“Master, may I inquire with whom you intend to engage in combat?” Meixue asked, her gaze sweeping across the lush forest surrounding them. The portal had transported them to a verdant landscape, with colossal trees whose leaves formed intricate canopies. One tree stood tall and broad enough for its wood to construct a dozen structures, and it was surrounded by tens of thousands of its kin.

“The identity of my opponent is insignificant,” Han Rui replied casually, his curious eyes exploring the depths of the forest.

Meixue nodded, refraining from further questions. In her perception, Han Rui transcended ordinary understanding—an individual capable of effortlessly dispatching several beings at the immortal level. Now, she understood why and who was behind the Han clan's resurgence.

Unperturbed by his subordinate's thoughts, Han Rui strolled through the area, his gaze lingering on the fresh and withered leaves covering the forest floor.

“Where are we?” Han Rui inquired of the system. “I haven't read about a place like this in the Celestial Ridge.”

[That's because we're no longer in the Celestial Ridge. This is the Eternal Forest north of the Phoenix Dynasty!]

“Phoenix Dynasty?” Han Rui's eyes gleamed with recognition as he recalled something from his previous readings. “If I remember correctly, isn't that a location in the Phoenix Continent?”

[Yes!] affirmed the system.

“Ah, this must be the famed Eternal Wood, then. Rumor has it they possess the same durability as an immortal-level treasure, making them nearly impossible to fell,” Han Rui murmured, running his hand along the rough tree bark.

[Are you ready for the challenge?]

“Hold on a moment,” Han Rui said, reaching into his inner robes. After a brief search, he retrieved a neatly cut wooden stick shaped like a baseball bat.

Meixue's discerning eyes focused on the seemingly ordinary stick, various thoughts flashing through her mind.

Master truly is remarkable. He intends to humiliate his opponent using a mere stick. I should take notes; perhaps one day, I'll display such arrogance.

She keenly observed as Han Rui adopted an unfamiliar pose while effortlessly swinging the bat.

“System, summon that fat cow. I'm ready,” Han Rui said after his tenth swing.

A thunderous whipcrack resounded through the area, and the once-clear skies darkened. Simultaneously, a distortion appeared in the heavens, forcefully expelling a figure before sealing shut. In an instant, tranquility returned.

However, Meixue and Han Rui, mouths agape and eyes wide, stared at a figure towering over ten feet, radiating robust vitality.

“What in the world is this?” Han Rui muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

Two slightly curved, pearly-white horns adorned the colossal creature, complemented by three earrings on its right ear and a golden nose ring. It gripped a pristine silver axe with a blackened handle, and the air around the weapon seemed to warp.

“System, who is this? I asked to fight the fatty from...” Han Rui paused mid-rant, realizing his error.

[That's him. He was a mere calf back then. He's grown quite a bit!]

A thunderous mooing-esque scream resonated from the bull, causing trees within a two-hundred-meter radius to explode into dust. Han Rui and Su Meixue, though unaffected, couldn't help but gape at the destruction left in the wake of the bull's roar.

“System, I don't want to fight again. I'm content with my previous rewards. Please take me home,” Han Rui managed to utter.

At that moment, Su Meixue's voice filled Han Rui's ears, “Shut up, you ignorant nitwit!”

Han Rui turned his head to find the young lady standing near the formidable bull. What is she doing?

“Do you think you're impressive just because you destroyed a few random trees?” Meixue said, arms folded across her chest. “I don't think my master would need even a minute to best someone as ignorant as you.”

Baolei Zhanghuo's fiery eyes shifted between the woman and the man. He snorted, his nose ring wiggling slightly. Ignoring Meixue, he focused on Han Rui, who seemed to be inching away discreetly.

Why does this human look familiar? Zhanghuo thought, a crease distorting his brows.

Wait, I remember now. Zhanghuo's eyes widened, and a cruel smile crossed his lips. In a flash, he appeared behind Han Rui.

“Friend, are you trying to run away or something?” Zhanghuo said, one hand resting on Han Rui's shoulder, the other tightly gripping his axe.

Han Rui violently shook his head, forcing a smile.

Zhanghuo continued, “Your timing is impeccable as always. Last time you summoned me, I was about to relieve myself. Now, it's the first night of my honeymoon. Do you hate me that much?”

Han Rui nodded vigorously; he paused midway as if realizing his mistake, then he shook his head even more aggressively.

“Congratulations on your wedding, brother. If I had known today was your honeymoon, I wouldn't have summoned you—though, to be clear, I didn't summon you.” Han Rui emphasized with a bashful smile.

“Oh, really?” Zhanghuo muttered, firming his grip on Han Rui's shoulder. “Your underling mentioned something about you finishing me off in under a minute. Did I hear wrong?”

“Don't mind her. She's suffering from heat stroke. I have no intention of fighting you,” Han Rui said, his googly eyes fixed on Zhanghuo's.

