Rebirth of the Peak Young Master

Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Upstaging the Host

Upon hearing Zhou Tian's words, Hee Ming immediately looked awkward.

"Um... Master Zhou, Mr. Yang's skill is also quite remarkable! Even Brother Shan said he's no match for him!"

"Brother Shan? Are you referring to Liu Shan?"

Zhou Tian sneered dismissively, "Although I haven't seen Liu Shan in person, I imagine he's just another mediocrity! Compared to Huang Xiong, he's no match at all!"

"Huang Xiong? Could it be the expert invited by Black Tiger Hall?" Hee Ming asked immediately.

"Correct!"

Zhou Tian said arrogantly, "This Huang Xiong—although I don't know who his master is or what his background may be—but I've studied his movements. He should be, like me, a martial artist!"

"A martial artist? What does that mean?" Hee Ming asked, completely puzzled.

Zhou Tian didn't bother to explain. Instead, he slowly got up and moved to the center of the hall. Suddenly, he shouted loudly.

CRACK!

In an instant, the solid wooden floor beneath his feet began to fracture and crack inch by inch.

"This...this is..."

"This is the inner strength of a martial artist! Martial artists are divided into three stages: Ming energy, Hidden Energy, and Hua Realm. Beyond that is the realm of innate Martial Kings, the rulers of martial arts. I've practiced for many years and managed to step onto the threshold of being a martial artist, currently at the Ming energy middle stage!" Zhou Tian said proudly with a burst of laughter.

"Truly incredible, Master Zhou! This...this is simply amazing! So powerful!"

Staring at the scene in front of him and hearing Zhou Tian's words, Hee Ming instantly regarded Zhou Tian as if he were a deity.

But Ye Fei, on the other hand, just smiled silently.

Ye Fei didn't know much about martial artists, but with his deep cultivation knowledge combined with the memories of the Soul-controlling Demon,

he could instantly see that this was merely a method of refining the physical body to absorb spiritual energy into it.

Compared to the pure absorption of nature's spiritual energy and direct communication with the heavens and earth practiced by cultivators, it was insignificant.

Moreover, based on what he had seen last time at Qingyun Mountain, whether it was Elder Guo or Liu Shan, they were martial artists with much deeper inner strength than this so-called Master Zhou.

Even Elder Guo's granddaughter, Guo Can, was likely stronger than Master Zhou.

How laughable that he was standing here so smugly.

Meanwhile, Zhou Tian, enjoying Hee Ming's flattery, showed off for some more time before finally saying, "Now you know what a martial artist is, right?"

"I know, I know! Master Zhou is truly a divine being! With Master Zhou here, why worry about Huang Xiong being undefeated!" Hee Ming said hurriedly, nodding his head like a garlic chopper, completely ignoring Ye Fei's presence.

It's fair to say this—Hee Ming had only heard Liu Shan mention Ye Fei's strength but didn't fully understand it himself.

Now, with everything Master Zhou had displayed, it seemed to Hee Ming like something straight out of a martial arts drama, making it impossible for him to consider Ye Fei.

Hee Ming quickly leaned forward and stuffed a check into Zhou Tian's hand. The amount on it, with several zeroes, was clearly not a small sum.

Upon seeing the check, Zhou Tian immediately snorted coldly, "I, Zhou, am a practitioner of martial arts. Boss Hee, don't you dare look down on me like this!"

"No, no, just a token of appreciation. A small token of appreciation! Surely we can't ask Master Zhou to run a trip in vain!" Hee Ming quickly said with a smile, entirely unafraid of Zhou Tian's anger.

He had seen situations like this many times before.

If not for the money, why would Zhou Tian have come all this way to fight Huang Xiong for him?

The so-called martial artist's code was nothing more than an excuse!

If Hee Ming dared to take back the check, Zhou Tian would likely be the one to show real anger.

Sure enough, Zhou Tian smiled slightly and quickly pocketed the check without any hesitation.

"Haha, since it's a token from Chairman Hee, I'll reluctantly accept it!"

Zhou Tian said with a cheerful smile, "Taking money to solve misfortunes—Chairman Hee, rest assured. With me here, Huang Xiong won't stand a chance!"

"Then I'll leave it all to Master Zhou. Come, come, please take the seat of honor. Before we go, we must enjoy a good meal to welcome you properly!"

Hee Ming said with enthusiasm, quickly inviting Zhou Tian to the head seat before instructing his subordinates to serve the dishes...

The meal was delightfully joyful for everyone involved.

After Zhou Tian flashed the golden reputation of being a martial artist, he naturally became the focus of the entire banquet.

Everyone's compliments and toasts kept him laughing heartily throughout.

As for Ye Fei, he was happy to have some peace and quiet. He ate and drank without concern—it was all at Hee Ming's expense anyway, and since he still needed Hee Ming to gather the medicinal herbs for him later, why not enjoy the meal?

After they were full, Zhou Tian waved his hand and laughed heartily, "Hahaha! Chairman Hee, it's getting late. Shall we go and deal with Huang Xiong first before continuing?"

"But the wine has just been warmed—isn't it better to finish the drink before heading out?"

Hee Ming pretended to hesitate.

But in truth, he couldn't wait for Zhou Tian to go over and showcase his strength by knocking out Huang Xiong, the expert Black Tiger Hall had enlisted.

Zhou Tian merely smirked and said contemptuously, "I estimate that Huang Xiong is no more than thirty years old. Even if he's a martial artist like me, his strength is likely negligible. This mission is so simple; the wine won't get cold!"

"Master Zhou is truly a hero! Just as Guan Yunzhang once warmed his wine before slaying Hua Xiong, now we have Master Zhou ready to annihilate Huang Xiong! Since Master Zhou is so confident, let's go quickly and deal with Huang Xiong!"

Hee Ming said enthusiastically, making sure to usher Zhou Tian outside the hall before remembering Ye Fei was still there.

"Mr. Ye, you..."

"I'll go along with you!"

Ye Fei smiled faintly.

Although he now had a clear understanding of martial artists, this would be his first time witnessing a martial artist's showdown. Since he had waited this long, he might as well go and see it for himself.

Hee Ming originally intended for Ye Fei to head home.

With Zhou Tian on board, Hee Ming was brimming with confidence about the upcoming duel.

However, since Ye Fei expressed his willingness to go, Hee Ming couldn't very well stop him. He hastily said with a smile, "Since Mr. Ye wishes to join us, please step outside!"

With that, Hee Ming quickly caught up to Zhou Tian and resumed his flattery.

Soon:

Under Hee Ming's leadership, Zhou Tian, Ye Fei, and several others from the Flame Dragon Association arrived at a restaurant.

This was one of the locations currently being disputed between the Flame Dragon Association and Black Tiger Hall. Naturally, the restaurant had been cleared out in advance to serve as the venue for today's duel.

Once inside, Zhou Tian assumed a confident, commanding posture and sat down right at the main entrance, waiting for Huang Xiong to arrive.

As time passed, night began to settle in.

Tap! Tap!

From outside, footsteps could be heard.

"He's here!"

Zhou Tian sneered coldly, slowly rising to his feet while casually brushing his sleeves, ready to strike.

But just then, an even more violent energy burst forth from outside.

The person hadn't yet arrived, but their presence had already filled the room.

Feeling this aggressive aura, Zhou Tian's composed expression hinted at a trace of surprise.

A burly man dressed in tactical gear crossed the threshold and announced, "Hee Ming, come out and die!"