Seeing this scene, Easton Ma's expression darkened slightly, a trace of annoyance flashing in his eyes. But his face grew more serious. The young man sent flying was Mark Ma—not a core member of the Ma Family, but among the strongest of the outer-branch members, with martial cultivation at the peak Post-Natal level.
But now, he’d been sent flying over ten meters by that young man with just a coin. That’s right—the white flash that struck Mark Ma was actually a coin. From this, it was obvious the other party was an Innate-level expert.
Although he didn’t practice martial arts himself, being born into a martial arts family like the Ma Family meant he still had the insight and experience to know the weight an Innate expert carried.
But if he backed down now, how would others see him? Would they think he was chickening out?
How would his siblings see him? They’d definitely think he’d disgraced the Ma Family.
He’d never liked martial arts since he was young, so at sixteen he went abroad to study. Now, he’d only been back in the country for just over a month. Otherwise, if other Ma Family scions were present, they’d have recognized Song Yan at a glance and never dared to act up.
With the domestic entertainment industry booming, Easton Ma wanted to get involved. Eric Han of StarSky Entertainment was eager to climb the social ladder, so the two hit it off immediately.
Together, they co-founded a film company. Since Eric Han contributed most of the effort but ended up with only thirty percent of the shares, Easton decided to return the favor. Knowing Eric wanted into the elite circle, he used this chance to bring him to Greenview Manor.
After some thought, Easton made up his mind and quietly asked the middle-aged man beside him, "Uncle Yuanzhong, do you have confidence in dealing with him?"
Warren Ma, a loyal Ma Family guardian, had already reached Innate Fifth Layer cultivation. After Easton returned to China, the Ma Family patriarch assigned him as Easton's personal protector.
Normally, as Easton's personal bodyguard, Warren Ma wouldn’t act unless Easton’s life was truly in danger.
So even when Mark Ma was sent flying, Warren Ma had no intention of stepping in.
But now Easton was asking if he was confident—clearly hinting that he wanted Warren to take action.
Although Warren was assigned by Easton's father, he now served Easton directly. So when Easton made a request, he really couldn’t refuse.
So he said, "This isn’t the place for a big scene. If things blow up, we’ll offend the Long Family. Also, the other party is so young yet already Innate—his background must be extraordinary."
Reminded by Warren, Easton frowned again, his brow furrowing.
Then he thought of a workaround and turned to Ian Song: "Would you be interested in a wager match?"
"Speak," Ian replied with a slight nod.
"I know you’re skilled. Why not spar with Uncle Yuanzhong? If you win, we’ll let today’s incident go. If you lose, we won’t ask for much—just have your friend apologize to Eric Han. How about it?"
"No way! All the benefits go to your side—why should we agree?" Faye Shangguan protested loudly.
"Change the terms. If we lose, you can set any condition you want. But if you lose, Eric Han has to kneel and apologize to Cynthia Murong!" Ian pointed at Eric Han.
According to the Main World timeline, a few months ago Ian had gone to the U.S. on a secret mission, met Cynthia Murong on the plane, and had a minor run-in with Eric Han.
He’d long forgotten such a trivial matter, but didn’t expect to run into Eric Han again here.
If Eric hadn’t started trouble, Ian wouldn’t have bothered with him. But since Eric jumped out first, Ian wasn’t about to let it slide.
"Eric, what do you think?"
Easton looked at Eric Han and asked.
"I’ll do whatever you say, Young Master Ma!" Eric Han gritted his teeth. He knew Warren Ma was a top expert—no matter how strong that kid was, he couldn’t possibly beat Warren.
"Since you’re fine with it, that settles it!" Easton nodded, then glanced at Warren Ma.
Warren Ma stepped forward, eyes narrowing as he stared at Ian Song. "Go ahead, kid—you make the first move!"
"All right!"
Ian Song smiled nonchalantly. With a flick of his hand, a leaf from a tree dozens of meters away turned into a streak of green light and landed in his palm.
Seeing this, Warren Ma’s expression changed dramatically. To grab something from dozens of meters away—even a leaf—was impossible for him. He suddenly realized he’d misjudged Ian; the kid was even stronger than he was.
Realizing this, Warren instantly mobilized his true qi and braced himself.
"If you can withstand a single strike from me, you win!"
"Arrogant!"
Hearing Ian’s words, Warren couldn’t help but get angry—even if Ian was stronger, he was still Innate Fifth Layer. Not even Innate Seventh or Eighth Layer experts would dare claim they could beat him in one move!
Ian just smiled. Without any movement, the leaf in his palm slowly floated toward Warren Ma.
Seeing this, Warren’s heart sank again.
There’s a saying: ‘Even a flower or a leaf can injure when infused with true qi.’ But those thrown by martial artists always fly fast—unlike Ian’s leaf, which was so slow!
Normally, fast means the true qi isn’t strong or refined enough—the user lacks control. But to make the leaf fly so slowly shows absolute mastery.
Thinking this, Warren Ma didn’t dare wait for the leaf to reach him before acting.
He stepped forward, instantly crossing five or six meters, and punched at the leaf.
But the moment his fist collided with the leaf, a surging, overwhelming force erupted from it—like a flash flood or an avalanche. In that instant, Warren felt as small as an ant, utterly powerless before such world-shaking might.
Then, to everyone’s shock, Warren Ma’s body flew like a broken kite, crashing to the ground dozens of meters away.
"How... how is this possible?"
Easton Ma was stunned. Wasn’t Uncle Yuanzhong supposed to be Innate Fifth Layer? How could he not even block a single move?
"Cough, cough!"
Warren Ma coughed as he stood up from dozens of meters away, then strode over.
"Uncle Yuanzhong, are you okay?" Easton asked with concern.
But Warren ignored him and bowed to Ian Song. "I am Warren Ma. Thank you for showing mercy!"
Struck by that immense force, Warren thought he wouldn’t survive. But in the end, he’d only suffered minor injuries—he knew Ian had held back.
The greater the power, the harder it is to control. But for someone to unleash such force and only leave Warren lightly injured—even most Innate Ninth Layer experts couldn’t do that.
So this young man was even scarier than an Innate Ninth Layer master. Even the Ma Family wouldn’t dare offend someone like that—so Warren immediately came over to thank him.