Chapter 131: You Sifang Escapes

You Sifang’s Dragon Claw technique had taken its full form; the tendons and bones in his hands stood out, and the veins beneath his skin bulged with exertion. Yet, blocked by Xiao Ye, this immensely powerful maneuver could not advance even an inch. Both men were exerting sudden, immense force, locked in a tense, silent struggle. You Sifang intended to crush Xiao Ye’s cervical vertebrae with his claw, but Xiao Ye’s obstructing hand prevented him from locking it in. The impasse was absolute; neither could advance, and separating proved equally difficult.

"Kid, you’ve got grit. Few can maintain this level of power under such circumstances. I truly like you more and more!" You Sifang grinned, asking Xiao Ye, "Tell me, what was so wrong with my previous offer?"

"There was nothing wrong with it. I simply, purely, look down on you." At this moment, Xiao Ye’s tone was exceptionally resolute; the words were squeezed out from the depths of his throat.

"Very well, then. In that case, I shall send you on your way with peace of mind!"

Just then, a car approached from the sidewalk, its high beams momentarily blinding You Sifang, causing his movements to falter for a split second. In that fleeting instant, Xiao Ye seized the opportunity, exerted a sudden burst of strength, and broke You Sifang’s lock. You Sifang naturally wouldn't let him escape so easily and reached out to block him, but it was futile. Xiao Ye had broken free, but at a cost: the ligaments in his left hand were torn, and the bones were fractured.

You Sifang cried out in alarm, but Xiao Ye gave him no chance, grabbing his arm and pivoting his body to snap two of the bones in You Sifang’s limb. This chain of events unfolded in a heartbeat. You Sifang’s gaze turned icy calm; though he remained silent, no one could suffer a broken arm and remain entirely unfazed. At this moment, he cast victory and defeat aside; in his eyes, Xiao Ye’s radiance was blinding.

Xiao Ye had no intention of granting him a reprieve and charged forward. You Sifang tried to defend, but Xiao Ye was already upon him, leaving no room to dodge. With a dull thud, Xiao Ye kicked You Sifang squarely in the kidney, sending him flying as if he had been struck by a car. You Sifang now lay pale on the ground, a large pool of blood spreading beneath him, a gruesome sight. Xiao Ye stood over him like a god of war, his body radiating a murderous aura as if he had crawled straight up from hell.

"Kid, come here. I have something to tell you." You Sifang still wore a faint smile, speaking softly to Xiao Ye.

"No need for words. Die!" Xiao Ye’s expression was frigid, his voice devoid of any warmth.

"Hahaha, kid, there is no need to be so afraid. I lost, but I am curious—what is your background?" You Sifang laughed heartily, gracefully admitting his defeat.

Xiao Ye did not speak, his eyes narrowing further; he could not fathom what game You Sifang was playing.

"Kid, let me tell you something. I was commissioned by a disciple of Yu Han to kill you. Since my mission has failed, more people will surely come. Be careful."

Xiao Ye frowned. Hadn't Yu Han agreed to a duel? Why send someone else? He didn't show his confusion, however, and replied coldly, "That is no concern of yours. Go to your grave in peace!"

To his surprise, You Sifang laughed out loud. "I won't die so easily. Your talent is truly intoxicating!"

Before Xiao Ye could react, You Sifang’s body surged into the air, and he fled into the distance. As he left, he called out, "Kid, until we meet again. I hope you’re still alive when we do!"

Xiao Ye’s expression remained icy. He did not pursue, opting instead to return to the car. He felt exhausted, having endured two major battles in a single day, both against formidable opponents. As for the rescue of Old Liu in between, that had been a mere trifle. Chishan noticed his condition was off and asked, "King Xiao, should we go to the hospital to have a look?"

"No need. Before Xiaoxue gets home, let’s return to the villa so I can change." Xiao Ye shook his head; his greatest fear was that Qin Xue’er might notice something amiss, which would inevitably lead to an interrogation.

The two returned to the villa. Although it was already afternoon, Qin Xue’er had not yet returned. Xiao Ye hurried to change, revealing his lean, muscular frame. His arms and torso were covered in wounds from You Sifang’s claws, and the lacerations on his arms were still seeping blood. Xiao Ye frowned slightly; this suddenly appeared old man had caused him quite a bit of trouble. Seeing this, Chishan quickly fetched gauze and applied medicinal powder to the wounds.

"You should leave now. I’ll call you if anything comes up." Chishan nodded, but just then, Qin Xue’er opened the front door and walked in.

Seeing Chishan preparing to leave, the two exchanged glances. Xiao Ye hurriedly covered his freshly bandaged wounds with his sleeves, but it was too late—Qin Xue’er had already seen. Chishan gave a slight nod and exited the villa.

"You’re back. How was your day?" Xiao Ye forced a calm demeanor, asking the woman before him.

To his surprise, Qin Xue’er didn't answer. She walked straight to his side and pulled back his sleeve. The atmosphere in the room turned awkward.

"Explain this." After saying this, Qin Xue’er went to the entryway to change her shoes.

Xiao Ye scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I haven't exercised in a long time. Chishan and I were training this afternoon and I accidentally got a few scratches."

Xiao Ye looked like a little boy who had done something wrong. If Chishan or his other subordinates were here to witness this, their eyes would have popped out in disbelief. The illustrious and renowned honorary prince was actually acting this cautious in front of a woman.

Qin Xue’er remained silent, simply staring at Xiao Ye. That gaze alone was enough to send a chill down his spine. About ten minutes passed in silence before Qin Xue’er spoke again.

"Be more careful next time." She offered a faint smile.

Xiao Ye relaxed instantly. Under the lingering pressure, he suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness. "Xiaoxue, I’m going to sleep for a bit. Go take a shower, and I’ll cook for you when I wake up." Having said that, he drifted off into a hazy sleep.

The lives of Xiao Ye and Qin Xue’er were becoming increasingly in sync; there was no sense of estrangement despite their time apart. When he finally opened his eyes again, Qin Xue’er was sitting by the bedside, calling him for dinner. Xiao Ye rolled over, pulled her into his arms, and walked to the dining table, ready to eat.