《The Ultimate All-Rounder》


 Chapter 1

    Xia Tian laid on the bed, feeling as if he were in a dream. It was a beautiful dream; a nurse stood before him, and underneath the nurse¡¯s white coat was a green, short-sleeved shirt, and white pants.


    This was without a doubt a beautiful dream to a boy like Xia Tian.


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re awake.¡± The nurse was scouring the medical instruments when she turned and noticed Xia Tian looking back at her. Xia Tian¡¯s piercing gaze made her feel vulnerable.


    Xia Tian, caught in his dream, was speechless. Instead, he continued to admire the beautiful sight before him.


    Feeling uneasy, the nurse hastily stumbled out of the room, shouting, ¡°Doctor Li, Doctor Li! The patient in the ICU is awake.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving? Don¡¯t go.¡± Xia Tian sat up. It was then that he was overcome with gruesome pain.


    What was going on? Xia Tian lowered his gaze. He was covered in bandages and stitched-up wounds, and his body was cut and bruised. One of his arms was hooked up to an IV.


    ¡®Ouch! That hurts! If I¡¯m not dreaming right now, what was that before? How was I able to see through that nurse¡¯s clothing?¡¯ Just as Xia Tian was wrapped in his thoughts, a man and a woman walked in through the door. They were dressed in short sleeves, and their white coats were missing. Xia Tian could not believe his eyes, and closed them for a short time before reopening them again. Their white coats appeared.


    ¡®Maybe this is an illusion?¡¯ Xia Tian wanted to find out whether he was in a dream and just then, the earlier scene was reenacted¡ª the white coats vanished.


    ¡®It¡¯s real.¡¯ A fit of dizziness overwhelmed him before Xia Tian could immerse himself in this pleasant surprise.


    ¡°Who told you to get up? Your stitches haven¡¯t been removed so you mustn¡¯t move about.¡± Doctor Li looked at Xia Tian unhappily. He was a resident doctor of the hospital and knew the patient in this room was no ordinary person. The hospital administration had been instructed to take extra care of this patient.


    Xia Tian recalled the reason he was here. His girlfriend broke up with him just days before the National College Entrance Examination 1 . With his mind in turmoil, Xia Tian had wanted to take a stroll when he saw a little girl in the middle of the street. A minivan had appeared, but Xia Tian managed to push the little girl away in the nick of the time. He, however, was sent flying. His injuries were caused by the resulting road rash.


    However, why did he suddenly possess such ability? He knew his eyes were not playing tricks on him; an average hot-blooded man would never forget what he had just seen, and it was as though he had some kind of X-ray vision, allowing him to see through the nurse¡¯s coat. This ability, however, could not be in constant use; the dizzy spell he experienced earlier had to be a side effect of the X-ray vision.


    ¡°Young man?¡±


    Xia Tian gave no reaction despite Doctor Li¡¯s efforts to call his attention, leaving Doctor Li¡¯s expression growing grave. The situation did not look good for Xia Tian. He would have been long gone if his injuries were in his vital areas.


    Xia Tian¡¯s injuries might have already been taken care of but it would put the doctor in a tight spot if he had suffered brain damage. The higher-ups of the hospital had made clear that he had to recover.


    ¡°We still can¡¯t contact his family?¡± Doctor Li frowned. Although money was not an issue as the bill had already been paid for, Doctor Li wanted to ask the patient¡¯s family if there was any existing medical history that could give light to why he acted like a dummy upon regaining consciousness.


    ¡°His mobile phone was smashed to pieces and his SIM card is missing. The businesses around have also been questioned, but nobody knows him.¡± The nurse shook her head.


    ¡°Dress his wounds. I¡¯m going to give Director Ceng a call.¡± Doctor Li left the room, in need to explain the situation. The person Xia Tian rescued was no ordinary person; she was the daughter of Jianghai City¡¯s most famous career woman, Ceng Rou.


    The nurse gently laid Xia Tian flat and cautiously redressed his wounds. With his stitches freshly removed, sudden movements could add to his injury.


    Xia Tian stared in a daze without saying a word but his eyes were fixated on the nurse.


    Everything in plain sight shifted before his eyes. Using just his will, he could see through the nurse¡¯s coat, and anything beneath that flashed before him.


    The nurse left the room after taking care of Xia Tian¡¯s bandages, feeling terrified of Xia Tian¡¯s gaze. Xia Tian stared blankly for a long time before reverting to his normal self.


    He could now confirm that he possessed a supernatural ability; Insight 1 .


    ¡®No, the NCEE¡¯s just around the corner. I can¡¯t stay here for too long.¡¯ Xia Tian did not want to delay his exam or it would be another year before he could enter college.


    ¡®How long have I been here? My cousin sister must be worried sick.¡¯ Xia Tian did not know how long he had been in the hospital. He never knew his mother, and his father died when he was fourteen. From then on, he grew up in his aunt¡¯s home. His cousin sister bought a house near her school when she went to college, and as his aunt was concerned about his cousin sister¡¯s safety, she had him stay with his cousin sister.


    Although he rarely returned to that house, he would still make a few trips there each month. The place was far from his school, explaining his merely occasional visits.


    Lifting his gaze, he caught a glimpse of the calendar on the wall. It was less than two weeks until the NCEE.


    ¡®No, I have to leave quickly or I¡¯ll miss the exam. Father had always hoped that I would study well and make it to college. I can¡¯t fail him.¡¯ Xia Tian tried moving his body. Rather than being in a rush, he slowly inched his way this time to prevent reopening his wounds.


    ¡°What are you doing? Lie down.¡± There was a surveillance camera in Xia Tian¡¯s room. The nurse immediately ran in to stop him.


    The nurse had exceedingly good looks. She did not have any makeup on, and yet she looked more beautiful than a celebrity. Xia Tian could not help but ogle at her.


    ¡°I want to be discharged. I don¡¯t have any money to pay you.¡± Although Xia Tian¡¯s aunt was well to do, he never asked a penny from her. He paid his school fees from the money left behind by his father while his monthly expenditures came from taking odd jobs.


    ¡°Your hospital fees have already been paid for. It¡¯s better for you to lie down. You haven¡¯t recovered from your wounds, that will take at least a few months.¡± Although the nurse was uncomfortable with Xia Tian¡¯s glares, she was still a nurse and Xia Tian¡¯s full time caretaker. She had to nurse Xia Tian back to health.


    ¡°A few months?¡± Xia Tian did not have a few months. ¡°No, there are only two weeks before my NCEE. I can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±


    ¡°NCEE?¡± The nurse paused. She heard a few things about Xia Tian. Xia Tian was wounded from rescuing the daughter of Jianghai City¡¯s No. 1 career woman, Ceng Rou. This young man¡¯s brave act of saving Ceng Rou¡¯s daughter would naturally be rewarded. Ceng Rou would definitely pay her due with a large sum of cash and with the money, he could enter any college that he liked.


    ¡°Where are my clothes? I want to be discharged.¡± Xia Tian was adamant. He did not want to have to miss the examination that he had been studying hard for, for he had promised his father he would be attending college. This was despite unemployment being incredibly high for college graduates, so much that it could be said that unemployment was guaranteed for graduates. Still, it was his father¡¯s wish for him to attend college by his own effort.


    Growing up, his father has always been strict with him. Even though he was not proficient in the four arts of Chinese scholars (TN: zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting), he had dabbled his hand in all of them, including the eight trigrams, five elements, and the Book of Changes.


    ¡°We threw them out. You can¡¯t be discharged now.¡± The nurse stiffened her back in a gesture of determination.


    ¡°Uh!¡± Xia Tian was at a loss. ¡°It¡¯s black.¡±


    Hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words, the nurse was initially puzzled but she quickly came to her senses. Xia Tian was talking about the color of her inner garments. The color was correct, too.


    She quickly checked on her clothing but found nothing amiss.


    ¡°Ah!¡± The nurse swiftly covered herself. Sure, there was nothing wrong with her clothing but she felt the need to cover herself.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Doctor Li happened to be walking through the door when he heard the nurse scream. His attention immediately turned to Xia Tian for getting out of the bed. ¡°Who told you to get up again? You need rest.¡±


    ¡°Doctor, I want to be discharged,¡± Xia Tian firmly said to Doctor Li.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not well. You can¡¯t be discharged.¡± Doctor Li could not possibly allow Xia Tian to leave. Director Ceng had specifically requested Xia Tian to be treated, and he would be at a loss explaining to Director Ceng if Xia Tian were to leave.


    ¡°I will be discharged. Are you putting me under house arrest?¡± Xia Tian took tiny paces towards the door. Since he was injured, he dared not make any drastic movements.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean it that way. You¡¯re still recovering, you might regret it later in life if it worsens,¡± Doctor Li quickly explained.


    ¡°I know my body best. Although my wounds haven¡¯t healed completely, it¡¯s getting better. I can just rest at home for a few days.¡± Xia Tian wanted to return to his studies. This X-ray vision of his threw him off as well. He needed to go home to look into it.


    Xia Tian¡¯s adamant attitude left Doctor Li to hesitate for a moment. This was the hospital so nothing could keep Xia Tian from leaving.


    ¡°Alright then. Please wait, let me give Director Ceng a call,¡± Doctor Li whipped out his phone, just as the door to Xia Tian¡¯s room was pushed open. A beautiful lady walked right in.


    .

 Chapter 2

    Absolutely stunning; that was the first thought that came into Xia Tian¡¯s mind. He was not fond of women with makeup, but this woman had not overdone it, and yet she was able to bring out the best of her beauty. A rose might have beauty but its grace could not be brought out without its leaves.


    All those beauties in drama series paled in comparison to her.


    Her charm was definitely on another level and she had the figure to match. She was different from the nurse. The nurse¡¯s outfit hid her figure but this woman knew how to dress to showcase her body.


    The makeup and clothing were merely props to compliment her.


    It was not just Xia Tian, even Doctor Li¡¯s eyes fastened on her but he quickly regained his cool and lowered his head, afraid to look further. ¡°Mrs. Ceng, you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor Li.¡± Mrs. Ceng¡¯s voice was oriole-like, it was like her voice could very well linger in one¡¯s soul.


    ¡°Mrs. Ceng, you¡¯re here just in time. This young man wishes to be discharged and won¡¯t listen to my advice. I was about to give Director Ceng a call.¡± Doctor Li dared not lift his head. He knew he could not gaze at her beauty. They were not of the same class, after all.


    Mrs. Ceng was a legendary figure. She entered the trade at the age of eighteen, expanding the Ceng family business. She was married at twenty-five but her husband died less than two weeks after. Now at thirty, she was at the top of her field in Jianghai City.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t recovered, why do you want to be discharged?¡± Ceng Rou stared at Xia Tian, baffled.


    ¡°I have things to take care of and I need to take the NCEE. That¡¯s two weeks from now.¡± Xia Tian did not use his Insight on Mrs. Ceng. Her current apparel was already too much for him to handle.


    ¡°The NCEE? Don¡¯t bother, just take your rest. Once you¡¯re okay, I¡¯ll arrange for you to enter the best college and provide you a sum of money, as a gesture to thank you,¡± Ceng Rou expressionlessly uttered. She was no saint. On the contrary, she could be considered a bad person, or it would have been impossible for her to set foot in the business world. She believed everything had a price, and she would be grateful for Xia Tian saving her daughter by providing him the best healthcare, and later, a sum of cash.


    Xia Tian despised people throwing money at his face the most, even his girlfriend left him because of money.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s expression turned cold. He may be poor, but he would never take someone¡¯s money. He rescued the girl out of his free will, regardless of her identity.


    This was the teaching his father enforced in him. His father once told him to never bully the weak nor submit to the strong. If he wanted to be a bully, he should go bully the strong.


    The people present in the room were bewildered by Xia Tian¡¯s response. This would be considered a godsend for anyone else.


    ¡°A million.¡± Ceng Rou too saw the change in Xia Tian but she did not believe in a world where there were people who were not in love with money. She had seen one too many of these gentlemen and these gentlemen left her disappointed in the end. They were only so-called gentlemen because the price was not right.


    ¡°Humph!¡± Xia Tian coldly snorted and turned away. He continued making way towards the door. Although he was not fast, he was not slow either.


    ¡°Two million.¡± Ceng Rou raised her price. Her face did not reveal any sentiment.


    Xia Tian refused to speak this time as he made it to the door.


    ¡°Five million.¡± Ceng Rou immediately raised the price to five million, and just then, Xia Tian stopped in his tracks and turned back.


    Seeing Xia Tian, Ceng Rou expression betrayed her disdain. The nurse and Doctor Li nodded. No one could refuse Ceng Rou¡¯s price.


    ¡°I will have someone send the money over and arrange the best university for you in Jianghai,¡± Ceng Rou replied with confidence. Xia Tian¡¯s pride was only an act to raise his price.


    Xia Tian moved step by step towards Ceng Rou and turned his head towards the nurse when he reached her. ¡°Can you lend me a hundred? I will return you the money.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± The nurse was stunned but quickly forked out a hundred yuan note.


    ¡°Thank you, my name is Xia Tian.¡± Xia Tian smiled at the nurse before turning to leave the room. The three left in the room were gobsmacked, including the gorgeous Ceng Rou. She had only managed to predict the beginning of that episode.


    The moment Xia Tian turned back, Ceng Rou thought she had it in the bag, but now she felt that she had lost.


    Xia Tian had turned back not because of the five million, but to borrow a hundred from the nurse. Ceng Rou¡¯s face turned red and soon afterwards, she left the room. It was her first encounter with someone like Xia Tian.


    ¡°What an odd fellow,¡± The nurse muttered to herself.


    Xia Tian waved down a cab after leaving the hospital and headed towards his cousin sister¡¯s place. As he was wounded, he could not stay at his workplace, so he had to return to his cousin sister¡¯s home.


    Xia Tian¡¯s aunt was quite loaded. The house was bought by her for his cousin sister and him, and it was luxuriously decorated and equipped with various facilities. This was also the reason why Xia Tian did not like returning. He did not feel like he belonged there.


    Although he only earned a little over a thousand bucks every month, it was his own hard-earned cash so he could spend without worry.


    Back home, his cousin sister had yet to return. Luckily the door was opened with a password or he would not be able to get in. He changed his clothes without opening his cabinet, for the clothes in there were mostly branded and were bought by his cousin sister, but he never wore them. The few clothes that hung beneath were bought by him. The most expensive one was only about a hundred bucks but he felt grounded in them.


    He opened a drawer, and in it was a tiny box. Inside the box was a blue necklace, which when placed in the palm of his hands emitted a sky blue glow. It was his father¡¯s.


    ¡± Tian¡¯er 1 , if one day you¡¯re met with danger or are severely wounded, put this on. This was left by your mother for you.¡±


    These were the words from his father when he received the necklace. His father had also told him that he was only to wear it only under special circumstances, and it was best if he did not. The last item left behind by his mother was better in safekeeping.


    ¡°Father, I will wear it today.¡± Xia Tian placed the necklace over his neck. At the sparkle of the necklace¡¯s brilliance, Xia Tian lost consciousness. When he had come to, it was already dark. He realized that the wounds on his body had disappeared.


    Everything felt like a dream but he quickly realized something important. The glow on the necklace was gone. It was now dark blue, and Xia Tian, meanwhile, looked like he had shed some skin. He rubbed away a piece of skin on his injury to realise it was gone.


    Xia Tian continued to check on the other injuries on his body, and they were all missing. The bruises and swells in other areas were all better as well.


    ¡®I¡¯ve only heard of snakes shedding their skin. Why am I doing that? I guess I¡¯ll take a bath before thinking over this.¡¯ Li Yi was feeling icky over the shedding of skin so he headed straight to his bathroom.


    Just then, the bathroom door swung open and out came a beautiful girl. This beautiful girl with a towel wrapped around her almost bumped into Xia Tian.


    ¡°Ah!!¡± Came a loud shriek.


    ¡°What? What?¡± Xia Tian¡¯s cousin sister sprung out of her room and realized what had happened the moment she saw the two.


    ¡°Alright, Bingxin, you can stop your yelling. He¡¯s my cousin brother.¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian, when did you return? I¡¯ve been home all day but I didn¡¯t see you come in.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s cousin sister was called Ye Qingxue. She took large strides towards the girl named Bingxin.


    ¡°Home all day?¡± Xia Tian paused before looking at the date on the wall. He had passed out for two days.


    Then all this was not a dream. He did save a little girl and had ended up injured in a hospital. The girl¡¯s mother tried to give him five million, which he did not accept, and even more important than that was his Insight and the blue necklace.


    With that in mind, his Insight was activated.


    ¡°Winnie the Pooh.¡± Bingxin¡¯s underwear was in full display to Xia Tian. He believed his eyes were not playing tricks on him.


    The girls¡¯ expression changed at Xia Tian¡¯s words.


    ¡°Xia Tian, you peeping tom! I¡¯m going to beat you up.¡± Ye Qingxue rolled up her sleeves to punch Xia Tian, but to his surprise, her movements were super slow. His eyes were focused on his cousin sister¡¯s forearm. A prompt entered his mind¡¯s eye, as if to tell him hitting that point would disarm his cousin.


    Of course, he was not going to do that. Instead, he sprinted into the bathroom.


    This sort of thing was inexplicable. He knew he was right. If he were to tell his cousin sister he only guessed it, his cousin sister would not believe him. However, if he were to tell his cousin sister about his vision, she would broadcast it to the world.


    If that happened, he would be caught and end up a lab rat.


    After entering the bathroom, Xia Tian stared at his necklace. The glow on the necklace had disappeared completely. The necklace would glimmer in its sky blue radiance when he used to pick it up before, but try as he might now, the blue glow was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡®Could it be related to my injury?¡¯ Xia Tian was swiftly aware that he had cuts and bruises but after putting on the necklace, both his injuries and the glow on the necklace vanished.


    ¡®My father must be talking about this. This necklace healed my wounds.¡¯ Xia Tian tightened his grasp on the necklace.

 Chapter 3

    Xia Tian felt refreshed after a good night¡¯s rest. It was only six in the morning so he planned to jog for a while before heading to school. He changed into some loose sportswear before taking the stairs down.


    His cousin sister and her friend were still sound asleep next door.


    Xia Tian¡¯s body felt lighter and stronger after being healed by the necklace. It used to be a struggle to do twenty push-ups but he was nowhere near fatigued doing a hundred this morning.


    Arriving in a nearby park, Xia Tian did a few simple exercises and was surprised to complete it all with ease.


    He then noticed an elderly man staring at him from afar.


    The elderly man smiled and nodded when their eyes met. Xia Tian nodded back before returning to his exercise.


    ¡°Young man, you have a good physique. Were you in the army?¡± The elderly came over to ask Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never joined the army. I¡¯m only nineteen,¡± Xia Tian explained without stopping to take a break.


    ¡°You have great stamina without army training, that¡¯s not easy to do.¡± The elderly man nodded in admirance before proceeding to do some tai chi beside him.


    ¡°Young man, would you be interested in sparring with me?¡± The elderly man suddenly asked.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best that we don¡¯t.¡± With the increased strength of his body, he might harm the elderly man if he were to engage in combat with the old man.


    ¡°What? Afraid you¡¯re going to hurt me?¡± The elderly man smiled. He kicked a stone block with his right foot, causing it to slide for five or six meters before stopping.


    Xia Tian was blown away by the old man. That stone block was likely a hundred pounds or more and yet this elderly man managed to kick it away with a light punt. This could not be achieved by an ordinary man.


    He had heard of martial arts masters, but believed they were just made-up stories as time went by. However, this old man here was definitely a martial arts master.


    As a matter of fact, this was not unusual. He could see through walls with his eyes so nothing was impossible!


    Xia Tian never engaged in combat with anyone, nor had he ever gotten in a fight. Now that he came across a martial arts master in the flesh, he was itching to try his hand.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be in your guidance.¡± Xia Tian responded respectably.


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re keeping a level head. That¡¯s rare to see.¡± The old man nodded with admiration before assuming a fighting stance.


    Xia Tian was not proficient in martial arts so he immediately swung a punch instead. The old man stood still and pressed two palms forward to counter, hurling Xia Tian aside. Xia Tian did not think he could be easily thrown away but quickly did a backflip and landed on both his feet, following his improved physique


    ¡°Good move,¡± The old man happily complimented.


    Xia Tian no longer dared to underestimate this elderly man. He did not move an inch yet was able to defuse Xia Tian¡¯s attack.


    This time, Xia Tian faked a high jab before swinging below. Xia Tian¡¯s movement did not elude the elderly man¡¯s eyes as he lifted his right leg to neutralize Xia Tian¡¯s leg sweep. At the same time, the elderly man held out his right hand to grab Xia Tian¡¯s arm up and tossed Xia Tian¡¯s body back.


    ¡°That was good.¡± Xia Tian tumbled to the ground and stabilized his body with his right hand. ¡®It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t have any weak spots. He¡¯s able to dissolve my attacks from anywhere.¡¯


    It was then Xia Tian activated his Insight. Countless paths appeared in his mind and these paths seemed to be attack paths for the old man. Xia Tian was pleased to see these attack paths and threw a punch, prompting the old man to retreat in a huff. Xia Tian¡¯s punch seemed to have found his blind spot.


    Another few attack paths appeared in Xia Tian¡¯s mind. There were not many weaknesses if the old man held still but once he was on the move, the flaws presented themselves.


    Xia Tian took the chance and attacked the old man. The string of attacks left the old man blind-sided. The elderly man constantly felt he was in danger.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fighting, not fighting anymore.¡± The elderly hurriedly raised the white flag, stirring Xia Tian to retrieve his fists.


    Xia Tian felt refreshed. It was simply invigorating to have an exchange with the old man. Although he was not proficient in martial arts, his Insight helped him find the old man¡¯s weakness through his seemingly impenetrable defense.


    As a result, the elderly man was left appalled. He knew his tai chi very well and though he was no martial arts expert, ordinary men could not come close. He would not faze against the attack of three or four retired soldiers.


    He could tell this young man knew nothing of martial arts yet was able to overcome his tai chi.


    ¡°Brother, what is your name?¡± The old man asked.


    ¡°My name is Xia Tian,¡± came the answer.


    ¡°Xia Tian, great. You can call me Old Fan. Can you tell me how you saw through my tai chi?¡± Old Fan was curious. Xia Tian started off like an ordinary person, unable to deal with him but in the end, he managed to see through all the weaknesses.


    ¡°I lucked out by chance. I won¡¯t be able to get one hit if I were to fight you again.¡± Of course Xia Tian was not going to reveal that his Insight saw through the blind spots.


    ¡°New talents come forth in each era. You have great character and you respect the elderly, but I know my own strength. Young man, take a stroll along Greenwood Manor if you have the chance and just say you¡¯re there for Old Fan.¡± Old Fan smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡± Xia Tian left the park and had his meal at a nearby breakfast shop. He ordered two breakfast meals to go for his cousin sister and her friend and returned to the residence. Just as he thought, the two had not woken up. He placed the breakfast in the living room before changing clothes and making his way to school.


    Xia Tian was a student at Jianghai High School, the best high school in Jianghai City. Xia Tian entered the school with his own abilities and always placed in the top ten in terms of his grades.


    It was almost time for the NCEE but Xia Tian had not been in school for two weeks, so he had to report to his form teacher. Xia Tian was a model student and after a quick walkthrough, he was let off to class without further difficulties.


    With only twelve days to the NCEE, there were fewer teachers supervising the students. Students would normally self-study or occupy their time with mock exams.


    A girl entered Xia Tian¡¯s class and his line of sight. She was on the class¡¯s learning committee and also his ex-girlfriend, Wenya. Xia Tian could never wrap his mind around why Wenya would want to be with a pampered fop like Xu Shaocong.


    However, this was in the past. Wenya had broken up with him. Wenya too noticed Xia Tian. Ever since they broke up, Xia Tian went missing. Wenya had thought that something happened to Xia Tian, leaving her with terrible guilt, but she was now relieved to see that he was fine.


    Wenya was from a poor family and she thought that she could pull through with Xia Tian for a bright future, but after meeting Xu Shaocong, she realized the use of money. Even if both of them were to struggle all their lives, they earnings could never compare to a year of Xu Shaocong¡¯s lavish spendings.


    She never enjoyed such a lavish life but now that she had gotten a taste of it, she realized it was pointless to study hard, find a good job or strive for success. Xu Shaocong could just arrange a job for her that could earn her at least ten or twenty thousand a month.


    If Wenya were to marry Xu Shaocong, she could live a great life. Her parents would not need to work so hard and her brother could afford to take a wife.


    For this and everything, she chose to leave Xia Tian. Although Xia Tian was good to her and a very able man, he could not give her the life she wanted.


    Wenya was no longer in Xia Tian¡¯s thoughts. He knew they both were on different paths.


    ¡°Wenya, look what I have for you, it¡¯s French breakfast.¡± A boy walked into the class. It was Xu Shaocong. He was holding a bountiful breakfast which he placed on the desk. Xu Shaocong had since noticed Xia Tian¡¯s presence.


    Of course, he knew Xia Tian was Wenya¡¯s former boyfriend. ¡°Oh my, if it isn¡¯t Xia Tian? I heard you¡¯d killed yourself over love.¡±


    ¡°Shaocong, don¡¯t talk about it,¡± Wenya muttered.


    ¡°Hmph, what¡¯s the point of excelling in your studies if you can¡¯t protect your own girlfriend.¡± Xu Shaocong threw a side glance at Xia Tian with disdain.


    ¡°Alright, Shaocong, let¡¯s have our meal. Don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Although Wenya had split up with Xia Tian, she did not want Xia Tian to end up in the bad books of Xu Shaocong because of her.


    ¡°Oh my, Xu Shaocong, you have the balls to be audacious in my class. You must be tired of living.¡± A female delinquent stood at the door. Sha had a rather peculiar taste in clothing, almost oozing a gangster vibe.


    This girl was called Huo Lajiao. Xia Tian was puzzled, was the surname Huo in the Hundred Family Surnames 1 ? He had always steered clear of Huo Lajiao. It was just him but the entire school that walked the other way in her presence. It was said that she had a complicated family background and was involved in the underworld. The few who dared defy her in the past were no longer found in school.


    ¡°Huo Lajiao, mind your own business.¡± Xu Shaocong was not about to lose face in front of Wenya. Although he dared not provoke Huo Lajiao, he could not afford to be a wimp.


    ¡°What are you going to do if I don¡¯t?¡± Two hot chicks appeared behind Huo Lajiao. The trio took stride to Xia Tian¡¯s side. Carrying herself in an aloof manner, Huo Lajiao really embodied the essence of a lady boss.


    ¡°Hey, you stepped on my foot.¡± Xia Tian looked at Huo Lajiao.

 Chapter 4

    Realizing her left foot was on Xia Tian¡¯s right foot, Huo Lajiao quickly moved her foot away. However, she swiftly came to grasp that she came forward for his sake, but not only did he not appreciate the gesture, he claimed that she had stomped on his foot.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯m helping you out here you know!¡± Huo Lajiao was known for her fiery temper that was easily set ablaze.


    ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Xia Tian tried explaining, attempting to save himself the trouble.


    ¡°Huo Lajiao, this is your territory. Who would have thought that you, the lady boss of Jianghai High School, would be unable to take care of her underling in class,¡± Xu Shaocong stood up. ¡°Lil Ya, I best be heading off or I¡¯ll be holding Sister Huo up from dealing with her household matter.¡±


    ¡°Xu Shaocong, I will finish you off after I¡¯m done here.¡± Huo Lajiao glared at Xu Shaocong before turning to Xia Tian. ¡°They¡¯re right, it¡¯s pointless to bury yourself in books. What¡¯s the use of being good in your studies anyhow? You don¡¯t speak up for yourself when you¡¯re bullied, and you¡¯d even speak to me that way despite me sticking out for you.¡±


    ¡°You have bad breath.¡± Xia Tian frowned and refused to look at Huo Lajiao. He could tell that Huo Lajiao had had stinky tofu earlier.


    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re pissing me off. Do you think I¡¯m not going to hit you?¡± Huo Lajiao gritted her teeth. Although she had been in the same class as Xia Tian for three years, she never spoke to him prior to this.


    She stood up for Xia Tian today, but she never thought he would answer like that, even going so far as telling her she had bad breath.


    ¡°Sister Huo, let me teach this guy a lesson for you.¡± A hot young chick behind Huo Lajiao rolled up her sleeve before striking Xia Tian.


    Huo Lajiao¡¯s two sidekicks might have dressed up in an unconventional manner, but they were not to be trifled with. Although they placed second and third from the last place in their studies, they would not lose a fight against several men together.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Huo Lajiao darted a glance at Xia Tian. ¡°let¡¯s go, someone else will take care of him.¡±


    Xia Tian shook his head. He knew full well what Huo Lajiao was pointing at. Xu Shaocong was out to get him and had his scruples with Huo Lajiao around. Now that Huo Lajiao was out of the picture, Xu Shaocong was not going to let him off the hook.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time for your lesson. We¡¯ll be doing mock trials today.¡± The class teacher walked into class and bumped into Huo Lajiao along with her gang on their way out. The teacher kept mum, however, already having been accustomed to the situation.


    ¡°You two, return to your seats to take the exam or my number one spot will be taken,¡± Huo Lajiao proudly said. She was number one in class, counting backwards that is. She took pride in attaining the number one spot from the back at each examination while her two underlings placed second and third from last.


    ¡°Yes, Sister Huo.¡± The two hot chicks returned to their class but they randomly answered two questions before departing.


    Going through the test paper, the paths appeared in Xia Tian¡¯s mind. The answer then emerged in his head. He knew he was familiar with these questions, yet he was able to answer them instantaneously. His mind reacted faster than he would have if he had bothered applying any calculations.


    He answered all the questions in around thirty minutes and looked through it twice before handing it over.


    ¡°Xia Tian, have you checked your work? Why are you turning it in so early?¡± The class teacher frowned. Surely completing the test this quick meant Xia Tian did not answer it well. ¡°Did you have a good rest? Don¡¯t forget to review your studies. The NCEE is just around the corner, we have high hopes for you.¡±


    ¡°Teacher, I¡¯ve completed the test. Can I try other subjects?¡± Xia Tian wanted to give the rest of the subjects a go to see if it would come to the same effect.


    ¡°You¡¯re done? Wait, let me see.¡± The class teacher grabbed Xia Tian¡¯s test paper and skimmed through it. Noticing there were neither questions left unanswered nor signs of foul play, he handed Xia Tian another test.


    Just as Xia Tian predicted, the same thing appeared in his mind. Without giving it much thought, he raised his pen and swiftly completed all the other tests.


    Xia Tian was out of his school after finishing his papers because his teachers marked his papers and found all his answers to be correct after the class teacher handed over. It was impossible that he cheated, seeing how he managed to complete everything in that short an amount of time.


    As he walked out of the building, Xia Tian was greeted by a familiar face. It was Xu Shaocong. There were another four men behind him. Hefty and beefy-looking, these people were not be messed with.


    ¡°Sister Huo, we¡¯re not going over to help?¡± Huo Lajiao and her two underlings watched the event unfold from afar.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with him. It¡¯s high time that arrogant prick learnt his lesson. We¡¯ll head over once he suffers a little,¡± Huo Lajiao coldly blurted.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I heard you never touched Wenya. Such a shame, it¡¯s such an experience.¡± Xu Shaocong stared into Xia Tian¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°She has nothing to do with me. You can do whatever you please, there¡¯s no need for you to tell me.¡± Xia Tian smiled. He had gotten over it. The love-stricken Xia Tian died in that car accident. The current Xia Tian would no longer wear his heart on his sleeve for Wenya.


    ¡°Although you¡¯re not worthy to vie women with me plus you already lost, I really hate knowing that there¡¯s someone pining for my toy.¡± Xu Shaocong curled his lip, signing the four boys to dart at Xia Tian.


    It was mock trials in school but that did not stop students from watching the fun.


    These people were smart to stay away as most of them had heard of Xu Shaocong. He was a famous figure in Jianghai High School; no one dared to cross paths with him.


    These four boys were tyrants of their individual classes with countless subordinates under them yet they were docile in the presence of Xu Shaocong. After all, Xu Shaocong¡¯s family had powerful connections.


    Xia Tian did not want to cause any trouble but he was not one to back down. He may not have the physique he had had in the past, but he never flinched. Even though he could not defeat those who bullied him, he put up a fight each time.


    The change that came with his body and vision allowed him to face these guys fearlessly.


    An obese fatty threw a punch at Xia Tian, prompting Xia Tian to recall the move Old Fan pulled on him in the park. He pulled his right hand back and stomped with his left foot on his opponent¡¯s limb, throwing fatty to the side.


    He was hurled five meters away before crashing onto the ground. With his body mass heavier than the rest and on a concrete floor at it, it was quite a fall.


    ¡°Hei¡¯zi! Motherf*cker, how dare you hit our brother.¡± Unshaken by Xia Tian, the other three kicked toward their opponent.


    Witnessing the incoming joint attack, Xia Tian closed in and swept under the trio with his right leg before smashing his knuckle onto their chests. It all happened before they knew what was coming.


    This turn of events left Huo Lajiao and her gang flabbergasted.


    ¡°Sister Huo, are my eyes playing tricks on me? That model student can really fight.¡±


    ¡°Hei¡¯zi and the other three are known to be malicious but he ended them all rather quickly.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s a master in the legends. I¡¯ve always fancied myself to be a heroine. If I learn his martial arts, I¡¯ll be able to realize my dream.¡± Huo Lajiao fantasized about the coming of her martial arts chivalry. ¡°You two, come along.¡±


    ¡°So cool. He doesn¡¯t hold back on Xu Shaocong¡¯s men. Who is he?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him before. He¡¯s a model student in school.¡±


    ¡°Impossible. A fighting model student? And a good fighter at it.¡±


    The crowd was bustling with opinions. Xu Shaocong was a prominent personality in Jianghai High School. His four subordinates were coined the Four Guardian Warriors while he was the boss of them all.


    Today, these four were defeated by him alone.


    ¡°Wha-what are you doing?¡± Xu Shaocong lost his cool. He had never met with a situation like this. The Four Guardian Warriors were ruthless in their ways yet were easily tackled by Xia Tian.


    He had pried into Xia Tian¡¯s life. He was only a regular poor student with no connections. Where did a poor student learn to hit like that?


    ¡°What am I doing?¡± Xia Tian smiled and treaded past Xu Shaocong. ¡°Keep an eye on your bowel movements when you get home.¡±


    ¡°Bowel movements? Xia Tian, what game are you playing? I¡¯m warning you, I¡¯m not someone you can toy with. Don¡¯t let me see you the next time or I won¡¯t go easy on you.¡± Xu Shaocong suddenly remembered his familial backing. His earlier fluster was merely a temporary shock that came with Xia Tian¡¯s conduct. He was no longer afraid of Xia Tian. No one would dare cross him in Jianghai High School, apart from Huo Lajiao.


    ¡°Idiot!¡± Xia Tian walked off without turning back.


    ¡°Xia Tian, wait for me.¡± Huo Lajiao hurriedly ran up but Xia Tian did not halt his footsteps.


    ¡°Did you hear me? Stop right there.¡± Huo Lajiao hovered over Xia Tian with a death grip.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even wear underwear.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s Insight saw through Huo Lajiao¡¯s garments and he found that Huo Lajiao was only wearing a camisole inside.


    ¡°Ah, rascal!¡± Huo Lajiao shouted.

 Chapter 5

    Her screams caused everyone to look over. Everyone clearly heard his name, Xia Tian, while Jianghai¡¯s two most famous figures were Huo Lajiao and Xu Shaocong.


    However, Xia Tian defeated the Four Guardian Warriors under Xu Shaocong and even proceeded to molest Huo Lajiao.


    With that, Xia Tian had now gained a considerable reputation in Jianghai High School, especially with the NCEE approaching.


    ¡°Hey, I never touched you. You¡¯re the one who won¡¯t let go of me. If you want to talk about harassment, you¡¯re the one who molested me,¡± Xia Tian helplessly explained to Huo Lajiao. Huo Lajiao was shrewish in nature but he never knew her to be so unreasonable.


    ¡°You do have your point,¡± Huo Lajiao mumbled to herself but steered herself back. ¡°No wait, I won¡¯t let go of you unless you promise to teach me martial arts.¡±


    ¡°Teach you martial arts? Do I look like I know martial arts?¡± Xia Tian wasn¡¯t a martial artist. He just applied the same move Old Fan used on him in the morning.


    ¡°Sure you do. You did it just now. They¡¯re Xu Shaocong¡¯s Four Guardian Warriors but you took them all down in a cinch.¡± Huo Lajiao was enthusiastic upon recalling Xia Tian¡¯s performance.


    On the other end.


    ¡°Old Fan, I¡¯ve investigated his background.¡±


    ¡°Mm, read it out.¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian.


    ¡°Male, nineteen years old. His mother went missing after his birth.


    ¡°His father met with a fatal accident when he was fourteen.


    ¡°He¡¯s now studying at Jianghai High School with exemplary results. Two weeks ago, he saved Jianghai¡¯s Chairwoman Ceng Rou¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s from one of the Four Big Families. He left the hospital without accepting Ceng Rou¡¯s compensation.


    ¡°He¡¯s currently living at his cousin¡¯s place and normally works part-time jobs.¡±


    ¡°Mm, any news on his parents?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t look any further. It¡¯s classified information. His father is A classified while his mother is S classified. We don¡¯t have clearance.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I understand. Any word on Quicksand¡¯s recent activities?¡±


    ¡°Quicksand seems to have noticed him but they won¡¯t haven¡¯t laid a hand on him yet. They seemed to be interested in something but not his life.¡±


    ¡°Things are not calm in Jianghai City, I¡¯ll be leaving this place. You guys stay back and protect Lil Feng and the rest. Kill anyone who comes in their way.¡±


    ¡°You know, young master¡¯s a martial arts master, our men were taught a lesson.¡±


    ¡°Protect him from a distance. Keep an eye on Quicksand. No one dares harm my son, apart from Quicksand in Jianghai City.¡±


    At the same time, in Jianghai City¡¯s No. 1 assassination organization, Quicksand.


    ¡°Lord Cryptobat, when do we strike?¡±


    ¡°Now is not the time. Watch him and strike when you find the hidden scroll.¡± Cryptobat hid his body under his black robe but the dark aura around him was still leaking through. A curled chilliness spread out within this darkness.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Right, keep your eyes on that boy. If anyone else notices him, take care of them as well,¡± Cryptobat¡¯s icy tone withered the potted plant in front of him.


    Xia Tian had no idea that earth-shattering change would be coming about to Jianghai City. He had just straightened things out with Huo Lajiao, and although her arms were no longer wrapped around him, she was still hot on his trail. Fortunately, she chased away her two underlings but she was stuck behind Xia Tian.


    ¡°Master, when will you teach me martial arts?¡± Huo Lajiao hopped behind Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, I¡¯m not your master and I only know that two moves which I will pass down to my wife and children in the future,¡± Xia Tian helplessly said. He tried to dismiss her.


    ¡°Master, please, just take me in,¡± Huo Lajiao put on a pitiful look.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Fahai 1 , why do I need to take you in for?¡± Xia Tian was on the way to purchase a new mobile phone and replace his SIM card. Although he only had a handful of contacts, it would be troublesome if his aunt and cousin sister could not get a hold of him.


    ¡°Master, why don¡¯t you just marry me? You can then pass down your martial arts to me.¡± Huo Lajiao¡¯s mind was stuffed with mastering the ultimate martial art and becoming an unrivaled heroine.


    Xia Tian gave Huo Lajiao the side glance and curled his lips. ¡°You? You don¡¯t have the body nor the looks. I don¡¯t want to marry you.¡±


    Huo Lajiao stared at her chest before glancing at him.


    ¡°Master, you shouldn¡¯t set the bar too high. I¡¯m still a woman, you can make do.¡± Huo Lajiao tugged Xia Tian¡¯s arm and begged.


    ¡°Okay okay, I will teach you the two moves when I find the time.¡± Xia Tian walked towards the commercial hall.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s a scratch-off lottery ticket there, let¡¯s scratch a few,¡± Huo Lajiao excitingly suggested after she spied a scratch-off lottery ticket sign at the commercial hall¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have money, why do you want to scratch it for?¡± Xia Tian frowned. He was in the dark about Huo Lajiao¡¯s true identity but he had heard a few rumors about Huo Lajiao.


    It was said that Huo Lajiao came from a rich family and had ties to the underworld. She was extravagant with money and did not seem like someone who needed the cash.


    ¡°I like the thrill and excitement of it.¡± Huo Lajiao pulled Xia Tian into the scratch-off lottery ticket site.


    ¡®Oh, right, I can attempt to see if my Insight can penetrate the scratch-off.¡¯ An idea popped into Xia Tian¡¯s head. So far, he had only used his Insight on peeping and fights. He had not given it a shot on other items.


    ¡°Boss, hand me a few tickets.¡± Bubbling with excitement, Huo Lajiao started scratching off a few tickets but did not strike anything.


    ¡°Just my luck,¡± Huo Lajiao grumbled. It was then Xia Tian asked for three tickets.


    ¡°Master, I thought you weren¡¯t going to play?¡± Baffled, Huo Lajiao stared at Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian did not respond but instead scratched the first ticket. It was a miss. He then scratched another piece, still a miss.


    ¡°Scratch-off lottery ticket isn¡¯t played like this. You two are just scratching at random, of course you won¡¯t win anything,¡± A person standing beside Xia Tian scoffed. That same person was also scratching but he chose a match-and-win type of lottery.


    ¡°You¡¯re only a young child yet you¡¯re already looking to hit the jackpot. You¡¯re spending your money in vain,¡± The person taunted.


    ¡°How dare you speak to me that way.¡± Huo Lajiao was about to erupt when she saw the prize on Xia Tian¡¯s third ticket.


    He won eight hundred yuan.


    ¡°You won a prize, Master, you really won a prize,¡± Huo Lajiao shouted with joy.


    ¡°Humph, dumb luck.¡± The person was green with envy at the sight of Xia Tian winning. He wanted to show that he was an old hand at the game when he saw these two wimpy kids playing but who would have thought that they would win a prize.


    ¡°Help me convert this to seven hundred in cash and I want another ten tickets.¡± Xia Tian pointed at the tickets he wanted to scratch. ¡°These few, please.¡±


    ¡°Master, I heard that your luck will be used up after you win so we can¡¯t continue playing anymore.¡± Huo Lajiao brought out her god of gamblers¡¯ attitude in her and advised Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian only responded with a smile. He had experimented earlier. His Insight could see through the lottery tickets. He bought three tickets because he noticed one of them had an eight hundred bucks prize. If he were to buy only one ticket, surely it would attract attention, but by buying all three together, they could gasp at his luck.


    After winning the prize, he launched his Insight again and saw two tickets worth two thousand and another worth a thousand. They were all closely arranged together so he asked for ten.


    ¡°Lottery sellers love customers like you who gives back the money that you¡¯d just won.¡± The person did not win anything from scratching all his tickets. Growing envious of Xia Tian¡¯s luck, he too bought ten tickets of the same lottery that Xia Tian had purchased.


    Xia Tian scratched seven tickets in one go and none of them were hits. Huo Lajiao reacted by shaking her head. Meanwhile, the person scratched and won fifty bucks.


    It was then Xia Tian scratched the eighth ticket. He won a thousand, and before Huo Lajiao could express her surprise, he scratched his ninth ticket, winning two thousand. This time, even the lottery seller was stunned. The person who bought his tickets together with Xia Tian stared blankly at Xia Tian¡¯s tickets with his mouth wide open, neglecting to scratch his own.


    The tenth ticket was scratched. He won another prize of two thousand yuan.


    He won a total of five thousand on three consecutive scratches. This was such a rare occasion that left even the loquacious Huo Lajiao, who was standing beside Xia Tian, speechless.


    Huo Lajiao was still in shock even after Xia Tian had converted his tickets to cash.


    The person who bought lottery tickets together took his fifty yuan and snuck away in embarrassment. Xia Tian took his five thousand seven hundred 1 in cash and entered the commercial hall. It was the sort of large-scale commercial hall which had mobile phone stores within.


    Upon noticing that the two who walked in were kids with unbranded clothes and not to mention, Huo Lajiao, who was dressed up in a highly distasteful manner, the businesses in the commercial hall did not give a hoot about them.


    ¡°Sigh, such a young student and he¡¯s already with a girlfriend. Look at what she¡¯s wearing, how unconventional.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, people would do just about anything these days.¡±


    ¡°I think they can only afford a few hundred on phones. I don¡¯t care for such sales.¡±


    The sales personnel in the shop was unwilling to acknowledge Xia Tian. This was a large-scale commercial hall that sold various different branded phones, each model was at least a thousand yuan.


    At that moment, a young lady who seemed to be a newbie sales personnel walked up to Xia Tian. She was not beautiful but her smile was exceptionally sweet. ¡°Young man, what sort of phone are you looking to buy?¡±

 Chapter 6

    Unlike before, Xia Tian took note of all the sneers and jeers owing to his improved keen observation. He knew full well what these people were up to.


    He was wearing cheap clothing so these people believed he would not be able to afford a phone here.


    ¡°I want to buy a multifunctional phone.¡± With graduation just around the corner, a multifunctional phone would come in handy.


    ¡°There¡¯s plenty of multifunctional phones, may I know what¡¯s your budget? I¡¯ll be able to find one to your liking.¡± The sales personnel presented with a pleasant attitude and a sweet smile.


    The sales personnel was an intern and it said so on her name tag. She had not made any sales since she had been here because any potential customers that entered the doors were snatched away.


    ¡°A phone that¡¯s about five thousand seven hundred would do.¡± Xia Tian had won five thousand seven hundred bucks and he did not plan on keeping it so he was going to splurge on a good phone.


    ¡°Five thousand seven hundred?¡± The sales personnel paused. She did not think that Xia Tian was really going to buy a phone. She intended on honing her sales skills but would not occur to her in a million years that Xia Tian wanted to buy a five thousand eight hundred RMB phone.


    The other sales personnel bowled over the number mentioned by Xia Tian and soon an elder sales personnel put on a mask of smiles. However, her thick makeup and heavy wrinkles revealed her age.


    ¡°Young man, I can introduce you to a line of phones and I guarantee you¡¯ll love it.¡± The elder sales personnel wormed herself into Xia Tian¡¯s favor with a smile. When she came close, Xia Tian could see the pockmarks on her face.


    ¡°Can you please move away? Your face looks like a car accident, you¡¯re giving me a fright.¡± Xia Tian hated this kind of people the most, ignoring him because he seemed young and frugally dressed and stepping out once they heard he was going to buy an expensive phone.


    ¡°Ho-how dare you speak to me this way, do you know who I am?¡± The old woman blew her top. She had never been treated this way, much less someone calling her face a car accident.


    Those watching by the sidelines were giving Xia Tian their sympathies. This woman was a local bully. It was not to say she was malevolent, but rather her lover was a known figure around these streets. People nicknamed him Brother Biao, and it was said that he was a vicious man.


    This old woman was pushing fifty but dressed as though she was thirty, painting her face with thick layers of foundation. No phone vendors in this vicinity dared to offend her. She would snatch their customers under their nose and make a huge profit, yet everyone had to keep mum about it.


    However, there was a high schooler here today defying her.


    ¡°Boy, just you wait. I will teach you a lesson.¡± The old woman whipped out her phone and dialed a number.


    ¡°Master, five thousand seven hundred would get you a P5. Why don¡¯t you just take a P5?¡± Huo Lajiao did not even cast a glance at the old woman. The old woman was not worth her time.


    ¡°P5?¡± Xia Tian had heard of this phone model. Rumor had it that people sold their kidneys for this model and from then on, the phone was coined the Kidney 5. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll have that then. Gorgeous, can you pack one for me? Here¡¯s the money, I¡¯m going to head over there to replace my SIM card.¡±


    The sales person came to her senses and quickly took the money and went to activate the phone for Xia Tian.


    ¡°Mentor, if you really want a good phone, I can always buy you one. Say the word and I¡¯ll buy you any phone model. It¡¯ll be the fee for my apprenticeship,¡± Huo Lajiao added behind Xia Tian.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want someone else¡¯s money.¡± Xia Tian looked Huo Lajiao in the eye. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that I¡¯ll accept you, you know.¡±


    ¡°Master, what would make you take me as your student?¡± Huo Lajiao hopped around Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you two moves and we¡¯ll talk after you¡¯re able to master them. I¡¯ll need to observe you longer.¡± Xia Tian had his SIM card replaced; it was a simple process of flashing his identification card. The sales personnel returned with a P5, and Xia Tian placed his SIM card in it and found it to his liking after a quick run.


    The P5 was better than his Nokia phone no matter if it were in design or functionality. Apart from calls and messaging, his previous phone was good for taking a pounding.


    Xia Tian was about to leave after the purchase when two figures emerged at the door. One of them had his shirt off and a dragon tattoo trailing over his shoulder. Spotting a buzz cut, he had tiny, single-lidded eyes, and a large pregnant-looking tummy to match.


    ¡°Brother Biao, you¡¯re finally here. Any later and I¡¯ll be bullied by this little thing here.¡± The old woman acted spoilt as she dangled Brother Biao¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Motherf*cker, how dare you touch my woman. You¡¯re dead meat.¡± Brother Biao¡¯s loud voice attracted his attention.


    Xia Tian stopped in his tracks and turned to the old woman.


    ¡°Well who¡¯s the little thing calling?¡± Xia Tian despised those who insulted his parents. Although he had never seen his mother before, he knew there had to be a reason behind his mother leaving them.


    ¡°This little thing¡¯s calling you!¡± The old woman came to grasp after responding. ¡°Brother Biao, look. This rascal¡¯s at it again.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the rascal talking about?¡± Xia Tian asked again.


    ¡°This rascal¡¯s talking about you!¡± The old woman stomped her foot out of frustration. ¡°Ah, Brother Biao, you have to stand up for me.¡±


    With a cold stern look, Brother Biao flexed his muscles before walking towards Xia Tian, ¡°You dare lay a hand on my woman, you¡¯re really dead meat.¡±


    ¡°Huo Lajiao, I¡¯m going to do it once. Watch and learn.¡± Xia Tian was half the size of Brother Biao but Xia Tian was not fazed. He took a step forward.


    It was then Brother Biao flung a kick to Xia Tian. His modus operandi was to use his appearance to scare his opponent and bring fear with his voice before ending it with a surprise kick.


    This method never failed him.


    Many lowered their heads, unable to watch further as Brother Biao launched his strike on Xia Tian. Xia Tian moved to react, however casting his right arm for support and kicking his right leg above Brother Biao¡¯s left foot.


    Brother Biao¡¯s study body was flung behind Xia Tian, knocking onto the commercial hall¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Master, that was awesome.¡± Huo Lajiao felt a rush of blood into her head.


    ¡°Brother Biao!¡± The old woman rushed to his side.


    ¡°Motherf*cker, how dare you fight back.¡± Brother Biao struggled to get on his knees. The earlier blow left him with several bruises and cuts but nothing severe. Brother Biao knew he could not back down no matter what. He did not have a job and relied on this old lady. She would not provide him spending money if he threw in the towel.


    ¡± You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye. 1 ¡±


    Xia Tian¡¯s phone was ringing. This ringtone was downloaded by the sales personnel.


    ¡°Hello? Oh, cousin sister!


    ¡°I lost my phone a while back. I just bought one and replaced my SIM card.


    ¡°Tonight? Do I have to?


    ¡°Alright then, just send me the address.¡±


    Taking the opportunity while Xia Tian was on call, Brother Biao launched another kick on Xia Tian. Xia Tian grounded both feet and rammed his shoulder on Brother Biao¡¯s left shoulder before adding a kick on Brother Biao¡¯s left foot. Losing his balance, Brother Biao flew two meters before crashing onto the ground.


    ¡°Master, you¡¯re so cool.¡± Huo Lajiao was stirred with excitement.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, I¡¯ll see you tonight.¡± Xia Tian hung up and darted a glance at Brother Biao before leaving.


    ¡°Master, wait for me, wait for me.¡± Huo Lajiao hopped on over.


    ¡°Stop following me. I¡¯ve shown you the two moves. Now go home and practice. I won¡¯t accept you as my student if you keep insisting on following me,¡± Warned Xia Tian. He really did not know any martial arts. The two moves were copied from Old Fan in the morning.


    Huo Lajiao had no choice but to be on her way.


    Xia Tian took a cab to Antique Enthusiast Street, the most popularized street in Jianghai City. It was one of the more prominent places in town, packed with peculiar antiques and rare finds. It was the place to go for digging treasure. There was once a person who bought a curio for less than a hundred bucks but sold it at a high price of over a million.


    This was a common occurrence here that added to the area a veil of mystique, leaving many hoping to hit the jackpot here.


    Xia Tian knew that these so-called people who lucked out were mostly sensationalized by the shopkeepers here for consumer influx but he still wanted to take a look around. He wanted to see if he could uncover any treasure with his Insight.


    In the name of trying their luck, the street never lacked people who dreamed about getting rich quick.


    Xia Tian was here tonight due to his cousin sister¡¯s birthday party. He had this event on the back of his mind and paid the price by being reprimanded on the phone by his cousin sister. Hence, he came here to purchase a good gift for her.


    More importantly, his cousin wanted him to pretend to be her boyfriend, leaving him in a tight spot.

 Chapter 7

    The Antique Enthusiast Street was situated at the edge of Jianghai City, extremely far away from the city center, and yet it only slightly less crowded. The shops in the street were all specialty shops well-known for their rare and antique items. Meanwhile, there were countless little stalls set up just outside of these shops.


    The crowds loved these little stalls the most. In fact, there were shops that would be closed for a year straight yet would earn a year¡¯s worth of profit by opening for a day. They, too, would set up a few stalls right in front of their shops.


    These little shops were extremely popular with the crowds for selling all sorts of things. Although the majority of them were fakes and were meant to con the buyers, there were real and legitimate items for sale and they were extremely rare.


    There were all types of sellers here in the area and rumors had it that the government did not bother regulating the place. However, no one dared to make a scene as there was a boss overseeing this district. Everyone addressed him as Boss Xue and no one dared to mess around in this area while he watched over it.


    There were people who once tried to exploit this place with a unique regulation as they tried to sell ****, but they ultimately vanished and never appeared again.


    Boss Xu once said that this was a clean zone.


    It was common to purchase fake goods while searching for good ones. However, the moment someone tried to exploit and pursue illegal activities here, Boss Xue would step in without a doubt. Boss Xue overseeing the area was also the reason why the government chose not to meddle at all.


    There was no taxation for selling and buying goods in this area, either.


    Naturally, there was no need to worry about pickpockets on the street here as they would not have the balls to mess around in Boss Xue¡¯s territory.


    The taxi driver sighed and left the moment he dropped Xia Tian off. To him, Xia Tian was the kind of person who would dream of hitting the lottery. He felt pity for him knowing countless people had gone bankrupt here, and yet Xia Tian decided to come here at such a young age.


    Many people had come here to hunt for valuable treasures but most of them became bankrupt instead.


    This place was just like a huge casino. The only difference was that those who knew what to look for would never be cheated.


    Xia Tian noticed countless little stalls set up at both sides of the street as well as the endless crowd the moment he set foot on Antique Enthusiast Street. Although these stalls were very small, each of them had their own specialty as they were selling items that were unique from the others. Furthermore, many of the sellers were pitching their sales.


    To name a few, there were Qing Dynasty porcelain items, pipal tree seeds, modern vases, an ancient sword from the Qin Dynasty, and so on.


    The shoutings came and went as Xia Tian smiled gently, listening. If these items were indeed real, they would never be displayed outside their stalls. They would have just sold it to the shops behind them and the price would definitely not be cheap.


    In fact, even professionally-made imitations could be sold at a high price.


    ¡°This place is really good.¡± Xia Tian activated his Insight and looked around the moment he walked in.


    A green light pierced through the crowd. It was what Xia Tian had anticipated. A genuine item would constantly absorb the aura given off from the sky and earth, giving itselfe a green halo.


    ¡°Look. Master Elder Appraiser Xu Dechuan has arrived.¡± A person shouted among the crowd out of the blue as everyone looked at Xia Tian. Xia Tian was so shocked that he did not know what to do. However, he immediately caught on as he realized that they were not looking at him. Instead, they were looking at an elder standing behind him.


    The elder had traditional clothing on him and had the vibe of a master in his sixties or seventies. His most unique feature was the long goatee under his chin. He had four bodyguards around him and each and every one of them looked extremely strong.


    The elder was firm in his steps as the crowd looked at him with admiration. The crowd had swept themselves to the sides of the street to form a passage for him, and Xia Tian was the only one still in the way.


    ¡°Hey kid, move away so that Elder Xu can pass through.¡± Someone screamed from the side.


    Xia Tian ignored him and continued walking forward. He did not care who the old man was since he was not related to him at all. He was here to purchase goods as well, and the crowds noticed him.


    The spacious streets on both sides were filled with people who had come away from the center to make way for Elder Xu. However, Xia Tian was walking there and he looked like he had the same social standing as him.


    Elder Xu, who was walking behind Xia Tian, was slightly surprised as he stopped walking. It was the first time that he had encountered such a scenario; someone had dared to walk in front of him.


    ¡°Hey kid, did you not realize that you¡¯re in Elder Xu¡¯s way?¡± One of the bodyguards behind Elder Xu could not hold it in any longer as he walked forward and interrupted Xia Tian.


    ¡°This kid doesn¡¯t know his place. How dare you walk in front of Elder Xu.¡±


    ¡°This kid doesn¡¯t know how to respect his elders. Elder Xu is here to lead us to prosperity.¡±


    ¡°What an inexperienced brat. Elder Xu is a very well respected man and everyone gives way, and yet you dare to disrespect him.¡±


    The crowd looked at Xia Tian with disdain. It was obvious that Master Appraiser Elder Xu Dechuan was a well-known figure in Antique Enthusiast Street. He knew every antique from every dynasty and was able to recognize all sorts of gems too. He was able to help anybody appraise an item on the spot for free. Furthermore, Elder Xu would pick three people out of the crowd and select three valuable items for them for free whenever he paid a visit.


    This was the reason why Elder Xu was so well respected by everyone.


    Xia Tian locked his eyes onto a stall and walked towards it. The bodyguard did not say anything further as he watched Xia Tian walk away from the center of the road. Everyone, too, believed that this new guy had realized he was not supposed to be there and left the area.


    Everyone started showering the bodyguard with praise for not causing trouble for Xia Tian.


    ¡°Elder Xu¡¯s bodyguard sure is something. He has such a nice personality and didn¡¯t even lay a finger on the kid.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Elder Xu must have gone through a thorough process to pick his bodyguards. Not only do they need to be skilled, they need to be courteous as well.¡±


    ¡°That kid earlier was so disrespectful. He¡¯d be in big trouble with the crowd if Elder Xu had decided to leave in anger.¡±


    Elder Xu seemed to be enjoying himself as he listened to the praises around him. He strode down the street as the store owners stood up one after another to greet him. In return, he nodded slightly as he acknowledged their greetings.


    ¡°How much are you selling this?¡± Xia Tian saw a fish-shaped jade. It looked so normal that it was like a kid¡¯s toy. The stall owner was ecstatic as he saw a customer walking up to him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got keen senses, my friend. This item is the most valuable item in my stall. It¡¯s carved from Tiantan¡¯s jade from the west. It¡¯s dim and doesn¡¯t glow but its elegance isn¡¯t lost and it¡¯s extremely low profile. This jade is able to enhance your body if you wear it on you at all times.¡± The stall owner had finally found a gullible one as he started telling his telltale stories. With his experience, he knew that this kid right before him was a first-timer and was someone who knew nothing at all.


    It was the easiest to profit from this type of person.


    ¡°How much does it cost?¡± Xia Tian asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sincere man. Eight thousand; I¡¯ll sell it to you for eight thousand. I wouldn¡¯t have sold it for less than ten thousand if you were someone else.¡± The stall owner opened his price at eight thousand from the get-go. It was not like he believed that a kid would be able to shell out eight thousand dollars. He threw the price out so that it would be easier for him to negotiate later on.


    ¡°Eight thousand dollars is a bit too expensive. I¡¯m still a high school student, I don¡¯t have that much money at all.¡± Xia Tian was very cooperative with the stall owner.


    Elder Xu stopped walking and smiled coyly as he looked at the jade in Xia Tian¡¯s hand. He was able to determine instantly that the jade was just an accessory that could be bought for twenty dollars in the street. Here, all they could do was try and confuse an idiotic child such as Xia Tian.


