Chapter 603 - 599: If a Dog Bites You, Do You Bite Back?

"The next time I hear you insult me or my friends, I won't hesitate to rip that mouth of yours apart!"

Hong Yu stepped on Ape Xu, pinning him to the ground, leaned down slightly, and spoke with indifference.

"WHIMPER WHIMPER WHIMPER..."

Ape Xu's face was pressed into the ground by Hong Yu, rendering him unable to speak.

He struggled, his hands flailing.

The moment Hong Yu lifted his foot, his left leg whipped out with a SWISH, viciously kicking the once-arrogant Ape Xu into the air.

"ROAR!"

Seeing its master sent flying, Ape Xu's red Desolate Beast mount let out an enraged roar and lunged at Hong Yu.

This Desolate Beast was called a Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed.

It was a Fifth-Grade Desolate Beast that could unleash intense flames to burn its enemies when enraged. Riding a Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed into battle provided a significant boost to one's combat power.

A cold glint appeared in Hong Yu's eyes.

Ape Xu's identity was somewhat special, so Hong Yu didn't want to get into a fight to the death with him this early and risk exposing his own identity. That was why he had held back.

'But clearly, a beating like this isn't enough to intimidate the masterminds targeting Zhao Hu and his sister. To make an example of them, I need to be more severe. The only way is to draw blood!'

'In that case, this Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed is perfect!'

"What a fiery steed. It's been a while since I've had meat. Today, you'll make a fine meal!"

One punch!

Hong Yu threw an extremely strange punch. It seemed casual, yet it cleanly pierced through the Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed's body, twisting its entire head off and splattering blood everywhere.

A mighty Fifth-Grade Desolate Beast had fallen just like that.

A series of sharp gasps echoed through the crowd.

While the Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed wasn't the strongest, its defense was absolutely top-notch, comparable to that of some Sixth-Grade Desolate Beasts!

And Hong Yu had killed it so casually?

More importantly, he dared to kill a Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed of the Great Ape Tribe right here on the street. His methods and ruthlessness forced many who had been harboring other ideas to rein in their thoughts.

But they had clearly underestimated Hong Yu's determination to make an example of his enemies.

"PFFT!"

With a casual wave of his hand, Hong Yu sent several Primordial Weapon Long Spears shooting out. They stabbed into the ground, forming a simple roasting rack.

He casually grabbed a Long Spear, skewered the body of the Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed, and tossed it onto the rack. He ignited a ball of Primordial Fire to cook it, and soon, the Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed began to emit a fragrant aroma. Golden grease SIZZLED on the delicious horse meat.

"HISS!"

"My heavens, are those all Fifth-Grade Primordial Weapons?"

"Who on earth is this guy? Not only does the Young Master of the Xishang Tribe call him boss, but he also ruthlessly killed a Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed and casually produced so many Fifth-Grade Primordial Weapons. What is his background?"

Waves of discussion rose and fell among the crowd.

But Hong Yu acted as if he heard nothing. He carved the roasted Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed into several portions and distributed them to Xishang Ling, Zhao Hu and his sister, and the many powerful warriors who were escorting Ape Tong.

"GULP!"

Everyone, including the worldly-wise Xishang Ling, stared blankly at the fragrant roasted meat in their hands, speechless.

A Fifth-Grade Desolate Beast!

Even for a powerful group like the Xishang Tribe, a tamed Fifth-Grade Desolate Beast would be raised like a priceless treasure. How could they ever get the chance to eat one so casually?

If even Xishang Ling felt this way, one could only imagine how Zhao Hu, his sister, and the ordinary guards felt.

Hong Yu laughed heartily, took out a jar of fine wine, and began to eat and drink to his heart's content.

"..."

The powerful onlookers were utterly stunned.

'Isn't this too badass? Too domineering?'

'After killing the Great Ape Tribe's Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed, he's roasting it right on the street, eating his fill, and even sharing it?'

In that moment, nearly everyone made a secret decision in their hearts: Absolutely, under no circumstances, should they provoke this guy!

"GRIND GRIND GRIND!"

Ape Xu's face was black and blue, with one side swollen high. His eyes shot fire, and he trembled with rage, wishing he could charge forward and fight Hong Yu to the death. ℯℯ𝘭.

'But I couldn't even fight back when he sent me flying. I know the gap between us is immense. If I charge forward now, it's just suicide.'

More importantly...

'I feel like I'm sitting on pins and needles!'

'The powerful experts around me, all impressed by Hong Yu's display, are giving me these weird looks. It's like a million voices are BUZZING in my head, saying: "Look at Ape Xu. So arrogant a minute ago, and now someone's eating his mount and he doesn't dare make a peep. What a fucking disgrace!"'

'Who could argue? If I were him, I would've killed myself already!'

These voices buzzed in his head.

They were about to drive him mad.

"Fine, fine, fine. Just you wait," Ape Xu said viciously.

He wanted to add a few more parting threats, something like "this isn't over," but then he saw Hong Yu glare fiercely at him.

His legs immediately went soft, and with a THUD, he fell to the ground, scrambled up, and fled in disgrace.

"HAHAHAHA..."

"Look at Ape Xu, he looks so fucking ridiculous..."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Hong Yu watched Ape Xu retreat into the distance, his eyes narrowed. Then he smiled and said to the crowd, "This Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed's meat is quite good. If anyone is interested, feel free to come and have a piece!"

"Haha, it's not every day you get to eat the meat of a Fifth-Grade Desolate Beast. Give me a piece..."

After someone took the lead, the entire Fiery Red Sub-Dragon Steed was quickly divided up.

Only then did Hong Yu return to the carriage.

