Chapter 32: Defeat Him First, Then We’ll Talk

It was hard to tell whether he was simply self-assured or downright arrogant.

In truth, if Liu Xie were to give the order now, Hu Che’er would be hacked to pieces in an instant.

Yet Liu Xie had no intention of doing so.

Likewise, when Liu Xie revealed his identity so bluntly, it stirred Hu Che’er’s curiosity and surprise.

In fact, what truly astonished him was not that Liu Xie had guessed who he was, but rather the remarkable composure Liu Xie maintained upon knowing his identity.

Indeed, in Wancheng, Hu Che’er held a position of considerable influence, second only to Zhang Xiu himself. Many regarded him with the utmost respect.

But Liu Xie, standing before him now, remained unfazed. Was this some sort of joke? What was so impressive about being a general? Liu Xie was the emperor, after all.

Granted, the emperor’s circumstances were now somewhat wretched, but even so, a mere Hu Che’er was hardly worth his anxiety.

“Very well, I’ll keep my word. Let us have a calm, honest conversation.”

“Let’s begin. What’s your name, who are your people, and why have you come here?” Hu Che’er’s tone remained lofty, as if he were interrogating a captive.

At this, Liu Xie offered a faint, indifferent smile. “As for my name, you may call me Liu Shiban.”

Even Liu Xie felt a pang of annoyance at the alias. Liu Shiban—what a name. Yet he couldn’t very well reveal his true identity, so he’d simply split his own name apart for convenience.

“As for who we are, that’s easy enough—just some wandering folk of the martial world.”

“And our purpose here? It’s quite simple: we were merely passing by.”

“Unfortunately, some fool lacking in eyesight decided to trouble us.”

“Of course, that so-called fool is someone many people fear.”

“But, alas, I do not. So, I killed him.”

“Afterwards, his equally brainless kin, unwilling to accept his fate, sent your men for vengeance.”

“That’s the whole story.”

“So, General Hu, is there anything you wish to add?”

Liu Xie recounted the entire episode with remarkable nonchalance.

By the end, Hu Che’er’s brow had furrowed. He already understood the course of events, but he was still surprised by Liu Xie’s calm demeanor in the face of his questioning. The man spoke as if the matter hardly concerned him, completely disregarding Hu Che’er’s authority.

“Your explanation is indeed very elegant.”

“But let’s speak plainly—you killed over a hundred of my men. How do you intend to answer for that?”

Liu Xie had expected this. He knew Hu Che’er would seize upon the matter, and he had already deduced that the general had no intention of letting him go.

It was simple: anyone would see such an act as a direct challenge to his authority. Hu Che’er was, after all, a military commander. If he failed to resolve this matter with a satisfactory outcome, how could he maintain his standing among the troops?

Ultimately, it was clear he sought to punish Liu Xie.

“General Hu, perhaps it’s best to speak frankly.”

“I understand your men fell by my hand, and you are displeased.”

“Tell me, then—what do you want? Is it my life you seek?”

Liu Xie’s tone was one of complete indifference. None of this seemed to trouble him. Hu Che’er was hardly enough to warrant his concern.

“I’ve heard you command twenty formidable warriors. Frankly, I’d like to see their skills for myself.” As he spoke, Liu Xie glanced around, clearly searching for the twenty members of Shadow Wolf.

With a slight smile, he had already anticipated Hu Che’er would bring up the matter.

“To see them in action? Certainly. The question is—how would General Hu like to test them?”

Liu Xie did not refuse, but readily agreed, leaving the specifics for Hu Che’er to decide.

“You are truly confident.”

“Very well, summon your twenty men. Let them fight me.”

“If they prove capable of defeating me, we’ll consider the matter settled.”

“But if they cannot, I will kill you and every last one of your men.”

By the end of his words, a murderous glint shone in Hu Che’er’s eyes. He had clearly come here for a fight, and he brimmed with confidence. Did he truly believe himself capable of facing all twenty members of Shadow Wolf alone?

Indeed, Hu Che’er was formidable, but could he truly best twenty of Shadow Wolf’s elite? That remained to be seen.

Without another word, Liu Xie simply raised his hands and clapped twice, sharply.

At once, a door opened, and one of the Shadow Wolf members emerged, stepping to Liu Xie’s side.

“Only one?” Hu Che’er asked in confusion.

Liu Xie smiled faintly. “General Hu, perhaps you should try defeating this one first.”

“I fear that if all twenty appeared at once, your defeat would be rather humiliating.”

Liu Xie’s words left Hu Che’er visibly displeased, for they dripped with scorn.

Indeed, Liu Xie was openly belittling him. More than that, he was telling the truth.

Before Hu Che’er could retort, the Shadow Wolf member stepped forward, clasped his hands in a martial salute, and said solemnly, “General Hu, please.”

Hu Che’er’s indignation only grew. A general of his stature, being openly challenged by an unknown upstart—it was intolerable.

His frustration simmered.

“Arrogant fool—prepare to die!”

With a shout, Hu Che’er charged, fists swinging like hammers toward his opponent.

But just as his blow was about to land—only a few centimeters shy—the Shadow Wolf member merely twisted his body slightly, easily dodging the attack.

Before Hu Che’er could even react, the Shadow Wolf warrior seized his arm and, with a sudden surge, drove into him.

There was a dull thud.

Hu Che’er was knocked back several meters, stumbling across the ground, nearly falling before one of his men caught him just in time.

His fury only intensified.

“Damn it! So you’ve got some skill.”

“Come again!”

Hu Che’er was a martial man, the sort who grew braver with every fight. Seeing himself at a disadvantage only spurred him on. With another shout, he charged once more, this time with greater caution, every move measured and wary.

Yet, even with such care, every attack was deftly evaded by the Shadow Wolf member.

After several failed attempts, the Shadow Wolf warrior stood firm.

“General Hu, you’ve had your turn. Now, it’s mine.”

He let out a cool breath and charged forward.