What’s with this kid?

The bandana man had just seen Cheng Yu as a harmless boy. But now, with a single glance, he radiated a beast-like aura.

Moments ago, he’d been full of swagger. Now, he held his breath, not daring to exhale—a trace of fear in his eyes.

Had he misjudged this kid? Was he hiding his true strength?

Even Linsw Lin and Zhao (?) beside Cheng Yu froze instinctively. A voice in their hearts screamed:

Danger. Danger. Danger.

No wonder Cheng-ge was special—he clearly had a past.

Prince… how many more surprises do you have for me?

Cheng Yu scanned the crowd with icy eyes. No one dared meet his gaze.

A huge question mark formed in his mind.

Since when was I this fierce?

I just said one line—how did it scare off the Yellow Scarves Gang?

Holy crap, was I Zhang Fei reborn in my last life?

Then he remembered: after taking down Tiger Cub yesterday, the system had given him a neglected reward.

Intimidation.

He hadn’t understood that stat back then. But now, it clicked.

Was this a special ability from the system?

Seeing everyone too scared to breathe, Cheng Yu felt a secret thrill.

Oh wow, if I knew I was this gifted, why fear Blade Brother or Shenyufu? I could dance the Gokuraku Jodo in a dress right in front of them—they wouldn’t dare move.

“…What nonsense.”

The bandana man snapped, teeth gritted. “Who do you think you are? Trying to bluff me?!”

He charged forward, fear replaced by savage fury.

So Intimidation had limits—not perfect control.

Cheng Yu sighed inwardly. Still, it worked better than expected.

He released Linsw Lin, who’d been itching to fight, and stepped forward alone. The bandana man’s fist shot toward him.

Fast.

Cheng Yu’s reflexes were sharp, but his base stats were too low. He knew he couldn’t dodge.

Then—don’t dodge at all.

He planted his feet, clenched his right fist.

*Thud.* Both fists slammed into each other’s chests.

Cheng Yu was surprised.

The punch was fierce, but it didn’t hurt as much as expected.

No—it wasn’t the punch. His stats had risen!

He recalled adding 5 Stamina points that morning after Shenyufu’s madness. Plus small gains over days. He wasn’t sure of his exact numbers, but he was stronger than average now.

Another bonus. Cheng Yu grinned at the bandana man—a grin that felt unnerving.

He knew exactly what to do next.

What scares a madman?

A madder man.

Simple.

“Is that all your strength?” Cheng Yu’s grin widened, eyes blazing with excitement. He threw another punch.

The bandana man forgot to dodge, swinging back wildly.

*Thud.* Fists collided again. Cheng Yu roared:

“Again!”

*Thud.*

“Hit harder! Again!”

*Thud.*

“Put your back into it, coward! Again!”

*Thud.*

Everyone froze, terrified. They watched Cheng Yu brawl like a wild beast—no technique, no dodging. Pure, bloody savagery.

That was his aura now.

The bandana man saw Cheng Yu take punch after punch, never retreating. His fury only grew.

Those mad eyes… fear crept deeper into the bandana man’s heart.

If this kept up… he might really die with this lunatic…

As Cheng Yu’s next punch came, he flinched back.

He pulled his fist away, stumbling backward to escape.

“Pfft. That’s all you’ve got?” Cheng Yu sneered. “You bragged about not fearing prison. But a few punches, and you’re shaking?

Hit me harder, you waste of space!”

His roar, amplified by Intimidation, shattered the bandana man’s resolve.

He couldn’t step forward. Instead, he yelled at his gang:

“Everyone! Charge! Five million to whoever pins this kid down—”

“COME ON!” Cheng Yu’s bellow drowned him out. He glared at the crowd, cold laughter on his lips.

“Step up if you dare. First one to move—I’ll kill them myself.

Let’s see who volunteers to die first.”

Silence.

No one moved.

Just as the bandana man implied, this “gang” was a loose alliance chasing profit. No loyalty. No one would be first to die.

Dead silence. Only wind and distant traffic hummed. The capital felt like another world.

Cheng Yu scoffed. “I thought you were tough. Turns out you’re all spineless.”

“Spot on, young man.”

A new voice came from behind Cheng Yu. Rustling sounds followed.

He turned slowly. A girl strolled into the Yellow Scarves Gang’s circle, flanked by her crew. She smiled at the bandana man, eyes crinkling like crescent moons.

[System notification: Host completed task. Reward: 1 Artistry point.]

Cheng Yu exhaled. No more acting crazy.

The backup he’d been stalling for had arrived.

“These so-called Yellow Scarves Gang? Just pathetic thieves.

Robbing college kids, stealing from shops, smashing public property… Tch. Typical lowlifes.

But… Sky Lad.”

Her smile turned sharp.

“You dare operate in Azure Blade Society territory…

You’re signing your death warrants.”