Qin Yi shadowed closely, lifting his foot to kick Xiao Jian's butt again.

However, Xiao Jian, being a top expert with ample combat experience, forcibly turned to face Qin Yi with a palm strike even before landing.

A star and moon symbol surged from Qin Yi's palm, altering Xiao Jian's attack trajectory.

Xiao Jian finally landed, staggering a few steps to steady himself. Looking up, he found Qin Yi had disappeared, causing his expression to change. The next second, he darted forward like a swift leopard.

But as soon as he stepped out, that strange feeling returned, and his whole body stiffened for a second as if petrified.

"Bang!"

Xiao Jian received another vicious kick on his backside, and this time it wasn't a push but a kick.

Everyone knew how painful it was to be hit there.

"Ouch..."

Even Xiao Jian couldn't suppress the pain from such an attack, letting out a wail, his face turning red with embarrassment.

"Hiss~"

Everyone felt a sympathetic twinge and drew a sharp breath.

"Qin Yi, you cunning little thief." Given Xiao Jian's age, he would ordinarily never resort to cursing like this, as it was beneath him. But now he spoke without reservation, showing how much it truly hurt.

Qin Yi grinned mischievously.

"Uncle Jian, aren't you going to surrender yet?"

Xiao Jian was furious, "In your dreams! I won't stop until I beat you so badly your mother won't recognize you."

Qin Yi smirked, "You're forcing me into this."

With that, Qin Yi launched himself at Xiao Jian, creating afterimages as a piercing sound burst through the air.

Xiao Jian was not afraid of direct confrontation, his aura sweeping around him as he prepared to strike.

But then that petrifying feeling returned, and his hand paused for a second.

"Bang!"

Xiao Jian roared in anger as he was blasted away like a cannonball.

Xiao Jian felt humiliated, his old face flushed, having taken yet another kick to his rear.

"Kid, what kind of trickery is this?"

"Admit defeat and I'll tell you," Qin Yi chuckled.

"Dream on," Xiao Jian sneered, "Minor tricks, you think I'm afraid of you?"

Qin Yi grinned mischievously, "Uncle Jian, you're forcing me to kick your face. This is your own doing, and don't blame me when you end up looking like a pig."

Xiao Jian's expression changed slightly, "Wait."

Qin Yi watched him, smiling.

Xiao Jian's mouth twitched with frustration, "Fine, you win this time. I admit defeat."

Jing Wuyan and the others were shocked; Uncle Xiao actually admitted defeat?

Qin Yi, however, was not satisfied, "What do you mean by 'fine'? If you're not convinced, we can continue. Don't make it seem like you're doing me a favor. I never take advantage of people."

Xiao Jian was exasperated, "You little punk, don't get smug after scoring an advantage."

Qin Yi shrugged, "If you're not convinced, let's proceed."

"Proceed my foot, you sly kid have too many tricks, unworthy of great halls, I won't bother with you anymore."

Qin Yi showed no mercy, mocking, "Lost is lost, being this old and still can't handle it? Why make excuses? Losing to me isn't shameful; one day, you'll be proud of having fought me."

Xiao Jian almost died of anger, turning to leave.

Qin Yi called after him, "Hey, Uncle Jian, aren't you forgetting something?"

"I haven't forgotten; I'll give it to you when I get back," Xiao Jian replied angrily without looking back.

Qin Yi was all smiles, "Then, I thank Uncle Jian in advance for his generosity."

Xiao Jian snorted unhappily, vanishing in a flicker.

Jing Wuyan approached, looking at Qin Yi with admiration, "Brother Qin, I knew you were formidable, but you keep exceeding my expectations. Forcing Uncle Xiao to admit defeat is incredible."

"Tch, an old man expelled from the Sin Tower. If I can't even beat him, what face do I have to challenge the Sin Tower?" Qin Yi finished, appearing pleased, "Just routine operation, don't worship me too much. I'm off to find Uncle Jian."

Qin Yi flickered out of sight in a few quick motions.

Xiao Jian owed him ten thousand gold coins, and he better go collect quickly before the old man reneges.

Jing Wuyan laughed, "Brother Qin is beyond being described as a genius; truly a prodigy among prodigies. Let's head back."

Unexpectedly, Yun Mengyao stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Gentlemen, haven't you forgotten something?"

Jing Wuyan was momentarily stunned, "What is Fairy Yun referring to?"

Yun Mengyao's pretty face turned serious, eyes narrowing slightly, "What, planning to renege? Are my debts so easily shirked?"

"Young Master, we made a bet earlier and lost."

Jing Wuyan was startled, then remembered, slapping his forehead, "Oh, that's it. My apologies, I nearly forgot. We'll pay up once we return."

"Pay up now, and Qin Yi mustn't know. That guy's a thief; if he finds out, he'll steal whatever he can."

Jing Wuyan smiled wryly and shrugged, "Fairy Yun, do we look like we carry that much gold on us?"

Yun Mengyao glanced at them, "Okay then. But make sure to give it to me in private later, away from Qin Yi's sight."

Jing Wuyan nodded, agreeing.

Qin Yi returned to the courtyard, where Xiao Jian was already waiting for him.

With many people around, they ate in the courtyard, where a large round table was set in the center. Xiao Jian sat before it, and on the table lay a black bag.

Qin Yi's eyes gleamed; no need to guess, the bag was filled with gold coins.

"Hehe...thank you, Uncle Jian." Qin Yi was all smiles, stepping forward to take the bag.

But Xiao Jian pressed a hand on it.

Qin Yi halted, looking at Xiao Jian, "Uncle Jian, you're not thinking of backing out, are you?"

"Would a man like me renege for ten thousand gold coins? Take it." With that, Xiao Jian tossed the bag to Qin Yi.

Qin Yi caught it, opened it for a look, his eyes lighting up as he stored the bag in his storage ring.

Seeing the storage ring on Qin Yi's finger made Xiao Jian uncomfortable, reminding him of his lost ring. Qin Yi's greedy look was aggravating to him, and he disdainfully remarked, "Aren't you going to count it?"

Qin Yi chuckled, "No need to count. Could I not trust your character? You're too wealthy to resort to such lowly tricks of shortchanging."

Xiao Jian's mouth twitched a few times in irritation.

"Qin Yi, your cultivation surpasses my expectations."

"Oh." Qin Yi shrugged, "No worries, don't worship me too much, you'll get used to it gradually."

Xiao Jian snorted, "You're just a tad better than me, don't get too cocky. You know, I couldn't even break into the first level of the Sin Tower." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"I know! Is that something glorious? Saying it over and over without shame?"

"Kid, stop joking around. You know my point; you're just slightly better. If you challenge the Sin Tower, you'd only reach the first level, likely not even the second. I advise you to think it over, don't go seeking death."