SMACK!
A sharp, deafening slap echoed like a thunderclap across the courtyard.
Gu Chen's eyes widened in absolute shock as the sheer force of the blow sent him flying backward.
His boots slammed into the stone path in a desperate attempt to stop himself from smashing into the wall of the courtyard, as it shattered the white marble and carved deep, jagged trenches into the earth before he tumbled through the dust.
He coughed up blood, as his pristine white robes were covered in his own blood and dust.
"Ughh!" Groaning, Gu Chen pushed himself up with great difficulty, his legs trembling slightly from the overwhelming pressure of an Origin Realm strike.
As he finally straightened up, a bright red blistering handprint rapidly welled up on his otherwise flawless cheek.
"Matriarch?!" Gu Chen gasped, holding his stinging face, completely stunned.
As the dust settled, the scene was finally revealed, and Madam Li stood directly between Gu Chen and Gu Fan.
