Chapter 411
The two boys fought with fierce intensity, driven by their boiling blood, acting without regard when anger reached its peak, intent on taking down the person in front of them who ignited their fury, regardless of the consequences.
However, Xu Ke toyed with them as if teasing two mice, capable of subduing them in a few moves but choosing instead to play along, dodging every incoming blade just in time, making them feel the frustration of unattainable victory.
One side acts on impulse alone, while the other thrives on mockery. When these two groups clash, the fight starts off intensely and perilously, yet as it drags on, even a fool can sense something amiss. The former group, though initially enraged, finds their impulsiveness replaced by a growing fear of the opponent’s superior strength.
Sweat began to appear on the faces of the two boys. They wanted to stop, but ending it was no longer within their control.
Moreover, if their movements slowed even slightly, Xu Ke would strike at their weak spots, causing them pain without incapacitating them entirely. Before long, they couldn’t take it anymore and started pleading for mercy uncontrollably.
The first to beg for mercy was the boy with freckles on his face.
“I’m done fighting, I’ll let you go today,” said the freckled boy, hoping to end the brawl on a dignified note.
But Xu Ke didn’t give him that chance. “No need to let me go. If you have skills, don’t hold back, show them,” Xu Ke said with a faint smile.
The expression on the freckled boy’s face turned colorful in an instant. If he had any skills left, he would have already knocked this man down instead of being beaten like a dog. He thought, staring at his partner’s expectant expression.
The freckled boy gritted his teeth, with his face showing a fawning smile, he once again pleaded with Xu Ke, “This time it was my fault. I can’t beat you, I admit defeat. From now on, you’re my big brother, please let me go. I’m in so much pain. If you keep hitting me, I’ll die from exhaustion and pain.”
“How is this my problem? Weren’t you the ones who came picking a fight? Don’t make it sound like I’m the one bullying you,” Xu Ke said coldly.
The freckled boy’s eyes met Xu Ke’s gaze, only then did he feel a chill in his heart, making him readjust his attitude.
“Today’s incident was my fault. I couldn’t move the moment I saw a beauty, leading to such a big mistake. But considering I didn’t cause you any substantial harm, let me go. I really can’t fight anymore,” the freckled boy, being a typical opportunist, realized Xu Ke was not one to be fooled, and quickly changed his attitude, speaking cautiously and flatteringly.
“If you let me go today, I swear I’ll never appear in front of you again to be an eyesore. If I see you, I’ll walk far away, I promise I’ll never come near you, just let me go today,” the freckled boy pleaded, his face showing a look of supplication.
The tall, thin boy who had persevered in the fight couldn’t believe he was being betrayed by a friend like this. His eyes shot over to his friend, nearly sparking with rage.
“How can you so easily betray me like this?” the tall, thin boy snarled, gritting his teeth as he continued to attack Xu Ke, angrily questioning his friend and companion.
“Knowing when to capitulate is wisdom. I really can’t hold on anymore. It’s true we’re good friends, but I still cherish my life. I can’t throw it away for you. I’m sure you feel the same. Would your conscience be at ease if I died for you?” the freckled boy questioned back, trying to present it as if he were doing it for his friend’s own good, nearly prompting the tall, thin boy to redirect his knife at him.
“It’s not impossible for him to let you go, but you must do one thing before I can persuade him to release you,” Ariel spoke up swiftly, as if inspired by an amusing thought, before Xu Ke could respond.
“Not just one thing—even a hundred things would be fine,” the freckled boy said eagerly at the prospect of a way out, quickly expressing his loyalty.
Xu Ke guessed a little at what Ariel was suggesting, while Lin Mengyao was completely baffled, unsure of what task Ariel would assign to the freckled boy.
In the midst of everyone’s anticipation, Ariel revealed her demand, “What I want is simple. You don’t have to jump into a canyon or climb a snow mountain. Just stab the person next to you once, anywhere, and today I can guarantee his release. Think it over.”
There was no need to think. Before Ariel’s words were finished, the freckled boy’s eyes were already fixed on the tall, thin boy, an unmistakable gaze you couldn’t ignore.
The tall, thin boy was full of disbelief, “Are you really going to turn on me? I’m your brother. We grew up together. Aren’t you worried I’ll haunt your dreams? Or be scared when my parents ask you about me?” the tall, thin boy questioned harshly.
“You said it yourself; we grew up together, yet I’ve always listened to you. Whatever you said, I did it. I came over because you told me to, and I did what you asked. But now I’m scared. I’m young and don’t want to die. We can’t beat him, so why not admit defeat early?” the freckled boy responded to the tall, thin boy.
“I don’t care about losing face. I just want to keep living without getting beaten up. Considering my lifelong obedience, I’m really sorry this time.” Having said that, the freckled boy shifted the position of the knife in his hand and, amidst the tall, thin boy’s disbelief, plunged the knife into the tall, thin boy’s stomach.
Blood gushed out of the wound like a small river, flowing over the freckled boy’s hand. He seemed shocked; his already pale face turned even whiter without a trace of blood, as if he were the one being stabbed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I just wanted to live, forgive me,” the freckled boy said with a pale face, lacking conviction and sincerity, finishing his apology to the tall, thin boy before focusing all his attention on Xu Ke, hoping he would fulfill his promise.
Fortunately, Xu Ke was not someone who broke his word. Even though the promise wasn’t made by him, Xu Ke still honored it, ceasing the attack and allowing them to stop.
When the confrontation finally stopped, the freckled boy suddenly staggered. If not for the quick reflexes of the people beside him, he would’ve fallen flat on his face.