Chapter Five: Master (First Update)

The old man everyone called "Second Master" was not very tall, with sparse white hair and a face marked by age spots. His eyes were small, so even when he widened them, he still gave off a brooding, squinting glare. Seeing that everyone’s curiosity was piqued, Second Master smiled, rose, and waved, greeting everyone with a gesture. He fixed his gaze on Xue Baishu, whose expression was stormy, and his smile deepened as he said, “Baishu, I watched you grow up, but this time, you haven’t conducted yourself well. Though the Xue family is ruled by your direct line, you’ve dragged so many collateral relatives onto this sinking ship—I have to speak up. After all, they are still the descendants of our Xue family, more or less.”

Xue Baishu’s face was nearly dripping with gloom—not because the old man had suddenly appeared and stirred the crowd, but because he had come up from the base of the mountain without Baishu receiving any word of it. Clearly, his grip on the Xue family was less secure than he’d thought. While he pondered this, he replied coolly, “Uncle, you’ve returned from abroad. Why didn’t you give advance notice? I could have arranged a proper welcome for you.”

“I appreciate the thought.” Second Master curled his lip and didn’t waste words; he hadn’t come home for idle family chatter. He glanced meaningfully at Xue Xi and Chen Hongxu, then assumed a lofty posture and declared, “With the Xue family at the brink of survival, I must step forward. Since you still call me ‘uncle’, let’s speak plainly today. The Black List is about to be held, the Lan family has offered an olive branch, and your direct line is letting that girl run wild—is this truly your intention?”

“Black List? What’s that?” The gathered members of the Xue family, unaccustomed to such circles, were bewildered by the seriousness with which Second Master spoke.

Yet no one was foolish; Second Master’s high-profile return surely meant he had cards yet to play. Xue Baishu’s branch had held the family headship for too long. Many among the crowd, shrewd and calculating, began quietly plotting how to maximize their gain in the coming upheavals.

“My daughter’s fiancé was introduced by Situ Shan. Do you think Situ Shan lacks influence?” Xue Baishu didn’t explain what the Black List was; these people were mere dependents—what need had they to know?

“I’ve heard of the things between Situ Shan and my brother, and I trust he wouldn’t cheat or favor you in this matter.” Second Master smiled, then his expression turned cold. “The person speaking has enough weight, but the message itself is lacking. Just someone as strong as Gu Yisong wants to represent the Xue family—isn’t that a bit childish?”

Xue Baishu had survived in the business world for a reason; he wasn’t about to walk into such a simple trap, so he didn’t reply, letting a silence fall.

Second Master saw Xue Baishu tongue-tied, his prepared follow-up unused, but this seemed within his expectations. He glanced at a young man standing off to the side, exchanged a look, then fixed his gaze on Xue Baishu, ready to press his advantage—

“Second Master, huh? Enough with the crocodile tears. Just state your purpose and let’s get on with it!” Chen Hongxu stood on the stage, holding Xue Xi’s hand, his tone calm.

During the earlier exchange, Xue Xi had briefly explained Second Master’s origins and his wolfish ambitions, so Chen Hongxu paid him little mind—not out of absolute strength, but because the direct branch needed someone to step forward, and Chen Hongxu, having promised “everything I have is yours,” naturally took on that role.

Second Master was riding high, but being interrupted irritated him. Yet as the saying goes, age brings cunning; with experience, even the most shortsighted can master their emotions.

He glanced at Chen Hongxu and shook his head, adopting the tone of an elder admonishing youth: “Young man, don’t risk your life for a bit of fame and fortune.”

Chen Hongxu’s hand was suddenly squeezed—only Xue Xi could do that. Her face was icy; this old wretch was implying she was sending Chen Hongxu to his death!

Chen Hongxu felt her anger—her grip was clear. Smiling, he nudged her gently with his shoulder and whispered, “Give me a chance.”

Xue Xi’s face showed disagreement; though she hadn’t interacted much with Second Master, her grandfather’s stories told her he was deeply scheming—if he returned so openly, he must be confident.

But seeing Chen Hongxu’s determined look, Xue Xi’s heart twisted into knots. At such a moment, should she crush his confidence, hold him back?

Watching the beautiful mess Xue Xi had become, Chen Hongxu’s killing intent only grew. Before Xue Xi could decide, he freed his hand, stared coldly at Second Master, and said, “Are you questioning my strength?”

Second Master burst out laughing. He’d meant to bait Xue Baishu into saying such words so he could kill Chen Hongxu under the guise of testing his strength, thus seizing the Xue family’s Black Card and, with it, control of the whole clan. Now this naive boy had asked the question himself; Second Master, aside from quietly lamenting the youth’s lack of cunning, was grateful.

He snorted at Chen Hongxu, contemptuous: “Not doubting you—I simply say you’re not qualified.”

“Though you aren’t the Xue family’s leader, I’d still like to hear what you mean by ‘qualification’.” Chen Hongxu stepped forward, towering over Second Master.

