Elder Song was quite familiar with his nephew's character!
However, at this moment, he couldn't be bothered with maintaining appearances for a minor family like the Ye family. He directly stated, "It's simple. As the Enforcement Elder, I am also a fair judge. Since Ye Chen struck someone, he must pay compensation. Come over, Song An, let me see your injuries... Hiss, this injury alone will require at least 3 billion!"
Pfft!
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone around was stunned.
They had heard the nickname "Song the Skinflint" before but hadn't paid much attention. Now, they truly witnessed the prowess of "Song the Skinflint." Demanding 3 billion right off the bat was utterly insane.
Ye Chen felt a bit wronged and said, "Elder Song, you didn't see it just now. It was this brat who tried to harass my sister, which is why I struck him, and besides..."
"There is no 'besides'! Ye Chen, are you questioning my authority as an elder?" Elder Song retorted.
Ye Chen was taken aback, his face flushing red.
After all, an elder's authority was extremely significant. Generally, unless there were special circumstances, an elder's ruling carried a certain weight. This meant that if Elder Song insisted on this judgment, the Ye family would have to pay the 3 billion fine unless they withdrew from the Ancient Martial Family Alliance.
This left Ye Chen completely flustered!
"Elder Song, please be merciful. The situation just now was truly Song An causing trouble first..." Ye Chen pleaded.
Elder Song, however, was relentless, chuckling, "Song An caused trouble? I didn't see Song An causing any trouble. Heh, after all, Song An didn't even touch your sister. But you, Ye Chen, undeniably struck him. Isn't this matter clear enough? Do you want me to fine your Ye family even more?"
Hearing this, Ye Chen was on the verge of tears!
While the Ye family could afford 3 billion, the injustice of the situation was too much to bear. Moreover, 3 billion was not a small sum for the Ye family.
"Elder Song... don't push your luck!" Ye Chen exploded with anger, about to erupt!
But at this moment.
Elder Song on the side was beaming with pride, sneering, "Kid, let alone you, even your grandfather, old man Ye, is only fit to carry my shoes. Your Ye family dares to hit my people? This 3 billion is a small lesson for you. Next time you see someone from my Song family, walk the other way, understand!"
Song An beside him was even more triumphant!
He laughed heartily and said, "Uncle, why not just let the Ye family betroth this girl to me? I need to take a concubine soon anyway. Taking one more or one less doesn't make a difference to my Ye family's little sister!"
Elder Song glanced at Song An and said in a low voice, filled with disappointment, "Can't you say this later? There are so many people here, and you're saying this out loud? Later, in private, you can deal with the Ye family however you want. For now, you behave!"
"Understood, Uncle!"
After a brief whisper between the two, Song An became even more smug!
With Elder Song's approval, he looked at Ye Xiaoshuang with an even more lecherous gaze.
But just then!
From the crowd, Su Han shook his head and chuckled.
"I thought elders were at least respectable individuals. I didn't expect there to be trash who claim the title of elder. Their strength is lacking, but with such little power, they still bully the weak? Heh, this is hilarious!"
As soon as he spoke.
The already quiet crowd turned their heads in unison towards Su Han.
Someone dared to disrespect the Enforcement Elder!
How audacious were they to utter such insolent words!
"Is this kid crazy? Daring to speak to Elder Song like that. If I remember correctly, this guy was with Ye Chen just now, right? Could he be a guest elder of the Ye family?"
"A guest elder of the Ye family? Heh, he's bringing great disaster upon the Ye family this time. What could have been settled with 3 billion, but with this kid's involvement, this matter will be difficult to resolve!"
"I knew my eyelids were twitching earlier, turns out something big was about to happen!"
"Heh, now we have a good show to watch!"
The crowd murmured. Although they disdained the Song family's actions, in the ancient martial arts circle, strength was paramount. Without strength, one had no right to talk about anything else. Clearly, everyone felt that Su Han was jumping too high, daring to provoke an elder!
Moreover, many knew that Elder Song was quite strong among the elders. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been appointed to the Enforcement Hall and become one of the Enforcement Elders.
Some speculated that Elder Song possessed over seven thousand years of cultivation!
Coupled with his extremely rich and cunning combat experience, he was insidious and vicious. Most elders would be defeated by him within a few moves, let alone young contestants. Elder Song was more than capable of handling them.
Just the sheer viciousness alone was enough for young contestants to face dire consequences!
In the blink of an eye.
After speaking, Su Han immediately stepped forward and stood beside Ye Chen!
"Su Han, why do you have to do this? Elder Song is the Enforcement Elder, and the Song family is a top-tier influential clan. If we can't handle it, let's just pay the 3 billion. Otherwise, it might affect your competition this time..." Ye Chen said.
After all, the Song family had strong connections. If Su Han were to get into a fight with someone later and a biased call was made, it would be disastrous.
This had happened before, and it was better to be safe than sorry!
But at this moment.
Su Han waved his hand and chuckled, "Don't worry about this. I won't give them a chance to touch me when I fight in the ring, heh."
With that, Su Han looked directly at Elder Song and chuckled, "I heard that any elder who is defeated in a challenge must immediately yield their position to the challenger. Is there such a rule?"
Upon hearing this.
Ye Chen's eyes widened. He never expected Su Han to dare challenge Elder Song. Elder Song was rumored to be the most insidious old fox, and anyone who fought him would either die or be severely injured! He showed no mercy even to younger generations!
"Su Han, no..."
However, before Ye Chen could persuade him further, Elder Song on the opposite side let out a hearty laugh!
"Hmph, excellent! It's been a long time since anyone dared to challenge this elder. I almost forgot about this rule in the ancient martial arts circle. Ye Chen, Ye Chen, this must be a reckless youth your family has brought in, challenging an elder. If the challenge is successful, you can take the elder's position, but what if you fail? Didn't you tell this kid the consequences?"
Ye Chen was completely bewildered!
If one failed to challenge an elder, they would have to undergo "three cuts and six holes"!
This meant enduring three sword wounds, with each sword piercing through. Such a punishment was undoubtedly severe and was the source of the elders' authority!
Ye Chen immediately stepped forward to persuade Su Han, "Su Han, are you crazy? Elders are not to be challenged lightly. Let's just endure it today and pay the 3 billion. Don't take such a risk!"