C15 The Provocation from Lei Tao.

As the voice trailed off, a flicker of recognition sparked in Meng Fann's eyes, and he turned to look behind him.

Several figures emerged from the forest, all kids around Meng Fann's age. The one in the lead was as tall as an adult, his skin a deep tan, his features rugged. Beneath his black robe, his physique was solid, and he had the fierce look of a tiger.

"Lei Tao!"

Meng Fann spat out the name, his gaze fixed on Lei Tao with a glint of anger in his eyes. The last encounter had left a bitter taste—Lei Tao had not only struck him but also hurled the most infuriating insult, calling him a fatherless child.

And now, fate had thrown them together again.

Meng Fann's jaw clenched, his hands tightening into fists. A cold laugh echoed in his mind. If Lei Tao thought he was still the pushover he used to be, he was sorely mistaken. This was the perfect opportunity for Meng Fann to test his newfound strength after achieving Body Refining Level 4.

But before Meng Fann could utter a word, Gu Xin'er, who stood behind him, stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of him as she snapped, "Lei Tao, what do you want?"

Lei Tao and the other Wu Town boys couldn't hide their adoration upon seeing Gu Xin'er, but their infatuation quickly turned to fury. They glared at Meng Fann, who stood close behind her, their looks menacing.

Lei Tao let out a scornful snort and said, "Meng Fann, you've sunk even lower, hiding behind a woman now. You're nothing but trash!"

The taunt was followed by the others' derisive laughter as they spat contemptuously onto the ground.

These were the sons of Wu Town's prominent families, and Gu Xin'er was the girl they all coveted. Yet she had always been fiercely independent, and none of the town's most eligible bachelors had ever managed to win her favor. Seeing Meng Fann by her side now, he was like a thorn in their side.

Confronted with jeers, Gu Xin'er clenched her teeth and subtly gestured to Meng Fann with a slight motion of her hand, urging him to keep his cool. She then retorted sharply, "Lei Tao, don't push your luck. I'm here on my father's orders, and Meng Fann is assisting me. If you cause any more delays, you'll have to answer to my father—and trust me, you don't want that!"

At the mention of Gu Yuan, Lei Tao and his cronies' faces fell, their eyes betraying a deep-seated fear. Gu Yuan, the respected mayor of Wu Town, commanded an authority that not even their own fathers dared to challenge.

With a calculating glance, Lei Tao forced a smile and said with a sinister tone, "Well, since Miss Gu Xin'er graces us with her presence, I'll extend some courtesy to Meng Fann. But here's the deal, Meng Fann: I won't lay a finger on you. Just prostrate yourself and mimic a dog scavenging for food, and we'll call it quits. Haha."

Lei Tao's mocking was echoed by the snickers of his entourage from Wu Town, their faces twisted in scorn as they gazed at Meng Fann. Clearly, they were no strangers to such demeaning antics.

Gu Xin'er's face blanched, her teeth clenched in frustration. She was well aware of Lei Tao's gang and their notorious reputation for bullying in Wu Town, despite her own advancement to Body Refining Level 5.

The cultivation technique her father, Gu Yuan, had bestowed upon her was enigmatic, yet it had shown no tangible power. Beyond her enhanced physical strength, Gu Xin'er lacked any real combat skills.

Her delicate hand reached for Meng Fann's, her fragrance wafting to him as she whispered, "Brother Meng Fann, please hold back. I'll handle him. You should leave."

Meng Fann sighed internally, recognizing that in the end, it all came down to strength. Without it, he was left under the protection of a woman. But today was different; he was no longer the man he used to be.

With a smile, Meng Fann replied calmly, "Remember what I said earlier? Today, victory is mine." The sight of Meng Fann and Gu Xin'er standing together infuriated Lei Tao, who clenched his jaw and bellowed in response.

"Hey, Meng Fann, made up your mind yet? Are you going to hit the dirt willingly, or do I need to knock you down?" Lei Tao's voice echoed, prompting a faint smile from Meng Fann, who replied with deliberate slowness.

"Lei Tao, you're built like a bear. I must say, I'm quite eager to see you take a tumble and end up face-first in the dirt—that would be quite the sight!"

His voice was soft, but the words hung heavy in the air, silencing the entire forest. Onlookers gazed at Meng Fann, their expressions frozen in disbelief.

Lei Tao's face clouded over with anger as he glared at Meng Fann and spat out each word, "Meng Fann, you're asking for a beating, huh? Still got the nerve to sass me? Say it again!"

Unruffled by Lei Tao's intimidation, Meng Fann just chuckled, casually crossing his arms over his chest, and drawled, "What, didn't catch that? You lumber around like a bear—come on then, show me what you've got. Let's find out who's really going to end up eating dirt today!"

At his words, Gu Xin'er and the rest felt a jolt of surprise, their eyes fixed on Meng Fann with uncertainty.

They all knew the disparity between Lei Tao and Meng Fann. Just a few days prior, Meng Fann had been on the receiving end of Lei Tao's fists. Though the incident hadn't caused much of a stir, it was clear evidence that Meng Fann was no match for Lei Tao. Yet here was Meng Fann, brazenly taunting Lei Tao, leaving everyone utterly astounded.