    Although he had seen through the entire thing, he did not bother explaining it to Xia Tian. Instead, he stood there and waited for the situation to unfold further. He was already extremely unhappy with Xia Tian as he had walked in front of him, and he would have ordered his bodyguard to teach this kid a lesson a long time ago if he were not trying to maintain his demeanor.


    Naturally, he would keep quiet even though the kid was about to be cheated.


    Sweat started rolling down the stall owner¡¯s forehead as he saw Elder Xu¡¯s indifferent smile. He knew that this item of his was not able to escape from Elder Xu¡¯s eyes. All he could do now was to hope that Elder Xu would not expose him right there and then.


    ¡°Hey boss, why don¡¯t you sell it to me for two hundred? I already know that this jade is fake.¡± Xia Tian smiled softly as he whispered.


    The stall owner knew that his expression had sold himself out but he was firm in his profit. ¡°Kid, you have sharp eyes, but I have to sell you for at least five hundred. You¡¯re free to look elsewhere if you don¡¯t want it.¡±


    ¡°Fine, five hundred RMB it is. Although, these pebbles look quite nice. Why don¡¯t you throw them in too?¡± Xia Tian pointed at the few stones beside his hand. They looked exceedingly normal and possessed no value whatsoever. The stall owner placed them there because they looked good.


    ¡°You¡¯re a pretty straightforward kid. Deal.¡± Xia Tian gave the stall owner five hundred dollars in cash as he placed the few stones into his pocket.


    Elder Xu smiled as he walked to Xia Tian¡¯s side and said, ¡°Kid, you¡¯re still too young and inexperienced to mingle around here. You¡¯ve bought an accessory that¡¯s worth twenty dollars with five hundred. Perhaps only a kid as inexperienced like you would buy it.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± Xia Tian smirked as he loosened his right hand. The jade fell to the ground and instantly shattered into dust. Even Elder Xu standing at the side was stunned by his action.


    ¡°Why? Did you know that it¡¯s a fake all along?¡± Elder Xu looked at Xia Tian in confusion.


    ¡°I can do whatever I want with my money.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently. Since he had obtained the stones, the jade in his hand no longer served any purpose. One of those stones was emitting a powerful golden light earlier. This light was different from the others as the others were glowing in green. This was an indication that these items had been absorbing aura for a very long time.


    There was only one explanation for this golden light. It was the Sarira that his father once told him about. Since it was emitting such a powerful light, it was proof that this Sarira could possibly just be the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira.

 Chapter 8

    Meanwhile in Jianghai City Hospital while Xia Tian was meddling about.


    ¡°Chairman Lee, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Mr Xu, can¡¯t diagnose your son. He didn¡¯t last the half-minute going to the examination room.¡± Chairman Li felt completely helpless.


    ¡°Did someone poison him?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve done some testing and there was no trace of poisoning at all. Mr Xu has nothing more to excrete out from his body. He has lost ten jin 1 in just a day. He¡¯ll die if this keeps up.¡± Chairman Li had cracked his skull multiple times but had yet to be able to determine the cause.


    ¡°Ten jin? He¡¯s going to die at this rate.¡± Xu Qinghua was Xu Shaocong¡¯s father and he was his only son. Although his son would often cause trouble outside, why should he stop him if he was earning money?


    Now that his son had fallen into such a state, it was only natural that he would panic.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve asked the young master earlier. He had quarreled with a student named Xia Tian at the school, and he had told him to be wary of having a stomachache later in the day.¡± Xu Family¡¯s housekeeper had already heard of the news and asked Xu Shaocong of the entire event.


    ¡°Have you sent men over?¡± Xu Qinghua nodded satisfactorily.


    ¡°They¡¯re on their way. I¡¯ve told Shan to bring two other men along. ¡°Xu Family¡¯s housekeeper specifically mentioned Shan as he was no ordinary man. He was retired special forces and rumor had it that he had participated in dozens of large scale missions. He ultimately obtained second-class merit but was forced to retire when his left leg was injured by someone else.


    Xu Qinghua had once saved Shan¡¯s life and it was his proudest moment when Shan had started putting the Xu Family¡¯s problems over his life in the past few years.


    He was in complete peace when he had Shan taking over the matter.


    Xia Tian was oblivious to the fact that someone was watching him, and was extremely delighted to be able to obtain an Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira.


    He had heard about the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira from his father before. A sarira could only be made by a monk when he reached complete peace and the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira had only existed in legends.


    Rumor had it that when the Ancient Buddha had reached complete peace, the sarira that had appeared would fall into China to cleanse the humans of their sins.


    The Buddha had been the light to mankind. Xia Tian always believed that it was just a fairytale told by his father but little did he know that it actually existed. Xia Tian knew that he did not mistake it for something else since it was shining so brightly.


    ¡°Hmpf, you¡¯re pretty naive to say that you¡¯re rich when you¡¯ve only spent five hundred on an item.¡± Elder Xu harrumphed. It was the first time he was challenged, let alone by a kid who was not over twenty years old.


    ¡°Someone mentioned that you¡¯re a master appraiser, right?¡± Xia Tian looked at Elder Xu out of the blue. Although he did not want to cause any trouble, Elder Xu did not seem to want to let him off the hook just yet.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. There is no one that does not know me, Xu Dechuan, in Antique Enthusiast Street.¡± Elder Xu was very proud as his name was incredibly well known there. It was his pride after all. He was a member of the Xu Family, one of the Big Four Families in Jianghai City. As he liked to play with antiques since he had been young, the family business had ultimately been passed on to brother.


    He tried to fight for it but to no avail. Eventually, his brother died and the family¡¯s fortune had been passed down to his nephew Xu Qinghua. Although Xu Qinghua would give him some monthly allowance, the amount given was a small fraction of the wealth of the Xu Family.


    Hence, he was determined to take back the family business he would fight against Xu Qinghua on the grounds of money and authority, and to obtain both, this street was the best location.


    For the past few years, he had earned himself enough reputation and admiration.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a little competition?¡± Xia Tian smiled gently. This old man seemed to have some background and his social standing was high in this area. He might be useful to him in the future.


    ¡°A competition with me? What kind?¡± Elder Xu found the entire ordeal extremely hilarious.


    ¡°Let¡¯s compete with what you do best. You¡¯re free to pick five items randomly and I¡¯ll pick out everything that¡¯s not an antique among them. I¡¯ll admit defeat if I pick even one wrongly.¡± Xia Tian wanted to compete to see who was better at appraising antiques.


    ¡°Haha, kid, you¡¯re fooling around with someone who knows his stuff. What will you do if you were to lose?¡± Elder Xu laughed as he said.


    ¡°Me, losing? I suppose I won¡¯t be leaving here alive then.¡± Xia Tian smirked. ¡°If you¡¯re the one who loses, you¡¯ll buy me something that I like here.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know your place at all.¡± Elder Xu looked at Xia Tian arrogantly. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to die if I win, I want you to serve me for life.¡±


    Xu Dechuan felt that this kid was quite something as he reminded him of Xu Qinghua¡¯s Shan. Perhaps this was a chance given by the Gods. If he were to obtain an extremely loyal underling similar to Shan, it would definitely be a huge benefit for him. Although this competition was a sure-win, it would be impossible for him to find the actual antique and treasure without relying on any instruments at all.


    He would have been rich if that were to case. His success rate was around one in ten as there were too many high-quality imitations mixed with the actual antiques. In other words, all he needed to do was to pick out one actual antique to let the kid figure it out. Regardless, it would be impossible for the kid to guess correctly.


    It was a child¡¯s play for him to get an actual antique as all he needed to do was to borrow one from a shop. After all, Xu Dechuan was quite influential here.


    Xia Tian sat down and waited for Elder Xu to search for the five items. Hundreds of people started gathering as they heard that Elder Xu had a wager with someone on antiques.


    No one really knew what Xu Dechuan was thinking that day, having decided to find trouble with a youngster. He was dead serious as he picked up a toy in an antique shop before going off to search for a few imitation antiques that even he himself would not able to tell the difference.


    He then picked up a few small items randomly from the stalls. The sellers did not ask for money when they realized it was Elder Xu, but he still gave each of them two hundred RMB each.


    ¡°These are the items, kid. Why don¡¯t you appraise them for me.¡± The bodyguard behind Elder Xu placed five items down on the table in front of Xia Tian.


    Discussion started flooding in and many of them suggested that Xia Tian did not know the situation he was in at all. After all, he was daring enough to have an appraising contest with Elder Xu, who was a master appraiser in Antique Enthusiast Street.


    It would be impossible for Xia Tian to guess the item since he was the one asking the question.


    There were five items on the table; a wooden box, a big vase, a tray, a transparent stone, and a bracelet.


    Xia Tian activated his Insight as he looked at the five treasures displayed before him.


    ¡°How about it, kid? It¡¯s too late to surrender now.¡± Elder Xu caressed his goatee. It was an action he would always do whenever he was sure that he was victorious.


    Xia Tian took up the wooden box and threw it to Xu Dechuan. ¡°This is real.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you win. This was the box used to store the comb used by Empress Dowager Cixi from the Qing Dynasty.¡± Elder Xu did not pull his leg since this would affect his reputation. Although he knew that it was very likely that Xia Tian was lucky, he was not able to admit it.


    Then, someone among the crowd started saying that Xia Tian had got it right out of incredible luck.


    Xia Tian ignored these people as he took up the big vase. Xu Dechuan smiled gently when he watched Xia Tian picking up the big vase. He would not have known it was a fake had he not been privy to that fact beforehand. The imitation was simply too advanced for him to see through.


    He refused to believe that Xia Tian was able to see through the true nature of this item. Xia Tian would guess that it was real and the competition would end.


    Xia Tian picked up the vase and smiled. ¡°Elder Xu, is it alright for me to break the item that I believe is a fake?¡±


    ¡°Of course. If it¡¯s just an imitation I¡¯m able to afford it.¡± Elder Xu said.


    There was a loud shatter the instant he finished speaking. The vase was already on the ground. Everyone who saw Xia Tian¡¯s actions were shocked. Everyone believed that the vase was a good item and the crowd started filling with anger and sorrow for the vase.


    Xia Tian ignored them as he picked up a fragment from the ground. On the fragment, it was written that it was made by Fang Quzi. The crowd believed that Xia Tian had guessed correctly again when they saw the name.


    Who exactly was Fang Quzi? He was the infamous imitation master. Rumor had it that the imitations he created were impossible to discern by the naked eye and one could only rely on instruments to determine its authenticity.


    ¡°Made by Fang Quzi?¡± Xu Dechuan was stunned when he saw the name. ¡°How is that possible? How did you know?¡±


    What Xu Dechuan was shocked about was not that Xia Tian had guessed correctly again, but that Xia Tian was able to see through Fang Quzi¡¯s imitation. One could segregate an appraiser into five levels and Xu Dechuan was roughly at a level three. However, only a level five master appraiser was able to see through Fang Quzi¡¯s artwork. He might have just encountered an actual expert if Xia Tian was able to tell the difference in this fake product.


    The crowd knew that Xia Tian had guessed correctly again when he broke the tray to reveal the patterns within it. Meanwhile, Xu Dechuan was utterly speechless.


    Xia Tian then threw the stone on the ground and stepped on it, and everyone knew what was in his mind. It, too, was a fake. Xia Tian then picked up the last item, the bracelet.


    ¡°Hold up kid. Consider this your win. Name your request.¡± Xu Dechuan did not let Xia Tian guess the last item, and decided that he wanted this kid on his side.


    Perhaps that plan of his might just come to pass if he had Xia Tian¡¯s help.


    ¡°Oh, thanks Elder Xu. I find this bracelet quite nice. I¡¯ll pick it.¡± Xia Tian looked at the bracelet in his hand and smiled.

 Chapter 9

    ¡°This bracelet?¡± Elder Xu was shocked. Did he judge wrongly or was this bracelet indeed incredibly valuable?


    Xia Tian kept quiet as he bit his finger and placed a drop of his blood onto the surface of the bracelet. The bracelet let out a red glow in that instant, and everyone at the scene was aghast.


    It was a Blood Gemstone.


    ¡°Hey brother, I would like to buy this bracelet for 1,000,000 RMB.¡± A store owner at the side came forward and offered.


    ¡°Hey brother, that can¡¯t do. You¡¯re offering only 1,000,000 dollars for Blood Gemstones? I¡¯m willing to buy it for 2,000,000 dollars.¡± Another store owner came forward as well. The Blood Gemstone was an incredibly rare item and was priceless in the market.


    Since this was a bracelet that was made entirely out of Blood Gemstone, its origin was no doubt extraordinary.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m not selling this.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently as he walked to the entrance of the street. It was his time to leave.


    Elder Xu followed Xia Tian as he saw the latter leaving Antique Enthusiast Street. The four bodyguards behind him followed quickly behind him as well. ¡°May I know your name?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Xia Tian,¡± he responded.


    ¡°I wonder if the young master looks up to me, Xu Dechuan. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.¡± Xu Dechuan saw hope in Xia Tian. He was certain that the appraising ability shown by Xia Tian was definitely not luck and he must be a disciple of a well-known master appraiser.


    Xia Tian was unfamiliar with Jianghai City in the past and did not foresee himself making connections with a bigshot. However, he now knew that the world was different from what he had thought ever since he had awakened his Insight. He had many questions that needed to be answered.


    Where did his mother go? Why did his father never allow him to question it, on top of his incredibly suspicious death? He did not even get to see his father¡¯s remains for the last time before they were cremated and it was his aunt that helped his father set up the stela.


    He would not be able to find out the truth with his strength alone. However, he would have a higher chance with the help of Master Appraiser Xu Dechuan. After all, Xu Dechuan¡¯s network was much bigger than his.


    The obstacles would also be more surmountable too were he to investigate that.


    ¡°Of course. It would be an honor to befriend Master Xu,¡± Xia Tian smiled gently. He had already decided to befriend Master Xu but he had to be wary of this cunning old man.


    ¡°You¡¯ve put me to shame youngster. Your appraising level has already reached the level of a grandmaster. I was truly the one fooling around in front of you.¡± Elder Xu waved his hand softly. ¡°May I know your name?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Xia Tian.¡± Xia Tian said.


    ¡°Ah, so your name is Xia Tian. May I know who your master is?¡± Elder Xu was more interested in the person backing Xia Tian since he was able to nurture a disciple that was as good as Xia Tian. He would definitely be the best master in the community of antique enthusiasts.


    Xia Tian¡¯s appraising ability was already good enough to see through Fang Quzi¡¯s imitations. Then, a Range Rover stopped in front of Xia Tian and the rest. The Antique Enthusiast Street was rather narrow and even though the street had many people loitering about, there were less people walking just past the street.


    Xu Dechuan frowned when he saw the Range Rover.


    The door opened and three black-suited men walked out of the car. One of them was limping and was disabled. His hair was incredibly short and even though he was in black attire, it was different from the other two. He was in sports attire and there was not a single accessory on him at all. He, too, had military boots, black and very well polished.


    Xu Dechuan standing behind Xia Tian took a few steps back involuntarily when he saw the three men, whereas the four bodyguards behind him came in front.


    The black-attired man whose leg was no more glanced at Xu Dechuan before staring back at Xia Tian. ¡°You¡¯re Xia Tian, right? Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Follow you? Who are you?¡± Xia Tian was no idiot and he was able to tell that this guy was not friendly at all.


    ¡°He¡¯s Shan, Xu Qinghua¡¯s personal bodyguard from the Xu Family.¡± Xu Dechuan whispered behind Xia Tian as he knew just how strong Shan was.


    ¡°Xu Dechuan, this is none of your business. It¡¯s in your best interest to not meddle in this. Don¡¯t blame me, Shan, for not considering your position otherwise.¡± Shan looked at Xu Dechuan as he walked forward. Although he was not scared of Xu Dechuan, the situation would become incredibly troublesome if the latter were to butt in.


    ¡°Shan, don¡¯t you dare think that you can disrespect me just because Xu Qinghua is backing you up. I¡¯m his biological uncle no matter how you see it.¡± Xu Dechuan walked forward and stared at Shan as he spoke. He knew very well that Xia Tian was no ordinary man and he must have definitely been backed up by some big shot. Now that Xia Tian was in danger, it would solidify their relationship if he were to stand up for him.


    Although Shan was incredibly powerful, the person backing Xia Tian would definitely not be afraid of him.


    The two men-in-black behind Shan walked towards Xia Tian whereas Xu Dechuan¡¯s four bodyguards stood in front of Xia Tian. This war could explode in a hair¡¯s breadth and at that moment, Shan walked forward. ¡°You two just watch from the sideline. We¡¯ll waste a lot of time if it¡¯s the two of you doing it.¡±


    ¡°Four of you attack him all at once. Don¡¯t look down on him, he¡¯s not an ordinary person.¡± Xu Dechuan frowned. Nobody knew Shan as much as he would.


    The reason Xu Qinghua was able to stay the head of the Xu Family was hugely related to ¡®


    Shan¡¯s presence. The latter had been taking care of all obstacles and enemies for him.


    All four of Xu Dechuan¡¯s entourage were all professional bodyguards and had gone through special training. Each and every one of them was able to single-handedly take care of two to three youngsters at once in order to ensure Xu Dechuan¡¯s safety.


    Shan casually walked toward Xu Dechuan¡¯s four bodyguards. Xia Tian was extremely curious, ¡®Is Shan really an expert despite being disabled?¡¯ Shan started moving as he instantly lashed out his left leg. The kick was so quick that it made direct contact with one of the bodyguards¡¯ chin. He then used the bodyguard as support with his kick and used his other leg to kick horizontally at the other bodyguard.


    ¡°This.¡± Xia Tian was shocked when he saw Shan¡¯s powerful kick. Even the martial artists that he witnessed in the past were not able to perform such a powerful kick.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve underestimated Shan. Brother Xia Tian, I¡¯m afraid that even I can¡¯t save you from him. It¡¯s best for you to summon your master to handle the situation. People that have been eyed by Xu Qinghua aren¡¯t prone to good outcomes.¡± Xu Dechuan took this opportunity to persuade Xia Tian to summon his master. That way, he would have the chance to befriend him.


    ¡°So this old man is thinking of this huh.¡± Xia Tian thought to himself. He had been wary of Xu Dechuan all this while as the latter was not someone that would be easy to handle. This type of person could be described as a double-edged sword. It would be able to kill someone with it if used properly but he would certainly harm himself if he was not careful.


    The reason Xu Dechuan was willing to stand up for and befriend him was that the latter believed that Xia Tian had a very powerful master backing him up. Despite knowing that, Xia Tian chose not to expose him. ¡°My master is an old and busy man. He wouldn¡¯t appear just because of this small issue.¡±


    All it took Shan was a few seconds for him to unleash all of his kicks, and all four bodyguards had fallen down to the ground. However, these four were not good for nothing as well as they grit through all the pain and stood back up again.


    ¡°Hmpf, you¡¯re quite persistent.¡± Shan did not hold himself back as he released his kicks once more, sending the two bodyguards to the distance. He then stomped with his right leg and did a somersault, landing his other leg on the third bodyguard¡¯s head. As the bodyguard fell to the ground, Shan¡¯s right leg tapped gently onto his opponent¡¯s shoulder as he stood on him.


    He then did another somersault, sending the bodyguard flying to the distance.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Shan stared coldly at Xia Tian. His mission was to bring Xia Tian home instead of harming him. As for Xu Dechuan, he was not even worth troubling at all.


    The reason Xu Dechuan was still standing there instead of being attacked was that he was Xu Qinghua¡¯s elder. Xu Dechuan would have gone to see Xu Qinghua¡¯s brothers if that was not the case.


    ¡°Do you still want me to keep waiting?¡± Shan frowned as the two men-in-black behind him walked towards Xia Tian to grab hold of him.


    Just as the two were about to grab hold of Xia Tian, he stepped back gently before grabbing the two by their shoulders with his hands. He pulled the two of them as they fell to the ground. Although his actions looked rather gentle, the crowd saw everything.


    Shan was slightly shocked as well as he looked at Xia Tian.

 Chapter 10

    Shan was no ordinary man. Although one of his legs was no more, he was still incredibly powerful. He had forcefully trained his leg techniques to be better than they were in the past. Naturally, his observational skills were off the charts as well.


    Although Xia Tian¡¯s move looked rather gentle, he made use of his enemies¡¯ strength on themselves. It was a technique of Tai Chi.


    After seeing Xia Tian taking care of the two men-in-black in a fash, Xu Dechuan was even more eager to meet Xia Tian¡¯s master. He now understood why Xia Tian showed no fear at all. Not only was Xia Tian a master appraiser, he even knew martial arts.


    Xia Tian knew only that much about Tai Chi as he had picked it up secretly from Old Fan. However, he was able to see through Old Fan¡¯s Tai Chi due to his Insight.


    The two men immediately countered after Xia Tian pulled them down to the ground. Although his attacked dealt considerable harm to them, they were still Shan¡¯s subordinates and it was only natural that they were quite skilled.


    The two attacked from both sides simultaneously as they reached to grab hold of Xia Tian¡¯s hands.


    ¡°What a troublesome pair.¡± Xia Tian kept shifting backward, waiting for the right opportunity. However, the two did not plan to give Xia Tian any window of opportunity, chasing after him as Xia Tian pranced around swiftly.


    The two men-in-black attacked with their legs. Xia Tian stopped moving and went on the offense instead of stepping back. He grabbed hold of one of them by the neck with his right hand and moved forward swiftly, pinning him to the ground and punching him right in the face.


    The other man-in-black was clearly well-trained as he remained unflinching. He immediately tried to attack Xia Tian from behind but he rolled on the ground, evading the incoming attack. The battle had now turned into a one-to-one as Xia Tian immediately turned around and punched the enemy¡¯s thigh.


    He then followed up with an attack to the enemy¡¯s stomach with both of his hands.


    ¡°Are you still taking me away?¡± Xia Tian looked at Shan. He knew that Shan was an expert and he might not stand a chance mano-a-mano with Shan. Although he was able to pinpoint Shan¡¯s weakness with his eyes, he might not be able to keep up with Shan¡¯s speed.


    ¡°You¡¯re skilled but you¡¯re still inexperienced.¡± Shan walked towards Xia Tian. His mission for the day was to bring Xia Tian back. ¡°What¡¯s your relationship with Fan Zuifeng?¡±


    According to Shan, there was only one person in Jianghai City who knew Tai Chi. He was Fan Zuifeng. He was a person that was not to be messed with as his Tai Chi was unparalleled in the entire Jianghai City, let alone being backed-up by a very strong background.


    ¡°You speak too much. Come and attack me if you want to. I really want to see what you can do to take me away.¡± Xia Tiang clenched his fist and glanced around, not wanting to let go of any single detail. He knew that he had to act fast since he was facing against Shan.


    Shan smiled gently the instant he heard Xia Tian¡¯s words. Since Xia Tian did not state that he had something to do with Fang Zuifeng, Shan would be fine even if he really was related to Fang Zuifeng. It was his fault for not revealing his identity.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m in trouble. It¡¯s unfortunate that I¡¯m too weak in martial arts. It would¡¯ve been better if I were to learn a few more moves from Old Fan back then.¡± Xia Tian thought to himself. Although he knew that his body had been enhanced by the pendant, he did not know any techniques or martial arts at all.


    He would not have felt threatened if he had known martial arts.


    ¡°Do you think you can defend against me, Shan, alone? Even God won¡¯t be able to save you.¡± Shan looked at Xia Tian before he shifted his gaze to Xu Dechuan. ¡°It looks like you haven¡¯t given up yet. Be careful or it¡¯ll be your funeral soon.¡±


    Xu Dechuan was extremely frightened on the inside. Based on Shan¡¯s words, he knew that the Xu Family was going to deal with him soon. He knew that with the amount of trust Xu Qinghua placed in Shan, the Xu Family would definitely make a move on Xe Dechuan if Shan were to report today¡¯s incident to Xu Qinghua.


    ¡°Xia Tian, you mustn¡¯t let Shan leave here today no matter what or we¡¯ll have endless troubles coming towards us from now on.¡± Xu Dechuan was clear of his current capacity. Although he had his own business, he was still nothing in the eyes of the Xu Family.


    ¡°Hmpf, you¡¯ve no idea about the situation you¡¯re in.¡± Shan was already standing in front of Xia Tian when he spoke. ¡°Do you still think that someone will save you now? If there¡¯s someone able to save you from my hands, I¡¯ll lower my head whenever I see you in the future.¡±


    Shan refused to believe that someone would come and save them at such a place. Not only did he plan to bring Xia Tian back no matter what, but he did not plan to let Xu Dechuan off the hook either.


    ¡°So this is the legendary disabled Shan, the king of kicks.¡± Three men walked out of the alley all of the sudden. They were in gray attire and even had masks on their faces. The main thing was that their shirt had a bunch of red clouds imprinted around it.


    ¡°It¡¯s Quicksand!!¡± Shan was on high alert when he saw the three men.


    ¡°Shan, I consider you a powerful man. I advise you to stop attacking Xia Tian.¡± One of the three Quicksand members spoke as he stared at Shan.


    ¡°I¡¯ve promised my lord that I¡¯ll bring him back with me. What is Quicksand up to? If you¡¯re able to give way to me today, I¡¯m willing to compensate it with money.¡± Shan knew very well what kind of an organization Quicksand was. Money was everything to an assassin organization such as Quicksand.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t step back this time. Xia Tian is on the protection list given by the captain.¡±


    ¡°Alright then. I, Shan will step back this time.¡± Shan gritted his teeth. Quicksand was an organization that he did not want to mess with. Despite these people being incredibly powerful, Quicksand would chase him until the end of the world even if he had the capability to kill all three of them.


    Xia Tian stayed silent from the beginning until the end. He felt that everything unfolding before him was from a simulation. This situation would only happen in a movie but it was happening in his life.


    He now finally understood that his world was now on an entirely different playground. These incidents did not appear out of the blue but had been flying past his head until now.


    The name Quicksand was now etched in his heart. He knew immediately that these people were up to no good and there had to be a reason they were helping him. Although Shan was incredibly powerful, Xia Tian at least knew that Shan was doing it publicly.


    However, Quicksand was different as Xia Tian did not know them at all. Nothing was free in this world, and these people refused money from him even though they were protecting him. The Xu Family was one of the Big Four Families and they certainly had a lot of money.


    If an organization did not want any money, it meant that they wanted something that was even more important.


    However, Xia Tian did not know what value he would have to them. No one would notice the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira, hence the next best thing he had on him now was the Blood Gemstone.


    Although the Blood Gemstone was incredibly valuable, the Xu Family certainly did not lack the monetary means for that at all. Hence, the people from Quicksand were definitely not after this item. What could they be after then?


    Shan picked up the two men-in-black and drove away.


    ¡°Who exactly are you people?¡± Xia Tian looked at the three men in gray.


    ¡°Xia Tian, please search for a relic left to you by your father. It¡¯s a scroll.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fool around, we¡¯ve hundreds of ways to kill you.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seven days. If you can¡¯t find it, we¡¯ll make sure you would rather die than live.¡±


    The three Quicksand members around Xia Tian spoke to him in a manner that only he could hear before disappearing into the alley, leaving Xia Tian, Xu Dechuan behind, along with his four bodyguards laying on the floor. Although Quicksand was an assassination organization, they would not seek trouble on their own accord. This was the reason why Xu Dechuan was still alive.


    ¡°Brother Xia Tian, I¡¯ll send you to wherever you¡¯re planning to go.¡± Xu Dechuan¡¯s respect towards Xia Tian had increased greatly after the entire incident. Now, his confidence was strengthened that Xia Tian was no ordinary man.


    Quicksand coming out to protect him was proof that Xia Tian was backed by an incredibly powerful character.


    ¡°Alright, please bring me to the Sky River Hotel.¡±Xia Tian wanted to celebrate his cousin sister¡¯s birthday but was interrupted. However, he had to head there immediately because he was acting as his cousin sister¡¯s boyfriend.


    ¡°Sky River Hotel? Got it. Perhaps you¡¯re going to a banquet; do you need me to buy some sort of gift for you?¡± Xu Dechuan did not mention Quicksand to Xia Tian. From his perspective, it seemed that Xia Tian wanted to keep this under the hood. Hence, it would be better for him if he knew less.


    Xia Tian did not ask Xu Dechuan about Quicksand. From Shan¡¯s behavior earlier, Quicksand was likely an incredibly secretive organization. On top of that, Quicksand had requested a secret scroll from him which he had zero knowledge about. His father had never mentioned anything like this to him before.


    Quicksand had given him seven days to search for it. This meant that he had to find it within seven days, or that he had to acquire the ability to defend against Quicksand within the same amount of time. However, it was obvious that the latter was incredibly hard to achieve.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve to go back home tomorrow.¡± Although his father¡¯s house had not been sold off from the time his father died, he had never returned ever since.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s my cousin sister¡¯s birthday. I¡¯ve already prepared the present, which is that bracelet earlier.¡± There was nothing better than having that Blood Gemstone Bracelet as a gift to his cousin sister. The Blood Gemstone¡¯s effect was very obvious, especially when a woman wore it. It could enhance a person¡¯s beauty and even prevent aging.


    Although his cousin sister was young to begin with, she would look like she was in her twenties if she kept wearing it until her forties.


    ¡°How could I forget that. The Gemstone is indeed a good gift.¡± Xu Dechuan smiled gently.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡±


    Xia Tian¡¯s phone started ringing.


    ¡°Hi cousin sister, I¡¯ll be there in a minute.


    ¡°Alright alright alright. I¡¯ll be calling you Qingxue. I¡¯ll be your ultimate shield for the night.


    ¡°Where am I supposed to get you flowers.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll think of something.¡±


    Xia Tiang hung up the call.


    Xu Dechuan smiled softly when he heard Xia Tian speaking on the phone. He was an old-timer and it was only natural that he understood most of the context before him. ¡°Brother Xia Tian, let me handle the flower issue for you. You should head over first, I¡¯ll send it to you soon.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Xia Tian laughed awkwardly. ¡°You have my thanks Elder Xu.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to call me Elder Xu. If you don¡¯t mind, you can call me Big Brother Xu.¡± Xu Dechuan commented.


    ¡°Haha, thank you Big Brother Xu.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently as he knew that people such as Xu Dechuan would be useful to him in the future.


    The car soon arrived at the packed Sky River Hotel. There even was a congratulatory note written at the entrance for Ye Qingxue wisher her a happy birthday, and it was as beautiful as the entrance to the hotel was.

 Chapter 11

    Sky River Hotel was a very famous hotel in Jianghai City and a month¡¯s booking in advance was needed to hold a birthday or banquet there. While Ye Qingxue booked for the rotating restaurant on the eleventh floor, it was up to the hotel to decide which floor to give her.


    The eleventh floor was made entirely from glass and one could see the colorful lighting and crystal clear decorations from the outside. It also looked like a giant crystal palace that resembled a giant mushroom. The bottom of the building would be its stem and the giant crystal on top was the cap.


    Each floor had its own unique decorations and as each storey increased, so would the status of the person the floor was accommodating. Although Sky River Hotel was open to the public, the average person would not be able to reserve the eleventh floor by lack of monetary power.


    The Sky River Hotel¡¯s decoration was very well thought out. The first to third floor would be the living rooms and its decoration was very elegant. The beer and coffee provided there was free and many rich people liked the environment here as they would often sit there to read magazines or newspapers. There were also people who came here specifically to make new friends.


    The fourth floor was a banquet hall, the most average banquet hall in the building. Despite the word average being used here, its decoration was still extremely luxurious.


    The guest rooms were located on the fifth floor to the ninth floor. The prices for these rooms were not cheap, ranging between 998 to 9998 RMB. Furthermore, the vibe given off by each room was different and there were all types of services to go along.


    The gym was located on the tenth floor and was often filled with people.


    Xia Tian¡¯s attire was rather casual, and this made him stand out as he entered the place together with the others who were in suits and decent clothing. Hence, Xia Tian was relatively underdressed.


    Although the security personnel and service staff found Xia Tian¡¯s attire rather off-putting, they did not stop him from entering. After all, one would need to pay to reach their desired floors. The only exceptions were the fourth and eleventh floor but there were many security personnel there. If they discovered an uninvited guest, they would immediately kick him or her out of the venue.


    Ye Qingxue was very happy that day as it was her twentieth birthday. Her mother had reserved the entire Sky River Hotel¡¯s eleventh floor in order to throw her a birthday party. She had invited her good friends, and naturally, there were those who had gatecrashed her party. There were also a few of her mother¡¯s business partner¡¯s sons and daughters.


    ¡°Qingxue, this is a perfume from Chanel. Happy birthday.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s an LV handbag. Happy birthday.¡±


    ¡°This is a pair of high heels from CL. Happy birthday dear.¡±


    Ye Qingxue¡¯s friends presented her their gifts one after another. Naturally, there were some normal gifts as well as there were a few poor people that were attending the same class as her. The gifts they had given to her were less than a few hundred dollars but Ye Qingxue was still happy and thankful to everyone.


    Ye Qingxue was in a white full-dress that day. She was like an angel that had descended down into the mortal realm. Her purity attracted everyone¡¯s attention and not a single man was spared. Even the girls were looking at her with envy, jealousy, and some even thought that she was way beyond their reach.


    The number of people with gifts started growing but Ye Qingxue remained sincere and thankful to everyone. However, she seemed to be out of the zone as dozens of men had already confessed their love to her.


    However, her soul did not seem to be here at all, as if she were waiting for someone to appear.


    ¡°Ms Ye, your beauty is truly off the charts. Can you please consider my love one more time?¡± A second-generation rich youngster walked towards her elegantly as he confessed sincerely.


    Many people watched enviously as this rich young master confessed his love in such a straightforward fashion.


    ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful. I¡¯m willing to give up ten years of my life just to be her boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Stop daydreaming. A girl like her is way out of our league. Look at those second-generation rich kids, the competition is already incredibly intense among them.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s here.¡±


    The crowd shifted their attention to the entrance. A man in a suit and leather shoes with a graceful air about him walked towards her. He had a big bouquet of roses in his hand and everyone gasped when they saw him.


    ¡°He¡¯s Wang Nianlin, one of the four princes of Jianghai. He¡¯s a third-year student at Jianghai University and the vice president of Jianghai University Student Council.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really him. He¡¯s the Ye Qingxue number-one-fan. I heard that he has been pursuing Ye Qingxue ever since she enrolled into Jianghai University.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what he¡¯s getting up to this time.¡±


    The second-generation rich youngsters and the sons of the high-ranking officers stared at Wang Nianlin in jealousy. Although Wang Nianlin was also a second-generation rich youngster himself, his father was the founder of a publicly listed company and it was a family business.


    One could say that he was a man of great power in Jianghai City and many would please him no matter what if they had the chance.


    Wang Nianlin walked rather firmly as every step he took was filled with confidence. However, a woman in casual clothing entered and the attention she attracted was far more than him. This woman did not put on any make-up at all but her beauty was certainly on par with Ye Qingxue. While Ye Qingxue gave off a pure and fantastic vibe, this girl was oozing with simplicity and natural beauty.


    ¡°Qingxue, it looks like I¡¯m not late. This is a writing brush made by my father.¡± The girl was not lady-like at all as she strode past Wang Nianlin.


    Although Wang Nianlin was incredibly unhappy, he could not do a thing to this girl.


    ¡°Looks like luck is on our side today. We¡¯re able to meet the two most beautiful girls in Jianghai University. Even she has appeared.¡±


    ¡°Ye Qingxue is ranked number four and this girl is just one rank lower than her. If it wasn¡¯t for her strong, intimidating personality, her ranking might just be higher than Ye Qingxue.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s her. The president of Jianghai University Student Council, Huo Wennu. I¡¯ve never heard of someone having Huo as the surname before.¡±


    The crowd plunged into discussion with the appearance of Huo Wennu 1 . Huo Wennu and Ye Qingxue were best of friends at Jianghai University and it was only natural that the former would attend the latter¡¯s birthday party. The crowd knew that Ye Qingxue was an elegant girl and her writing brush would be the best in the entire university. Hence, Huo Wennu decided to gift her one.


    ¡°It¡¯s from the Qing Dynasty. Sister Wen, you didn¡¯t steal this out from your house, did you?¡± Ye Qingxue was shocked as she looked at the writing brush in her hand. How could she not know the origin of this writing brush?


    Huo Wennu had unexpectedly gifted her a writing brush as her birthday present. Wang Nianlin¡¯s expression changed the instant he saw Huo Wennu¡¯s birthday present. He believed that he was able to throw everyone off when he took out his present but Huo Wennu had presented her such an amazing gift.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. My father¡¯s items are also my items.¡± Huo Wennu smiled softly as she patted Ye Qingxue¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you, Sister Huo.¡± Although she adored everyone¡¯s presents regardless of their value, she did not truly desire any of them. However, this writing brush was different. It was similar to the number one fan obtaining a signed jersey.


    Wang Nianlin walked towards Ye Qingxue despite her show having been stolen away by Huo Wennu. After all, Huo Wennu was ultimately still just a woman.


    The bouquet of roses in his hand had a lot of story behind it.


    The second-generation rich youngster left the place on his own accord after noticing Wang Nianlin. Although his family was rich, he was nothing more than a pebble in the eyes of the Wang Family.


    Bingxin looked at the entrance and shook her head at Ye Qingxue when she did not see anyone there.


    Huo Wennu looked at Bingxin in confusion but she did not ask further. The crowd then turned their attention back to Wang Nianlin, as if he was the male lead of the night. Wang Nianlin strode to Ye Qinxue and knelt down before Ye Qingxue. ¡°Qingxue, happy birthday.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Ye Qingxue put on a gentle smile as she accepted the bouquet of roses. Although the roses signified another meaning, she had no reason to not accept it since Wang Nianlin had wished her a happy birthday.


    It was then Wang Nianlin took out a box from the bouquet of roses. Everyone knew the main show was about to begin when they saw the box. Wang Nianlin had purposely hidden the box among the roses as he was afraid of Ye Qingxue rejecting this very box.


    Since Ye Qingxue had accepted the flowers, it was proof that she had accepted the box as well.


    Wang Nianlin opened the box gently as a shining diamond ring was presented to the audience. It was only then everyone understood that Wang Nianlin was going down that path. The flower was a decoy and the diamond ring was the actual gift. Ye Qingxue would certainly reject the gift if he were to gift Ye Qingxue the diamond ring directly.


    Regardless, the symbol of a diamond ring was obviously implied. If Ye Qingxue were to accept the diamond ring, it meant that she had accepted Wang Nianlin¡¯s pursuit.


    ¡°Qingxue, I¡¯ve always loved you. I really hope you can accept my love.¡± Wang Nianlin placed the ring back into the flower as it showed that Ye Qingxue had to accept this ring.


    ¡°Master Wang is truly Master Wang. He¡¯s amazing. He had even gone after a girl in such a way that we¡¯d never thought of at all.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, it looks like our chances are gone since Master Wang has shown his cards.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s not hope that you¡¯ll succeed in getting a girl away from Master Wang. I think we should help Master Wang instead. We might be able to befriend a person like Master Wang if we do.¡±


    The group of second-generation rich youngsters and youngsters from high-authority families discussed among themselves. Perhaps they still stood a chance if Wang Nianlin did not appear as their families were of equal standing. However, their chances had reduced to null the instant Wang Nianlin appeared.


    They were but pebbles in the presence of Wang Nianlin.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m late, Qingxue. Happy birthday.¡± A voice came from the entrance of the party as everyone shifted their attention to the origin of this voice.


    Ye Qingxue was ecstatic. Although Bingxin was rather upset about it, she let out a sigh of relief. Huo Wennu started analyzing the man at the entrance the instant they saw the two girls¡¯ expressions.


    ¡­

 Chapter 12

    Xia Tian finally grasped just how big the banquet hall was on the eleventh floor when he entered. No wonder it was built like a mushroom. The environment here was unparalleled as everything was made entirely out of glass. However, these were not normal glass panels; these would be intact even if an elephant walked over them.


    Due to its strategic location, there was a commanding view of the bustling city of Jianghai from the inside. The decoration of the banquet was even more luxurious and the person standing before him was his cousin sister Qingxue.


    Qingxue was beyond beautiful on that day. Even Xia Tian was attracted by her beauty despite being able to see her every day.


    His aunt was very beautiful and Xia Tian had always believed that she was the most beautiful person in the world since he was a child. However, his aunt was beautiful in the aspect of purity and elegance. However, Ye Qingxue was oozing out a completely different vibe. She had the beauty of a fairy.


    Even the angels in heaven were no match for her.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Ye Qingxue smiled gently as she walked towards Xia Tian. Everyone was shocked by what she did. Everyone had walked towards her to greet her, yet she was the one who took the initiative and walked towards this man.


    Ye Qingxue did not personally greet even Wang Nianlin and Huo Wennu, and yet, she had chosen to personally welcome this man.


    One must admit, Xia Tian¡¯s get up for the day was rather simple. Ye Qingxue¡¯s friends and acquaintances who were not rich were all in their most expensive and cleanest outfits that day. However, Xia Tian¡¯s attire from top to bottom did not seem to exceed even a hundred RMB.


    Wang Nianlin¡¯s expression turned gloomy as he felt a great threat. Although Ye Qingxue had never accepted his pursuit, she had always been very indifferent to everyone else. However, Ye Qingxue was incredibly sweet and kind to this man and she had even walked forward to greet him.


    ¡°I got into some trouble on my way here.¡± Xia Tian smiled softly. Bingxin and Huo Wennu had walked towards him as well.


    ¡°I see you still have some moral decency left in you.¡± Bingxin stared at Xia Tian as she whispered. Her words had confused Xia Tian but he remained silent. Ultimately, he was in the wrong as he was the one who activated his Insight and had even blurted out what he saw.


    ¡°Qingxue, this is¡­?¡± Huo Wennu realized that Bingxin and Ye Qingxue spoke familiarly with this man. The answer to her question was everyone wanted to know right now.


    They had no idea who this young man was as his appearance had left Prince Wang stranded in public. Wang Nianlin stood there awkwardly as he held onto the bouquet of flowers passed over by Ye Qingxue. He had no idea if he should just keep standing there or leave.


    ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend, his name is Xia Tian,¡± Yeng Qingxue said gently. The crowd was astounded the instant the words left her mouth. The goddess Ye Qingxue already had a boyfriend. It was extremely big news.


    Her boyfriend appeared that instant Wang Nianlian confessed to her. The entire scene was simply too embarrassing.


    Wang Nianlin felt extreme shame as if all of his organs were about to be punched out of him. It was an extremely unpleasant feeling. His current situation was extremely awkward and all he wanted then was to dig a hole and jump into it.


    ¡°Ms Ye, why didn¡¯t you tell everyone that your boyfriend would be attending your birthday party. All of us single men here had our hopes up for nothing. I, Sun Fugang had even confessed to you earlier.¡± The second-generation rich youngster that had confessed to Ye Qingxue, Sun Fugang spoke. His words had completely nullified Wang Nianlin¡¯s awkwardness as his words had basically declared that everyone in the venue had a thing for Ye Qingxue. Hence, Wang Nianlin had no reason to feel awkward anymore.


    Wang Nianlin nodded at Sun Fugang and he opened his mouth again when he obtained a nod of approval. ¡°Ms Ye, why don¡¯t you introduce your boyfriend to us. What does he do and where is his father working? Perhaps we¡¯re acquainted with him.¡±


    His words pointed directly at Xia Tian¡¯s weakness. It was only natural they knew that Xia Tian was not from a rich family based on his attire. Hence, he had picked Xia Tian¡¯s most sensitive topic to talk about.


    Wang Nianlin was very satisfied upon hearing his words and took note of him. Soon, everyone else started joining in the conversation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you all to meddle with my problems.¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s expression turned cold all of the sudden. She knew that these people were doing it on purpose. The reason why she requested Xia Tian to act as her boyfriend was that she wanted all of these boys to give up on her. However, she did not expect these people to start picking on Xia Tian. After all, no one knew Xia Tian as much as she did.


    ¡°Qingxue, do you mind telling us where Xia Tian comes from? Why is he wearing his casual clothes to attend your birthday party?¡± Wang Nianlin had already seen Xia Tian as a threat and his anger skyrocketed, even more, when he saw Xia Tian¡¯s attire. He came from a very rich family and he did not mind gifting Ye Qingxue a sports car or a mansion.


    From everyone¡¯s perspective, he was often known as one of the almighty four princes of Jianghai. He had prepared every detail of his plan for this very day. The reason he chose to hide the diamond ring within the bouquet of roses was that it was very romantic, and Ye Qingxue would have been pressured to accept his ring this way.


    He was definitely a pioneer of such a method, and it could be counted as romance as well.


    However, his entire plan had been disrupted with the appearance of this little b*stard. Not only was his plan ruined, Ye Qingxue had even publicly announced that this little b*stard was her boyfriend. His dignity had been totally shattered.


    All this while, the famous celebrities outside of his university would even greet him when they saw him, let alone all the girls within the university. All those big-shot merchants and officers would be incredibly courteous to him no matter what.


    He had everything handed to him on a silver platter since he was young. He was tall, handsome, and would dress in branded clothing. Here, he was forced to compare himself with a poor and simple-looking man, Xia Tian. Xia Tian could not even compete against him with anything other than having flawless skin.


    Despite all of these, Ye Qingxue had decided to be together with a young and handsome man instead of him.


    ¡°Oh right Qingxue, he¡¯s really disrespecting you right now for wearing such attire on your big day.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. How dare you compare him with Prince Wang.¡±


    ¡°Whoever is here today is without a doubt better than him. He¡¯s just a young and handsome man.¡±


    Righteousness would often stand on the stronger side and in everyone¡¯s eyes, Wang Nianlin was the stronger one. He was the rich young master that stood above all. Furthermore, Xia Tian was just a poor b*stard and would not stand a chance against Wang Nianlin.


    All of them were saying so because they wanted to be on Wang Nianlin¡¯s good side. If Wang Nianlin had really become friends with them, it would be of great help to their family business. Their parents would definitely praise them if they found out about it.


    A series of judgments followed.


    ¡°Everyone shut the f*ck up. He¡¯ll wear whatever he desires and it has nothing to do with any of you. My attire is quite casual as well. Why don¡¯t you guys comment on me instead?¡± Huo Wennu finally exploded. She was not someone easy to mess with and everyone would subconsciously lower their heads when her eyes met theirs. None of them dared to look straight into her eyes.


    Even Wang Nianlin, one of the four princes of Jianhai could only scoff it off.


    ¡°Alright. Since everyone has arrived, let the party begin.¡± Bingxin pulled Huo Wennu as she told the crowd, trying to ease the situation.


    ¡°Wait up. Qingxue, this is your flower.¡± Wang Nianlin placed the ring back into the flower and presented it right in front of Ye Qingxue. Everyone saw that he placed the ring back into the roses.


    If Ye Qingxue were to accept the flowers, this would mean that she had accepted Wang Nianlin¡¯s pursuit. However, she could not accept the flowers as well as she had already accepted it earlier. Wang Nianlin would definitely put up a scene if she were to reject his roses now.


    Xia Tian then held Ye Qingxue¡¯s hands and smiled gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my girlfriend can only accept roses from her boyfriend, me.¡±


    ¡°You? I wonder what kind of present did you prepare for Qingxue.¡± Wang Nianlin was looking down at Xia Tian. Xia Tian did not seem to have brought any present since he was wearing so casually as he had no place to store his present at all. Furthermore, Wang Nianlin was the only one who gifted her flowers.


    Although Ye Qingxue had stated that Xia Tian was her boyfriend, Xia Tian came without any flowers. Everyone started doubting their relationship.


    Speaking of gifts, everyone looked at Xia Tian once again. Since Xia Tian had come here to celebrate Ye Qingxue¡¯s birthday, it was unlikely that he did not bring any present at all.


    ¡°He has already given me the present earlier. I like it very much.¡± Ye Qingxue panicked. She knew that Xia Tian did not have any money and even if he did have a gift, it would be improper for such a venue. She did not mind what Xia Tian would give her at all.


    Xia Tian would be discriminated against by everyone if he were to take out his present. It would be unfair for Xia Tian. She invited Xia Tian here so that he could stop these pursuers for her. She had no intention of hurting him at all.


    ¡°Oh? What did he give you? It doesn¡¯t matter what he gifted you in the past, it¡¯s your birthday today. Shouldn¡¯t he at least give you a bouquet of flowers?¡± Wang Nianlin mocked as his gift was a bouquet of roses and a diamond ring. It was the best gift in this setting.


    ¡°A gift? It¡¯s only natural that I have it.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently as he took out a bracelet. It looked so simple that it was no different than a two-dollar cheap bracelet.


    The crowd laughed, especially the lot that wanted to befriend Wang Nianlin the instant Xia Tian took out his gift.


    ¡°Hahaha. I¡¯m dying of laughter here. You dare to pick a trashy bracelet to show to the crowd? Even a bouquet of flowers is better than this.¡± Wang Nianlin seemed to have witnessed a comical incident. A self-proclaimed boyfriend of Ye Qingxue had decided to gift her trash as a birthday present.


    Ye Qingxue was worried that Xia Tian would be embarrassed as she immediately butted in. ¡°I love it. I love the things you give me, no matter what they are.¡±


    Xia Tian smiled gently as he watched everyone scoffing at him. He wrapped the bracelet around Ye Qingxue¡¯s wrist. He then bit his thumb as a droplet of rose-red blood landed on the bracelet. The droplet turned into countless little droplets while it was absorbed into the bracelet. The hemoglobins then vanished into thin air.

 Chapter 13

    The bracelet would glow red the instant it came into contact with blood. The beads on the bracelet turned transparent as red lines traveled within, as if they were veins inside a human. It was not just the lines that were red in color, it appeared to be the color of blood itself.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Blood Gemstone Bracelet. How is this possible. My grandfather is the only one who has it in the entire household.¡± Wang Nianlin was shocked as he looked at the bracelet on Ye Qingxue¡¯s wrist. Earlier, it looked like an item sold by the roadside, but it had now turned into a priceless treasure.


    The price of the Blood Gemstone was not astronomical, and it was not an issue for him to purchase a few of these based on his wealth. However, what made the Blood Gemstone valuable was its scarcity. Once the Blood Gemstone appeared in the market, it would be instantly bought by someone.


    Not a single person was willing to resell them as the Blood Gemstone was incredibly beneficial to one¡¯s health. A woman would become more beautiful and the toxins within her body would be expelled if she wore them. If an old man were to wear it, his body would be enhanced and it would provide anti-aging effects as well.


    These miraculous effects were also the reason why Blood Gemstone had become so rare. Everyone in the venue started realizing what the item was upon hearing Wang Nianlin¡¯s words. They could still see the bracelet releasing the red glow even if they had never heard of it.


    Everyone knew it was an amazing bracelet at first sight. With what Wang Nianlin had just said, it was only natural that everyone believed it to be an incredibly valuable item.


    ¡°That bracelet is so beautiful.¡± Bingxin was shocked as she looked at the red bracelet on Ye Qingxue¡¯s wrist. She had heard of Xia Tian¡¯s situation from Ye Qingxue as well, hence she found it extremely hard to imagine how Xia Tian was able to get his hands on one.


    Wang Xianlin was showing off his expensive gift earlier and had said that Xia Tian¡¯s gift was trash. However, the situation had turned on its head. How could one compare a diamond ring against a Blood Gemstone Bracelet?


    Everyone¡¯s gift had been outshined by Xia Tian¡¯s gift. Ye Qingxue herself was utterly astounded. She knew Xia Tian best, and he had never wanted her mother¡¯s money. He was always hard working and frugal. Where on earth did Xia Tian find this gift?


    Although she loved his gift dearly, she could not help but worry if Xia Tian had done something illegal to obtain it.


    Wang Nianlin¡¯s gift had been overshadowed and the only thing that was worth being proud of was the bouquet of roses in his hand.


    Everyone stopped looking down on Xia Tian. Previously, they were slandering Xia Tian due to his casual outlook and the belief that Xia Tian was a poor man. Now, they finally understood that Xia Tian was just putting up an act.


    In addition to the bracelet which would have cost a few million dollars, how could he not give her flowers to celebrate her birthday? Xia Tian smiled gently as he knew very well what Ye Qingxue was thinking. However, it was not the time to explain as he received Elder Xu¡¯s message on his phone.


    At least ten people entered the hall with bouquets of roses. Xia Tian and Ye Qingxue were surrounded by these flowers as they were arranged in the shape of a heart.


    There were a total of 9999 roses. Wang Xianlin was mocking Xia Tian earlier for not bothering to prepare a bouquet of roses. Now, there were so many people delivering them. Wang Xianlin had merely gifted her 99 roses, but Xia Tian had hired so many people to deliver them over. That required a good sum of money.


    ¡°Qingxue, look outside.¡± Xia Tian pulled Ye Qingxue into his arms without any resistance. Another feeling was brewing inside her. She felt incredibly blessed then even if her other half at that moment was her cousin brother.


    Then, fireworks! Fireworks started appearing on the other end of the window. Hundreds of immeasurably breathtaking fireworks exploded simultaneously in the sky.


    Ye Qingxue was not the only one that was incredibly touched, all the girls on the scene felt the same. If the diamond ring and bouquet of roses were the dynamic duo of romance, then, a bunch of fresh flowers and fireworks would melt a girl¡¯s heart even further.


    Each and every one of them was extremely envious of Ye Qingxue. In that moment, each of them were questioning the reason why they were not the female lead. Bingxin could not fathom what was transpiring right before her eyes. Qingxue had told her about Xia Tian before, but even she had been touched by the entire scene.


    The fireworks lasted a full ten minutes and just as everyone thought they had ended, the buildings opposite the window turned dark all at once.


    Then, four skyscrapers lit up in a blink of an eye.


    ¡®Xue. I. <3. You.¡¯


    The love shape at the center was amazingly centered. The hall was filled with screaming as the girls were all caught in the moment. Even the playboy Wang Nianlin had never been that romantic before.


    ¡°It¡¯s so romantic. It would be great if I could marry him.¡±


    ¡°Qingxue is so blessed. I¡¯d even become fat if that¡¯s what it took to marry him.¡±


    All the girls were looking forward to more and even a few ugly ones started fangirling about him. Not a single girl could withstand what was happening right before their eyes.


    The lights outside started lighting up again but what happened earlier had been etched in everyone¡¯s memories. This level of romance was unparalleled and Wang Nianlin had walked back into the crowd. The things he took pride in had been overshadowed by Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian was impressed with Elder Xu¡¯s capability. Perhaps it was true that the experienced always did better.


    Elder Xu¡¯s performance had far exceeded his expectations and even he himself was stunned when he received Elder Xu¡¯s messages.


    Everyone was feeling lovey-dovey as Ye Qingxue was pulled into Xia Tian¡¯s chest. Unfortunately, both had never experienced such a touching moment as they had yet to meet the right person. Ye Qingxue felt that she was the most blessed woman then and really wished Xia Tian was not her cousin brother.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s not that bad.¡± Bingxin thought to herself. ¡°Ah, Bingxin, what are you thinking. How embarrassing.¡±


    Bingxin flushed. She recalled her first encounter with Xia Tian. She was very sure that she kept what she wore very well hidden and yet, Xia Tian was able to figure out what she was wearing. On top of that, there were also the things that were happening now.


    ¡°He must have a lot of secrets about him. I¡¯m going to dig them out.¡± Bingxin made a vow to herself as she pondered.


    Huo Wennu, who was beside the two girls, was touched beyond words. Since young, she had never really fallen for any men, and as a result did not know what feeling touched felt like. However, she finally understood why these girls were pursuing the life of glamor and other similar things similar to it after seeing Xia Tian¡¯s actions.


    Huo Wennu was able to tell that Ye Qingxue¡¯s happiness came from her heart.


    The party had officially begun and everyone had their own plans at the party due to Xia Tian¡¯s appearance. His actions had overshadowed everyone, including the super prince Wang Nianlin.


    Meanwhile, in Jianghai City Hospital.


    ¡°Quicksand!! What¡¯s so special about this brat that even Quicksand appeared to protect him?¡± Xu Qinghua frowned as he spoke. He could not find any sense in Quicksand¡¯s actions. After all, Quicksand was an assassination organization, why would they go out of their way to protect someone?


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible that Quicksand would protect someone unless this person is incredibly important to Quicksand. He¡¯s either a descendant of a high ranking officer in Quicksand or he has something Quicksand wants to obtain,¡± Shan said. Xu Qinghua did not blame him for retreating. Instead, Xu Qinghua kept asking Shan if he was injured in any way ever since he returned.


    Xu Qinghua understood Shan very well and Xu Qinghua had absolute trust in him. If Shan was not able to bring his target back, this was proof that something must have happened. Shan was his most important subordinate and he had never troubled him in the past. Xu Qinghua did not see him as an outsider and he had even treated Shan better than his own biological brothers.


    ¡°The first situation is very unlikely, which means that he has something that Quicksand desires. Looks like we¡¯ve underestimated this high school student,¡± Xu Qinghua said. ¡°you should go back and do a thorough check on him.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to the young master?¡± Shan asked as he looked at the bed-ridden Xu Shaocong.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to hire Elder Wang. Although he¡¯s quite expensive, it¡¯s better than losing his life.¡± Xu Qinghua¡¯s eyes started glimmering. He had never done anything that would result in his loss.


    Ye Qingxue¡¯s birthday party was incredibly boisterous; everyone was enjoying their time talking and partying. However, the main character, Ye Qingxue, seemed to have something on her mind the entire time as she was rather absent-minded throughout her party.


    Someone offered to send Ye Qingxue home after the party since she had no ride home at all.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, thank you.¡± Ye Qingxue knew that these people were on Wang Nianlin¡¯s side. Although Wang Nianlin had been drinking frustratingly due to Xia Tian¡¯s actions, it did not stop them from troubling Xia Tian even when the party was over.


    Xia Tian¡¯s attire was incredibly casual and he had no place to store his car keys at all. This was how they determined that Xia Tian did not drive to the venue.


    ¡°Qingxue, you should just sit in my car.¡± Wang Nianlin offered Ye Qingxue like a gentleman as he walked towards her.


    ¡°No thank you. I¡¯m walking home together with Xia Tian.¡± Ye Qingxue wrapped herself around Xia Tian¡¯s arms. No one knew if she did it on purpose but she would occasionally brush her huge chest against Xia Tian¡¯s arms.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like he has a car to send you home.¡± Wang Nianlin glared at Xia Tian in disdain.


    Then, Xia Tian eyed a car from afar and smiled gently as he pulled Ye Qingxue over. Bingxin immediately followed up while Huo Wennu looked at the three confusingly. Soon, a BMW stopped in front of the trio.


    A person in traditional Chinese garment came down from the car and opened the door for the three of them to enter. Everything went so smoothly that Wang Nianlin and the rest were soon left standing idly.


    Wang Nianlin felt that everything that had happened today was rather frustrating. He had been, again and again, outshined by Xia Tian in every aspect. When he said that Xia Tian was poor, the latter had presented a gift that was ten times more expensive than his. When he said that Xia Tian was not romantic enough, the latter had sent over 9999 roses and accompanied it with fireworks and light show.


    Ultimately, even when Wang Nianlin said that Xia Tian did not have a method of transport, he still failed to find fault with his enemy. Xia Tian did not have a key because he had a driver.


    ¡°D*mned it. I won¡¯t let you off the hook.¡± Wang Nianlin stared at the BMW angrily as it disappeared to the horizon.


    ¡­

 Chapter 14

    The view of Jianghai City by night was gorgeous. A popular saying that went around was that one should work to the bones in Jianghai City during the day and cherish the city by night. This was due to the scintillating lights that decorated the entire city after sunset, which also, in turn, gave it its nickname as the Nightless City.


    Jianghai City was a world for the rich, and as long as one wielded enough capital, they could obtain anything they wished. For this reason, the city was also labeled as the Dream Capital.


    ¡°I greatly appreciate your help today, Brother Xu,¡± Xia Tian thanked Xu Dechuan who was currently driving the BMW.


    It was at this point that Ye Qingxue and Bingxin noticed Xu Dechuan, who was currently driving the car. Ye Qingxue was originally planning to grill Xia Tian about the abrupt turn of events, but she now understood that it had something to do with the driver.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so formal with me. So, where are all of you headed to next?¡± Elder Xu gave a warm smile.


    ¡°Xia Tian, mind explaining what¡¯s going on? Also, I¡¯m returning this bracelet to you.¡± Ye Qingxue was well aware that Xia Tian was poor, and as such, there was a high probability that he had borrowed the precious item. Although she adored the bracelet, she still needed to return it.


    ¡°Cousin, this is my personal gift to you, so why are you rejecting it?¡± Xia Tian once again placed the bracelet on top of Ye Qingxue¡¯s palm.