The gazes of Xishang Ling, Zhao Hu and his sister, and all the powerful experts from the Xishang Tribe escorting Ape Tong were now filled with even greater reverence for Hong Yu.

The War Race was a people who worshiped the strong.

Hong Yu's strength and audacity had completely conquered them!

The group proceeded in a grand procession to the Xishang Tribe.

The Four Great Tribes each resided in the core of the four districts of Nanshan Collection—east, west, south, and north. The Xishang Tribe was located in the West City District, not far from the Four Kings Hall.

"Young Master!"

The guards at the gate said respectfully.

But when they saw Hong Yu and the others, they couldn't help but frown. "Young Master, who is this?"

"He is my friend!"

Xishang Ling said.

The guard nodded and then said, "Since he is a friend of the Young Master, there's no need for an inspection. Please, come in!"

The group swept grandly into the Xishang Clan Mansion.

"Wait here for me. I'll go get my mother!"

Xishang Ling settled Hong Yu's group of three in the main hall, then summoned the Steward. "These are my friends. Make sure you take good care of them!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

The Steward replied respectfully.

After Xishang Ling left, the Steward muttered to himself in confusion, 'The Young Master rarely brings guests home. Who are they, to be treated with such importance?'

However, he had the sense of propriety befitting a servant.

He didn't pry into the identities of Hong Yu's group and served them with great care. Before long, Xishang Ling returned from the rear courtyard with several people.

Xishang Ling was supporting a stunningly beautiful woman by the arm. The beautiful woman's features bore some resemblance to Xishang Ling's.

A tiny golden scale glinted between her brows. Presumably, this was Xishang Ling's mother.

The mother and son walked at the forefront, followed closely by a middle-aged man with a stern face. His eyes would occasionally flash with a sinister, cold light, like a lurking viper.

Behind the middle-aged man were two arrogant-looking young men.

As soon as the two young men entered, they saw Hong Yu, and their eyes were filled with thick hostility. This left Hong Yu feeling a little baffled.

"Boss, this is my mother!" Xishang Ling didn't notice the expressions of the three people behind him and enthusiastically introduced them to Hong Yu. "Mother, this is the new boss I was telling you about!"

"Oh?"

Xishang Ling's mother was gentle and warm, like a clear hot spring, making people feel instantly at ease with her.

She wore a graceful smile as she looked Hong Yu up and down, nodding slightly. "No wonder Ling'Er holds you in such high regard. You are indeed a fine and talented man."

"Thank you for your praise, Madam!"

Hong Yu said humbly.

Madam Xishang hadn't spoken again, but one of the young men behind her already piped up, his words dripping with sarcasm: "I wonder what hole this thing crawled out of. Hiding your face and being all sneaky. Do you have the nerve to accept the Madam's praise?"

"Heh heh, the country bumpkin has never seen the world. He doesn't realize the Madam was just being polite. He probably thinks she was actually praising him!"

The other young man also snickered.

"You're talking nonsense! Brother Beichen is very handsome!" Zhao Feng'Er glared, huffing angrily. "Compared to Brother Beichen, you look like the scene of a carriage crash."

Although Zhao Hu was a bit reserved, he also nodded with a firm expression.

The young man was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage. "Where did this little brat come from, daring to insult me? Are you looking to die?"

"Silence!"

Xishang Ling roared furiously, shooting a hostile glare at the young man before his eyes finally landed on the middle-aged man. "Master Shi, is this the apprentice you've taught? Brother Beichen is my boss, and Feng'Er is the little sister I've just taken in. How dare a dog like him run his mouth here?"

"Hm?"

The middle-aged man, Master Shi, narrowed his eyes. A glint of cold light flashed in their depths but was skillfully concealed. He turned back to the young man. "Can't you see that they are Young Master Ling's honored guests? Get over there and apologize!"

"Master?"

The young man's eyes went wide.

He clearly didn't understand. 'Master was the one who told us to find a chance to cause trouble for Young Master Ling's so-called boss! Why is he making me apologize now?'

Master Shi shot him a glare and gave him a meaningful look.

The young man understood instantly. A strange smile appeared on his face as he cupped his fists toward Hong Yu. "My apologies. I just heard Young Master Ling mention that a talented Spiritual Craftsman with profound cultivation was coming, so I was filled with reverence and anticipation. But after seeing your appearance, I was greatly disappointed, so my words were a bit harsh. Please forgive me!"

"..."

Hong Yu rubbed his nose. 'This guy is still insulting me!'

Although Zhao Feng'Er was young, she could tell the difference between good and bad words. Her eyes widened, and she raised her fists, about to start cursing.

Hong Yu smiled and rubbed her head. "Feng'Er, you're a lady. You can't get angry so easily!"

"B-but, he's insulting you," Zhao Feng'Er said stubbornly.

Hong Yu smiled, shook his head, and said with a serious expression, "Feng'Er, if a dog bites you, are you going to bite it back?"

"HMM!"

Zhao Feng'Er tilted her head and thought for a moment. Then she looked at the young man and nodded seriously. "Brother Beichen is right. You can't bite a dog back if it bites you, or I'd become a little puppy too!" As she spoke, she stuck her tongue out at the young man and made a face.

"Damn you!"

The young man's face contorted with fury. Because of Master Shi's status, he also held a respectable position in the Xishang Tribe. When had he ever been contradicted and humiliated like this?

He immediately raised his hand to strike Zhao Feng'Er. "You ill-mannered little brat! You dare call me a dog? Today, I'll beat you to death and drag your body out to feed the dogs!"

Staring at the aggressive young man, Hong Yu narrowed his eyes...

"Who did you say was ill-mannered?"