The bull nodded slowly, a devious smile appearing. “That's too bad because I was looking forward to fighting you again,” Zhanghuo wore a bashful smile, unable to conceal his greed. “I'm still enjoying the benefits from our last encounter. I can't imagine what I'll receive this time.”

“Sir Zhanghuo, a refined gentleman such as yourself shouldn't be—" Han Rui was cut off by a rogue system notification.

[Generating random penalties…]

Han Rui frowned, and another system notification appeared.

[Should the host lose, a random penalty from the following list will apply!]

* Hair loss: Three years minimum duration.

* Lactation: Every full moon.

* Impotency: Every night until your 30th birthday!

* Random misfortune: Every time you have the urge to defecate!

* Involuntary dance-off: Every time you hear music.

* Compulsive truth-telling: During serious conversations.

* Sudden erection: Every time someone shows appreciation or hate toward you.

Han Rui's jaw dropped as he perused the list of penalties. Simultaneously, he smacked away Zhanghuo's hand, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the bull.

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“Are you going to admit defeat, or am I going to have to fuck you up?” Han Rui said.

Zhanghuo froze for a moment, knitting his brows. What happened to him? Why the sudden change in demeanor? Well, it doesn't matter. I just need to beat him up again and await my rewards.

Meanwhile, Meixue could barely rein in her excitement at Han Rui’s sudden change in demeanor. Is master finally going to put this lump of meat in its place? Pretending to be weak to humiliate enemies might actually be fun. Once again, the cultivator made a mental note to emulate Han Rui's behavior.

Zhanghuo, on the other hand, shook off his doubts, his smile brightening.

Han Rui pointed the baseball bat at Zhanghuo. “Get your ass here!”

Zhanghuo burst into laughter. “I don’t know what got into you, but that's the spirit. Let's see how much you've improved,” he said, raising his axe and assuming his stance.

“Wait,” Han Rui suddenly said.

“What is it?” Zhanghuo frowned. “Are you backing out?”

“No, that's not it,” Han Rui replied, pointing toward Meixue. “In the unlikely scenario of a draw, whatever she says will determine the winner. Do you agree?”

Zhanghuo regarded Meixue again, his tensed brows relaxing. She's only in the golden core stage. I wouldn’t even normally be in the same space as someone so weak. The bull smiled, “All right, let's do that. Anything else?”

Han Rui nodded. “Yes,” he said. “The time limit will be one minute. Do you agree?”

Zhanghuo restrained his rising urge to laugh as he nodded.

One minute is more than enough time to beat this brat a million times over. He hasn't learned anything since our last meeting. Did he really believe his own hype?

“Is that all?” Zhanghuo asked with a smile.

“Um, yeah. Let’s get this over with,” Han Rui said, tightening his grip around the baseball bat.

Zhanghuo's smile widened as he prepared himself once more. I’ll use my strongest move and end this in half a breath, he thought.

“Wait a moment,” Han Rui suddenly called out.

Zhanghuo frowned, his patience running thin. “What is it this time? No matter what you say, I’m not letting you back out of this!”

“No, no, no. You misunderstood me,” Han Rui said, leaning on the baseball bat. “I feel like a minute is too much to settle this.”

Zhanghuo's ears perked up, and his brown eyes focused on Han Rui. “Human, what are you trying to say?”

Despite maintaining a facade of indifference, rage welled up in his heart. Is this mortal making fun of me? Does he think he can actually beat me in under a minute?

“My conscience wouldn’t let me keep you here for as long as a minute. After all, your partner is waiting for you. I’m not shameless enough to keep you here on your honeymoon,” Han Rue said.

Zhanghuo, realizing he might have misconstrued his opponent’s words, said, “You do realize that we have spent more time talking when we could have gotten this over with already.”

“I know, I know. But rules give order, my friend,” Han Rui said with a smile. Then he continued, “How about this. I promise you that your strongest move won’t even leave a bruise on my—”

Zhanghuo snorted, cutting off Han Rui, and laughed heartily. “Did you get drunk on some cheap wine before coming here, or did you actually get high on your underling’s expectations?”

The bull laughed again before continuing, “You know what. I agree. In fact, it will be my loss if I can’t leave a scratch on your body, and I’ll even become your underling too. This I vow under the unforgiving heavens,” Zhanghuo said, unable to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

A single golden lightning bolt descended from the heavens, striking Zhanghuo squarely on the head, causing him no harm or pain.

“Surely, there isn’t anything else, right?” Zhanghuo asked with a wicked smile.

“I’m all good,” Han Rui said with an equally wicked smile.

Zhanghuo laughed while turning toward Meixue, “Would you do the honors?”

The young lady turned toward Han Rui, and he acknowledged her with a nod. Then, she took a step forward with her hand raised. “I will stand as a witness to this challenge,” she declared. “Should anyone flout the rules of the contest, may the heavens abolish their cultivation and imprison their soul for a million years.”

The skies above churned, and thick golden lightning bolts gathered above the decimated area of the forest.

Zhanghuo laughed, “I agree,” he said, and another lightning bolt struck the bull on the forehead.

“I agree too,” Han Rui said.