    ¡°Nono, this item is too valuable. You must¡¯ve borrowed it from somewhere, right? You should return it quickly.¡± Ye Qingxue eyed Xia Tian with a face full of worry. She had already experienced her fill of joy for today, and on top of that, Xia Tian had also helped her in ridding off her pursuers.


    ¡°Relax, I didn¡¯t borrow it. It truly belongs to me. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Brother Xu here yourself.¡±


    ¡°Miss Ye, the Blood Gemstone Bracelet you¡¯re holding does indeed belong to Brother Xia Tian. It¡¯s something that he obtained from the Antique Enthusiast Street.¡± Pausing briefly, Elder Xu continued, ¡°The Blood Gemstone Bracelet carries many functionalities, but its potential would be squandered if you were to wear it like any other ornament. When you return home, make sure to feed 3 drops of your blood to the bracelet once every month. Do this for a year, and the bracelet would fuse with your vitality, allowing it to nourish you.¡±


    ¡°You heard what Brother Xu said, right? Make sure to take good care of it.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s lips curled upwards, and he asked, ¡°Brother Xu, are you certain that 3 drops a month is enough?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± replied Elder Xu.


    ¡°Once every month?¡± Xia Tian prodded on.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Elder Xu nodded his head.


    ¡°Whew, what a relief. I can¡¯t bear the thought of injuring my cousin every time the bracelet needs feeding.¡± With that, the atmosphere within the car froze.


    ¡°Are you asking to be punched again?¡± The lady-like aura that Ye Qingxue was portraying dissipated, revealing a female who was cracking her knuckles. Xia Tian was well aware that this was his demonic cousin¡¯s true form.


    Whenever she was out of the house, Ye Qingxue would portray the appearance of an innocent goddess, but at home, she was an absolute beast of a brawl queen. Xia Tian had been severely tormented by Ye Qingxue over the years, and as such, he constantly treated her as the reincarnation of the devil. It was for this reason that he dared not decline Ye Qingxue¡¯s request for him to act as her boyfriend.


    ¡°Hahaha, Brother Xia Tian, you¡¯re overthinking it. The menstrual blood of a woman would also excrete all the toxins along with it. If you were to drip this blood onto the Blood Gemstone Bracelet, it would definitely be corrupted,¡± Elder Xu mused upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words. He was quite knowledgeable about matters like these.


    Upon hearing the words, Ye Qingxue¡¯s face turned beet red. She shot a vicious glare at Xia Tian as if warning him about the punishment that awaited him back home.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯ll tell Qingxue to let you off if you can guess the color of my undershirt,¡± interjected Bingxin. She felt as if there was some secret to Xia Tian, and as such, she decided to use this opportunity to investigate further.


    Xia Tian did not even think twice. He was originally deliberating on how to deal with his cousin, but upon hearing Bingxin¡¯s words, he immediately activated his Insight and stated with zero hesitation, ¡°Pikachu.¡±


    However, Xia Tian immediately regretted his words after speaking them. After all, Bingxin was clothed even more conservatively today, and forget Pikachu, it was also impossible to see the pink undershirt she was wearing.


    It was at this point that Ye Qingxue and Bingxin shot quizzical views at Xia Tian. Ye Qingxue could not understand how Xia Tian could have done it, whereas Bingxin appeared to have some sort of revelation, as she gave a mysterious chuckle.


    ¡°Hoho, is my guess correct?¡± Xia Tian smiled wryly before hurriedly adding on, ¡°I see, so Sister Bingxin likes to wear cute stuff like this.¡±


    Had Xia Tian not put it that way, he definitely would have aroused the suspicion of others. Although they would have not guessed that he possessed his Insight, it was not good for them to think that he had a perverted hobby as well. After all, he was well aware of how scary his cousin could be.


    ¡°Oh, so it was just as a guess.¡± Ye Qingxue heaved a long sigh. She had initially assumed Xia Tian to have some sort of illicit relationship with Bingxin, but once she heard that it was a guess, she suddenly felt much happier for no clear reason.


    Qingxue had noticed earlier that Bingxin was looking at Xia Tian with a dreamy look. Due to this, she had been led to suspect the two to have something between one another. However, now that she thought back on it, that would be illogical, as the two had only met twice before.


    Something was wrong with her, as she was feeling a certain way towards Xia Tian despite the latter being her cousin.


    ¡®Was it truly a guess?¡¯ Bingxin gave a mental chuckle. She did not believe Xia Tian¡¯s words. Just like the last time, she had already properly checked her attire, and there was no way that Xia Tian could have seen it. Despite that, Xia Tian¡¯s words were still spot on.


    This was enough to arouse Bingxin¡¯s interest in Xia Tian even further.


    Feeling guilty, Xia Tian¡¯s vision drifted to the view outside the car¡¯s windows. It was at this point that he noticed something amiss with a certain vehicle. He activated his Insight, and what he saw made him paused slightly. Inside the vehicle were Ceng Rou and her daughter, kidnapped by four people clad in black, each holding a gun.


    ¡®After thinking back on how she treated me, maybe I should just let her be.¡¯ Xia Tian recalled the events within the hospital.


    ¡®No, the child is innocent.¡¯ After a brief mental conundrum, Xia Tian¡¯s eyes were suddenly filled with vigor. He turned towards Elder Xu and shouted, ¡°Brother Xu, turn around and catch up to the van with the number plate 542B.¡±


    Xia Tian had to admit though, Elder Xu was a seasoned veteran in tasks like these. Upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s request, he immediately located the nearest U-turn and blazed full speed ahead ignoring all traffic lights. He could sense the urgency in Xia Tian¡¯s voice, after all.


    ¡°Xia Tian, what¡¯s the deal?¡± Ye Qingxue stared confusedly at Xia Tian, but at the moment, Xia Tian was wearing a grave expression.


    ¡°Brother Xu, I want you to bring these two to a safe space after you¡¯ve caught up with the van.¡± Xia Tian did not bother to give an explanation and had instead issued a request to Elder Xu.


    ¡°Do you need me to arrange reinforcements?¡± asked Xu Dechuan.


    ¡°There¡¯s not enough time, and it¡¯s easier to operate solo.¡± Xia Tian was scrunching his brows.


    Although Ye Qingxue had no clue as to what was going on, she was certain that there was an element of danger. She interjected, ¡°No, you¡¯re not allowed to go.¡±


    At present, Xia Tian had no confidence in his plan. Although his body had been strengthened, he was no Shaolin expert. Further exacerbating his situation was that all four of the enemies held guns of their own. If he were to face them head-on, the odds of him emerging victorious were lower than 10% as no matter how powerful his body had become, he was not impervious to bullets, and no matter how fast he was, he was still no match for flying pieces of lead.


    Despite that, he was not about to let the cute little girl get murdered before his very eyes. He might have been put off his Ceng Rou¡¯s pushiness, but there was no real grudge between them.


    ¡°I would stand a higher chance if I go alone. If you guys were to follow along, we¡¯ll definitely die,¡± said Xia Tian to Ye Qingxue with a serious expression. ¡°Brother Xu, please call the police. Tell them that Ceng Rou of the Ceng Corporation and her daughter have been kidnapped.¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡± Everyone finally understood why Xia Tian was so desperate.


    The name, Ceng Rou was something like a household name within Jianghai City. She was the idol of many women out there, as she had turned the Ceng Corporation into an invincible business empire by the age of thirty. Although her empire was unable to face the Big Four Families of Jianghai City head-on, she was still a reputable figure in the business world.


    ¡°Elder Xu, make sure to report to the police with a public phone, and make sure to do it anonymously.¡± Xia Tian did not want any trouble and he did not wish for the police to know of his exploits if he managed to save the mother and daughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous. I won¡¯t allow it.¡± Now that Ye Qingxue was aware of the severity of the situation, she was even more adamant to prevent Xia Tian from going.


    ¡°Cousin, please believe in me.¡± Xia Tian embraced Ye Qingxue, which in turn had caused her to turn stiff. This was the warmest hug that she had ever received, and at that moment, she really wished that Xia Tian was not her cousin.


    Meanwhile, inside the van with the number plate, 542B¡­


    Ceng Rou was extremely terrified. She had no idea who these people were, and it was these very people that had nabbed her daughter while she was playing outdoors. Her daughter was her sole pillar of mental support, and Ceng Rou¡¯s greatest fear was for anything to happen to her.


    Throughout the years, Ceng Rou had been regarded as a strong-willed woman to the outside world. However, only Ceng Rou herself had understood how much hardship she had to endure. As a matter of fact, the reason she had put up this brave front was to avoid others seeing the fragile side of her.


    The moment Ceng Rou and her daughter had been captured, all Ceng Rou could feel was helplessness. She had truly believed that no one would come to her rescue, as those old geezers back home had wished an early death for her so that they could obtain the family fortune for themselves. As such, she truly believed that there was no one who truly cared for her.


    Ceng Rou did not fear death. To her, death was actually a form of escape. However, she could not die here, as she still had a daughter. If she were to die here, her daughter would be reduced to an orphan, and when that time came, she would be subject to the oppression of others.


    ¡°Who are you people? I¡¯ll give you guys money, so please just let us go.¡± Within Ceng Rou¡¯s worldview, there was not a single problem that could not be solved with money. After all, there was nothing else the kidnappers could stand to gain from capturing them, and since she believed that everyone in this world loved money, she thought that she could buy them off.


    It was at this point, however, that Ceng Rou suddenly recalled the weirdo from the hospital.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably the only one who¡¯s averse to money.¡± Ceng Rou had no clue as to why she had recalled the weirdo, and with a shake of her head, her thoughts finally returned to reality.


    ¡°Mrs. Ceng, I¡¯m well aware that you¡¯re rich, and money is naturally one of our demands as well. Nevertheless, before that, we have something else that we wish to do.¡± One of the black-clothed men swept his gaze at Ceng Rou, and his gaze had told her all that she needed to know.

 Chapter 15

    ¡°Mama, I¡¯m scared.¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ll promise to meet all your monetary demands as long as you don¡¯t harm my daughter. I¡¯ll even throw in my company¡¯s shares if you wish.¡± Money could be earned again, but should anything happen to Ceng Rou¡¯s most prized possession, her daughter, she would lose all will to live.


    ¡°Mrs. Cheng, please calm down. We won¡¯t hurt you, and as long as you cooperate with us, we assure you that no harm will come to you or your daughter.¡± The man in black stared lecherously at Ceng Rou, and his eyes darted back and forth around Ceng Rou¡¯s body.


    Ceng Rou¡¯s body figure could only be described as the best among the best, and her originally whopping figure was polished even further by the clothes she wore.


    There were people whose choice of attire dictated their appearance; wearing cheap clothing would degrade them into a mere commoner, yet there were those like Ceng Rou that dictated the value of the clothing because they were wearing it.


    Xia Tian observed the van swerving to the side, and from it, he finally understood where the kidnappers were heading towards. Should the van proceed straight ahead, they would reach a suburb. If anyone asked Xia Tian how he was so sure of it, he would give a curt reply, saying that this was where his house was.


    ¡°Brother Xu, can you lend me your coat and cap?¡± Xia Tian was aware that the people from Quicksand were constantly tailing him. Furthermore, if he were to head out normally now, he would definitely continue to be tracked by the Quicksand personnel. As such, he decided to carry out the old¡¯ switcheroo.


    By doing so, he would be able to throw off the Quicksand.


    ¡°Be careful.¡± Worry was written all over Ye Qingxue¡¯s face.


    The car slowly stopped by the roadside, and immediately after Xia Tian had alighted, the car left. Xia Tian then proceeded to hide himself, and it was then that he noticed an average-looking vehicle driven by the Quicksand members tailing the BMW from behind. Had it not been for his X-ray vision, Xia Tian would definitely not have known that the car belonged to Quicksand.


    Quicksand¡¯s tailing methods were well-honed; even though Xia Tian was certain that Quicksand was tailing him, he had never noticed them, until now. After shaking off Quicksand, Xia Tian headed towards the bridge and ran down the slope. This was a shortcut to the suburbs.


    There was no one who knew this route better than Xia Tian as he had relied almost exclusively on his pair of legs to walk through the shortcut during his younger days.


    After driving the van into an abandoned warehouse within the suburbs, the four men in black dragged Ceng Rou out along with her daughter, who was wrapped in her embrace and had been drugged earlier. It was clear that the warehouse had been in disuse for quite some time, as everything within it was covered with a layer of dust.


    The giant metal gates creaked open, and a gust of wind that blew past the warehouse emitted a demon-like shriek.


    Anyone who had been brought here would feel helpless, and Ceng Rou was no exception.


    ¡°What are you planning to do? You can divulge your plans now, right?¡± Ceng Rou hugged her daughter even tighter, as she feared that the men would take her daughter away. Although she was quivering in her boots right now, she still willed herself to stay strong.


    ¡°Nothing much, really. All we ask is for Ms. Ceng to act in a movie with us. This movie would be one of those intimate ones, and I¡¯ll be taking the role of the male lead, whereas you¡¯ll be taking the role of the female lead.¡± The man in black¡¯s gaze was fixated to Ceng Rou, and his eyes were constantly ogling Ceng Rou¡¯s body.


    As for the other three men, they had already whipped out their video cameras. It was at this point that Ceng Rou had finally understood what their intention was.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you guys money! As much as you wish!¡± Ceng Rou began to backpedal with her daughter still in her arms, whereas the man was inching closer and closer to Ceng Rou whilst maintaining his lustful gaze.


    Seeing these men clad in black in front of her, Ceng Rou was now certain that someone was out to get her. Furthermore, she was sure that the certain someone was definitely from the Ceng Household. Without a doubt, the person was planning to threaten her with the video, so that she would give out her share of the company to that particular person.


    By doing so, the particular person would be able to avoid plenty of trouble, for if they had killed Ceng Rou instead, the police would definitely be all over her case since she was an esteemed individual. Besides that, if Ceng Rou were to perish, many would have something to say about her company shares, and if the shares were to be evenly split among the family¡¯s members, no one would stand to gain much.


    That was before they had even considered the plunge in the household¡¯s stock prices.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare approach me! Otherwise, I¡¯ll bite my tongue out and commit suicide!¡± After figuring all this out, Ceng Rou decided to leverage her death to her advantage.


    ¡°Mrs. Ceng, I¡¯d advise you from doing so. Think about your daughter. Don¡¯t forget, once you die, your daughter would become an orphan, and there are many sons of b*tches out there. I can¡¯t be certain that no harm would come to your daughter should that happen.¡± Alas, the man in black was already prepared for Ceng Rou¡¯s threat, which was also one of the reasons that he had chosen to capture both mother and daughter together.


    He knew that Ceng Rou¡¯s weakness was her daughter, and as long as her daughter was in danger, he could force Ceng Rou into submission.


    ¡®Save me! Someone, please save me!¡¯ Cries of help echoed ceaselessly within Ceng Rou¡¯s mind. No matter how strong she usually seemed, she was currently at her weakest point in life and all she wished now was for a man to step up and beat down these baddies for her.


    However, nothing changed. The man in black had already grabbed hold of her arm, and she dared not resist. Besides that, her daughter in her arms had also received a massive scare.


    With a single hand, the man in black tore off the sleeves of Ceng Rou¡¯s clothes. Ceng Rou had already shut her eyes and she had already given up. A single streak of her tears glided down her cheeks and landed on the ground, splintering off into multiple directions before finally settling into the coat of dust.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you guys pick on somebody your own size?¡± A cheery voice reverberated from the entrance of the warehouse.


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± The three lackeys trained their guns at Xia Tian¡¯s position. Just as everyone had placed their sights at the metal gates, a scrawny-looking figure appeared before the crowd.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± The moment Ceng Rou learned of her savior¡¯s identity, her heart leaped with excitement and dread. She was elated, there was finally someone here to save her, but she dreaded what awaited him. After all, there had only been one person to her rescue, whereas there were four captors here, and each was armed with a gun.


    ¡°Name yourself!, Don¡¯t make a move, we¡¯ll shoot otherwise!¡± The man in black cautiously observed Xia Tian. He did not understand why Xia Tian was here. Even though the suburb was a living area to some people, the particular warehouse they were in was quite a distance away from the residential area. Furthermore, it was currently in the dead of the night, and as such, there was almost no possibility of anyone appearing at such a place.


    ¡°I assure you, once you fire off the gun, the police would arrive within half an hour. If that were to happen, you¡¯ll definitely have no means to escape.¡± Xia Tian smirked. In actuality, however, Xia Tian was actually quite worried. He feared that the thugs would ignore his warning and flee immediately after disposing of him.


    ¡°Hmph, I don¡¯t care who you are, but as long as you stay there obediently, I¡¯ll spare your life. Otherwise, prepare to meet your end.¡± From his tone, it was clear that the man in black wanted no unnecessary trouble. After all, their captive was no ordinary person, and should this event blow up, they would truly have no means of escape.


    Xia Tian was now certain that he had made the right call.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have a death wish, but seeing as you¡¯ve taken my woman from me, can you blame me for facing you head-on?¡± Xia Tian¡¯s lips curled up into a mischievous smile.


    ¡°Your woman? What nonsense! She¡¯s THE Ceng Rou of the Ceng Corporation, and ever since her husband passed away, she has remained a pure maiden. So, tell me, what kind of nonsense are you trying to pull,¡± scorned the man in black at Xia Tian.


    At that instant, Ceng Rou could feel her heart warming up. Mustering the courage to declare herself as his woman in such a perilous situation was no simple matter, and from this statement, she finally realized how rudely she had treated Xia Tian back then.


    Without uttering a single word, Xia Tian dashed straight ahead. Noticing that Xia Tian had made his move, the three lackeys then raised their guns, but it was at this moment that a cloud of dust rained down on their heads. This was courtesy of Xia Tian, as he was already within the warehouse by the time the men in black had arrived. Earlier, he had sneakily packed the lime behind the warehouse into plastic bags and then set them up on the warehouse¡¯s ceiling.


    Later on, he sprinkled water onto the lime. Upon making contact with water, the lime produced a chemical reaction, which caused the oxidized metal rods on the ceiling to be completely corroded. With that, massive amounts of lime began to rain down on the people below, which coincidentally, were the three lackeys.


    Seizing the opportune moment, Xia Tian activated his Insight and immediately located the weak spots of the three lackeys. With utmost haste, he quickly dispatched of them with a single hit. It all happened way too quickly, and by the time Xia Tian was done, the remaining man in black hastily whipped out his gun.


    Xia Tian swiftly moved behind a pillar, whereas Ceng Rou began to flee while carrying her daughter.


    The man in black was unable to locate Xia Tian, and as a result, he pointed his gun at Ceng Rou instead. Although matters would become more complicated with Ceng Rou gone, he would become dead meat if he allowed Ceng Rou to escape. As such, he needed to dispose of Ceng Rou post-haste.


    Xia Tian understood the man in black¡¯s intention almost immediately, and he frantically bolted towards Ceng Rou¡¯s. However, the bullet had already been fired by then.


    Bang!!


    A streak of fresh blood flicked through the air. Ceng Rou had been successfully been pushed away by Xia Tian, at the cost of his own body. This familiar scene had caused tears to stream from Ceng Rou¡¯s eyes, and seeing Xia Tian lying on the ground like that filled her with boundless remorse.


    Last time, Xia Tian had thrown all caution to the wind just to rescue her own daughter, but in return, she ridiculed Xia Tian¡¯s pride with money. This time, Xia Tian had once again risked his own life to save herself and her daughter, and she was now even more indebted to Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian was the one who appeared during her daughter¡¯s time of need; and again, it was also Xia Tian who had appeared just as she was experiencing the bleakest moment in her life.


    ¡°Haha, God¡¯s on my side! This is the best possible result!¡± The man in black trudged towards Ceng Rou with a smug grin. Xia Tian¡¯s impeccable timing had originally caused the man in black to think of him as some kind of messiah.


    However, even the greatest of saints were not bullet-proof. Now that he had gotten rid of Xia Tian, the beauty that was Ceng Rou was now his for the taking. This time, he would be able to fully savor this exquisite beauty, and there was no longer anyone who would stand in his way.


    The man in black grabbed onto Ceng Rou¡¯s tattered clothes. ¡°Let go of your child and strip down your clothes. Otherwise, I can¡¯t guarantee your daughter¡¯s safety.¡±


    Ceng Rou felt as if the sky had crumbled, and what little hope that she had regained had now vanished. She had once again fallen into the pits of despair.


    ¡°Hah, to think someone as careless as you would try to attempt a kidnapping.¡± A voice that reeked of death rang out from behind the man in black, followed shortly by the man in black collapsing. Even as he fell, however, a look of disbelief still hung on the man in black¡¯s face.

 Chapter 16

    As Ceng Rou had descended into the depths of depression, the person had stood up yet again. This person was none other than Xia Tian, and he had instantly struck down the man in black. Seeing Xia Tian still alive had caused Ceng Rou to involuntarily lose control of her emotions.


    She cried. There was no trace of any lady-like grace to her bawling, nor was there any semblance of a strong-willed woman. Ceng Rou was bawling her tears out, and so too was her daughter. However, since Ceng Rou¡¯s daughter had been injected with a drug, her crying was muffled.


    Ceng Rou plunged directly into Xia Tian¡¯s embrace, and at that instant, she felt as if there was nowhere else as safe as his arms. They were extremely warm, and a wish sprung out of her at that moment. She would not leave his arms, and her mind was devoid of all else.


    ¡°Ahem! Ahem!¡± Xia Tian let out two pained coughs, and continued with, ¡°Quickly, we must leave this place.¡±


    Although Xia Tian had struck down the captors, he did not kill them. Living in a peaceful society, Xia Tian had been taught to never kill others since he was a child. Now that he had rescued his targets, he needed to leave the area as soon as possible. The police would arrive at any moment, and if they were to spot Xia Tian being shot, Xia Tian would have a hard time explaining himself to them.


    ¡°Oh okay.¡± Ceng Rou wiped off her tears and carried her daughter again. It was only while doing so that she noticed the puddle of fresh blood on the ground. The blood was real, which meant that Xia Tian had indeed been shot.


    She had spotted the wound. It was on Xia Tian¡¯s lower left abdomen, and blood was constantly gushing out of it as Xia Tian applied pressure.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been shot! I¡¯ll dial 120 1 , hang in there.¡± With that, Ceng Rou hastily brought out her phone.


    ¡°No,¡± Xia Tian grabbed hold of Ceng Rou¡¯s handphone. ¡°the situation just now was too complicated, and I¡¯ll definitely be interrogated by the police if I were to enter the hospital. Thanks for the offer, but I don¡¯t want to bring unnecessary trouble for myself.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve been shot,¡± Ceng Rou replied with a distressed tone.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Xia Tian was now even more certain that his body had been strengthened several folds. Otherwise, forget being shot or standing back up to strike down the man in black, even a single slash from a knife would be enough to send him fainting from the pain.


    After shutting down Ceng Rou¡¯s phone, Xia Tian led her out of the warehouse.


    His house was located within a kilometer from the warehouse, and since he had frequently played around the area in his youth, he knew the place like the back of his palm.


    While bearing the pain, Xia Tian led Ceng Rou and her child to his home. The little girl was sensible, and she was no longer crying. It was a long and tiring day for her, and as such, the moment they reached Xia Tian¡¯s home, she immediately collapsed into Ceng Rou¡¯s embrace and began to sleep.


    Xia Tian trod cautiously, and in order to prevent a blood trail leading back to his home, he had torn off his clothes and wrapped it around his wound.


    Xia Tian¡¯s house was not big, but it was quite clean. Everything was neatly arranged, and though it had been a while since Xia Tian last visited, his aunt would occasionally send someone in to tidy it up. As such, everything in the house was spick and span.


    ¡°You live HERE?¡± A maelstrom of emotions began to stir within Ceng Rou¡¯s heart the moment she saw the things within the house. It was clear from the furniture that Xia Tian was no rich man, and if that was true, why did he reject her money? Was it because of pride? Was pride even something more important than money in the modern world?


    All this time, Ceng Rou had regarded money to be above all else. However, her mindset was changed completely after the earlier events; even with all the money in the world, she could not get someone to save her.


    In the end, the one that saved her was one did not care for money. Moreover, that person had even claimed her to be his woman when he rescued her.


    Had it been anyone else who had spoken the words, she would have personally sent a slap flying their way. However, when the words had come from the mouth of a child who was several years younger than her, all she felt instead was pure bliss. She did not know whether this emotion was a result of Xia Tian saving her, or whether it was Xia Tian¡¯s backbone.


    Xia Tian located some matchsticks and cotton gauze, and at present, these were the only useful items within his home.


    ¡°This used to be my home, but now I live with my cousin.¡± Xia Tian held onto a corner of a table with his left hand, and he began to claw at his wound with the other, turning it into a mush of flesh and blood.


    Ceng Rou stared at Xia Tian with disbelief. ¡®Is he planning on extracting the bullet? That makes no sense! He¡¯ll get an infection!¡±


    Sensing the look of worry on Ceng Rou¡¯s face, Xia Tian responded with a faint smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    MMPH!!


    A muffled roar thundered out from Xia Tian¡¯s mouth. At present, Xia Tian¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, and his forehead was filled with sweat. With a powerful tug of his right hand, Xia Tian managed to extract the bullet.


    Ceng Rou was crystal clear on why Xia Tian had refused to shout; to prevent her daughter from being startled. Despite that, she dared not imagine the amount of pain that Xia Tian had to go through. After all, he was extracting a bullet from his body without the aid of any sedatives.


    ¡®Agony!¡¯


    Xia Tian had almost fainted from the pain he experienced. He had learned his lesson the hard way; being a hero sucked. He could feel death creeping upon him, as blood continued to gush out from his wound. There was no way to stop the leakage, and while he had originally intended to use the matchsticks to cauterize the wound, if he were to do that now, his intestines would undoubtedly be burned to a crisp.


    ¡®Am I really going to die here?¡¯ Xia Tian mentally howled. His body had already collapsed, and Ceng Rou had hastily rushed to support his body. She was clueless as to what to do. She wanted to call the police, she wanted to dial 120, but she also remembered Xia Tian preventing her from doing so.


    Just as Xia Tian¡¯s head drooped down, a yellow light appeared from the inside of his pocket. Following this, the yellow light descended into his wound, and when Ceng Rou saw the light, she hurriedly checked Xia Tian¡¯s wound. However, what she saw gave her a major shock.


    The yellow light was moving by itself, and after sinking into Xia Tian¡¯s wound, the wound began to recover. Not even ten seconds had passed, but the bleeding had already stopped, and the wound was still rapidly healing.


    Ceng Rou was an atheist, but she could not explain what was happening in front of her. What was the yellow light? How did Xia Tian¡¯s wounds heal? A mere minute later, Xia Tian¡¯s wound had completely disappeared, and no scar was left behind.


    Although Ceng Rou could not provide any explanations about the events unraveling in front of her, what she did know was that Xia Tian was in a comatose state. As such, she lugged Xia Tian onto the bed and placed her daughter beside him. The house was now quiet, and her heart was finally at peace.


    She had never experienced such tranquillity before, and whenever she looked at the teenager and child before her, she felt extremely fortunate.


    Frankly speaking, this was everything that she had ever wished for. However, as she had never encountered the right person all these years, the only kind of relationship that occurred to her were those that provided economic benefits. Aside from her familial ties, no other relationship had existed in her mind.


    Gradually, Ceng Rou descended into slumber as well. She was assailed with fatigue, and with that, the trio shared the same bed that night.


    That night, Xia Tian had concocted a weird dream. He dreamt of a giant buddha sitting cross-legged on top of his solar plexus, and it was as if the buddha was mending his wound. This dream had struck him as weird, as he could clearly feel the recovery occurring within his own body.


    The next day, Ceng Rou was greeted with a pleasant sight when she woke up. She was hugging Xia Tian, and her daughter was caught between them. Ceng Rou then gave a light kiss onto Xia Tian¡¯s cheeks.


    However, that kiss seemed to have disrupted Xia Tian¡¯s slumber, and as such, Xia Tian was forced to pretend to sleep.


    Xia Tian opened his eyes, and his first view in the morning was Ceng Rou and her cute little daughter. After gently placing a kiss on Ceng Rou¡¯s face, Xia Tian then got onto the ground. He had not noticed how red Ceng Rou¡¯s face had become.


    Walking around in his old house had caused Xia Tian to feel a wave of nostalgia.


    ¡°Plenty of things have happened recently. Everything used to be so simple, but now, nothing is simple anymore.¡± As he observed the familiar surroundings around him, he felt as if his worldview was changing. His father had had strict demands towards him ever since he was young, and while studying hard was among these demands, his father had also drilled plenty of external knowledge into him.


    However, now that he thought back on it, he could not seem to recall his father ever working. If that was truly the case, where on earth did his family¡¯s money come from? While they were not rich, he had never experienced having an empty stomach, and there was also the matter of his father being extremely knowledgeable despite living in the suburbs. That alone added to the suspicion.


    ¡®There¡¯s definitely something odd about my father¡¯s death. Also, what the heck is the scroll that Quicksand is searching for?¡¯ He had never heard of any scrolls before, and his father had never mentioned it to him as well. Besides that, he needed to investigate his father¡¯s death as well.


    ¡®It seems that I¡¯ll need to first locate the scroll in order to figure everything out.¡¯ Xia Tian began to look around. His house was not big, and there was nowhere to hide anything. It was also highly likely that Quicksand had already gone through his house before.


    Xia Tian carefully recalled his past. His father had never smoked nor drank, and his hobby had been planting flowers and growing crops.


    ¡®Tch, there¡¯s no way my father would hide a scroll inside the house.¡± After scouring the house and finding nothing, Xia Tian took out his phone, only to notice that it had run out of battery. After all, his current phone was no Nokia, which could have lasted seven days without being charged.


    He knew that his cousin and the others would be worried sick about him by now.


    It was at this moment that Xia Tian suddenly had an ill omen.


    ¡°Xia Tian, are you trying to throw us off?¡± Three figures appeared from afar.


    ¡°You guys are truly like shadows. I originally planned to hide a while longer, but I never expected you guys to arrive this early.¡± Xia Tian was certain that Quicksand would locate him sooner or later, but what he did not expect was for them to locate him this fast.


    ¡°Xia Tian, we had originally given you seven days to locate the scroll, but now, you only have two days. Since a day has already passed, it means that you¡¯ll need to hand in the item by today.¡± Seeing that Xia Tian had already returned to his abode, Quicksand¡¯s members had decided to shorten Xia Tian¡¯s time limit.


    ¡°A day?¡± Xia Tian frowned. It seemed that the day would not end peacefully. Forget knowing where the scroll was, even if he had known its location, Xia Tian would never hand it over, as that was his father¡¯s memento.


    Xia Tian balled his hands into a fist. Although these three guys from Quicksand were powerful enough to intimidate Shan, Xia Tian did not want to go down without a fight.

 Chapter 17

    The crisp morning air breezed past Xia Tian¡¯s house. The house was dead silent, and though many other families had lived within the suburb, Xia Tian¡¯s house was at least a mile away from all of his neighbors. This was another weird trait of his father, who enjoyed peace and quiet.


    Due to this, they had moved their house to this area, and if the Quicksand personnel were to murder him now, no one would ever know.


    Xia Tian had no confidence in his ability to face the three assailants as he was only armed with two Tai Chi techniques, both of which were stolen from Old Fan and were no doubt counterfeits. While the techniques were useful for dealing with the average street thug, that would not be the case against actual experts.


    The greatest asset Xia Tian currently possessed was his Insight, not only could it see through garments, it could also detect one¡¯s weak spots. As long as Xia Tian could strike at the right moment, there was still a sliver of a chance for him to win.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯d advise you to think properly about where your father had left his possessions. We have limits to our patience.¡± The man wearing gray clothes spoke in a chilly tone. After Xia Tian¡¯s previous escape attempt, they now understood that unless they obtained the item in the near future, Xia Tian would escape from their sphere of control sooner or later.


    ¡°Alright, first, I don¡¯t even know what my father had left for me, and second, I haven¡¯t found it. What on earth do you want me to do?¡± Xia Tian glared vehemently at the people in front of him. Even if he had found his father¡¯s belongings, however, he would never give it away to Quicksand. After all, how could someone simply give away something that belonged to their father?


    ¡°It seems that you¡¯re set on going against Quicksand.¡± The leader of the gray-clothed men spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re on our level just because you¡¯ve defeated both of Shan¡¯s lackeys. With our combined strength, not even Shan would stand a chance against us.¡±


    The name Shan was known throughout Jianghai City. Whether one belonged to the light or the darkness, they had all heard of Shan¡¯s name before, and they all knew him as the Xu Family¡¯s brawn.


    This reputation of his was by no means a farce, and it was a result of his labor. The only reason Xu Qinghua was who he was today was due to Shan¡¯s efforts. Back then, the Xu Family had spilled a river of blood to claim the role as the family¡¯s head as Xu Qinghua¡¯s brothers had attempted to sabotage and frame one another. There were even those who had hired hitmen, but when the dust settled, it was Xu Qinghua who had claimed the title.


    It was clear to all that it was Shan who aided Xu Qinghua in removing all these threats back then.


    While it was true that none of the three killers had the ability to defeat Shan alone, once they combined forces, even Shan would be powerless against them.


    ¡°Xia Tian, who are these people?¡± Ceng Rou stumbled out of the house and stared nervously at the three men.


    ¡°Go back into the house. Don¡¯t come out no matter what you hear.¡± Xia Tian gave Ceng Rou a reassuring smile, which soothed her nerves. Although Ceng Rou had her qualms about backing off, she nevertheless returned to her room after seeing Xia Tian¡¯s expression.


    Once Ceng Rou returned to her room, Xia Tian diverted his attention to the three men. He did not waste his energy discerning the trio¡¯s faces; their looks no longer had anything to do with him.


    ¡°I already told you, I can¡¯t find it. If you¡¯re really that adamant about me handing it over, then bring it on.¡±


    Xia Tian locked his sights onto the three men. He already understood that there was no talking out of the ensuing battle, and as such, he needed to pay full attention to them. He could not make any careless steps, as it was clear from the way Shan regarded them that they were no small fry.


    Through the windows of the house, Ceng Rou observed the scene anxiously.


    ¡°Oho, it seems that you¡¯ve forced our hand.¡± The leader nodded his head at one of his accomplices.


    A moment later, the man wearing gray clothes dashed towards Xia Tian at a breakneck speed. Had this person participated in a track and field event, he was sure to attain a placing. Once the man was directly before Xia Tian, he sent a fist flying towards his face.


    Quick and deadly, with zero traces of mercy. That was the technique of a killer.


    Xia Tian instantly activated his Insight and quickly formulated a plan of attack. He shifted his right leg to the back and then with his right hand on the man¡¯s arm, he hurled his opponent away.


    However, the assailant was not someone to be trifled with. After somersaulting in mid-air, the man then launched a spinning kick towards Xia Tian.


    Boom!


    With no chance to think, Xia Tian quickly raised his arms before his body. The impact from the blow had sent Xia Tian stumbling several steps backwards before he regained his balance.


    ¡°The punk was using Tai Chi earlier. It seems that he has some sort of relation to Fan Zuifeng. We must not spare him. Otherwise, we can no longer deal with him once he takes refuge within Greenwood Manor.¡± The leader of the trio uttered icily.


    Pulses of numbness besieged Xia Tian¡¯s arms. His opponent was extremely strong, and he had never experienced such a blow before. Had the necklace not strengthened his body, the blow he received just now would have undoubtedly shattered his bones.


    ¡®It seems that I¡¯ve underestimated them.¡¯ Despite being able to locate his opponent¡¯s weakness, Xia Tian was unable to fully exploit them as the only offensive skill he had were the two Tai Chi techniques. Furthermore, the technique were only able to turn the opponent¡¯s strength against them and it was useless against the Quicksand members.


    Without giving Xia Tian a chance to think, the Quicksand member once again sent a fist hurtling towards Xia Tian¡¯s face. Xia Tian hurriedly attempted to nullify his opponent¡¯s force, but it was at this moment that his opponent pulled back his right fist and launched his left instead.


    The first attack had been a feint, and while the feint would not fool any experts, it was almost enough for Xia Tian, who had near zero combat experience.


    Had Xia Tian¡¯s Insight not caught a glimpse of the fist¡¯s path at the last second, Xia Tian feared that the battle would have ended then and there.


    ¡®Drats, what now? Am I going to die today?¡¯ Xia Tian¡¯s heart was burning with panic, and at the same time, his mind was racing through his memories. However, his father had never bestowed any combat knowledge to him.


    Not even a method to train his body.


    ¡®No, not today.¡¯ Boundless combat spirit surged out of Xia Tian¡¯s body, and when he saw his opponent¡¯s fist coming towards him, he made no effort to dodge. Instead, Xia Tian rocketed a fist of his own, and at that instant, the golden aura that he radiated began to seep into his right arm.


    Boom!


    Ka-pow!


    ¡°Arghh!!¡± Following a scream of agony, the man clothed in gray collapsed. His arm had been broken by Xia Tian, and as he endured the pain, the man in gray stumbled back up.


    ¡°How is this possible?¡± The leader frowned as he spoke. The sudden burst of power that Xia Tian had displayed had shocked even him, and the scene had reminded him of Xia Tian¡¯s father.


    ¡®Didn¡¯t he say that he didn¡¯t wish for Xia Tian to take up martial arts? He also never taught Xia Tian any combat skills, so what on earth was that power he displayed earlier?¡¯


    The leader did not walk forward. Instead, he produced a gun from his pocket. They were killers, and as such, they had no incentive to fight chivalrously. Now that Xia Tian could no longer be controlled, they needed to put an end to him.


    After all, they feared what Xia Tian would become in the future when he reminded them of Xia Tian¡¯s father.


    ¡®A gun!¡¯


    Xia Tian laughed bitterly. Before this, the only time he saw a gun was on the guards who protected the armored trucks. However, counting today and the day before, he had seen a real gun twice. He was also well aware that he could not dodge the bullets, as even if he could see the path of the bullets with his Insight, he had no way to escape them.


    ¡°Although searching for the item would become much more difficult with you gone, you would definitely become a major threat to us in the future if we were to let you go,¡± said the leader as he pointed his gun at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Tsk, am I really going to die here?¡± Xia Tian sighed. He had originally thought that his destiny was about to take a turn once he obtained Insight. He thought that he finally had a chance to investigate his father¡¯s death and his mother¡¯s whereabouts.


    However, now that the merciless gun was pointed directly at him, he realized how powerless he was.


    Ceng Rou rushed out of the house and stood in front of Xia Tian.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xia Tian furrowed his brows. ¡°Go back.¡±


    ¡°No, I refuse! If you¡¯re going to die, then I¡¯ll die along with you!¡± Ceng Rou had already set her heart in stone. She could not imagine how life without Xia Tian would be, as the hope that was just recently rekindled would be extinguished yet again.


    She did not want to return to her past lifestyle.


    ¡°Why do you need to do that for? I¡¯m just a poor orphan after all.¡± Xia Tian shook his head in exasperation.


    ¡°Be-Because I¡¯ve already fallen for you! I can¡¯t hold back my emotions any longer, and I don¡¯t want to imagine a life without you!¡± Ceng Rou was teary-eyed.


    Seeing this, Xia Tian¡¯s heart immediately melted. Although Ceng Rou had once ridiculed him with money, he knew that it was necessary for a woman like her to act this way. She needed some way to protect herself and as such, she had chosen this method to hide her true self.


    However, now that it had come to a matter of life and death, one¡¯s true personality would be revealed. Seeing Ceng Rou standing up for him in such a crucial moment was enough to make up for all the things she did in the past.


    ¡°To think that you lovebirds are still in the mood to argue even in the face of death.¡± The leader attached a silencer onto his gun. Although Xia Tian¡¯s house was the only one within this area, firing a gun would no doubt alert any passer-by. ¡°Then let me be the one to send you off into your journey. I¡¯ll turn you two into a pair of dead mandarin ducks 1 .¡±


    Woosh!


    Was it the sound of wind brushing past? No, was it the sound of shifting sand? No, was it the sound of rustling leaves? No.


    It was the sound of a man landing on the ground. It was a soft landing, and the man was wearing white clothes. His attire was out of place; ancient Chinese clothing, along with a jade belt buckle. Since it was summer, the man¡¯s attire looked extremely warm. Even those from Quicksand were wearing short-sleeved gray clothes.


    The man looked especially well-groomed. His brows were well-trimmed, and he had a smoldering gaze. No one could have told that behind his piercing gaze, laid a sword in his hand.


    ¡®What year is this? It¡¯s already the twenty-first century, but there¡¯s still someone who¡¯s carrying a sword around.¡¯

 Chapter 18

    The man¡¯s white clothes gently wafted in the breeze, with him brimming with a deity-like aura. Had they been in the past, the person would undoubtedly be regarded as an expert. However, they were in the 21st century, and in this age, everyone had a gun. Just take Quicksand, for example, each of their men was armed with a gun, but all the person had was a single sword.


    There was a long dragon that was intricately carved onto the silvery-white scabbard of the sword, and its hilt was blue in color. Although the sword had yet to be removed from its sheath, it was already emitting an imposing aura.


    ¡°Red Abyss! It¡¯s the famed sword, Red Abyss!¡± The leader spoke with a shaky voice. He was currently wearing a mask but had the mask not been there, one could definitely see the awe plastered over his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s the world¡¯s best swordsman, Yin¡­¡± The man in gray stopped abruptly, and silence once again washed over the area.


    The scene was eerily quiet, and not a single person uttered a single word. Xia Tian looked at the man in gray with a look of confusion, as their words had suddenly been cut short. Heck, even the man in gray standing beside him had also stopped moving.


    Splurt!


    Fresh blood spewed out of the throats of two of the men in gray, and with that, the two crumpled. As they laid on the cold tarmac, the remaining man in gray shivered as he looked at his two companions.


    ¡°Take them away.¡± The man wearing white clothes calmly stated.


    The remaining man in gray hastily dragged away his companions¡¯ corpses. He did not dare to pause for a single moment. To him, this place was no different from the gates of hell, and he feared that the man in white would change his mind. Should that truly happen, he was dead for sure.


    As the leader himself had already died to the swordsman¡¯s hand, he dared not believe that he had any chance of escaping from the man in white.


    Everything had occurred far too quickly. Xia Tian had not even processed the turn of events. Everything had happened in a blink of an eye, and Xia Tian did not even know what the man in white clothes had done.


    ¡°When did he even move?¡± Xia Tian stared at the man in white in horror. Although the man in white had saved him, he knew that he would end up just like the men in gray if the swordsman had truly wished for it.


    ¡°So, you must be Xia Tian.¡± The man in white shifted his gaze to Xia Tian.


    ¡°Yes sir! I¡¯m Xia Tian.¡± Xia Tian fixated his gaze at the man.


    ¡°You look just like him, and you both share the same courage.¡± The man in white nodded his head in satisfaction.


    ¡°You know my father?¡± Xia Tian was certain that the man in white was referring to his father as he had already noticed his resemblance to his father a long time ago.


    ¡°I want you to shatter the largest gemstone on the necklace you¡¯re wearing.¡± The person wearing white clothes vision was placed on the necklace on Xia Tian¡¯s neck.


    Hearing this, Xia Tian immediately kept his guard up and held the necklace tightly in his hands. After all, the necklace was the only thing his mother had left for him, so, how could he bear to break it.


    ¡°Calm down, that gemstone is something that your father added later on.¡± The man in white had seen through Xia Tian¡¯s thoughts.


    Xia Tian knitted his brows together. He, too, had felt that there was something out of place about that particular gemstone, since it was different from the others. However, he had chalked it up as part of the ornament and paid no heed to it ever since.


    Nevertheless, now that he had heard the man in white¡¯s words, he nodded his head and squeezed the particular gemstone with all his might. Unexpectedly, the gemstone shattered in a mere instant. It was not as tough as he had imagined it to be.


    Once the gemstone was shattered, Xia Tian noticed that there was a thumb-sized wooden slip hidden by the gemstone.


    Seeing this, Xia Tian had a sudden revelation. This was the item that Quicksand had been searching for, but what struck him as weird was why his father chose to hide it in that.


    ¡°Your father hoped that you¡¯d protect it, and at the same time, also wishes that you¡¯ll live a normal life. Since your father was certain that you¡¯d protect the necklace, he decided to put the item inside the necklace too,¡± the man in white explained casually.


    ¡°Tian¡¯er, if one day you¡¯re met with danger or severely wounded, put this on. This was left by your mother for you.¡±


    These were the words that his father had told him before handing him the necklace. Previously, he had thought of the words as a piece of advice that the necklace could cure wounds. However, now that he gave it some more thought, his father was probably hinting about the wooden slip as well.


    ¡°What kind of person was my father like?¡± Xia Tian had been dying to ask this question, but he had never gotten the chance as no one except his aunt had ever met his father. Besides that, his aunt had also never spoken anything regarding his parents as well.


    ¡°He hopes that you¡¯ll live a good and peaceful life. He hopes that you¡¯ll enjoy the life of a normal human, and as such, I can only tell you one thing. Your father was a great man.¡± The man wearing white clothes placed his gaze onto Xia Tian¡¯s body.


    ¡°Do you really think that I can still live a normal life? My world has already been turned upside down!¡± Ever since Xia Tian was met with the accident, he felt as if he had entered a brand-new world.


    Back then, his only view of the world was the plainest version of it. He would constantly work and constantly study, but once the accident happened, his life had changed.


    ¡°I know, that is why I¡¯m here.¡± The man in white inched closer to Xia Tian. ¡°Why don¡¯t you become my apprentice.¡±


    ¡°You want me to become your apprentice?¡± Xia Tian stared at the man in white in surprise. He could at least tell that the man in white was a true expert, and Old Fan, Shan, and the three Quicksand members did not hold a candle to him.


    Besides that, the person also had some kind of connection with his father. As such, if he wished to determine the cause of his father¡¯s death, he needed to learn from the man in white.


    ¡°Xia Tian is now in your care, master.¡± Xia Tian got down on one knee.


    ¡°Well received. I know that there are only six days left to the NCEE, and in accordance with your father¡¯s wishes, I only need you to be here once school¡¯s over. Whatever you¡¯re able to absorb within these six days would then depend on you.¡± After giving his instructions, the man in white turned around and walked away.


    It was only after the man in white had left Xia Tian¡¯s sight did Xia Tian finally get back up. When that happened, Ceng Rou hurriedly came over to help Xia Tian up as well.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ceng Rou did not bother asking who the person was. Her only thought right now was about Xia Tian¡¯s safety.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s leave this place.¡± Xia Tian still needed to attend school, and since the NCEE was approaching fast, he did not want to spend any more time lingering around in his old house. Also, he wanted to know how well he scored in the mock test yesterday under his enhanced condition.


    ¡°Let me call my driver over.¡± Ceng Rou turned on her phone and noticed that there were hundreds of missed calls. However, she paid no mind to them, and instead dialed her driver¡¯s number.


    Twenty minutes later, the car had reached Xia Tian¡¯s house. With that, Xia Tian then carried Ceng Rou¡¯s daughter into Ceng Rou¡¯s car.


    The ride was extremely quiet. Ceng Rou did not know what to say to Xia Tian, whereas Xia Tian did not wish to talk. Seeing how peaceful Ceng Rou¡¯s daughter was sleeping, Xia Tian tried to avoid any ruckus that would disrupt her sleep.


    ¡°Her name¡¯s Tian Tian.¡± Ceng Rou had finally mustered up the courage to speak.


    ¡°Tian Tian? Wow, what a coincidence, my name¡¯s Xia Tian, and she¡¯s called Tian Tian.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s lips curled into a smile. His destiny had indeed intertwined with Lil Tian Tian¡¯s in many ways.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve already saved her twice after all.¡± Ceng Rou then spoke in a soft voice. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at night.¡±


    ¡°Nah, there¡¯s no need. I can go back by myself. The man doesn¡¯t really like company.¡± The man that Xia Tian was referring to was the man in white.


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll hold you a celebration feast once the NCEE ends.¡± Ceng Rou knew that Xia Tian was about to be busy learning martial arts from the man in white these next few days. As such, she had chosen to hold the celebration only after Xia Tian had completed his exams. ¡°It¡¯ll also serve as a reward for saving us.¡±


    Seeing the mellow expression of Ceng Rou, Xia Tian did not have the heart to reject the offer. ¡°Alright then.¡±


    Ceng Rou handed her business card to Xia Tian. Xia Tian did not need to deal with the police as he knew Ceng Rou would handle the matter for him. After all, these matters were but a small trifle for Ceng Rou.


    As per Xia Tian¡¯s instructions, the car did not stop in front of the school gates. Xia Tian did not wish for anyone to see him arriving in such a luxurious vehicle.


    Instead, the car had stopped at a small street behind the school. With that, Xia Tian made his way towards the school. However, when he entered the school, he realized that everyone was giving him strange looks, and everyone was speaking in hushed tones.


    ¡°That¡¯s Xia Tian. Have you guys heard? I heard that he molested the number one tyrant in our school, Huo Lajiao.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t we hear about it? Also, I heard that he defeated all Four Guardian Warriors of Xu Shaochong as well.¡±


    ¡°Well, I heard that Xu Shaochong went to the hospital for some unknown reason yesterday. I think it had something to do with Xia Tian as well.¡±


    The students were avoiding Xia Tian like the plague. It seemed that everyone was deathly afraid of Xia Tian. While Xia Tian was an impressive scholar in the past, very few people had actually known about him.


    However, that was no longer the case, as nearly everyone in Jianghai High School knew about him. Students from upper one to upper three 1 were constantly gossiping about Xia Tian.


    The two most famous persons in Jianghai High School had been Huo Lajiao and Xu Shaochong. However, Xia Tian had managed to anger both of them in a single day. First, he had defeated Xu Shaochong¡¯s Four Guardian Warriors, and then he ticked off Huo Lajiao.


    Despite that, Xia Tian paid no mind to the gossipers. Instead, he immediately made his way into class. Today, almost everyone was present, and the moment Huo Lajiao spotted Xia Tian, she excitedly headed his way. ¡°Master, why are you so early today?¡±


    Once the students heard that, they immediately shot a sidelong glance at Xia Tian. They were wondering how he ended up as Huo Lajiao¡¯s master.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that! I¡¯m not your master.¡± Xia Tian furrowed his brows as he said so. He shot a glance at Wenya and noticed that she was in a rough state. Regardless, he did not mention anything.


    Xu Shaochong¡¯s illness was not something that could be easily treated, and since young, he had studied many things from his father, including acupuncture.


    The school bell rang, and the homeroom teacher then walked into class. Trailing behind the homeroom teacher was the school¡¯s principal, along with three teachers in formal attire. Xia Tian had never seen these three teachers before.


    The three teachers were around the age of forty to fifty, and each of them were wearing glasses. Together with the principal, they sat at the furthest corner of the classroom.


    This time, Huo Lajiao did not play truant, and instead, she slept at the back row of the class, showing no sign of respect to the principal. Although the three teachers were not amused at Huo Lajiao¡¯s actions and had shot glares at Huo Lajiao, they did not say anything about her behavior.

 Chapter 19

    It was suspiciously quiet in class. Wenya kept an eye on Xia Tian but pretended to look elsewhere.


    ¡°The results from the mock exam yesterday are out. I will be reading out your report.¡± The class teacher ran her eyes in the entire room before adding, ¡°The exam questions are provided by Jing University and the result will determine your special enrolment, if any.


    ¡°The top 30 students in the exams will have a chance to become Jing University¡¯s specially enrolled students.¡±


    Jing University was one of the best universities in the country and was coveted by many students. Every year, the reputable high schools of the provinces would produce one or two star students, and Jianghai City¡¯s Jianghai High School was no exception.


    The special enrolment was not without strict requirements. It took into consideration many aspects, and one of them was a student¡¯s grades. Schools would not inform students in advance on the mock exams having something to do with Jing University¡¯s special enrolment to avoid any incidents of cheating.


    This was the countermeasure thought up by Jing University¡¯s professors.


    Without introduction from the class teacher, Xia Tian knew the identity of the three teachers that entered with the principal. They had to be the professors of Jing University who were in charge of the special enrolment.


    It was no surprise that Huo Lajiao placed last in class and her two subordinates were respectively second and third to last. The trio were the top three in class, counting from the back of course.


    The results were read out in order of precedence. Wenya had always been great in her studies, scoring third place in class in this exam and tenth place in the entire school.


    Xia Tian¡¯s results placed him first in class. Although Xia Tian was a model student, he never got first place. Not only was he the top of his class now, he achieved perfect scores in most of his subject courses, on grounds of the meticulous answers he had written on his tests.


    He was not just the top of his class but the entire grade. He, scoring the highest in the exam, was the reason behind the presence of these three professors.


    Xia Tian smiled at the mention of his achievement. ¡®My guess was right. My concentration did improve. There¡¯s a limit of concentration to everyone, especially when it¡¯s in high demand where it can only last for a few minutes. Despite that I managed to maintain focus the entire exam.¡¯


    Hence, he was able to answer all the questions on the paper swiftly.


    ¡°Xia Tian, you did great. You should be able to take a spot in special enrolment based on your results, they proved to be too good. If the NCEE was yesterday, you would have come out the top of the nation.¡± The class teacher pleasingly nodded. She was happy with Xia Tian¡¯s achievement. She was the invigilator of this exam and kept her eyes on Xia Tian the whole time. With that and Xia Tian¡¯s reputation as a model student, she would never believe that he cheated.


    However, these two professors from Jing University were skeptical about the exceptional result so they came for an observation.


    ¡°Xia Tian, to be honest, I question the authenticity of your remarkable results.¡± A woman among the three professors sitting in the back row stood up. She was blunt with her words. This person was about forty. Her face was covered in thick foundation but she did not apply any on her neck, resulting in the stark color difference between the two skin tones.


    Her make-up was quite thick. A professor normally would not have makeup this thick.


    ¡°I will never cheat, this is a teaching my father enforced in me.¡± The result of his examination was a reflection of his honest self. His father stopped him from any act of deceit.


    ¡°Xia Tian, she is a professor from Jing University and the person in charge of this year¡¯s special enrolment.¡± The class teacher hastily reminded him. Her intention was for Xia Tian to provide full cooperation in answering or his chance for a spot in special enrolment might slip away.


    ¡°A teaching your father enforced in you? So you¡¯re telling me if a parent were to tell a child not to cheat, the child won¡¯t?¡± The women held Xia Tian in contempt. ¡°Tell me, how did you cheat? Even a student of Jing University won¡¯t be able to answer this perfectly.¡±


    Hearing the person-in-charge¡¯s words, Xia Tian¡¯s class teacher butted in to explain, ¡°Professor Pan, it¡¯s impossible for Xia Tian to cheat. He¡¯s always been good with his studies and I was by his side the entire exam.¡±


    ¡°Then you have failed in your duty. He must have cheated, but his acts were too brilliant for you.¡± Professor Pan glared at Xia Tian¡¯s class teacher, motioning for her to watch her mouth.


    Xia Tian finally came to grasp. These people were here to find fault in him. He did not intend to go to Jing University and had his mindset on Jianghai University instead, for his cousin sister was there. Yet out came these three professors out of the blue, accusing him of cheating.


    ¡°Can I ask, Professor Pan, on what grounds are you claiming my teacher failed in her duty to detect my cheating?¡± Xia Tian was neither supercilious nor obsequious when he turned to the female professor.


    ¡°On what grounds? Your results are solid proof. No one could possibly achieve such high marks.¡± Professor Pan slammed Xia Tian¡¯s test papers on the desk.


    ¡°Hehe, Professor Pan, just because you are unable to nurture such a student, doesn¡¯t mean my teacher can¡¯t do so.¡± Xia Tian coldly smirked. He despised this sort of people, thinking they were all that being a professor of a named university. He did not believe in discounting others who were able.


    ¡°How-how dare you speak to me this way.¡± Professor Pan was boiling over.


    ¡°How? I maintained my composure when speaking to you but you, as a professor, are not watching your tone there.¡± Xia Tian was not afraid. The most she could do was revoke his right to special enrolment, but he could not care less for the spot. He could make it to any university by his own hands and he had no intention to enter Jing University anyway.


    ¡°Boy, that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. Hasn¡¯t anyone taught you to respect your teachers?¡± An older male of the three professors stood up.


    ¡°Teachers? What have you taught me? Which one of you three is my teacher? My teacher is standing there on the platform. I¡¯ve respected her, always, and yet I find no reason to respect any of you.¡± Xia Tian was aghast by these people. None of them spoke reason.


    ¡°You-you insolent boy!¡± The professor¡¯s face went red.


    ¡°Hey hey hey! Don¡¯t call my master a boy. Who are you anyway, making a fuss over here?¡± Huo Lajiao, who was napping over her neck, turned over listlessly.


    ¡°What rabbit-hole did you jump out of? Look at you, look at what you¡¯re wearing. This isn¡¯t what a student should be wearing.¡± The third professor could not hold his tongue back but opened fire at Huo Lajiao. He chose not to confront Xia Tian, seeing how articulate he was so he decided to put this little girl on the chopping board instead.


    It was obvious he made the wrong call.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you¡¯re talking to?¡± Huo Lajiao had quite the temper in her. Shooting up, she stomped her left foot on the desk and right foot on her chair before glaring at the professor in an arrogant manner.


    ¡°Teacher Hu, tell them off.¡± The principal was helpless seeing this all unfold. He dared not be in the saddle over Huo Lajiao.


    ¡°Xia Tian, take your seat. Be polite to the three professors.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s class teacher tried to calm the situation down. She stared at Huo Lajiao but dared not tell her off.


    Xia Tian could tell the class teacher was in a difficult position so he darted a glance at Huo Lajiao, ¡°You, sit down.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Huo Lajiao immediately took her seat. Huo Lajiao was a tyrant in Jianghai High School but show total obedience in front of Xia Tian.


    ¡°With such character, you have no right to take part in the special enrolment.¡± Professor Pan blurted in anger. Caught with an egg on her face, she was rendered speechless by a student.


    ¡°You don¡¯t decide that just on my character. Plus, I never said I wanted to take part. I wouldn¡¯t take it even if you were to give it to me.¡± Xia Tian glared at the female professor with disdain. She must have taken unlawful measures for her to be promoted to a professor.


    ¡°You, humph,¡± The female professor gave a smug look. ¡°you¡¯re only saying that because you can¡¯t have it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you finally something worth noting. I thought a Jing University professor only knew how to bark.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s word stirred an uproar in class. Wenya kept her eyes on Xia Tian. She realized Xia Tian had changed, and drastically.


    ¡°Good, it¡¯s not just your spot, but because of you, there won¡¯t be any entry quotas for special enrolment for your school,¡± Professor Pan mentioned with delight. She wanted the entire class to hate on Xia Tian.


    ¡°Haha,¡± Xia Tian burst out laughing. ¡°way to hold a grudge. I guess this is how far the Jing University professors¡¯ magnanimity goes. You really emulate the actions of vile characters in books. I¡¯ve got to give it to you, professors, you won¡¯t go behind our backs but gladly do it in the open.


    ¡°Such people of virtue.¡±


    Judging by Xia Tian¡¯s words, Professor Pan knew she was in hot soup. If word got out, there would be tremendous consequences. The internet was a wondrous thing nowadays.


    ¡°I won¡¯t waste my time on you. Jing University¡¯s one of the best schools in the world. You¡¯re just saying you¡¯re not interested to enter because you can¡¯t make it to the university.¡± Professor Pan stared Xia Tian down. The other two professors coldly snorted before walking out of the classroom.


    ¡°Then you better watch out for me. Check out if my scores when they¡¯re out, see if they¡¯re enough to enter Jing University. Don¡¯t forget my name, I¡¯m Xia Tian,¡± Xia Tian shouted at the three but the latter did not bother to turn back as they made their way out.


    ¡°Sigh, Xia Tian, you¡¯re done for.¡± The principal stood by Xia Tian and sighed before following them out.


    ¡°Students, please review your lessons.¡± Casting a glance at Xia Tian, the class teacher left the class.


    Wenya was upset. She sensed the change in Xia Tian. The Xia Tian before had always kept a low profile but now wherever he went, he was the star.

 Chapter 20

    After such an affair, Xia Tian did not wish to remain in class. With only a few days to the college entrance examination, there was nothing else to learn. As revision did little for him, he was better off learning martial arts moves with that person in white.


    He did not want to be in an unfavorable position facing Shan and Quicksand.


    ¡°Master, wait for me.¡± Huo Lajiao ran out of the classroom. Behind her were the two hot chicks.


    ¡°Why did you follow me out?¡± Xia Tian did not know what to do with Huo Lajiao. She followed him wherever he went.


