Chapter 0013: The Four Mighty Guardians, Bai Qi’s Challenge

"Bai Qi, this all started because of me. If you want revenge, come after me," Zhu Jianlong said, stepping in front of Bai Qi. Though he knew he wasn't Bai Qi's match, he still chose to stand up. This was the courage and loyalty every man should have. Zhang Xiaofan had already received enough complaints from his classmates—he couldn't let Zhang Xiaofan feel abandoned now.

Bai Qi spoke in a low voice, "I heard there's a fighter in your class. I came today to challenge him." His voice wasn't loud, but it sent ripples of astonishment through the crowd. Bai Qi was one of the Four Kings, and instead of punishing Zhang Xiaofan, he was issuing a formal challenge.

A challenge of this kind transcended mere brawling; it was the way martial artists showed respect to a worthy opponent. If Bai Qi lost, he would lose his place among the Four Kings. Moreover, he couldn't take private revenge on Zhang Xiaofan afterward, or he’d be ridiculed. This was a contest between men, a matter of honor. For Bai Qi to issue the challenge meant he regarded Zhang Xiaofan as worthy.

"Which one is Zhang Xiaofan?"

In Class 2, everyone’s gaze turned to the last row, where a figure in a rough linen robe was sprawled out, fast asleep. He immediately became the center of attention.

So big... so round...

And yet, at this critical moment, he was dreaming—clearly not an ordinary dream. The girls in class quickly caught on, their faces flushing as they silently cursed him for being a rogue. Yin Rou Rou recalled hugging Zhang Xiaofan the previous day, her cheeks burning as she wondered if she was the subject of his dreams.

Wang Yuqing looked exasperated. This guy really was something—sleeping was one thing, but to dream so shamelessly...

"Hey, wake up." She walked over and shook him.

"Don’t you know it’s terribly rude to interrupt someone’s dream?" Zhang Xiaofan stretched lazily. He’d just been enjoying the memory of Ye Qingcheng’s intoxicating charm from the night before when Wang Yuqing rudely awakened him.

"Enough nonsense. Someone’s here for you," Wang Yuqing snapped.

"Who is it? Could it be a class beauty?" Zhang Xiaofan asked.

"It’s me—Bai Qi." Bai Qi stepped forward and looked at Zhang Xiaofan. He couldn't see what made this unimpressive, somewhat indifferent young man so special.

"Oh, I don’t know you. What do you want?" Zhang Xiaofan shrugged indifferently.

"I want to challenge you," Bai Qi said directly. Partly, he wanted to restore Lü Zhaotang’s reputation, but he was also a natural-born fighter who relished strong opponents. He doubted the rumors about Zhang Xiaofan taking on dozens alone, but since Lü Zhaotang had been injured, Zhang must have some skill.

"Challenge me?" Zhang Xiaofan raised an eyebrow. "Is this for Lü Zhaotang?"

"That’s right. Everyone knows my connection to Lü Zhaotang. You hurt him—there needs to be an explanation," Bai Qi said gravely. "If you’re a man, fight me. No matter the outcome, I guarantee neither I nor Lü Zhaotang will trouble you or your friends again."

"There are rules among men, even if this isn't the underworld. Since you put it this way, I accept," said Zhang Xiaofan, his usual laziness gone. He could see Bai Qi was a man of substance.

"But there's one more thing. If you lose, you’ll be my underling. Do you dare?" Zhang Xiaofan challenged.

A gasp rippled through the crowd. Arrogant! Outrageous! To ask one of the Four Kings to be his underling—this transfer student was too audacious. Did he really think defeating Lü Zhaotang meant he could beat Bai Qi?

The three followers behind Bai Qi were about to protest, but Bai Qi stopped them and replied, "If you beat me, you can take my place among the Four Kings. Being your underling is no issue—strength commands respect, and I’ve always believed that."

"I don’t care about your Four Kings. I only want you as my underling," Zhang Xiaofan said dismissively. School titles meant nothing to him.

"Fine. We’ll meet at the Martial Arts Club at noon," Bai Qi replied calmly, then left with his followers.

Zhang Xiaofan’s words seemed arrogant, but only fools boasted without substance. Bai Qi was sure Zhang Xiaofan was the latter type—a man supremely confident in his strength. That was why Bai Qi’s fighting spirit was kindled; he looked forward to this match.

