Jin Hankang's words were laced with pointed barbs.

The crowd was stunned for a moment but quickly put the pieces together. They now understood why Ki Qinyin had stepped forward to speak for Xu Ke and accuse Jin Hankang—and by extension, the Martial Alliance—of acting tyrannically. On the surface, it looked like she was standing up for Xu Ke. In reality, she was using him to launch a deeper critique against the Martial Alliance.

If word spread throughout the nation that the Martial Alliance was acting despotically, its reputation would be tarnished. The Northern Dragon Guard could then naturally seize the opportunity to expand its influence within the country. Under the light of Jin Hankang's insinuation, everyone understood. Ki Qinyin wasn't really helping Xu Ke; she was merely using him as a weapon against the Martial Alliance. As long as the Martial Alliance's reputation suffered, what happened to Xu Ke was irrelevant. The important thing was that the Northern Dragon Guard would benefit.

Realizing this, the Ye Family, the Huang Family, and others breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Thank goodness! It's just a struggle between the Northern Dragon Guard and the Martial Alliance.

If the Northern Dragon Guard and its leader, the Northern Territory Dragon King, were truly backing Xu Ke, they would have to seriously reconsider opposing him. As it stood, it seemed Xu Ke was nothing more than a pawn.

But even as they relaxed, another thought sent a chill through their minds.

If Yu Kangan is truly planning to expand his influence domestically, does that mean the very foundations of power are about to shift?

When Ki Qinyin heard Jin Hankang's remarks, she naturally understood he was trying to paint the Northern Dragon Guard as an ambitious power looking to expand its influence and challenge the Martial Alliance. She couldn't help but chuckle.

This old man certainly has a vivid imagination!

She took a step forward and said with a light laugh, "The Northern Dragon Guard acts tyrannically and crudely?"

"This is the first I've heard such a thing. It seems I'll have to go back and ask my husband if he's done something to displease Elder Jin."

Although Ki Qinyin was smiling, everyone present couldn't help but draw a sharp, cold breath.

Those words were heavy!

Jin Hankang's face paled instantly, cold sweat soaking the back of his robe. He stammered, "Madame Yu, your words are too severe. I never meant to suggest the Northern Dragon Guard has done anything wrong. The Northern Dragon Guard protects our homeland and defends the borders. It's only natural for them to be overbearing toward foreign enemies. That isn't a fault; on the contrary, it's a merit."

Seeing Jin Hankang bow his head and apologize like a scolded dog, Xu Ke shook his head with an amused laugh.

This kind of person is a classic bully—preying on the weak and fearing the strong. He dared to talk back to Ki Qinyin a moment ago, but the second she mentioned the Northern Territory Dragon King, he immediately folded. If the Northern Territory Dragon King himself were here, Jin Hankang would probably be on his knees by now...

Ki Qinyin smiled. "Elder Jin, you certainly handle these matters with such practiced ease. I'm truly impressed."

Hearing this, the crowd couldn't suppress their laughter. Ki Qinyin's words were venomous.

Isn't she just saying that Jin Hankang is an expert at begging for mercy? Her words were so biting, she might as well have pointed at his nose and called him spineless...

Jin Hankang was seething but could only say through gritted teeth, "Thank you for the praise, Madame."

"No need," Ki Qinyin said coolly. "Alright, now I'd like to see how Elder Jin enforces the law. It would be a good lesson to take back to my husband."

Hearing this, how could Jin Hankang possibly dare to forcefully apprehend Xu Ke now? He took a deep breath, squeezed out a smile, and said, "Madame, you jest. As for this matter with Xu Ke, we will discuss it further. Our Martial Alliance has always been fair!"

"Oh, don't stop on my account. Please, continue with the arrest," Ki Qinyin said, her smile widening.

Feeling even more cornered, Jin Hankang forced a smile that was uglier than a grimace. "Madame, there's no need. We can continue the competition. Please, find a seat."

Ki Qinyin gave him a look that was a smile and yet not a smile. Deciding to let him off the hook, she turned to find a place to sit. But just at that moment, Xu Ke suddenly spoke up. "Madame Yu, I have a question."

The crowd was taken aback.

What is he up to now?

Wong Qifu's gaze flashed with a sudden light.

Seeing Xu Ke address her, Ki Qinyin smiled faintly. "Please, ask away, young man!"

"The Northern Dragon Guard is always fighting abroad. You must have encountered countless perilous, life-and-death situations, correct?"

"Naturally," Ki Qinyin nodded.

Jin Hankang sneered, seizing the chance to mock Xu Ke. "Idiot! What kind of disgracefully stupid question is that? The Northern Dragon Guard protects the nation. Of course they have! Madame Yu is magnanimous enough to answer you, so don't waste her time with such nonsense, alright?" He needed to vent his frustration, and since he couldn't take it out on Ki Qinyin, he directed it at Xu Ke.

Hearing Xu Ke's question, the crowd also began to snicker.

If Xu Ke wants to curry favor with Ki Qinyin, does he really have to ask such a stupid question? Anyone who defends their country would face life-and-death situations.

They assumed Xu Ke was just trying to make a connection with the powerful woman, but his idiotic question only made him a laughingstock.

At this moment, however, a strange smile touched Xu Ke's lips. "Well then, I'll take Elder Jin's advice and ask a more substantial question."

Jin Hankang scoffed, curious to see what kind of "substantial" question Xu Ke could possibly come up with.

Xu Ke spoke slowly, "Madame Yu, you must have heard of people who erupt with tremendous potential when facing a life-or-death crisis, haven't you?"

"Of course," Ki Qinyin nodded lightly.

"Then I wonder if you have ever heard of someone who, in such a moment, could unleash their potential and instantly skyrocket from the Innate Middle Stage to Innate Great Perfection?"

As soon as he finished, the entire crowd was stunned. In the spectator area, Wong Qiang's face instantly turned deathly pale.

Jin Hankang's expression changed dramatically. He knew exactly what Xu Ke was implying. All thoughts of mocking Xu Ke vanished.

He was sick with regret. He was kicking himself for not stopping Xu Ke from speaking, for even encouraging him to continue... He had to stop him from talking!

But Ki Qinyin wasn't about to give him the chance. She nodded and smiled. "I've never heard of such a thing. Not unless one had consumed a special drug!"

"In that case," Xu Ke continued, "yesterday, an opponent I was fighting suddenly exhibited this exact phenomenon. And yet, Elder Jin claimed it was perfectly normal. I wonder what that was all about?"

Although Xu Ke couldn't place why Ki Qinyin felt so familiar, that didn't stop him from using her authority to suppress Jin Hankang. He had no qualms about borrowing her prestige to serve his own ends.

Hearing this, Ki Qinyin turned her gaze to Jin Hankang. "Elder Jin, such a thing is considered normal? I would be very interested to hear how."

Jin Hankang took a deep breath and forced a grin. "Perhaps I made a mistake in my judgment. I will have someone investigate the matter."

Yuan Shang saw his opening and immediately jumped in, raising his hand. "Elder Jin, no need to trouble yourself! I can take Wong Qiang away for questioning right now." He had no intention of letting Jin Hankang stall for time. He immediately signaled his men and started toward the contestant area to apprehend Wong Qiang.

Jin Hankang's face turned impossibly ugly. He was about to rebuke Yuan Shang, but then he saw Ki Qinyin watching him, that unreadable smile still on her face. He could only shut his mouth and watch as Yuan Shang, under the furious glares of Su Ximing and the others, dragged the extremely weakened Wong Qiang away.