    ¡°Master, my grandfather said that any martial arts should come with some mind cultivation and cultivation methods. I can¡¯t master that two moves just by looking.¡± Huo Lajiao depressingly brought up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know any mind cultivation. I learned the same two moves from an elderly man named Fan,¡± Xia Tian explained.


    Master, I understand. You must think I¡¯m not good enough to be your woman so you won¡¯t teach me.¡± Huo Lajiao lowered her head. Seemingly injected with a boost of courage, she added, ¡°Come, Master, I¡¯m ready to give myself to you.¡±


    Xia Tian was speechless, ¡°Right, lend me your phone. Mine ran out of battery.¡±


    Huo Lajiao handed her phone over to Xia Tian.


    ¡°Hello cousin, I¡¯m Xia Tian.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay, I¡¯m still in school.


    ¡°Alright, where?


    ¡°I¡¯ll head over.¡±


    After Xia Tian hung up, he called Elder Xu to check in on him, but things were not looking good there. Although the Xu Family dared not harm him, nothing was stopping them from striking Elder Xu.


    Being a highly capable man, Elder Xu was pursued by the Xu Family for helping Xia Tian.


    In the end, Xia Tian decided to retaliate against the Xu Family in the most straightforward way possible. He was to represent Elder Xu in a match against the Xu Family, post his college entrance examination and if he won, the Xu Family should not interfere in Elder Xu¡¯s life. However, if Xia Tian were to lose, Elder Xu must withdraw from Jianghai City.


    This suggestion did not come from Xia Tian, rather the Xu Family. The Xu Family came up with this proposal with the intention to get Xia Tian involved. Xu Dechuan breathed a sigh of relief after Xia Tian agreed to it.


    The witness to this martial arts match was Greenwood Manor¡¯s Fan Zuifeng. He was a prominent figure in Jianghai City.


    With him bearing witness, the Xu Family would refrain from committing any violation. Although Xu Dechuan did not think Xia Tian could defeat Shan, he believed Xia Tian¡¯s Master would show up.


    Xia Tian figured the thoughts running through Elder Xu¡¯s head but decided against laying bare. He would need Xu Dechuan¡¯s help to uncover his mother¡¯s whereabouts.


    Therefore, protecting Xu Dechuan was his top priority. He knew Shan¡¯s abilities well, and in his current state, he was no match for him. However, there were still a few days to go until his college entrance examination and with the person in white guiding him daily, he would be able to put his practice to the test on Shan then.


    As long as he was able to defeat Shan, no one would pose a threat to him in Jianghai City, and plus the Xu Family would be off his back.


    ¡°Master, what do I need to do for you to teach me?¡± Huo Lajiao tailed Xia Tian closely.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see how you do,¡± Xia Tian peered at Huo Lajiao. ¡°you don¡¯t really have the potential.¡±


    Sizing Huo Lajiao up, Xia Tian sized up how she would fare overall. Moreover, she was dressed up in an unconventional style which Xia Tian loathed.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t ask for too much. I am a woman, after all,¡± Huo Lajiao answered in dejection.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like the current you. I might reconsider if you change your outfit.¡± Xia Tian wanted to drive Huo Lajiao away, considering her lack of room for growth.


    Hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words, Huo Lajiao turned to walk away. There was no point for her to return home so she had her mind set on seeking her older sister, Huo Wennu. She needed a complete transformation.


    ¡°Sister Huo, where are you going?¡± The two yelled out in a panic.


    ¡°Oh right, you two should come with me. We should change together. Let¡¯s look for my ol¡¯ sis.¡± Huo Lajiao walked into a distance.


    After directing Huo Lajiao¡¯s attention away, Xia Tian took a cab to Jianghai Univeristy, where his cousin sister was waiting in a restaurant. Something had happened, but since school was not out, the person in white would not be around yet if he were to head back.


    He conjectured the person in white must be familiar with his father based on this point because it was his father¡¯s will that he focused on his studies.


    Xia Tian caught glimpse of his cousin and Bingxi after arriving in the restaurant. Bingxi was in casual wear, covering up her figure. Still, Xia Tian could not help but activate his Insight at the sight of Bingxi, and it was as he predicted.


    Today, Bingxin was in blue Pikachu.


    Noticing Xia Tian¡¯s dagger looks, Bingxi was overwhelmed with a strange feeling that she was naked before Xia Tian¡¯s eyes. She immediately covered herself up with her hands and that was when she realized Xia Tian¡¯s gaze moved downwards.


    ¡°Rascal.¡± Bingxin grudgingly glared at Xia Tian.


    The restaurant was just an average student canteen with limited private dining rooms. The private dining sections were only open to large groups so Xia Tian and his party remained in the hall. It was still bright and sunny out so the restaurant was barely full.


    They sat in a simple four-seater table. The place was clean enough.


    ¡°What happened yesterday?¡± Ye Qingxu asked.


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s taken care of.¡± Xia Tian did not want to elaborate on the matter, especially with his Insight being something he was unable to simply put into words. Ye Qingxue would be pulled into this mess if he were to come clean with her.


    He would end up an experimented lab rat.


    ¡°Fine if you don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡± Knowing Xia Tian, Ye Qingxue would not be able to pry any information from Xia Tian if he was unwilling. ¡°I called you here today because I need your help.¡±


    ¡°Need my help?¡± Xia Tian felt chill down his spine. His cousin never needed his help and saying that she needed him meant something dire must have happened.


    ¡°I order you to represent the student council on a basketball game this afternoon,¡± Ye Qingxue revealed her domineering side, alleviating Xia Tian of his tension. Now this was the cousin sister he knew.


    ¡°Cousin sister, doesn¡¯t Jianghai University have its own basketball team?¡± Xia Tian asked.


    ¡°Yeah, we do but we¡¯re competing against Jianghai University¡¯s varsity team. A forefront member of the team will be participating with other secondary-line members while we¡¯ll be picking those from the literature and art club,¡± clarified Ye Qingxue.


    ¡°Oh, internal strife, I see,¡± Xia Tian caught up.


    ¡°The guys from the varsity team are so full of themselves, especially that coach of theirs who just got back from America. They think little of us from the literature and art club, calling us a bunch of useless students,¡± Ye Qingxue was furious. ¡°it¡¯s high time we teach that b*tch a lesson. She said that they¡¯ll admit defeat as long as we don¡¯t fall behind more than 20 points.¡±


    ¡°Er,¡± Xia Tian paused. ¡°it¡¯s not going to be an easy win with amateurs against a varsity team.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, you need make sure we stay within that 20 points or you¡¯ll never hear the end of it,¡± Ye Qingxue swung her fist at Xia Tian, showing he was dead meat if he left her humiliated.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best,¡± Xia Tian nodded.


    Then walked in a group of four, three men and a woman. The three men were of tall build at 1.9 meters. The woman was wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and a pair of white shorts. Standing there with a slender figure, she was beautiful from head to toe.


    She was perfect in every way!


    ¡°175cm in height, 114cm legs that go for miles. The perfect figure. If only she¡¯d be my mistress.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s Insight was activated. The woman¡¯s innerwear was a complete 180 from Bingxi¡¯s adorable style. While her underwear was made out of silk, she was definitely the wild type.


    ¡°Rascal.¡± The beauty gave Xia Tian a vicious look before directing her attention to Ye Qingxue and Bingxin behind him.


    Bingxin and Ye Qingxue were laughing up their sleeves. The beautiful lady that Xia Tian took liberties with was their sworn enemy; the basketball coach, Tang Yan.


    ¡°Ye Qingxue, the match is in the afternoon. What are you doing hiding here? I heard the literature and art club has nothing but nancy boys and women. How¡¯s the match going to continue if you can¡¯t even assemble five men? Maybe you should head to other clubs to make the headcount,¡± Tang Yan mocked Ye Qingxue. She too had made it on the Jianghai University¡¯s campus beauty queens listing, positioning in sixth place right behind Ye Qingxue and Huo Wenniu. This was not because she has less charming looks than the two girls but that it had only been six months since she transferred here. She was not as popular as Ye Qingxue and Huo Wennu who also transferred back from abroad.


    She had her own club in the student council, the basketball club. Ye Qingxue belonged to the literature and art club. With one in the art division and the other in the physical division, they never saw eye to eye. Hence, the basketball match episode.


    ¡°Remember our bet. If you lose, you¡¯ll have to call me Sister Xue.¡± Ye Qingxue blew a fuse at Tang Yan.


    ¡°Of course, and if you lose, you¡¯ll have to call me Sister Yan.¡± Refusing to be outdone, Tang Yan stood with her back straight.

 Chapter 21

    Xia Tian might not want to risk seeing through his cousin sister but he took his chance on other women, especially this rare beauty. Not only did she have the figure, her appearance was appealing as well. Tang Yan was definitely a hapa.


    Her Chinese beauty and Caucasian-like deep set of eyes made the perfect combination.


    Tang Yan and Ye Qingxue were engaged in a tit-for-tat struggle, with both girls ready for a fight to the death.


    Bingxin was not optimistic about today¡¯s match. She felt weak in the knees just by looking at the build that their opponents had. They had fielded two more members from other clubs, but even they could not compare to those from the basketball team. Twenty points might have seemed like an excessive margin, the long match length was enough for these tall players to butcher them in the court.


    ¡°Gorgeous, can I make a side bet with you?¡± Xia Tian suddenly spoke.


    The two women locked in confrontation turned their gaze towards Xia Tian, not having a clue what he was up to.


    ¡°Bet? I don¡¯t like betting with rascals.¡± Tang Yan recalled Xia Tian assailing her with obscenity when she entered.


    ¡°Oh, fine then. You¡¯ll lose anyway.¡± Tang Yan took Xia Tian¡¯s act of feigning indifference to heart. As the coach and club president of the basketball team, a declaration of her team¡¯s failure was beyond her tolerance.


    ¡°What are you talking about? That¡¯s not going to happen.¡± Tang Yan reached a boiling point.


    ¡°Then how about a bet between us?¡± Xia Tian asked again.


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do it.¡± Blinded by rage, Tang Yan took the bait.


    ¡°Alright, if you lose, you¡¯ll be my mistress. You have to call me Darling Sweetie Hubby.¡± Xia Tian smiled at Tang Yan.


    ¡°The cheek!¡± Xia Tian was really getting on Tang Yan¡¯s nerves.


    ¡°Indeed, look how rosy they are,¡± Xia Tian flashed his smile, revealing his dimples.


    ¡°Coach, he¡¯s mocking you. Let¡¯s teach him a lesson.¡± The three basketball players advanced forward.


    ¡°Come back.¡± Shouted Tang Yan, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll take part, I won¡¯t lose anyway. What if you lose?¡±


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t lose,¡± Xia Tian said confidently.


    ¡°No, what¡¯s in it for me if you lose!¡± Tang Yan had seen her fair share of shamelessness but Xia Tian was on another level.


    ¡°If I lose, I¡¯ll take my loss and call you Darling Sweetie Mistress.¡± Xia Tian put on a mask of solemnity.


    ¡°Shameless.¡± Tang Yan swiftly gave Xia Tian the foot.


    Noting that Tang Yan was out for war, the three basketball players behind her started to feel for Xia Tian. They had one way or another borne the brunt of Tang Yan¡¯s fury. She was a student practicing taekwondo.


    Just as everyone waited for Xia Tian to slam onto the floor, Tang Yan¡¯s foot was caught by Xia Tian. He was shamelessly running his fingers over Tang Yan¡¯s dainty leg.


    ¡°Ah!¡± A high-decibel shrike filled the room, leaving the waitresses wide-eyed.


    ¡°B*stard, how dare you molest our coach,¡± The three basketball players dashed towards Xia Tian. Even though they towered over him, he remained calm as he angled his body to dodge a punch, forcing the fist to head straight to Tang Yan.


    The tall guy could not pull back in time and it was during then, Xia Tian hooked Tang Yan with his right hand, curling her into his embrace before taking a spin, ultimately avoiding the person¡¯s punch.


    Cradled by Xia Tian, Tang Yan endured Xia Tian¡¯s nip and tuck all over.


    As everything happened too fast, Ye Qingxue and Bingxi stood there with their jaw dropped. Ye Qingxue was first to come back to her senses.


    ¡°Stop right there! What are you doing? Xia Tian, let her go.¡±


    Xia Tian let Tang Yan loose at Ye Qingxue¡¯s instruction. Although he was craving for more, his cousin sister has made her stance clear.


    Upon getting back on her feet, Tang Yan gathered her strength to slap Xia Tian but was grabbed instead, ¡°Are you trying to kill your husband?¡±


    ¡°You, you really piss me off. Fine, I¡¯ll take the bet. If you lose, you¡¯ll have to run around the court naked.¡± Tang Yan placed her hands on her hips. She has never seen such sleaziness.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Xia Tian smiled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to some other place.¡± Tang Yan led the three basketball players out of the restaurant.


    ¡°Wow Xia Tian, I asked for your help and the most you said was that you would try your best. Now that you have a beautiful girl as your wife, it¡¯s a guaranteed win. As they say, ¡®sis before miss¡¯, huh?¡± Ye Qingxue was itching to have a go at Xia Tian. Xia Tian adopted a perfunctory attitude when she emphasized on winning, yet here he was, making a bet with Tang Yan himself.


    ¡°Wrong. She may be pretty but she can only be my side-chick,¡± Xia Tian answered with a serious face.


    ¡°Wow, great, looks like you grew some balls seeking out a mistress. Don¡¯t you know she¡¯s your old cousin¡¯s sworn enemy?¡± Ye Qingxue slammed her fist on Xia Tian. Xia Tian braved on. He could dodge now but he would not be able to dodge forever.


    ¡°There are those in this world who would mock me, insult me, undermine me, tease me, bully me, and despise me, how should I maneuver this happenstance?¡± Xia Tian solemnly replied, ¡°Only by breaking them, breaking them, breaking them, breaking them, breaking them, breaking them, breaking them to pieces can you cast your eyes on them.


    ¡°Cousin, don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Xia Tian alluded a mysterious smile. Bingxin sized Xia Tian up with curiosity. She had heard Ye Qingxue bringing up Xia Tian but the Xia Tian she saw before her was different from what Ye Qingxue had described.


    Tang Yan left the restaurant with her blood boiling.


    She vowed to win today¡¯s match. How could Jianghai¡¯s varsity team lose to a team that was just put together? Not only she was going to have Ye Qingxue fall behind by twenty points, if her people were in great condition, she was ready to widen the gap by a hundred and twenty points.


    She wanted Ye Qingxue humiliated and that b*stard running around naked.


    ¡°Coach, don¡¯t worry, we will make sure to take care of the guys from the literature and art clubs. We¡¯ll keep the gap in the double digits,¡± A team player said with confidence.


    There were plenty of students who played basketball, but only the best could enter the basketball team. Even as a substitute player he set himself high above those who did not make the cut into the team.


    ¡°Mm, you lot better play at your best. I¡¯ll only accept a win. I¡¯ll have Fang Li join you in the competition. Give no mercy in grabbing points. That lass Ye Qingxue wouldn¡¯t dare to cross my path then,¡± Tang Yan furiously added.


    It was a lively scene in Jianghai University with the fourth place, Ye Qingxue and sixth place campus beauty queen, Tang Yan butting heads.


    Fans of both parties launched a tongue-lashing war, with the majority supporting Ye Qingxue. Some of them were actually former Tang Yan fans but switched after catching word of the basketball match. Ye Qingxue¡¯s fans went ballistic, questioning why Tang Yan did not have her men compete at art with Ye Qingxue¡¯s people instead.


    There were also those who claimed the boys in the basketball were real men, labeling each person on the team a hottie. The voices of these starry-eyed girls who were infatuated with the handsome basketball players should not be underestimated.


    Everyone waited around for the afternoon match between the literature and art club and basketball club.


    ¡°Sister Huo, can you speak to them? It may become worse if the two of them continue like this.¡± The vice president of the student council, Dao Tian was on pins and needles. In Jianghai University, all the men who knew Huo Wennu addressed her as Sister Huo while the women addressed her as Sister Wen. She was also the president of the student council.


    ¡°Speak to them? What am I supposed to say? You know how they are, they won¡¯t admit defeat to each other. This time, that silly Qingxue accepted the basketball challenge, how is she supposed to win? There¡¯s only those few sissies in the art club. Even if she sought help from other clubs, they can¡¯t compare to those professional basketball players,¡± Huo Wennu grumbled.


    She had a great relationship with Ye Qingxue but was acquainted with Tang Yan as well. She could not possibly help the literature and art club go against the basketball club. Putting her position as the student council¡¯s president aside, she would not be able to find an equal competitor to the basketball players unless she hired professionals outside the school. However, they would be sneered upon if that were the case.


    Ye Qingxue would face greater humiliation.


    Tang Yan really worked through her superficial charm by allowing only one forefront member on court while the rest were substitute players. Even then, these substitute players were selected through a meticulous process. Moreover, the so-called twenty points might have sounded as though she was providing leeway, but with such a disparity in ability, a two-hundred-point difference was not impossible.


    Many protested against the unfair matchup, but the protagonist of the affair, Ye Qingxue had agreed to the challenge herself.


    The match in the afternoon attracted many spectators, especially those in support of the basketball team and Tang Yan. Although there were those who were on Ye Qingxue¡¯s side, only a handful came. Others did not believe the literature and art club would win, they would rather refrain from going to save themselves the distress.


    ¡°Xia Tian, are you confident?¡± Ye Qingxue earnestly asked Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯m going all out for the sake of my mistress. Victory will be mine,¡± Xia Tian shouted with his head held high.

 Chapter 22

    Though Jianghai University was not comparable to Jing University, it was still a reputable school in China. Those who attended this university were elites all around the nation.


    There were over fifty thousand students in this campus, excluding postgraduates, master degree students, doctoral candidates and postdocs.


    This hundred-year-old school never lacked tall tales, especially on prominent figures of Jianghai University. The top ten campus beauty queens were prominent personalities of Jianghai University and were reelected every year.


    It was not easy for a freshman to make it to the top ten as the popularity rating consisted of mainly the seniors, yet Ye Qingxue and Tang Yan managed to enter the ranking as freshman students, taking the number fourth and sixth spots respectively.


    It was the power struggle between these two campus queens in the spotlight that ignited the most interesting basketball match at Jianghai University. Tang Yan, the coach of the basketball team challenged the literature and art club to a basketball match.


    It was the biggest joke ever to challenge the girls and sissies of the literature and art club to a basketball match. It was a war that could not be won.


    Although the basketball club proclaimed that victory was on the literature and art club as long as they didn¡¯t fall behind by more than 20 points, the disparity between their skills could not be pronounced in just that. The basketball team then said they would only be only using one forefront player while the rest were substitutes.


    Still, these substitutes from the basketball club were carefully selected elites among elites, proving a world of a difference from these effeminate sissies from the literature and art club.


    The university was buzzing with activity before the basketball even began. Many foresaw defeat on the literature and art club¡¯s part but were supporting Ye Qingxue¡¯s nonetheless.


    They condemned the basketball club, believing it was an unjust match. It was a despicable and treacherous act by the basketball club.


    Yet, no one stepped up to participate in the literature and art club¡¯s behalf because they were clear on the capabilities of the basketball team. They were not just the varsity team, they were regulars in national league basketball matches.


    ¡°Coach, it¡¯s getting ugly. Can we cancel the match? The basketball club needs funding from the school for its activities. If they continue to raise havoc, I fear¡­¡±


    ¡°Fear what? Nothing else matters if the team produces results. Pay no concern to those voices. Has Fang Li arrived?¡± As the basketball team¡¯s coach and the basketball club¡¯s president, Tang Yan liaised directly with the school in anything with regard to the basketball team.


    Tang Yan was the first to assume the coach position as a freshman student, leaving many astonished as to how she achieved it. It was said that the intractable basketball star heeded her every word.


    Xia Tian and Ye Qingxue had come early to the basketball court. Judging by the looks of his teammates, Xia Tian finally understood why these spectators were on the basketball club¡¯s side.


    The bleachers were filled with people holding up banners, chanting slogans, and donning the basketball team jerseys. Xia Tian took a look around and found none of them representing the literature and art club.


    ¡°Cousin, you¡¯re not very popular. Look at the contrast in popularity.¡± Xia Tian shook his head at those in support of the basketball club.


    ¡°Who says we don¡¯t have supporters? You, pick up that sign, and you two, since you can¡¯t play basketball, go put on a wig and be cheerleaders.¡± Ye Qingxue glared at the two sissies from the literature and art club.


    Ye Qingxue had had it all planned it. There were three signs, indicating three names ¡ª Xia Tian, Hu Peng, and Yan Xu. These three were providing external support while the two left were members of the literature and art club, so there was no need to put up signs for them.


    Perhaps the literature and art club never thought they would win so they saved the cost of their own people.


    Playing second fiddle to Ye Qingxue, these two sissies from the literature and art club put on the wings and dangled the pom-poms.


    ¡°Come on, literature and art club.¡±


    The grossest cheerleading squad in history was born. Xia Tian felt the urge to throw up at the sight.


    ¡°Cousin, change the cheerleading squad or I won¡¯t play,¡± Xia Tian could not bear the sight of them. As a matter of fact, he would really rather not have a cheerleading squad behind him.


    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s the basketball team.¡±


    The cheers turned everyone¡¯s attention to the entryway. In came the basketball players one by one. When they took their seats on the lounge area, the basketball drill team came running from the back.


    The presence of girls in blue and white top and mini skirts stirred an uproar amongst the male spectators. Jianghai University¡¯s basketball drill team knew how to dress their bodies up.


    The dance brought the atmosphere up to an all-time high.


    ¡°Come on, literature and art club.¡±


    ¡°You can do it, literature and art club


    The two sissies were still there motioning the simplest routine. Xia Tian was really nauseous.


    ¡°Cousin, I can¡¯t take it anymore. I want to go on a strike.¡±


    ¡°Just wait, your ol¡¯ sis is gonna give you what you¡¯re due.¡± Ye Qingxue smiled enigmatically.


    Just then, a tall guy ran in from the entrance. His appearance earned him a round of cheers. He was handsome, tall, and a skill basketball player; the star of Jianghai University¡¯s basketball team, Fang Li.


    ¡°I live for flowers, I live for the applause, I know I¡¯m handsome but I only wish to quietly be a handsome man.¡± Fang Li struck a cool pose, prompting the starry-eyes girls to burst into ovation.


    ¡°You narcissist, get your ass over here,¡± Tang Yan shouted at Fang Li.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming, lady-boss. What instructions do you have for this handsome man?¡± Fang Li held a rose to his nose for a good sniff.


    ¡°Fang Li, stretch the points as much as possible on today¡¯s game. You¡¯ll get a taste of my special drink if you try to be a show-off and foil my plans,¡± Tang Yan hissed into Fang Li¡¯s ear.


    The rose in Fang Li¡¯s hand snapped into half at the mention of the special drink. Color faded from his face.


    ¡°Lady-boss, don¡¯t you worry. How big of a difference are you looking at? Fifty or a hundred points?¡±


    ¡°The more the better.¡±


    There was a stark contrast on the dynamic between the basketball club and the literature and art club. With only two sissies representing the literature and art club dancing in mini-skirts, they could not compare to the basketball drill team.


    Disappointed, Xia Tian lost interest in the game.


    ¡°Qingxue, what do you think?¡± Bingxin appeared from behind. Xia Tian¡¯s Insight was activated the moment he shifted his gaze to Bingxin.


    He saw it, he saw everything.


    His Insight revealed everything.


    ¡°Xia Tian, your nose is bleeding.¡± Ye Qingxue looked at Xia Tian with bewilderment.


    ¡°Cousin, I¡¯m filled with energy. Here we go,¡± Xia Tian said in lifted spirits. During then, Bingxin began to dance. It was just an average routine, but Bingxin motioned with such poise. More importantly, she pulled off a highly difficult dance move.


    Bingxin did a 180-degree split while doing a handstand. There was nothing suggestive about the move with Bingxin wearing boxer shorts, but it was a real feast to Xia Tian and his Insight.


    Blood was spouting out of Xia Tian¡¯s nostrils. Spouting, not flowing. The spewing blood left Qingxue horrified.


    ¡°Ye Qingxue, your guy¡¯s already wounded before the game even started. Won¡¯t that leave you with just four players? You might want to consider withdrawing from the match,¡± Tang Yan taunted. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just surrender and save yourself from the humiliation of falling behind by a hundred points? Our bet can¡¯t be canceled though. If you admit defeat, you better be prepared to call me Sister Yan respectably.


    ¡°Ah right, and that nose-bleeding guy has to run naked on the court.¡±


    Tang Yan was not going to let Xia Tian off the hook. She was going to teach him a lesson he would never forget for his actions at the restaurant.


    ¡°Who says we¡¯re admitting defeat? Let¡¯s begin, I¡¯m filled with fighting spirit.¡± Xia Tian turned his head away from Bingxin. He was afraid he might die from blood loss.


    Both parties discussed their strategies prior to the game.


    ¡°Hu Peng, you¡¯re the tallest, you¡¯ll make the jump. You lot just take whatever position you¡¯re good at. Remember to pass the ball to me.¡± Yan Xu was the external help sought by Hu Peng. Hu Peng and Yan Xu were from the sports club. Hu Peng had a tall and sturdy build while Yan Xu was short but had rather deft reflexes. Rumor had it that he had quite the hand in basketball.


    He had everyone pass the ball to him in hopes he could single-handedly take down the basketball club.


    Xia Tian did not comment. He was down for whatever as long as they were able to win. He could idle away if Yan Xu was able to lead them to victory, that would save him from exposing his ability.


    ¡°I¡¯m turned off just looking at these nincompoops.¡± Fang Ji helplessly shook his head. If it were not for Tang Yan, he would not bother participating in such a match.


    The game finally began. Hu Peng did not let the crowd down and smacked the ball when it was tossed up in the air. However, a blue figure made a quick snatch as the ball made its landing. The blue figure was as swift as lightning.


    Wham!


    The ball made it through the hoop. It was a slam dunk.


    Basketball star, Fang Li deserved the title as the forefront player, scoring the first point, and it was a dunk. The opening dunk boosted to the basketball club¡¯s vigor and roars of cheers erupted from the bleachers.

 Chapter 23

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to give it to Fang Li, his technique and speed are what¡¯s expected from a top-notch academy.¡± Apart from Jianghai University students, there were headhunters sitting at the bleachers, hoping to uncover the next big thing.


    Fang Li¡¯s performance stirred another round of applause. One could see the hearts thumping out of these female basketball fan¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Love me, but I don¡¯t belong to you.¡± Fang Li struck a cool pose.


    Pleased, Tang Yan nodded at Fang Li¡¯s performance. She arranged for Fang Li to make the slam dunk to demoralize their opponents, and he did it. Xia Tian¡¯s team were in sagging spirits and even Yan Xu was shaking his head out of despair.


    The ball was now on their court. After a quick ball toss to Yan Xu, he swiftly dribbled the ball past the opponent¡¯s defense and went straight for the shoot. It was a resolute action, complete with standard form.


    Wham!


    A block! It was a blocked shot. Fang Li overcame him with a major blocked shot.


    The ball was back in the hands of the basketball club.


    Swoosh!


    A three-pointer.


    In a short span of a minute, the basketball club was in the lead by five points. Ye Qingxue bit her tongue at the sight of the crowd cheering. It has only been a minute yet the gap was this wide.


    She wondered if it could all come to a happy ending.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged and just pass the ball to me.¡± Yan Xu ordered this team.


    This time, Yan Xu did not go solo but passed the ball to Hu Peng. With all eyes on the sturdy Hu Peng, he made a switch and passed the ball back to Yan Xu.


    Yan Xu, who had the ball, saw the incoming Fang Li but had no intention to pass the ball. The way he saw it, only he and Hu Peng made the cut and it would only be a waste passing the ball to his remaining teammates.


    With Hu Peng tied up at the other end, he tried to force his way in.


    Wham!


    He was intercepted. Fang Li flashed before his eyes and snatched the ball from Yan Xu before hurling it far off. It was not for the basket, but a pass. Another team member advanced forward and leaped up for a dunk.


    7 to none. The gap widened further.


    Xia Tian was disappointed with Yan Hu¡¯s actions. Yan Hu could have passed the ball to him but decided on a one-man show even though he did not have the skills.


    Ye Qingxue could not bear to look at the scoreboard any further.


    The competition went on, and the first quarter ended with 40 to none. The literature and art club members in the lounge all had their heads down.


    ¡°There¡¯s no point continuing with this competition. Hu Peng and I can¡¯t possibly carry the team with these three,¡± Yan Xu barked. Of course, he was not going to dump Hu Peng in hot soup as they were old pals, and since he was barely acquainted with the other three, they made easy targets to blame.


    ¡°Yan Hu, what do you mean? What did we do wrong? You had us pass you the ball, which we did. Now you¡¯re blaming us for how things are turning out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you were the one intercepted by Fang Li every time you insist on going solo.¡±


    ¡°Humph,¡± Yan Hu coldly snorted. ¡°you don¡¯t even know how to play basketball and here you are trying to get a leg-up on me. There¡¯s no way we can compete, carrying you dead weights is a sure loss.¡±


    ¡°No way to compete? The literature and art club doesn¡¯t back down. Even if we lose, we¡¯ll lose on the battlefield. We¡¯ll never surrender.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think we¡¯re gonna lose before the match even ends?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll crawl around the court and bark like a dog if you can win this competition,¡± Yan Xu ridiculed. ¡°Hu Peng, we¡¯re not playing this game. I want to see how these three are going to handle it.¡±


    Ye Qingxue turned pale with rage but held her tongue. She had seen many vile characters like Yan Xu in her lifetime, but now was not the time to appease internal strife. If Yan Xu and Hu Peng were not playing, her team would be disqualified for lack of players.


    ¡°Qingxue, don¡¯t worry. We still have Xia Tian.¡± Bingxin saw through Ye Qingxue¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°But we¡¯re falling so far behind, you saw how great they are.¡± Ye Qingxue was disheartened.


    Xia Tian did not respond but turned to the two literature and art club¡¯s cheerleaders, ¡°You two, change your uniform and get in the court.¡±


    Everyone was in a daze. Yan Hu thought the literature and art club would request that he continue in the game, extending the chance for him to mock these people. Who would have thought Xia Tian would have these two sissies take the field?


    ¡°Xia Tian, they don¡¯t know how to play.¡± Ye Qingxue frowned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need them to play. They just need to stand there and watch.¡± Xia Tian smiled.


    Noticing the commotion, Tang Yan shouted, ¡°Ye Qingxue, don¡¯t you have other people? Why, even the cheerleaders are going to court today.¡±


    Ignoring her, Ye Qingxue nodded at Xia Tian.


    The second quarter started.


    A team member passed the ball to Xia Tian, and while the players rushed to the opposing side of the court. Xia Tian took a leap to their dismay. The crowd was stunned. What was he doing jumping beneath his basket?


    Swoosh!


    The swooshing sound was a familiar sound of the ball passing through the net without the slightest contact on the rims. The crowd just realized what had happened.


    40 to 3.


    ¡°Yay!¡± Ye Qingxue and Bingxin jumped up with excitement.


    ¡°How can this be?¡± Yan Xu stared at Xia Tian with his jaw dropped. Was he dreaming?


    ¡°It must be a mistake.¡± Fang Li gazed at the scoreboard perplexed.


    ¡°What-what¡¯s up with this guy?¡± Tang Yan gawked at Xia Tian.


    The spectators on the bleachers were stunned. What sorcery was this? A three-pointer from that far away? The headhunters who were about to leave stopped in their tracks and continued watching the game.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, everyone, it was just a fluke.¡± Fang Li regained composure and charged ahead with the ball. The five players paired up well. They passed the ball around until it reached back, into Fang Li¡¯s hands. Fang Li planned to lift their spirits with a jump shot.


    Wham!


    Blocked.


    The crowd was taken aback again. Fang Li was at least two meters in height and had rather long limbs. The height he reached was unimaginable yet he was blocked by a guy who was less than 1.8 meters tall.


    Swoosh!


    Another ball straight into the basket and still without crossing the half-way line.


    40 to 6.


    Pin drops were audible in the court. It was as though Xia Tian jumped two meters high to block Fang Li¡¯s shot. It was an inconceivable sight.


    Nobody believed it was sheer luck this time. There was no chance that a goal from such a distance could be a fluke.


    Time out!


    Tang Yan called for a time out.


    ¡°That was great.¡± Ye Qingxue sprinted before to kiss Xia Tian in the cheek.


    Yan Hu¡¯s expression hardened, wishing there was a crack on the ground he could bury his head in. They were lagging behind by 40 points when he was on the court and after his windbag stunt, Xia Tian threw 6 points in his face.


    He was green with envy, especially when Ye Qingxue planted a kiss on Xia Tian. He actually thought that Ye Qingxue would beg them to stay but now Xia Tian had stolen the limelight from him.


    Tang Yan reorganized their strategy and sought to have two players besiege Xia Tian. This was Tang Yan¡¯s tactic, two lanky boys to overpower Xia Tian.


    Without the threat from Xia Tian, there was no one else who could get in the way of Fang Li. The other four were moving targets, giving way to Fang Li to show off his move. Fang Li took a leap. It was a three-pointer ball this time. He was going to redeem himself with this goal.


    Wham!


    Another blocked shot, Xia Tian yet again. Xia Tian, who was held back in the 3-second area managed to stall his ball.


    Swoosh!


    Another basket in.


    40 to 9.


    The crowd was rendered speechless. Xia Tian attempted three shots from his own side of the court and blocked the basketball star, Fang Li¡¯s shot twice. The basketball club¡¯s scoring came to a standstill.


    ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± Huo Wennu on the bleacher recalled who this person was. Wasn¡¯t he the same romantic guy at Ye Qingxue¡¯s birthday party?


    The basketball club players were in a daze. As two of them were not enough to stop Xia Tian, three of them now held the responsibility of pulling him back.


    Still, the points gap grew narrower.


    It was 40 to 48 at the end of the second quarter.


    Tang Yan restrategized their plan while Ye Qingxue and Bingxin circled around Xia Tian to offer water and a massage.


    At the start of the third quarter, the basketball club¡¯s new strategy was to encircle Xia Tian with four players. They took each corner to cover every possible blind spot, giving basketball star, Fang Li a path to showcase his skills.


    Having full confidence that Xia Tian would not be able to escape the four-man defense, Fang Li¡¯s priority was to regain the team¡¯s vigor with a slam dunk.


    Wham!


    A demonic figure appeared before Fang Li. He simply could not believe his eyes but the ball was no longer in his hands.


    Swoosh.


    Another basket in.


    40 to 51.


    The match continued on and the score was now 40 to 81.


    The basketball club was completely lost it, the spectators were dumbstruck, even the basketball cheerleading team refused to dance. There were those who posted a video of the game on the web but Xia Tian¡¯s appearance was blurry no matter the angle they tried to capture. He was either on the move or had his head lowered.


    The match came to a finish.


    The last score was 40 to 111.


    They were all three-pointer balls. Xia Tian tossed a total of 37 goals, without a single miss.


    Everyone was left in awe of the result. Yan Hu wanted to sneak away but was stopped by the girls from the literature and art club. They had heard Yan Hu¡¯s declaration earlier. He said that if the literature and art club won, he would crawl around the court and bark like a dog.

 Chapter 24

    The basketball club had their heads hung low at the end of the competition, even the basketball drill team were out of sorts. The spectators on the bleachers might have been there to support the basketball club, but they were bubbling with excitement.


    They just witnessed an amazing match.


    ¡°This boy is interesting. Check on him for me.¡± A female headhunter smiled and left the bleachers.


    Huo Wennu frowned at the man below. This man was a box of mysteries. He caused a stir during Ye Qingxue¡¯s birthday and now here he was, single-handedly defeating the basketball club.


    She was curious; what kind of man is he? Why hadn¡¯t she heard of him before?


    She planned to clear her doubts with Ye Qingxue when she got back.


    The literature and art club were cheering nonstop. Today, they had achieved an overwhelming victory. Even though four of the players on today¡¯s match were from the literature and art club, they still won the match against the basketball team.


    They bad brought honor to their club.


    ¡°Yan Xu, I recall you saying that if we were to win, you¡¯ll crawl around the court and bark like a dog, am I right?¡± One of the literature and art club members who felt insulted earlier brought it up.


    ¡°Humph, it¡¯s just dumb luck,¡± Yan Xu furiously snorted. It was but a miracle in his eyes.


    ¡°What? You can talk the talk but won¡¯t walk the walk?¡±


    ¡°Who knows what dirty tricks you had up your sleeves to win. Maybe you colluded with the basketball club.¡± Yan Xu sneered at their presence.


    ¡°Sigh, the sports club isn¡¯t what it used to be.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so good about your literature and art club anyway? You still come running to our sports club for help. You eggheads should just keep to your own art otherwise I challenge you to attempt our sports club training.¡± Yan Xu forced his way out of the crowd.


    ¡°If we win, are you going to bark like a dog and crawl around the training grounds?¡± Xia Tian smiled. He despised people like Yan Xu the most, putting down others when they themselves did not possess the ability.


    ¡°Fine; physical training regime. If you can win over our men, I¡¯ll bark like a dog.¡± Yan Xu huffed away down the corridor.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s do it tomorrow afternoon,¡± Xia Tian dully answered.


    ¡°Xia Tian, don¡¯t bother with him. I don¡¯t even know the guy. He heard that we had a match with the basketball club and volunteered to help,¡± Ye Qingxue advised.


    Today was a great day for the literature and art club. Ye Qingxue was going to throw a party, but Xia Tian had other matters to attend to.


    Tang Yan was not in a good mood but she was also in shock. The bad news was that she lost the competition, but on the other hand, she discovered a great asset. With great nurturing, he would become a superstar.


    However, she was still faced with a huge problem. She lost the bet. She had to address Ye Qingxue as Sister Xue and that disgusting guy as Darling Sweetie Hubby.


    She cringed at the thought.


    If she refused to do so, she would be considered a dirty dog for not accepting the consequences of her own actions. She could not feel more dejected.


    ¡°Xia Tian, where are you going?¡± Ye Qingxue saw Xia Tian heading to their opponent¡¯s lounge area.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pay my mistress a visit,¡± Xia Tian said without turning back.


    ¡°Are you for real? Winning the match is more than enough. Don¡¯t put her on the spot.¡± Ye Qingxue could not care less for the bet. She was not really going to get Tang Yan to call her Sister Xue.


    That would be going overboard. It was just a spat with Tang Yan.


    ¡°Hey Missus, I¡¯m here to see you,¡± Xia Tian crackled in front of Tang Yan. Tang Yan had no words for Xia Tian. She had never experienced such shamelessness. Sure, she lost. but there was no need to swing it in her face there and then. At worst, she would just avoid him from then on.


    However, Xia Tian came forth to make her realize the bet.


    ¡°B*stard, don¡¯t you dare talk to Lady Boss that way.¡± Fang Li was not happy losing the game but he admitted his defeat. The other party might have won but what business did he have in picking a fight here?


    ¡°I won¡¯t lower myself to your level, for my mistress¡¯ sake.¡± Xia Tian refused to look at Fang Li.


    ¡°Stop teasing them. Xia Tian, let¡¯s go.¡± Ye Qingxue did not want Xia Tian to cause any trouble. ¡°Tang Yan, the grudge between us is all in the past and done for. As for that bet, just forget it.¡±


    ¡°Ye Qingxue, what do you mean? Do you think I¡¯m a person who can¡¯t take a loss?¡± Tang Yan could not accept failure. ¡°Sister Xue, Darling Sweetie Hubby.¡±


    Tang Yan ran out of the arena promptly after. She was deeply embarrassed.


    ¡°Why did she just leave like that?¡± Xia Tian then left the arena, sulking, taking a cab to his old living quarters.


    Yan Xu was feeling blue. He wanted to help out the literature and art club to worm himself into Ye Qingxue¡¯s favor but ended up losing face.


    There was no way he could swallow his pride, especially after they held his word against him to bark and crawl around the court. Although he did not do it anyway, he was humiliated.


    He would not stand for being made a fool in front of Ye Qingxue.


    ¡°President Li, the guys from the literature and art club are such bullies. I was there to help but they don¡¯t know what¡¯s good for them. They insulted me and called the sports club a piece of crap. Today, the literature and art club won the basketball game. Tomorrow, they want to win the sports club in sports.¡± Yan Xu exaggerated the matter.


    ¡°They sure have the guts to challenge us with only four boys in their club.¡± President Li had quite a temper.


    ¡°President, you should have seen their faces, especially that outsider they got. What an arrogant prick. He said that you¡¯re nothing and an unworthy opponent.¡± Yan Xu loathed Xia Tian for stealing the show. When he scored a basket, Ye Qingxue kissed him in the heat of the moment, leaving Yan Xu green with envy.


    ¡°He really said that?¡± President Li hit the roof.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He challenged our sports club, adding how easy our physical training is, that he alone would be enough to deal with our training set¡¯s best performers.¡± Yan Xu has successfully provoked President Li.


    ¡°Yan Xu, throw down the gauntlet, I¡¯m going to teach that b*stard a lesson.¡±


    Xia Tian reached his old residence and waited for about two hours before the person in white appeared. The person in white was still in the same outfit and holding the same sword. Although there was no change of wardrobe, his apparel was always kept clean.


    ¡°Master, you¡¯re here,¡± Xia Tian greeted with reverence. This person in white, as his father¡¯s friend and his lifesaver deserved his respect.


    ¡°Your father never mentioned martial arts to you because he didn¡¯t want you to follow in his footsteps, but since you¡¯ve found yourself entering this circle, I will carry out my promise to him.¡± The person in white gazed straight into Xia Tian¡¯s eyes. ¡°From now on, I will teach you Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Finger.¡±


    ¡°Resonating Finger?¡± Xia Tian has only seen such martial arts on television. It was from The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng. (TN: The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng ½С·ï´«Ææ is a Chinese TV series adapted from the wuxia novel series, Lu Xiaofeng Series by Gu Long.) He would have never in a million years thought that the person in white was going to teach him the same martial arts.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, these were the skills that brought your father fame,¡± The person in white dully answered.


    ¡°My father? Was my father a master then?¡± Xia Tian hoped to learn more about his father from the person in white.


    ¡°I have never cultivated these two techniques, so I can only guide you through the cultivating method and internal mind cultivation.¡± The person in white was not easily taken in, biting his tongue on the information about his father.


    ¡°Master, could it be that my father¡¯s martial arts are less superior than yours, causing you to find that they¡¯re not worth mastering?¡± Xia Tian asked.


    ¡°I chose not to learn them because of one thing; you must remember, don¡¯t bite off more than you can chew. The drive needed to cultivate one martial art is far greater rather than mastering several at the same time.


    ¡°Thank you for your teaching,¡± responded Xia Tian.


    ¡°Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step can be learned through the Book of Changes and eight trigrams. Resonating Finger focuses on body acupoints and accuracy of the attack,¡± The person in white clarified the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Finger¡¯s origins and cultivating methods.


    The moment Xia Tian set his hands to these skills, he finally understood why his father filled him with knowledge since he was a child. The Book of Changes, eight trigrams, and body acupoints were among the few things he acquired throughout the years.


    He did not understand then why his father had insisted on him learning these. Without comprehension of the Book of Changes and eight trigrams, it was impossible to cultivate the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step. The bar was set higher for Resonating Finger, requiring not only the understanding of the human body¡¯s acupoints, but also the summoning of knowledge and insight on the composition of the human anatomy and muscles.


    It was absurd to expect this from a regular person but quite the contrary for Xia Tian, who had been learning this all his life.


    He seemed to have been molded by father¡¯s hands with everything coming into place. His father filling him with knowledge since his childhood was all in preparation for this day.


    ¡°You are blessed with the greatest gift I¡¯ve ever seen, you¡¯ll one day bring your father¡¯s martial arts to great heights.¡± The person in white imparted Xia Tian skills for an hour before departing, leaving Xia Tian on his own to cultivate.

 Chapter 25

    Xia Tian did not stop training on his own ever since the person in white left. Although his father had never taught him martial arts, he had given him the best foundation he could ever give.


    If any average person were to train at this age, their success would be limited no matter how hard they trained. However, Xia Tian was different. Although his father had never taught him martial arts before, he had trained his body since young to be compatible with what he was learning.


    The modifications made to his body via the necklace had caused his constitution to change drastically.


    His inner energy was similar to a huge vault, but he did not have any technique to release that huge latent power. This was the main reason why he was helpless against Quicksand.


    What he lacked was a proper martial art. Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Finger were left by his father and even the powerful person in white had said that they were impressive techniques.


    The person in white¡¯s strength was something Xia Tian could not comprehend. Xia Tian did not even realize the person in white attacking before the two Quicksand members were killed.


    He always had the belief that martial artists would never be faster than a bullet. However, the person in white did not give Quicksand a chance to fire their guns.


    Weapons were useless in front of a true expert.


    Xia Tian had some slight progress training for the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step.


    Time flew swiftly, and Xia Tian forgot how long he had been training. It was all he could think of.


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡¯


    ¡°Sister Bingxin? How did you get hold of my number?


    ¡°Calm down. What happened?


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head out immediately.¡±


    Xia Tiang hung up and ran into the distance instead of waiting for a car. Xia Tian, who had just learned the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step had finally tasted the benefit of this martial art.


    He was quick and had high stamina.


    Bingxin was the one who made the call earlier and she sounded rather anxious. She was currently at a place called the Emperor KTV. They had been surrounded by the members of the literature and art club and his cousin sister, Ye Qingxue was currently quarreling with them.


    ¡°D*mn it. I¡¯ll show them what I¡¯m capable of if any one of them dares to harm my cousin sister in the slightest way.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s cousin sister was the person closest to him. He would never forgive whoever dared to harm Ye Qingxue in any way.


    Xia Tian¡¯s running speed was multiple times faster than the past. If he were to participate in a hundred-meter sprint right now, breaking the records would be child¡¯s play.


    Meanwhile, at Emperor KTV.


    ¡°President Li, you¡¯re a dignified man and yet you¡¯re enjoying the show from the sidelines.¡± Ye Qingxue was furious as she stared at President Li. The literature and art club was supposed to celebrate their basketball competition¡¯s victory, but President Li and Yan Xu from the sports club had come to cause trouble.


    They challenged the literature and art club but Ye Qingxue had no plans on accepting President Li¡¯s challenge as she did not want to involve Xia Tian any further.


    As they were arguing, a girl from the literature and art club was harassed at the toilet. Ye Qingxue had brought people to help out but the opponents were a bunch of gangsters who did not oblige to common sense.


    These gangsters had other plans when they saw Ye Qingxue. They insisted that Ye Qingxue must accompany their Brother Bao for a few drinks. Ye Qingxue thought that President Li and his people were people that knew when to hold back their grudges. Who would have thought that President Li and the rest were no different?


    Not only did they refuse to help her, they gave a counteroffer instead.


    President Li¡¯s demand was that he wanted Ye Qingxue to accept their challenge whereas Yan Xu¡¯s demand was even more ridiculous. Yan Xu would only help Ye Qinxue if she were to accept him as her boyfriend.


    Hence, this was how it came down.


    ¡°Ye Qingxue, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m not helping you because we¡¯re from the same school. We¡¯ll help you deal with these gangsters as long as you accept our request.¡± President Li and his men from the sports club and had strong physiques. These gangsters would not dare to do a thing if they were willing to help them.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you annoying kids to stop meddling around where you shouldn¡¯t. This is Brother Bao¡¯s territory. You might not leave Emperor KTV if you¡¯re not careful.¡± One of the gangsters had announced that this was their turf as they knew that it would be troublesome if the people from the sports club were to butt in.


    ¡°President Li, I¡¯ve misjudged you.¡± Ye Qingxue stared at President Li and his men.


    ¡°Hey girl, it¡¯s your blessing that Brother Bao has taken a liking to you. We¡¯ll not cause any trouble to your friends as long as you accompany Brother Bao for a few drinks.¡± The leader of the gangsters was checking Ye Qingxue out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know him. Why should I drink with him?¡± Ye Qingxue rejected without any hesitation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shut us down like this. It¡¯s your blessing that Brother Bao has taken a liking to you. Don¡¯t blame my brothers for being rough if you don¡¯t listen to us.¡±The gangsters smiled creepily as they revealed their ill-intent.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already called the police; they¡¯ll be here any time soon.¡± Ye Qingxue had already informed someone to call the police.


    ¡°The police? Haha. Our Brother Bao has a wide network. All he has to do is to make a phone call and the police will disappear.¡± The gangsters seemed full of themselves. The reason they were with Brother Bao was that they would be able to do anything as long as Brother Bao was around.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare cross the line. Do you really think the law doesn¡¯t apply here?¡± Ye Qingxue stared angrily at the gangsters.


    ¡°Law? I¡¯m the law here. Mr. Liu, what do you think law is?¡± Brother Bao walked out from a cabin from afar. There was a very muscular man beside and his muscular chest puffed in his stride.


    ¡°What trash.¡± Brother Bao stared at the bunch of gangsters before shifting his attention to President Li and Yan Xu. ¡°What do you guys think you¡¯re doing? How dare you make a scene on my turf!¡±


    Crack!!


    Brother Bao shattered his own beer bottle on the ground. Dozens of gangsters flooded in from all directions as soon as the bottle shattered.


    A few of the gangsters had even barricaded the Emperor KTV¡¯s hall to prevent passersby from recording or watching the incident.


    President Li and Yan Xu¡¯s faces turned pale when they saw these gangsters appear. There were only a total of ten of them and they believed that they could fight against these few thugs. They believed that they were in the advantage but they did not expect so many to appear out of the blue.


    How could they fight against so many people at once with just the ten of them?


    ¡°You¡¯re Brother Bao, right? I believe there¡¯s a misunderstanding. We¡¯re not close to these people at all.¡± Xan Yu panicked as he could tell that these thugs were jobless and had nothing better to do.


    This was especially true to Brother Bao. Everyone could tell in an instant that he was not someone that could be easily messed with. All of them would be harmed if a fight were to ensue. To top it off, he had already noticed a few of them standing outside had knives in their hands.


    ¡°Fine. Now f*ck off.¡± Brother Bao was not something that was easy to handle and as a result, he was sharp with his words as well.


    ¡°Hmpf.¡± President Li harrumphed. His expression looked rather gloomy but they ultimately merged with the crowd, leaving behind the bunch of people from the literature and art club, totaling of sixteen. Four of them were males and the other twelve were females. Despite that, these four men were no stronger than the girls.


    Ye Qingxue and her group were left defenseless the instant President Li brought his men away from the scene. Ye Qingxue knew very well that these people did not lie to them at all earlier.


    The police would be stopped by that Mr Liu even if they were to arrive at the scene. Furthermore, there was a person beside Mr. Liu and it was obvious that the man was a lawyer. These lawyers were very sharp when it came to these situations.


    ¡°Lady, I suggest you come over and accompany me with a few drinks. I¡¯ll overlook this incident if you do so. However, I won¡¯t let a single one of you leave here if you don¡¯t comply.¡± Brother Bao glanced at the group of people. ¡°My brothers here have a strong liking for university students.¡±


    It was a threat.


    What he really meant was that if Ye Qingxue were to not accompany him alone, he would order his men to harm her people.


    ¡°Sister Xue, you mustn¡¯t listen to him.¡± Although the four men from the literature and art club were not as muscular as the men from the sports club, they were as equally as manly as them as the four of them had stood in front of the girls.


    ¡°Sister Xue, we won¡¯t let them take you away.¡±


    The four boys from the literature and art club were in their positions.


    ¡°All four of you are just a bunch of p*ssies!¡± Brother Bao said coldly. ¡°You guys, teach them a good lesson.¡±


    Ye Qingxue¡¯s expression was unusually pale. Although she was being protected by these four men, she did not feel a hint of safety at all being surrounded at that moment.


    There was no way out, and the consequences were unimaginable if she were to leave with these gangsters.


    ¡°Qingxue, I¡¯ve already called Xia Tian.¡± Bingxin whispered.


    ¡°What? What use is it to call Xia Tian now? Why didn¡¯t you call Sister Wen instead?¡± Ye Qingxue panicked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve tried calling Sister Wen but she¡¯s not picking up at all. I couldn¡¯t think of anything else so I¡¯ve decided to call Xia Tian instead.¡± Bingxin frowned as she responded. It was a given that she knew that she should call Huo Wennu in this situation.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Ye Qingxue started panicking and she did not realize that Bingxin beside her was clenching her fist tightly.


    The gangsters were already walking to the four men from the literature and art club, but they did not back off.


    Bam!!


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± There was a loud explosion outside and everyone shifted their attention.


    ¡°Cousin sister, where are you?¡± Xia Tian¡¯s voice came from outside.


    ¡°Xia Tian, we¡¯re over here.¡± Bingxin¡¯s voice came from the inside. The instant Bingxin finished speaking, she noticed that Xia Tian had already appeared beside her. This place was incredibly crowded. How did Xia Tian squirm his way in?


    However, Bingxin relaxed her fist then.


    ¡°How dare you mess with my cousin sister.¡± Xia Tian turned his head around to look at Brother Bao and Mr. Liu. Everyone could tell that these two were the leaders of these thugs.


    ¡­

 Chapter 26

    Bing Xin, Ye Qingxue, and the rest were ecstatic due to Xia Tian¡¯s sudden appearance. However, Ye Qingxue began to worry immediately. What could Xia Tian do in a situation like this?


    Their dire situation had yet to be dispelled and there were around forty to fifty thugs surrounding them. All of these thugs were not easy to mess with.


    All they had were five males if they were to include Xia Tian.


    Brother Bao opposite them was nonchalant about the sudden appearance of this man. He¡¯s the Emperor inside Emperor KTV. No one was able to go against him here.


    ¡°Little b*stard. How did you get in here?¡± Brother Bao looked at Xia Tian in confusion. This place had been surrounded by his underlings since the beginning. How did this little b*stard appear right before his eyes?


    ¡°Xia Tian, how did you get in?¡± Ye Qingxue looked at Xia Tian worriedly.


    ¡°It¡¯s only natural that I¡¯ve to enter this place since someone is bullying you.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    ¡°But what use can you bring if you come in alone. You¡¯ll get involved in this.¡± What Ye Qingxue worried about most was that Xia Tian would get dragged into this incident.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle everything.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    Ye Qingxue did not understand why she felt so relieved after seeing Xia Tian¡¯s expression. She kept quiet because she knew that Xia Tian had changed and was no longer the obedient cousin brother that she knew.


    Perhaps her mother¡¯s words were true after all. Xia Tian was destined to be special.


    Bingxin evaluated Xia Tian curiously. She realized that whenever she met Xia Tian, the latter would give off an incredible vibe. Xia Tian had given her too many surprises since their first encounter.


    ¡°Xia Tian, what color am I wearing today?¡± Bingxin asked abruptly.


    Her questions sounded weird to the outsider because only she, Ye Qingxue, and Xia Tian knew of the incident.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re more suited to the cute ones.¡± Xia Tian smiled as he turned his head around.


    Bingxin lowered her head. Xia Tian had guessed it right again. She understood what Xia Tian had said because she indeed was not wearing anything remotely cute at all. She was wearing something incredibly normal and it was black.


    Although Xia Tian was very casual with his words, she was trembling in shock and she had even suspected that Xia Tian had installed a surveillance camera on her body.


    ¡°No one from the outside will hear anyone screaming for help from the inside, right?¡± Xia Tian said indifferently as he stared at Brother Bao.


    ¡°Hmpf.¡± Brother Bao harrumphed. He was incredibly unhappy when Xia Tian ignored him when he asked him a question earlier. ¡°I¡¯m glad you know that. Little b*stard. No one will come and save you even if you scream until your throat collapses. I¡¯ll teach you guys an unforgettable lesson if you refuse to let her have a few drinks with me.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean the police wouldn¡¯t be able to enter as well?¡± Xia Tian questioned once more.


    ¡°Naturally. It¡¯s in your best interest to assume the police won¡¯t be here. I will stand for Brother Bao as long as I¡¯m around.¡± Mr. Liu¡¯s intention was clear and simple. No policeman would be able to enter as long as he was around. He would block the policeman too even if they had arrived as he would only provide justice to Brother Bao.


    As for Ye Qingxue¡¯s friends, he could not care less about them.


    Ye Qingxue was the most beautiful person he had ever met. Since it was a rare occurrence to be able to stumble upon her here, he had no reason to let go of this chance. Perhaps he, too, could fulfill his dream since Brother Bao was here.


    There were simply too many methods to clean up the mess later and this was what Brother Bao did best as well.


    He had seen Brother Bao¡¯s way of doing things in the past. It was cruel even among the cruel.


    Although Brother Bao had picked up university chicks in the past, it was his first time encountering someone as beautiful as Ye Qingxue.


    He promised to himself in his mind that he would not let Ye Qingxue escape from his grasp.


    It would be troublesome to wrap up the situation since it involved so many students. However, he had his ways to make sure these people to not utter a single word about the incident. As for this beautiful lady in front of her, he had no plans on letting her go.


    What Xia Tian worried most was trouble. Since he had already taken out the surveillance cameras, he felt at ease after hearing that the police would not be able to breach in. ¡°That¡¯s good. This way, the police wouldn¡¯t even able to find out that I¡¯m the one who takes you all out.¡±


    ¡°Are you tired of living?¡± Brother Bao was furious upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯ve seen many that are wildly arrogant but you¡¯re the first one that¡¯s incredibly stubborn, even until the very last second.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry Brother Bao. You should just send in your men to break his legs and teach him a good lesson later. I¡¯ll get you a lawyer later and throw him into jail whatever the reason. Then, someone on the inside will give him a good lesson after.¡± Mr. Liu sneered cunningly as this was not the first time he had done such a thing.


    ¡°Cousin sister, you guys head in first.¡± Xia Tian opened the cabin door.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Ye Qingxue looked at Xia Tian worriedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll get distracted if you guys are here.¡± Xia Tian did not want Ye Qingxue and her friends to get hurt. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t come out no matter what sound you hear later.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xia Tian, we¡¯ll help you all. ¡± The four guys from the literature and art club spoke as they stood beside Xia Tian.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, the four of you should just enter the room and take a good rest. I¡¯ll be quick.¡±


    Although they were reluctant, Xia Tian was incredibly insistent. Hence, they had no choice but to go back into the cabin. Xia Tian was currently surrounded by enemies and all of them charged towards him the instant Brother Bao gave the order.


    ¡°It¡¯s good timing to test out my Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Finger on you people.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently as he started moving his body slightly. From his perspective, these people were moving extremely slowly. Since the Resonating Finger was especially used to attack a person¡¯s acupoints, the enemy would definitely fall to the ground as long as they were hit.


    If the leader was defeated, the gang would follow suit.


    Xia Tian was like a fish swimming in the water among the crowd as no one was able to touch him the instant he used Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step.


    Xia Tian used both of his hands to attack the people around him swiftly. Since Xia Tian had learned the location of all acupoints since young, he was able to easily locate the enemy¡¯s acupoints with his Insight. The acupoint techniques shown on television were not entirely fake. Every acupoint on a person¡¯s body had its own purpose. However, a portion of the person¡¯s body might be paralyzed temporarily if their acupoints were to be attacked with great force.


    All it took was a blink of an eye before ten people fell around Xia Tian.


    Brother Bao was stunned when he saw it with his very own eyes. He had heard that there was a small group of people who knew martial arts in real life, but he did not expect this guy to be this powerful. ¡°Attack. Everyone attack! I¡¯ll make whoever is able to defeat him my right-hand man!¡±


    There would definitely be a brave soul if there was a substantial reward.


    Everyone rushed towards Xia Tian as they planned to win against him with their numbers. However, this was ineffective against Xia Tian since he had the Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step. He would never be surrounded by them no matter how they tried to chain him down.


    Since everything took place in a narrow corridor, it did not matter how many people they had as the people behind would not be able to reach Xia Tian at all. Although Xia Tian was surrounded, there were only a few enemies that were able to throw their punches at him.


    ¡°Hehe, found you.¡± Xia Tian squirmed around the crowd at great pace and arrived in front of Brother Bao in an instant.


    Brother Bao was a cruel man indeed as he immediately took out a dagger from his waist and attempted to stab Xia Tian without any hesitation.


    However, Xia Tian forcefully grabbed hold of the dagger with just his two fingers as it was about to pierce into his body.


    Crack!


    Xia Tian snapped the dagger into two with just two fingers.


    Everyone was dumbfounded when they saw such a scene. However, Xia Tian did not give them a second to react as he immediately punched Brother Bao¡¯s shoulder with his right hand. A loud crack could be heard as Brother Bao¡¯s shoulder was broken.


