Chapter 7 Face-Slapping

Buyue City's Du Family was located in the eastern part of Buyue City. Due to the Du Family's significant influence within the city, their residence occupied a vast area. In front of the main hall of the residence, there was an incredibly spacious square. This square was entirely paved with green bricks, and at its center stood a round arena. Various weapons were displayed atop the platform. On the Xuanwu Continent, martial arts flourished. The Du Family was of martial arts lineage, taking the martial training of their family members very seriously. Within the Du Family, whether one was from the main or branch families, even if born of low status, as long as one possessed strength that the upper echelons recognized, one would have both status and respect. Today was the day of the Du Family's monthly clan meeting. This so-called clan meeting was an event the Du Family held every month. During the meeting, the Du Family's upper echelons would evaluate the younger generation's martial techniques and their progress in martial training. They would also discuss significant family matters. Countless geniuses from the Du Family have stood out during these meetings, eventually becoming core members of the family. The venue for the clan meeting was the square in front of the main hall. At this moment, numerous people had gathered in groups on the square. Most appeared to be in their early teens, clearly the younger generation of the Du Family. Yet, not a single one of the upper echelons or core descendants was present. Among the crowd, a particular group was especially eye-catching. This group consisted entirely of youths around fifteen or sixteen years old. Each of them was dressed in plain white robes, and their faces exuded a more arrogant demeanor than the others. Those familiar with the situation in the Du Family would understand that while these youths might not be particularly talented themselves, their fathers or brothers were usually the upper echelons of the Du Family, holding significant positions. If any of these youths achieved something in martial arts, becoming core members of the Du Family would be within their grasp. Thus, the other younger members of the Du Family typically avoided this group. After all, in a family like the Du Family, internal strife was quite severe, especially among the younger generation. The infighting was so intense that outsiders could hardly imagine its extent. Coupled with the tacit approval from the upper echelons, these youths, akin to a crown prince's faction, were figures that the ordinary members of the Du Family wouldn't dare to offend. The leader of this group seemed to be someone named Du Jie. Du Jie had a somewhat sturdy physique, standing slightly taller than the others around him. There was a certain demeanor on his face, and at that moment, he was smiling, listening to whatever others were saying. "Du Jie, you're aware that our Du Family has recently acquired another beauty, right?" Next to him, a slightly chubby youth touched the corner of his mouth and spoke with a lecherous expression. Du Jie just smiled, not responding. "Come off it, Fatty. Who among us doesn't know? Du Jie has had his eyes on her for some time! Ever since he met that chick that day, he's been pursuing her who knows how many times... That chick... her name is... Little Ai, right?" Another person chimed in with a smirk, also speaking with a lustful tone. Hearing this, the rest of the group burst into laughter. After all, they were all men and understood such matters quite well. Being teased by his companions, Du Jie simply responded with a light smile, "She's just a woman. If young master wishes, isn't she easily attainable? Why all this pointless chatter?" "We all know about Young Master Jie's capabilities... But the girl this time, I heard she's not ordinary..." The Fatty who started the conversation rubbed his hands, "But, I've also taken a few distant glances at her. Even in our Du Family, there doesn't seem to be another woman who can compare! I think even for you, Young Master Jie, she'll be a tough catch!" "That's enough!" Du Jie's brow furrowed slightly, a flash of anger crossing his face. "Fatty, are you picking a fight with me today?" However, the fat boy wasn't intimidated by the anger on Du Jie's face. Instead, he shook his head slightly and suddenly looked behind Du Jie, offering a faint smile, "Seems like Young Master Jie's dream is about to be shattered today!" Upon hearing this, Du Jie swiftly turned to look behind him. His pupils contracted sharply, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent! The expressions of the two made the rest of the group slightly taken aback. They quickly followed their gaze, and upon seeing the scene, a strange look appeared in their eyes. In their line of sight, they saw Little Ai and another man slowly walking towards the square. Contrary to her usual aloof demeanor, Little Ai now had a sweet and radiant smile, drawing everyone's attention to the extreme. "Bastard!" A twitch appeared at the corner of Du Jie's eyes. After a brief moment, he took a deep breath and scoffed, "Who is this man? He even dares to make a move on the woman I've taken a liking to. Quite bold!" "Young Master Jie isn't aware?" The fat boy said with a smirk, "This man is called Du Fei. I believe you might have