543 Awkward! (1/2)

Immediately after Yun Yang spat out his vehement challenge, a brawny man who had arrived with Hong Zhan glared at Yun Yang viciously and spoke spitefully, ”Leader, why put up with the nonsense from this rich brat? Since the child admits that he was the one who killed our people, let's finish this here – kill him right away!”

The incendiary words instantly instigated the other Hall of Crimson Blade experts, hiking their killing intent into new highs.

Only Hong Zhan did not speak, his expression dark.

Although he had come with an aggressive front and his choice of words was purposefully ugly to show off his exceptionally tough character, he did not actually wish to kill Yun Yang right there and then. With Hong Zhan's character, why would he speak if he could speak with his saber instead? It would be easier to just start a battle and jump into the fray.

The core reason he had not struck out immediately was because he was certain that Yun Yang was not someone that could be easily killed, as he wore the title of King Xiaoyao's son. Just his identity alone was enough to hold all the assassins back. The fact that Yutang had broken the four-nation siege and gotten rid of the subjugation threat as well as acquire the ability to conquer Tianxuan, the blood grudge would leave no room for drawback if a finger was laid upon the only son of Empire of Yutang's King Xiaoyao.

Besides, Young Master Yun of Yutang's martial skill and cultivation base was tricky to handle. Despite his past reputation as a popinjay that was widespread, he had charged through the enemy's formation alone during the war between Yutang and Dongxuan; he breached the army as he entered a no-man's land and shot the marshal's flag. His heroic fame was known across the world. In addition, his sole achievement in tackling Ma-i Sect's several top-notch experts was more than enough to turn heads. It all but proved his status as a heaven realm cultivator!

Therefore, this Young Master Yun Yang had to be a tough player equipped with impressive martial skills who also happened to carry the identity of King Xiaoyao's young master.

Kill him?

Even if they could succeed, doing so would only bring them trouble!

Even if he possessed the strength of a top assassin organization, it was not enough! Once he killed Yun Yang, what would come after would only be an inevitable calamity!

A man's power, a top martial world organization's force – they could never compete against a prime empire. Faced with such troubles, Hong Zhan regarded himself highly, but he would never dare attract another burden to shoulder when he was already bearing an important mission.

Hence, Hong Zhan had already made his decision regarding the current situation. However, the issue now was Hong Zhan's five subordinates who came with him today; they clearly did not have the foresight to discern their opponent's background, despite the fact that their leader had already decided not to fight Yun Yang.

Yet as a leader, he had to portray the right mannerisms – the aura of intimidation. One could lose the game, but not the tenor. Even if Yun Yang had a solid background and excellent capabilities, Hong Zhan still had to say something; after all, the youth had killed so many of his men, would he say nothing about it?

This was the reasoning behind Hong Zhan's aggressive accusations, even as he was patiently hearing Yun Yang out. Furthermore, Hong Zhan knew that Yun Yang was not stupid; he would figure out that the other party had other intentions to appear in such weather than to watch the snow.

It was based on this rationalization that Hong Zhan believed this Young Master Yun would not want to forge animosity with him or risk his life. Hence, Hong Zhan was sure that Yun Yang would play along and explain himself; despite the arrogant tone and the angry attitude, he had still laid things out calmly enough. Once he had done so, both sides would be able to turn the situation around; they could end things amicably.

Hong Zhan did not care much as to how bad Yun Yang's attitude could be. He had spoken harshly first, how else could a noble young master take it? It was only expected that he would retort. Hong Zhan did not want to pursue the matter; if he did, it would have gone against his initial intentions.

To rape women was a big taboo in the martial world so killing the rapists was beyond reproach. Just as Hong Zhan was about to make some social comments, graze past the grudge and leave, his subordinates had talked about killing Yun Yang at this critical moment.

It held what Hong Zhan wanted to say right back in his throat and aggravated the already tense situation. No, they were basically about to go at each other's throats! Truthfully, Hong Zhan was utterly maligned.

He knew that his subordinates were insensible and dense, but he did not expect them to be so insensible and dense to actually snatch away their leader's authority. What the f*ck? He was speechless. What made Hong Zhan even more speechless was that there was not only one self-sabotaging teammate; he had brought a total of five men with him.