    Ah!!


    Brother Bao let out a pitiful cry; Mr. Liu had escaped sneakily as he watched on.


    ¡°The Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step is so powerful.¡± Xia Tian was incredibly satisfied with the power of the Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step. Three seconds. All it took was three seconds for him to squirm through these thugs and appear in front of Brother Bao.


    The distance between him and Brother Bao was at least twenty meters. An average person would not be able to cover that much distance even if they were no people obstructing him. However, all it took for Xia Tian was three seconds to squirm through some twenty people in front of him.


    ¡°I recall you telling me that no one from the outside is able to hear us, right?¡± Xia Tian used his right hand to strongly pull Brother Bao¡¯s hand, dislocating the entire arm in an instant.


    Ah!


    Brother Bao screamed bloody murder.


    ¡°Stop screaming, no one can hear you from the outside.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently. That was what Brother Bao said earlier. No one would be able to hear what was happening inside.


    ¡°Unhand me or I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Since Brother Bao¡¯s arm was dislocated, he was screaming in pain.


    Xia Tian remained silent, smiling gently. He then pulled with his right hand and dislocated his arm again. Xia Tian then allowed him to fix his arm before he dislodged it once more, before allowing him yet again to fix it back in.


    This repeated ten times and Brother Bao had fainted once from the pain. However, Xia Tian was well versed with the acupoints and forced him to wake up.


    Brother Bao¡¯s underlings around him were completely frightened as the few lots that were at the front were trembling in fear. One of them had even soiled his pants. Although they were thugs, it was still their first time encountering such a situation.


    Even the stubborn Brother Bao had given in.


    ¡°Brother, sir. I beg of you, let me go.¡± Brother Bao kneeled on the ground as his face was filled with tears and mucus.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it embarrassing for me that I have to let you go when you want me to?¡± Xia Tian dislocated Brother Bao¡¯s hand again before fixing it back.


    This process repeated ten more times and Brother Bao, and he was lost for the energy to beg for mercy any longer. This torturing method had traumatized Brother Bao¡¯s underlings and not a single one of them dared to escape.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m done playing around. Tell them to release my people.¡± Xia Tian let go of Brother Bao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Re-release them.¡± Brother Bao¡¯s forehead was trickling with sweat, exhausted to the point of speechlessness. None of Brother Bao¡¯s underling dared to block Xia Tian as he walked outside.


    ¡°You¡¯ve one minute.¡±


    A minute later, Xia Tian opened the cabin and smiled gently. ¡°It¡¯s settled.¡±


    ¡­

 Chapter 27

    Settled?


    The members of the literature and art club walked out of the cabin and had no idea what happened outside. However, they did hear the painful cry off in the corner. Ye Qingxue attempted to get out to get a grasp of the situation but she had been interrupted by Bingxin.


    All of them were curious as they were oblivious. They did not understand why Xia Tian would inform them that everything was settled.


    Brother Bao was already taken away by the staff when they walked out of the cabin. His underlings and bodyguards had already left and the corridor was completely empty.


    ¡°Where are those people?¡± Ye Qingxue glanced around the scene and did not see a single soul. She had just heard someone screaming in agony earlier but now she could not spot a single person.


    ¡°Perhaps they¡¯ve all gone to pray in the temple.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ye Qingxue was in disbelief.


    ¡°Qingxue, I think we should leave first.¡± Bingxin reminded.


    ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s leave this place for now. Everybody should head home. I¡¯ll inform of Sister Wen of what happened today.¡± Ye Qingxue was incredibly furious of the sports club¡¯s actions that day.


    Everyone started leaving Emperor KTV one after another.


    Xia Tian found the situation rather strange. Since a major incident happened here earlier, the other cabins far away were still packed with people and the owner of this place never appeared from the beginning until the end. It was as if nothing had happened at all.


    However, everything was clear as day when Xia Tian and the other two got out of Emperor KTV.


    There were three police cars parked nearby and drove in from three directions the instant Xia Tian walked out of the KTV. They had already been hiding there, waiting for Xia Tian to appear.


    The three police cars immediately surrounded Xia Tian the instant he came out.


    ¡°You¡¯re suspected of third-degree assault and you¡¯re required to follow us to help with our investigation.¡± One of the policemen took out a handcuff as he tried to chain it on Xia Tian.


    ¡°Hold on a second, since I¡¯m helping you out with the investigation, is it really necessary to handcuff me?¡± Xia Tian¡¯s expression turned cold. He would not have resisted if Ye Qingxue and Bingxin were not beside him. Furthermore, he noticed that Mr. Liu sitting behind the car. It was obvious that everything was a set up by him. He had already hired a lawyer beforehand and was specialized in these activities.


    He would be in a tough situation if he were to follow along.


    However, he himself could not follow him yet as Bingxin and Ye Qingxue would be in trouble if he were to do so.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. We¡¯ve received a report that you¡¯re an extremely dangerous man and has to be brought in with handcuffs.¡± Although the police did not make it overly difficult with Xia Tian, he insisted that the handcuffs must be put on.


    ¡°An extremely dangerous man? Fine, I¡¯ll follow you guys but I must see these two leaving this vicinity safely.¡± Xia Tian nodded.


    ¡°No. You¡¯ve to come with us now.¡± The policeman was incredibly persistent.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me do it.¡± Xia Tian shifted his gaze and stared at the policeman as he spoke coldly.


    The policeman felt that he was being targeted by a beast. He was sweating bullets as he felt incredibly uncomfortable. ¡°F-fine.¡±


    ¡°Cousin sister, why don¡¯t you two head home for now. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently. He had to make sure that Ye Qingxue and Bingxin returned safely or it would spell trouble when the KTV staff were to come out again.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Ye Qingxue looked at Xia Tian worriedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Xia Tian called a taxi for Ye Qingxue and Bingxin. He had even used his Insight to check the police car before getting into it.


    ¡°Qingxue, what should we do?¡± Bingxin asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give my mother a call.¡± Ye Qingxue tried calling her mother but no one responded.


    ¡°What is wrong with everybody today. Sister Wen didn¡¯t pick up the call earlier and now mother is doing the same as well.¡± Ye Qingxue frowned as she lamented. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll need to make a trip back home.¡±


    Xia Tian started resting to attain his mental composure when he entered the police car. He had to make enough preparation since no one could tell what would happen later. They had hired a lawyer and there was this mysterious Mr. Liu as well. They would definitely not let him off the hook that easily.


    Inside the police station.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian.¡± Xia Tian responded as he sat lazily on the stool.


    ¡°Do you know where you are right now?¡±


    ¡°The police station.¡± Xia Tian answered.


    ¡°You know that you¡¯re in the police station; how dare you act imprudently. Answer my question.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m merely here to assist with your investigation, but I wish to know for what crime I have been charged with. Besides, I have been answering your questions.¡± Xia Tian sat straight as he answered seriously.


    ¡°Assault and battery. Thirteen people were sent to the hospital, and one of them is even in the ICU.¡±


    ¡°What does that have to do with me? Do you really think that I¡¯m capable of sending so many people to the hospital all on my own?¡± Xia Tian had no plan to confess. If he were to admit guilt of this incident, he might as well live the rest of his life in prison.


    ¡°It¡¯s best for you to cooperate with us or you¡¯ll never see another sunrise ever again.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Policeman, are you threatening me? Perhaps you have proof that I¡¯m the one responsible for this.¡± Xia Tian looked at the policeman in disdain.


    The interrogation room¡¯s door was opened as that Mr. Liu and another policeman entered the room. When Mr Liu entered, he signaled the interrogating policeman to leave and let him handle the rest.


    Xia Tian knew that the main show was about to begin the instant he saw Mr. Liu.


    Mr Liu signaled the other policeman with his eyes as the latter had temporarily shut off the video recorder. Xia Tian started shaking his head as he watched their every action.


    That day, he finally saw the world.


    ¡°B*stard, now that you¡¯ve fallen into my grasp, prepare to get a taste of me. If you¡¯re being honest with me, I¡¯ll instruct my men to charge you two counts less. If not, you¡¯ll rot for the rest of your life here.¡± Mr Liu looked at Xia Tian cunningly. He was utterly embarrassed by what had happened in Emperor KTV earlier. To top it off, Brother Bao¡¯s shoulder had been broken.


    Brother Bao was Mr Liu¡¯s sworn brother. Brother Bao had been severely harmed, and his future would be over if he did not settle this issue properly.


    ¡°That Brother Bao said the same thing earlier.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    ¡°How dare you bring up Brother Bao. My work is now ruined because of you.¡± Mr Liu looked at Xia Tian. ¡°I was planning to request something from Brother Bao today, but you¡¯ve harmed him to such a pitiful state.¡±


    ¡°Oh. It seems like I¡¯ve gained more than I anticipated.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    From Xia Tian¡¯s perspective, it was a joyful moment if he were able to destroy the enemy¡¯s plan. Coincidentally, this was his favorite thing as well. Although he had handcuffs on, he was not worried in the slightest.


    ¡°You b*stard. If kneel down, kowtow to me three times and beg for your life, you might just be able to not rot in this place forever.¡± Mr Liu felt that he had lost all of his face since he had to run away for his life earlier. That was why he demanded Xia Tian to kowtow before him.


    ¡°If you kneel down and kowtow to me three times and beg me to spare your life, you might be able to not rot in this place forever.¡± Xia Tian replied Mr Liu with the same threat.


    ¡°You f*cking b*stard, do you really think that I can¡¯t do anything to you? I¡¯ve hired the best lawyer and I can sue you until you rot in jail forever.¡± Mr. Liu slammed the table and hissed.


    ¡°I believe in justice.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    The lawyer stood up and walked behind Xia Tian as he planned to ambush Xia Tian from his blind spot.


    However, it was as if Xia Tian had eyes at the back of his head.


    The handcuffs appeared on the lawyer¡¯s hand out of the blue.


    ¡°You, how did you do that?¡± Mr. Liu was in total disbelief as the handcuffs around Xia Tian¡¯s hand disappeared.


    Mr Liu wanted to teach Xia Tian a good lesson but he was astounded by what had happened.


    Was he superman? Perhaps he had encountered the legendary superman. At the KTV, he alone was able to heavily injured Brother Bao even though he was surrounded by forty to fifty thugs. Then, this happened even when his hands were cuffed.


    Both Mr. Liu and the lawyer were dumbfounded. Everything happened too quickly.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Mr. Liu pressed the alarm inside the interrogation room as the entire police station rang.


    Meanwhile, Ye Qingxue had finally managed to call her mother.


    ¡°Mother, why didn¡¯t you pick up the phone?¡± Ye Qingxue let out a sigh of relief. She could not find her mother after returning home and she was even more worried about Xia Tian¡¯s situation.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Qingxue, why are you panicking?¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian has been detained at the police station.¡± Ye Qingxue summarised the entire incident to her mother.


    ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t you worry. Xia Tian will be fine.¡±

 Chapter 28

    The name of Xia Tian¡¯s aunt was Ye Wanqing. She was currently in a room, sitting opposite a couple.


    ¡°Madam Ye, has something happened?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a small matter. So, the things we¡¯ve discussed earlier, we¡¯ll set it that way then.¡± Ye Wanqing looked said to the couple.


    ¡°Alright. It¡¯s a deal. After all, it¡¯s Bingbing¡¯s wish.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give her the opportunity and I¡¯ll find someone to accompany her. I¡¯ll make an exception and hire her if she¡¯s able to do it.¡± Ye Wanqing called a number as she walked out of the room.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Xue.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Madam Ye. Why is madam calling me? Our relationship is supposed to be¡­¡± Mr. Xue seemed to be hiding something.


    ¡°I want you to save someone for me.¡±


    ¡°Save someone? Madam, you know it best. I can¡¯t meddle in it unless it¡¯s a major incident.¡± Mr. Xue had been addressing Ye Wanqing as madam as he had great respect towards her.


    ¡°The person I want you to save is Xiying¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s Mr. Long¡¯s son? What happened to him?¡± Panic traveled through the phone.


    ¡°He has been taken away by a policeman and the incident is related to a guy with the surname Liu. My intel said that he had even brought a lawyer over. He will be in trouble if this drags on any further.¡± Ye Wanqing reminded and Mr. Xue immediately hung up the call upon hearing her words.


    Xia Tian was being targeted at the police station. However, he did not speak a word as he looked at them because he was confident that he would be able to deal with them and escape. However, these people did not commit any wrongdoing and he had no reason to kill any innocent people.


    ¡°Detain him.¡± Mr. Liu screamed at the top of his lungs. ¡°I¡¯ve brought my lawyer here. This guy is dangerous.¡±


    Xia Tian did not resist as his hands and legs were chained. Since the handcuffs were useless against him, he was inevitably chained and sent away.


    He was detained at the back of the police station, inside a room that had a total of ten people, including him.


    As Xia Tian was brought into the room, the rest stared at him mischievously.


    ¡°Mr. Liu has stated you all should take care of him properly.¡± The lawyer said to the people behind the bar before walking out of the room. The instant the door was locked, the place was on lockdown as the guard went out for their lunch break.


    One of them walked towards Xia Tian and said, ¡°Are you a fresh meat?¡±


    ¡°I advise you all that it¡¯s best to not mess with me,¡± Xia Tian said coldly when he looked at them. Mr. Liu must have sent him here so that these people could deal with him.


    Since Xia Tian¡¯s arms and legs were chained down, these people took their sweet time. From their perspective, Xia Tian had no way to defend himself at all.


    ¡°I¡¯m Hu Wu and this is my turf. Kid, someone has given me a big sum of money to teach you a good lesson.¡± The bald leader glared at Xia Tian fiercely. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve never killed anyone before. However, you might not be able to take care of yourself for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give all of you a chance. As long as you return back to your place, I¡¯ll let you off the hook,¡± Xia Tian said coldly. He was currently in the cage, resting with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Your death is coming and you¡¯re still so stubborn. I¡¯ll address you as my grandfather if you¡¯re not disabled after this.¡± Hu Wu walked towards Xia Tian as he refused to believe that Xia Tian was able to go against so many people at once.


    Xia Tian moved as one of their fists was about to land on his body. An unbelievable scene had occurred as the chains around Xia Tian¡¯s arms and legs had miraculously disappeared.


    His fingers were wrapped around the steel bars. He then twisted his hands and moved his fingers. A clear snap was heard as the steel bars fell to the ground before Xia Tian slipped through the gap from the side and got out.


    Everything happened in an instant.


    Ah!!


    Hu Wu cried out loud together with the rest of the inmates.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to address me as your grandfather. I¡¯ll never acknowledge a grandson like you.¡± Xia Tian raised his head to look at the air vent and smiled gently. He had no plan on staying there any longer.


    Hu Wu and his gang¡¯s right hands had been crippled and there was a chance they had been rendered unusable. It was a little punishment for these people. Xia Tian did not pull his punches since he knew that he would be in far worse a condition than they were now if he were to actually be weaker than them.


    Although he would not harm the policemen, it did not mean that he would not punish these evil and selfish people. He had already reminded them earlier, after all.


    At Mr. Xue¡¯s house.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve to make a run on my own.¡±


    Mr. Xue called two people, his secretary and Huang Tou. He knew who he was up against the instant he heard the name Mr. Liu.


    Li Futou and his underling Mr. Liu were the most tyrannic people in Jianghai City. Despite committing crimes for many years, these two had never left any evidence behind. Hence, Mr. Xue could not apprehend them until this day.


    Someone once whistleblowed these two people but they had cooperated with their lawyer. Ultimately, the witness could not provide any substantial evidence.


    Mr. Xue knew very well that if anything were to happen to that man, he would regret it for the rest of his life.


    ¡°You¡¯d better be alright.¡± He had already informed Huang Tou to call the police station but he was afraid that Mr. Liu would obtain this intel and secretly harm Xia Tian.


    Mr. Xue received a call and was informed that the person had disappeared while he was on the way there.


    ¡°He¡¯s really Mr. Long¡¯s son. But, where has he gone to?¡± Mr. Xue took out his phone and dialed a number.


    It was Ye Wanqing¡¯s phone number.


    ¡°Madam Ye, Master Long¡¯s son has escaped.¡±


    ¡°Escaped? Why was he arrested in the first place? Mr. Xue, I hope you can give me an explanation for this incident.¡± Ye Wanqing¡¯s tone was filled with anger.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll investigate this matter thoroughly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s best that you do or I¡¯ll report this upwards and you¡¯ll bear the responsibility on your own.¡± Ye Wanqing hung up the call.


    Mr. Xue was sweating bullets when the phone hung up. He knew that Mr. Liu had to be indicted this time no matter the evidence. He must be punished.


    ¡°Huang Tou, I don¡¯t care what by means you¡¯re doing it, I want every shred of criminal evidence on Mr. Liu by tomorrow morning.¡± Mr. Xue was furious.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure it happens.¡±


    Xia Tian had left the police station a long time ago and was currently eating skewers and drinking beers by an open road.


    He had no idea that the police station was in chaos.


    Mr. Xue went out personally in the middle of the night as the entire Jianghai City was caught in a thunderstorm. Their main targets of interest were these people and their lawyer.


    ¡°Mr. Liu, This is given to you by Li Futou. He said that he¡¯ll take care of your entire family.¡±


    ¡°Is there really no other way?¡± Mr. Liu¡¯s eyes were filled with frustration.


    ¡°Mr. Xue is doing it personally, I¡¯m afraid anyone backing up Li Futou is unable to help you.¡±


    ¡°I hope Li Futou is able to take care of my entire family.¡± Mr. Liu drank the fluid in his hand after the other man had left the secret chamber.


    Naturally, Xia Tian did not know any of this at all. He was currently savoring the most delicious food Jianghai City could offer, seafood barbeque. Stalls were set up everywhere within this vicinity and there were skewers, beer, and fresh stir-fried dishes originating from Shanghai.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡±


    ¡°Oh aunty, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°What took you so long to picking up the phone?¡± His aunt¡¯s frustration could be heard at the other end of the phone.


    ¡°My phone didn¡¯t have reception earlier.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing now huh. You¡¯ve got yourself arrested and you¡¯ve managed to even escape you. Did you meet Yin Nie?


    ¡°Who¡¯s Yin Nie?¡± Xia Tian asked as he did not know what was going on. Then, he recalled that the people from Quicksand had said that his master was the world¡¯s best assassin, Nie, before he died. ¡°Aunty, are you referring to my master?¡±


    ¡°So Yin Nie really did see you. Come to my place tomorrow, I¡¯ve something to tell you.¡±


    His aunt hung up the phone the instant she finished speaking, leaving Xia Tian alone to continue eating his seafood and beer.


    It was already midnight but the crowd was still packed. In fact, the crowd grew. There were still a few vacant seats when Xia Tian arrived, but they were all occupied now. In fact, the owner had started setting up more seats.


    There were already three to four people sitting around an average-sized table.


    ¡°Hey, is anyone sitting here?¡± Xia Tian raised his head up slowly and was greeted with two beautiful ladies. Both gave off different vibes as one had a casual Nike attire whereas the other was in a full-body red dress.


    The lady in the casual attire did not have any make-up on but her beauty was on par with the dressed-up lady. Their styles were completely different from each other and yet both of them were incredibly beautiful.


    ¡®Bodies completely flawless. 99 points for their looks,¡¯ Xia Tian subconsciously activated Insight. ¡®The best among the best.¡¯

 Chapter 29

    Xia Tian was sure that he had met a pair of legendary beauties. Perhaps the goddess of luck had descended down from Heaven since he was able to meet the legendary beauties at the stalls in the middle of the night. How could he stay calm as he looked at the two ladies¡¯ amazing bodies with his Insight.


    No matter if it were the two ladies¡¯ faces or their figures, they were definitely in the top tier. Both of them oozed different vibes. One had a natural and clean vibe while the other was more exquisite.


    ¡°Pervert.¡± the girl in Nike attire glared at Xia Tian before sitting down. She did not want to sit here at all, but the other places were full and Xia Tian was the only one sitting alone.


    The other open-minded lady smiled at Xia Tian and did not utter a single word.


    ¡°Hey beautiful, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ve met somewhere before.¡± Xia Tian opened his mouth and broke the silence.


    ¡°Hey handsome young man, you¡¯re hitting on an old-fashioned girl.¡± The open-minded girl smiled as she responded.


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Xia Tian continued. ¡°I¡¯ll turn into a stone bridge, and whether it be that I¡¯ll have to be blown by the winds, be burned under the sun, or shower in the rain for five hundred years, it won¡¯t matter as long as you¡¯re willing to cross the bridge show me what you¡¯re wearing underneath.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡± the open-minded girl laughed softly. ¡°You¡¯re quite interesting and I like the way you¡¯re hitting on us. Though, do you know who she is?¡±


    The open-minded girl was referring to the girl in the Nike attire. The latter was in an extremely bad mood as she glared at Xia Tian furiously.


    ¡°Hey beautiful girl, you¡¯re sick,¡± Xia Tian said seriously.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s sick. Sit there quietly and don¡¯t make a sound or I¡¯ll arrest you.¡± The Nike girl finally exploded. Xia Tian had been teasing them ever since they sat down and he had been looking at their bodies shamelessly.


    ¡°Lady, you¡¯ve mistaken. You¡¯re really sick. Recently, you¡¯ve been losing sleep, you¡¯ve been getting more vulgar, hot-tempered, and your period is late this month,¡± Xia Tian immediately explained.


    ¡°Do you really think that I won¡¯t punch you in the face.¡± the Nike girl¡¯s eyes were fuming with fire but she was being held back by the girl beside her.


    ¡°Bingbing, don¡¯t be angry. He seems to be right thus far.¡± the open-minded girl explained. ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s a doctor.¡±


    ¡°Him? He¡¯s just a pervert.¡± The Nike girl stared at Xia Tian. ¡°If he really is a doctor, every female patient is going to be violated.¡±


    ¡°That might not be so. Hey youngster, why don¡¯t you tell us what¡¯s wrong with Bingbing. I¡¯ll reward you if you get it right.¡± The open-minded girl said passionately.


    It was as if she was doing it on purpose; she was leaning forward as she spoke.


    ¡°What kind of reward?¡± Xia Tian looked at the open-minded girl anticipatingly.


    ¡°What kind of reward do you want?¡± The open-minded girl looked at Xia Tian fondly.


    ¡°If I¡¯m right, you¡¯ll have to be my mistress.¡± Xia Tian requested as if it was natural to do so.


    The Nike girl lost it staring at Xia Tian angrily, and her hand flew to slap him. Her actions were so smooth and quick that one could immediately tell that this girl had experience slapping people for many years.


    However, the crisp slapping sound did not come about, because Nike girl¡¯s hand had been stopped by Xia Tian. The latter held onto her hand and was staring closely at her palm.


    ¡°Your love line is flat, but a fluctuation has occurred recently. This is a sign that love is just around the corner. Your career is going to be extremely tough at the beginning but there¡¯s a sign that your career is about to turn for the better. Your lifeline is indistinct, signifying that you¡¯ll be in great danger. However, you¡¯ll be able to pass through this crisis safely.¡± Xia Tian said in a serious tone. ¡°Ultimately, you¡¯re lacking me in your life.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡± The open-minded girl laughed quietly at the side upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words.


    ¡°You shameless b*stard, I¡¯ll teach you a good lesson today.¡± The Nike girl was furious.


    ¡°Alright, alright. Bingbing, stop fooling around. Let him look at your condition and see if it¡¯s accurate.¡± The open-minded girl tried to persuade her. After all, they were at the stalls. If Bingbing was to go all out here, many people would suffer. She also found that this man in front of her was quite interesting.


    ¡°Hmpf.¡± The Nike girl scoffed. ¡°Unhand me this instant.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Xia Tian reluctantly released Nike girl¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hey kid, tell us. What¡¯s wrong with Bingbing? I¡¯ll give you a kiss if you make sense.¡± The open-minded girl winked at Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian nodded. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll take the loss.¡±


    The two girls were completely speechless upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words. Despite her, the ultimate beauty offering him a kiss, this kid said that he was at a loss.


    ¡°If I¡¯m right, you¡¯ll die before you reach thirty years old.¡± Xia Tian looked at Nike girl with a serious gaze.


    ¡°What?¡± The two girls were dumbfounded not because of what Xia Tian said, but that Xia Tian was right.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± The open-minded girl was in shock.


    ¡°The human body has two meridians. They are known as Ren and Du Meridians in the Ancient Wuxia World. In actuality, they¡¯re also known as the Yang and Yin Meridians. Males side with the Yang and the females, Yin. A typical male¡¯s Ren Meridian is thicker than the Du Meridian whereas a typical girl¡¯s Du Meridian is thicker than the Ren Meridian. This way, their Yin and Yang can reach equilibrium.¡± Xia Tian continued explaining. ¡°If a person¡¯s Ren and Du Meridians are equally thick, the person will act neither like a guy or girl, also in the past known as Eunuchs. A person is known to have the Nine Days Meridian if he or she only possess either the Ren or Du Meridian. The probability of such a person is less than one in a hundred million and they will live no more than five years.¡±


    ¡°Which category does Bingbing belong to?¡± The open-minded girl looked at Xia Tian enthusiastically.


    ¡°She¡¯s none of the above. Her Du Meridians are way too thick and her Ren Meridian is too thin. To top it off, her Du Meridian is still growing to the point where it¡¯s about to force her Red Meridian out of her body. This is the root of her hot temper, vulgar mouth, and even her period arriving late.¡± Xia Tian explained as these were all the things his father taught him when he was young.


    ¡°How do you know that she won¡¯t live past thirty years old?¡± The open-minded girl asked.


    ¡°The age thirty was nothing more than a concept because people like her usually don¡¯t live past thirty. However, upon further investigation, you may notice that her life will end when she¡¯s twenty-seven.¡± Xia Tian used his Insight to look at the Nike girl¡¯s condition and it was worse than he thought.


    ¡°Twenty-seven years old. That¡¯s next year.¡± The open-minded girl looked at the Nike girl worryingly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Sister Ping. No one knows what he¡¯s saying is true or false.¡± The Nike girl was shocked as well when she heard that she would only live until twenty-seven. However, she did not want anyone to worry, hence she decided to say that Xia Tian was wrong. No one knew her body more than herself and she knew just how bad her current condition was.


    ¡°Be my wife. I can save you.¡± Xia Tian looked at her as he said seriously.


    ¡°In your dreams. I¡¯d rather die than marry someone as shameless as you.¡± The Nike girl stood up the instance she finished talking as she turned around and left.


    ¡°Bingbing, wait for me.¡± The open-minded girl stood up immediately, and just as she was about to leave, she turned around and kissed Xia Tian on the forehead. ¡°This is my number, please call me.¡±


    He looked at the name card in his hand. Xia Tian knew that she did it because she wanted him to fix the Nike girl, but he himself had his own difficulties. Nike girl¡¯s condition was not easy to cure as it required the two of them to bathe in the pool naked in order to heal her. Xia Tian needed to open up all seventy-eight acupoints on her body, including the one at her private parts.


    He would be obligated to marry this girl if he had to see and touch these parts. He was not an irresponsible man and his request was not ridiculous at all. Furthermore, he currently only had a mistress, Tang Yan.


    After having a simple meal, Xia Tian returned to his old home in the outskirts. The reason he returned here was to train his Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step.


    He immediately rested his body the instant he returned. After all, he still had to see his aunt the next day. He was incredibly impressed with the inner energy and mind cultivation technique left behind by his father, Empyrean Slumber Technique. Meditation would not even benefit this technique at all.


    This mind cultivation technique could only be strengthened via sleeping and one could not do so by forcing themselves to sleep. This technique would improve on its own under normal sleeping conditions. This mind cultivation technique had seven types and Xia Tian was currently at the first.


    Sleeping was a philosophy on its own as his father had taught him since young that sleeping required zero noise. The entire person must maintain in a zen state in order to reach the highest height in sleeping.


    If sleeping could be categorized into three levels, the first level was to dream after falling asleep. The second level was the normal sleeping where getting up early in the morning would prove difficult, whereas the third level was what Xia Tian was currently at. He felt that he had connected with heaven and earth as if he had become one with them once he fell asleep.


    A master once attempted to reach thanatosis by going into a deep sleep but he ultimately failed to do so.


    This was a child¡¯s play for Xia Tian as his current sleeping state was at the highest level because his father had trained him since young. This method could not only lengthen his lifespan, but it could also allow him to absorb the natural energy around him faster while they were sleeping.


    This was what made Empyrean Slumber Technique unique.


    The Empyrean Slumber Technique would automatically activate when one was fast asleep. Hence, Xia Tian¡¯s training speed was at least ten times faster than anyone else.


    Xia Tian had a good sleep as he went over his Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Finger multiple times early in the morning the next day. Then, he took a shower, put on new clothes, and went towards the place he had promised to meet his aunt.


    Xia Tian stopped using vehicles once he had learned Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step since walking did not exhaust him in any way at all. Furthermore, he was able to practice Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step along the way.


    ¡­

 Chapter 30

    Xia Tian¡¯s impression of his aunt since young was that she was a big demon. From his perspective, his cousin sister was the little demon and his aunt, the big demon. His aunt would always show her domineering side except with Xia Tian¡¯s father. One¡¯s outcome would be very unfortunate if they were to mess with her.


    Xia Tian¡¯s aunt had been saying that he was not a man since young and he would not be able to protect her and his cousin sister when he grew up.


    Since Xia Tian was bored, he opened his phone. As he did so, he took notice of the few pieces of news that automatically popped up.


    The first one was a professor from Jing University harassing the first-year top student of Jianghai High School. The content was the dialogue between Xia Tian and the professor from Jing University. To top it off, there was a short video clip as well. There was also a separate screenshot of Professor Pan threatening the other students that they would not be nominated due to Xia Tian. The author of the article had even exaggerated the entire situation below the screenshot.


    The news had attracted the citizens and the entire society went into outrage because of such behavior. The Jing University professor had become a hot topic and the news had spread nationwide before noon.


    The other three professors that had yet to return to Jing University had been suspended for further investigation.


    The second piece of news was the major reformation of Jianghai City¡¯s public safety community. A total of thirty-seven people had been apprehended and the mastermind, Mr Liu had committed suicide.


    It was said that the sudden reformation was personally directed by the provincial officer, Xue Wendi.


    The third piece was the appearance of a basketball grandmaster at Jianghai University. This person was able to score without fail from the other side of the court. However, no one was able to snap a clear picture of such a person, hence the writer could only describe the entire situation below the picture.


    The writer had even purposely noted out all the scores he had made throughout the game.


    Xia Tian shook his head when he saw these three pieces of news as he was involved in all of them. He did not intend to stand out that much. ¡°Looks like I have to stay low in the future or else I¡¯ll be stalked by the paparazzi.¡±


    At the Icheon Restaurant.


    It was an average restaurant and it was not big by any means. However, the taste of their dishes were very traditional and his aunt would often bring him here for a meal.


    Icheon Restaurant was situated at the corner of the bustling commercial street. Xia Tian was currently loitering at the commercial street and he planned to window shop here since he had time to spare. Jianghai City¡¯s consumption level was rather high as he was not able to afford anything with the amount of money he had.


    This was especially true for those branded stores, for the prices for their attire was incredibly expensive.


    Xia Tian encountered a familiar face as he was window shopping. She was the nurse that had taken care of her while he was hospitalized. He still owed her one hundred RMB as well. Just as Xia Tian was about to walk forward and greet her, Xia Tian witnessed a snatch theft.


    A motorcycle snatch theft, in the middle of a bustling street. Genius, right? Xia Tian questioned if water had flooded the thief¡¯s head as he looked at the crowd in front of him. Could he really snatch someone¡¯s bag in such a place?


    He charged in regardless as the snatch thief¡¯s target was the nurse.


    ¡°Thief!¡± The nurse screamed as she ran.


    Xia Tian¡¯s speed was incredibly fast and he caught up with the motorcycle in an instant. He tapped onto the thief¡¯s arm with two of his right fingers, causing intense pain. As a result, he let go of the handbag and Xia Tian wiggled it out as he grabbed hold of it.


    ¡°How dare you thief, snatching handbags in broad daylight.¡± Someone shouted from the crowd behind him before a kick was thrown at him.


    Xia Tian leaned back slightly and grabbed hold of the opponent¡¯s leg with his right hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!!¡± The two of them were shocked. It was the Nike girl he encountered last night. She was currently in simpler clothing, and her get-up remained simple as well. However, her beauty did not drop in the slightest.


    ¡°Great, I knew you¡¯re a malicious person. How dare you snatch someone¡¯s bag in broad daylight. You¡¯re going to follow me back to the police station.¡± The Nike girl took out handcuffs from behind her, and this was when Xia Tian finally understood everything. This Nike girl was a policewoman, no wonder the open-minded girl asked if he knew of her identity.


    Back then, the open-minded girl was trying to say that she was a policewoman and he should be on his guard.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    ¡°Are you still denying it? I¡¯ve caught you red-handed.¡± The Nike girl did not stop to debate with him despite her leg being grabbed by Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sigh, I wonder just how many people in jail are innocent, since we¡¯ve got a policewoman like you.¡± Xia Tian shook his head hopelessly.


    ¡°Unhand me or I¡¯ll sue you for assaulting a police officer.¡± The Nike girl attempted to retract her leg but she did not budge after trying a few times. She could clearly feel that Xia Tian was not putting in any strength at all but she just could not get her legs out from his grasp.


    The nurse panted as she ran over.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The nurse bowed down as she thanked Xia Tian.


    It was only then the Nike girl knew that she had misunderstood Xia Tian. However, she really did hear someone screaming that her bag was stolen, how was Xia Tian able to take it back so quickly?


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Here, this too.¡± Xia Tian took out a hundred dollars from his pocket.


    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯ve helped me get my bag back, why are you giving me money?¡± The nurse was confused as she looked at Xia Tian. She then believed that Xia Tian wanted some reward in return and decided to open her bag.


    ¡°Have you forgotten? I¡¯m Xia Tian, the Xia Tian in the hospital. You borrowed me a hundred dollars that day and I promised that I would return it to you someday.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently as he realized what the nurse was trying to do.


    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± The nurse smiled. She found Xia Tian very familiar earlier but she did not put much thought into it. She immediately recognized the man in front of him when she heard the name Xia Tian. He was the Xia Tian who refused to accept five million dollars from the boss girl Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Hey, I know that you two know each other and I have no qualm in you two chatting, but can you please let go of my leg?¡± The Nike girl butted in the conversation between the nurse and Xia Tian.


    It was only then Xia Tian let go of the Nike girl¡¯s leg. The latter turned around and left and before she did, she glared at Xia Tian. ¡°F*cking gangster, you better make sure you don¡¯t get arrested by me or I¡¯ll make your life miserable.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± The nurse smiled sweetly.


    ¡°I need to thank you properly for taking care of me for such a long time in the hospital.¡± Xia Tian was under the nurse¡¯s proper care when he was hospitalized and he was a grateful person.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me, I¡¯m just doing my job.¡± The nurse raised her head as she looked at Xia Tian. ¡°Oh right, do you have anything going on this afternoon? I¡¯ll treat you a meal. Take it as a thank you for snatching my bag for me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve something on later and can¡¯t make it for the afternoon. How about this, are you free tonight?¡± Xia Tian still had to see his aunt so he could only have dinner with the nurse.


    ¡°I¡¯m free.¡± The nurse responded immediately.


    ¡°Great. This is my number, give me a call so that I can register your phone number. I¡¯ll give you a call in the afternoon.¡± Xia Tian gave his phone number to the nurse.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your call. Don¡¯t forget.¡± The nurse had always thought that Xia Tian was very mysterious. He would sacrifice his life to save a child he did not know and even rejected money as a reward from the other party.


    She could tell based on Xia Tian¡¯s attire that he was not a rich person.


    She had heard that there were people who would sacrifice themselves for others and would not be fazed by money. However, she had come to realize that such men did not exist when she set foot into society.


    In this society, one had to pull strings, even in a hospital. One would not be able to stay in a better room without some networking and one must even talk to everyone at all levels when it came to surgeries.


    Some people would even disown their biological parents when money was involved.


    However, Xia Tian would give up five million dollars to keep his dignity intact. This was what she admired most about him. She wanted to know what was Xia Tian hiding since five million dollars was not a small figure.


    He was the first person that made her curious after setting foot into society.


    Xia Tian chatted with the nurse for a while before leaving.


    The nurse¡¯s name was Bai Yiyi. She was a practicing nurse at Jianghai City Hospital, and had just started working in the hospital when Xia Tian was hospitalized.


    Xia Tian soon arrived at the entrance of Icheon Restaurant, and the place was still hectic as ever. It was only eleven in the morning but many people had already made their reservations. Icheon Restaurant prohibited phone reservations and customers were required to make the reservation in person. Furthermore, they had to make a deposit as well.


    Just as Xia Tian was about to open the door, someone from behind rushed in and fortunately, Xia Tian was agile enough to evade her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m in a rush.¡± A familiar voice entered his ear.


    ¡°Hey Nike policewoman.¡± Xia Tian raised his head and looked at her. She was the Nike policewoman.


    ¡°It¡¯s you again you f*cking thug!¡± The Nike policewoman frowned slightly the instant she saw Xia Tian. ¡°Are you stalking me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not even making any sense. I came here first.¡± Xia Tian was speechless against this tyrannic policewoman.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you off the hook this time. I have an urgent matter to attend to.¡± Nike policewoman barged in the instant she finished speaking. Xia Tian shook his head as he watched the hot-tempered Nike policewoman.


    Perhaps these two were fated since they had encountered each other three times already.


    Xia Tian went up to the third floor after entering Icheon restaurant and found the cabin with three eights hanging at the door. This was the address given by his aunt and it was already time.


    Although his aunt told him to be there around eleven, he was not considered late despite the time was already ten past eleven. He did not dare to be late at all as he knew his aunt¡¯s temper best.


    He would be in deep trouble if he were to reach at noon.


    Knock knock knock!!


    He knocked gently on cabin 888.


    ¡°Xia Tian, why are you late.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I got into some trouble while I was on the way here.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    ¡°Come in, I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s aunt instructed Xia Tian to enter the cabin.


    Xia Tian was dumbfounded when he entered the cabin. He could not believe his eyes at all. It was way too coincidental as someone extremely familiar stood before him.


    ¡°Hey, Nike policewoman.¡±


    ¡°F*cking thug.¡±


    ¡­

 Chapter 31

    Xia Tian was in shock at such a coincidence. There were two women inside cabin 888. One was his own aunt, Ye Wanqing, and the other one was none other than the Nike policewoman. This was his fourth encounter with her since midnight.


    ¡°Do you two know each other?¡± Ye Wanqing looked at Xia Tian suspiciously.


    Xia Tian nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve met a few times.¡±


    ¡°Then that makes things easier. I need the two of you to team up to get something done.¡± Ye Wanqing nodded satisfactorily. Earlier, she was worried that these two would not be able to cooperate at all.


    ¡°Cooperate? With him?¡± The Nike girl looked at Xia Tian in disgust.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Your objective is to locate the hideout of the Quicksand Tier-three Assassin, Shadow¡¯s, and report back to me. You¡¯ll be eligible to enter Hua Xia¡¯s Special Forces once you¡¯ve completed the mission.¡± Ye Wanqing looked at the Nike girl. ¡°Make good use of this opportunity. Your uncle got on his knees for it.¡±


    ¡°What use would it be to team up with him?¡± Looking at Xia Tian, the Nike girl did not understand how someone like him could help her.


    ¡°With your current experience, you would be without a doubt finding a needle in a haystack with just the person¡¯s name and information. However, your chances would be higher if he¡¯s here to assist you,¡± Ye Wanqing explained.


    ¡°Is he a member of the special forces?¡± Nike girl asked.


    ¡°No. Keep in mind the rules governing the special forces; do not question matters of no relation to yourself,¡± Ye Wanqing said coldly.


    Nike girl nodded. She knew that there were many rules to be followed in this line of work. Although these rules could be very restrictive, it was her dream to enter the mysterious Dragon Organization. The only way to enter this organization was to be in the special forces.


    ¡°Xia Tian, Lin Bingbing, this is the person. He¡¯s going to make a major move in Jianghai City soon and you¡¯ve to find him before he takes action.¡± Ye Wanqing handed over a file to Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian did not rush to open the document. Instead, he looked at his aunt in confusion.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you always wanted to know your father¡¯s past? Just follow the instructions.¡± Ye Wanqing knew what Xia Tian was thinking but did not explain further.


    Xia Tian nodded. He would do anything as long as it was related to his father.


    ¡°I¡¯ve to make a move now. You two should discuss this with each other and come up with a plan. Contact me once you have news.¡± Ye Wanqing turned around and left the cabin as she finished speaking, leaving Xia Tian and the Nike policewoman, Lin Bingbing behind.


    Xia Tian opened the document in his hand.


    Shadow: Male;


    Age: Unknown;


    Height: Unknown;


    Weight: Unknown;


    Identity: Quicksand Tier-three Assassin;


    Crime: Assassinated eleven rich merchants, three high ranking officers, one director of the public security department.


    Recent location: Jianghai City, Bar Street.


    One had to admit that the document was as simple as it could get. Fortunately, there was a blurry picture attached to it. Although it was blurry, Xia Tian¡¯s amazing eyesight was still able to discern the target¡¯s key characteristics.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± the Nike policewoman Lin Bingbing looked at Xia Tian. Although she did not know the reason why she was asking him, she trusted Ye Wanqing. After all, she was a member of the Dragon Organization.


    Although Lin Bingbing did not like Xia Tian, she had no choice but to cooperate with him in order to enter the special forces.


    However, she merely wanted to listen to his opinion. At the end of the day, Xia Tian was not a member of the special forces. Perhaps he was on probation just like her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a meal first. I¡¯ve something to attend to after that. Let¡¯s meet at Bar Street around eight tonight.¡± Xia Tian gave his number to Lin Bingbing before he ordered the waiters to serve the dishes.


    Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing were the only two people inside the huge cabin. She felt extremely awkward as she kept looking at Xia Tian gulping down the food. Since she did not have any appetite, she bid farewell to him after sitting for a while, leaving the latter alone to eat everything inside the cabin.


    Since his aunt had paid for the food, it would be a waste for him to not finish it. Xia Tian jogged to his old place after the meal. These days, he rarely took any transportation and mostly relied on his feet. Xia Tian would slow down his Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step in populated areas but it was still considered training. When no one was around, he was as fast as a predator as he squirmed through the alleys.


    Yin Nie had returned when Xia Tian reached his old place. Hence, he started training on his own.


    ¡°You¡¯re truly a one-of-a-kind martial arts genius. You¡¯ve managed to master the Unrestricted Cloud Sage Step and Resonating Fingers to the entry-level at such a short timespan.¡± Yin Nie nodded in satisfaction. ¡°If you weren¡¯t his son, I would be very tempted to pass down my martial arts to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, master, for your praise.¡± Xia Tian knew that it was due to his father¡¯s nurturing since his childhood that he was able to improve so quickly. If someone else were to learn this martial art, he might not be able to progress far even after a decade of training. The Empyrean Slumber Technique was definitely out of the question.


    ¡°Your training for today is very simple. Attack me. You¡¯ll clear today¡¯s training if you manage to make me move.¡± Yin Nie was still in his usual white attire as he held his renowned sword, Red Abyss in his right hand.


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯ll have to be careful then, master.¡± Xia Tian spun his leg as soon as he finished speaking and attacked Yin Nie immediately. He reached out a finger in both hands as he pierced towards Yin Nie¡¯s waist, yet the latter did not move an inch as the former was about to succeed.


    ¡®Is this it?¡¯


    No. His attempt was blocked. Xia Tian did not have time to think as he attacked once more. Both his fingers kept attacking Yin Nie at incredible speed. His onslaught continued from every direction, trying to find Yin Nie¡¯s weak spot.


    However, no matter how much Xia Tian tried, Yin Nie was able to counter every attack with just his left hand.


    Xia Tian had even attacked Yin Nie¡¯s lower body and yet he was about to counter it without ever bending his waist. The flurry of attack and defense droned on, and two hours had gone by in a blink of an eye.


    Xia Tian was exhausted as he lay on the ground, unable to exert an ounce of force from any part of his body. However, Yin Nie was like an immovable towering tree. His breathing was calm and was the total opposite of Xia Tian.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today.¡± Yin Nie turned around and disappeared from Xia Tian¡¯s sight.


    ¡°How strong was he?¡± Xia Tian questioned, curious about how strong his father was back in the day. It was already incredible for Xia Tian to have managed to master a few martial arts to the entry-level. However, he was like a three-year-old challenging Yao Ming 1 when he faced off against Yin Nie.


    Xia Tian felt that he did not have the energy to even stand up. Then, he felt something leaking out from his Dantian and his stamina soon started recovering. After ten minutes, Xia Tian had regained all his strength and he could also feel that his strength had been increased once again.


    ¡°It must be that Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira. Looks like I¡¯ve really picked up a gem.¡± Xia Tian was excited as his body became stronger after exhausting all of his strength.


    ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s a shortcut in the training?¡± Xia Tian started training again without any hesitation as he pondered. Although Yin Nie had already left, he imagined Yin Nie standing in front of him and started training again.


    He kept on training and soon, Xia Tian fell to the ground once more.


    It was as he had expected. The Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira at his Dantian helped him recover his stamina and increased his strength again. Xia Tian was over the moon when he confirmed this.


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡¯


    ¡°Is this big brother Xia Tian?¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s the nurse, isn¡¯t it?¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    ¡°How did you know it was me?¡±


    ¡°Who else would have such a beautiful voice?¡± Xia Tian praised.


    ¡°You really know how to make people happy. Where are you now? You promised to have dinner with me tonight.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you pick the place and I¡¯ll meet you there.¡± Xia Tian hung up as he searched for a set of clean clothes in the house. Fortunately, he had just gotten back a few sets from his cousin sister.


    Xia Tian¡¯s current attire was filled with sweat and dirt. After taking his clothes, he went to the mountain at the back of his house. It was a mountain that had never been explored and it was completely covered with trees. However, Xia Tian was not there to sightsee. He was there to take a shower.


    There was a small pond two kilometers away from the house. The pond was around ten meters wide and twenty meters long.


    Although it was a small pond, it was incredibly deep. Xia Tian had never reached the bottom of the pond before because the pressure at the bottom was incredibly high. In fact, he could not dive at all.


    There were very few places that were still undeveloped in Jianghai City. The reason why Xia Tian¡¯s old place was as such was that there were many factories nearby. It would be incredibly difficult to develop an industrial region as the pollution was terrible. Hence, the location was passed up as a tourist site.


    The forest had shrunk over the past few years, undoubtedly because of the pollution.


    Xia Tian believed that he would never be able to see the pond again in a few years.


    The pond was crystal clear and Xia Tian took a quick simple shower within. Ever since his body had been modified by the necklace, he was able to clean himself off with just one wash.


    The necklace by his neck had stopped shining as he had used up all of its aurae to modify his body.


    Xia Tian changed into clean clothes after the shower and rushed towards the hotpot restaurant the nurse told him about. The majority of girls loved eating hotpot, but Xia Tian was not picky. After all, his biggest perk thus far was that he was able to eat anything.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯m over here.¡± The little nurse Bai Yiyi waved her hand as he entered the place. Xia Tian was stunned the instant he saw her. She was incredibly beautiful. He had never noticed this in the past because she had hidden her beauty away on purpose. On top of that, the nurse attire had completely covered her perfect body.


    ¡­

 Chapter 32

    It was worth noting that Bai Yiyi was a true beauty. Xia Tian had seen her three times in total; she wore a nurse outfit during their first encounter, which covered her perfect figure. Besides, her beautiful features were also partly masked by her makeup.


    In the morning when he met Bai Yiyi, she had no makeup on and was dressed very casually. That was why Xia Tian did not pay much attention to her. However, she had simple makeup on now and wore a long white dress, and thus he was drawn to her.


    Although the hot pot restaurant was not packed, they could not ask for a private room since it was only the two of them. Hence, Bai Yiyi looked for a seat near the window.


    Currently, Bai Yiyi was in the spotlight. Xia Tian could clearly see men from other tables stealing glances at her and some were even pretending to look elsewhere. On top of that, the waiters in the restaurant were even gathered in a corner to talk about Bai Yiyi¡¯s pretty looks.


    The moment she waved at Xia Tian, countless men stared at him with murderous looks. If eyes could kill, he would have already died ten times over.


    ¡°You¡¯re really pretty today.¡± Xia Tian complimented.


    ¡°Are you saying that I don¡¯t usually look pretty?¡± Bai Yiyi replied with a smile.


    ¡°Of course not, but you¡¯re prettier than usual today.¡± Xia Tian knew that women were curious beings. If he gave an unsatisfactory answer, he would be in trouble.


    ¡°Have a look.¡± Bai Yiyi passed the hot pot menu to him.


    ¡°Anything¡¯s fine with me. I¡¯ll eat whatever you¡¯d like to eat.¡± Xia Tian handed it back to Bai Yiyi.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll order.¡± Bai Yiyi was extremely pleased with how Xia Tian behaved. She marked the order sheet quickly and ordered two drinks, but nothing alcoholic. Besides, Xia Tian was not intending to consume beer since he had something on at night.


    ¡°I really want to thank you for taking such good care of me during my stay in the hospital.¡± Xia Tian was aware that it was hard to find nurses who would look after coma patients so carefully, even despite the fact that Ceng Rou paid for his hospital bill.


    ¡°That¡¯s my job. But hey, how did you recover so quickly?¡± Bai Yiyi was confused and she wondered. ¡®It had only been a few days, it should take him two to three months to heal even if he stayed in the hospital, but he looks completely normal now.¡¯


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I have a good constitution.¡± Xia Tian explained. Of course, he was not going to reveal that it was the necklace left by his mother that healed him. It would have sounded too bizarre.


    ¡°Your constitution must be quite extraordinary then. Show me your hand.¡± Bai Yiyi was intrigued as she had never met anyone with such strong healing capabilities.


    Xia Tian reached his hand out, and was clueless about what Bai Yiyi was up to.


    Following that, Bai Yiyi pressed Xia Tian¡¯s hand, which took him by surprise. He thought to himself, ¡®She¡¯s being too straightforward, is she expressing her love to me?¡¯ Instantly, he was overwhelmed with happiness.


    ¡°What are you doing? I¡¯m an ordinary person.¡± Xia Tian watched Bai Yiyi nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to your head. Everyone has different affinity to healing. I pressed your palm earlier to check the speed of your blood circulation.¡± Bai Yiyi continued, ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re able to recover faster than a normal person, but surely it won¡¯t happen so quickly unless you¡¯d consumed something.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Xia Tian was eager to know, then thought to himself, ¡®She¡¯s just an average nurse. How does she know about this?¡¯


    ¡°Beats me, but these healing drugs are rarely seen.¡± The little nurse did not question Xia Tian, because she knew that he would not tell her anyway.


    As for the reason that Xia Tian gained such extraordinary healing, it was certainly not by chance. He must have consumed a certain drug.


    From the first time she met Xia Tian, she had found him very strange. Not only did he decline the five million dollars offered by Ceng Rou, but he insisted on participating in the NCEE as well. She was even more surprised to see him in his current state and was still in disbelief that he was able to recover in such a short period of time.


    Since she came from a family with generations of medicinal history, Bai Yiyi knew about the healing of a human body more than anyone else.


    Even though her family possessed drugs that could speed up recovery time, it would take at least seven to ten days, and those medicines were the most valuable treasures of her family.


    Xia Tian somehow fully recovered in just two to three days, which meant that he must have taken medicine that was even more superior than the ones from her family.


    She became much more interested in Xia Tian.


    If Bai Yiyi were to acquire the recipe or refining methods of the drug that had better effects than the ones manufactured by the elders in her family, her family could easily surpass other known families, and would emerge as the best in Hua Xia.


    ¡°Xia Tian, if there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯d like to meet the person who gave you that medicine.¡± Bai Yiyi grinned at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Miss nurse, I think you¡¯ve misunderstood. There were no drugs at all, I swear.¡± Indeed, Xia Tian did not consume any medicine, he only used his mother¡¯s necklace to heal himself.


    ¡°Oh, perhaps I¡¯ve made a mistake.¡± Even upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s response, Bai Yiyi still had doubts. She thought that Xia Tian was hiding the truth on purpose as he was afraid of getting into trouble. Of course, it was also possible that Xia Tian¡¯s body experienced some sort of unusual change, but the chance of that was slim. After all, there was no limit to human potential, and nobody could be certain about how much one¡¯s potential was unleashed.


    In the end, neither Xia Tian nor Bai Yiyi paid for their meal, because it was on the house. Due to Bai Yiyi¡¯s presence, the hot pot restaurant was flooded with customers, and many people were waiting for seats.


    Since the increased business was all because of Bai Yiyi, the restaurant owner returned the favor by giving her a platinum membership card so that she could get a fifty percent discount for her future visits.


    After bidding Bai Yiyi farewell, Xia Tian headed to Bar Street.


    People of all sorts walked the streets. While Xia Tian walked, a street lady approached him with coy and playful eyes.


    ¡°You dirty b*stard! I knew you¡¯re up to no good!¡± Right then, Xia Tian heard Lin Bingbing¡¯s voice.


    At once, Xia Tian ran over to Lin Bingbing. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, that doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡± Lin Bingbing scoffed.


    The street girl was slightly startled when she saw Lin Bingbing, because she was too charming. Knowing that her efforts earlier had gone to waste, she cursed, ¡°Why did you even bring your girlfriend along if you¡¯re not here for some fun? You¡¯re crazy.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Lin Bingbing was absolutely livid with how Xia Tian acted. She knew that he was a shady character but she had not expected him to fancy ladies that acted wildly inappropriately.


    They were here on serious business, yet Xia Tian still found the time for debauchery.


    She would have taught him a good lesson far sooner If it were not for the fact that she still needed Xia Tian¡¯s assistance.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, this is my only chance to enter the Special Task Force. If I fail, it¡¯s going to be on your head.¡± Lin Bingbing glared at Xia Tian fiercely.


    ¡°What exactly is the Special Task Force anyway?¡± Xia Tian asked with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s an organisation that was called Secret Service before the country was formed. Now it¡¯s comprised of all kinds of the most elite in Hua Xia. The entry requirements are incredibly stringent.¡± Lin Bingbing explained to the clueless Xia Tian.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of being in there anyway?¡± Xia Tian continued with another question.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s going to be useful. Being in the force means that you¡¯ll be able to meet the cream of the crop of police officers, the most elite special police force personnel, genius detectives like Di Renjie, computer experts, and so on. Once you¡¯re in the Special Task Force, you¡¯ll be able to gain more knowledge and rub shoulders with even more powerful people.¡± Lin Bingbing had always yearned to be a part of the Special Task Force ¡ª even though people heard bits and pieces of the Special Task Force, there were not many who truly knew of its inner workings.


    The reason she knew so much was due to her uncle ¡ª Jianghai¡¯s mayor. Even above that, however, she wanted to find the man who abandoned his wife and child.


    ¡°If the members of the force are oh so powerful like you say they are, how do you expect to get in? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re using a back door of some sort 1 ?¡± Confused, Xia Tian looked at Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one using a back door. I¡¯m going through a test now, you know.¡± Lin Bingbing scowled at Xia Tian. The Special Task Force had always been her dream, thus she would never get in through her connection with her uncle.


    Notwithstanding the chance uncle had given her, she never asked for anything. She refused to pull any strings.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s all yours.¡± Xia Tian raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°What?¡± Whatever he had said went completely over her head.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to complete your test fair and square. There are tens of thousands of people here and you¡¯ll have to find Shadow among these people.¡± Xia Tian smiled.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Lin Bingbing gritted her teeth furiously and stomped her foot on the ground. ¡°Just you wait!¡±


    Lin Bingbing stormed ahead by herself with Xia Tian following suit. As she walked, her anger rose as well. She put up with Xia Tian because he was supposed to offer assistance with Ye Wanqing¡¯s request, yet he had just asked that she carry out her task by herself.


    Where was she supposed to look first? The only blurred photo she had was obviously not going to be much help anyway since the area was bathed in all sorts of different-colored lights. She might not actually recognize him if he appeared right in front of her, let alone fishing him out from the sea of people around her.


    She could not approach the first person she saw to ask if that person was Shadow, either, if not he would flee immediately.


    Lin Bingbing looked left and right. Shadow might as well have been invisible.


    ¡°Tell me, that man over there, what does he do?¡± Xia Tian asked while pointing to a man to their left. He was neatly dressed in a suit with a white shirt and had leather shoes on his feet.


    ¡°He¡¯s a banker. Or someone from the IT industry!¡± Lin Bingbing quickly retorted.


    ¡°No, he¡¯s a security guard,¡± Xia Tian corrected her.


    ¡°But he¡¯s wearing business attire, he doesn¡¯t look like a security guard at all!¡± Lin Bingbing was bewildered.


    ¡°Would you walk the streets in your police uniform off-duty?¡± Xia Tian questioned.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Eventually, Lin Bingbing understood what Xia Tian was getting at. ¡°But how did you know that he¡¯s a security guard?¡±


    ¡°His suit and leather shoes are spotless and he¡¯s dressed too neatly ¡ª that means rarely wears them out. On top of that, every time someone parks a car he¡¯ll turn to look at the distance between the car and both sides of the road just on instinct.¡± Xia Tian was trained by his father from a young age to be observant. He was competent in everything Sherlock Holmes knew even before he was ten.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so good at this, tell me which one of them is Shadow.¡± Though Lin Bingbing thought that what Xia Tian said was quite reasonable, she was not pleased.


    ¡°He¡¯s not here. Did you really think that Shadow would be on the streets all day long waiting for you to arrest him?¡± Xia Tian gave her a disdainful look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t all the assassins sleep during the day and parade themselves at night?¡± Lin Bingbing asked again.


    ¡°You watch too many movies. Even if an assassin is out to kill someone at night he¡¯d still enter through a window.¡± Xia Tian was completely defeated by Lin Bingbing¡¯s innocence. ¡°Killers have some self-respect too, okay?


    ¡°Think of the women who are afraid of going to the washroom by themselves at night because they¡¯re scared of ghosts. Think about how the ghosts feel. Ghosts have dignity too. Why would a ghost pop up from a toilet bowl just to frighten someone?¡±


    ¡°You!! Alright, you win! What should we do now?¡± Lin Bingbing was angered to the point of silence.


    Xia Tian grinned at Lin Bingbing. ¡°Good, listen to me. Do whatever I ask you to.¡±


    Subsequently, Xia Tian led Lin Bingbing into a bar. It was not a spacious place ¡ª its entrance was not fancy nor grand, and the street ladies were all but absent. Normally, a place like that would not attract many customers.


    Without a doubt, customers would prefer bars with more ladies and sparkling lights. It was the same for the women, who had a better liking for spacious bars which gave them a sense of security and allowed them to meet wealthy men.


    The moment Lin Bingbing entered the bar, she became the center of attention as she was too beautiful. Moreover, she had no makeup on, which was rarely seen in a place like this.


    It was certainly uncommon to see a pretty lady with no makeup on. Even though the bar was designed for music and dance just like any other bar, under careful observation


    the people who were really dancing were the same few people. As for the others, they either watched their surroundings warily or whispered to one another.


    Bar Street was a chaotic place itself, yet this bar appeared to be even more disorderly. The men skulked about shadily while the women here wore strange and unconventional outfits.


    Feeling completely out of place, Lin Bingbing, furrowed her brows. She noticed the people staring at her as if they were looking right through her soul.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, dance with me.¡± Xia Tian smiled at her.


    ¡°Why?¡± Lin Bingbing was clueless.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d do what I told you to?¡± Xia Tian was not pleased.


    ¡°Fine, but I¡¯m telling you I can¡¯t dance.¡± Lin Bingbing decided to give in.


    ¡°Just come with me.¡± Following that, Xia Tian held Lin Bingbing¡¯s hand and walked her to the dance floor. Despite being reluctant, Lin Bingbing still followed Xia Tian. She felt like a fish out of water, uneasy as she did not know how to dance.


    ¡°Plenty of people are staring at us now, don¡¯t look around.¡± Xia Tian whispered, pretended to hug Lin Bingbing.


    Lin Bingbing nodded softly and swayed along with Xia Tian.


    Swiftly, Xia Tian swept the bar with his gaze. Earlier when the two of them entered the bar, they were already being watched. This was all because Lin Bingbing was far too attractive, and it was obvious that she was not here for a good time.


    This had partially revealed her identity.


