Chapter 46: The Slicked-back Hair

But these enforcers were different. They were mostly street thugs, and those who managed well would be groomed into muscle for the big bosses. They struck hard and never thought about consequences—after all, their boss would cover for them if anything went wrong. When dealing with such men, one had to be even more ruthless; ideally, knock them down so they wouldn’t get back up.

They all noticed Fang Yuan. Da Zhuang stood surrounded in the center, and when he saw Fang Yuan, he looked as if he might burst into tears. Fang Yuan understood their intentions. There weren’t many people on the street yet, but if a fight broke out here, it would surely draw the police.

“How about we go somewhere else? If we fight here, I’m afraid the police will show up soon,” Fang Yuan said, getting straight to the point. “You can pick the place—just make sure it’s somewhere with fewer people.”

“Well, look at that—a real man. Just for that, if you beg for mercy, maybe I’ll let you off,” the leader, clearly a small-time boss, replied with feigned politeness.

“Enough nonsense, hurry up and pick a place.” Since they’d already come for him, they weren’t about to let him go so easily. This was all just to see him humiliated.

The small boss styled his hair in a slicked-back fashion, giving himself an old-school appearance. He looked young, but dressed himself to seem older, aiming for a sense of gravitas to inspire obedience among his subordinates. Yet to Fang Yuan, it looked utterly ridiculous.

“Want to grab yourself a handy weapon? Don’t say later that we bullied you,” the slicked-back boss said coldly, showing the air of a seasoned scoundrel.

“Enough talk, let’s go.” Fang Yuan strode off toward Little Mustache’s shop.

“You’re going the wrong way—that’s toward my shop,” Little Mustache protested, worried as he saw Fang Yuan heading that direction.

But Fang Yuan kept walking. “Your shop’s already been cleared out by me; it’s the most suitable place nearby.”

His words drifted in the cold wind, and Little Mustache wished he could buy some regret pills. Since Fang Yuan was their target today, the group naturally followed his lead, heading to Little Mustache’s shop.

Although they all knew Little Mustache, it was only in passing. Little Mustache had long since left the game, running a small business now. He was skilled at flattery and had once been a brother under the big boss, so he got some special treatment. But that kindness was rooted in mutual benefit. These enforcers were just following orders to teach Fang Yuan a lesson; whether it affected Little Mustache’s interests was none of their concern.

At the door of the shop, Fang Yuan kicked it open with a single blow, sending the whole door crashing down. The thugs trailing behind were startled. Clearly, they’d need to be careful today, and not underestimate this seemingly refined man.

Fang Yuan was much improved compared to before; he still had a hint of scholarly air, but he used to be pure scholar. Perhaps it was the influence of the bug genes, but he felt taller and more imposing than ever.

Inside, Fang Yuan squared his shoulders, ready for action, wasting no words. Seeing his posture, the others knew better than to talk further. Lacking any sense of honor, they all attacked at once, dozens crowding him so tightly that not a drop of water could have slipped through.

Fang Yuan had no worries whether the fight was near or far; he could attack at any distance. Before they could even swing, he launched a flying kick, sending the nearest men flying. Seeing their own beaten, the rest had their fighting spirit ignited.

The melee began.

Yet the slicked-back boss hadn’t moved. He stood silently by, watching. Fang Yuan fought with hands and feet, his movements lightning-fast—so quick that the boss couldn’t even see how he struck, but his men were already sprawled across the floor.

A real talent!

The boss, though young, had seen countless people. From just a few moves, he knew Fang Yuan was no ordinary man. He’d never heard of such a master hidden in their city, so Fang Yuan must be an outsider. That made things easier.

In the time it took for the boss to be lost in thought, dozens of his men lay sprawled, unable to rise.

“Are you coming in?” Fang Yuan was still full of energy, but his opponents were all on the ground, unable to continue. The slicked-back boss intrigued him; young, but clearly a veteran.

“Very well, I’d like to see what you can do.” The boss had fought his way up the ranks to his current position.

Fighting was routine. When the two traded blows, they quickly sized each other up. Fang Yuan hadn’t expected the boss to surpass his expectations—he was the toughest opponent Fang Yuan had faced so far. Though he wasn’t the most muscular or the strongest, his close-combat skills were unmatched.

After several exchanges, Fang Yuan gained nothing. He had to admit, the man was cunning, with sharp observation. Even a small movement was enough for him to predict where Fang Yuan would strike.

However, the more wily and cautious a person, the more obvious their weaknesses. Fang Yuan soon found his, and smiled.

Suddenly, Fang Yuan spun rapidly, darting from in front of the boss to behind him. Before the boss could turn, Fang Yuan kicked him hard in the leg.

With a thud, the boss dropped half his height.

“You… Today, I admit defeat. It only took a few moves to see your skills far surpass mine. I’m impressed. I suppose today my men failed to recognize greatness. May I ask your name?”

Life in the underworld means taking blows. The boss was no stranger to hardship. Today, he wasn’t afraid of Fang Yuan, but genuinely admired his skill. Among the underworld, such masters were highly sought after, never deliberately provoked. He wasn’t some mindless street punk.

“No nickname, just Fang Yuan—though you probably already know. I’m no master, just strong. Since you’ve said so, from now on our paths won’t cross.”

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