“The fish has bitten!” Second Master’s eyes flashed with amusement as he addressed Chen Hongxu: “The Black List—since Baishu has you participating, you must know it. I won’t repeat myself. It’s not a place where pedigree matters—true skill is what counts. If you can defeat the person I designate, I’ll walk away without another word.”

“No limits on life or death?” Chen Hongxu hesitated.

“Did I invite such a walk-on? Have you read my lines?” Second Master was delighted; if he’d posed this question himself, regardless of the outcome, he and Xue Xi would be mortal enemies. Now, by following Chen Hongxu’s lead, the result would be different.

“Bare-fisted fighting can be dangerous; isn’t that unwise?” Second Master played at hesitation, afraid Chen Hongxu might agree too quickly, but continued, “Still, seeing your sincerity, let’s do as you say—no limits.”

“Shameless!” Xue Xi couldn’t help but curse, pointing at Second Master. “Didn’t you hear my man’s tone was a question? You’ve been abroad too long—gone stupid?”

She wrapped her arms around Chen Hongxu’s waist, sobbing, “I forbid you to compete. Ignore them—they’re outsiders, worthless, and they dare plot against us…”

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances, surprised that Xue Xi so resolutely sided with an outsider.

Chen Hongxu’s lips curled up, patting her hands around him, speaking softly without turning, “Trust me. Men conquer the world; women need only conquer their men.”

With that, Chen Hongxu jumped off the stage and strode up to Second Master, flashing a bright smile: “Where’s your designated fighter?”

At that moment, a young man stepped forward—his looks suggested Southeast Asian heritage, his skin yellowish with a hint of darkness. Standing beside Second Master, he rattled off a stream of words; Chen Hongxu didn’t understand a bit. Unexpectedly, Xue Xi, who had followed him and twisted her ankle jumping off the stage, understood—she, who always encouraged him to skip class and play, could speak Thai?

Chen Hongxu rolled his eyes, while Xue Xi explained, “He says he has many secret skills that can’t be shown to outsiders. He wants to fight in a closed room.”

With Xue Xi translating, Second Master didn’t repeat himself. He watched Chen Hongxu, awaiting his answer.

“Whatever. Let’s go!” Chen Hongxu spat, leading the way.

Xue Xi forgot her pain, forgot everyone else—she could only see the tall, imposing figure before her, yearning to be close.

…

The Xue family estate was vast, with its own gymnasium. Xue Baishu led the crowd there, glanced at Chen Hongxu, and spoke quietly: “Are you sure? If not, don’t fight—it’s fine. Don’t look at me like that; I’m just worried my daughter will throw a tantrum and I’ll be haunted by your death.”

Chen Hongxu rolled his eyes and replied with a phrase to spur himself: “A real man never admits defeat.”

Xue Baishu kept everyone outside, allowing only Chen Hongxu and the young challenger inside. From the animosity between them, it was clear: whoever emerged would be the winner; the defeated might never leave.

Minutes passed. The gym door opened. The young man brought by Second Master was bent over, clutching his stomach, face twisted in pain as he walked out.

Unlike Second Master’s triumphant grin, Xue Xi’s face was pale; she clutched her chest, barely steady against the wall. Xue Baishu was expressionless, his hand in his pocket, poised to press a button hidden there.

Just then, another figure emerged from the gym. Who else but Chen Hongxu? He looked troubled as he addressed Second Master: “Old man, bring someone who can fight next time. This isn’t a dance-off—don’t use me as a prop.”

As he finished, the young challenger spat blood onto Second Master’s face, then collapsed, legs limp, eyes rolled back—clearly dead.

Second Master was dumbstruck. How could this happen? He’d hired this expert from Thailand—how could he fall so easily?

Xue Baishu breathed a sigh of relief, withdrew his hand from his pocket, and applauded vigorously. Glancing at Second Master, he said, “No need for more words. Leave.”

Xue Xi was even less generous; she didn’t spare the old man a glance. She walked toward Chen Hongxu, inspecting him anxiously, finally breaking into tears: “Oh no, are all your injuries internal? I told you not to fight, but you had to show off!”

Chen Hongxu, bewildered, rubbed his head, glanced at the now-dead young man, then pressed his cheek to Xue Xi’s, softly explaining a few words.

Xue Xi pouted in disbelief. The two bickered as they entered the gym, closing the door behind them.

“Really! What did you two do in there so long? How come nothing’s broken?” Xue Xi, like a little detective, examined the room.

Chen Hongxu lay comfortably on the floor, laughing: “Who knows? He rattled off a bunch—must’ve been introducing himself. I didn’t understand. Then he danced for a minute or two, and I couldn’t stand it, so I punched him once. He left looking constipated.”

“Danced? One punch?” Xue Xi was puzzled.

“A really hard punch!” Chen Hongxu got up and explained the man’s dance.

Xue Xi realized, “You ambushed him! He was doing the Muay Thai ritual!”

“Whatever—what matters is I won!” Chen Hongxu shrugged, proud.

Outside, the crowd dispersed like birds and beasts. Even those who had benefited from the Lan family dared not show themselves—Xue Baishu was not to be trifled with.

Author’s note:
I want flowers, I want favorites—bring them all to me! This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill! Is it shining or what?