    ¡°Boss, that chick looks like a cop.¡±


    ¡°The few of you, go and take a look. Let the others know to be more careful when making deals.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, boss, nobody¡¯s got the guts to arrest anyone in our territory.¡±


    ¡°Send a few more men to look into it. An important person will be here in a while to collect some things, we must not make any mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, boss. We¡¯ll check this chick out first. If she¡¯s really a cop, we¡¯ll get rid of her.¡±


    Soon enough, Xia Tian was done scouting the behavior of everyone in the bar. While the place was filled with noise such that he was unable to hear the conversation between those men, he had learned to lip-read from his father, thus was able to get a grasp of their discussion.


    Although Shadow was from Quicksand, Quicksand never had a fixed base. Since the members carried out tasks outside throughout the year, it was impossible for them to keep their weapons with them as they would be easily caught by the police. Therefore, each time they moved to another location, they had to contact the respective local weapon supplier and avoid buying even a dagger from normal stores as it would only expose their identity.


    Quicksand¡¯s people knew that being discovered meant death.


    The reason Xia Tian visited this place was that his father told him many years ago about a number of the most chaotic places in various regions. Back then, he even mentioned Bar Street in Jianghai but he only told Xia Tian so that he would never set foot in this place.


    Based on the conversation that went on between the few men just now, Xia Tian guessed that the person they were expecting must be related to Shadow, but the rest were unaware that the buyer was going to be someone who was working for Quicksand.


    ¡°Hey girl, you¡¯re a pretty one.¡± A few yellow-haired punks began dancing around Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°Your body and your face, what a beauty.¡±


    Upon hearing them, Lin Bingbing frowned. She would have given these people a piece of her mind if it were under different circumstances but Xia Tian reminded her not to reveal her identity, forcing her to hold it in. Nonetheless, she was almost at the boiling point. The punks were going overboard as they started to grind against her body.


    Right then, Xia Tian pulled Lin Bingbing into his arms.


    ¡°You offended someone you shouldn¡¯t.¡± Xia Tian said to those punks with a smile.

 Chapter 34

    Xia Tian was still smiling as he looked at the punks. Earlier on, he had read their conversation from afar so he was aware of what their true intention was. Nevertheless, with him around, he would not let them do anything with Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°You b*stard, who are you? We¡¯re all here to have fun, you¡¯d better let this chick dance with us or I won¡¯t go easy on you.¡± Soon enough, the punks had surrounded Xia Tian.


    ¡°How about you ask your mom out to have some fun with me instead?¡± Xia Tian did not hold back at all.


    ¡°Motherf*cking *sshole, I¡¯m warning you. I¡¯m not a friendly person.¡± One of them glared at Xia Tian furiously. Since they were here to put Lin Bingbing to the test, they were not going to let Xia Tian ruin their plan.


    ¡°Change it then.¡± Xia Tian replied.


    ¡°F*ck, you¡¯re out for trouble aren¡¯t you? Brothers, beat him up!¡± Instantly, a few punks launched kicks in Xia Tian¡¯s direction. As everyone else on the dance floor was immersed in their dancing, nobody was aware of what had transpired.


    Subsequently, Xia Tian was seen pulling Lin Bingbing closer to him with his left arm, then sidestepping the gangsters¡¯ attacks. With his movements as light as a feather, he pressed two of his right fingers on their arms almost at lightspeed.


    Screams were heard coming from the dance floor as the few punks laid in pain on the ground. Meanwhile, Xia Tian was already at the counter with Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°Give me two of those.¡± Since it was Xia Tian¡¯s first time in a bar, he had no idea what to order. He simply pointed at whatever the person next to them was having. Lin Bingbing was still in his arms.


    ¡°Let me go.¡± Lin Bingbing immediately freed herself from Xia Tian, then asked, ¡°Did you find anything?¡±


    ¡°I found Shadow.¡± Xia Tian looked at her as he replied. Honestly, he admired Quicksand¡¯s capability. Although Shadow was just a Third-Tier Assassin, his disguise and observation skills were terrifying.


    Right now, Shadow had just entered the bar, but his eyebrows and contours were already transformed. If it were not for his eyes that betrayed him, Xia Tian could not have identified him so easily.


    At around 173 meters, he was not considered tall, and had a rather slim figure. Besides, he must have had hidden something in his mouth as his face looked exceptionally square.


    ¡°Really? Which one is he?¡± Just as Lin Bingbing was about to turn to look, Xia Tian pulled her back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn around, he¡¯s too alert.¡± Xia Tian took a glance around him casually without pausing at any point for long.


    ¡°Let¡¯s notify Aunt Ye quickly,¡± came Lin Bingbing¡¯s elated response. She did not expect to accomplish the task so easily though she felt like she had not contributed much.


    Throughout the process, Xia Tian should have taken credit. All along, she viewed him as nothing more but a dirty b*stard so she was surprised that Xia Tian was so capable that he managed to locate Shadow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush it, I¡¯m really curious about who his target is.¡± Xia Tian remained still.


    ¡°But our task is to find him, we must obey the organization¡¯s orders.¡± Lin Bingbing knew that being dutiful was the first thing she needed to do in order to enter the Special Task Force.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the one who found him anyway, I¡¯m the one who did. You didn¡¯t actually accomplish your task.¡± Xia Tian responded plainly.


    ¡°You¡­ What do you want?¡± Lin Bingbing looked at Xia Tian angrily, but knew that there was nothing she could do against him. After all, Xia Tian was right. It was he who had found their target.


    ¡°You¡¯re really dumb, you¡¯ll only get kicked out if you enter the Special Task Force. Think about it, what¡¯s Quicksand like?¡± Xia Tian continued, ¡°An assassin organization; one that doesn¡¯t stop until they achieve their goal. As long as the mission isn¡¯t canceled, their operations will be ceaseless. Even if we capture Shadow, what¡¯s the point? You¡¯ll only be able to accomplish your task, but not save the target. If we know his assassination target, we¡¯ll be able to adopt some protective measures.¡±


    ¡°What if he escapes?¡± Although Lin Bingbing felt that Xia Tian made sense, she was worried that Shadow would flee.


    ¡°He won¡¯t be able to escape.¡± Xia Tian smiled, and looked at Shadow from time to time. Shadow was being extremely cautious. He did not call his contact, and neither did he enter a private room. Instead, he sat beside Lin Bingbing at the counter.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Just as Lin Bingbing was about to speak, Xia Tian kissed her.


    ¡°Mmph!!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t resist, he¡¯s watching us.¡± Xia Tian whispered. Upon hearing her, Lin Bingbing stopped struggling, but tears were seen rolling down her cheeks. It was her first kiss, and it was stolen by Xia Tian just like that.


    She had imagined her first kiss multiple times, yet never imagined that it would taken away like that.


    Shadow took a look at Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing, then turned to look at other people in the bar when he thought that they were a couple.


    After letting Lin Bingbing go, she stared at Xia Tian resentfully. A hint of rage could be seen in her eyes. That being said, Lin Bingbing kept quiet. Xia Tian knew very well that she must hate him to the bones now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn around, he¡¯s right behind you.¡± Without making a sound, Xia Tian mouthed those words to her.


    Lin Bingbing felt as if she was in a spy movie. Not only was she afraid to turn around, she dared not take deep breaths as she was worried that Shadow would see through her. If that were to happen, their efforts would go to waste.


    Up until then, she still found it inconceivable that they would actually encounter him here. In addition, Shadow was actually seated inches away from her now. Previously, she had pictured her encounter with Shadow many times, but when it really happened, she did not have the courage to turn and look.


    ¡°Sir, this is a package for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    A tiny package was placed in front of Shadow. Instead of leaving in a hurry, he snapped his fingers. ¡°Give two Red Bats to the two customers next to me.¡±


    ¡°Stop acting, he discovered us.¡± Xia Tian shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°Discovered us? Did I just let you kiss me for nothing?¡± Lin Bingbing was annoyed at giving up her first kiss. Initially, she accepted it thinking it was necessary for them to hide their identities, but they were still discovered nonetheless.


    ¡°Look at you. A monkey would have known.¡± Xia Tian responded.


    ¡°Does that mean that you knew we were going to be exposed sooner or later?¡± Lin Bingbing¡¯s face turned dark.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Xia Tian did not deny it. He knew that Lin Bingbing would be discovered the moment she stepped into the bar; even those who are slightly experienced would be able to see through her icy character.


    A person like her would never come to a rotten place like this.


    ¡°If you knew, why did you kiss me?¡± Lin Bingbing was now pinching Xia Tian¡¯s thigh in dissatisfaction.


    After taking a look at the two of them, Shadow smirked, then left.


    ¡°Let¡¯s follow him.¡± Lin Bingbing stood up to run outside.


    Xia Tian stood up with a smile, then looked at the men who were dashing toward them. As he moved, he performed the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step perfectly, and instantly arrived in front of the people who were coming from the left, then quickly pressed his fingers on them.


    ¡°Looks like the background of this bar goes way deeper than I had imagined.¡± Xia Tian continued moving swiftly, and appeared in front of the people from the right. Due to the dimly lit lights, nobody was aware of what was going on.


    Anyhow, Xia Tian¡¯s movements were too quick. Once he took care of the people who appeared to obstruct them, he went over to Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°What were you doing?¡± As soon as Lin Bingbing went out of the bar, she lost Shadow. When she turned to look, Xia Tian disappeared as well. Just as she was going to look for Xia Tian, he showed up.


    ¡°Oh, I left something behind.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    Since Shadow had already discovered their identities, the people that Xia Tian were up against earlier were summoned by Shadow before he left. In this bar, only the most valuable guests were able to enjoy the privilege of having men obstruct those who were trying to follow them.


    Right before Shadow left, the two Red Bats ordered by him were the codes to notify the bar workers to hinder Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°I lost him.¡± Lin Bingbing said in frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s very normal. If you can catch him, he won¡¯t be Shadow.¡± Xia Tian nodded.


    ¡°Hey, what do you mean? I¡¯m not done with you yet, do you know that that was my first kiss?¡± Lin Bingbing was furious. Now, she lost both her target and her first kiss.


    ¡°It was my first kiss too.¡± Xia Tian was unbothered. Even though he dated Wenya for a while, they never kissed.


    ¡°How can you compare your first kiss to mine? You¡¯re ticking me off! Tell me, what should we do now?¡± Lin Bingbing was totally upset by the thought of losing her first kiss, but it was more important to find Shadow now.


    ¡°If it bothers you so much, I¡¯ll let you kiss me back.¡± Xia Tian offered.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Your head is full of these crooked thoughts. I¡¯m asking, what should we do about Shadow?¡± Lin Bingbing had a strong urge to kick Xia Tian to death.


    ¡°Oh, he can¡¯t run away.¡± Xia Tian replied her seriously, ¡°But if you really think that you¡¯ve suffered a loss, you can kiss me back, I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    ¡°I want to kill you.¡± Lin Bingbing struck Xia Tian with her foot.

 Chapter 35

    The fluorescent powder was a kind of night vision powder which could not be seen under sunlight and normal light, but only through a unique tool. Xia Tian understood this principle since he was young.


    Before he left, her aunt had purposely prepared this for him.


    ¡°Put these glasses on and tell me what you see.¡± Xia Tian handed a pair of glasses to Lin Bingbing. Due to his Insight, he did not need special glasses to see the fluorescent powder.


    When Shadow left, Xia Tian sprinkled a substantial amount of fluorescent powder on him.


    ¡°You actually have this.¡± Lin Bingbing was absolutely surprised. She was beginning to suspect that Xia Tian was a member of the Special Task Force, because his skills could only be acquired in the force.


    ¡°My aunt gave it to me ¡ª Aunt Ye. It¡¯s simple to use, but the key is the sprinkle timing.¡± Xia Tian explained.


    ¡°Give me some, I might be able to use it in the future.¡± Lin Bingbing reached her right hand out.


    ¡°You? You better practice your timing, or even a fool will be able to tell that you¡¯ve done something to him.¡± Although Xia Tian had only been acquainted with Lin Bingbing for a short period of time, he knew her character very well. Lin Bingbing was an upright, hot-blooded lass.


    A person like her was driven in everything, full of positivity. That being said, a person like her was easily negligent so she needed to be both quick and accurate if she were to do something like that.


    One would need special training to perform such a task.


    ¡°Fine then, what¡¯s so great about it anyway.¡± Lin Bingbing turned away. When she put on the special glasses and was able to see the traces of fluorescent powder clearly, she immediately felt better.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Xia Tian held Lin Bingbing back.


    ¡°What?¡± Lin Bingbing was puzzled. ¡°We have to chase him, or he¡¯ll run away.¡±


    ¡°You need to start using that brain of yours. He¡¯s covered in fluorescent powder, where can he run off to?¡± Xia Tian took a look at their surroundings and noticed that almost everyone was watching them. The fact that Lin Bingbing was on the street itself was a mistake, Shadow would certainly notice them if they were to just chase after him like that. ¡°You need to stop looking like that.¡±


    Subsequently, Xia Tian approached a street lady beside him. The moment that street lady saw that she had a customer, she quickly swayed her body over. ¡°Handsome, come on in, we¡¯ve got amazing services, guaranteed.¡±


    ¡°Can you sell me your wig and your coat?¡± Xia Tian took 500 RMB and handed it to the street lady.


    The instant that lady saw Xia Tian¡¯s money, she removed her silk coat and her curly wig and gave them to him.


    Upon receiving the items, Xia Tian paid the street lady.


    ¡°500 RMB just like that, I can call it a day now.¡± Elated, the street lady left with the money.


    Afterward, he handed the wig and coat to Lin Bingbing. ¡°Put them on.¡±


    ¡°No, they look awful.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to catch Shadow or not?¡± Xia Tian asked Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then put them on.¡± Xia Tian threw the items to her.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Lin Bingbing glared at him. ¡°I¡¯ll remember this¡­¡±


    Even though she was extremely reluctant, Lin Bingbing still wore the silk coat and put the wig on. With that, she looked more like the people here and attracted less attention.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Xia Tian grinned when he looked at her.


    When Lin Bingbing saw Xia Tian¡¯s smile, she became even more furious. However, since the task was currently her priority, she could only put it aside for now. They began following the traces of fluorescent powder left by Shadow.


    Before long, they arrived at a place called Light KTV.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Xia Tian held Lin Bingbing back again.


    ¡°Sir, is it just the two of you?¡± A service staff member appeared upon their arrival. Since Xia Tian was towing a girl along, the street ladies around them did not approach them.


    ¡°Get me a private room.¡± Xia Tian retrieved another 500 RMB.


    ¡°Aright, sir, please come in. Your room is room 222.¡± The server led them to their private room.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± Lin Bingbing could not make sense of what was going on.


    ¡°If you just barge into the place, they¡¯ll think that you¡¯re here for trouble. Don¡¯t you think that Shadow would know something was amiss?¡± After Xia Tian explained his thoughts, he searched his pockets, then added, ¡°Remember, claim the 1000 RMB for me, we used it for the task.¡±


    ¡°What a cheapskate. I¡¯ll return it to you later, I didn¡¯t bring much today.¡± Lin Bingbing scorned.


    Xia Tian checked the place out as soon as they entered. While Shadow happened to be on the same floor, there was no need for them to rush. Besides, when he passed by Shadow¡¯s room earlier, he used Insight on the glass window and saw a lady singing within. On top of that, Shadow, who was a lustful man, was seen touching that lady all over.


    After trying, Xia Tian was sure that he was unable to see through solid walls with his Insight.


    ¡°How about we just notify Aunt Ye now?¡± Since the opportunity did not come easy, Lin Bingbing did not want Shadow to escape again.


    ¡°No rush, come with me.¡± Xia Tian left the private room and strolled outside Shadow¡¯s room as he looked inside.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Lin Bingbing asked.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Right away, Xia Tian went to the washroom closest to the private room.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s the men¡¯s room.¡± Lin Bingbing panicked.


    ¡°Honestly, do you think that Shadow would go into the women¡¯s room later?¡± Earlier on, Xia Tian read Shadow¡¯s lips and found out that he wanted to try something exciting with the lady, and Shadow told the singer to follow him to the washroom.


    Since that was the case, Lin Bingbing could only enter the men¡¯s room with Xia Tian.


    ¡°Quick, come in.¡± Xia Tian quickly pulled Lin Bingbing into one of the cubicles, and instructed her, ¡°Be quiet.¡±


    Although she was unsure what Xia Tian was up to, she complied. However, the cubicle was small that it was a tight squeeze for the both of them. Just as she was about to say something, they heard some noise.


    Shadow placed the cleaning signboard at the entrance then pulled the lady into the washroom.


    ¡°You¡¯re so naughty, why bring me in here?¡± The lady spoke in a singsong voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you more. I like this excitement.¡± Shadow¡¯s voice was extremely ravishing. To begin with, he was not tall and he had a creepy face. Now, his voice simply made him creepier than he already was.


    As soon as the lady heard that she was going to receive more money, she was all smiles as she began rubbing her body against Shadow, intentionally shaking her breasts in front of him.

 Chapter 36

    The assassination business was a highly dangerous one. It was very likely they would not wake up to see the sun tomorrow, and it was because of this exact uncertainty that many low-tier-assassins picked up bad habits such as drug abuse, gambling, and lust.


    On the contrary, a real high-tier-assassin had none of those bad habits. This was because they knew very well that one mistake was all it would take for them to lose their lives.


    Shadow was only a Tier-Three Assassin from Quicksand. Although he was not substandard, he was certainly not the best. In Quicksand, the assassins were roughly divided into five tiers; Tier-Five was the worst, and normally meant trainees who were new to the organization. Next were the Tier-Four Assassins who had just gotten on track. As for Tier-Three Assassins like Shadow, they were merely considered experienced members.


    He was feeling hopeless about advancing to the next tier, and that there was a limit to his capability, so he decided he wanted to enjoy life instead. Nonetheless, it did not mean that he was going to quit Quicksand to enjoy the rest of his life, because quitting Quicksand meant death.


    Nobody could leave Quicksand alive.


    This was also why a huge amount of Tier-Three Assassins in Quicksand eventually turned to habits like that.


    For a period of time, an amorous atmosphere filled the room. Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing enjoyed the show as they peeped through the cubicle gap.


    ¡®How shameless!¡¯ Lin Bingbing thought to herself. She could not believe that the two of them made such a deal in a place like this. Despite that, she dared not react or move too much, lest Shadow noticed them.


    Currently, she was also in quite a spectacular position with Xia Tian. She was just in front of him as the two of them leaned against the door.


    In that precarious position, Lin Bingbing felt a bulge pressed against her back.


    ¡®Eh, he brought his weapon along.¡¯ Lin Bingbing thought, but quickly realized that it was Xia Tian who was behind him, thus the strange thing that she felt must be a dagger of some sort.


    ¡®Perhaps it¡¯s a secret weapon.¡¯ Previously, she felt that Xia Tian was odd. Now, she finally knew that he was a coward too for bringing a dagger while carrying out his task.


    When she realized that she was delighted. Ever since the beginning of the night, she had no sense of worth at all.


    Finally, she finally had something on Xia Tian. It turned out that Xia Tian was a scaredy-cat who actually brought his weapon out for his task. As such, she decided that she had to sneer at him later.


    In order to avoid being noticed by Shadow, Xia Tian dared not move. He was already drenched in sweat because of this, and he knew that Lin Bingbing would tear him apart if she were to find out.


    Soon enough, though, he noticed that Lin Bingbing had found out about this. That being said, he could not make sense of why she was not only calm, but was also smiling.


    ¡®Could it be that she only looks cold on the outside, but is actually an open-minded woman?¡¯ As soon as Xia Tian thought about this, he was feeling even more turned on.


    Approximately 20 minutes later, the action outside finally ended. Xia Tian was relieved.


    ¡°Oh! Is this your girlfriend? She¡¯s quite pretty.¡± The lady picked up a photo from the ground, and the angle allowed Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing to get a good look at the person in the photo.


    ¡°Give it back to me.¡± Shadow quickly snatched the photo, then retrieved 2000 RMB from his wallet. ¡°Here. Forget the person in the photo.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, okay. We have our rules, I¡¯ll never tell on your girlfriend.¡± The lady thought that Shadow was worried that she would tell on him and explained as such.


    Shadow nodded satisfyingly at those words then left the washroom. Following suit, the lady left happily behind him.


    At the moment, Xia Tian furrowed his brows. The person in the photo was Ceng Rou, which was not something he had expected. Since that was the case, he was definitely not going to let Shadow go.


    Right now, he considered Ceng Rou as his other half. When they were faced with the people from Quicksand, she stood in front of him, which proved her feelings for Xia Tian.


    Although the two of them had only met a few times, their feelings had sparked in a split second.


    He recalled his encounter with Ceng Rou. From the car accident to the kidnapping and now, the assassination. It looked like there was a big scheme. Someone wanted her dead.


    ¡°You¡¯ve accomplished your task, you can make your call now.¡± Xia Tian told Lin Bingbing plainly.


    ¡°What weapon are you hiding?¡± Lin Bingbing asked Xiatian, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re such a coward, you actually brought your weapon along. Is it a dagger?¡±


    ¡°What weapon?¡± Xia Tian was confused.


    ¡°That hard object just now, I think you hid it in your pocket.¡± Lin Bingbing looked at Xia Tian¡¯s trousers, but did not find any weapon.


    ¡°Ahem!¡± Xia Tian cleared his throat, and quickly explained, ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, I hid a weapon. Quick, go inform Aunt Ye, he returned to his private room, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be leaving tonight.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go make a call, the connection¡¯s not good here.¡± When Xia Tian admitted to her accusation, Lin Bingbing was pleased. She immediately went out to make the call.


    As Xia Tian watched her leave, he sighed a long breath of relief. He was glad that Lin Bingbing did not realize what the ¡°weapon¡± was, or she would blow up then and there, which would be troublesome.


    Since Xia Tian knew about Shadow¡¯s task now, he was not going to let him go. Regardless of when his aunt¡¯s men were arriving, he wanted to get rid of Shadow as soon as possible, lest he escaped. He was certainly not going to let anyone put Ceng Rou in their sights.


    Once he left the washroom, he walked toward Shadow¡¯s private room.


    For Shadow, this was a safe haven. Nobody would expect an assassin to be resting in a KTV room. Since he had just gone through some intense action, he was now resting on the long couch.


    He was still lingering in the memory of his beautiful experience with that lady just now, and was all smiles. Shadow swore that he would take time off for a few days after he finished his task and relax.


    Lately, assignments were piling up and he felt the need to relax his mind. Just as he was immersed in his own thoughts, the door suddenly opened.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Shadow quickly sat up, and raised his guard as he looked at the door.


    ¡°Someone who¡¯s going to end you.¡±

 Chapter 37

    The first thing that Xia Tian did after barging into Shadow¡¯s room was to check whether or not there were any surveillance cameras. Usually, karaoke houses like the one he was currently in would not install surveillance cameras within the rooms or its corridors, and the only place where these cameras would be set up was the grand lobby downstairs.


    In a way, this was done for the sake of those who did not want to draw attention to themselves and for those who did not wish to leave any traces of where they had been.


    Shadow had recognized Xia Tian at first glance as he had already memorized Xia Tian and Lin Bingbing¡¯s faces during his time at the bar. He had originally thought that he had shaken Xia Tian off, and as such, his appearance now was a surprise for him.


    ¡°And who are you supposed to be? We have laws, you know. What exactly are you up to?¡± Shadow did not intend on exposing his identity.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to murder you, that¡¯s all.¡± Upon stating his intentions, Xia Tian immediately activated his Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step and appeared beside Shadow. Xia Tian did not intend to waste any time. He wanted to finish off Shadow as quick as he could.


    ¡°You really are a pro.¡± Shadow knew that he was at a disadvantage once he saw Xia Tian¡¯s actions. He had not expected him to be this adept.


    There was no time for Shadow to retaliate as he had already lost the opportunity to strike first. He hastily did a barrel roll and avoided Xia Tian¡¯s blow. However, it was at this moment that he felt as if there was a pair of monster eyes barrelling down on him.


    Xia Tian¡¯s eyes and hands moved quickly. He held out two of his fingers and struck them hard on Shadow¡¯s body. With that single strike, Shadow instantly lost all ability to resist.


    Xia Tian did not stop there. Instead, he increased his speed, and in a blink of an eye he assaulted thirty-six acupoints on Shadow¡¯s body. With power coursing through his hands, Xia Tian twisted Shadow¡¯s head until it snapped. He had committed his first murder.


    There was no feeling of nausea, nor was there any feeling of discomfort. After all, he considered Shadow as someone that he had to kill, as it was the only way to protect those he cared for.


    ¡°It seems that my abilities have improved quite a bit these past two days.¡± Xia Tian nodded his head in satisfaction. Shadow¡¯s strength was not all that different from his previous assailants. Back then, Xia Tian needed to put in a tremendous amount of effort to deal with them, but now, defeating someone like Shadow was a breeze.


    Frankly speaking, Shadow was not by any measures could not be said to be a weak person. Since he was a killer, the skills he nurtured were related to the art of assassination. While he was amazing at being a silent killer, the same could not be said about his abilities in a direct confrontation.


    This was the main reason that Xia Tian was able to easily defeat Shadow.


    After killing the assassinShadow, Xia Tian directed his gaze at the package on the sofa.


    ¡°There¡¯re probably some weapons inside. Let¡¯s see what heat this guy¡¯s packing,¡± said Xia Tian as he set his sights on the package. Shadow was extremely cautious, and no matter which city he appeared in, he would first transport his equipment there. Then, he would enter a transaction center, such as the bar from earlier to get his equipment back.


    However, things would become more complicated should the equipment include guns, bombs, or any other things of the sort.


    Due to this, the members of Quicksand rarely used guns.


    Upon opening the package, Xia Tian was greeted with a dagger. Its handle was green in color, and the words ¡®Emerald Cloud¡¯ were inscribed on the blade. The blade was exceedingly sharp ¡ª even a strand of hair would be split in two if it were to land on the dagger.


    ¡°Neat, I¡¯m taking this for myself.¡± Xia Tian hid the dagger beside his shoe and later used his pants to obscure it.


    Following that, heXia Tian placed Shadow onto the sofa. With the package in his hand, Xia Tian then left the room and tossed the package into the nearest trash can.


    Upon exiting the karaoke house, Xia Tian encountered Lin Bingbing by chance.


    ¡°Aunty Ye¡¯s telling us to leave this place. She wants us to avoid revealing ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Xia Tian nodded his head.


    ¡°I really appreciate your help today. I promise I¡¯ll return your money in the future.¡± Lin Bingbing was beyond ecstatic at the moment as she had aced her test. From that point onward, she would be part of the Special Task Force.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± After saying farewell to Lin Bingbing, Xia Tian took out his handphone.


    ¡°Xia Tian here.¡± Xia Tian had contacted Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Xia Tian!¡± Ceng Rou¡¯s excited voice rang out from the phone. She had not been sleeping well the past few days, and ever since she left Xia Tian¡¯s side, her head was filled with thoughts about him. She was of the notion that the only way she could sleep well was with him by her side.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. You¡¯ve been in a lot of danger lately. It seems that somebody wants you dead. I just dealt with their hitman.¡±


    ¡°A hitman? Where? Do you need a lift?¡± asked Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Hmm, sounds good. I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the roadside next to Bar Street.¡± Xia Tian paused momentarily before giving his reply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a jiff.¡± Ceng Rou enthusiastically ran down the stairs.


    Xia Tian was currently standing by the roadside and was feeling exceedingly bored. As such, he began observing the people around him. While plenty were here to seek joy, there were also some who were present to carry out shadier activities.


    Naturally, there were also drug dealers present. Many of the unemployed turned to peddling drugs as their means of income, and plenty of them were operating within the karaoke houses and bars.


    Although Xia Tian could report these people to the police, he had chosen not to do so. After all, sending these people to prison was meaningless as they were only the drug mules. Even if they were apprehended, a new batch would arrive in no time. If he wanted to eradicate the drug operation as a whole, he had to first seek the source of the drugs.


    Brawls were commonplace in the area, just like the one taking place in front of Xia Tian at the moment. A couple of unemployed people were beating down on a teenager. Once the teen was pushed on the ground, he immediately brought up his hands to protect his head. The gangsters began kicking the teen¡¯s body instead.


    After enduring the hits for several moments, the teen rapidly shot up and began biting down on one of the gangster¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± A wail of agony thundered from the gangster, whereas the teen¡¯s mouth was filled with blood.


    ¡°Let go! Let go!¡± The other unemployed person doubled down on the beating.


    Fresh blood splattered on the ground, and despite the crimson pool flooding everyone¡¯s vision, the teen did not let go.


    ¡®Vicious. This guy is goddamn vicious.¡¯ That was the impression that the teen had left on Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian approached the gangsters. As he stood before them, he launched a kick at each of them, whereas the teen laid in exhaustion on the ground, taking in deep breaths.


    ¡°Can you still stand?¡± Xia Tian asked the teen.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The teen snorted coldly, and as he bore the excruciating pain, he made it onto his feet.


    ¡°Why fight with these people?¡± questioned Xia Tian.


    ¡°They stole my girlfriend,¡± the teen spat.


    ¡°Did your girlfriend go willingly with them?¡± continued Xia Tian.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The teen did not attempt to explain.


    ¡°Very well, if you don¡¯t want to be bullied, you need to make yourself stronger than other people. If you don¡¯t want to be abandoned by your girlfriend, you need to make it so that she has nothing she can complain about,¡± said Xia Tian as he turned around to leave.


    Crash!


    The teen knelt behind Xia Tian. ¡°Please, take me as your apprentice! I know that you¡¯re not just an amateur!¡±


    ¡°Would you give up your life for that?¡± Xia Tian turned around to look at the teen.


    ¡°I have no family; dying was never something I was afraid of.¡± The teen had a look of determination in his eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Gao Fei.¡±


    ¡°Good, give this person a call and tell them that Xia Tian sent you. You can call the person Elder Xu.¡± With that, Xia Tian left.

 Chapter 38

    Ceng Rou arrived at Bar Street soon after. Upon arriving, she was immediately greeted by the sight of Xia Tian. This time, she had driven the car over by herself.


    ¡°Still doing fine?¡± Within the car, Ceng Rou looked at Xia Tian with a gentle visage.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but I can¡¯t say the same for you. I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ve caught yourself in the middle of quite a mess,¡± stated Xia Tian calmly.


    ¡°I know. The household is on a constant in a state of high alert recently, and those old geezers are each hatching a plot of their own. They plan on getting rid of me so that they can split the company shares among themselves. There¡¯s also a high likelihood that they¡¯ve already planned out how they intend to split the shares,¡± answered Ceng Rou with a glum expression.


    ¡°Then why are you staying there? You know they¡¯ve already dispatched Quicksand, right? Once the people from Quicksand accept a task, they¡¯ll never rest.¡± Xia Tian stared quizzically at Ceng Rou.


    ¡°As a single mother with only one daughter, it¡¯s only natural for us to receive harsh treatment. After all, I hold 51% of shares of the Ceng Corporation. I¡¯m the majority shareholder, and once I perish, all the shares would go to my daughter. However, Tian Tian¡¯s still young, and she¡¯s still clueless about these things. Should I die, those old geezers would definitely not let her off easily.¡± There was a distant look to Ceng Rou¡¯s eyes.


    Xia Tian sighed. ¡°It seems there are only two ways to handle this mess. The first would be for you to sell all your shares, and the second would be to eliminate the old geezers before they do anything. If you¡¯re going down the second route, you should make it so that their shares would fall under you and murder these audacious b*stards.¡± Xia Tian heaved a weary sigh. While he did not wish to walk down the second path, he knew that it was a necessary evil. Sooner or later, someone would force his hand anyway.


    ¡°They won¡¯t let me off even if I sell my shares. After all, the money I would get would be enough of a temptation to anybody.¡± Ceng Rou felt that there was no way that the geezers back home would go easy on her.


    ¡°Then the only choice is to eliminate them.¡± Xia Tian furrowed his brows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to do anything illegal, so please, just give me three days and I¡¯ll deal with it.¡± Ceng Rou had already been aware of the old geezers¡¯ actions for some time, and as such, she had already made the necessary preparations.


    The total shares of the old geezers fell short of thirty percent of the company, and as such, she had a way to completely squash their influence within the company. Ever since Tian Tian almost met with an accident, Ceng Rou had already begun to devise a plan.


    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll be accompanying you for these next three days. With me here, no harm would come your way.¡± Xia Tian nodded his head.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Ceng Rou giggled. It was not the fact that Xia Tian was able to protect her that made her happy, but rather, she was finally able to spend time with him. After all, she had originally no idea as to how she should approach him.


    However, that chance had finally come.


    ¡°What are you giggling at?¡± Xia Tian turned his head to look at her. Ceng Rou¡¯s beauty was a mature form of beauty, and each form of make-up that she had on had its own purpose, there was not an inch more, and not an inch less.


    She exuded a mature aura from all parts of her body, and at present, she was comparable to a ripened fruit.


    Ceng Rou was a fruit that was constantly waiting to be picked, but she had thorns surrounding every inch of her body. That was the protection that she had erected for herself, and only in the presence of Xia Tian would the layer of thorns disappear.


    ¡°I¡¯m giggling because I¡¯m happy.¡± Ceng Rou was beyond ecstatic. She did not ask for much, as all she required was for Xia Tian to be by her side. With him there, her mental state would achieve total peace.


    Before long, the car had arrived at Ceng Rou¡¯s house. It was a villa that was completely isolated.


    The front gate was a gigantic metal door, and there were security guards watching over it.


    It was only after seeing how luxurious the yard and the house looked, that Xia Tian finally had a grasp of how rich Ceng Rou was.


    ¡°This place is huge!¡± Xia Tian swept his gaze across the house.


    ¡°You like it? From today onwards, this house belongs to you as well. These are all the keys to every part of the house. Take it.¡± Ceng Rou handed a bunch of keys to Xia Tian.


    ¡°Why are you giving them to me?¡± Perplexed, Xia Tian stared at the keys.


    ¡°So that if any baddies come, you¡¯ll be able to enter any room you wish. After all, won¡¯t you be severely impeded if you don¡¯t have the keys?¡± explained Ceng Rou. In actuality, however, that was not what she was thinking. The main reason that she had given Xia Tian the keys was to have him think of the house as his own home.


    Under the watch of the nanny, Tian Tian had been running about within the house.


    The moment she spotted Xia Tian, she came running out.


    ¡°Big Brother, carry me!¡± Tian Tian adored Xia Tian, as he had always protected her whenever she was in danger. As a kid, she did not know much, as such, all she learned from their previous encounters was that any and all dangers would be nullified as long as Xia Tian was present.


    ¡°Tian Tian, did you miss me?¡± As Xia Tian carried Tian Tian, he flashed her a smile. Lil Tian Tian was very cute indeed.


    ¡°I did.¡± the little girl muttered with an innocent tone.


    ¡°Hey, Xia Tian has just arrived and you¡¯re already all over him. You should let him rest.¡± Ceng Rou chastised Tian Tian, but she was secretly celebrating how close the two were.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Lil Tian Tian is so cute after all. I¡¯ll be mad if I didn¡¯t get to hug her instead.¡± Xia Tian chuckled.


    As Ceng Rou sat beside Xia Tian and Lil Tian Tian, her face was bright with smiles. She felt truly at home now, and she no longer needed to fuss over work matters or matters regarding the household. Moreover, she did not even need to worry about anyone harming her.


    She was in total pace.


    ¡°Nanny Wang, you can take a break now,¡± said Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Since Nanny Wang lived outside the villa, there was a dedicated driver that sent her to and from the house.


    ¡°Tian Tian, go accompany brother Xia Tian here to watch the television. Mummy¡¯s going to shower.¡± After kissing Tian Tian on the cheeks, Ceng Rou headed to the bathroom.


    ¡°Shower.¡± Xia Tian jolted to attention upon hearing the words. Just a while ago, he had spectated the glorious battle of Shadow and the singing girl, and as such, his nerves were still all tensed up.


    Now, Ceng Rou too was heading to the shower.


    Tian Tian was obediently sitting by Xia Tian¡¯s side, and the both of them, one child, and one teenager were keeping their eyes peeled on the television.


    Despite having his eyes set on the TV, the only image within Xia Tian¡¯s mindscape was that of Shadow and the female singer.


    He dared not look back, as he feared that he would involuntarily activate his X-ray vision. Were that to happen, things would become highly awkward between them.


    Time gradually ticked away, and to Xia Tian, each passing second was torture. Although his eyes were still glued to the screen, his mind had wandered off to scenes of Ceng Rou taking her shower.


    His heart began to beat faster.


    Soon after, the bathroom door swung open. ¡°I¡¯m done, why don¡¯t you take a shower too.¡±


    In front of the bathroom, stood a woman with slightly flushed cheeks and long, wet hair. Beads of water were still trickling down her body, and her bathrobe was extremely tight.

 Chapter 39

    The beauty of a bath.


    Xia Tian was completely stunned. The vapor surrounding Ceng Rou¡¯s body was like clouds in the sky, adding another layer of elegance to Ceng Rou, whose perfect proportions were laid bare for Xia Tian to see.


    ¡°Uh, where¡¯s my room?¡± Xia Tian no longer dared to stay in Ceng Rou¡¯s home. If he did, what would happen in the night was no guarantee.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be in that room and Tian Tian and I will be sleeping in the room beside yours.¡± Ceng Rou pointed at a room on the first floor.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be heading to sleep then.¡± Xia Tian hastily left the forbidden land he was currently in.


    Seeing him scampering off like a scared rabbit had made Ceng Rou smirk with joy. She had smiled quite a few times today. Usually, Ceng Rou would barely show any emotion, but after meeting Xia Tian today, her smile had barely left her face.


    She knew that the true reason Xia Tian ran off was for fear that he would lose control. Had it been any other man who was sharing the same room as her, she would still feel insecure even with a couple of layers of clothing. However, that was not the case for Xia Tian. Even under her thin shower robe, she felt completely at ease.


    Heck, she was slightly put off by how honest Xia Tian was.


    ¡°Tian Tian, do you like Brother Xia Tian?¡± Ceng Rou asked her daughter, who she had currently in her arms.


    ¡°I do,¡± answered Lil Tian Tian.


    ¡°Mama likes Brother Xia Tian too, but I¡¯m far too old¡­¡± That was the biggest chasm that Ceng Rou felt divided them. While she liked Xia Tian a lot and had wanted to spend every moment with him, she realized she could not be so selfish.


    Seeing Tian Tian¡¯s eyes closing, Ceng Rou carried her back into their room.


    ¡°Mama, I want to sleep with brother!¡± Lil Tian Tian uttered innocently.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not going to. Be a good girl, Tian Tian, Brother Xia Tian¡¯s already very tired, and you need to sleep too.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to be with Brother Xia Tian!¡±


    Back in Xia Tian¡¯s room.


    Throughout his entire life, Xia Tian had always had peaceful slumber as the Empyrean Slumber Technique could only be cultivated during sleep. However, even after tossing and turning several times, he was still unable to truly fall asleep.


    For the first time, he had insomnia.


    After all, whenever Xia Tian closed his eyes, the only thing that came to his mind was Ceng Rou.


    Knock! Knock!


    ¡°Xia Tian! Are you asleep?¡± Ceng Rou¡¯s voice reverberated through the room.


    ¡°Not yet.¡± Xia Tian opened the door.


    Ceng Rou stood in the doorway in a negligee, looking absolutely stunning. Her soft skin looked no worse than that of a twenty-year-old¡¯s.


    ¡°Tian Tian won¡¯t sleep without you.¡± Ceng Rou spoke with an exasperated tone.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Xia Tian pulled Tian Tian into his room.


    ¡°Mama, come!¡± Lil Tian Tian extended her hand to Ceng Rou.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Tian Tian? Didn¡¯t you want to be with brother?¡± Ceng Rou asked.


    ¡°Mama, together!¡± Although Lil Tian Tian was a toddler, both Xia Tian and Ceng Rou understood what she meant. She wanted for Xia Tian and Ceng Rou to be together.


    ¡°Be respectful, Tian Tian. You should go with brother, mama will be in the next room.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ no¡­ Mama needs to be with me too.¡± Lil Tian Tian had a pleading look in her eyes, and it appeared as if she was on the brink of tears.


    Seeing how pitiful Tian Tian looked, Ceng Rou was forced to comply. ¡°Alright, mama gets it.¡±


    The moment the little girl heard her mother agreeing to her wish, she immediately perked up and flashed a sweet smile.


    ¡°You rascal.¡± Ceng Rou jokingly chastised Tian Tian.


    ¡°Sorry for troubling you.¡± Ceng Rou muttered to Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian awkwardly scratched his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s no trouble at all.¡±


    The three of them made their way into the bed. Xia Tian was sleeping on the outer edge, while Ceng Rou was sleeping on the inside with Tian Tian in the middle. Since Tian Tian was tiny, there was not much separating Ceng Rou and Xia Tian.


    The two of them felt totally out of place, and they did not know what to say. Soon after, Tian Tian had fallen asleep.


    Xia Tian was originally restless before this but now that Ceng Rou was by his side, his insomnia had gotten even worse. After all, he could clearly feel the body heat coming from her body.


    Despite that, Ceng Rou¡¯s situation was not too different from Xia Tian as she too, could not sleep.


    At that instant, Xia Tian suddenly heard a soft thud.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s here.¡± Xia Tian gently got off the bed and retrieved the Emerald Cloud Dagger by his side.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Seeing the way Xia Tian acted had instilled a sense of urgency into Ceng Rou.


    ¡°You usually sleep in the room next to mine, right?¡± Xia Tian muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then my intuition must be correct. Stay here and don¡¯t move. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Xia Tian quietly exited his room.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40: Kill the Man in Black


    Xia Tian switched the lights on in this room and the next, but there was nothing to be found.


    ¡°Show yourself. Do you need an invitation?¡±


    ¡°Who the hell are you supposed to be?


    A man clad in black walked out from behind the curtain out of hiding. The game of cat and mouse was over once his presence had been discovered.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Xia Tian.¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian? You?¡±


    The man in black scrutinized the person before him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard of me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, there isn¡¯t a single person in Quicksand who doesn¡¯t know who you are. You¡¯re Xia Tianlong¡¯s son after all.¡±


    ¡°Oho, so you know my father. Fine, tell me all you know about him and I¡¯ll let you live.¡±


    ¡°And I suppose you think you can kill me.¡±


    With a look of total disregard, the man in black locked eyes with Xia Tian and continued, ¡°Quicksand knows everything about you. We know that you¡¯re a goody-two-shoes student. How was it supposed to go again, ¡®Like father, like son¡¯? Why are you so different from Xia Tianlong? Half the country already knew his name by the time he was twenty-eight.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard enough. Though, I might remember more if you hand over the Celestial Scroll Fragment.¡±


    Xia Tian shattered the gemstone in the middle of his necklace and a wooden slip of paper promptly appeared in Xia Tian¡¯s hands. ¡°Tell me what I want to know, and this thing is yours.¡±


    ¡°Seems like it¡¯s my lucky day.¡± The man in black stated with excitement, ¡°So, about Xia Tianlong. It¡¯s quite simple, almost everyone in our business knows of him.¡±


    ¡°Well, not me.¡±


    ¡°There are a total of four experts in China; the Eastern Lord, Western Lurker, Southern Slayer, and Northern Soldier. Xia Tianlong was the Western Lurker.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯s so great, how did he die?¡±


    ¡°Beats me. Alright, I¡¯ve told you enough, hand the scroll over to me.¡±


    ¡°I have one last question.¡±


    ¡°Is this a joke?¡± The man in black stated coldly.


    ¡°Here you go.¡± Xia Tian tossed the Celestial Scroll Fragment towards the man in black with another question, ¡°What¡¯s this thing used for?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s used to find a piece of celestial treasure ¡ª something everybody wants.¡± The man in black shot a cold glare at Xia Tian. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve obtained the Celestial Scroll Fragment, I no longer need to kill you. Still, that woman must still die.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one last chance to live, buddy.¡± Xia Tian raised his head and looked at the man in black.


    ¡°Last chance to live? You? Giving me a chance to live?¡± The man in black looked towards Xia Tian with disdain. ¡°It seems that I do need to kill you after all.¡±


    In that instant Xia Tian vanished and reappeared in front of the man with his hand clasped firmly around his throat. With energy focused in his fingers, he struck the man¡¯s hand and the Celestial Scroll Fragment dropped from his grasp, returning to Xia Tian.


    ¡°You have three sentences to save yourself.¡±


    ¡°You! How is this possible?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one.¡±


    ¡°I can tell you more about your father.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the second.¡±


    ¡°There Celestial Scroll has eight fragments!!¡±


    ¡°Wrong answer. You failed.¡± Xia Tian rapidly struck the man¡¯s acupoints with his finger with a flurry of attacks. The man¡¯s limbs went limp and he fainted.


    What Xia Tian wished to hear was the man in black giving up on Ceng Rou. However, he had gone down another route instead. After all, he would find out about his father sooner or later, and he had no interest in the Celestial Scroll Fragments. The only reason he was protecting his fragment was due to the fact that it was something his father left behind.


    He had gained plenty of knowledge today, but what delighted Xia Tian the most was the fact that his father was an outstanding man.


    In the past, the experts were given titles such as Evil East, Vile West, Emperor South, and Beggar North, but now, China had a new breed of experts who were the Eastern Lord, Western Lurker, Northern Solider, and Southern Slayer. These titled symbolized positions of great power even if they sounded odd.


    ¡®The Western Lurker, Xia Tianlong.¡¯


    ¡°Brother Xu, I need your help. Bring Lil Fei along as well.¡± Xia Tian gave a call to Xu Dechuan.


    By the time Xia Tian entered the living room, Ceng Rou had already come out of hiding.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ceng Rou looked worryingly at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Of course I am. How can I protect you if I have problems with any small fry that appears?¡± Xia Tian then slumped onto the couch. ¡°Do you have any alcohol?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Did something bad happen?¡±


    ¡°Not quite, it¡¯s for something happy.¡± Xia Tian had molded the Celestial Scroll Fragment back into its original gemstone shape and returned it to his necklace.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll drink with you then.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should. I have a few friends coming in later.¡±


    Ceng Rou put on a bathrobe and sat beside Xia Tian.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be here, right? Always?¡± Ceng Rou plopped herself into Xia Tian¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Always.¡± Xia Tian nodded his head.


    He did not know when it began, but now, whenever Xia Tian drank alcohol, he would no longer feel drunk. The only thing he felt was the rush that came from consuming alcohol.


    Half an hour later, Elder Xu had arrived at the villa along with Gao Fei. Xia tian then opened the door for them and noticed that Lil Fei was now clad in a new set of clothes, probably as a form of courtesy from Elder Xu. Upon closer inspection, he also realized that Lil Fei¡¯s apparel was even more luxurious than Xia Tian¡¯s.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Lil Brother Xia?¡± Elder Xu sat himself down on the sofa.


    ¡°Two things, the first is regarding Lil Fei. He¡¯s a good sport, and I hope that you can nurture him well.¡± Xia Tian patted Gao Fei¡¯s back and continued, ¡°The second is about the unconscious person in the room upstairs. I want you to toss him behind bars and hang the words ¡®Quicksand Assassin¡¯ on him.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me.¡± Elder Xu nodded. Xia Tian was currently a person of value to Xu Dechuan as the match in Greenwood Manor was about to begin. Should Xia Tian achieve victory then, Elder Xu would no longer need to live in fear.


    Although Xu Dechuan had no clue about Xia Tian¡¯s relationship with Quicksand, he dared not ask.


    Xia Tian sank back into the sofa after sending Elder Xu off and Ceng Rou promptly went back into his embrace.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get some rest.¡± Xia Tian could see that Ceng Rou was beginning to feel tired.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to that room over there.¡± Ceng Rou pointed towards another room.


    Those words sent Xia Tian into a daze, they were not returning to the room Ceng Rou had given him to sleep alone ¡ª they were entering a new one. He could not help but take it the wrong way.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. I only want you to hug me to sleep. After all, we can¡¯t do much with Tian Tian sleeping in the middle,¡± explained Ceng Rou.


    After hearing Ceng Rou, Xia Tian nodded and entered the other room with her. Upon settling into the bed, Ceng Rou immediately lunged into Xia Tian¡¯s embrace. ¡°Hold me.¡±


    Ceng Rou was indeed terrified. She was a woman after all. She had encountered the same near-death situation twice and she was beginning to feel afraid. This time, someone had even managed to get into her home.


    ¡°We need to settle this once and for all, pull it up from the roots,¡± Xia Tian stated coldly.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41: The Harsh Ceng Rou


    How could Xia Tian feel nothing with such a gorgeous beauty in his embrace? Ceng Rou¡¯s sexy body constantly wiggled in Xia Tian¡¯s arms. The risky scenario fanned flames of lust welling within.


    ¡°Stop squirming or I¡¯ll devour you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well why haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Hearing this taunt from Ceng Rou caused the bundle of flames within Xia Tian to explode.


    That night, Xia Tian unleashed all his eighteen-years of pent-up lust. He had never experienced such exhilaration before, and he felt as if all of his pores had burst. Alongside this, the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira was also beginning to release an exceedingly large amount of heat.


    The heat flowed through every inch of his body.


    The next day, Ceng Rou woke up early to prepare breakfast for Xia Tian.


    After Xia Tian had gotten out of bed, he went to the backyard to meditate. ¡°Huh, this is a breakthrough, isn¡¯t it? My Empyrean Slumber Technique has reached the second phase.¡±


    Xia Tian knew that this definitely had something to do with the events that transpired the night before. After all, he had only started cultivating his Empyrean Slumber Technique for three days and it had already reached the second phase. This rate of cultivation was absurd by any normal measure.


    An average person would require at least ten years of cultivation to reach the second phase, but all Xia Tian needed was three days.


    Xia Tian¡¯s body composition consisted of Yang and fortitude and when coupled with the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira, he reached the peak of these two qualities. While he made love to Ceng Rou, the two energies that resided in his body then equalized, achieving total balance.


    This was the true reason for his rapid improvement in his abilities.


    The sudden breakthrough in his abilities had also, in turn, caused Xia Tian¡¯s speed and strength to increase exponentially.


    ¡­


    ¡°Drats, that damned Ceng Rou still isn¡¯t dead.¡±


    ¡°What the hell is Quicksand doing? Didn¡¯t they say that they¡¯d definitely get rid of her upon receiving the money? Why is Ceng Rou still alive?¡±


    ¡°I want you to get to the bottom of this.¡±


    ¡°Ceng Rou must die, and once she¡¯s gone, we¡¯ll split the shares evenly.¡±


    The five elders of the Ceng family held the highest position possible within the family¡¯s ranks, and their words had represented that of the entire clan. Although the Ceng family had no influence in the political sphere, their position within the business world and Jianghai City was quite remarkable.


    Naturally, this was also partly due to Ceng Rou, whose influence in the business world was comparable to the five elders of the Ceng family.


    Although the five elders had already reached respectable positions, they felt as if the outsiders around them had not shown them the respect that they deserved. Instead, they were only showing admiration to Ceng Rou, which meant that Ceng Rou¡¯s position in the Ceng family had far exceeded theirs.


    Even others from the Ceng family shared the same sentiments. Although the number of shares they had in the company was quite low, these shares had brought massive benefits to them.


    As such, they would rather obey Ceng Rou¡¯s words than listen to the elders.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already contacted the middleman. He says that the hitman will arrive shortly, and all we need to do is to open the door to the meeting room when the person knocks.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s settle this once and for all.¡±


    ¡­


    Lil Tian Tian had Nanny Wang to watch over her, whereas Ceng Rou had Xia Tian to accompany her to the Ceng Corporation. The Ceng Corporation was a massive cosmetics company, and their global presence meant that the Ceng Corporation¡¯s advertisements were visible all over the world.


    Ceng Rou had worn some extravagant working attire, whereas Xia Tian was wearing cheap, casual wear, making their appearance highly contrasting from one another.


    The moment they entered the office, all the employees present had their stares immediately pinned on Xia Tian.


    ¡°Why is there a shabby-looking person following Director Ceng?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably tailing Director Ceng without her knowing!¡±


    ¡°Someone! Hurry up and call the guards!¡±


    The office was rife with gossip.


    ¡°Is everyone present finished with their tasks? It seems that all your off days for this month have been canceled,¡± Ceng Rou stated coldly. This was the ice queen persona that she wore whenever she was in office.


    Xia Tian could not help but shake his head at the sight of such a harsh Ceng Rou. He had, of course, heard the various rumors surrounding him, and he was aware that Ceng Rou had canceled their leave in a fit of rage after hearing them.


    After all, Ceng Rou¡¯s harshness was only a means to protect her loved ones.


    Xia Tian followed Ceng Rou into the meeting room, and it was there that he noticed that all the attendees were already present. The five elders were sitting at the two sides of the meeting table, whereas the other shareholders occupied the other seats. The atmosphere in the room was incredibly tense.


    ¡°Who are you and who let you in here?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Ceng Rou shot a cruel glare at the person who asked the question.


    ¡°Director Ceng, I¡¯m afraid this is against protocol.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the CEO, my word is law!¡± Ceng Rou stated tyrannically.


    ¡°We¡¯re discussing company secrets here. Who¡¯s going to be responsible for it if these secrets are exposed?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my man, do you have anything to say about that?¡± Ceng Rong had audaciously declared Xia Tian as her man in such a serious scenario.


    ¡°Did I hear that correctly? Has our widow of a director fallen for a sugar baby 1?¡± One of the elders of the Ceng family snickered.


    ¡°If he¡¯s a sugar baby, then what does that make you people? Can you even consider yourselves men?¡± Ceng Rou glared mockingly at the elders.


    ¡°How insolent, Ceng Rou! Our word is law within the Ceng family, and so long as we¡¯re alive, you¡¯re not allowed to fool around!¡±


    ¡°Heh, to think someone who already has half his foot in the coffin would dare to raise the Ceng family matters to my face.¡± Ceng Rou swept her gaze across everyone from the Ceng family. ¡°My debt to the Ceng family has long been paid. I no longer owe any of you anything.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯re leaving the Ceng family?¡±


    ¡°No, my surname is and forever will be Ceng. I¡¯m merely drawing the lines for the other Ceng family members present so that they¡¯ll pick the right side.¡±


    ¡°Ceng Rou, are you sure you want to go against us five elders?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m not privy to what you people did. The accident, the kidnapping, the assassination, these are undoubtedly your schemes, and since you¡¯ve already put them to action, I hope you have no qualms about bearing the consequences.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? What are you saying?!¡±


    ¡°I question the masculinity of you people. To think that you have the gall to spew words, but not the balls to stand by them.¡±


    ¡°Director Ceng, I hope that you can clarify what you¡¯ve just said. After all, we shareholders have a right to know about matters affecting the company¡¯s profits.¡± A shareholder that did not share the Ceng surname asked. While they would usually abstain from interfering with the company¡¯s internal matters, they would be forced to act if the money in their pockets was in jeopardy. After all, if Ceng Rou died, the Ceng Corporation¡¯s stock prices would also plummet.


    ¡°It¡¯s very simple, really. Somebody wants me dead, and they want to bring down your profits along with me.¡±


    ¡°Elders, I hope that you can give us an explanation.¡± These non-Ceng shareholders held a total of 15% of the company¡¯s shares, which meant that they could not be simply brushed off.


    ¡°Hmph, don¡¯t listen to her nonsense. To think that people would believe the words of the widow. Just look at her, she even brought that sugar baby along with her! What does she think this is?¡± The grand elder of the Ceng family coldly snorted before continuing, ¡°Just look at the man, it¡¯s obvious he has nothing to his name! His attire doesn¡¯t even cost a hundred RMB, so what right does he have to stand among us, who have at least a few million RMB to our name?¡±

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42: Don¡¯t Mess with Me


    ¡°How old is he? Seventeen? Eighteen? He¡¯s just a child!¡±


    ¡°Now now, we need to be understanding toward an old woman¡¯s needs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to lecture you, Director Ceng, but if you really want to fool around, don¡¯t bring it home. It¡¯s going to reflect badly on the Ceng family¡¯s reputation if word gets out.¡±


    The five elders of the Ceng family took turns ridiculing Ceng Rou and Xia Tian.


    ¡°You old folks ought to wash your mouths with soap.¡± Ceng Rou glared viciously at the three.


    ¡°Now which is better ¡ª that we clean our mouths or that you be a little more discreet in your conduct?¡±


    ¡°Fine. Being dirty¡¯s all you lot are good for anyway.¡± Staring at the five elders, Ceng Rou shoved the files on the table into the hands of everyone present. ¡°Take a good look.¡±


    The audience gaped at the five elders with their mouths wide open after flipping through the file. Inside was evidence of the elders¡¯ smuggling acts, along with years of other illegal activity. They had definitely been involved in activities much worse than they had accused Ceng Rou of.


    Every offense was listed out one by one.


    ¡°Ceng Rou, this is unfounded slander!¡± The Ceng family¡¯s eldest member slammed the document on the table and blew his fuse at Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Is that so? You¡¯ll find out soon enough if I¡¯m falsely accusing you. I believe the court summons should arrive in your hands today and the witnesses should all arrive in court the day after tomorrow. You can explain yourselves to the judge then.¡± Ceng Rou stared coldly at the five elders.


    ¡°I¡¯m hoping you five can give us an explanation.¡± The shareholders in the room looked towards Ceng family¡¯s five elders with suspicion, along with the Ceng family¡¯s second generation, which held 4% of the company¡¯s shares in total.


    ¡°Are you really fooled by such lies?! She forged these documents!¡± the eldest refuted.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, she¡¯s keeping a sugar baby and even brought him to the meeting room. How are we to trust someone like her?!¡± the second eldest added.


    ¡°Who knows, maybe he¡¯s holding our Director Ceng captive and forcing her actions,¡± the third eldest among the five was the most cunning of them all. The rest of the elders stood on the sidelines, watching the event unfold.


    ¡°Hey pretty face, you must have dirt on Director Ceng; perhaps some video evidence of some sort.¡± the third eldest pushed the mounting attention onto Xia Tian. With everyone holding Ceng Rou in high regard and the slew of evidence putting them at a disadvantage, it was impossible to attack Ceng Rou openly.


    Hence, he drew focus on Xia Tian, putting Ceng Rou¡¯s character in question.


    ¡°This is the best you¡¯ve got? You¡¯re just clutching at straws!.¡± Ceng Rou gazed at the elders with disdain.


    ¡°Hey, gigolo, why the silence? Are you not going to admit to what you¡¯ve done? You¡¯re threatening Ceng Rou to bring down the Ceng Corporation, aren¡¯t you?¡± The third eldest continued.


    ¡°Wait, this has nothing to do with him, you should be coming at me instead!¡± Ceng Rou furiously stared at the five.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± the third eldest flashed a devilish smile. ¡°Great. In that case, we¡¯re impeaching you, effective immediately. You¡¯re no longer the CEO of the Ceng Corporation; you will be stripped of your duties, and your shares are to be sold to us at a million for each percent.¡±


    This was what the Ceng family¡¯s five elders were after ¡ªher shares.


    ¡°A million for each percent!!¡± The price left everyone flabbergasted. Compared to the Ceng Corporation¡¯s current value, it was an absolute steal.


    ¡°Oh, how benevolent. Once you lot are caught, however, your shares won¡¯t go to me. Instead, they will be divided among those in the family who are deemed capable,¡± Compared to the action of Ceng family¡¯s elders, Ceng Rou had crafted a compelling case for herself.


    The Ceng family¡¯s five elders were out to seize Ceng Rou¡¯s earnings for themselves, but Ceng Rou, on the other hand, wanted to split their shares equally among the other members of the Ceng family.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Ceng Rou¡¯s five elders slammed the table and glared at Ceng Rou bitterly.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s enough, don¡¯t you think?¡± Xia Tian, who had been sitting beside Ceng Rou, spoke up.


    ¡°And just who do you think you are? This is no place for you to speak!¡± the eldest shouted at Xia Tian.


    ¡°So you¡¯ll be free of trouble if these five old folks are taken care of?¡± Xia Tian asked Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Xia Tian, don¡¯t act on impulse. It¡¯s just two more days before they¡¯re finished.¡± Ceng Rou knew how capable Xia Tian was but she did not wish to drag him into this mess.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for two more days. I know Quicksand won¡¯t work their fingers to the bone for a dead client.¡± Xia Tian stood up and walked towards the five elders.


    ¡°Xia Tian, don¡¯t be rash!¡± Ceng Rou exclaimed in a panic.


    ¡°What are you doing, you gigolo?¡± The Ceng family¡¯s five elders were on alert. They clearly caught Xia Tian mentioning the word Quicksand, and those who knew of Quicksand¡¯s existence were no ordinary men.


