Zhang Yan understood that Fatty persuaded him for his own good, they were newcomers in Qingyuan School after all. It was unwise to fight against others since they hadn't established themselves here. Besides, their opponents were members of the largest outer court group, Green Gang. Zhang Yan thought he would get a lot of troubles if he displeased them, but it was so unfair for him to hand over a Cloud Spiritual Grass as the protection fee.
"Hey, boy, our big brother command you to turn in a Cloud Spiritual Grass, are you deaf?" The tall man, on the right hand of the bald one, watched Zhang Yan unwilling to give up his herb, and he threatened Zhang Yan with a black look, "Bastard, you had better be wise to hand it over, or you would undergo much sufferings of flesh."
Zhang Yan felt astonished at the man's menace and he retorted, "The Cloud Spiritual Grass was distributed by the school for the sake of our cultivation, why should I give it to you? Are you robbing openly? Don't you afraid that the elder should blame you?"
"Hha…"
After hearing Zhang Yan's words, the three people burst into laughter, "You're so naïve. Do you really think the elder should waste time on supervising our outer court disciples? To be honest, even though we beat you to disability, who dare to interfere with our affairs?"
Zhang Yan realized the three men were difficult to deal with. When he heard that the school would not punish them even they robbed others of the Cloud Spiritual Grasses, he brainstormed an idea and generated an evil smile on his lips, "So, if I rob you of your Cloud Spiritual Grasses, the school will not blame me, won't it?"
As soon as Zhang Yan said it, the leading bald man and his two buddies gave a loud guffaw. The tall man said with astonishment, "Everything OK? Does someone want to rob us of our Cloud Spiritual Grasses? You stupid novice? That's the funniest joke I have heard in my life."
Another short man echoed his companion's view, "I must tell you, boy, we have cultivated for nearly two years as outer court disciples. My big brother boasts strength in the third level of Xiantian Stage. If you are wise enough, you had better come to make kowtows and apologize to us. Our big brother may let you go if he is in good mood, or you will be crippled."
The leading bald man shouted impatiently, "Why do you talk a load of garbage with a newcomer? You two teach him a lesson, you should let him know the result of offending us."
Fatty felt something bad would happen, but Zhang Yan would never change his mind when he was controlled by his obstinate temper. The three men were so strong that he and Zhang Yan had no chance to win, which made Fatty stamp his feet with nervousness. Look at them ready to fight, Fatty came in front of Zhang Yan immediately and smiled at the leading bald man apologetically, "Brother, he is too young, you don't need to bother yourself arguing with the likes of him. I will give you a Cloud Spiritual Grass on his behalf."
"You, on behalf of him?" the bald man snorted coldly, "Like it or not, today you must turn in you Cloud Spiritual Grass, but now it's too late for you to hand over it willingly. Brothers, beat him, you must teach the arrogant bastard a lesson, tell him about the rules of Green Gang."
Fatty felt his heart sink when he heard that. He knew it was beyond retrieval, so he must be ready to put up a desperate fight against these people.
Zhang Yan smiled at Fatty, "I can deal with them, so you can just stand by and watch me."
"Bastard, you brag as much as you like, I'll let you know what we are all about."
The two people shook their heads with wicked grins and walked towards Zhang Yan while they are talking, but Zhang Yan just stood silently and watched the two men coming to him. They thought Zhang Yan was scared to muddle. When they were approaching Zhang Yan, he punched the tall man in the stomach suddenly.
The tall man didn't expect that Zhang Yan would sneak up on him. He was badly punched by Zhang Yan in the stomach, which made him groan sorely. He felt a sharp pain from his stomach. He humped himself like a small shrimp with two hands pressing his stomach on the ground and he lashed about in great pain.
The other shorter young man was scared out of his wits. He pointed to Zhang Yan and threatened, "Well, you will be crippled. How dare you hurt the members of Green Gang? Wait for death!" As he spoke, he stoke his fist directly into Zhang Yan's face. Zhang Yan's eyes were filled with surging killing desire, he gnashed his teeth in anger, "If I must die, I kill you first."
Hardly had his voice faded away, Zhang Yan stretched his left hand and grasped the young man's arm at an opportune moment, and then drew the man to his arms. The man overexerted himself and lost his balance, falling to Zhang Yan's arms directly. Zhang Yan threw his clenched right fist into the man's jaw precisely. Just in the blink of an eye, the man was lifted off the ground, with his jaw nearly smashed by Zhang Yan's punch and two front teeth flying off his mouth. He lied on the ground and pressed his bleeding mouth, staring at Zhang Yan in shock.