Chapter 172

First Volume_Chapter 172 First Meeting with Father-in-law

Qin Xiaofu and Xiao Xiangxiang nearly screamed at the same moment and lunged forward together.

Unfortunately, the Black-Clothed Man's martial skill was simply too strong—he threw both of them out before they even understood what had happened.

The Black-Clothed Man wore a mask, revealing only a pair of hawk-like, piercing eyes that stared at Qin Feng with icy malice; the intensity of the killing intent gathered in his brow made Qin Feng's blood run cold.

Just as Qin Feng believed death was certain, he felt the pressure on his neck ease.

Qin Feng gasped for breath several times, staring in disbelief at the Black-Clothed Man: "Why did you let go?"

The Black-Clothed Man did not answer, but asked instead: "I give you two choices: one, I kill you right now; two…"

Before the Black-Clothed Man could finish, Qin Feng blurted out his answer: "The second one!"

The Black-Clothed Man frowned and growled: "I haven't even told you what the second option is."

Qin Feng thought survival was paramount and put on a cowardly face: "Whatever it is, I choose the second one—please, Great Hero, don't kill me, hehe…"

The Black-Clothed Man's gaze was filled with utter contempt, yet he did not strike: "If you kneel and crawl between my legs, I'll spare your dog's life. How about it?"

As he spoke, the Black-Clothed Man loosened his grip, and Qin Feng felt all strength drain from his body, collapsing helplessly to the ground.

Seeing the Black-Clothed Man slowly spread his legs and point downward, showing Qin Feng the path to life, Qin Feng's mind flooded with a thousand thoughts.

To survive, what's a little humiliation? Even Han Xin endured the crawl between the legs, and Goujian once ate excrement! I'm no great hero—why can't I do it?

But…

Qin Feng felt uneasy—he might be shameless, but he wasn't without a bottom line.

If he crawled through, how could he ever show his face again?

Besides, he'd just received the Canjiang Appointment—every eye in Jingdu was watching. If he turned into a coward, he wouldn't just become a laughingstock in Jingzhong; even the Emperor would look down on him.

After weighing pros and cons, Qin Feng gritted his teeth and slowly crawled toward the Black-Clothed Man.

Seeing Qin Feng so cowardly, willing to endure such disgrace just to live, the Black-Clothed Man's eyes brimmed with disdain.

Yet just as Qin Feng reached the Black-Clothed Man's feet, he suddenly shot up without warning, swinging his fist straight at the man's nose: "You want me to crawl through your pants? You're not even worthy!"

Qin Feng had no hope for this punch—he even expected to be killed the next instant.

But…

Something utterly unexpected happened.

The Black-Clothed Man didn't dodge or flinch.

Boom!

The moment Qin Feng's fist struck the Black-Clothed Man's nose, a dull thud echoed—and blood gushed from beneath the mask.

Not only was Qin Feng stunned, even Shu Feng gaped in shock: "Young Master actually injured that Assassin? How is that possible? His martial skill is so high, even against Fourth Miss, he could hold his own."

Qin Feng had already prepared himself for heroic death, but seeing the Black-Clothed Man's nose spouting blood, he froze in place, mind blank.

Could it be…

That I've suddenly opened my Ren and Du Meridians, transforming from a Level Three Cripple into an Absolute Master?

Before Qin Feng could finish his daydream, the Black-Clothed Man grabbed his collar, spat blood, and growled: "You're still a man!"

Then, under Qin Feng's bewildered gaze, the Black-Clothed Man vanished into the night…

Qin Feng scratched his head, looking as if he'd seen a ghost: "Wait… what the hell just happened? A random Absolute Master shows up, gets punched by This Young Master, and runs off?! Damn… I don't get any of this…"

Ning Hu and Xu Mo exchanged glances and also said, "Don't get it."

Regardless, the scare was over—everyone collectively exhaled in relief.

Qin Xiaofu, without hesitation, launched into blatant flattery: "Young Master's martial prowess is unmatched—he's Wuqu Star incarnate!"

Though still confused, Qin Feng, shaken by the ordeal, dared not delay another second—he practically ran back.

Meanwhile, at the Xie Residence's DaTang.

Xie Yun'er sat alone, her mind filled entirely with today's events at ShiZhen.

When the Adaptability Pass began, Xie Yun'er had hidden inside the Camp, listening behind the door.

Recalling Qin Feng's calm, impassioned declaration, she still felt her blood boil and her heart pound.

Had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would never have linked that scoundrel Qin Feng with "courage and strategy."

After the Qingyi Ceremony, she had planned to congratulate Qin Feng.

But the words stuck in her throat—she couldn't say them.

If she reached out to Qin Feng now, wouldn't that mean she'd surrendered?

No!

Even if she married into the Qin Family, she would never bow to that bastard—if he dared use his "husband" status to mistreat her, she'd make him feel the whip's wrath!

Thinking of this, Xie Yun'er's cheeks flushed hot, and she muttered softly: "Husband… so embarrassing…"

As she wrestled with these thoughts, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Turning to look, she saw her father, Xie Bi, stride in—mid-forties, in his prime, clad in a majestic brocade robe; his aura alone rivaled that of a Grand General.

Xie Yun'er stopped her daydreaming and rose quickly to greet him—but froze in surprise.

Her father's nose was swollen and red, as if freshly punched.

At this thought, she found it hilarious: "Father is one of Jingdu's Four Great Masters, a top officer of the Imperial Guard, half of whom are his disciples—even facing a master like Jing Qianying, he could match him blow for blow—how could he be injured like this…?"

Curious, Xie Yun'er asked: "Father, what happened to your nose?"

Xie Bi sat heavily on the master chair, drained his tea cup, and snapped: "What happened? I accidentally got my nose caught in the door!"

Hearing this, Xie Yun'er snorted: "You're one of the Four Great Masters, yet you're this clumsy?"

Xie Bi ignored her, changed the subject, and ordered: "Go home tonight and prepare. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the Qin Residence. Though tradition forbids meeting the groom's family before marriage, you've been roaming Jingdu and associating closely with Qin Feng—no need to cling to rigid formalities."

At the word "groom's family," Xie Yun'er's face turned crimson, and she panicked: "Ah? Isn't that too soon?"

Xie Bi rolled his eyes, annoyed: "Too soon? If you wait any longer, you'll miss your chance! After today's Qingyi Ceremony, Qin's boy will be the most sought-after bridegroom in Jingdu. Chang Princess has already claimed the position of principal wife—don't you dare let it slip away!"

Speaking of this, Xie Bi felt the faint ache on his nose and sighed with emotion: "Father cannot protect you for a lifetime. Though that Qin Feng acts wantonly and outrageously, he is still a good place to belong…"