The crowd laughed.

But Chen Haiming, paying them no mind, approached excitedly and said, "Boss, you're too incredible!"

"I never dreamed you could be this powerful…"

"You…"

Xu Ke was a bit stunned to see Chen Haiming practically kneeling to worship him. Chen Haiming's attitude toward him hadn't been like this before.

What Xu Ke didn't know was that Chen Haiming had been extremely worried that he might fail while watching from the audience. But when Xu Ke displayed his divine might and toyed with Qian Jun as if he were a dog, Chen Haiming was ready to kneel and worship him on the spot. It was only then that he realized just how amazing Xu Ke truly was. The fact that he had only taken a single punch from Xu Ke before was sheer dumb luck. If Xu Ke had wanted to, he could have killed him in minutes.

With this mix of emotions, Chen Haiming, who had always revered the Martial Path as a supreme belief, naturally began to idolize Xu Ke, becoming his most loyal subordinate.

While everyone was congratulating Xu Ke, Jin Hankang walked down from the judges' seats with a gloomy face and left the venue directly. The Tianhai Martial Alliance selection tournament had no prizes or trophies, so there was no award ceremony to speak of. He naturally left immediately, not wanting to stick around and watch Xu Ke celebrate.

Seeing this, Chen Xiong's eyes flickered. It's fine that Jin Hankang left. It saves him from causing trouble here.

Ki Qinyin, standing beside Chen Xiong, smiled. "Elder Jin seems to be a very busy man, not one for crowded festivities. Unlike a housewife like me, who has too much idle time and enjoys wandering about to see the excitement."

Chen Xiong and Yuan Shang heard her words and thought to themselves:

You have too much idle time, yet you came and suppressed Jin Hankang as if he were a dog. We hope you have plenty of idle time in the future…

Chen Xiong then smiled and said, "Madame, your timing is unfortunate. If you had come a little earlier, you could have seen the other contestants' performances. This morning's matches were also quite thrilling."

Ki Qinyin nodded lightly. "Indeed, that is a bit of a shame."

"However, being able to witness a talent like Xu Ke in battle has already made the trip worthwhile."

Seeing Ki Qinyin praise Xu Ke, Chen Xiong and Yuan Shang nodded with smiles. "Indeed…"

Just then, Ki Qinyin suddenly walked towards Xu Ke. The two men were taken aback.

At that moment, Ki Qinyin became the focal point of the entire venue, with all eyes fixed upon her. When she reached Xu Ke, she first glanced at Wong Qifu and smiled. "Family Head Wang, I've long heard of your esteemed reputation."

"As a woman, you shoulder the burden of the entire family. I have long held you in high esteem and hoped to one day meet."

Hearing Ki Qinyin speak this way, everyone gasped.

Madame Dragon King… she's being far too humble…

Wong Qifu stepped forward and smiled. "Madame Yu, you are too kind."

"I have merely engaged in some trivial disputes with insignificant people here in Tianhai. It's nothing compared to the hardships Madame Yu faces abroad, fighting alongside the Northern Dragon King."

At this remark, the expressions of many Tianhai families soured, especially those of the Ye and Huang Families, whose eyes filled with gloom.

Insignificant people? Who is she talking about?!

Ki Qinyin nodded lightly. "Warfare is indeed difficult, but my husband is the one doing all the hard work."

"At most, I occasionally help him scout for talent while wandering around the country. It's all easy work."

"Madame jests," Wong Qifu said.

Ki Qinyin's tone suddenly shifted. "However, the Northern Dragon Guard is desperate for talent these days!"

"I wonder if Xu Ke has any interest in joining the Northern Dragon Guard."

As soon as she spoke, Wong Qifu's expression changed instantly. Xu Ke's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

The crowd was aghast. What did she mean? Could it be that after watching Xu Ke's fight, Ki Qinyin intended to recruit him into the Northern Dragon Guard? That would be a meteoric rise! If that happened, not even Wong Ting would be able to touch him!

The faces of the Ye and Huang Family members changed instantly as they cursed inwardly.

If Xu Ke gets connected to the Northern Dragon King, our status in Tianhai will be greatly diminished! No, we must stop this!

"Regarding that matter, Madame Yu, you might have to ask him yourself." Wong Qifu smiled faintly and looked at Xu Ke. As she spoke, an inscrutable look flashed in her eyes. She wasn't quite sure what Ki Qinyin was planning.

The Northern Dragon Guard's reputation is immense; it's considered one of Huaxia's strongest forces. They haven't recruited in a long time, and have actually been culling underperformers. For her to suddenly offer Xu Ke a spot just after watching him fight… isn't that a bit rash?

Ki Qinyin looked at Xu Ke.

Xu Ke met her gaze. At that moment, his heart stirred.

Why is this sense of familiarity getting stronger?

"Hello, Madame Yu," Xu Ke said, stepping forward while suppressing the feeling.

