Demands

Watching the calm Li Yi, Ma Fan coldly said, "What's the matter, Young Master Li? Have you had enough? If so, let me take over." Li Yi smiled faintly, "Please... I'm tired of fighting anyway, it's time for a change." On the other side, Yin Tianjie still wore a mocking smile, seemingly shaking his head and saying, "Young Master Li, Ma Fan's Iron Wall Decision is known for its strongest defense. With your strength, even if you had a seventh or eighth-grade weapon, you wouldn't break through his defense... You better concede quickly, it's not too late. Otherwise, if he really gets angry, even I can't stop him from taking your life."

Li Yi smiled but said nothing, his disdainful and contemptuous gaze landing on Ma Fan. This look infuriated Ma Fan. In his eyes, Li Yi's attacks couldn't cause him any substantial harm, yet he dared to look at him with such disdain. Finally, Ma Fan took a deep breath and said coldly, "You're seeking your own death, don't blame me!" With that, Ma Fan inhaled slightly, stepping forward, his Qi armor constantly surging. Li Yi's eyes narrowed, sensing danger. Though Ma Fan had only taken one step, his momentum had completely changed. Li Yi guessed that Ma Fan was now truly intent on killing.

Suddenly, Ma Fan's aura tightened, a sharp glint in his eyes, and his Qi converged in his palms. The light in the hall dimmed as if all the light focused on Ma Fan's palm... The originally earthy-yellow Qi now emitted a faint golden light! Yin Tianjie was taken aback, exclaiming, "Ma Fan, you're even using that move!" At the main seat, Ye Qingma's eyes brightened, murmuring, "Vermilion Bird level! Changing the nature of Qi, this is definitely Vermilion Bird level!"

In the arena, Li Yi felt a sharp pain in his eyes, and in the next instant, Ma Fan, like lightning, pounced forward, his fist already falling... "Iron Lion Roar!" A faint golden Qi formed a ferocious lion's head on Ma Fan's fist, roaring silently, then pouncing towards Li Yi like a phantom... "Good timing!" Li Yi exclaimed, "Let's see today, what strength does a Warrior truly possess!"

"Returning Wind Palm! Twisting Force!" Black Qi formed tiny whirlwinds in Li Yi's palms, which he swung to meet Ma Fan's punch... "Boom!" A loud noise as fist and palm collided violently, shaking the air, "Crack!" Before anyone could see what happened, Ma Fan's armor shattered, falling to the ground. He screamed, retreating forcibly, slamming into the wall, spitting blood before even hitting the ground. His clothes were torn, his right hand twisted grotesquely, his body covered in blood and wounds.

Ma Fan trembled all over, trying to stand but collapsed halfway through, fainting. Yin Tianjie's face showed shock, he looked at Ma Fan and said in a deep voice, "Good! Young Master Li, not only did you break his hand bones, but also several ribs! It seems the recent rumors about you are true, I have witnessed it myself!" Li Yi's move, Returning Wind Palm, had forced Ma Fan's Qi back, numbing his arm as if it was about to break. If not for the Snake Venerable's last-minute Qi support, Li Yi might have been blown away. "Warrior's strength is indeed extraordinary!" Despite this, Li Yi's smile didn't waver, he said indifferently, "Leader Yin, do you want to have a go with me, or are you planning to leave now?"

Yin Tianjie looked surprised, sizing up Li Yi, then nodded, "Good! Young Master Li indeed has the right to be arrogant! Truly as rumored! I'll remember this!" Several mercenaries rushed in, carrying Ma Fan out, Yin Tianjie gave Li Yi a deep look, said nothing more, and left. Ye Qingma at the main seat seemed to smile, clapping his hands softly, "Impressive! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never believe that a Fighter could withstand a Warrior and defeat him in one move. Well done, well done..."

Li Yi smiled lightly, "Young Master Ye flatters me. How can my little ability compare to both of yours? Right, Young Master Long?" Long Aotian laughed awkwardly, seemingly surprised that Li Yi could scare off Yin Tianjie. As Li Yi's cold gaze turned towards him, Long Aotian felt nervous but remained silent. The atmosphere in the hall was peculiar, with several women looking at Li Yi with stars in their eyes, Long Aotian's face showed embarrassment, and Ye Qingma remained calm and detached, as if the covert struggle between Li Yi and Long Aotian had nothing to do with him.

