Chapter 32: The Temple Turmoil (Part 2)


    Han Ming, unfazed by the rude shouting from the man named Kano, approached him with a smile, curious about his intentions.


    "What''s your name?" Kano asked arrogantly, his nose practically in the air as he looked down at Han Ming.


    Han Ming, still puzzled by Kano''s behavior, frowned slightly and replied, "My name is—"


    "Enough! It doesn''t matter what your name is. Hold my clothes," Kano interrupted impatiently, waving his hand dismissively. He had no interest in the name of this seemingly frail young man. He quickly stripped off his expensive-looking upper garment and thrust it into Han Ming''s arms. "Hold it carefully. You couldn''t afford to replace it if it got damaged."


    Han Ming nodded with a resigned smile. It seemed his slender build would always invite disdain. However, he wasn''t angry. These spoiled young masters and mistresses, raised in luxury, often had such attitudes. Kano didn''t seem malicious, just arrogant, and Han Ming wasn''t one to stoop to their level. Besides, he was in a great mood after just becoming sworn brothers with Li Chengfeng.


    If Li Chengfeng had been there, he would have likely slapped Kano for treating Han Ming so disrespectfully.


    Despite Kano''s attitude, it was clear he had some skill. Though it took effort, he managed to lift the massive sword from the second weapon rack. He struck a pose, trying to look impressive, but the crowd''s applause was sparse. It seemed many were put off by his arrogance.


    Failing to receive the adulation he expected, Kano handed the sword to a girl named Lise, then snatched his clothes back from Han Ming. "You can leave now," he said dismissively.


    Lise, struggling under the sword''s weight, cursed Kano inwardly for nearly making her look foolish. She passed the sword to her attendant, a burly man who easily slung it over his back.


    As Kano prepared to leave, Lise, still annoyed, taunted him, "Aren''t you going to choose a weapon for yourself?"


    Kano hesitated. The first two weapons were already taken, leaving only the third, fourth, and fifth. He had to at least attempt the third. Reluctantly, he nodded, not wanting to lose face in front of Lise and the onlookers.


    Spotting Han Ming trying to leave, Kano redirected his frustration. "Get back here! Who said you could leave? Hold my clothes!" he barked, shoving the garments back into Han Ming''s chest.


    The crowd, though unfamiliar with Han Ming, felt Kano was being unnecessarily harsh. However, none dared to confront Kano, given his evident strength. They could only express their disapproval with murmurs.


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    Even Han Ming, usually unflappable, was growing irritated. Kano''s behavior was intolerable. It was time to teach him a lesson.


    Ignoring Han Ming, Kano stormed to the third weapon rack, gripping the hilt of the massive sword. With a grunt, he lifted it, his legs trembling under the weight. The crowd gasped as Kano''s aura flared—he was a sixth-tier warrior!


    With a roar, Kano hoisted the sword, his face red and veins bulging. When the staff declared the sword his, he slammed it into the ground, panting heavily.


    Exhausted, Kano snatched his clothes from Han Ming and waved him off. "Get out of here."


    Han Ming smirked but didn''t leave. Instead, he approached the staff and asked, "Are all these weapons real? No tricks?"


    The staff member frowned. "Why don''t you try for yourself?"


    Han Ming nodded and, to everyone''s astonishment, walked straight to the fifth and final weapon rack.


    The crowd erupted in whispers. Was this kid insane? Challenging the fifth weapon? He must be out of his mind.


    Even Lise was baffled, assuming Han Ming was just another fool with no sense of his own limitations.


    Kano, still catching his breath, burst into laughter. To him, Han Ming was nothing but a weakling, unworthy of even being in the temple. The fact that Han Ming was more handsome than him only added to his irritation.


    Ignoring the stares, Han Ming stood before the fifth weapon. With one hand in his pocket, he casually lifted the massive sword with the other. The crowd was stunned. Everyone else had used both hands, yet Han Ming made it look effortless. He even tossed the sword lightly in his hand, remarking, "This feels too light. Must be fake."


    Doubt spread through the crowd. Even the staff began to question the weapon''s authenticity. How could this frail-looking boy wield such a heavy sword without even using his aura?


    What they didn''t know was that Han Ming couldn''t use aura. But in terms of raw strength, he surpassed even Baldur. Baldur had only defeated Han Ming by relying on his aura. Without it, Han Ming could have easily overpowered him.


    Han Ming turned to Kano with a sly smile. "I think this sword''s fake. Why don''t you test it?" With that, he tossed the sword toward Kano.


    Kano, confused, caught the sword. The moment his hands touched it, his eyes widened in shock.


    This was real!


    The weight was overwhelming. Before he could react, the sword crushed him to the ground, cracking the stone floor. The sound of breaking bones echoed as Kano coughed up blood, unable to breathe.


    The crowd was paralyzed with shock.


    Kano''s attendant and Lise''s bodyguard rushed to lift the sword off him. Once freed, Kano gasped for air, his body broken.


    As the crowd struggled to process what had happened, a voice called out, "Number 340!"


    Han Ming, with a polite nod to the staff, said, "My apologies for the misunderstanding. The weapons are indeed real." He turned to leave.


    Kano''s and Lise''s attendants, both first-tier warriors, moved to block Han Ming, their auras flaring. They reached out to grab him, but Han Ming was faster. In a flash, he seized their arms and, with a swift motion, sent them flying. They crashed to the ground, unconscious.


    Before leaving, Han Ming turned to Lise, who was pale with fear. "My apologies for today. My name is Han Ming, and I''m staying at the Mercenary Inn. If you need anything, feel free to find me. I''ll cover the medical expenses. I must go now."


    The name "Han Ming" sent a ripple through the crowd. This unassuming young man was the same Han Ming who had single-handedly challenged two army commanders the day before. His reputation was legendary.


    Lise, now fully aware of who Han Ming was, dared not say another word. Her family was insignificant compared to someone like Han Ming. Seeking compensation from him would be suicidal.