Ki Qinyin nodded with a smile. "There's no need for such formality."

"Have you heard much about the Northern Dragon Guard?"

Seeing this, the crowd drew another sharp breath.

In all of Huaxia, who hasn't heard of the Northern Dragon Guard? This wasn't a question about his knowledge, but a probe of his attitude. If Xu Ke showed even the slightest hint of longing, he would surely be recruited…

At this thought, envy, jealousy, and resentment began to brew within the crowd. A match that was supposed to end in his humiliation by Qian Jun was now indirectly paving his way into the Northern Dragon Guard. Why was Xu Ke so lucky?!

Some with more malicious minds even began to suspect that Ki Qinyin had taken a fancy to Xu Ke and was using the recruitment offer as a pretense to keep him as her lover.

As for Wang Wu and the others, they were ecstatic for Xu Ke. If he could align with the Northern Dragon Guard, his status would change dramatically. The difference between an ordinary person from Shan City and an elite of the Northern Dragon Guard was like that between heaven and earth!

Chen Xiong and Yuan Shang were also happy for Xu Ke. This way, he wouldn't have to fear being targeted by Wong Ting; he would have the protection of the Northern Territory Dragon King.

As for Chen Haiming, he was now in complete awe of Xu Ke, on the verge of prostrating himself in worship. Having trained in martial arts abroad, he was well aware of the Northern Dragon Guard's prestige. It was a place countless people dreamed of joining but never could. And yet, Xu Ke was being invited directly. Too incredible!

But Xu Ke, the man at the center of it all, felt a headache coming on as he heard Ki Qinyin's words. It grew even worse when he saw the look of admiration and expectation in her eyes as she gazed at him.

How can I refuse? I have no interest in joining the Northern Dragon Guard! But if I turn her down so bluntly in front of all these people, I'll offend her, won't I? I have to think of an excuse, sidestep the question, and just postpone giving an answer for now.

Just then, a voice suddenly echoed from a distance.

"Madame Yu, if the Northern Dragon Guard is so desperate for talent, perhaps I could recommend my humble son, Huang Sheng…"

Everyone turned to look.

The faces of Chen Xiong, Yuan Shang, Wang Qiya, and Wang Wu immediately darkened.

Those bastards. Do they have to stir up trouble even now? 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Huang Zhendong walked over with his men, a smile on his lips but venom in his eyes.

Xu Ke has already stolen the spotlight. And now he wants to join the Northern Dragon Guard? Not a chance!

Seeing this, Xu Ke breathed a sigh of relief.

What a relief! Someone actually showed up to divert Ki Qinyin's attention. This is a godsend! For the first time ever, I'm finding Huang Zhendong to be not so annoying…

As everyone else was looking toward the Huang Family, only two people caught Xu Ke's relieved expression.

One was Ki Qinyin. Seeing his reaction, she sighed to herself.

An Kang, I told you. Doctor Xu won't, and doesn't want to be, tied down by the Northern Dragon Guard.

The other was Wong Qifu. Seeing Xu Ke's expression, she didn't know whether to be angry or amused.

Others would kill for a chance to join the Northern Dragon Guard, so why is he so reluctant? At the same time, though… the Northern Dragon Guard would absolutely be a good thing for him, and if he wanted to go, I would support him. But if he really went, they would be separated. How would I bear the long days of yearning?

Seeing that he clearly didn't want to go, she felt a secret sense of relief, but quickly chided herself for being so selfish.

While everyone was reacting differently, Huang Zhendong arrived before Ki Qinyin.

"Madame Yu, a pleasure to meet you!" he said, flashing what he believed to be his most elegant smile.

At his side, Huang Sheng also stepped forward. "Hello, Madame Yu." He was a little nervous.

If I can get recommended to the Northern Dragon Guard, my future will be completely different!

Seeing the two of them, the expressions of those around Xu Ke turned sour. This father-son pair was despicable. Ki Qinyin had been speaking to Xu Ke, yet these two had the audacity to try and cut in. However, out of respect for Ki Qinyin, they couldn't interrupt and had to let Huang Zhendong finish speaking.

Meanwhile, Ki Qinyin's expression was not pleasant. Even though she knew before she arrived that Xu Ke would decline to join the Northern Dragon Guard, being rejected still soured her mood. And when she was in a bad mood, someone inevitably had to suffer.

She looked at Huang Zhendong and stated indifferently, "And you are?"

"Good day, Madame Yu. I am the head of the Huang Family, Huang Zhendong," he introduced hastily. "This is my son, Huang Sheng!"

But Ki Qinyin's gaze remained cold. "I don't know you."

With those words, Huang Zhendong's face stiffened, and then his cheeks began to burn with humiliation. This was utterly mortifying.

The surrounding crowd nearly burst out laughing. Especially Wang Qiya, who hastily covered her mouth to keep from letting a laugh escape.