Regarding Ruo Yun, she looked at Li Yi's departing figure with deep contemplation in her eyes. Li Yi inhaled softly, knowing this was not the time to act against Long Aotian. Although he could take Long Aotian's life, he was aware that Long Aotian had anticipated his actions and was prepared for them. Li Yi knew that others, especially Ye Qingma, who seemed unassuming, would be formidable opponents if they fought. Thus, this was not the moment for confrontation. Li Yi also calculated that in a bustling place like Tianxiang Tower, Long Aotian couldn't easily make a move against him if Li Yi didn't openly defy him. He didn't look at Long Aotian again, his gaze resting briefly on Ye Qingma before he spoke lightly, "Well, we've had our drinks and watched the play... May I know why Young Master Ye has summoned me here today? Is it time to clarify that matter?"

Ye Qingma took a sip from his cup, sighed deeply, and spoke seriously, "I had heard of Young Master Li's exploits upon arriving in Wanchao City and thought they were just legends. I wanted to see for myself, and today, I've seen that your reputation is well-deserved. So... there is indeed something I'd like Young Master Li to consider." Li Yi smiled slightly, "Please speak, Young Master Ye."

Ye Qingma stared at Li Yi, then smiled lightly, "This request might be a bit forceful, but the benefits are substantial. Please consider it carefully... What if, starting today, you drop the 'Li' from your name and join my Ye family? I have a sister about your age, and I think you two would be well-matched..."

Long Aotian's expression changed slightly, apparently not expecting this turn of events. Li Yi was also surprised by Ye Qingma's proposal. "The Ye family of the Imperial Capital? One of the four great noble families..." Li Yi touched his nose and muttered, "I suppose joining the Ye family would make me a collateral member? Would I then have access to the Ye family's advanced fighting techniques?"

Ye Qingma smiled faintly, "It's not that simple, but with Young Master Li's talent, it won't take many years to earn that privilege. As for the benefits of joining my family, I don't think I need to elaborate." Li Yi smiled lightly, "Young Master Ye... you want me to abandon my position as the young master of the Li family, to join the Ye family as someone no different from a servant. Do you think there's something wrong with your brain, or mine?"

Ye Qingma sighed, "Since you put it that way, it seems neither of us is mistaken. But have you ever heard the saying, 'The tree that stands out in the forest is often felled by the wind'? With your talents, if you don't find a strong background to support you, what if you offend someone and meet an untimely end? In my view, your achievements will certainly be extraordinary!" Li Yi spoke casually, "I just wonder if the people I've offended now include the Ye family of the Imperial Capital."

"Well," Ye Qingma laughed, "that depends on Young Master Li's choice... Of course, I know how difficult this decision is... But often, one must make choices, so I'll give you three days. I'll be waiting in the Long family hall. In three days, our relationship will depend on your decision." Li Yi's lips curled into a faint smile, "Then I really must thank Young Master Ye for your kindness... Rest assured, whether it's Young Master Ye or Young Master Long, I will give you a perfect answer in three days..."

Their eyes met briefly, each smiling lightly before quickly looking away, their intense killing intent as if nonexistent. "In that case, I shall take my leave for today," Li Yi said, bowing slightly and making to leave. But before Ye Qingma could respond, Ruo Yun stepped forward, biting her lip, "Li Yi, are you leaving again today? If you don't give me an explanation today, you won't get away so easily!"

Li Yi was momentarily stunned. Was this woman foolish enough to make such demands now, knowing the atmosphere was off? But when his gaze fell on her face, she quickly blinked, a gesture so subtle that only Li Yi caught it. Hesitating, Li Yi didn't know the nature of the relationship between Little Li Yi and this woman, but it was clear Ruo Yun had other intentions. He coughed, "Then..."

Ignoring the others' gazes, Ruo Yun pulled on his sleeve and led him towards a side door. Behind them, Ye Qingma laughed heartily, his voice carrying far, "Since Young Master Li has a date with a beauty, I shall not be the unwelcome guest!"

Li Yi frowned as Ruo Yun led him into an exquisitely decorated room, casually sitting on an elegant couch. The faint fragrance in the room stirred his heart, and a nearby incense burner emitted curling smoke. Ruo Yun walked around the bed, her eyes filled with uncertainty. Li Yi remained silent, wanting to see what she was up to. They stared at each other for a long time until Ruo Yun sighed deeply, her sigh seemingly laden with endless sorrow and thoughts. Then, she took a jade box from a cabinet in the corner and handed it to Li Yi, saying faintly, "This was given to me by someone. It's said to be beneficial for various injuries. You should take it."