Yang Shung delivered a powerful knee strike to Liu Erli's face, sending him staggering. Before Liu Erli could recover, Yang Shung grabbed his arm, delivered a forceful kick, and released him mid-kick. Liu Erli flew several meters and crashed onto the ground.
The fight lasted no more than five seconds.
The two remaining thugs rushed forward with sticks. One swung horizontally, but Yang Shung leaned back, narrowly dodging the strike. He swept his leg low, tripping the attacker, then used his apron to pull the man closer, throwing him off balance.
The third thug misjudged his timing. His stick struck the back of his stumbling ally's head. With a thud, the second thug collapsed behind the barbecue stall. The third froze in confusion, but Yang Shung didn't hesitate. He delivered a decisive punch to the man's chin, knocking him out cold.
The crowd erupted with cheers and gasps.
"Wow, this boss is insane! He just crushed them!"
"Those were awakened people! How is he so strong?"
[System Notification: Task Completed! Rewards Distributed.]
[Host Level: Black Iron Star 1 → Black Iron Star 2]
[Negative Emotion Value: +100,000]
Yang Shung grabbed a stick from a fallen thug and approached Liu Erli, who was groaning on the ground. He tapped Liu's face with the stick.
"Awake yet? If not, I can help you wake up."
Liu Erli flinched and tried to sit up, but Yang Shung pressed him down with a foot.
"I didn't say you could move," Yang Shung said coldly.
"Who sent you? Don't lie, or it'll get worse."
"N-No one! We came on our own!"
Yang Shung sighed and hit Liu lightly with the stick. "Wrong answer." He picked up a hot skewer from the grill and held it close to Liu's face.
"Feel like talking now? Or should I help you remember?"
Terrified, Liu Erli broke. "I'll talk! Someone hired us to mess up your stall. We don't know who they are. They just told us the name Yang Shung and promised money."
Satisfied, Yang Shung tossed the skewer aside but didn't lift his foot.
"Good. Now let's discuss compensation—mental damage, repairs, lost income..."
Liu Erli whimpered under Yang Shung's firm gaze.
Suddenly, a gust of wind surged through the food street, knocking Yang Shung off his feet. A figure appeared—a city officer with superhuman abilities.
"Using superpowers in the city is illegal. You're under arrest for assault and extortion!"
Yang Shung's face darkened. "Wait! I'm the victim here!"
The officer scoffed, pinning him to the ground. "Victim? I heard you blackmailing them."
Li Fan, who had gone to call the police, rushed back.
"Officer! This is the man I was talking about!"
Yang Shung glared at Li Fan as their eyes met. The silence between them was deafening.
---
After a long explanation at the station, the gangsters were fined, and Yang Shung received compensation.
"20,000 yuan? Why so much?" Yang Shung muttered, holding the cash.
Li Fan laughed. "Guess you're just lucky."
As they parted ways, Yang Shung headed home, where Xia Jing was waiting outside, worry written all over her face.
"You're late!" Xia Jing scolded. "Do you know how worried I was?"
"Sorry, something came up. Won't happen again," Yang Shung said sheepishly.
Meanwhile, Li Fan returned to his house. His mother, standing at the door in old pajamas, glared at him with fury.
"You're late!" she roared. "Do you know what time it is?"
Li Fan froze. "I'm sorry, Mom! It won't happen again!"
The night ended with both families returning indoors, each with their unique blend of warmth and chaos.