Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 185 One punch defeats, sword points at Zhennan Marquis!

Li Wudao remained calm, standing still, and then struck back with a punch of his own.

Two fists collided.

A muffled "bang" was heard.

The two figures, one old and one young, froze for a moment, remaining still in each other's presence.

"Click——"

Suddenly, the floor tiles beneath Shen Huaimin's feet cracked inch by inch, the cracks spreading outwards, and he staggered backward uncontrollably.

A few dozen steps away, he managed to steady himself, his breathing heavy, his face becoming unusually solemn.

Although that punch was meant to test, I still used 70% of my strength. I didn't expect it to be knocked back by a teenager, which was beyond my expectations.

"this........."

Suddenly, Shen Huaimin's eyes flickered as he noticed that Li Wudao was still standing there, motionless, calmly watching him.

Even the floor tiles beneath its feet were completely undamaged!

In an instant, Shen Huaimin was moved, and disbelief flashed before his eyes.

Such delicate control over power is something he could only achieve when facing a martial artist of a lower realm.

But now, Li Wudao's cultivation level is clearly lower than his.

Yet it displayed a suppressive power that should only exist at the peak of Martial King or even at perfection, how could it not be surprising?

Only then did he realize why his grandson had asked him to go all out—it was unnecessary.

"The old Duke Shen was repelled? How is that possible...?"

"Could it be that the old Duke was holding back? Otherwise, no matter what, he shouldn't have been at a disadvantage in one strike."

"Exactly, what good can a mere kid do, even if he's a genius?"

Many soldiers who knew Shen Huaimin's strength were dumbfounded and could not believe what they were seeing.

"........"

Shen Ming stood bewildered in the wind, his mind filled with complex emotions.

He vaguely guessed that Li Wudao would win, but he didn't expect the gap to be so large.

"Wow, he repelled the old man in one move. This young man is quite skilled!"

"Impressive. This young man's control over power is almost unparalleled. I never imagined that such a small place could nurture such a genius..."

Above the Imperial Treasure Pavilion, on the deck of the flying boat, came the exclamations of the man with the iron tower and the thin young man.

"I was not disappointed."

A slight smile appeared on the handsome young man's lips, and a strong fighting spirit surged deep in his eyes.

.......

The young are truly formidable! "

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Shen Huaimin stepped forward with a sigh, his eyes filled with deep amazement as he looked at Li Wudao.

"Grandpa, should we continue?"

Li Wudao raised an eyebrow.

Shen Huaimin shook his head, took a deep breath, and said with a bitter self-deprecating laugh, "No need. I'm no match for you. I'm an old man, and I don't want to be torn apart..."

After their brief exchange, he was quite certain that the young man before him was far stronger than him.

If they really fought, he would inevitably be the loser, and he would certainly get injured. He didn't want to suffer such a hardship for nothing.

"I concede defeat and, as agreed, withdraw my troops. I will no longer make things difficult for you."

Shen Huaimin said solemnly.

Without hesitation, he turned around, mounted his horse, and prepared to leave.

"Huh? Father, we're just leaving like this?"

Still completely unaware of what was happening, Shen Hong scratched his head in bewilderment, feeling that the situation was developing inexplicably.

The 100,000 Imperial Guards present were also puzzled, and some even developed rebellious feelings, complaining quietly.

"I don't understand. It was just one move, and the old Duke hastily admitted defeat. That's far too hasty..."

"Even if the old Duke is no match for that young man, our 100,000 Imperial Guards are not just for show. Has the Duke become senile?"

"If word gets out of here today, our Imperial Guards will have lost face big time."

.........

However, no matter how unhappy the soldiers were, they dared not disobey orders and retreated slowly into the distance of the street with long faces.

Upon seeing this, the Minister of War and the Marquis of Zhennan immediately became anxious.

"Old Duke, you can't leave!"

Miao Mingda jogged after him.

His bulky body jiggled with each run, his face flushed from exhaustion, and he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, quickly saying:

"His Majesty has given a direct order for you to capture that brat. Your actions are tantamount to disobeying an imperial decree, and His Majesty will punish you accordingly..."

