Why Go Through All This

Upon hearing Xiao Yixian's words, Manager Yao's eyes twitched slightly. Although Xiao Yixian had only been a collaborator before, her tone now suggested she wished to sever ties with Wan Yao Zhai.

However, Yao quickly composed himself and replied with a smile, "Of course, Wan Yao Zhai always welcomes Xiao Yixian."

Despite Yao's efforts to conceal his irritation, Xiao Yu could sense the subtle annoyance and malice in his eyes. He was curious about what trick Yao might have up his sleeve.

Xiao Yixian nodded slightly and led Xiao Yu into the Wan Yao Zhai building. The back courtyard was spacious, with a large area filled with herbs and materials that Yao was in the process of inventorying.

They soon reached the room where Xiao Yixian had stayed. Xiao Yu stood by, watching as Xiao Yixian packed her things. Yao glanced at Xiao Yu and remarked, "This young man is unfamiliar. Anyone who can befriend Xiao Yixian must be someone of note!"

Xiao Yu responded with a grin, "I only saved her once in the Monster Beast Mountain Range. There's nothing particularly special about me."

Just as Yao was about to reply, Xiao Yixian said, "I'm ready."

Xiao Yu nodded, "Let's go then."

Seeing them about to leave, Yao's expression changed. Dropping the pretense, he sneered, "Leave? You probably won't be going anywhere. I've heard you acquired quite a few treasures in the mountain cave. You should stay a while and hand them over. It's best if you surrender the goods now!" With that, he signaled, and six or seven guards entered, blocking the door.

Xiao Yixian's face darkened slightly at Yao's maneuver but she said, "Mr. Yao, for the sake of our past cooperation, I advise you not to act recklessly."

Yao laughed loudly, "Are you talking about your poison? Hahaha, Xiao Yixian, you overestimate yourself. Do you think I'd be unprepared for you?" He then took out a bottle of antidote pills and distributed them to his guards.

Xiao Yixian remained calm and shrugged at Xiao Yu, "Looks like it's up to you."

Yao and his guards turned their attention to Xiao Yu. Yao mocked, "Are you expecting him to get you out?"

Xiao Yixian smiled at Yao, "Why not?"

Yao and his guards burst into laughter. Yao, bending over in amusement, said, "With a kid like him, one of my guards could easily deal with him! Hahaha!"

Xiao Yu remained unfazed and smiled, "Is that so?" He then kicked out with his right leg, targeting one of the guards.

The guard, despite his quick reflexes, could only cross his arms in defense. However, he underestimated the power of Xiao Yu's kick. Although Xiao Yu didn't use his Dou Qi, his physical strength was extraordinary.

The guard's chest caved in with a dull thud as bones shattered. He was thrown through the wooden door into the courtyard, hitting the ground with a loud thud, barely alive.

This all happened in the blink of an eye. By the time Yao and his guards reacted, Xiao Yu had already withdrawn his leg, as if nothing had happened.

Furious, Yao shouted, "Attack! Beat them to a pulp!"

Following his command, the remaining guards charged.

Xiao Yu whispered "Moonstep" in his mind, his figure becoming an illusion as he moved between the guards. They couldn't see him and felt sharp pain in their abdomens before being hurled through windows into the courtyard.

Yao, stunned by the sudden emptiness, realized the youth's strength was beyond his ability to handle.

In a mere moment, Xiao Yu had easily defeated the guards, all at the Five-Star Dou Practitioner level. He turned to Yao, who was now grim-faced, and said with a smirk, "It seems your guards aren't enough to stop me."

Yao sneered, glaring at the fallen guards, "Useless fools, unable to handle one person!" He then turned his attention to Xiao Yu, his body enveloped in green Dou Qi, emanating the aura of a Two-Star Dou Master.

Yao glared coldly at Xiao Yu, "Since you're so ungrateful, you'll stay here!"

Xiao Yixian, recognizing the battle would be at the Dou Master level, stepped back to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Though she wasn't worried about Xiao Yu's safety, she knew his strength.

Xiao Yu, not wasting any more time, unleashed his Dou Qi. Having recently broken through to Seven-Star Dou Master, he easily outmatched Yao, a Two-Star Dou Master.

Yao's face paled as he realized Xiao Yu's formidable power. Before he could react, Xiao Yu moved with unmatched speed. His right fist, covered in blazing red Dou Qi, struck Yao's chest with immense force.

The impact caused Yao to vomit blood and stagger backward. Xiao Yu leaped into the air, striking down at Yao with a powerful palm.

Yao, barely conscious, grabbed an iron whip from his storage ring and swung it at Xiao Yu.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing echoed as the force from Xiao Yu's attack tore through Yao's arm, turning it into a bloody mess. Yao collapsed, screaming in pain.

Xiao Yu stepped closer and said coldly, "Greed leads to ruin. Was it really worth it?"