Chapter 39 – The Four Directions Forest Stirs, Revealing True Forms (Nine)

Ye Kuang made his way back to the Reserved Restaurant, his entire demeanor visibly suppressed.

Everyone noticed his absent-minded state but assumed it was due to heavy thoughts, paying it little mind.

It wasn’t until Elder Yan raised his glass to propose a toast that all eyes inevitably turned toward Ye Kuang.

Seeing this, Man Lang quickly nudged him and feigned anger, saying, “Kid, today’s a rare happy occasion for everyone. What’s going on with you?”

“Ah… oh…” Only then did Ye Kuang realize he had drifted off again. He hurriedly raised his teacup and drained it in one gulp.

Witnessing this, everyone couldn’t help but sense something amiss—this was far from his usual self.

Ma Xiu furrowed her brows on the spot and, disregarding what others might think, pulled Ye Kuang aside.

“Speak up. What’s really going on with you today? You’re acting completely unlike your usual self!” Ma Xiu demanded.

Hearing this, Ye Kuang forced a bitter smile but offered no explanation.

This shift in his expression only solidified Ma Xiu’s conviction that something was wrong.

Moreover, she knew Ye Kuang well—he was typically fearless and unshakable. For him to be in such a state, it was clear he had encountered some kind of trouble.

Ma Xiu said, “Even if our relationship is purely transactional, after all this time we’ve spent together, do you really trust us so little?”

The more she spoke, the more her anger grew.

From a practical standpoint, she didn’t want Ye Kuang competing in this state—the consequences would be unbearable for all of them.

On a personal level, since she had been the one to recommend him, if anything went wrong midway, she would struggle to justify it to everyone.

Ye Kuang replied, “Sister Ma, you’re overthinking it.”

With that, he turned to head back to the dining table.

But his increasingly grim expression made it impossible for those present to ignore the abnormality.

Ma Xiu grew even more furious at the sight and suddenly exploded, “Ye Kuang, let me make this clear: whether you want to talk or not, you will speak up. Otherwise, we might as well forfeit outright. We’d rather give up the championship than let the worst-case scenario take root.”

Hearing this, Elder Yan and the others set down their cups, their expressions turning grave as they looked over.

By now, even the slowest among them realized the severity of the situation.

All eyes focused intently on Ye Kuang, the source of this tension.

Man Lang was the first to speak up, “Kid, to be honest, even though we haven’t known each other long, I can’t deny that you remind me of my younger self—someone who tries to handle everything alone…”

Before he could finish, Man Lang glanced around and continued, “But what I want to say is, we’re all family here. Whatever challenges arise, we should face them together. Besides, at this point, it’s no longer just your problem—it’s a responsibility we all share.Elder Yan nodded in agreement, a touch of relief in his voice, “Exactly!” We old folks have one foot already in the grave. The future rests on you young ones. No matter what happens today, as the hall master, it’s my duty to pave the way for you.”

These words caused a shift in the expressions of everyone present—they understood all too well what he meant.The future of Yinghao is a direction forged through everyone’s collective efforts; it cannot be borne by one person alone.

Whether that future turns out favorable or bleak, as long as we unite with one heart, we can flatten even the most treacherous path.

This was what everyone thought!

Man Lang: “Kid, do you see now? This is the direction we strive for, and this is the power of our unity.”

Then, shifting his tone, he sighed and said: “I also understand why you came to participate in the competition. Regardless of how hard it is for you to explain your reasons, I want you to know that you’ve already become a part of this big family.”

As these words fell, everyone fixed their bright, intense gazes on Ye Kuang.

In that moment, the conviction radiating from them was truly one of united hearts and collective resolve.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but fall into inner conflict.

Even if he spoke out, it wouldn’t change their dire circumstances.

But if he remained silent, as for the consequences…

He didn’t allow himself to dwell on them.

Yet, when Ye Kuang noticed the resolute looks in the eyes of his peers around him, the unwavering attitudes of Man Lang, Nu’erchi, and Qian Chou, and the identical smiles on the faces of Elder Yan and the other elders…

In that instant, his heart completely melted.

He had no idea what this feeling was, but the warmth made him want to immerse himself in it, as if it could alleviate the suffocating pressure.

When Ye Kuang lifted his head and gazed at the lingering glow of the hanging lamp, his entire state of mind was vividly written across his face.

Conflict?

Yes, conflict!

Indecision?

Yes, indecision!

Anger?

How could he not be angry!

But no matter how beautiful one’s personal dreams are, they pale in the face of overwhelming power. To resist, one must be strong enough oneself!

