Chapter Sixty-Four: Who Will Be the First to Court Death?

Within the entire manor, everyone—friend and foe alike—turned instinctively toward the sound. As they caught sight of the young figure approaching, every person was moved to exclaim, some even cursing angrily, for the handsome youth walking forward was none other than Su Ye, the one they had all been searching for.

Who could have expected it? After Su Ye was taken away by Ouyang Yunfeng, the Young Lord of the Martial Alliance, he had managed to return alive! And judging by Su Ye’s calm and unhurried demeanor, this boy truly did not fear death. If it had been anyone else, they would have fled Yang City long ago, never daring to come back.

“Su Ye—it’s really him! Hmph, this little bastard, he actually dares to return!” Yu Wenhuan was the first to shout.

“Heh, so this brat is Su Ye? That scrawny body managed to defeat Yu Zhisha? Hmph, I thought he was someone extraordinary, but after provoking so many families, he turns out to be nothing but a pretty face.”

“Looks like the Martial Alliance kept their word and released him. Ouyang Yunfeng must be handing him over to us, so we can take our revenge ourselves. Haha, we ought to thank the Young Lord for his kindness!” Zhou Jinghao sneered coldly.

The Zhou family head was so excited he stood up; had he not seen the Martial Alliance representatives nearby, he would have rushed forward and torn Su Ye apart himself. “That wretched scoundrel! He’s back! He killed my son, stole our family’s treasures, destroyed our future! This hatred is irreconcilable! Don’t any of you try to take him from me—I’ll slice the flesh from his bones piece by piece, soak him in brine for three days and nights, and torture him to death!”

The burly Yu Xingkun furrowed his brows upon seeing Su Ye; the ruthless aura around him seemed even stronger, his eyes glinting with sharpness.

Three years ago, the Yu family had spared Su Ye’s life, never imagining that nurturing the tiger would lead to disaster. Their painstakingly cultivated genius, Yu Zhisha, was now ruined.

It was as if the Yu family’s entire future had been destroyed.

“If only we had known, we should have killed him outright back then!”

Amongst the countless venomous curses, many secretly felt concern for Su Ye.

Not long ago, Jiu Yaye had nearly been swallowed by a giant serpent, and it was Su Ye who saved her. Though their family now stood in a neutral position, they leaned subtly toward Su Ye, yet she could not sway her family’s will, and could only stand there helplessly, worrying in silence.

“I’m truly glad to see you alive, but why did you come back? This place is a den of dragons and tigers.”

Ning Shuang, with her special status, boldly took her place among the Jiang family’s formation.

Back at school, the Ning family had already made their choice! They held no deep ties with either the Jiang family or Su Ye, but as long as it meant suppressing the Yu family and preventing their dominance, the Ning family was more than willing to get involved.

“Su Ye… you’ve finally returned!” Jiang Ziyang’s spirits lifted as he saw Su Ye striding forward.

This time, the open and hidden struggles between the families all revolved around Su Ye. Everyone in the Jiang family had hoped he would appear, for after all the sacrifices they had made for him, his absence would have chilled many hearts.

More importantly, until now, they had only heard that Su Ye was still alive—now, seeing him in the flesh, they could finally relax.

“Yes, Master Jiang. I’ve returned! I hope I’m not too late!” Su Ye stood before Jiang Ziyang, speaking gratefully.

Adversity reveals true loyalty; in such circumstances, the Jiang family’s unwavering support meant more than Su Ye could ever forget. When he soared to success one day, he would always remember this kindness.

Jiang Liuying’s eyes were slightly red as she tried to keep her voice steady, scolding, “If you’re back, you’re back—must you be so dramatic? Can’t you just walk normally?”

Su Ye’s mouth twitched twice, forcing an obviously fake smile.

At such a moment, even if they usually bickered, they knew better than to say too much.

Yan Tian, beside them, looked at Su Ye with a curious gaze, as if he had something to ask but didn’t know how.

