As Sam came to a halt in the small, poorly lit roadway, a tense mood hung in the air. A shrill, sarcastic voice resonated across the small area, breaking the silence. "Wow, wow, what a surprise. "You're certainly more vigilant than I expected, Sam," muttered a teenager as he emerged from the shadows behind a nearby property, his silk clothes fluttering.
He had a mocking look on his lips, and five teenagers about the age of eighteen followed behind him. Most of them were in the First Stage of Physical Training, with only one in the Second Stage. The newly exposed teenager in silk was likewise in the Second Stage of Physical Training.
As Alex assessed the situation, a sense of unease washed over him. He recognized the teenager in silk clothing from the incident at the Seven Profound Martial House registration. It was clear that this troublemaker had sought them out intentionally.
With six individuals now confronting them, two of whom were at the Second Stage of Physical Training, Alex felt a growing sense of dread.
Both he and Sam were merely at the First Stage of Physical Training, making them easy targets in a brawl.
The teenager in silk clothing likely hailed from one of Starlight Haven City's prominent families, armed with both influence and power.
While they might not resort to outright murder, crippling others seemed well within their capabilities.
"What do you want from us?" Alex exclaimed, his voice tinged with anger.
The teenager in silk clothing gestured towards Sam. "You, impressive as you are, beat my subordinate bloody, breaking two of his ribs in the process."
To these young scions of influential families, the lives of their underlings held little value, but their reputations were another matter entirely.
Furthermore, the injured underlying had already revealed the teenager's name, which infected his frustration even more.
"You certainly have quite the reputation," the teenager in silk continued, his face contorted with anger.
"You dared to declare your intention to trample upon me, David. Today, I shall witness just how you plan to do so."
However, Sam was puzzled. He had never uttered such words nor harboured any ill intent towards this David.
The subordinate had made up this scenario to provoke David. Sam, on the other hand, had no desire to justify himself. Regardless of what he said, a fight appeared on the horizon.
Though Sam had made remarkable progress with the 'Infinite Chaos Battle Forms,' he had practised it for only a few days.
Battling multiple opponents, especially two at the Second Stage of Physical Training, was daunting. Moreover, if Alex were taken hostage, the situation could quickly turn dire.
Given the consequences, even if Sam prevailed here, he would invite more difficulties.
Combat with David could lead to a clash with the latter's powerful father, the Martial Lord of Starlight Haven City. Sam had no illusions about how an influential figure would react to him. Such people, according to Sam, should be avoided at all costs.
Frustration welled up within Sam as he pondered his options.
Yet, in the midst of his contemplation, a spark of inspiration ignited in his mind. Perhaps there was a way to resolve this situation without resorting to violence.
Turning to David, he said, "So, what is it that you want?"
David was momentarily taken aback before breaking into laughter. "You dare ask me what I want?"
"Haha….Haha ...…..Hahah"
His cheerful band of people joined in the fun. Sam's question appeared absurd to them, like a fool's words.
After the laughter subsided, David continued with a sinister grin.
"I'm not sure if you're a brainless pig or a pig-headed fool. But since you've asked, I'll cooperate. Get on your knees and clean the bottoms of my shoes. Then, snap one arm muscle and one leg muscle. If you accomplish that, I'll consider the situation resolved."
Alex's anger flared at these absurd demands. "Damn it, Brother Sam, we don't need to waste words with these scoundrels. Let's fight them with all we've got. Our family of Green Mulberry City is not to be trifled with. Maybe they'll back off when they hear our name!"
Alex knew they were about to face a painful ordeal. All he could do was invoke his family's name, hoping it might instil some fear in their adversaries.
Physical pain was bearable, but if they were left crippled, their martial paths would be irreparably damaged, even with rare herbs.
"Green Mulberry City's Family?" David scoffed. "Do you think I'm afraid of your Family? Sam, are you going to comply, or should I make you?"
"I dare you to try!" Alex stepped forward, his hand firmly gripping his sword hilt.
Despite his mounting anxiety, he was the type to face adversity head-on, refusing to lose face.
Sam, however, pulled Alex back and addressed David. "Very well, let's proceed with the duel. If you defeat me, I'll accept your terms."
Worry and anxiety flooded Alex. He believed in Sam's potential for greatness, but the current Sam was only at the First Stage of Physical Training, facing off against David, who had already reached the Second Stage. Alex feared Sam might end up with severe injuries and a broken body.
"Don't worry," Sam assured him. "I know what I'm doing."
"A martial arts duel? Do you think you're qualified to challenge me?" David sneered, taken aback by Sam's proposal.
In the Starlight Haven Kingdom, government authorities didn't intervene in martial artist disputes, leaving conflicts to be resolved through martial arts duels.
As long as both parties agreed, terms for victory and defeat were established beforehand. After the duel, the matter was settled, with neither side pursuing further vengeance. Maintaining one's honour and credibility held great importance among martial artists.
Given David's advantage in strength, he doubted he could lose. However, he found the idea of duelling Sam rather distasteful.
Sam responded firmly, "Qualifications have nothing to do with it. The question is, do you dare accept the challenge?"
"Are you implying that I'm afraid?" David laughed mockingly. "That's the funniest thing I've heard all year. Very well, since you're so eager, I'll humor you."
Sam nodded. "Good. Let's take this to the square."
The alley was too isolated; no witnesses would be present to ensure that David upheld his end of the bargain. However, in the bustling square, before the eyes of Starlight Haven City's many residents, no one could deny the outcome. Unless David wanted to be forever shamed in the city.
News of a martial arts duel spread quickly, drawing spectators from all city corners. The crowd whispered in anticipation as Sam and David prepared to face off.
"Isn't that the Martial Lord's son?"
"Yes, he's here to cause trouble again. I wonder which unfortunate soul he's picked this time."
"A First Stage Physical Trainer challenging a Second Stage? This kid's asking for trouble."
"I heard he's just a commoner. To reach the First Stage in Physical Training is an achievement for someone like him. What a pity he's about to be crippled..."
David's reputation in Starlight Haven City wasn't stellar, and most residents sympathised with the underdog. Compassion swelled in their hearts as they watched the unfolding confrontation.
The larger the crowd grew, the more uncomfortable David felt.
After all, beating a First Stage Physical Trainer as a Second Stager wasn't much to boast about. Moreover, his opponent hailed from a significantly lower social class. David wanted this spectacle to remain discreet, away from prying eyes.
Impatiently, he declared, "Enough talking. Let's begin the duel. Afterward, you'll break your tendons. I trust you won't forget the gap between us."
However, Sam surprised him by suggesting, "And if I win?"