    ¡°Ceng Rou, I get it now, he must be the killer you hired. You¡¯re planning to kill us to keep our mouths shut!¡± The cries of the third eldest caught the attention of others in order to maintain vigilance.


    Smack!


    A crisp slap rang through the room. ¡°You really have a lot to say.¡±


    ¡°How dare you touch me!¡± The Ceng Family¡¯s third eldest was fuming as he covered his face.


    Smack!


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m hitting you, what are you going to do about it?¡± Xia Tian gave him another slap.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°You? You what?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°I? I what?¡±


    Smack!


    A string of slaps echoed throughout the meeting room as others watched on, dumbstruck. Everyone in the room looked down on him, thinking he was some escort, but who would have thought that there was a violent side to him.


    The Ceng family¡¯s third eldest was the most treacherous of them all. They would rather offend the hot-tempered eldest elder than provoke the cunning third.


    Yet, here Xia Tian was, beating the Ceng family¡¯s third eldest into a pulp.


    ¡°Stop hitting, stop¡­ Hitting.¡± The face of the Ceng family¡¯s third eldest was so swollen, he had difficulty finishing his sentence.


    Smack!


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just stop hitting you because you tell me to, can I?¡± Xia Tian whipped and slapped, and no one dared to come forward to stop him.


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ Hit¡­ Me¡­¡± Ceng family¡¯s third replied.


    Smack!


    ¡°Your pitiful wish is my command.¡± Xia Tian awarded him another slap, causing his victim to keel over from the impact.


    ¡°And who¡¯s next?¡± Xia Tian turned his gaze to the other elders.


    Feeling chills going down their spines, the remaining few unknowingly retreated a few steps backward. They were backing away from him as though Xia Tian was the god of plagues.


    Bam bam bam!


    There was a knock on the meeting room¡¯s door.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43: Who¡¯s Next


    Something major must have happened for someone to be knocking on the door during a meeting.


    The main affair of the meeting was the power struggle between Ceng Rou and the Ceng family¡¯s five elders. In that scenario, there should not have been anyone that would have come knocking on the door.


    Prior to the meeting¡¯s commencement, Ceng Rou had already given instructions for there to be no disruptions.


    The eyes of the Ceng family¡¯s elders, however, sparkled at the sound. They knew that that person had arrived. Their plan would surely come to fruition now.


    Everything would be under control before long.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go open the door.¡± With the knocking bringing him back to his senses, the Ceng family¡¯s eldest person ran towards the door, afraid he would be next in Xia Tian¡¯s assault if he stayed any longer.


    The door swung open, giving way to a bespectacled, ordinary-looking man dressed in a suit and tie.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ceng Rou frowned. She did not recognize this person.


    ¡°Director Wang sends this with his regards,¡± The suited man in walked towards Ceng Rou clutching stack of documents. The Ceng family¡¯s five elders smiled at the sight of this man.


    They knew this person was the assassin sent by Quicksand.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Xia Tian curled his lips and stormed toward the man in the suit.


    The five elders¡¯ muscles then tightened. An air of uncertainty descended on them as the man in the suit drew ever closer to Ceng Rou.


    Xia Tian knew of the existence of Quicksand, proving he was no ordinary man.


    Their hearts were in their mouths watching Xia Tian move closer to the man in the suit. Each of them wanted to take the place of the assassin and stab Ceng Rou right that instant.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, do employees here wear military boots to work?¡± Xia Tian smiled and swatted at the stack of papers with his hand.


    ¡°Military boots?¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixated on the man in the suit. An employee wearing military boots?


    Sensing that his cover had been dismantled, the man in the suit fished for a dagger from underneath the papers, thrusting it at Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Ah, murderer!¡±


    The dagger was mere inches from piercing Ceng Rou¡¯s skin when it was caught between two fingers. Tried as the killer might have to apply force, the dagger was frozen in place.


    He then backstepped swiftly before whipping out a gun from his waist.


    The eyes of Ceng family¡¯s five elders lit up at the sight of the gun. Even a god could not save Ceng Rou from a bullet at such a short distance. With Ceng Rou gone, they had a way to get their hands on Ceng Rou¡¯s shares.


    The assassin leaned back and opened fire.


    No gunshot.


    He pulled the trigger a few times more but to no avail.


    ¡°Are you looking for these?¡± Xia Tian uncurled his fingers and bullet after bullet fell to the ground one by one. He had extracted the bullets from the assassin¡¯s gun while he was in front of him, and he was too quick for him to notice.


    This assassin was a Third-tier assassin, and based on Xia Tian¡¯s estimates, crushing him would be an easy task.


    Quicksand might not be aware of his ability, but he knew it would not be long before they would come to realize he was no longer the useless Xia Tian he was before. Quicksand would be dispatching a Second-tier killer his way then.


    Those assassins were at the top of the food chain and were not limited to just daggers and guns ¡ª they had access to sniper rifles and explosives too.


    ¡°How is that even possible?¡± The Quicksand killer looked at Xia Tian in disbelief.


    He measured in his head the disparity between Xia Tian and himself. He realized that by his show of removing his bullets, Xia Tian was capable of completely silencing him. With no victory in sight, he turned to flee.


    ¡°Did I say that you could leave?¡± Xia Tian smiled. The man¡¯s legs gave in and he fell onto his knees. Xia Tian landed a kick behind his neck, knocking him out.


    The security team had arrived since then.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Ceng Rou asked Xia Tian.


    ¡°Call the police and have security guard the door. The meeting isn¡¯t over,¡± Xia Tian turned over to shoot a glance at the elders.


    The Ceng family¡¯s oldest coughed, ¡°I think it¡¯s best to adjourn the meeting in light of what happened.¡±


    ¡°Adjourn?¡±


    Xia Tian marched towards the eldest and picked him up with one hand. ¡°I don¡¯t think you have a say in this.¡±


    ¡°What are you up to?! Ceng Rou, tell him to stop!¡± His face contorted.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to beat you up.¡± Xia Tian smiled as he slammed him into the ground and proceeded to pound his fists on the man¡¯s limbs. Soon, The Ceng family¡¯s second, fourth, and fifth turned prey to Xia Tian¡¯s assault.


    With the five stacked upon each other, Xia Tian roared, ¡°Who¡¯s next?


    ¡°I¡¯ll give each of you one chance to live. Sell your shares to Sister Rou and turn yourself in when the police arrive. You know what¡¯s in store if you don¡¯t,¡± Xia Tian continued, ¡°Of course, you can try and have a taste of what¡¯s to come.


    ¡°You can tell the police that I beat you up but rest assured no one here is going to attest to that,¡± Xia Tian was not only threatening Ceng family¡¯s five elders but everyone in the room along with them.


    Silence filled the meeting room.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you lot have a sharp tongue, thinking that you spoke the truth?¡± Xia Tian swept his gaze around the room, including the five elders. ¡°Well, my fist is the real truth.¡±


    ¡°Does anyone here have any objections?¡± Ceng Rou observed each of the other shareholders. She still needed three more days to deal with the elders, but they had nowhere to run now. She would be left in charge if the five elders surrendered themselves.


    ¡°No, we are always in favor of Director Ceng.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Director Ceng has taken great pains to bring the Ceng Corporation to where it is. We won¡¯t object to money growing in our pockets.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll follow Director Ceng¡¯s lead.¡±


    Each of them stood up to display their commitment. The carrot and stick went hand in hand ¡ª they did not want to be on Xia Tian¡¯s bad side.


    ¡°Alright then, I hereby announce that from this day on, Xia Tian will be the general manager of our company. He will oversee all departments within the Ceng Corporation,¡± Ceng Rou declared.


    ¡°Wait, Sister Rou, I¡¯m clueless about all this, and I¡¯m not interested either.¡± Xia Tian frowned.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t have to know anything. Just sit and wait for your twenty thousand RMB salary every month. Of course, you¡¯re not going to take the money for nothing. You have to step forward if the company meets any danger. What do you think?¡± Ceng Rou asked Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sister Rou, you sure have an ax to grind, taking me in with twenty thousand a month,¡± Xia Tian shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°Does anyone here disagree?¡± Ceng Rou turned her gaze on the other shareholders.


    ¡°We agree,¡± They would never say no to hiring exceptional talent to protect their company with twenty thousand RMB a month.


    The police finally showed up. The spectators outside the meeting room explained to them that a killer attempted to assassinate Ceng Rou but failed. Xia Tian was taken aback when the door was pushed open.


    ¡°It¡¯s you again?¡±

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44: There¡¯s a Bomb in the Car


    The police officer who stood in front of Xia Tian was none other than the Nike girl, Lin Bingbing, who was taken aback at the sight of him. He had assisted her in the completion of her assignment the night before and here they were, bumping into each other again.


    ¡°Everyone, back up to the two corners there. You lot, collect the evidence and take these witnesses away.¡± A policeman emerged from behind Lin Bingbing and started ordering them around with his hands on his waist.


    ¡°Officer, is there a need to detain any witnesses? You can just question us here if you have any concerns,¡± Ceng Rou said to the policeman.


    ¡°And which one of us is the police officer? I¡¯m in charge here. You are found in possession of a firearm so everyone on site must return with us to undergo an investigation.¡± Lin Bingbing stood frowning behind the policeman at his unreasonable demand.


    ¡°Sir Xu, they¡¯re the ones who called the police. This person took the gun from the suspects. They¡¯re the victims. These five elders even gave themselves up, saying they¡¯re the ones behind this.¡± Lin Bingbing did not want to make a bigger deal of things than they already were.


    ¡°And which one of us is the superior officer here?¡± Sir Xu looked at Lin Bingbing with discontent. ¡°I suspect that this crime scene was staged. Everyone has to come with me for investigation.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Sir Xu, right? My attorney is standing behind you. You can talk to him if you have any questions. We¡¯ll be leaving if there are no other matters.¡± Ceng Rou pointed at her team of lawyers behind Sir Xu. Having a legal team in a huge company like Ceng Corporation was a given.


    ¡°Are you teaching me how to do my job?¡± Sir Xu shot Ceng Rou a vicious stare. ¡°Seize them. I suspect they¡¯re in on the crime.¡±


    ¡°Sir Xu, are you really going to do that? Everyone present here is a public figure. You lack an arrest warrant and yet you¡¯re trying to make arrests before any questioning. We can sue you for this.¡± The lawyers all stood in Sir Xu¡¯s way.


    ¡°Humph.¡± Sir Xu snorted. ¡°Why are you people still standing around for? Arrest them!¡±


    ¡°Sir Xu, this is against protocol!¡± Lin Bingbing could not keep quiet any longer. She did not know what had gotten into Sir Xu today.


    ¡°I will take full responsibility.¡± At the wave of Sir Xu¡¯s arm, the policemen behind him encircled the group.


    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll leave with you. I¡¯ll see how you¡¯re going to take care of things.¡± Ceng Rou took the lead walking out of the door and was followed by a dozen people behind her. Without uttering a word, Xia Tian, too, followed her out.


    The moment the crowd went downstairs and were out the door, Sir Xu frantically dialed a number on his phone. ¡°I¡¯ve done as you¡¯ve said, now let go of my wife and daughter!¡±


    ¡°Relax, you have to get them on the large vehicle and the Ceng elders in the smaller vehicle.¡± A deep voice was heard from the other end of the line.


    ¡°When are you going to release my family?!¡± Sir Xu blew a fuse.


    ¡°I will release your daughter and wife immediately once you have them in the car.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Sir Xu followed the group downstairs. There were four police cars parked and one of them was a large criminal transport vehicle. Dread descended on the group at the sight of the vehicle.


    Did this Sir Xu foresee arresting this many people beforehand, and thus had chosen to send such a large vehicle?


    ¡°You five, into that car there. The rest of you into that large car.¡± Sir Xu pointed at the large vehicle.


    ¡°Sir Xu, we¡¯re only leaving to assist you with the investigation. Why are we going into a prison van? We have our own if you don¡¯t have any other cars,¡± Ceng Rou said after taking a glance at the prison van. Getting in would stir a commotion large enough to affect their stock prices.


    All in all, they could not board the prison van at all costs.


    ¡°Get on the car or I¡¯ll shoot you.¡± Sir Xu took out a gun and pointed at Ceng Rou¡¯s group.


    ¡°Shoot if you will, but we¡¯re not getting in that car!¡± Ceng Rou was fuming at Sir Xu.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t shoot!¡± Sir Xu shouted.


    ¡°You can try.¡± A ghastly voice came from behind Sir Xu ¡ª It was Xia Tian. He did not follow them downstairs in order to head to the station but had done so to see what this Sir Xu was up to instead. Now, he had a clear picture. There was a bomb underneath the prison van. After Ceng Rou was on board, the explosive would blow up in mere minutes.


    ¡°You b*stard, where did you come from?!¡± Sir Xu aimed the gun at Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯m advising you to put the gun down,¡± Xia Tian spoke in a cold voice.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?!¡±


    Bap!


    Xia Tian struck Sir Xu¡¯s face with his palm. The gun that was in his hand flew off into the distance.


    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re assaulting a police officer!¡± Lin Bingbing frowned. Although she did not like Xia Tian, she did not want to see him arrested. Xia Tian did lend her a hand, after all.


    ¡°Everyone, get back,¡± Xia Tian told Ceng Rou and the other directors.


    The group was puzzled as to what he was up to, but they still listened to him and backed away. They dared not challenge him after he did in the meeting room.


    ¡°Xia Tian, do you have any idea what you¡¯re doing?¡± Lin Bingbing¡¯s frown deepened on her face.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bomb under the car,¡± Xia Tian casually remarked.


    ¡°What? A bomb under the car!?¡± Lin Bingbing looked at Xia Tian with shock written on her face.


    Xia Tian walked towards the vehicle and felt about the fuel tank with both hands. Soon, a bomb appeared in his palms. On it was a countdown with three minutes remaining on the clock.


    ¡°Everyone, get back!¡± Lin Bingbing blurted.


    ¡°This¡­¡± Sir Xu was rattled. He finally realized what that person¡¯s plan was. All this while, he had thought the person only wanted him to send Ceng Rou¡¯s group to the station.


    He did not know the person¡¯s real objective was the bomb.


    He thought that only his job would be on the line for taking Ceng Rou to the station, but if that many of them were to die, his life would not be enough for recompense.


    ¡°Xia Tian, take the bomb to somewhere with no people, there¡¯s no time to call a bomb squad to defuse it!¡± Lin Bingbing cried in a panic.


    The onlookers on the scene had already fled, even the Ceng Corporation¡¯s directors took cover in the building, leaving Ceng Rou staring at Xia Tian with concern.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean why? It¡¯s an electromagnetic pulse bomb and it¡¯s powerful! It¡¯ll blow up everything within thirty-feet!¡± Lin Bingbing shouted. There must be something seriously wrong with Xia Tian for him to have a casual conversation with her while holding that dangerous thing.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I just pull one of these wires?¡± Xia Tian pulled out a black wire in the middle with everyone on the scene having their hearts in their mouths. How could he defuse a bomb with just his hands with so much at stake? Nobody would be able to escape if anything were to go awry.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45: Second-tier Assassin


    The clock froze. The numbers on the bomb had really stopped.


    ¡°You idiot! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was!?¡± Lin Bingbing stormed over to Xia Tian. It was a risky move. If Xia Tian were to pull the wrong wire, everyone on the site would be finished.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t blow up,¡± Xia Tian answered in a serious tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying, what if it did!¡± Lin Bingbing retorted angrily.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t though. You can take a look at it yourself if you still don¡¯t believe me.¡± Xia Tian handed the bomb to Lin Bingbing.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bomb, just give it to me. I¡¯ll need to get the experts to dispose of it.¡± Lin Bingbing took the bomb in her hands carefully after requesting for a bomb squad.


    It was then that Xia Tian¡¯s eyes saw a path in his vision. The path was fine but felt familiar.


    ¡°This is¡­ A bullet. But who¡­?¡± Xia Tian followed the line and saw the bullet¡¯s path end at Ceng Rou. The bullet was heading for her! Quick on his feet, Xia Tian dashed towards Ceng Rou to push her to the ground. As the ground approached, Xia Tian twisted to cushion her fall.


    The impact would be on his body then.


    The bullet whizzed past where Ceng Rou had stood moments before, shattering the glass behind her.


    ¡°Take cover, there¡¯s a sniper!¡± Lin Bingbing cried out. Another gunshot rang through the air and the target this time was not Ceng Rou but Xu Xiaodui.


    ¡°Xu Xiaodui!¡± Everyone scrambled into hiding as the bullet pierced his arm.


    ¡°Sister Rou, stay here and don¡¯t go anywhere, I¡¯m going after him. Those who shoot others in the back are the worst. ¡± Xia Tian placed Ceng Rou behind a pillar along with everyone on site, who were in cover behind something.


    This was no laughing matter ¡ª live ammunition was involved. Each one of them was paralyzed with fear looking at the once high and mighty Xu Xiaodui collapsed on the ground with a bullet in his arm.


    It was impossible that the events that transpired were mere coincidences. Xu Xiaodui had insisted on shoving Ceng Rou onto a prison van with a time bomb. This alone meant he undoubtedly had an ulterior motive.


    However, Xu Xiaodui was also now shot in the arm. This was undoubtedly a warning.


    Every person present kept their heads well behind cover. Bullets were not fun and games, after all.


    Just as everyone¡¯s blood was running cold, Xia Tian stood up and shot a steely gaze at the top of the faraway building.


    ¡°D*mn it, he escaped.¡± Xia Tian then carried Ceng Rou up. The shooter¡¯s targets were clear ¡ª Ceng Rou and Xu Xiaodui. The person fired a shot at each target before swiftly retreating, regardless of whether they had hit or missed.


    The shooter did not display the technique nor the decisiveness of a Tier-three assassin ¡ª a Tier-two assassin had made a move.


    However, a Tier-two assassin was a more formidable adversary than Xia Tian had imagined. In their first encounter, he had not had look at his face.


    ¡°Xia Tian, what are you doing?¡± Lin Bingbing shouted after she saw Xia Tian standing up.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡±


    The group was still in cover except for Ceng Rou and Xia Tian, but even still, the police were searching for the sniper with added caution and did not let down their guard despite Xia Tian¡¯s words.


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡¯


    ¡°Xia Tian, come to Jianghai University.¡±


    ¡°Cousin? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Tang Yan has declared another challenge. All the frontline players of the basketball team are here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with me?¡±


    ¡°The captain of the basketball team is the son of Jianghai University¡¯s vice-principal. If you refuse to take the challenge, he¡¯ll have his father shut down the literature and art club.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head over.¡±


    Xia Tian hung up the call.


    Noticing Xia Tian casually talking on the phone, those hiding in a corner finally stood up.


    The place was in shambles. From an attempted assassination to Xu Xiaodui despite his audacious actions forcing Ceng Rou into the bomb-infused car to finally a close brush with a sniper.


    ¡°Mrs. Ceng, we¡¯ll provide you with an explanation for the events that happened today.¡± Lin Bingbing drew closer to Ceng Rou.


    ¡°You know Xia Tian?¡± The woman had always had a sharp intuition.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Bingbing nodded.


    ¡°Let today¡¯s matter pass. Ask my attorney if you require any aid in your investigation.¡± Ceng Rou¡¯s intentions were clear. She was showing respect and letting the matter today rest just because Lin Bingbing knew Xia Tian.


    Xu Xiaodui¡¯s actions would inevitably trigger far-reaching consequences for the bureau.


    Ceng Rou was a public figure in Jianghai City and the Ceng Corporation was a protected and legitimate business that paid over hundreds of millions in tax annually. Even despite this, she was almost met with death today


    If the higher-ups were unable to provide a satisfying explanation, many entrepreneurs would lose their trust in the security of the city.


    This was a grave problem.


    However, Ceng Rou¡¯s word to let it slide because Lin Bingbing was an acquaintance of Xia Tian was Ceng Rou giving face to Xia Tian.


    Lin Bingbing was oblivious to the fact that her promotion was due to Ceng Rou¡¯s words. She even took Xu Xiaodui¡¯s place because she took care of the matter.


    Xu Xiaodui¡¯s wife and daughter were missing in action, but that was a separate matter altogether. For now, Xia Tian had taken care of the five Ceng elders and dealt with the bunch from Quicksand. If the five Ceng elders did not continue to pump money in, Quicksand would not be sending any other assassins on their tail.


    Although Quicksand¡¯s aim was to finish off the kill as long as a job was accepted, they were not operating a charity, and would not send out killers continually for no reward. Taking Ceng Rou¡¯s assassination, for example, a Tier-three killer would be sent to kill Ceng Rou under normal circumstances because the five Ceng elders had only paid enough for one.


    However, this Tier-three killer did not manage to finish the job so Quicksand would continue to dispatch assassins. There was a need for the hirer to hand in more money because Quicksand lost a Tier-three killer due to their failure to inform them of Xia Tian¡¯s existence.


    Quicksand usually sent out two Tier-three killers on missions together; if the first should fail, the second assassin could take his place to strike. However, these two killers would not know when the other would make a move.


    The five Ceng elders paid a huge price to kill Ceng Rou, hiring not only two Tier-three killers but also a Tier-two assassin.


    Xia Tian had wiped out two Tier-three killers, leaving only the Tier-two killer remaining. The assassination from Quicksand would only come to an end if Xia Tian was able to take care of the Tier-two killer, unless the five Ceng elders stopped injecting funds.


    However, the five Ceng elders had turned themselves in. Their capital was frozen and they were about to spend their entire lives behind bars.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46: Get Him Down On His Knees and Own Up to His Mistake


    ¡°Sister Rou, I¡¯ll be heading to Jianghai University in a bit. You should come with me.¡± Xia Tian did not want Ceng Rou to be by herself. There was, after all, a Tier-two assassin somewhere in the shadows.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make arrangements.¡± Ceng Rou nodded. She knew Xia Tian¡¯s suggestion was to protect her.


    There were still matters to be settled in the office, but Ceng Rou left it all to other people at by giving out instructions. Xia Tian was envious watching it unfold.


    ¡°Sister Hui, there¡¯s a basketball match today in Jianghai University.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still off-season for the CNBA 1. Is it a friendly match?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a friendly match. It¡¯s related to that basketball god from before.¡±


    ¡°What? Basketball god? Are you talking about that shooting god who never misses a shot?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one, the basketball god who defeated Fang Li. I heard that they pulled some strings using Xue Chuan¡¯s connections to take revenge. His father¡¯s the vice principal of Jianghai University so if Ye Qingxue refuses to accept the challenge, the literature and art club will be disbanded.¡±


    ¡°The basketball club in Jianghai University is really a letdown. I thought Tang Yan¡¯s presence would bring progress to the club but they¡¯re resorting to these lowly tactics now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to watch the basketball god play again? This would be a great chance!¡±


    ¡°That person has gone off the grid ever since the last game. This is a great opportunity.¡±


    Yang Buhui was a basketball headhunter who dabbled all year long in the sport. Her job was to discover new talent and send them to the CBA 1.


    Most of those players were, in turn, sought from the CNBA.


    She was in complete shock over Xia Tian¡¯s performance in the past game. In her eyes, he had all the makings of a superstar. She tried to ask around about Xia Tian but was unable to obtain any information other than his name.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you escape this time.¡±


    ¡°Sister Wen, I think there might be some kind of misunderstanding. I didn¡¯t know that Xue Chuan would do such a thing. I had only just heard,¡± Tang Yan explained.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of Xue Chuan. I¡¯m in charge of the student council and nobody but myself can disband any club, not even the vice-principal,¡± Huo Wennu said in an overbearing manner.


    Tang Yan was at a loss for words seeing Huo Wennu up the wall. She was familiar with the force behind the woman ¡ª she was only able to take the role of the basketball club¡¯s coach with Huo Wennu¡¯s help.


    It had always been her dream to pursue a basketball career. She wanted Jianghai University¡¯s basketball club to be national champions and had been working towards that goal.


    She had toiled endlessly for the basketball club to accept her as their coach.


    ¡°Sister Wen, I¡¯ll tell Xue Chuan and the rest to stop this fiasco.¡± Tang Yan got up, wanting to leave.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Ye Qingxue, who remained silent the whole time, spoke up. ¡°Sister Wen, Xia Tian¡¯s on the way. As club president, I have the right to uphold the dignity of the literature and art club.¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian!? The person who put Wang Nianlin in his place and defeated Fang Li?¡± Xia Tian left a vague impression on Huo Wennu but she thought that he was no different than any other man. She had never bothered to ask about him.


    ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡± Ye Qingxue nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll agree to the match since he¡¯s here. However, this is a competition, so there has to be a prize.¡± Huo Wennu relayed her intentions while looking at Tang Yan.


    ¡°What do you have in mind? Sister Wen can decide,¡± Tang Yan said.


    ¡°This match is Xue Chuan¡¯s doing. If he loses, he¡¯ll have to get down on his knees and own up his mistakes to Xia Tian.¡±


    ¡°Sister Wen, you know how Xue Chuan is like. He would never do it,¡± Tang Yan replied.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s your business.¡±


    Back in the basketball club.


    ¡°Brother Chuan, I heard Madam Boss was summoned by that witch Huo Wennu.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Xue Chuan answered with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°You know how that witch is. Looks like our match this time¡¯s going to go up in smoke.¡±


    ¡°What can I do? I can¡¯t afford to offend her.¡± Xue Chuan had never looked this solemn.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to make them pay for what they¡¯ve done. The whole university knows our basketball club lost to a bunch of sissies from the literature and art club. In basketball.¡±


    ¡°Fang Li, get over here.¡± Xue Chuan lifted his head and looked towards Fang Li.


    ¡°Captain, surely you must think I¡¯ve become more handsome? I share your sentiments,¡± Fang Li narcissistically replied.


    ¡°Is that person really as good as you said?¡± Aware of Fang Li¡¯s capability, Xue Chuan knew that the chasm between the scores in the last game was not a result of carelessness and mistakes. The opponent must have possessed quite some ability.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never met an opponent this formidable.¡± Fang Li hardly took any conversations seriously, but ever since the last basketball game, he stood for no nonsense at the mention of the game or the basketball god.


    ¡°Do you know who he is?¡± Xue Chuan asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I had someone investigate it but they came back empty. I only know his name is Xia Tian and that he was invited by Ye Qingxue.¡± Fang Li shook his head.


    ¡°If we could get someone like that to join the basketball team, we¡¯ll really have a shot at being the national champions!¡± It was as though a smile had never appeared on Xue Chuan¡¯s face before that moment.


    ¡°Madam Boss is back!¡±


    Everybody glanced at Tang Yan at the door. She hung her head low, not uttering a word.


    ¡°Madam Boss, has the game been canceled by that witch Huo Wennu?¡±


    ¡°I knew that witch was going to be in the way.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to get our revenge.¡±


    The basketball club members had their heads bowed. They were looked down upon since their loss against the literature and art club and wanted to regain their pride with this match. However, by the looks of Tang Yan¡¯s face, the odds were against them.


    ¡°Madam Boss, say something. What did Huo Wennu decide?¡± Xue Chuan asked.


    ¡°She said the game can continue, but there¡¯ll be a wager.¡± Tang Yan stared at Xue Chuan. She was in a difficult position because she was too familiar with Xue Chuan¡¯s character.


    ¡°What¡¯s the bet?¡± Xue Chuan questioned.


    ¡°If you lose, you have to kneel down to Xia Tian and apologize,¡± Tang Yan said with a deep frown.


    ¡°What? That witch has gone too far! How can she do this!?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s her problem? No, absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s humiliating the captain.¡±


    Everyone knew how prideful Xue Chuan was. He would never bow down to anybody. His aura announced to the world that he thought himself to be higher than the rest. He usually carried himself in a serious and cold manner.


    ¡°I agree.¡±

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47: I Agree


    Xue Chuan was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father was the vice principal of Jianghai University, placing him high up on the social ladder within Jianghai City. He was showered with praises wherever he went.


    He was handsome, tall, rich, and also the captain of the basketball team.


    Everyone on the basketball team knew the kind of person he was. When Tang Yan first came into the picture, nobody treated her with respect because everyone acted only on Captain Xue Chuan¡¯s words.


    It was only after Tang Yan led the basketball team to a win against a CNA team in a friendly match, thereby proving her value, that Xue Chuan started to acknowledge Tang Yan¡¯s existence. Everyone followed suit and heeded Tang Yan¡¯s instructions since then, but her relationship with Xue Chuan was nothing more than an acknowledgment.


    Huo Wennu¡¯s condition of kneeling and apologizing was harsh. It was sheer humiliation, but Xue Chuan knew that this was a warning from Huo Wennu.


    He had led his people in a challenge against the literature and art club, threatening Ye Qingxue with his father¡¯s name. This was Huo Wennu¡¯s form of retribution.


    She was making an example of Xue Chuan.


    Huo Wennu was a force to be reckoned with in Jianghai University, someone that even he, Xue Chuan, had to submit to. His father might be the vice-principal, but even the principal and directors of Jianghai University proactively approached and greeted Huo Wennu.


    Huo Wennu had influential connections stemming from the largest company in Jianghai City, Huayun Co. It was said that Huoyun Co.¡¯s founder had gone to war before establishing this company.


    The extent of Huoyun Co.¡¯s influence did not stop at Jianghai City but also extended into the neighboring cities.


    Huoyun Co. did not build its empire on shady dealings, but had involved itself in many areas such as film, television, real estate, and much more


    Huo Wennu was the granddaughter of Huoyun Co.¡¯s boss. She was also the brightest among the Huo family¡¯s third generation.


    Xue Chuan knew the extent of Huo Wennu¡¯s influence. He had attempted to intimidate Ye Qingxue to draw out the basketball god and see if he was the real deal. He thought little of the players in the CBA ¡ª only those superstars in the NBA 1 deserved his respect.


    ¡°What?¡± Tang Yan stared at Xue Chuan, dumbstruck.


    ¡°Hey, boss, you heard that, didn¡¯t you? The witch wants you to get down on your knees and apologize!¡± The group cast confused gazes at Xue Chuan.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Xue Chuan lifted his head up slowly. ¡°but it¡¯s only a bet. I¡¯ll only have to kneel and own up to my mistakes if we lose. That¡¯s not going to happen if we win.¡±


    ¡°But Captain, that Xia Tian really does have the skills.¡± Fang Li frowned at Xue Chuan.


    ¡°Are you saying you don¡¯t have any confidence in me? I¡¯m not going to battle alone; all five of us are going. I want to see how good he is against the top five basketball players on the court.¡± Xue Chuan was brimming with confidence. He was going to go full-on with the five forefront players.


    This was a show of absolute strength.


    ¡°Xue Chuan, are you sure about this?¡± Tang Yan studied Xue Chuan¡¯s face solemnly


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, gather everyone in the basketball team. I want to have a meeting.¡± Tang Yan¡¯s voice lingered in the club.


    Jianghai University was full of beautiful women, and even beauties like Ye Qingxue and Tang Yan only placed fourth and fifth. It was plain to see just how beautiful the girls were on campus, including the lot of beautiful freshmen that entered Jianghai University annually, among which many stood out above the rest.


    Yet, the number one beauty of Jianghai University remained the same.


    Yun Miao lived up to her name as the most beautiful maiden in Jianghai University. There was once someone who posted a collection of her every move on the web. It was an instant hit.


    She was a living beauty akin to a fairy and the mere sight of her was like seeing a goddess walking among men. Many people had heard of the beauty Chang¡¯e, but nobody had ever seen her. (TN: Chang¡¯e is a goddess of the moon in Chinese mythology.)Even then, not a single person in Jianghai University believed that Chang¡¯e could compare to Yun Miao¡¯s beauty even if she were to descend upon the earth.


    Her aura was divine, shimmering in radiance wherever she went.


    ¡°Senior apprentice, something big is happening!¡± An ordinary-looking woman pulled Yun Miao over.


    ¡°You¡¯re always hustling and bustling about. What¡¯s going on?¡± Yun Miao¡¯s mellow voice could very well send someone into an ethereal realm.


    ¡°Do you remember the basketball god that stirred up a scene a few days ago? He¡¯s about to have another match with the basketball club. I heard Xue Chuan is leading the team this time, and all the top players are in on it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to see?¡± Yun Miao remarked.


    ¡°Senior apprentice, I think the basketball god isn¡¯t an ordinary man. Have you forgotten the reason we¡¯re here? What if he has something to do with the Celestial Scroll Fragment?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been in Jianghai City for so many years and the scroll fragment was last heard of in the hands of Xia Tianlong. He¡¯s dead, burying any news of the scroll fragment along with him. I¡¯ve never heard news of the scroll fragment since,¡± Yun Miao continued, ¡°Over a hundred were involved in that war and among them, twelve of them were foreigners. No one knows where the scroll fragment is now.¡±


    ¡°Senior apprentice, when we¡¯re in search of things, they may seem beyond our reach but sometimes, news of the scroll fragment may just land on our hands when we watch what the hustle and bustle is all about.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­ You and the excuses you come up with,¡± Yun Miao helplessly said.


    ¡°Join me, senior apprentice! I really want to see what that basketball god looks like.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine, fine. Do as you please.¡± Yun Miao nodded.


    This basketball match had attracted the attention of many. It was a highly anticipated battle between the basketball club¡¯s players and the literature and art club¡¯s external player, the basketball god. He had showcased his skills in Jianghai University before vanishing without a trace.


    Everyone looked forward to seeing if the basketball god was able to seize another victory.


    Would his god-like cross-court shot make another appearance?


    There were even reporters who wanted to broadcast the match live after catching wind of the news. They wanted a clear shot of the basketball god¡¯s looks. Although there were some videos of the basketball god, no one had actually taken his photo.


    Ceng Rou accompanied Xia Tian to Jianghai University after having a talk with him. She decided to cast the things that happened the night before into a dream that did not involve Xia Tian. From here on out, she would be Xia Tian¡¯s sister, not a lover.


    This was something she made her mind up on a long time ago. She was old, but Xia Tian was still young and outstanding. She did not wish for Xia Tian to put her in the center of his life due to her selfishness.


    Although Xia Tian did mention he would take responsibility, Ceng Rou was firm on her stand. In the end, Xia Tian had to abide by her wishes.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48: Bite Me


    Xia Tian made a beeline for his destination since he knew where the literature and art club was. Both of them attracted a lot of attention as they were walking. More precisely, it was Ceng Rou who was the head-turner and caught the eyes of many.


    Ceng Rou was definitely a great beauty, the best of the best whether it be in fashion or looks. Unlike the girls in the school, her beauty was one of subtlety.


    Men could not help but take a second glance at the sight of her while the women went green with envy.


    They soon reached the literature and art club where Ye Qingxue frowned at Ceng Rou the moment she laid her eyes on her.


    ¡°Xia Tian, who is she?¡± Ye Qingxue blurted as she stared at Ceng Rou with wariness. She felt a great deal of pressure before Ceng Rou¡¯s commanding beauty, although she did not understand why she felt this way.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ceng Rou.¡± Cheng Rou saw through Ye Qingxue¡¯s thoughts. Through her years of experience, she could tell that this woman was interested in Xia Tian. She felt the seething animosity coming from Ye Qingxue the moment she entered the room.


    ¡°Let me introduce you two. This is my cousin, Ye Qingxue. This is Sister Rou.¡±


    ¡°Cousin?¡± Ceng Rou and everyone else in the literature and art club was taken aback.


    ¡°She¡¯s your cousin?¡± Ceng Rou stared at Xia Tian in confusion. Was her intuition wrong?


    ¡°Of course, we grew up together.¡± Xia Tian nodded.


    ¡°Sister Xue, so he¡¯s your cousin? You¡¯ve really kept it under wraps. We thought he was your boyfriend.¡± The literature and art club members were under the impression that Xia Tian was Ye Qingxue¡¯s boyfriend as he always turned up to solve any problems she faced.


    ¡°Sister Xue, you¡¯re really something. I¡¯m still single, you know?¡±


    ¡°Sister Xue, I have the looks and am good in the kitchen. You¡¯re sure to be happy to have me as your in-law.¡±


    ¡°Sister Xue, don¡¯t listen to them. I¡¯m still a little girl.¡±


    The women from the literature and art club drooled over him with their googly eyes. Xia Tian was their Prince Charming on a white horse. The basketball match and karaoke incident were still fresh in their minds.


    ¡°Brother Tian, I¡¯m an obedient young woman.¡± One of the literature and art members made a move immediately, bashfully making herself known beside Xia Tian.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re quite the ladies man.¡± Ceng Rou smiled slyly at the scene. `


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Xia Tian chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Sister Rou¡­ You¡¯re teasing me as well?¡±


    ¡°Brother Tian, I¡¯m serious!¡± The girl played it coy.


    ¡°Alright, I didn¡¯t call you people here for a date. Look at you, you can¡¯t even behave yourselves.¡± Ye Qingxue glared at the group of people.


    The starry-eyed girls finally dropped their act after hearing Ye Qingxue utter those words. However, they still looked at Xia Tian pleasantly, occasionally winking at him while throwing flirtatious glances his way.


    ¡°Ye Qingxue, come out.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, upperclasswoman. The guys from the sports club are at it again.¡± A sissy from the literature and art club scurried in.


    ¡°Sports club?¡± Xia Tian turned to walk out.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Xia Tian. I thought you were playing 0dead. Who knew you¡¯d dare to show your face today?¡± Yan Xu recognized Xia Tian. Although he could not recall how Xia Tian looked like, he could still immediately recognize Xia Tian when he saw him again.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Xia Tian asked Yan Xu.


    ¡°Yeah, right. I was the guy that played with you in the game. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten me after only a few days?¡± Yan Xue sneered at Xia Tian.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember. I only remember beautiful women,¡± Xia Tian replied listlessly.


    ¡°Humph.¡± Yan Xu snorted coldly after sensing Xia Tian was mocking him. ¡°I don¡¯t care what game you¡¯re playing. We¡¯re here because of you today.¡±


    ¡°What do you need me for?¡± Xia Tian asked.


    ¡°To challenge you at training, of course,¡± Yan Xu replied.


    ¡°Are there any beautiful women?¡± Xia Tian posed another question.


    ¡°Our sports club is made up of men,¡± Yan Xu angrily answered. He felt ridiculed by Xia Tian.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m not interested,¡± Xia Tian retorted with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re interested or not. You have to compete today.¡± Yan Xu stood in Xia Tian¡¯s way.


    Smack!


    Xia Tian¡¯s slap sent Yan Xu flying across the room. His action left everyone present dumbfounded. It never crossed anyone¡¯s mind that Xia Tian would lay a hand on him and with great force as well. Sure, Yan Xu was dainty but he was not small enough to be smacked across the room with a single slap.


    ¡°How dare you hit me!¡± Yan Xu stared furiously at Xia Tian with his hand covering his face.


    ¡°Bite me then!¡±


    ¡°Humph.¡± President Li¡¯s expression hardened. This was blatant disrespect to President Li ¡ª hitting his people in front of him. The sports club had always possessed an overbearing presence because of the strong build of its members. No one dared to mess with them, and yet here someone was, hitting his people.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for hitting me.¡± Yan Xu bitterly glared at Xia Tian. Nevertheless, knowing he was no match for Xia Tian, he tried to escape by hiding behind President Li.


    It was then that Xia Tian kicked his butt, planting Yan Xu¡¯s body flat on the stone floor.


    By the time Yan Xu got up, his two front teeth were missing.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far! You should check who the boss is before raising your fist!¡± President Li was fuming at Xia Tian.


    ¡°There¡¯s a boss here? Where?¡± Xia Tian made exaggerated movements glancing to the left and right. The literature and art club members behind him burst into laughter at his demonstration.


    ¡°How dare you taunt me!¡± President Li gave Xia Tian the death stare.


    ¡°President, you can¡¯t let him off the hook. I¡¯m with you. He¡¯s not giving you face for hitting me. In fact, he didn¡¯t kick my ass but your face instead.¡± Yan Xu¡¯s tears were rolling down his cheeks while his mouth was still bleeding profusely.


    ¡°Your ass, his face,¡± Xia Tian earnestly added.


    ¡°You b*stard, you¡¯re doomed.¡± President Li threw Xia Tian a kick without wasting another breath. As the president of the sports club, he was in better shape than many of the regular students. He often underwent training so his movements were agile.


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Ye Qingxue and Ceng Rou yelled simultaneously.


    Smack!


    A tight slap brought everyone back to reality.


    ¡°This slap is for the guy behind you. How can you be the boss with your incompetence?¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°This slap is for you. Why act cocky when you know what¡¯s coming for you?¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°This slap is for the literature and art club. Your ruckus has disturbed their afternoon nap, don¡¯t you know?!¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°This slap is for these plants here, you¡¯ve frightened them, don¡¯t you know?!¡±

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49: No. 1 Beauty


    Smack!!!


    ¡°And this slap is for me, don¡¯t you know how tiring it is for me to hit you?¡±


    How shocking!


    Everyone on site was aghast at such a sight, even the sports club members behind President Li were watching with their jaws dropped. This was a sight they never imagined they would see. Were they dreaming?


    Yan Xu slipped away from the crowd after President Li was struck because he was mortified of Xia Tian. It would be the end for him if Xia Tian was unsatisfied with just hitting the president and went for him next.


    The literature and art club members jumped at Xia Tian¡¯s violence.


    ¡°Wah! Wah!¡± President Li burst into a stream of tears as he began crying.


    The crowd was awestruck at the sight of the sport¡¯s club president crying. For the president to be hit to the point of tears was a dramatic turn of events indeed. Even Xia Tian was at a loss when witnessing a tough man bawling in tears.


    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t hit you. You can stop crying now,¡± Xia Tian said helplessly.


    ¡°Wah! Wah!¡± President Li¡¯s wails grew even louder.


    ¡°Now, if you keep crying like this I¡¯ll keep hitting you,¡± Xia Tian responded with an icy tone. President Li¡¯s wailing stopped at those words.


    ¡°Leave, and don¡¯t let me see you again.¡±


    President Li fled hastily without turning back.


    ¡°What are you lot still doing here? Do you need me to send you on your way?¡± Xia Tian glanced at the rest of the sports club members. The group scurried away with their tails between their legs.


    There was a person sitting in the distance, observing them.


    ¡°Xia Tian¡­ What an interesting person.¡± That person was Huo Wennu. Instead of going to the literature and art club, she turned and left.


    The earlier episode did not pour cold water on anybody else, for they knew Xia Tian did it to protect the literature and art club. He was only mean to the enemy.


    ¡°Today¡¯s match will be tricky,¡± Ye Qingxue said to Xia Tian.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Xia Tian answered.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t say how tricky it would be yet,¡± Ye Qingxue continued.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I won¡¯t lose,¡± Xia Tian dully replied.


    ¡°Anyhow, I¡¯m still going to let you know. All of the basketball team¡¯s front line players will be competing this time. Fang Li, who played with you the last time, was only one of them; it¡¯s five of them this time.¡± Ye Qingxue briefly explained the situation to Xia Tian.


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the only thing you¡¯ll say. Sister Wen is now involved in this. She said that if you won, Xue Chuan would get down on his knees and own up to his mistake. I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t let him get on his knees even if you win. People have their pride. Although Xue Chuan went overboard this time, he didn¡¯t do anything that crossed the line.¡± Ye Qingxue was very concerned with the way Xia Tian dealt with Tang Yan, pressing her to live up to her side of the bargain.


    Xue Chuan might have been crude with his words but Ye Qingxue knew Xue Chuan would not actually walk the walk. He only said it to lure Xia Tian out.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    The game was about to begin. This time, Ye Qingxue opted not to use external help but called four of the literature and art club sissies to play alongside Xia Tian. Later, Ceng Rou followed the literature and art club members into the court.


    When the basketball team had arrived, the rest of the club members, including the basketball cheer team were also present to cheer the five players on. Tang Yan did not arrange for the cheerleading team to move their hips this time but this did not affect their passion to cheer in the frontlines for the basketball team.


    There was an increase in support for the literature and art club with some spectators carrying signs to stand behind the basketball god. However, these signs did not have Xia Tian¡¯s face on them but showed a view of his back instead.


    No one was able to capture Xia Tian¡¯s face in the last game so only the view of his rear could be used.


    ¡°Look! Isn¡¯t that Jianghai University¡¯s No. 1 Beauty, Yun Miao?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s here to watch the game.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s so gorgeous! I don¡¯t have the courage to get close to her¡­¡±


    The arrival of Yun Miao had caught the attention of those in the bleachers. All the men were longing for her, and yet they all shared a similar obstacle ¡ª which was their inability to approach Yun Miao. They would be overwhelmed by inferiority the moment they drew close to her.


    Despite there being a lot of people who came to the game until almost all the seats were filled, they would offer their seats to Yun Miao without hesitation.


    ¡°Yun Miao, come sit with me,¡± Huo Wennu said. She might not be close to Yun Miao but they had met in the past.


    Yun Miao nodded in agreement. Huo Wennu had occupied the best seats but since nobody dared to sit close to her, this saved Yun Miao a lot of trouble.


    ¡°Senior apprentice, that person must be the basketball god!¡±


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, don¡¯t call me senior apprentice in front of all these people,¡± Yun Miao whispered.


    ¡°Oh, Sister Miao, that person there is the basketball god.¡± Ling¡¯er pointed at the only male-ish person in the literature and art club. There were five men in the club and the four of them were sissies. Xia Tian was the only one who looked like a normal guy.


    ¡°Nothing special about him.¡± Yun Miao took a glance at Xia Tian.


    The game finally began.


    ¡°Grab the ball!¡±


    ¡°Brother Tian, you should go. No one can jump higher than you,¡± the four literature and art club sissies addressed Xia Tian as Brother Tian.


    ¡°Just let them have it. What¡¯s there to fight for?¡± Xia Tian could not be bothered to seize the first ball.


    ¡°Come on, basketball god!¡± Ling¡¯er shouted out loud from the bleachers. Her voice grabbed the attention of Xia Tian but he was not looking at her. Instead, his eyes were on Yun Miao who was beside her.


    Gorgeous!


    Xia Tian did not have the words to describe the beauty of this woman. Engrossed in her beauty, he could not help but activate his Insight on her.


    Soon, he realized a severe problem. His Insight was not working.


    Xia Tian turned his sight toward Ling¡¯er who was beside her. Still, his Insight remained inactive.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why isn¡¯t my Insight working?¡± Xia Tian moved his eyes toward Huo Wennu. He saw through her clearly ¡ª Huo Wennu was not wearing anything other than breast patches.


    This phenomenon left him with more questions. Why could he not see through these two women? Did it have something to do with their clothing?


    2 to 0.


    While Xia Tian was daydreaming, Fang Li took the lead with a dunk.


    ¡°I live for flowers¡­ I live for the applause. I know I¡¯m handsome but I just want to be an ordinary, beautiful man.¡± Fang Li started with his signature narcissistic move.


    Xia Tian could not take his eyes away from Yun Miao. He loathed to part his gaze from Yun Miao¡¯s beauty.


    Wham!


    4 to 0.


    ¡°Xia Tian, what the hell are you doing? You¡¯re asking for it!¡± Ye Qingxue shouted. Xia Tian came back to his senses at the sound of Ye Qingxue¡¯s voice, forcing him to cast his longing gaze away from Yun Miao.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50: Tang Yan¡¯s Shock


    In the short time that Xia Tian was daydreaming, the basketball team had scored four points. During that time, the four literature and art club sissies dared not disturb Xia Tian but the moment Xia Tian came back to his senses, joy crept into their faces. Without Xia Tian, the four were defenseless even against a single person.


    ¡°Huh, what¡¯s going on? Why can¡¯t I take his picture?¡± A person on the bleachers stared at his DSLR camera with confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s 4 to 0. Those people from the literature and art club don¡¯t know how to play,¡± Yun Miao said softly.


    ¡°Sister Miao, don¡¯t be so quick to judge. The basketball god is mesmerized by your beauty and hasn¡¯t had the chance to exercise his skills yet. He¡¯s about to shine.¡± Ling¡¯er looked at Xia Tian expectantly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem interested in the game,¡± Huo Wennu who sat beside Yun Miao pointed out.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to accompany Ling¡¯er,¡± Yun Miao answered.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what you are interested in.¡± Huo Wennu turned her head around. She considered Yun Miao as the oddball in the whole of Jianghai University, someone that she could not put a finger on. Yun Miao never showed interest in anything ¡ª she never participated in any activities, never went out for meals with anyone, even ignored courtship from the rich.


    ¡°Sister Hui, how are we going to do this?¡± Asked a voice from another end of the bleachers.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let him escape this time. I must get my hands on him.¡± Yang Buhui solemnly stared at Xia Tian in court.


    The literature and art club served the ball, passing it straight to Xia Tian.


    The basketball team collectively returned to play defense but Xia Tian leaped from where he was, jumping beneath the basket of his team¡¯s court. If it were a few days ago, people would call him crazy for jumping under his own hoop, thinking he must be out of his mind.


    The air was thick with tension as they waited for the glorious shot to happen.


    Swish!


    It went straight into the hoop.


    3 to 4.


    As expected, the ball went in. The ball had indeed gone in! Cheer roared from the stands. The shot was simply divine.


    ¡°That¡¯s the shot,¡± Yang Buhui blurted in excitement.


    ¡°Sister Miao, look! What do you think? He¡¯s amazing, right?¡± Ling¡¯er boiled over with excitement.


    Although Yun Miao¡¯s face was expressionless, she still nodded slightly. Despite being almost unnoticeable, Ling¡¯er caught a glimpse of it. That slight motion meant that Yun Miao agreed with her.


    ¡°He¡¯s awesome.¡± Ceng Rou sat in disbelief at the courtside. She did not really take a fancy to basketball but she still knew the rules and had never seen anyone throw a shot like Xia Tian.


    ¡°Of course, we share the same blood after all.¡± Still harboring animosity towards Ceng Rou, Ye Qingxue suspected something going on between Ceng Rou and Xia Tian. Although there was no proof, this was her intuition ¡ª a woman¡¯s sixth sense.


    ¡°Qingxue, why are you talking like Xia Tian is yours?¡± Bingxin who was seated beside Ye Qingxue smiled.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re teasing me? Should I tell him you secretly drew pictures of him?¡± There was a hint of mystery to Ye Qingxue¡¯s smile as she flashed it.


    ¡°No!¡± Bingxin cried out in a panic.


    ¡°Great, then you better be on the same team as I am.¡± Ye Qingxue was talking about resisting Ceng Rou.


    The sight of Xia Tian scoring a basket stirred a wave of emotions within Tang Yan. After she returned from her stint overseas, she had the opportunity to witness the skills NBA superstars possessed with her own eyes but even then, she was sure that at this moment, no one possessed talent like Xia Tian.


    The way he threw the ball with such accuracy foreshadowed the kind of superstar he would be in the basketball world.


    He fully deserved the title ¡®Basketball God¡¯. Even Xue Chuan was caught off guard in court. Despite having prepared himself for it, it was still a shocking scene to watch.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him beat you down. Regain your spirits. We can¡¯t lose!¡± Xue Chuan shouted, attempting to bring back everyone¡¯s fighting spirit.


    ¡°I was merely captivated by my own charm.¡± Fang Li struck another stylish pose.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xue Chuan dribbled the ball in an attempt to move collectively toward the opposite end of the court.


    Bam!


    The ball was stolen. Xue Chuan saw Xia Tian but he did not pass the ball. Instead, the ball was stopped by Xia Tian while he attempted to dribble it past him.


    Swish!


    The ball went in. It was now 6 to 4.


    ¡°It was all my fault. I underestimated him. This time, pass the ball if you see him. We¡¯ll play the quick switch.¡± Xue Chuan gathered the players and discussed their strategy.


    The five launched another offensive with Xue Chuan still carrying the ball. Xia Tian ran toward Xue Chuan but the latter opted not to dribble but instead, passed the ball to someone else who swiftly leaped into the air.


    Bam!


    A blocked shot!


    Swoosh!


    9 to 4.


    The ball went through the hoop. Passing the ball around might have prevented Xia Tian from stealing it, but he was still given sufficient time to turn and block the ball as they leaped to take a shot.


    ¡°What speed,¡± Yun Miao finally spoke.


    ¡°What do you think, Sister Miao? You didn¡¯t come for nothing, right?¡± Ling¡¯er commented.


    ¡°It might be hard to figure out the speed and path of the pass but a jump shot can reveal the player¡¯s intention. His ability to grab the opportunity to defend alone is outstanding.¡± Yang Buhui gasped in admiration. To her, Xia Tian was unrivaled in every single way.


    He was formidable.


    ¡°He¡¯s good.¡± Ceng Rou might not know much about basketball but she was completely dazzled by how formidable Xia Tian was.


    ¡°We all saw that, you don¡¯t have to spell it out for us.¡± Ye Qingxue confirmed her suspicion after taking a look at Ceng Rou so she struck a look of discontent at the woman.


    Tang Yan was immersed in total shock. Xia Tian was flawless in his physique. One of her duties as a coach was to strengthen her players¡¯ physical fitness in every aspect.


    However, she could not spot any weakness in Xia Tian. He did not need any enhancements especially since his abilities were already beyond any level imaginable.


    She believed that Xia Tian would rise into a superstar in no time within the NBA ranks.


    If she could put a word on Xia Tian¡¯s character, she would say he was a person she despised. She hated the perverted stares he cast and detested him for forcing her to call him things like Darling, Sweetie, and sometimes even Hubby.


    Nevertheless, she admired Xia Tian when it came to basketball. He was the strongest player she had ever come across in the industry. In fact, he was not even a genius because a genius would have to have the potential to triumph in the future. Xia Tian ¡ª he was already at his peak.


    If he were to take a step into a basketball career, all the other basketball players should probably retire as they would become irrelevant.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51: New Strategy


    ¡°He¡¯s really good.¡± Xue Chuan finally understood how Fang Li felt in the previous match.


    Time out!


    Tang Yan called the first time out of the game. Only a few minutes had passed since it began but Tang Yan seemed to have a new game plan in mind.


    ¡°Brother Tian, you did great.¡± The four sissies served Xia Tian towel and water once they were off the court.


    ¡°Brother. Tian, please give me a chance!.¡±


    ¡°Brother Tian is mine!¡±


    ¡°Stop that, can¡¯t you see Brother Tian¡¯s looking at me?¡±


    The starry-eyed girls of the literature and art club fought over Xia Tian before scrambling to announce their thoughts to him.


    The match continued.


    With Xue Chuan fired up once again, Fang Li dribbled the ball as the five swiftly pressed forward. Xia Tian made haste towards Fang Li but he quickly made a pass. The receiver continued the advance with another forward pass.


    It was then Xia Tian realized that the five stood in a sort of ladder formation, utilizing quick passes to push towards their side of the court.


    Swish!


    7 to 9.


    Xue Chuan was tit for tat with the three-point shot.


    It was the literature and art club¡¯s turn on the ball. This time, the five players did not return to their courts to defend. Instead, four of them encircled Xia Tian within while Fang Li handled the other three. This defense tactic was simple but Fang Li alone was enough to handle three sissies.


    Since Xia Tian was an expert with his shots, they had to keep him away from the ball. This was Tang Yan¡¯s new strategy.


    ¡°Good on her for thinking this up.¡± Yang Buhui saw the shift in their strategy.


    ¡°Sister Hui, won¡¯t they be vulnerable to a quick pass from the literature and art club?¡±


    ¡°Apart from the basketball god in the literature and art club, the rest don¡¯t know how to play. They¡¯ll start to panic once they see him in a bind. They¡¯ll lose the game if this continues.¡± Yang Buhui gazed at Xia Tian with anticipation. ¡°I want to see how he gets out of this.¡±


    ¡°Despicable! The basketball team is just despicable! This is a foul!¡± The girls from the literature and art club were enraged to see Xia Tian encircled.


    The spectators on the stand booed them but the basketball team was not the least bit concerned. It only mattered to them that they won the match. After all, they had merely put Tang Yan¡¯s strategy to realization instead of resorting to lowly tactics.


    Seeing that Xia Tian in trouble and nobody to pass to, the person holding the ball from the literature and art club hurled it away in a random direction. Fang Li took the opportunity to intercept and slammed the ball down into the basket.


    9 to 9.


    The scores were tied. The basketball team¡¯s strategy was working.


    The literature and art club had the ball once again.


    Just as four players were moving to block Xia Tian, he made a quick run towards the person carrying the ball. Overjoyed, the person passed the ball to him.


    Without any hesitation, Xia Tian leaped backward for a shot. The four were too slow. However, they believed Xia Tian would miss because he did a backward jump shot without any preparation, landing outside the boundary line. The distance he had to cover was way further than the last time.


    The difficulty level now was much higher than before.


    Swish!


    12 to 9.


    Xue Chuan and his team stopped in their tracks at the sight of the ball going in. Fear paralyzed them.


    ¡°That was great, basketball god! Keep it up!¡± Ling¡¯er shouted with excitement.


    ¡°His footwork is strange and he only uses two fingers to hurl the ball. He tried to hide it, but I can tell.¡± Yun Miao observed Xia Tian¡¯s every move.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re a sharp one.¡± Huo Wennu took a glance at Yun Miao.


    ¡°What a show, what a show! A quick turn to a backward jump shot. He¡¯s invincible!¡± Yang Buhui was blown away.


    ¡°He¡¯s the coolest.¡± Ceng Rou felt as though as she had returned to her maiden years with her heart fluttering like a teenager.


    ¡°This b*stard really loves to show off!¡± Ye Qingxue unhappily cried. She was uncomfortable with the way other women were looking at Xia Tian, especially Ceng Rou.


    ¡°Qingxue, I¡¯m starting to suspect that you lied to me. You said that he¡¯s good for nothing except his studies, but it¡¯s surprise after surprise now.¡± Bingxin gazed at Qingxue confused.


    ¡°Is he human?¡± Tang Yan did not have the words to describe Xia Tian.


    As the match was still ongoing, the basketball team kept their spirits up and their eyes on Xia Tian. Soon, the first quarter ended.


    30 to 18.


    The literature and art club was in the lead. Although the five players pursued Xia Tian, he was running rings around them. His perfect accuracy long-range shot completely defeated the basketball team.


    Tang Yan had to rethink her strategy yet again.


    ¡°Xia Tian, you were great.¡± Ceng Rou approached Xia Tian.


    ¡°Here, have a sip.¡± Ye Qingxue got in between Xia Tian and Ceng Rou.


    Ceng Rou smiled at Ye Qingxue¡¯s intervention but said nothing. Ye Qingxue¡¯s intentions were obvious. An idiot could sense her hatred towards her.


    ¡°Cousin, who is she?¡± Xia Tian¡¯s gaze focused on Yun Miao on the bleachers.


    ¡°D*mn it, why do you always have girls on your mind? Aren¡¯t I enough for you to look at?¡± Ye Qingxue answered with discontent.


    ¡°She¡¯s Yun Miao, the no. 1 beauty of Jianghai University. They¡¯ve been calling her the top beauty since she was a freshman and no one has been able to surpass her, even now, when she¡¯s a third-year sophomore,¡± Bingxin explained.


    ¡°Yun Miao.¡± Xia Tian nodded. He would remember that name. Not only was Yun Miao beautiful, his Insight would not see through her clothes. This proved that there was something to her simple demeanor.


    ¡°And just why are you still looking? She won¡¯t take a fancy on you even if your eyes were to pop out.¡± Ye Qingxue was furious to see Xia Tian giving Yun Miao the steely gaze.


    ¡°Sister Miao, he seems to be looking at you. You sure have charm.¡± Ling¡¯er teased.


    Yun Miao did not answer her.


    ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate you aren¡¯t interested in him.¡± Ling¡¯er giggled.


    The second quarter began.


    It was still four against one but this time, the four remained in close proximity to Xia Tian, giving him no chance to seize or shoot the ball. Nevertheless, Xia Tian kept his cool. He did not want to parade his skills and steer too much attention to him.


    After all, not everyone in the world knew the existence of martial arts.


    Xi Tian activated his Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step with the four tailing him closely. Xia Tian intentionally slowed down.


    ¡°Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step!¡± Yun Miao¡¯s eyes lit up. She could finally see that the man in the game was bringing the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step to play. It was a technique of the Western Lurker, Xia Tianlong.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52: Slam Dunk


    The Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step was the technique that propelled Xia Tianlong to fame. It was named the best step technique for its footwork, which was one that resembled a fairy descending upon the earth.


    Xia Tian might be sluggish in his motions but there was grace in his movement. He was followed tightly by a few people but anyone could tell he was calm and collected.


    Yun Miao was previously disinterested in the game, but now she had her eyes fixed on Xia Tian.


    She left her home a long time ago but she was no closer to finding a Celestial Scroll Fragment.


