yan's aura left no room for doubt.
Immediate Compliance
"What did you just say?" Xiao Yan asked, his tone mild, as he directed a faint smile at Jia Lie Bi, the head of the Jia Lie family.
Jia Lie Bi, now drenched in cold sweat, stammered, "I… I said that we three are unworthy to speak with you, my lord. If there's anything you need, just say the word, and we'll do our best to make it happen!"
The other two family heads nodded fervently, their expressions deferential as they scrambled to match Jia Lie Bi's tone.
"Exactly! It would be our honor to serve you, my lord."
Xiao Yan chuckled and glanced back at Jia Lie Bi.
"I preferred it when you were acting defiant. Why don't you try that again?"
"No, no, no! I wouldn't dare!" Jia Lie Bi paled further, shaking his head so hard it might have fallen off.
A Dou Wang even one this young was someone he could only look up to with fear and respect.
The Task
"I need the three of you to locate every single person in Wu Tan City with the surname Hun (Soul) and bring them to me," Xiao Yan instructed coolly. "Pay particular attention to those under the age of twenty. Anyone who was once considered a prodigy but later became a 'waste' is especially important. Not a single person is to be missed. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord! We'll carry out your orders immediately!" The three family heads bowed deeply, their eagerness plain.
"Good. I want results before nightfall," Xiao Yan added. "Do this well, and there will be rewards."
Their eyes lit up. A Dou Wang's promise of rewards would undoubtedly be lavish. Without hesitation, they left to execute Xiao Yan's orders.
Yafei and Xiao Yan
Once the family heads departed, Xiao Yan turned to Gu Ni.
"Master Gu Ni, do you not have other duties to attend to?"
"I… Yes, of course," Gu Ni replied, casting a glance at Yafei, his hesitation evident.
Yafei noticed his uncertainty and offered a calming smile.
"Don't worry, Uncle Gu Ni. If Xiao Yan truly meant me harm, no one in Wu Tan City could stop him, even if the entire city rose up."
Xiao Yan flashed a mischievous grin, the roguish charm he'd inherited from the Yin Yang Evil Saint making him all the more devilishly attractive. Even Yafei, with her poised demeanor, felt her cheeks flush faintly under his gaze.
"Very well. I'll leave you two to talk," Gu Ni said before bowing slightly and stepping out.
Once the door closed, Yafei turned back to Xiao Yan, shutting the door behind her. Her composed yet alluring smile returned as she walked gracefully back to her seat.
"Now, Xiao Yan, what is it you need from me?" she asked, her tone sweet yet probing.
As she studied the young man, thoughts of his immense power filled her mind. If she could establish a connection with someone like this, her position in the Mittel family would skyrocket.
Xiao Yan's Proposal
"I do have a request," Xiao Yan said with a teasing smile, his eyes openly admiring her curvaceous figure. "I find your beauty quite captivating, Lady Yafei. I'm looking for a concubine. Would you consider the position?"
Yafei's smile faltered, her face paling as shock set in.
"Xiao Yan, please don't joke about such things."
"I'm not joking," Xiao Yan replied, his gaze unwavering.
Yafei's expression grew even more strained. She knew all too well that someone of Xiao Yan's strength could easily take her by force if he desired. Not even the family patriarch could protect her from someone of his caliber.
Mustering a faint, forced smile, she asked, "Do I have the right to refuse?"
Xiao Yan chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"I expected you to say that."
Despite the gravity of his words, Xiao Yan's tone held no malice. In truth, he had no intention of forcing her hand. He was merely testing her resolve. After all, for Xiao Yan, the thrill often lay in the chase rather than the end result.
"Well, since you're so reluctant, I won't press the matter… for now."
Yafei exhaled quietly, her tension easing slightly.
"But," Xiao Yan continued, stretching leisurely, "I'm tired from my journey. Why don't you help me relax? Start with a shoulder massage."
For a moment, Yafei stood frozen, torn between indignation and helplessness.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Xiao Yan asked, his tone calm, as his Dou Qi spread across the room, sealing off any chance of escape.
"… No problem at all," Yafei replied softly, walking behind him. Her slender fingers rested hesitantly on his shoulders before she began to massage them.
Chaos in Wu Tan City
While Xiao Yan enjoyed his impromptu massage, the city outside descended into chaos.
The three family heads returned to their respective factions, mobilizing every resource to track down anyone with the surname Hun. To "invite" them, however, they often resorted to aggressive means.
"Let me go! My family's been law abiding for generations! Why are you taking me?"
"We're not arresting you; we're just inviting you for tea. You'll be back soon."
"I'm not going! You can't make me!"
"Oh, really? Tie them up!"
In another part of the city, a young man protested, "My sister's married to the second elder's son from the Mu Clan! You'll regret this!"
"The Mu Clan? You think that connection will save you here?" the Zhang family leader scoffed before knocking the boy unconscious.
The Gathering
By sundown, nearly a hundred people with the surname Hun had been rounded up and brought to a clearing owned by the Mittel Auction House.
Inside, Yafei continued to massage Xiao Yan's shoulders, her arms aching from the prolonged effort.
"That's enough for today," Xiao Yan said, standing up and stretching.
When he stepped outside, his sharp gaze swept over the assembled group. The three family heads stood nearby, heads bowed like subordinates awaiting orders.
"Don't be afraid," Xiao Yan said, flashing a friendly smile. "I'm a good person. I won't hurt you."
Despite his words, the bruised and frightened faces in the crowd betrayed their distrust.
Xiao Yan conjured a small green pill in his hand, holding it up for all to see.
"Is there anyone here named Hun Yan?" he asked, his tone calm yet commanding.
(End of Chapter)
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