Give you face?
Even Louis Zheng, usually so composed, was momentarily stunned.
Anyone in Riverford City with the privilege of knowing about the Martial Arts World knew the fearsome reputation of Miles Ning. Where did Wade Wang get the nerve?
Click.
The call ended. Wade Wang said nothing more.
Hiss.
Louis Zheng couldn’t help lighting a cigarette, suspicion flickering in his eyes as he muttered, "Could it be that Wade Wang has already—"
......
That night.
Upon hearing the news, Andrew Han dialed the number of the high‑ranking Martial Artist, Wade Wang. "This is Andrew Han. That man organized loans specifically targeting students. Originally, it had nothing to do with me."
"But he bullied my friend."
"Since that's the case, it should be handled by the law. Why are you interfering?"
In Andrew’s view, illegal loans like these exist only because there’s demand. The lenders aren’t exactly legal, but the borrowers aren’t exactly innocent either.
He was only involved because of Cathy Feng.
Besides, he hadn’t resorted to the Martial Arts World’s usual private judgment—he was just following the law. Yet Wade Wang was still trying to interfere?
On the other end of the line, a low voice replied, "Andrew Han, that man is my wife's younger brother. Give me some face, and let this matter end here."
"Oh. No." Andrew Han answered calmly.
"Then what do you want? If you can get Master Ning involved, I’ll personally deal with him. But Master Ning wouldn’t get angry over such a trivial matter." Wade Wang’s voice was perfectly steady, betraying no emotion.
Andrew Han remained impassive: "Tomorrow I’ll come to Rockchant Martial Arts Gym. If you can withstand three punches, I’ll give you face. If not, let the law decide."
"Alright."
Wade Wang hung up first.
He sat in his spacious office. Beside him stood a burly, bald man, silent as a mouse, sporting an earring and a fierce face that now looked timid.
Smack.
Wade Wang slammed his palm on the desk and glared at the bald man. "You know I despise this kind of business. If it weren’t for Xiao Su, I’d have killed you with a single blow!"
"B‑Big brother…" The bald man trembled with fear.
"All these years, I wanted nothing to do with you. Who’d have guessed you’d secretly use my name to thrive?" Wade Wang sneered, leaning back in his chair. "After this, you must leave Southvale Province immediately."
"Where am I supposed to go?" the bald man blurted out.
"That’s your problem. I’ll only help you avoid prison." Wade Wang took a deep breath and rubbed his brow.
As for Andrew Han, he didn’t care much.
But Andrew was Miles Ning’s disciple. Unless absolutely necessary, Wade Wang didn’t want to provoke him for no reason.
At that moment—
The bald man tried to plead, "B‑Big brother, you can’t make me go! My whole business is—"
"Enough! Get out!"
Wade Wang turned back, his gaze cold and impatient. The temperature in the office seemed to drop, making the bald man tense up; he hurried out, bowing respectfully.
After a while.
Wade Wang walked to the bookshelf, took out an old, yellowed photo, and sighed softly. "Xiao Su, your brother hasn’t changed. I can only help him one last time."
"Don’t worry."
"All these years, I haven’t let our daughter practice martial arts… You know, she got into Empire Academy on her grades alone. I want her to be a scholar."
Martial arts truly hold incredible power.
But with power comes responsibility. Wade Wang would rather his daughter never enter the Martial Arts World than see her live on the knife-edge between life and death.
After all—
Demons and Specters were growing stronger by the day.
Swish, swish.
He gently wiped the old photograph with his fingers… Under the bright office lights, the photo seemed to glow.
——
In the Han family’s living room.
Click, click.
William Han munched on some five‑spice sunflower seeds, then grabbed a handful and offered them to Andrew Han. "Son, try some? These seeds are pretty good."
"No, thanks."
Andrew Han smiled and shook his head.
"Snacks shouldn’t be eaten too often, but a taste now and then is fine." William Han withdrew his hand and spoke leisurely, "So much has changed lately, it’s strange to me."
"The more I think about it—"
"You switched to the martial student track, and that was the turning point. I want to ask: do you know Jack Wu?"
Jack Wu?
Andrew Han leaned back on the sofa, pursing his lips.
He remembered that name clearly. It was because of Jack Wu that he first entered his Berserker State. From then on, his conviction had only grown stronger, never wavering again.
But the problem was—
Jack Wu was dead. How should he answer?
Andrew Han hesitated several times, but finally shook his head and said nothing.
A moment later—