On his warhorse, Shen Huaimin stopped, turned his head, and coldly interrupted:

"I will explain things to His Majesty myself. It is not my place for a mere Minister of War to point fingers at me!"

Having said that, he snorted coldly and spurred his horse forward.

"No way, even the old Duke isn't a match for my cousin?!"

Even though she had already witnessed Li Wudao's incredible power, Li Nanzhi couldn't help but be surprised. Her big eyes blinked, and her delicate face looked a little dazed.

This man is a household name as a military genius. Even his father had to treat him with utmost respect and dared not be disrespectful.

Her younger cousin, who was even younger than her, actually defeated this god-like military expert and even made him admit defeat. All of this made her feel like she was in a dream.

"My lord, the situation is very unfavorable for us. What should we do next?"

After being reprimanded by Shen Huaimin, Miao Mingda looked pale and cast a questioning glance at Meng Zhenhu, his mind in turmoil.

The latter remained silent, watching the vast army depart, realizing that the situation was hopeless.

Then, he glanced discreetly at the tall, outstanding young man with a high ponytail in the center of the field, his eyes flashing with resentment and unwillingness.

"At this point, we have no choice but to retreat for now and make further plans."

Meng Zhenhu's expression was unpredictable.

He never expected that even the greatest military genius of the Great Yu Dynasty would be defeated by Li Wudao.

What surprised him even more was that Shen Huaimin actually kept his promise and casually led the 100,000 Imperial Guards back the way they came.

He couldn't understand why all of this was happening.

He didn't believe that an old man like Shen Huaimin, who had earned such a formidable reputation, would really risk losing face or even defying the imperial decree for a mere verbal agreement.

"This place is not safe to stay any longer; let's leave first."

Unable to come up with a solution after much deliberation, Meng Zhenhu suppressed his many guesses and decided to follow the army away first.

However, the two had only taken a few steps when a cold, clear voice reached their ears:

"Where are you two going in such a hurry?"

Li Wudao unknowingly blocked their path, looking at them with a smile.

But to Meng Zhenhu and Miao Mingda, two high-ranking figures who had long held important positions, that smile was somewhat chilling and sent shivers down their spines.

"Li Wudao, what are you trying to do?"

Miao Mingda turned pale with fright and said in a fierce but weak voice, "I am the Minister of War of the current dynasty. You'd better think carefully."

"I've already beheaded the prince, why would I care about a mere minister like you?"

Li Wudao chuckled and shook his head, then suddenly slapped Miao Mingda on the head.

"what!!!"

The next instant, a heart-wrenching scream was heard. Miao Mingda, his head stained with blood, collapsed to the ground, dying instantly!

The 100,000 imperial guards had not gone far when they heard the screams and instinctively stopped to watch.

When they saw the deceased's appearance, they couldn't help but show their horror.

"Minister Miao... is dead?!"

"First he beheaded the Second Prince, and now even the Minister of War has fallen victim to his cruelty. This kid is truly lawless!"

"How hateful! If we weren't under the orders of the late Duke Shen, would we have let this brat run rampant?"

Several military officers couldn't help but frown, suppressing their anger.

In their view, no matter how strong Li Wudao was, he was still just one person. Two fists can't fight four hands. Faced with the crushing force of 100,000 Imperial Guards, he would be defeated in no time.

Witnessing Miao Mingda die before his eyes, Meng Zhenhu, the usually calm and collected Marquis with his iron-fisted methods, finally panicked!

"Young man, let's talk this out. There's no grudge between us that can't be resolved."

He was tense, as if facing a formidable enemy, and said in a deep voice:

"Leave a way out for others so you can meet again in the future. I, Meng Zhenhu, sincerely apologize to you here. Let's wipe the slate clean of our grievances, shall we?"

As he spoke, his expression became solemn, and he bowed deeply.

"Back then, you and your son were vehemently opposed to killing me, wishing you could tear me apart..."

Li Wudao paused slightly, then smiled contemptuously: "You think you can get away with this with just a few words? There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

Meng Zhenhu's expression changed, suppressing his anger, and he said, "Then what do you want?"