Getting Stronger By Fighting-Chapter 517 - 515: The Old Man’s Strength!_1

At this moment, Wang Zhan, who had originally believed he possessed sufficient strength and power to face any hardship before him, felt his eyes sting as if pierced by the light emanating from the Old Man.

He understood. This wasn’t just some dazzling light; it was the manifestation of the Old Man’s own power—incredibly potent!

In other words, just as Wang Zhan had somewhat suspected, the Old Man had never shown his true strength before him. Instead, he had always concealed it, like a formidable hunter patiently waiting for his prey.

So, when the Old Man had finally traversed the wilderness and arrived in Quan State, one of the Southwest states—this battlefield of his own choosing—he, for the first time in front of Wang Zhan, fully revealed the formidable strength he had kept hidden. He was a Martial Artist countless times more formidable than an ordinary Martial Emperor, or even an exceptionally talented individual like Wang Zhan!

At this realization, Wang Zhan’s nerves stretched taut. This was his body’s instinctive reaction to a life-or-death crisis!

Although Wang Zhan had no warning, nor any proof that this man intended him harm, he nevertheless discreetly created some distance between them and chuckled, "I never imagined Granduncle possessed such a trump card! This junior is impressed!"

The Old Man smiled faintly, seemingly unperturbed by Wang Zhan’s reaction, and explained with a profound gaze, "If I told you I’ve only just broken through, and that my control over this new power is still very poor, would you believe me?"

Wang Zhan’s lips curved slightly as he responded with a respectful smile, "Respected Granduncle, if you say so, how could this junior not believe you?"

Then, with utmost sincerity etched on his face, as if, regardless of the Old Man’s intentions, he had decided to entrust his very life to him, Wang Zhan declared respectfully, without a hint of defiance, "This junior, Wang Zhan, is willing to follow Respected Granduncle’s arrangements. Whatever you instruct, I will strive to accomplish, even at the cost of my life. I am determined to help you fulfill your mission!"

The Old Man’s expression turned cold as he quietly regarded Wang Zhan.

Wang Zhan’s face remained impassive. Even though the Old Man’s gaze felt like a needle pricking his forehead, Wang Zhan remained as still as a mountain.

After nearly three minutes, seeing Wang Zhan still maintaining his respectful demeanor, apparently ready to obey any command, the Old Man’s expression finally softened, his stern face breaking into a hearty laugh. "Excellent, excellent! What a clever young man! I wonder who in this Federation could truly be your match!"

The Old Man had initially thought of teaching Wang Zhan a lesson. However, this fellow was not only like an old fox, long adept at borrowing the tiger’s might, but his ability to feign ignorance was also unparalleled! One could imagine just how cunning this young man was. The moment he sensed trouble, he immediately retracted all his sharp edges. And how shameless! Even though they had spent most of their time trading barbs, the moment Wang Zhan recognized the Old Man’s true power, he was capable of such subservience.

Undoubtedly, among all the brilliant young talents the Old Man had encountered, he had never met a monster as slippery as Wang Zhan. Truly a monster!

Therefore, as the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face. Faced with Wang Zhan’s current demeanor, the Old Man naturally couldn’t bring himself to vent his anger, nor did he have any reason to suppress him. So, he just found a casual pretext, a smile playing on his lips, hinting at some unspoken thoughts. "Aren’t you worried that I might also be a member of the Original Organization?"

Wang Zhan made no move. He simply met the Old Man’s gaze, maintaining the same guarded and alert posture as before, yet with a smile that seemed ready to broaden at any moment. "If Granduncle wishes to serve the Original Organization, then even though we walk different paths, since you are Ying Ying’s kin, I have no issue following your arrangements for the time being."

For a moment, they exchanged smiles, but only they themselves knew of the cunning glint in each other’s eyes.

Of course, Wang Zhan was no fool. He had long surmised that, with the exception of Qin Ying, the members of the Qin Family were hardly benevolent. In other words, if they were truly capable of wholeheartedly serving the Federation, it would be as astonishing as the sun rising in the west—an earth-shattering event that would change the world in an instant!