"Xiaofan, the Four Kings of the Martial Arts Club aren’t ordinary. Are you sure about this?" Yin Rou Rou asked with concern.

"What exactly is this Martial Arts Club?" Zhang Xiaofan replied.

"It was founded by a venerable teacher at Jinghai High. He’s rumored to be incredibly strong. The club mainly focuses on Chinese martial arts, even ancient martial arts. The club structure is one King at the top, two Generals, and then the Four Kings below them," Yin Rou Rou explained in detail. "Currently, only two remain in high school—Bai Qi and Wu Yue. The rest have graduated."

Zhang Xiaofan smiled, "Sounds interesting. Rou Rou, if I become the King, do you think I’ll have girls chasing after me?"

"Dream on! As if you could be the King. And since when do you call me Rou Rou?" she shot back, rolling her eyes.

Watching their playful banter, Wang Yuqing felt a strange pang of jealousy.

With no classes from their beautiful homeroom teacher Ouyang Xue that morning, Zhang Xiaofan spent the whole morning half asleep and disappointed.

Meanwhile, news of Bai Qi’s challenge spread like wildfire—from the senior grade to the juniors, and even reached the university campus. The Martial Arts Club and the Four Kings were famous names throughout both the high school and university campuses. Bai Qi challenging a senior transfer student caused a sensation across the entire school. Zhang Xiaofan’s name was suddenly on everyone’s lips.

Naturally, almost everyone doubted this unknown student could match one of the Four Kings. Many thought Bai Qi was setting him up for humiliation, while others believed Bai Qi just wanted to boost his reputation before graduation. Even in Class 2, probably only Yin Rou Rou, Wang Yuqing, and Zhu Jianlong believed Zhang Xiaofan could win.

"Let’s go cheer for Zhang Xiaofan!" At noon, as soon as the break began, Yin Rou Rou rallied the class to support him.

"Tch... Him? Beat Bai Qi? If you want to go, go ahead. I’d be embarrassed," one student scoffed.

"Rou Rou, as class president, you really shouldn’t encourage fighting," another chided.

"Enough!" Yin Rou Rou snapped. These sarcastic classmates had been quicker than rabbits to run from trouble yesterday, and now they wouldn’t stop sneering. It was clear they were just afraid of Bai Qi and his gang.

"None of you are real men," she fumed. Zhang Xiaofan stood up for the class, but now they acted as if he were a criminal.

"Forget it. Everyone has their own path. Let’s go," Zhang Xiaofan said, unwilling to waste energy on them.

Yin Rou Rou and Wang Yuqing both shot scornful looks at the boys who talked big but always cowered when it mattered, then followed Zhang Xiaofan out. Zhu Jianlong didn’t hesitate to join them—his gratitude toward Zhang Xiaofan had already turned to admiration. Whether or not Zhang Xiaofan won, Zhu Jianlong had decided to follow him.

The Martial Arts Club was situated between the high school and university campuses—a vast spherical building standing alone on an open field. Its grandeur was remarkable for a student club facility.

Noon was usually a time for rest or couples to meet, so the area was typically quiet. But today, it bustled with excitement. Students of all kinds—handsome boys, pretty girls, top students, and slackers—flocked to the Martial Arts Club, eager to witness the showdown between Bai Qi and Zhang Xiaofan. Ever since the club’s founding, any match involving the Four Kings, the Generals, or the King, always drew massive crowds.

Of course, even as Zhang Xiaofan stood there, few recognized him; his reputation was nothing compared to Bai Qi's.

Inside, the club hall was packed, and once Zhang Xiaofan and his group entered, entry was restricted.

"So you’re Zhang Xiaofan?" A tall young man soon blocked his path, speaking in a tone full of superiority and obvious disdain.

"Spit it out if you have something to say," Zhang Xiaofan replied coldly. Respect was mutual—if you didn’t give him face, he’d give you none.

"You looking for a beating?" the young man snapped.

"If I were you, I wouldn’t say something so stupid," Zhang Xiaofan retorted. "First, you can’t beat me. Second, Bai Qi won’t let you off if you try."

The tall youth clearly realized now wasn’t the time to start a fight—breaking club rules or causing Bai Qi to lose face would bring more trouble than he could handle. He grumbled inwardly but said nothing more.

"Come with me," he said, though still disgruntled, and led Zhang Xiaofan toward the fighting arena.