However, as Yinghao Martial Hall stands now, it doesn’t possess that level of strength. Trying to oppose the towering peaks of the Yuan-Ma Families would be as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Acceptance?

How could he ever accept it!

The moment Ye Kuang recalled Ma Wei’s heavy punch landing squarely on his chest, he knew exactly how terrifying the strength of the Yuan-Ma Families was.

And this was merely from two Elders, who had rendered him utterly defenseless. Who knew how many such experts stood behind them?

If conflict erupted between the two sides, it would spell catastrophic destruction for those he cared about and everyone at Yinghao Martial Hall.

The consequences were unimaginable.

But to simply bow his head and submit—truth be told, he was deeply unwilling.

And equally furious!

Thinking of this, he became even more determined not to reveal the reason.

Perhaps bearing this pain alone was better than letting a whole group of people helplessly endure it.

Ye Kuang: “How could I not understand the reasoning behind everyone’s words!”

But then, his tone shifted to one of agonized gritted teeth: “Yet when faced with an existence so formidable it’s beyond match, no amount of reasoning can change the reality. My silence is for everyone’s good, so I beg you, don’t force me!”

Upon hearing this, Ma Xiu suddenly asked: “Did the Yuan-Ma Families say something to you?”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but think in that direction—after all, these two families had always been shameless in their ways!

Ye Kuang was inevitably stunned by her question. If not for the fact that only the three of them had been present at the scene, he would have seriously suspected Sister Ma of having followed him.

And how could such a stark shift in Ye Kuang’s expression escape everyone’s notice?

At the same time, Elder Yan turned his gaze toward Ma Xiu, who had fallen silent.When it came to the inside story of the Ma Family, she was the most qualified to speak.

“It seems almost certain now. I truly never expected their reach to extend this far. Since you refuse to speak, let me take a guess,” Ma Xiu said.

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance at Ye Kuang before continuing her analysis: “Having witnessed this young man’s formidable strength, they likely lost confidence in their own methods. To reduce the chances of their disciples’ defeat, they would resort to any means necessary.”

She paused briefly before declaring decisively: “Threats and bribes are certainly within the realm of possibility. But based on my understanding of the Ma Family, they would inevitably choose intimidation through threats—am I right?”

Her words immediately made everyone present tense up with solemn expressions.

Ye Kuang was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing this. Only now did he realize how frighteningly perceptive this Sister Ma was.

In ancient times, there was the saying: “Three visits to the thatched cottage,” with Zhuge Liang being the ultimate wise strategist.

Now, with just a few words, she could reconstruct the entire scenario. Even someone as clever as Ye Kuang had to secretly admire: If I were to have a daughter, I’d want her to be like Ma Xiu!

As for Man Lang, who had been unaware of the background, Ma Xiu’s layered analysis made him subconsciously leap to his feet in fury: “This is absolutely outrageous! The Yuan-Ma Families have gone too far! Do they think they can control everything?!”

The other young people present also grew furious upon hearing this, each pounding the table and rising in righteous indignation.

Had they possessed sufficient strength, they might have rolled up their sleeves and started a riot right then and there!

Elder Yan, listening to this, suddenly felt overwhelmed by helplessness and finally understood why Ye Kuang had chosen to bear the burden alone.

Just as Ye Kuang had previously thought—it was better for one person to endure silently than for a group to face powerlessness together…

This wasn’t merely impulsive behavior but stemmed from deep emotional considerations: concern for others, mental fortitude beyond ordinary reach, and the most fundamental human quality of self-sacrifice.

But Ma Xiu suddenly stepped forward, aggressively grabbing Ye Kuang by the collar as she roared: “Am I right or not?”

This scene made everyone’s hearts race with fright.

No matter how masculine Ma Xiu might appear, she was still a woman after all. Nobody had expected her to be this wild!

Ye Kuang: “……”

Ma Xiu paid no attention to their reactions. Growing even angrier, she punched Ye Kuang squarely in the chest.

Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Man Lang inevitably stepped forward to stop Ma Xiu from continuing her assault.

“Beating this kid won’t solve anything. We should save our energy to figure out how to respond. Regardless of whether our suspicions are correct, we must demand an explanation for this matter,” Man Lang said coldly.

Watching this, Elder Yan suddenly seemed to age several years.

The finals were approaching, yet who could have imagined the Yuan-Ma Families would stoop so low as to commit such despicable acts?

But anger aside, nobody could deny that the Yuan-Ma Families’ power truly exceeded all expectations.