Chapter 130

“You know the Serpent’s Strike?” A hint of surprise flickered in Ian’s eyes. “You’re quite knowledgeable. Still, a loser like you isn’t worth my time. You’ve messed with the wrong person. You won’t get off lightly today!”

Ian grinned, resembling a tiger poised to devour its prey. Anger flared in Matthew’s eyes. Ian’s threat angered him, but something far more significant fueled his fury.

“Ancient martial artists aren’t allowed to attack ordinary people without cause. Aren’t you afraid of breaking the rules?”

“Afraid?” Ian closed in on Matthew. He continued nonchalantly, “Why should I be? The one who set the rules is long dead. No one cares about them anymore.”

As he spoke, he lunged at Matthew, aiming his middle knuckle at Matthew’s eyes. Matthew’s eyes glinted. Ian’s punch could easily blind him; Ian was undeniably ruthless.

The fist was about to connect when Matthew's leg shot out, delivering a powerful kick to Ian's stomach. A loud, dull thud echoed. Ian was instantly sent flying three yards, faster than his initial charge. He collapsed with a deafening thud, scattering dust into the air.

The five men behind him stared, mouths agape. They knew Ian's formidable reputation—he'd killed a civilian with a single punch. They never expected him to be dispatched so easily. Frozen in place, they were unsure what to do.

Jeffrey, seated in his car, anticipated watching Matthew’s brutal beating. But Ian was launched into the air? How was this possible?

Flabbergasted, Ian stared at Matthew. Disbelief filled his eyes as he sputtered, “How… How is this possible? You defeated me in one move. Are you an ancient martial artist as well?”

“Who sent you?” Matthew deflected.

Gritting his teeth, Ian hauled himself to his feet. “I wasn’t going to kill you, but I’ve changed my mind. I was careless earlier. So what if you’re an ancient martial artist? I could still defeat you in one move!”

Ian’s extensive arena experience gave him confidence. He believed he could subdue Matthew if he made a mistake.

Sensing Ian’s impending attack, Matthew stood firm. Ian mistook this stillness for vulnerability. Seeing Matthew only a yard away, he aimed his right fist at Matthew’s eyes, then abruptly switched to his left, aiming for Matthew’s temple.

Just as his punch neared, Matthew moved. Ian was sent flying across the basement. When he landed, a portion of his sternum was visibly punctured. Blood gushed from the wound, staining his clothes crimson.

Horrified, Ian stared. “What… What level are you at? W-why are you so strong?”

Matthew shook his head. “Strong? I don’t think so. I’m just an ordinary person. You’re just too weak.”

“Why, you!” Blood trickled from Ian’s lips as he erupted in rage. He knew he was far from an amateur, but Matthew was far beyond his capabilities. “I’m no match for you, let alone those five men. Just leave. Let’s end this now.”

“End things?” Matthew sauntered closer. “Your opinion doesn’t matter. Mine does. Tell me, who sent you? Where are they?”

Matthew continued, “Of course, you can choose to remain silent. You struck me twice. If you still refuse to answer, I will punch you once. I won’t question you further if you can withstand it.”