Chapter 373: Aggressive Coercion Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
“Nice moves, friend,” a deep voice sounded. A man in grey robes emerged, smiling as if unfazed by Ye Mo kicking over two vases and two people, genuinely complimenting Ye Mo’s power.
Ye Mo knew this man had been hiding. His calm demeanor suggested high status within the dojo.
Yellow level middle stage, a martial artist. But to Ye Mo, this meant nothing.
“Dojo leader…” the black-faced man, his injuries minor, crawled up, awkwardness evident.
“Please excuse our impoliteness. I’m the dojo leader of Hong Style 7 Kill Fist, Shen Weiju. May I ask your name?” The grey-robed man ignored the black-faced instructor, addressing Ye Mo directly.
“No need for names. I’m here to ask some questions,” Ye Mo said plainly, disliking the dojo leader’s style.
He’d been observing from the sidelines. Even after kicking the guard, the leader remained still, only moving after Ye Mo kicked the black-faced instructor. He’d likely lost his composure then.
Shen Weiju’s face changed, then steadied. In the jiang hu, failing to state one’s name after victory was extremely rude. Even Shen Weiju, with his scheming heart, nearly couldn’t contain himself.
But he wasn’t a jiang hu novice. The angrier he was, the more he'd feign kindness, intending to kill while appearing benevolent. He wouldn’t attack before understanding his opponent. He’d also witnessed Ye Mo's kicks—power he lacked.
He could easily defeat the instructor, but not as effortlessly as Ye Mo, who also controlled the direction of his fall.
Shen Weiju, face unflinching, gave a fist salute. “In that case, please come in, friend.”
Shi Kaigen knew Shen Weiju, a renowned figure in Chinatown, even more so in the underworld. Seeing Ye Mo’s lack of politeness unnerved him. Jiang hu practitioners usually showed 30% respect, unless in a life-or-death feud. Ye Mo’s apparent disregard for Shen Weiju puzzled him.
Of course, Ye Mo didn’t care. He detested Shen Weiju’s scheming, generous facade. A mere yellow level warrior—even ten levels higher, Ye Mo wouldn't care.
Though furious, Shen Weiju showed nothing. He led Ye Mo and Shi Kaigen to the guest lounge, where four burly men stood guard.
Ye Mo ignored them and walked in.
Shen Weiju’s plan backfired. Those four were the dojo's strongest. He’d intended to use the dojo rules as a pretext for a fight, believing the four could subdue Ye Mo.
But Ye Mo walked straight in. Was he truly that strong?
Shen Weiju felt lost. He never acted without confidence, and after much deliberation, decided against attacking first. He wanted to hear Ye Mo's questions.
Tea arrived. Shen Weiju smiled. “Friend, what is it you wish to ask?”
“Dojo Leader Shen, my brother needs to speak with Tong Zhu, but we can’t find him. Can you tell us where he is?” Shi Kaigen asked.
Shen Weiju frowned. He knew Tong Zhu, but Tong Zhu’s identity was sensitive; he rarely appeared before Hong Martial Gang members. Their presence here indicated knowledge of the dojo’s connection to the gang.
Saluting, Shen Weiju apologized. “Sorry, friend. I know Tong Zhu, but he can’t see you now. This concerns an internal Hong Martial Gang matter, so please forgive me.”
Shi Kaigen stood up. “What do you mean? I know your gang is about to clash with Mountain Gang, but that doesn't mean I can't see Tong Zhu.”
Shen Weiju had patience for Ye Mo, but not Shi Kaigen. He’d held power for a long time. When had a street urchin dared speak to him this way?
Coldly, Shen Weiju said, “Hong Martial Gang’s business is none of your concern. You have some fame in Chinatown, but that means nothing against the Hong Martial Gang. Since we’re both Chinese, I’ll let it go.”
Ye Mo stood. “Shen Weiju, I’ll give you one minute. Take me to Tong Zhu. Otherwise, there will be no Hong Martial Gang in Chinatown.”
“How cocky! I, Shen Weiju, will see how you annihilate us!” Finally losing his patience, Shen Weiju reacted to Ye Mo’s threat.
Before he could call for his men, Ye Mo lunged, grabbing Shen Weiju by the neck and hoisting him like a chicken. “You don’t decide whether I can annihilate your gang.”
Shen Weiju was shocked. He’d seen Ye Mo approach, yet couldn't dodge. He was a yellow level middle stage martial artist—not a mere guard or instructor. Yet, in this young man's hands, he was as helpless as they were.
Shen Weiju’s face finally changed. He understood who he’d offended—a legendary earth level warrior. Annihilating the Hong Martial Gang would be difficult, but not impossible, if he truly was earth level.
The four men at the door charged in. Ye Mo kicked, sending the first man flying into the second, then the third, creating a human pile-up.
Shen Weiju was frozen. He hadn’t dared imagine Ye Mo's strength, foolishly believing five of them could subdue him. His arrogance was clear.
He tried to speak, but Ye Mo grabbed his neck before he could utter a word.
Shi Kaigen rejoiced. Ye Mo’s strength validated his decision. Shen Weiju, so renowned, was like a helpless chicken.
Ye Mo tossed him aside. “One minute. Take me to Tong Zhu. Otherwise, I will annihilate your gang.”
Coughing, Shen Weiju quickly stood, bowing deeply. “Qian bei, I was blind; forgive me. I’ll take you to Tong Zhu immediately. This way, please.”
Shen Weiju led the way, abandoning his schemes, rendered useless by the vast difference in power.
Shen Weiju led them through the back door, eventually entering an antique house.
The door was tightly shut. Shen Weiju pressed the doorbell, using a rhythmic code. Ye Mo sensed the house’s layout—spacious, with grass and an artificial lake, surprisingly pleasant for the city. He saw guards in an underground room.
His spirit sense revealed sixty people gathered, seemingly alerted by Shen Weiju's signal. The leader waved a hand, and they split into two lines.
Ye Mo wouldn't force his way in. Soon, someone opened the door. Shen Weiju ushered them inside.
The underground basement’s occupants eyed Ye Mo and Shi Kaigen warily. Silence hung heavy, but Shi Kaigen felt nervous, knowing the leader could unleash them at any moment.