Therefore, facing this immense threat, the aura from his Granduncle alone sending shivers down his spine, Wang Zhan wisely bowed his head. When outmatched, it’s best to meet the situation with a smile for now, hold firm to one’s principles, and set aside so-called dignity!

Otherwise, Wang Zhan strongly suspected that if he truly entertained any inappropriate thoughts about this so-called Granduncle before him, this Granduncle might dispatch him to the Netherworld so swiftly and silently it would cause not a ripple!

That was not the power of the Martial Emperor Realm! Although Wang Zhan’s exposure to the Martial Emperor Realm was still brief, he recognized this instantly. It was a power he was utterly incapable of resisting!

And Wang Zhan, currently comparable to a true mid-tier royal-level beast—what could possibly exert such overwhelming pressure on him?

Undoubtedly, there was only one answer: Beyond the Royal Level!

And this Old Man was the first powerhouse beyond the Royal Level Wang Zhan had encountered in the nearly a year since his debut. The impact of this realization was far more vivid and undeniable than the two corpses he had recovered from the battlefield. That was why he had lowered his head so readily.

Of course, if the Old Man pressed his advantage, intending to bully and teach him a lesson, then Wang Zhan, though only eighteen, possessed a near-endless supply of trump cards and would undoubtedly let him know that one should never underestimate anyone. Otherwise, in a scenario of mutual destruction, even the victor would suffer grievous losses! Though he was no longer a naive youth, the adage still held true: "Never underestimate the young and seemingly disadvantaged!"

Gazing at Wang Zhan, the Old Man’s expression finally became indifferent, as calm as still water, yet exuding a pressure that felt like standing at the edge of an abyss.

Cunning, so be it! In the end, he’s just a tool. What if he has the ability to threaten me? We can discuss such things if he manages to survive.

Therefore, the Old Man, already feeling he held all the cards, dismissed Wang Zhan with a casual wave. "Then, go in my stead and investigate the current situation in Quan State City. I can sense another entity here, as powerful as myself, lying in wait. Thus, it’s inconvenient for me to appear. However, you needn’t worry. As long as no one beyond the Royal Level is involved, I believe you’ll be able to escape if necessary. Moreover, should a being beyond the Royal Level make a move, I will naturally protect you. So, go..."

With that, the Old Man used his mental energy to instantly transport Wang Zhan out of the room. It happened so silently that before Wang Zhan could even react, he found himself in the depths of a narrow alley, with no trace of the small room he had just been in.

From this alone, it was evident that the Old Man’s strength far exceeded Wang Zhan’s; they were not on the same level at all.

Moreover, if what the Old Man had just said was true—that there was currently another expert beyond the Emperor Realm in Quan State City, vigilantly monitoring every corner—didn’t that mean Wang Zhan was practically dancing on a knife’s edge? If that powerful entity discovered him, a single misstep would lead to annihilation!

For this reason, although Wang Zhan’s expression remained impassive as he began to move silently through the ruins of Quan State City, his heart had turned utterly dark and cold.

Excellent! What a move by the Qin Family! So this is how the Qin Family views me.

Even though Qin Ying had clearly expressed her intentions, and the reason she had asked a Granduncle to protect Wang Zhan was to allow him to recuperate safely in Chu State. But how could Qin Ying have known! This expert from the Qin Family she had invited was, in fact, a peerless powerhouse far beyond the Martial Emperor Realm. At the same time, this had plunged Wang Zhan into an inescapable abyss, causing him to sink deeper and deeper.

Thus, Wang Zhan could naturally deduce that, assuming Qin Ying hadn’t betrayed him, then on the chessboard the entire Qin Family was so diligently and painstakingly arranging, there had to be some immense benefit—a prize they coveted so desperately they were willing to endure any hardship for it. For this, they had even gone to the lengths of completely concealing their Family’s formidable strength, all to remain hidden in the shadows of the world.

A silent inquiry... Sharpening their knives, polishing their blades!

In that case, it was easy to imagine they were hardly good people.

Therefore, for Wang Zhan, who already shared a hidden connection with Qin Ying, and whose ambitions had gradually blossomed under Qin Ying’s guidance...