heard of him? That Little Ai is his personal maidservant. Surely, Young Master Jie, you didn't overlook this detail..." "So it's that Du Fei who had his clan exterminated?" Du Jie sneered, "Impressive... If it weren't for his clan being wiped out, I wouldn't have had the chance to pursue such a high-quality woman. Does a worthless person like him even qualify to attend the Du Family clan meeting? He's overestimating himself!" Having said this, Du Jie chuckled coldly. He then subtly shifted his stance and began to leisurely walk towards Du Fei and Little Ai. The few men behind Du Jie exchanged glances, revealing amused expressions. They laughed and followed suit. At this moment, others nearby seemed to sense something and started gathering around in small groups. For a moment, the previously lively square turned a bit quieter. "Hehe, isn't this Miss Ai? What a coincidence meeting here..." Having approached Du Fei and Little Ai, Du Jie seemingly unintentionally blocked their path, and then softly spoke with a somewhat warm smile. Upon seeing Du Jie, Little Ai's expression shifted slightly. However, she didn't say much. She tried to pull Du Fei away, intending to bypass Du Jie from one side. Yet, this move caused Du Jie's pupils to contract once again. The jealousy in his eyes was unmistakable. With a slight sidestep, he moved forward again, once more blocking Du Fei and Little Ai's path. Observing this, a smirk appeared on Du Fei's face, revealing a somewhat helpless smile. It seemed his guess was right. This young lady had once again attracted the attention of the man before them. "Young Master Jie, don't overstep your boundaries!" Little Ai stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Du Fei. Her delicate voice held a tinge of suppressed anger. "Overstepping?" Du Jie replied with a smile, "Miss Ai, if we are to talk about overstepping, that would be you. Given my status and position in the Du Family, I took the initiative to greet you. Yet you not only ignored me but even tried to leave immediately! By doing so, you're clearly insulting me. Tell me, are you overstepping or am I?" "You..." For a moment, Little Ai was at a loss for words and couldn't help but stomp her foot. She had been pesteredby Du Jie these past few days, and she knew all too well that he had no good intentions approaching her like this. However, there were things that, as a girl, she was too embarrassed to say outright, which left her deeply frustrated. Seeing Little Ai's angry yet undeniably beautiful face, Du Jie felt a surge of desire. If he could get such a woman into his bed... "Hehe, Miss Ai realizes her mistake, doesn't she? As long as you apologize to me, I might just forgive you... Otherwise..." "Otherwise? What do you intend to do?" Before Du Jie could finish, Du Fei stepped forward, placing himself between Du Jie and Little Ai, and said coldly. This move made Du Jie frown slightly. However, he then raised his right hand to massage his temples briefly before feigning a realization, "Oh! Isn't this the Cousin Du Fei whose clan was wiped out? I apologize for my poor vision, I didn't recognize you at first. I mistook you for a servant of our Du Family. My sincere apologies! Truly!" "What did you say!?" Upon hearing Du Jie's words, a chill settled in Du Fei's voice, a glint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes before he responded coldly. "What I said is that you, having your clan decimated, can now only seek refuge with our main family, you worthless trash!" Du Jie paused momentarily and then laughed mockingly, "I've heard that Cousin Du Fei is a rare and unparalleled garbage. Seeing you today, the name truly fits!" "Du Jie! Don't push your luck!" With a swift movement, Little Ai from behind Du Fei stepped forward, her face full of anger. As early as last year, Little Ai had already reached the sixth level of body-forging. However, because of Du Fei's inability to practice martial arts, she rarely displayed her capabilities. Now, with just a slight movement, a formidable aura radiated from her entire being. This aura caused everyone nearby to involuntarily take a few steps back, a trace of bewilderment flashing in their eyes. "Body-forging, sixth level..." A similar fleeting surprise appeared in Du Jie's eyes. However, unlike the others, he didn't step back. Instead, he chuckled and slowly said, "Trash will always be trash, relying on a woman even at such a time! Truly a disgrace to the Du Family! If I were you, I'd have already bought a block of tofu and smashed my head against it!" "You..." Upon hearing this, Little Ai clenched her teeth and fists, ready to lunge forward. However, Du Fei quickly placed his hand on Little Ai's shoulder, giving a slight shake of his head. He then pulled her behind him and coldly remarked, "Young Master Jie, while one can eat whatever they please, words should not be spoken carelessly. Have you not learned this simple principle?" "Hahaha!" Hearing Du Fei's words, Du Jie burst into laughter. Then, with a sudden vigor, he declared, "Today, I'll show you! Not only can I speak recklessly, but I can also kill indiscriminately!" As his words fell, Du Jie stomped on the ground. In an instant, he lunged towards Du Fei. Then, with a swift turn, he began spinning like a top. Alongside this movement, a fierce kick was aimed directly at Du Fei's face.