“Old Jiang—”

The Zhou family head, seeing Su Ye return, immediately stepped forward, barking, “Since Su Ye has been escorted back by the Martial Alliance, hand him over to me! I advise you not to overestimate yourselves, or you’ll bring ruin to your Jiang family!”

Jiang Ziyang chuckled, stepped forward, and replied loudly, “Everyone, consider carefully. Family Head Zhou claims many witnessed Su Ye killing Zhou Yuyang on the island—who among you saw it with your own eyes? Step forward and testify! Don’t forget the Martial Alliance’s rules: only the invited geniuses of the Pulse-Breaking realm were allowed on the island; all others were forbidden—which means you violated the Martial Alliance’s regulations?”

The crowd was momentarily stunned.

No one had expected Jiang Ziyang to say such a thing, yet upon reflection, it was true.

If they admitted it, would they not be subject to the Martial Alliance’s punishment? Such penalties could be severe, even leading to expulsion from the Alliance and stripping of membership.

If so, their families would become “non-member clans,” outsiders challenging the “Alliance Member Jiang Family”!

“Hahaha! Old Jiang, don’t try to show off your semantic tricks and evasive arguments with me. I’ll count to three—if you don’t hand Su Ye over, we’ll have no choice but to offend you.”

Yu Xingkun barked arrogantly; he had no patience for Jiang Ziyang’s wordplay. Since Su Ye had returned, he would execute him publicly to make an example.

Jiang Ziyang’s expression changed—it seemed the inevitable confrontation had arrived.

Yan Tian spoke in a low voice, “Master Jiang, rest assured, the Yan family is ready. At my command, we can charge in within five minutes. For the Jiang family, I’ll risk everything!”

Jiang Ziyang nodded heavily; it appeared the time for a decisive battle had come.

“Wait—”

At that moment, Su Ye suddenly spoke.

Given his unique status, everyone’s attention converged on him—they all wanted to hear what Su Ye would say.

“If you’ve come for me, then come! On the island, a few reckless fools provoked me, and I killed them without hesitation!”

His words sent a wave of excitement through the crowd—they had not expected Su Ye to admit it openly.

The thin veneer of civility had been torn away.

Su Ye seemed utterly unafraid of their gazes, sweeping over each face, and shouted through gritted teeth, “You, each of you, are hypocrites to the core—don’t you just want to kill me? Fine! I’ll give you the chance—who will be the first to die?”

Boom!

Su Ye’s body sprang forward, a surge of energy bursting from him, whipping his clothes in the wind.

He vaulted over the dozen white jade steps, landing steadily on the broad open ground.

Everyone was startled again—was Su Ye about to face his enemies head-on?

“Su Ye, come back! They can’t do anything to you!” Jiang Liuying cried out in worry—she knew Su Ye’s cultivation was far from enough, yet he dared to step forward.

Yan Tian cursed, “Idiot! We worked so hard preparing everything just to save you—why are you going out there? Get back here! Don’t ruin our plan the moment you return; do you want to doom the Jiang family?”

Other Jiang family members also urged him not to act recklessly.

But Su Ye gestured for silence, his gaze sweeping over the cluster of formidable foes, his voice steady and cold: “Three years ago, I was Yang City’s top genius—how many of you flattered me, feared me! When the Yu family stole my Thunder Vein, I became the coward you all mocked, and you, a pack of treacherous hypocrites, heaped every insult upon me!”

All eyes fixed on the resolute youth’s face, listening to his resounding, fearless words, faces flushing with shame.

“Today, I will tell you again: you should fear me. I, Su Ye, am your eternal nightmare!”

“I once swore to myself: if I rise again, I will turn against you all!”

Su Ye clenched his fist—crackling arcs of lightning flickered forth—as he spoke with forceful conviction: “Who will be the first to die?!”

His voice thundered, echoing in everyone’s ears.

“Hmph! Insolence—!”

The Zhou family head roared, his hefty frame quivering as he strode forward.

“Arrogant brat! So you have a Thunder Vein, and dare to be so reckless! I’ll avenge my son—”