A second lightning bolt descended, racing toward Han Rui’s forehead. However, it suddenly paused a few meters away, before rushing toward Zhanghuo and striking him on the forehead.

This time, the bull winced a little.

“Wait, what just happened?” Zhanghuo muttered to himself as he stared at the chaotic heavens. However, the turbulent skies quickly cleared, and tranquility returned.

“What did you do?” Zhanghuo said, pointing his axe at Han Rui. “Why did I get struck twice by the heavenly dao?”

“What are you talking about? It struck both of us once?” Han Rui said with a deadpan expression, meeting the eyes of the bull. He then turned toward Meixue, “You saw the same, right?”

Su Meixue nodded. “He must be looking for excuses to flee from fighting you, master. It’s a shame he couldn’t think of anything creative,” she said, her eyes laced with disdain for the lying bull.

“What nonsense are you talking about? It definitely struck me twice—”

“Okay, tough guy. It struck you twice and it struck me once. You’re the heavenly dao’s favorite. Are you happy now?” Han Rui said.

“What are you talking about? This isn’t a competition. Why would I be—”

Han Rui interjected, “It seems you’re the one that’s looking for an excuse to renege on our vow. Me and my underling both saw the heavenly dao hit you and my humble self once; yet you claim it struck you twice. It’s weird, but out of my magnanimity, I agreed, yet you’re still finding reasons to complain. If you’re going to keep on complaining, I'm also going to claim the heavenly dao didn’t strike me at all.”

“That’s what I’m saying all along!” Zhanghuo said, resisting the urge to pull out all his hair.

“Okay then, I was struck seven times!” Han Rui said.

“What? Do you think this is some kind of competition?” Zhanghuo asked.

“You tell me? Because I don’t know what this is supposed to be anymore,” Han Rui said.

Zhanghuo took deep breaths. Every word coming out of Han Rui’s mouth only made him more infuriated and exasperated.

There’s no way I imagined all that, right? It definitely struck me twice… right? Zhanghuo shook his head, as if to dispel the thought. It doesn’t matter. I only have to knock him out, and it will be my victory.

He took another deep breath, and his visage returned to normal. “Let’s do this,” he said.

“Finally, I’m glad you have come to your senses. I’m ready whenever you—”

Zhanghuo disappeared and reappeared in front of Han Rui before he could finish his statement. The air around the bull visibly twisted as he smashed the side of the axe on Han Rui's face. The impact was so intense that the sound of shattering glass echoed through the forest, followed by a thick dust cloud enveloping the area.

Zhanghuo’s laugh echoed within the dust rain. “It’s my victory. Mortal, remember to summon me again. I generously accept any challenge you offer,” he said with a smile.

The bull waved his left hand, and the dust cloud settled. However, he lifted his head toward the clear skies.

I should be sent back any moment now. If it’s the same as last time, the treasures should be waiting for me in that place. I must go home as soon as possible so that others won't take it.

Zhanghuo smiled as he fantasized about potential rewards. In a flash, a minute went by, yet the bull remained in the area.

What’s going on? I should have been sent back by now, he thought, brows creased.

At that same moment, an azure radiance enveloped the bull, he laughed as his worries disappeared.

It was only a temporary delay. Honey, I can’t wait to give you the best night of your life, Zhanghuo smiled lecherously as he surrendered himself to the warm radiance.

A moment later, the world around him twisted and turned, and he reappeared in an expansive room.

“Babe—” Zhanghuo paused, his keen eyes observing his surroundings.

Where the hell is this? This isn’t my bedroom.

At that moment, a familiar voice filled his ears, “Don’t just stand around there; help me carry some of this.”

Zhanghuo reeled, turning to see Han Rui and Meixue dragging sacks with several broken woods in them.

“W-W-What is going on, human? How are you here, and how are you even fine?” Zhanghuo observed Han Rui, who didn’t have a smudge of dirt on his clothes, let alone any bruises on his body.

This can’t be possible. I definitely used enough force to have sent him flying for at least three days, he thought.

Han Rui sighed while shaking his head. He took gentle steps toward the bull, stopping a foot away. Then, he gestured to the creature to lean over, as if he wanted to whisper into his ears.

Unable to hide his curiosity, Zhanghuo bent, and Han Rui’s voice filled his ears, “I hate to break it to you, pal. But you’re my underling now.”

Han Rui patted the lowered shoulder of the bull as he pointed toward the sack filled with broken splinters of eternal wood.

“Your first task is to carry those items to the basement. After that, I’ll think of a position to assign you,” Han Rui said with a warm smile.

“Why the heck would I do that? I demand—huh? What’s going on with my body?” Zhanghuo's legs propelled him forward against his own will. “No, no, no! There’s no way I could have lost…” he complained; however, he lifted four sacks at a go. “You shameless liar, you tricked me. What did you do?”

“Yes, yes. There will be plenty of time for that discussion later. For now, come with me. I’ll show you where to put them,” Han Rui said, barely able to contain his rising urge to laugh.