From the perspective of Gaius and the others, the appearance of Chu Yuan had undoubtedly thrown a wrench into their plans, and given the circumstances, it would not be wise to persist.
Ensuring their own safe withdrawal from Mount Chumen had thus become the Dragon Slayers' fighters' most pressing priority.
“That's right, Dragon Master.”
“It might be prudent to conserve your strength and live to fight another day.”
“The four of us have a proposal to make.”
“Let us stall this Chu Yuan so that you may make a hasty retreat from Mount Chumen.
“We'll figure out a way to get out ourselves after you leave.”
Owen and Su Muqiu, amongst others variously advised.
Obviously, their caution stemmed from the traumatic memories of being routed by Chu Yuan in that year's
World's Martial Arts Tournament.
Now that Chu Yuan had made his return, and this time, from within the forbidden grounds of the Chu residence, it was possible that he might have become considerably more formidable than he had been previously.
As no one had any idea how powerful Chu Yuan could be right now, the very notion of it left many fearful to speculate.
However, Ye Fan was dismissive of the recommendations of Gaius and the others.
“Leave? I cannot do that, for there's no one else left behind me.”
His bland joke evoked a feeling of sadness and desolation in Gaius and the others when they heard it.
That's right. It is as Ye Fan said. Is there any way out for him? Even if he were to pull out from Mount Chumen, would the Chu family let him off? Is he to continue the rest of his life on the run?
“But Dragon Master, Chu Yuan...” Although they have also realized his predicament, they did not wish to bear witness to the greatest tragedy that was to unfold.
“There are no buts. Before I came here, I had already prepared for the worst. At most, I shall perish here! But before that, I, Ye Fan, shall also have a few of Chu Yuan's teeth knocked out! Besides, that's the worstcase scenario. Without really going at it, it remains undetermined who might come out on top!”
Ye Fan appeared earnest as his lips curled into a sneer.
In his eyes, however, was an unfathomable and indomitable resolve.
“You few may descend now that you've already accomplished what you've come to do. Leave, and take Han along with you. Should I be able to return safely, I shall reconvene with the Dragon Slayers and all shall know of my name! Otherwise, let the Dragon Slayers disband, and go on to seek your own fortunes elsewhere.”
Ye Fan waved his hand before he turned around. With the corner of his lips uplifted, he strode forth on his own and seemed to grow in stature with every step.
Unto the end, the sneering youth before them stood
tall.
“Let us fight, Chu Yuan! We shall settle the score for the humiliation that you've wrought upon my mother and me all these years, right here, right now!”
His inflection reverberated around the space like rolling thunder, causing the skies to tremble and the boundless clouds to scatter.
Ye Fan's roaring voice rumbled on, enveloping both heaven and earth.
“Let me go up against him!”
“This kid from China is truly arrogant...”
“How dare he continue to be provocative and haughty in the presence of Patriarch Chu himself?”
Those present expressed dismay at Ye Fan's insolence and stared at that poised and strapping youth with eyes gawking.
Even Chu Yuan himself furrowed.
“It's been so many years since. Apart from your father Chu Zhenghong, you might be the only one who dared to challenge me like this. To put it nicely, your courage is commendable. Otherwise, I'd say that you're courting death,” came Chu Yuan's stark reply.
There were no fluctuations in his tone as he spoke, and even the way he regarded Ye Fan was as calm as he ever was.
Perhaps from Chu Yuan's perspective, he had yet to see Ye Fan as enough of an opponent to be taken seriously.
With that, Chu Yuan's feet finally broke into motion.
Unhurriedly, he advanced toward Ye Fan with the passivity of the breeze.
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