Xu Ke sympathized with Song Zhong's plight, but that didn't mean he would let him off the hook.

It was simple. If he spared Song Zhong, then who would spare his past self? What had he done wrong to deserve being crippled by Song Zhong's punch and having his leg broken?

From the moment he regained consciousness, he knew he could no longer afford to be merciful. To not kill a snake when you strike is to court disaster. If Song Zhong sought revenge one day, it wouldn't just be the Ye Family; Xu Ke himself would become a target of his hatred.

"AARGH!"

Ambushed so suddenly, Song Zhong let out an agonizing howl. He instinctively raised his hand to fend off the attack, but Xu Ke took a few steps back, in no hurry to kick a man who was already down. He had already gauged the true extent of Song Zhong's current strength.

Meanwhile, Wang Wu hurriedly stepped forward. Since Xu Ke had attacked Song Zhong, Wang Wu decided to intervene to prevent anything unpredictable from happening. At the same time, he was somewhat surprised. He never would have imagined that Xu Ke had been prepared to deceive Song Zhong from the very beginning.

Wong Qifu was also taken aback for a moment, letting out a silent sigh.

She knew. Xu Ke had changed. The honest, hardworking Xu Ke from before was gradually transforming.

As Xu Ke held back his attack, Song Zhong hastily retreated, glaring up at him and roaring, "You tricked me!"

He was grief-stricken and despairing. Why? He had already burned his bridges with the Ye Family, even killing Ye Chen. He thought he had finally grasped a chance at survival, a chance to save his wife and daughter… But Xu Ke's actions had completely dashed all his hopes. Not only could he not save his wife and daughter, but he was also going to die here.

"I didn't trick you," Xu Ke said emotionlessly. "From the beginning, I said the winner could leave the villa. I never said I would let you live."

"You're shameless!" Song Zhong roared, his heart turning to ash.

"Say that again?" Xu Ke's expression was ice-cold.

He might be shameless, but could he compare to Song Zhong?

Huang Qi had captured him, but at least there was a reason: Xu Ke was Wong Qifu's fiancé, and the interests involved were already incredibly complex.

But Song Zhong was different. At the time he'd attacked Xu Ke, he had no idea of his identity. Spurred on by Siao Jia and following Ye Chen's orders, Song Zhong had simply used his Innate Great Perfection cultivation to wantonly attack an innocent commoner. If it weren't for Wang Wu's protection, Song Zhong would have already broken Xu Ke's limbs and thrown him on the Ye Family's doorstep.

Compared to that, Song Zhong was the truly shameless one.

"You…" Desperately furious, Song Zhong roared, "But you broke your promise!"

"What about my daughter?"

"What about my Ping'er?"

Song Zhong's body trembled.

"If you want to live, it's simple. I'll give you a chance." Xu Ke looked at Song Zhong calmly. "Defeat me, and I'll let you go."

His words fell. Song Zhong suddenly went still.

Wong Qifu frowned. "Absolutely not."

She had felt a flicker of sympathy for Song Zhong, but she was only willing to let him go because Xu Ke had already promised. Otherwise, she would have killed him long ago. And now, there was no way she would stand by and watch Xu Ke fight Song Zhong. With Song Zhong's years of accumulated True Qi, Xu Ke couldn't possibly be his match.

Wang Wu's expression changed. "Mister Xu, you absolutely must not!"

He knew Xu Ke's revival must have involved some unknown miracle, a miracle that was also connected to the sudden appearance of Innate Middle Stage True Qi in his body. He wouldn't pry, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try to stop Xu Ke. How could a Martial Artist at the Innate Middle Stage possibly win against one at the Innate Great Perfection?

"It's fine," Xu Ke said, shaking his head. "I know my limits."

Hearing this, Wang Wu's expression shifted again as he prepared to object.

But Wong Qifu spoke up. "It's fine. Let Xu Ke decide."

If that was what Xu Ke said, she would choose to believe him.

Song Zhong looked at Xu Ke. "Are you sure?"

"Certain," Xu Ke's expression remained unchanged. "A duel to the death."

A duel to the death!

Wang Wu's expression grew solemn.

"You're too arrogant," Song Zhong sneered.

"Make your move," Xu Ke said, watching Song Zhong silently.

If he wanted revenge, he had to take it with his own hands.

Song Zhong sneered, "How do I know you're not playing me? What if Wang Wu and Lin Qinghua intervene?"

Song Zhong was trying to goad Xu Ke into creating a situation where Wang Wu and Lin Qinghua couldn't interfere. He knew Wang Wu would never watch him kill Xu Ke, and the phantom-like Lin Qinghua wouldn't just stand by and watch. However, Song Zhong didn't plan to kill Xu Ke. He intended to take him hostage. That way, not only could he escape, but he might also be able to use Xu Ke as a bargaining chip to get his wife and daughter back from the Ye Family.

"You don't need to provoke me. No one will interfere in my duel to the death." Xu Ke's expression was unchanged. He looked at Wang Wu. "Uncle Wu, please step back. And Aunt Lin, behind Song Zhong, I'm sorry, but would you please step back as well?"

As he finished speaking, Song Zhong whipped his head around. There, Lin Qinghua was emerging silently.

A cold sweat broke out on Song Zhong's back. When had Lin Qinghua gotten behind him?

Wang Wu was also startled. Why was Lin Qinghua in that position?

Then, the expressions of the three people present—everyone except Wong Qifu—changed dramatically.

How had Xu Ke managed to see right through Lin Qinghua's concealment?

Lin Qinghua gave Xu Ke a deep look, then moved behind Wong Qifu. "Miss, Mister Xu has asked me not to intervene."

Hearing this form of address, a ripple went through Wong Qifu's eyes before they returned to calm. "It's fine. He knows what he's doing. You may both step back."

"Yes."

Wang Wu and Lin Qinghua retreated. A moment ago, they had been on edge, terrified that Xu Ke would be killed. But from the moment Xu Ke had pointed out Lin Qinghua's location, their confidence surged.

"Is that enough for you?" Xu Ke asked, looking at the still-shocked Song Zhong.

Song Zhong's face was grim. He hadn't detected Lin Qinghua, but Xu Ke had. In that instant, even before the fight began, his momentum was shattered.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "I know you possess Innate Middle Stage True Qi, which already makes you a genius for your age."

"But so what?"

"I am at the Innate Great Perfection realm now. Defeating you will be as easy as turning over my hand!" Song Zhong bellowed as a powerful aura surged from his body.

He was bolstering his own courage while also trying to shake Xu Ke's resolve. But Xu Ke remained unmoved, his gaze never wavering as he said faintly, "I'll give you the first move."

Observing from a distance, Wang Wu was stunned. How is it that he could see the Young Miss's shadow in Xu Ke's words?

Meanwhile, the corners of Wong Qifu's lips curved up slightly.

"ARROGANT!!" Song Zhong roared.

He was an Innate Great Perfection master. How could he tolerate such humiliation?!

The moment he finished speaking, Song Zhong stomped his left foot, his body flashing forward like lightning. He channeled all his True Qi into a single punch aimed at Xu Ke's face. The air churned violently.

But Xu Ke didn't move an inch, showing no intention of dodging.

THUD.

The fist connected with Xu Ke's face.

It connected! A flash of joy crossed Song Zhong's face, but it was instantly replaced by shock.

Hard. Very hard. Exceptionally hard.

"Too soft," Xu Ke said faintly.

The scene was just like earlier that evening when Xu Ke had punched Song Zhong... except the roles were now reversed

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