    She last heard that one of the scroll fragments was in the hands of Xia Tianlong, but he was long gone having lost his life in battle. Since then, the scroll fragment was nowhere to be found.


    She initially thought that it would be an incredibly difficult task to find any clues to the locations of the Celestial Scroll Fragments. Who would have thought that a basketball game would rekindle her hope?


    Xia Tianlong had a successor.


    The Celestial Scroll Fragment could possibly be with him, too.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, what is his name?¡± Yun Miao asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking an interest in somebody. What a rare sight.¡± Ling¡¯er looked at Yun Miao out of curiosity. She had never seen Yun Miao interested in anything other than the Celestial Scroll Fragments.


    Even Huo Wennu turned to look at Yun Miao. Since they had known each other, it had seemed that nothing piqued Yun Miao¡¯s interest.


    Yun Miao was silent.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. His name is Xia Tian; I heard he¡¯s Ye Qingxue¡¯s boyfriend.¡± Ling¡¯er was familiar with Yun Miao¡¯s temper and penchant for silence and was afraid of ticking her off.


    ¡°Xia Tian, Xia Tianlong.¡± Yun Miao made the connection in her mind before quietly nodding.


    33 to 18.


    Xia Tian slipped past the four-man barricade before snatching the ball out of Fang Li¡¯s hands to fire a shot.


    It was the basketball team¡¯s turn on the ball. Xue Chuan dribbled the ball while the other four made haste towards under the literature and art club¡¯s basket. Xue Chuan took a leap before he crossed the half-court line.


    ¡°What is he doing? Is he trying to shoot?¡±


    ¡°A shot from half-court? Did Xia Tian push Xue Chuan into trying something crazy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s gone mad! Everyone in the basketball team has gone mad!¡±


    Wham!


    The ball went through the hoop. However, Xue Chuan had nothing to do with it. Instead, it was Fang Li who dunked the ball in with an alley-oop. Fang Li was the up and coming star who sunk while the remaining three covered him.


    This was Tang Yan¡¯s new strategy ¡ª an offense-defense tactic to have four players on Xia Tian preventing him from attacking as well as launching high long passes, while three players covered Fang Li allowing him to grab the ball.


    Tang Yan firmly believed Xia Tian would not be able to block the shot.


    A coach¡¯s main function was to control the flow of the game, instantly analyzing the flaws and advantages of the enemy. Although Xia Tian did not look like he had a weakness, he was still human. He was not capable of escaping the Earth¡¯s gravity.


    ¡°Beautiful work.¡± Xue Chuan gave Fang Li a thumbs up. Catching the ball high in the air and following with a dunk was easier said than done. This highly difficult move could only be pulled off by Fang Li.


    ¡°I live for the flowers, I live for the applause. I know I¡¯m handsome but I just want to be an ordinary and beautiful man.¡± Fang Li struck another one of his signature narcissistic poses.


    ¡°Press on, don¡¯t let up! Let¡¯s get those points back!¡± Xue Chuan shouted.


    The team seemed assured of their victory. At the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 99 to 120 with the basketball team in the lead. Although Xia Tian was good, the basketball team players pushed to their absolute limits in fortifying their defenses.


    The remaining four literature and art club members were nothing against the basketball team¡¯s formidable attack.


    The literature and art club was in trouble.


    ¡°Well done. We¡¯ll win if we keep this up.¡± Tang Yan cheered the five sweat-drenched players on. They were barely able to maintain the prolonged high-intensity offense-defense strategy, but they bit the bullet knowing they would regret it if they did not.


    ¡°Xia Tian did his best.¡± Ye Qingxue said in consolation.


    ¡°It¡¯s already a major feat getting this far in the game.¡± Ceng Rou could tell that Xia Tian was the true star of the court ¡ª the remaining four were only there for show.


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust Xia Tian, do you? I think he¡¯ll win.¡± Bingxin looked at Xia Tian with expectant eyes. She had witnessed Xia Tian turning the impossible to possible one too many times.


    ¡°Sister Hui, he¡¯s given his all. The result is obvious. Tang Yan¡¯s strategy¡¯s put a cap on his abilities.¡±


    ¡°Mm, Tang Yan really has an eye for strategy. It¡¯s no wonder she can be Jianghai University¡¯s coach this soon.¡± Yang Buhui nodded. She did not want to acknowledge Tang Yan¡¯s talent, but her strategy did indeed put a stop to Xia Tian¡¯s long shots, blocks, and steals.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity, he¡¯s gonna lose.¡± Ling¡¯er felt sorry for Xia Tian.


    ¡°That¡¯s not decided.¡± Ling¡¯er and Huo Wennu both turned to look at Yun Miao as she uttered these three words.


    ¡°You think he¡¯s gonna win?¡± Huo Wennu asked Yun Miao.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a bet.¡± The often silent Yun Miao wanted to make a bet with Huo Wennu. This certainly piqued her attention.


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± Huo Wennu threw a question to Yun Miao.


    ¡°I say he¡¯ll win,¡± Yun Miao replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± Huo Wennu enquired further.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the wager. If my guess is right, you¡¯ll help me be acquainted with him. I¡¯m very interested in him.¡± Huo Wennu and Ling¡¯er were at a loss at her wager. She was Jianghai University¡¯s no. 1 campus queen yet she said she was interested in Xia Tian.


    ¡°Alright, fine by me. What if your guess is wrong?¡± Huo Wennu naturally agreed to Yun Miao¡¯s wager.


    ¡°If my guess is wrong, I will assist you in anything within my ability,¡± Yun Miao retorted.


    ¡°Great, it¡¯s a deal.¡±


    The fourth quarter began with the basketball team opting for the same game plan.


    ¡°Everyone, keep it up. We have to win today¡¯s game.¡± Xue Chuan threw the ball from beyond the half-court line with Fang Li ready for another alley-oop.


    Bam!


    A blocked shot.


    Xia Tian came out of nowhere and blocked Fang Li. Fang Li¡¯s body was flung toward the basket but he was fortunate to have three of his teammates catch him from behind.


    Xia Tian had the ball. Instead of throwing it, Xia Tian started dribbling across the court.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!¡± Xue Chuan sprung towards Xia Tian but before he could come close, Xia Tian disappeared out of his sight. Xia Tian vanished together with the ball.


    ¡°Behind you!¡± Tang Yan yelled at the top of her lungs.


    It was too late. Xia Tian had reached the three-point line, and just when everyone thought he was going to fire a shot, he lunged forward. The basketball in his hand swooped down the hoop with a huge windmill motion.


    Bang!


    The ball went in. It was a slam dunk.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53: An Angel Fell from Heaven


    A slam dunk. Xia Tian¡¯s first-ever slam dunk. He had been throwing the basket from afar but he actually dunked the ball this time. Not only that, he did it from beyond the three-point line. He actually pulled it off quite a distance.


    ¡®Air Jordan¡¯ were the words that came into everyone¡¯s mind.


    Xia Tian attempted a windmill dunk from the three-point line, sending chills down the spines of everyone watching, including the basketball stand. The basketball hoop was pulled down together with Xia Tian.


    What a force.


    If Xia Tian¡¯s shots had not done that already, he had now risen to an unbeatable symbol in their hearts.


    The match was paused ¡ª the hoop had to be replaced.


    ¡°That was awesome. This is more wicked than Jordan himself.¡±


    ¡°So he¡¯s been holding back.¡±


    ¡°He really is a basketball god.¡±


    With cheers roaring through the bleachers, spectators chanted ¡°basketball god¡± in unison.


    ¡°Is¡­ Is he human?¡± Tang Yan gazed at Xia Tian in disbelief. It was hard for her to imagine how Xia Tian pulled off what he did.


    ¡°That was amazing!!¡± Bingxin, Ye Qingxue, and Ceng Rou embraced each other out of excitement. However, Ye Qingxue quickly sensed something amiss and loosened her grip on Ceng Rou.


    Nevertheless, they were still happy for Xia Tian. Ye Qingxue did not think her cousin would turn out this great. He really lived up to the basketball god title.


    ¡°That was too awesome, so cool!!¡± Ling¡¯er shouted with thrill.


    Yun Miao nodded. She was sure that Xia Tian did indeed use the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step from the way he dribbled the ball. Only someone like Xia Tian would able to have such light footwork.


    Huo Wennu nodded as well. Xia Tian was an outstanding man.


    ¡°Sister Hui, are my eyes playing tricks on me?¡±


    ¡°No, I saw that too. It¡¯s amazing beyond words, he¡¯ll easily be the top superstar of the CBA!¡± Yang Buhui exclaimed.


    The hoop was soon replaced, prompting the game to resume. The basketball team could regain their momentum.


    The score was 101 to 120 with the basketball team leading by 18 points. As long as they employed the same strategy, victory would be theirs. They had to win at all costs.


    Xue Chuan took the ball and hurled a high long pass.


    Wham!


    Swish!


    104 to 120. Xia Tian had broken their strategy apart. The game returned to its original state.


    107 to 120.


    110 to 120.


    Even the wise and resourceful Tang Yan was at a loss for a response.


    140 to 120.


    At the sound of the buzzer, the literature and art club took home the win while the basketball team


    lost. Xia Tian came on strong and dominated the game in the last quarter, leaving Xue Chuan and his team speechless. The narcissistic Fang Li was at a loss for words as well.


    ¡°Madam Boss, we lost,¡± Fang Li helplessly uttered after returning to the locker room.


    ¡°You did what you could. Get yourself some rest.¡± Tang Yan knew they did not lose the game by mistake on the part of Fang Li or Xue Chuan. They were simply no match for their opponent, despite all five of them playing as intensely as they could.


    They were all spent and burnt.


    Although they lost, they never let their guard down so there was nothing more Tang Yan could say.


    The literature and art club girls gathered around Xia Tian, embracing him upon winning the game. Huo Wennu helplessly shook her head on the stand. ¡°You win. Come tomorrow night.¡±


    Yun Miao gently nodded and followed Ling¡¯er out.


    ¡°Sister Hui, what are you doing?¡±


    Ah! Ah! Ah!


    Xia Tian heard screams coming from behind him. Sensing someone falling from the bleachers, he instinctively held out his hands to catch the fall. Soon, a woman fell into his arms. His right hand did a squeeze on her tushie. It was a wondrous feeling to the touch.


    The woman was pretty but she hid her figure under a layer of sportswear.


    ¡°An angel named Sister Lin, Sister Lin fell from heaven. 1¡± Xia Tian could not help but sing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Sister Lin but Sister Yang.¡± The woman jumped out of Xia Tian¡¯s embrace. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Yang Buhui.¡±


    ¡°Oh, an angel named Sister Yang, Sister Yang fell from heaven,¡± Xia Tian sang.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ye Qingxue stared at Yang Buhui with a wary gaze. She could not grasp the reason why beautiful women kept appearing near Xia Tian. Every one of them was no less beautiful than she was.


    First, it was Ceng Rou and now some Yang Buhui.


    ¡°Let me introduce myself. I¡¯m the general manager of Yang¡¯s Basketball Enterprise. My name is Yang Buhui.¡± Yang Buhui took out a name card. On it were the words ¡®talent scout¡¯.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Xia Tian did not accept the name card but sized Yang Buhui up from head to toe. Yang Buhui may be wearing a sports outfit, but her clothes could not shelter her from his Insight.


    ¡°You¡¯re a basketball genius. I can help package you up for the CBA and I guarantee you¡¯ll be an instant hit.¡± Yang Buhui was not concerned with the way Xia Tian looked at her. Getting all sorts of looks was part and parcel of her career. However, most of the time, people would only steal a glance, unlike this guy who boldly stared at her.


    ¡°Not interested, please get out of the way.¡± Ye Qingxue tossed Yang Buhui¡¯s name card away.


    ¡°You must be Ye Qingxue. I¡¯ve heard about you. Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t harbor any ill intentions. I¡¯m only trying to help.¡± Yang Buhui explained after thinking Ye Qingxue was jealous over her.


    ¡°It sure is lively over here.¡± It was then that Huo Wennu walked in from the back.


    ¡°Sister Wen.¡± The literature and art club members held Huo Wennu in high regard.


    ¡°The Huo family?¡± Ceng Rou took a glance at Huo Wennu.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think Iron Lady Ceng Rou would come to watch his game.¡± Huo Wennu nodded. She knew many prominent figures in Jianghai City.


    ¡°I came with Xia Tian.¡± Ceng Rou¡¯s words carried a lot of meaning. Unhappy with her words, Ye Qingxue snorted and turned her head away. Huo Wennu noticed Ye Qingxue¡¯s long face. In her eyes, Xia Tian was Ye Qingxue¡¯s boyfriend as he created quite a stir on her birthday the other night.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t you dare bully my sister. I won¡¯t go easy on you.¡± Huo Wennu drew near Xia Tian to threaten him.


    ¡°Your upper body is lacking. Don¡¯t talk to me.¡± Xia Tian turned away.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54: Altercation


    ¡°Ehhh?¡±


    Everyone was stunned by Xia Tian¡¯s words. Huo Wennu was the most influential person within Jianghai University, and she was second to none. Despite that, Xia Tian had the gall to call her small chested in front of so many people. Did that mean that he had seen them first-hand before?


    Even Huo Wennu was dumbfounded and her face instantly flushed red. She had never experienced such humiliation before.


    While she personally admitted that her chest was not big, it was by no means small. Even then, Xia Tian had gone ahead and told her straight to the face not to speak to him as she had small breasts. ¡®Do small-chested people hold no rights?¡¯


    She was THE Huo Wennu after all. Not only was she the president of Jiangnan University¡¯s Student Council, she was also an esteemed figure within Huoyun Co.


    Nevertheless, that did not change the fact that she had been put down by Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sister Wen, I¡¯m sorry. He didn¡¯t really mean that.¡± Ye Qingxue hurriedly came forward to explain.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll brush off your impudence for Qingxue¡¯s sake.¡± Huo Wennu¡¯s face reverted to its original color. Honestly speaking, however, Huo Wennu was no doubt a big-hearted individual. Had Xia Tian spoken those words to anyone else, he would undoubtedly be pulverized, but as one could observe, Xia Tian was unharmed.


    Tang Yan and the basketball team walked over to Xia Tian. Now that Huo Wennu had arrived in the flesh, they could no longer shy away even if they wanted to. As such, Xue Chuan was left with no other choice but to fulfill his end of the agreement.


    He would need to kneel down and apologize.


    ¡°We lost.¡± Tang Yan had contorted her face into a hideous expression.


    Upon noticing Tang Yan¡¯s arrival, Xia Tian immediately spun his head around and eagerly called out to Tang Yan. ¡°C¡¯mon, say it.¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡± Tang Yan glared at Xia Tian.


    ¡°You forgot? Didn¡¯t we agree the last time we met that you¡¯re supposed to address me by ¡®that¡¯ term whenever we meet?¡± Xia Tian reminded.


    Deep, dark creases formed along Tang Yan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Darling Sweetie Hubby.¡±


    ¡°Attagirl.¡± Xia Tian nodded with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°Xue Chuan, you¡¯ve lost,¡± Huo Wennu stated in a cold tone.


    Seeing Huo Wennu¡¯s stone-cold demeanor, Tang Yan¡¯s heart froze. ¡°Sister Wen¡­¡±


    ¡°Not another word from you. Xue Chuan, my words are directed to you. So, please come out like a man.¡± Huo Wennu¡¯s gaze was locked onto Xue Chuan.


    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve lost.¡± Xue Chuan raised his head. Since he had agreed to the bet, it was only right for him to face it like a man, and not hide behind Tang Yan.


    ¡°Sister Wen, let¡¯s just call this bet off.¡± Ye Qingxue was begging for mercy as well.


    ¡°I refuse.¡± Huo Wennu¡¯s stance was resolute.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll yield. I, Xue Chuan, am not a sore loser. Since I¡¯ve personally agreed to kneel and apologize, you¡¯d better be damn sure I¡¯ll do it,¡± Xue Chuan responded.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t what I¡¯m referring to. I recall our bet being that all of you are supposed to host a dinner for Qingxue as an apology if you lose.¡± Huo Wennu shook her head as she clarified.


    ¡°Host a dinner?¡± Everyone in the basketball team went wide-eyed.


    ¡°Ah yes, Sister Wen. Just state the time.¡± A gleeful look crept onto Tang Yang¡¯s expression. She understood that the reason Huo Wennu had gone easy them this time was most probably due to what Ye Qingxue had requested earlier. As such, she was showing Ye Qingxue a look of gratitude.


    Ye Qingxue lightly nodded her head in response.


    ¡°This is how things should be. After all, all clubs should consider themselves as part of one family, and instead of fighting one another, you guys should cooperate instead. With that in mind, this matter will be settled by having the basketball team host an apology dinner. Are you satisfied with that, Qingxue?¡± Huo Wennu looked towards Ye Qingxue.


    ¡°Of course. How can I not be satisfied with Sister Wen¡¯s decisions?¡± Ye Qingxue answered with a smile.


    ¡°Now, as for President Li, he¡¯s no longer part of the student council. Furthermore, the sports club will also be temporarily disbanded, and those who participated in the skirmish with the literature and art club would have two merit points deducted from them. They are forbidden from joining any other clubs effective immediately.¡± Huo Wennu¡¯s judgment was swift and harsh. While she was indeed a fair person at heart, catching wind of the KTV incident had left her extremely ashamed of President Li and the others¡¯ actions.


    Back then, Huo Wennu had not dealt with the sports club. However, now that the sports club had gone out and caused trouble in broad daylight, Huo Wennu could no longer sit idly by. As such, she had gone ahead and delisted the sports club.


    ¡°Let¡¯s set the dinner tomorrow night, shall we? You must go as well, Xia Tian,¡± Huo Wennu nonchalantly stated.


    Upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s name, everyone immediately turned their heads to look at him. Nevertheless, all they could see was Xia Tian gazing up onto the stands, and at present, there was only one person sitting there. The man was wearing a gray hoodie that he had covered over his face, and as a result, it made it hard to discern his features.


    ¡°Sister Rou, stay with the others for now. Don¡¯t move.¡± With that, Xia Tian immediately spurred towards the stands. The spectator stands were protected by railings, and they were located at least ten feet off the ground. Despite that, Xia Tian had managed to grab hold of the railings in a single leap.


    It was only after this display that Xue Chuan and the others finally realized how powerful Xia Tian¡¯s leap was.


    Xia Tian exerted his force onto the railings and with it, he finally made his way onto the stands. However, by the time he had done so, the individual had already fled outside, and Xia Tian was forced to give chase.


    Everyone shot puzzled glances towards Xia Tian, but before long, Xia Tian was already gone from the basketball hall.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± Yang Buhui asked in confusion.


    ¡°Nothing much. It¡¯s just that an old friend has come, and Xia Tian wishes to meet up with him,¡± Ceng Rou explained. Naturally, she understood the true nature of Xia Tian¡¯s actions, as the individual was definitely someone from Quicksand.


    Ye Qingxue did not believe a single word coming from Ceng Rou, but she knew that Ceng Rou would not answer truthfully even if she had asked.


    ¡°You guys must be tired as well. So, hurry and pack up so you can rest,¡± said Huo Wennu to everyone present.


    Xia Tian gave chase to the Quicksand member even after he had exited the hall. He had no idea what shoes the Tier-two killer was wearing, but for some reason, the killer¡¯s speed was even faster than that of a motorcycle. Fortunately, however, Xia Tian¡¯s Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step was no slouch either, and the gap between them was constantly maintained.


    The Quicksand assassin did not wish to encounter any bystanders, and as a result, the routes he chose were those that barely had anyone using them.


    ¡®What the hell is he doing? Doesn¡¯t he want to assassinate Ceng Rou? Why is he fleeing?¡¯ Xia Tian thought. After all, it was impossible that the assassin¡¯s plan was to lure Xia Tian away. Despite the contract still being in effect, Quicksand would no longer dispatch anyone to aid the five elders of the Ceng family as the elders no longer had any money to their name. Quicksand did not work for free, after all.


    The Tier-two assassin before Xia Tian was the final one that Quicksand had dispatched. Once Xia Tian had dealt with him, Ceng Rou would no longer be in danger of being assassinated.


    The two continued the cat and mouse chase, and it was only after they had reached a deserted location that they finally halted.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty daring huh. Aren¡¯t you afraid of an ambush?¡± The gray-hoodied individual stated flatly.


    ¡°Sister Rou will be safe once I get rid of you.¡± Xia Tian¡¯s mindset was straightforward. As long as he could get rid of the person before him, Ceng Rou would no longer be in danger. For this reason, Xia Tian refused to let this Tier-two assassin out of his sights.


    ¡°You think too much. While it¡¯s true that the Ceng Elders¡¯ payment is enough to afford a Tier-two assassin, the moment they got onto that police vehicle it was over. Quicksand is not a charity. It doesn¡¯t make sense for us to continue assisting those without money.¡± The person in the gray hoodie glared coldly at Xia Tian before continuing, ¡°My target is you.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Xia Tian eyed the assassin doubtfully.


    ¡°Indeed. You¡¯re that person¡¯s son and you¡¯ve disrupted our operations. You must die.¡± The moment the assassin stopped talking, an emerald dagger appeared in his right hand.


    It was an Emerald Cloud Dagger, and the exact same dagger had appeared within Xia Tian¡¯s right hand with him.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55: Killing the Tier-two Assassin


    It was only after the first exchange of blows that Xia Tian realized his opponent¡¯s might. His opponent was nearly equal in both strength and speed, and although Xia Tian had not exerted all his might, he knew that this was not the extent of his opponent¡¯s strength as well.


    In order to become a Tier-two assassin within Quicksand, one had to undergo a huge internal change. Due to this, there was a huge disparity between the skills of a Tier-two assassin and a Tier-three assassin.


    ¡°What?!¡± The Tier-two assassin was taken aback that he had not killed Xia Tian with his first blow.


    ¡°To think that you¡¯re alive. It seems that you¡¯re the one responsible for finishing off the other Tier-three assassins.¡± The Tier-two assassin tightened his grip on his Emerald Cloud Dagger. Once he saw Xia Tian holding an Emerald Cloud Dagger of his own, he knew that Xia Tian was the one who killed Shadow.


    The Emerald Cloud Dagger was a custom-made weapon within Quicksand, and not everyone had it. Usually, only assassins that were Tier-two and above were allowed to have the weapon, and in Shadow¡¯s case, he had a special reason.


    ¡°Yeah, they deserved it.¡± There was no way Xia Tian would allow anyone to harm his woman. Although Ceng Rou had already called off their relationship, within Xia Tian¡¯s heart, Ceng Rou was already his.


    ¡°You¡¯ll die today. You¡¯ll only bring more trouble in the future if I spare you.¡± The Tier-two assassin wanted Xia Tian dead.He was that certain someone¡¯s son, after all.


    ¡°It seems Quicksand had a hand in my father¡¯s death.¡± Until now, Xia Tian still had no idea how his father had perished.


    ¡°That¡¯s not for you to know. The disparity between you and your father is far too huge. All I could do was cower myself like an insignificant ant in the face of your father, but you, on the other hand, are nothing but a breathing corpse before me.¡± The Tier-two assassin did not waste any more time with Xia Tian. He bolted towards him in a blink of an eye, carving a long arc in the air with his Emerald Cloud Dagger.


    Xia Tian had to admit that the Tier-two assassin was indeed formidable. Had Xia Tian not gone through another breakthrough in his abilities, he feared that he would really die to this assassin¡¯s hands.


    Cling! Clang!


    After exchanging a few blows, the two backed off unanimously.


    ¡°To think that you had this much up your sleeve. It¡¯s clear to me you¡¯re in the early Yellow Ranks, but our reports indicate that you¡¯re just a regular person.¡± The Tier-two assassin clenched his fists around his Emerald Cloud Dagger.


    ¡®Early Yellow Rank!¡¯ Xia Tian innately understood that it was a level classification within the world of martial arts, but the specifics eluded him.


    ¡°I, too, am that level, but you¡¯re not the first Yellow Rank I¡¯ve ever killed.¡± A sly glint appeared in the Tier-two assassin¡¯s eyes as he hurled two shurikens towards Xia Tian.


    Using his Insight, Xia Tian was able to see the paths of the shurikens. They were not directed towards him but his flanks instead. The shuriken themselves were not the assassin¡¯s true objective, but rather, his killer technique was the fine string that connected the two shurikens at their center. The string was extremely fine, and without his Insight, Xia Tian would never have been able to sense its presence.


    Xia Tian hurriedly ducked, avoiding the string. The string then passed through Xia Tian and went past a small tree. The trunk fell, split in two.


    ¡°How¡¯s this possible?¡± The Tier-two assassin gave a dumbfounded look at Xia Tian. This was his ultimate hand, but Xia Tian had easily avoided it.


    ¡°How did my father die? Answer me and I¡¯ll allow you to live,¡± Xia Tian stated coldly as he glared icily at the Tier-two assassin. At the same time, the aura that he was exuding had also undergone a major change.


    All the while, Xia Tian had been suppressing his Empyrean Slumber Technique at level one. This was one of the abilities of the technique ¡ª allowing the user to mask their cultivation, making it seem one level lower than it actually was.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ You¡¯re an advanced stage Yellow Rank! How¡¯s this possible?¡± The Tier-two assassin stared at Xia Tian with a look of pure bewilderment. He was unable to come to terms that the person in front of him was actually an advanced stage Yellow Rank expert.


    ¡®Run!¡¯


    That was the first thought that filled the assassin¡¯s mind, as an advanced stage Yellow Rank was way beyond his league.


    The Tier-two killer immediately turned around and prepared to take off, but Xia Tian had activated his Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step to its maximum speed. Xia Tian immediately blocked off his assailant from the front, and in response, the quick-witted Tier-two assassin plunged the dagger in his hand towards Xia Tian.


    Nevertheless, just as the blade was about to make contact with Xia Tian¡¯s body, two fingers suddenly caught the dagger.


    Spurt!


    Xia Tian used his own Emerald Cloud Dagger to slice through the Tier-two assassin¡¯s throat. The Emerald Cloud Dagger was exceedingly sharp, and with that, the Tier-two killer collapsed onto a puddle of his own blood. Xia Tian did not bother to handle the corpse. Instead, he took the assassin¡¯s dagger as well as the mechanism attached under the assassin¡¯s shoe.


    ¡°Hi, Sister Rou, we¡¯re done here. From this moment on, you¡¯ll no longer encounter any more trouble. I need to head home now, so I won¡¯t be following you back.¡±


    After hanging up on the call, Xia Tian began to head towards his old residence. It was almost noon, and there was no way Xia Tian would let his master wait for him.


    It took two whole hours for Xia Tian to reach his abode, and after taking a haphazard meal, he began his training.


    ¡°Stand up, let¡¯s pick up where we left off yesterday.¡±


    What Yin Nie was referring to was that he would stand rooted to the same spot while Xia Tian would continuously attack him. If Xia Tian was able to force Yin Nie to move half a step from his spot, Yin Nie would consider the training as a pass.


    ¡°Yes, master.¡±


    Xia Tian meant what he said, and he immediately began to move quickly about with his Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step. Despite that, he did not display his full strength, and he maintained his strength at the first level. He was aware that his master was testing him not on his strength, but instead his attacking style. Furthermore, even if he had activated his full strength, it was still insufficient to defeat his master, and it would also be strange to his master if he were to show him his sudden improvement.


    If that were to happen, his master might go even tougher on him.


    Due to this, Xia Tian was only using the strength of his level one Empyrean Slumber Technique, coupled with his Resonating Finger and Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step to attack Yin Nie.


    On the other hand, Yin Nie was holding his famed sword, Red Abyss in his right hand while fending off Xia Tian¡¯s attack with his left.


    As if he was unable to grow tired, Xia Tian sped up his attacks; whereas Yin Nie continued to defend. Unbeknownst to Xia Tian, his speed in attacking and his attacking patterns were gradually improving throughout the session.


    Experience is the greatest treasure known to man. While Xia Tian¡¯s cultivation rate was extremely fast, he was still lacking in combat experience.


    After attacking continuously for three hours, Yin Nie finally left. Despite that, Xia Tian did not relieve himself. Instead, he continued to cultivate. Although he had failed to beat his master earlier, Xia Tian had obtained plenty of invaluable experience.


    ¡°Elder Xu, bring Lil Fei to my house.¡±


    Xia Tian made a call to Elder Xu. Now that Lil Fei was under his wing, it was only natural for Xia Tian to teach him a few of his techniques. However, whether or not Lil Fei was able to master his teachings would depend on his own capabilities. As the saying goes, the master leads one to the door, but the rest is up to the individual 1.


    Lil Fei¡¯s unique quality was his ferocity, and Xia Tian was extremely curious as to what kind of achievement Lil Fei could bring about.


    Although Xia Tian had already exhausted all his energy, energy continued to surge out from within his Dantian, replenishing his energy. Before long, he had completely recovered his lost energy, and he could resume his cultivation.


    An hour later, Elder Xu brought Gao Fei over.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return for him tomorrow morning.¡± After saying farewell to Xia Tian, Elder Xu drove off.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56: The Congregation of Beautiful Ladies


    ¡°Lil Fei, you wanted to learn martial arts, right? Well, I¡¯m about to teach you that today.¡± Xia Tian intended to teach Lil Fei his martial arts, and he would first relay his slumbering techniques to Lil Fei. As for the other techniques, Xia Tian was unable to teach them even if he wanted to, as it was impossible for Lil Fei to learn. To illustrate, in order to learn the Unrestrained Cloud Sage Steps, Lil Fei would need to memorize the eight trigrams and the Book of Changes since he was a child. For the Resonating Finger, Lil Fei would need to completely understand the physiology of others before he could begin to cultivate it.


    However, as long as Lil Fei learned how to use inner energy, he would be free to learn any other techniques.


    ¡°Thank you, Master.¡± Gao Fei prostrated himself to Xia Tian and kowtowed three times.


    ¡°Stand back up. I can¡¯t teach you much; learning the other techniques would depend on how well you can cultivate them yourself in the future. I hope that you can put in the effort,¡± said Xia Tian as he nodded his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Master. I¡¯ll definitely work hard.¡± In Gao Fei¡¯s eyes, Xia Tian was the person he revered the most. Gao Fei¡¯s ideology was simple, if someone treated him well, he would treat that person well also.


    Since he had no parents, Xia Tian had become the closest person to Gao Fei, and due to this, Gao Fei had completely entrusted his life to Xia Tian.


    Xia Tian¡¯s training regime was pretty simple. For his first order of business, he would purposely tire Gao Fei out. By doing so, he would enable Gao Fei to get some quality sleep. This was somewhat of a shortcut, but in spite of this, Gao Fei had followed Xia Tian¡¯s instructions and he did as was told. Although Gao Fei was unable to carry out many of Xia Tian¡¯s movements, he still tried his best.


    Some examples of these movements included a one-handed hand-stand jump, a one-fingered push-up, and many others.


    As expected, Gao Fei had astounding resilience. Gao Fei was already completely drained once an hour had gone by, but even then, he still did not give up. Instead, he had gritted his teeth and held on to the regimen.


    By the time another hour had gone by, Gao Fei could no longer stand back up.


    ¡°Listen closely to my words and do exactly as I tell you to.¡± Sensing that the time was right, Xia Tian began to teach Gao Fei his Empyrean Slumber Technique.


    As expected, Gao Fei did not disappoint Xia Tian. Although Lil Fei had not entered a sleeping state that was as advanced as Xia Tian¡¯s, he had still achieved an intermediate state that was only one rank lower than his master¡¯s.


    Lil Fei¡¯s aptitude could be seen through this experience. Not only did he have astounding resilience, his aptitude for cultivation was also remarkable.


    That evening, Xia Tian did not go anywhere. He was continuously cultivating, and whenever he had exhausted all his stamina, the Ancient Buddha¡¯s Sarira contained within his Dantian would replenish his stamina for him. Xia Tian had only stopped once nightfall came, and during the night, Xia Tian cultivated his Empyrean Slumber Technique instead.


    The second morning, Elder Xu had come over to fetch Gao Fei back home. Just before he left, however, Xia Tian had handed off the Emerald Cloud Dagger and the mechanism under the Tier-two assassin¡¯s shoe to Gao Fei.


    Once that was done, Xia Tian still remained at his house. The matter with Ceng Rou had been settled, and for now, there was nothing pressing that Xia Tian needed to attend to. The NCEE posed no difficulty for Xia Tian, as Xia Tian no longer needed to revise any of the materials. After all, it was as if they were already engraved within his mind.


    He had already experienced it first-hand ¡ª Xia Tian now had a photographic memory.


    As such, Xia Tian continued cultivating. He did not wish to take the easy way out in this cultivation process, as doing so would only cause detriments for himself.


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡¯


    ¡°Hey cousin, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget about the dinner that the basketball team is hosting for us tonight.¡±


    ¡°Will there be any beautiful ladies?¡±


    ¡°Only the best.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°Remember, you¡¯re supposed to be my boyfriend. You¡¯d better not say anything suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Tch, again with that thing.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Xia Tian continued cultivating. He did not want to waste a single precious moment. While he could cultivate at a much faster rate than others, he started much later than they did. Due to this, Xia Tian needed to put a herculean effort to make up for the disparity.


    The necklace on his neck contained the hopes and dreams of his parents. Although it was now dull, lifeless, and looked no different from the necklaces sold at the roadside stalls, it was still a relic that was passed down from his parents.


    After it had treated his wounds, the aura contained within the necklace had dissipated. The Celestial Scroll Fragment, however, was still contained within the gemstone at its center.


    Yin Nie arrived in the afternoon.


    ¡°Today will be the last day I¡¯ll train you, I¡¯ll be leaving Jianghai City tomorrow. Please be wary of Quicksand,¡± Yin Nie calmly stated.


    ¡°Noted, please accept my gratitude for your guidance in the past few days, Master.¡± Xia Tian was offering his sincere gratitude. Had it not been for Yin Nie, he would never have learned his father¡¯s techniques, and in turn, he would not have been able to survive against Quicksand.


    As usual, Xia Tian was on the offensive whereas Yin Nie was on the defensive end. Four hours later, Xia Tian still did not manage to move Yin Nie from his spot.


    With that, Yin Nie took his leave. It might be months or even years until they would meet again.


    Xia Tian resumed his cultivation since there was still some time before nightfall. Although Xia Tian was clueless about the number of participants, all he needed to know was that there would be beautiful ladies present.


    Three hours later, Xia Tian finally ended his cultivation. He then headed to the pond located within the woods to take a bath, and after he took his bath, he headed into the city with a set of clean clothes. He rarely took any rides nowadays, as he wanted to hone his Unrestrained Cloud Sage Step.


    Since the occasion was Xue Chuan¡¯s apology, it could not be held in any shabby restaurant. However, the dinner could also not be held in any high-end restaurants as Huo Wennu did not allow it.


    As such, the dinner was hosted within a mid-range restaurant. The environment there was nice, and it was even partitioned into several rooms.


    Xia Tian had arrived early. Seeing that no one had arrived yet, Xia Tian had decided to take a stroll around the area.


    ¡°Xia Tian, I¡¯m over here.¡±


    It was his cousin and Bingxin.


    ¡°Why are you here so early?¡± Ye Qingxue queried.


    ¡°I had time, so I came,¡± answered Xia Tian.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside, then. Sister Wen called just now, she said that she¡¯ll arrive soon.¡±


    The three then entered a room.


    A few minutes later, Tang Yan and Xue Chuan had also arrived. This time, there were not many people attending. On one side of the literature and art club was Ye Qingxue and Bingxin, and on the side of the basketball club, there were only the two that were mentioned earlier. Xia Tian, on the other hand, was considered an exception.


    The moment Xia Tian spotted Tang Yan, his face immediately morphed into an excited expression.


    Naturally, Tang Yan understood what he wanted.


    ¡°Darling Sweetie Hubby.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m over here!¡± Xia Tian spoke in an exaggerated manner.


    ¡°Qingxue, can¡¯t you manage him properly? He¡¯s flirting left and right, aren¡¯t you afraid that he¡¯ll run off with someone else?¡± The animosity between Tang Yan and Ye Qingxue had already been settled long ago, and after these two competitions, Tang Yan was also wholly pleased with Ye Qingxue¡¯s mercy.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Ye Qingxue offered a simple reply.


    ¡°Darling Sweetie Wife, I really envy you,¡± said Xia Tian to Tang Yan.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to envy?¡± Tang Yan asked.


    ¡°I envy that you¡¯re my Darling Sweetie Wife. I¡¯m so jealous of you.¡±


    ¡°Shameless!¡± Tang Yan turned her head away.


    ¡°I have teeth! (TN: The author made a pun here. The original text used for ¡®shameless¡¯ was ÎÞ³Ü, which shares the same pronunciation as ÎÞ³Ý,which means toothless) Just look at these pearly whites!¡± Xia Tian showed his row of teeth.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Tang Yan harrumphed. ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered with this.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you guys discussing about that¡¯s so amusing?¡± The door to the room slid open. Huo Wennu had arrived, and she had not come alone. Instead, there were two other people tagging along, and these two individuals had stunned everyone present.


    It was Jianghai University¡¯s most beautiful lady, Yun Miao.


    ¡°Hey there, beautiful senior.¡± To the outsiders, Xia Tian¡¯s eyes looked as if they were ogling Yun Miao. In actuality, however, Xia Tian was actually testing whether his Insight was able to see through her clothes.


    Yun Miao had arrived at the dinner, and she had arrived alongside Huo Wennu.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57: Are You Alright?


    ¡°Xia Tian, you should watch your behavior,¡± Huo Wennu commented as she took note of his perverted expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re ugly, please don¡¯t talk to me,¡± Xia Tian shot back as he turned his attention back to the other girl. He could not see through this girl¡¯s clothing at all, which he found extremely strange.


    ¡°You!!¡± Huo Wennu was beyond tempted to rip Xia Tian apart.


    ¡°Sister Wen, please, come in and have a seat.¡± Ye Qingxue attempted to shift their attention to something else.


    ¡°Oh Mr. Basketball God, I¡¯m a big fan of yours!¡± Ling¡¯er ran towards Xia Tian and said flirtatiously.


    ¡°Eh? Did you do something to yourself?¡± Xia Tian knew instantly that Ling¡¯er had changed her looks. In fact, she had used the Acupuncture Polymorphing Technique.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Ling¡¯er was slightly startled.


    ¡°Xia Tian, please don¡¯t jump to conclusions.¡± Ye Qingxue thought that Xia Tian was saying that Ling¡¯er was ugly and immediately tried to stop him from doing so.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. She really did change her appearance,¡± Xia Tian said with a serious look on his face.


    Everyone looked at Ling¡¯er upon hearing Xia Tian¡¯s words.


    ¡°Uhm, that¡¯s because I was too ugly¡­ That¡¯s why I changed my looks.¡± Ling¡¯er had no way to defend herself.


    ¡°Liar.¡± Xia Tian turned his head around and looked at Yun Miao. ¡°I know I¡¯m handsome, but you don¡¯t have to keep staring at me. Are you trying to confess to me or something? I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m a man that¡¯s difficult to persuade but if you really do confess to me, I¡¯ll gladly accept it.¡±


    Yun Miao, too, was stunned the instant she heard Xia Tian¡¯s words. Was this the legendary peak of shamelessness?


    ¡°You clearly have no concept of dignity!¡± Tang Yan retorted angrily.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re talking to your Darling Sweetie Hubby that? You¡¯ll get punished, you know.¡± Xia Tian then grabbed Tang Yan and dropped her on her stomach on his legs, and spanked her.


    Everything happened so quickly that there was no time for Tang Yan to react.


    ¡°Wanna be rude, do you?¡±


    Smack!


    Xia Tian spanked Tang Yan¡¯s body again.


    ¡°Xia Tian, this is ridiculous!!¡± Huo Wennu did not have a mellow personality to begin with. Xia Tian was Ye Qingxue¡¯s boyfriend, how dare he do something so lewd to Tang Yan? How could she not be angry at all?


    Ye Qingxue was her best friend.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Xia Tian looked up at Huo Wennu. ¡°Have I blocked your WiFi? Did I steal food from your house? Am I hugging your wife?¡±


    ¡°You!!¡±


    Nobody had dared to talk to her like that before.


    ¡°What do you mean you? Look at you, which part of you resembles a girl at all? You¡¯re as flat as a man.¡± Xia Tian continued.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to end you!¡± Huo Wennu threw a kick at Xia Tian.


    Under normal circumstances, this kick would be impossible to evade at such a distance. Ye Qingxue stood up as she tried to defuse the situation but what happened next was out of her expectations. Huo Wennu¡¯s leg was being held by Xia Tian.


    ¡°Look at you, what kind of girl would wear jeans on such a hot day?¡±


    ¡°Unhand me!¡± Huo Wennu shouted angrily.


    ¡°As you say.¡± Xia Tian loosened his grip and Huo Wennu lost her balance and fell to the ground. The current Huo Wennu no longer had the domineering aura she had before.


    ¡°How dare you trip me over!!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who told me to unhand you,¡± Xia Tian said.


    ¡°Unhand me.¡± Tang Yan was still on Xia Tian¡¯s leg.


    ¡°To think you¡¯d still to your Darling Sweetie Hubbie like that,¡± Xia Tian stated.


    ¡°Unhand me now!!¡±


    Smack!!


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯ll listen.¡± Tang Yan said hastily as she was truly frightened of Xia Tian.


    Xue Chuan at the side was completely envious. Both of them were men and were currently surrounded by girls. However, Xia Tian was like a legend while Xue Chuan could only stand at the side and watch.


    ¡°Sister Wen please, stand up.¡± Ye Qingxue immediately pulled Huo Wennu up to her feet.


    ¡°Just you wait.¡± Huo Wennu stared angrily at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sister Wen, please don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯ll apologize on his behalf.¡± Ye Qingxue did not wish for Huo Wennu to have a bone to pick with Xia Tian.


    ¡°Qingxue, what¡¯s wrong with you? What do you even see in a guy like him? He¡¯s basically flirting with everything that moves. Didn¡¯t you see how he treated Tang Yan earlier?¡± Huo Wennu looked at Ye Qingxue as she spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood the entire situation. He¡¯s actually my cousin.¡± Ye Qingxue explained.


    ¡°Your cousin?¡± Huo Wennu was startled. ¡°He¡¯s not your boyfriend?¡± Why did you say he¡¯s your boyfriend on your birthday?¡±


    ¡°I told him to come, so¡­¡± Ye Qingxue invited Xia Tian the other day as her shield.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop this since he¡¯s your cousin, but Tang Yan is a good friend of mine. If you disappoint Tang Yan in any way, I¡¯ll never let you off the hook.¡± Huo Wennu stared at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sister Wen, please don¡¯t misunderstand. I don¡¯t have a thing with him.¡± Tang Yan explained hastily. However, Tang Yan did not understand why she was rather delighted when Ye Qingxue said that Xia Tian was her cousin.


    Perhaps she had fallen for Xia Tian? Impossible. That would be impossible. She hated Xia Tian the most out of all the guys she knew.


    She would still not fall for Xia Tian even if the entire male population had died off.


    This was on top of how he had treated her earlier.


    ¡°Hmpf.¡± Huo Wennu glared at Xia Tian. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any need for an introduction. I¡¯m sure you all know these two.¡±


    The people present were all well-known people from Jianghai University. Although they had never interacted before, they still had heard of each other.


    ¡°If Ye Qingxue and Tang Yan are not his girlfriends, does that mean my idol is single?¡± Ling¡¯er looked at Ye Qingxue before setting her sights onto Tang Yan. She then diverted her attention toward him. ¡°My idol, can I be your girlfriend then?¡±


    She was so straightforward, incredibly straightforward.


    When Bing Xin saw how direct Ling¡¯er was, she imagined what would happen if she did that instead. However, she hastily wiped away such a thought.


    ¡°Change your appearance back and let me see if you¡¯re actually pretty. Then I¡¯ll make you a


    candidate to be my mistress if you¡¯re beautiful enough.¡± Xia Tian said with a serious face.


    ¡°Only a candidate?¡± Ling¡¯er pouted.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t have a great body,¡± Xia Tian said.


    ¡°Who says I don¡¯t?¡± Ling¡¯er refuted frustratingly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Xia Tian could not see through Ling¡¯er¡¯s clothing. Naturally, he would not be able to tell if her body was great or otherwise.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I show it to you?¡± Ling¡¯er smiled at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± Xia Tian looked at Ling¡¯er eagerly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it here, there are too many people here. I¡¯ll only strip for you.¡± Ling¡¯er smiled teasingly.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, stop fooling around.¡± Yun Miao said indifferently. She never seemed to have a lot to say.


    Xue Chuan was rather frustrated. A simple apology dinner had turned into such a show. Xia Tian¡¯s behavior had utterly defeated them as he had pushed shamelessness to a new low.


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye.¡¯


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m your cutest, most beautiful, friendliest, and most gentle disciple.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡±


    Xia Tian hung up instantly.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58: Do You Need Any Help


    ¡®You¡¯re mine, the apple of my eye¡¯


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t hang up the call. It¡¯s me, Huo Lajiao.¡±


    ¡°Oh. What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Master, are you free tonight? I want to have dinner with you. There¡¯s something I need your help with.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±


    Xia Tian hung up the call again.


    ¡°Ahem!¡± Xue Chuan who was sitting at the corner let out a soft cough and said, ¡°We are gathered here for a meal today because I need to apologize to President Ye. I was truly in the wrong the last time.¡±


    Everyone was reminded of today¡¯s agenda when they heard Xue Chuan¡¯s words.


    Knock knock knock!!


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the interruption, but may I request a change of location for your group?¡± The restaurant supervisor opened the cabin door.


    ¡°Why do we need to change? We haven¡¯t even eaten.¡± Xue Chuan frowned as this cabin was the best in this restaurant.


    ¡°I truly apologize. There¡¯s a customer who insisted on having this cabin.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the problem solved if you tell them it¡¯s booked?¡± Xue Chuan said.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. Those lots are not that friendly and we can¡¯t offend them in any way. Can you accommodate this request just this once?¡±


    ¡°Sister Wen, let¡¯s just change to another cabin.¡± Ye Qingxue could tell that the supervisor was in a pinch.


    ¡°If they¡¯re not someone that should be messed with, does that mean I¡¯m the opposite?¡± Huo Wennu would not usually stir up a commotion. However, once she did, it would not be a commotion any longer. It would be up in the news.


    ¡°What are you so slow? I want this cabin.¡± Four gangsters entered the cabin.


    ¡°Ah Brother Li, I¡¯m informing the occupants, please hold on a little longer.¡± The restaurant supervisor said respectfully.


    ¡°Inform my *ss.¡± Li Shan was halfway through his sentence when he saw the few girls inside the cabin. These girls were all absolute beauties. No man would be able to stay calm when they saw them.


    ¡°Is this for real? So many beautiful girls!¡±


    ¡°Brother Shan, I see them too.¡± A blonde-haired guy standing beside Li Shan said.


    ¡°Brother Shan, These are definitely the best among the best. Even the celebrities are not as pretty as they are,¡± A green-haired guy said.


    ¡°Ahem¡± Li Shan coughed softly. ¡°About that, you girls don¡¯t need to leave. We¡¯ll just dine with them. Put it on my tab.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Huo Wennu was in a bad mood.


    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s hard to tell that you¡¯ve got quite the temper.¡± Li Shan stared at Huo Wennu¡¯s body and he had to admit that Huo Wennu was quite a beauty.


    ¡°What are you looking at? You want your eyes gouged out!?¡± Huo Wennu said angrily as she noticed the ugly gaze from that man.


    ¡°I, Li Shan, am not that easily threatened. Feel free to try. I¡¯ll let you off the hook if you¡¯re really that capable. If not, you¡¯ll have to accompany me tonight.¡± Li Shan was not someone that could be easily threatened. The reason the restaurant supervisor was so scared of him was that Li Shan had already beaten up quite a few people here already. He was famous for his cruel attacks.


    Although he had been jailed a few times, he was released in no time.


    This was his favorite restaurant. The restaurant staff eventually recognized him and they were all afraid of him.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to tear your mouth apart today.¡± Huo Wennu raged. Nobody had dared to speak to her like this since she had been a child.


    ¡°Hitting and scolding are part of love. Come and try me.¡± Li Shan said shamelessly.


    ¡°You asked for this.¡± Huo Wennu took out her phone. She was really angered.


    ¡°Are you trying to call the police?¡± Li Shan rarely got to see so many beautiful girls in one place. How could he give up such an opportunity? He would have no choice but to leave once the police had arrived.


    Li Shan rushed in, grabbed hold of Huo Wennu¡¯s phone and threw it onto the ground.


    ¡°Return me my phone.¡± Huo Wennu had no intention of calling the police at all. She was calling someone else.


    ¡°Brother Li, let¡¯s not make a scene here. I¡¯ll order them to change the cabin immediately.¡± The restaurant supervisor knew Brother Li¡¯s temper very well. Two lackeys were released from jail a few days ago. Seeing Li Shan meant a complete disaster because it was as if he was never afraid of anything. Even if they had offended Li Shan and were all beaten and sent to the hospital, nobody would dare to seek for revenge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a good law-abiding citizen. As long as they accompany me for this meal, I¡¯ll overlook it.¡± Li Shan said indifferently.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough from you.¡± Xue Chuan stood up. He did not speak up when Huo Wennu was about to make his move because he knew of Huo Wennu¡¯s influence. However, Huo Wennu could no longer call anyone for help since her phone had been snatched away.


    It was only natural for him to stand up since the opposing party was this tyrannic.


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t expect there¡¯s someone tough in this cabin.¡± Li Shan mockingly looked at Xue Chuan


    Xue Chuan pulled Huo Wennu behind him. He was so tall that he was one head taller than Li Shan and the former was not in any way less intimidating than the latter.


    ¡°We were here first today and we won¡¯t let you have this cabin, forget dining together with you.¡± Xue Chuan stared coldly at Li Shan.


    Huo Wennu looked at Xia Tian and said, ¡°Are you a man or not? Why is your *ss still stuck to the chair?¡±


    ¡°Man, enough already.¡± Xia Tian said lazily.


    ¡°I guess I was right, you¡¯re not a man.¡± Huo Wennu raged.


    ¡°How can you tell that I¡¯m not a man if you haven¡¯t seen my body before?¡±


    It was only then Li Shan noticed there was another man in the cabin. However, he nodded satisfactorily when Xia Tian did not stand up. He then turned his attention towards Xue Chuan. ¡°What if I insist that these girls should drink with me?¡±


    ¡°You can give it your best try.¡± Xue Chuan walked forward.


    Li Shan smiled gently and planted his foot onto Xue Chuan¡¯s stomach. Xue Chuan was in so much pain that he was bent over. It was then Li Shan took up a chair and struck Xue Chuan¡¯s back. His attacks had no mercy at all.


    ¡°Xue Chuan!!¡± Tang Yan and Huo Wennu rushed in and checked him.


    ¡°Hmpf, You¡¯ve got the size but you¡¯ve got no punch.¡± Li Shan was famous for his cruel attacks.


    ¡°Brother Li, Brother Li, today¡¯s meal is on me, okay? Please, don¡¯t argue with them.¡± The restaurant supervisor immediately rushed in and persuaded him to stop when someone had been hurt.


    ¡°No can do. I won¡¯t budge even if a god comes and stops me.¡± Li Shan said tyrannically.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this.¡± Huo Wennu stared at Li Shan angrily and Xue Chuan stood back up with much difficulty. Fortunately, his body was in good shape or that kick would have taken half his life out of him.


    ¡°The person that can do that hasn¡¯t been born yet!¡± Li Shan mocked.


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Xia Tian smiled gently at Huo Wennu.


    ¡°Help if you feel like it.¡± Huo Wennu stared at Xia Tian.


    ¡°I guess I won¡¯t then.¡± Xia Tian replied indifferently.


    ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Xia Tian, stop making Sister Wen¡¯s life difficult. She¡¯s been very nice to me.¡± Ye Qingxue knew just how skilled Xia Tian was.


    ¡°Alright. Since you¡¯re the one who said it, I guess I¡¯ve no choice.¡± Xia Tian nodded as he strode towards that lackey.


    ¡°Hey *sshole, are you looking for trouble?¡± Li Shan told Xia Tian.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Are you tired of living?¡± Li Shan said mercilessly.


    ¡­

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59: Zhu Liang Strikes


    Xia Tian planted his leg on Li Shan¡¯s stomach, then picked up a chair and slammed it on Li Shan¡¯s back. His actions mimicked Li Shan attacking Xue Chuan. However, the difference was that the stool was left intact before, but now the chair was shattered and debris was thrown everywhere.


    ¡°Brother Shan!!¡± The three lackeys immediately rushed in and pulled Li Shan up.


    Xia Tian¡¯s attack was not soft in the slightest. Li Shan could feel the fiery pain throbbing on his back and if Xia Tian had raised the stool any higher, Li Shan would have fainted then.


    ¡°What did you say? Could you say that again?¡± Xia Tian took another chair and sat in front of Li Shan.


    You b*stard. How dare you hit me.¡± Li Shan stood back up with much difficulty. He could feel that his body was about to break apart.


    Bam!


    When Xia Tian stood up, he slammed the stool onto Li Shan¡¯s back once more.


    ¡°Ah!¡± An audible cry came out from Li Shan¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Brother Shan!!¡± The few lackeys immediately stood in between Xia Tian and Li Shan.


    ¡°Please, repeat it for me.¡± Xia Tian smiled gently.


    ¡°Take me away.¡± Li Shan knew his body could not take much more. Although those wooden chairs were the restaurant¡¯s secondary furniture, it was still painful when used as a weapon.


    The three lackeys pulled Li Shan away and the restaurant supervisor was dumbfounded. Li Shan was notorious in this area. Not only would he bully the people here often, but he would tease and flirt with the female staff as well. Everyone was furious but they had kept their mouths shut in fear. However, today he witnessed a thin student beat Li Shan up this badly.


    Huo Wennu and Tang Yan looked at Xia Tian with a complicated gaze. The fierce and intimidating Li Shan earlier had been dealt with by Xia Tian without difficulty.


    On the other hand, Ye Qingxue and Bing Xin were already numb to this.


    Yun Miao¡¯s poker face was completely intact. Her expression was as cold as usual. Meanwhile, Ling¡¯er had been watching with much interest.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Tang Yan looked at Xue Chuan and asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xue Chuan shook his head. He did not expect the enemy would be this quick and that was the main reason why he was attacked.


    ¡°Can we eat now? I¡¯m hungry.¡± Xia Tian asked the supervisor.


    ¡°Oh, of course. I¡¯ll bring the dishes in now.¡± The supervisor broke out of his stupefied gaze and ran out hastily.


    Huo Wennu picked up her phone on the ground and dialed a number.


    ¡°Look for a thug called Li Shan. I don¡¯t want to see his face any longer.¡± Huo Wennu hung up the phone afterward. Although her words were simple and short, everyone in this cabin knew what they really meant.


    Huo Wennu was really angry this time. That Li Shan¡¯s life was approaching its end ¡ª he had offended someone he should not have.


    ¡°That was just a minor interruption, please, carry on.¡± Huo Wennu said indifferently


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t affect me in the least, please tell them to hurry up with the dishes.¡± Xia Tian had not eaten for almost the entire day and he was truly getting hungry.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? If you¡¯re that amazing, why didn¡¯t you make a move straight away?¡± Huo Wennu looked at Xia Tian angrily. Xue Chuan would not have taken the hit if Xia Tian were to stand up earlier, and neither would she be this angry.


    ¡°I thought you were amazing.¡± Xia Tian replied seriously.


    ¡°Alright Sister Wen. It¡¯s all over anyway.¡± Ye Qingxue walked up and defused the situation.


    ¡°My idol, you¡¯re truly amazing.¡± Ling¡¯er looked at Xia Tian with great respect.


    All the dishes were soon served to them. The restaurant had amazing business due to its unique dishes ¡ªthey were of top-notch quality, and the portion was enough for everyone as well, which was the main two reasons that had attracted the crowd.


    ¡°I hope the incident earlier hasn¡¯t soured everyone¡¯s mood. I¡¯d like to propose a toast to President Ye; everything that happened was my fault.¡± Xue Chuan was a forthright person ¡ª right was right and wrong was wrong.


    Xue Chuan had once used his father¡¯s identity to threaten Ye Qingxue. This was indeed something worth forgetting. In fact, he would not have done anything to the literature and art club even if Ye Qing Xue disagreed.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, everything is already in the past.¡± Ye Qingxue smiled gently as she finished the glass of alcohol.


    ¡°My second toast is to Sister Huo. I¡¯ve caused you a lot of trouble,¡± Xue Chuan said once more.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Huo Wennu did not act formally as she nodded and finished the glass of alcohol in her hand.


    ¡°This third glass is for Mr. Xia Tian. I, Xue Chuan have never been impressed with anyone before, but you¡¯re the first.¡± Xue Chuan was a proud man, especially when it came to basketball. None of the CBA stars managed to impress him at all except for the people that could win him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to drink it. This tastes horrible,¡± Xia Tian said.


    ¡°Xia Tian, do you have a problem with giving face to other people?¡± Huo Wennu was starting to get more and more annoyed at Xia Tian.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drink in his stead.¡± Bing Xin, who had been sitting quietly beside Xia Tian, took away the glass of alcohol in front of Xia Tian and finished it in one gulp.


    Her actions left everyone agape. What was her relationship with Xia Tian? Why would she drink on his behalf?


    Bam!


    The cabin¡¯s door was kicked open.


    ¡°Brother Liang, it¡¯s them. They¡¯re the ones who hurt Brother Shan.¡± That man was none other than the green-haired man that made his escape earlier.


    ¡°Those who dare to attack Zhu Liang¡¯s brother are tired of being alive.¡± The bald and fierce-looking leader looked at the lot in the cabin. He too was stunned when he saw the cabin filled with beautiful ladies and soon became calm.


    ¡°Listen well. You¡¯re talking to someone from the Huo Family. If you know who I am, turn around and get the f*ck out of here.¡± Huo Wennu was very angry today.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re from the fire family or the water family (TN: Author has made a pun here. Huo (»ð) means fire and Shui(Ë®) means water.). I, Zhu Liang have been out in the world for a long time and I¡¯ve never been afraid of anyone. I¡¯ve met plenty of people when I helped developers solve their problems. Being tactful has never been in my blood.¡± Zhu Liang used his left hand to touch his head and one could see that his left thumb was missing. He had chopped it off himself.


    ¡°Why are there so many thugs popping up today.¡± Huo Wennu was speechless against these people. The Huo Family¡¯s influence was definitely something not to be ignored within Jianghai City. However, these thugs did not seem to recognize the Huo Family at all.


    The green-haired man immediately tried to snatch away Huo Wennu¡¯s phone when he saw that she was about to make a call. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about calling the police.¡±


    ¡°Are you people stupid!? I have no intention of calling the police!!¡± Huo Wennu screamed angrily.


    The situation in the cabin had attracted a crowd but none of them dared to call the police. Zhu Liang was no ordinary character as he was notorious for his fierce personality. He led Li Shan and the gang to help the developers deal with troublesome problems.


    He was notorious for his fierce attacks. Once, they had started a brawl with someone in this very restaurant and one of the staff members had secretly reported it to the police. The police came and brought them away but they were released on the second day. Soon, the staff member that had reported the incident had his legs broken.


    Since then, the restaurants nearby did not dare to mess with him whenever he went to dine in. Zhu Liang and Li Shan¡¯s gang had made a reputation for themselves on their own.


    However, they were nothing but thugs at the lowest level of society. It would be impossible for them to not have heard of the Huo family.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the one that injured Lil Shan?¡± Zhu Liang did not wish to argue with the ladies and he was only there to punish the one who attacked his brother. He wanted to show everyone that they were not people that could be easily trifled with.


    ¡°It¡¯s him, he¡¯s the one who hurt Brother Shan that badly.¡± The green-haired man pointed at Xia Tian.


    ¡°Everyone, attack him at once. Cripple his legs!¡± Zhu Liang waved as he ordered the men behind him.


    ¡­

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60: The Mysterious Brother Ma


    Zhu Liang had brought at least ten people here from his village. He was originally a villager and decided to find a living in the city for he was jobless where he was from. He had nothing when he first arrived but happened to chance upon a developer named Brother Wang.


    He had helped this developer settle multiple points of resistance and had earned the admiration of his employer. Hence, Zhu Liang called Li Shan and the others from his village over. They were all merciless when it came to fighting and they helped the developer to settle many of his problems.


    Now, they had a total of about ten people. Although there were not many of them, they had mixed quite well into the society here.


    What Zhu Liang had always emphasized the most was being fierce and loyal. Hence, he rushed over when he found out that Li Shan had been hurt by someone.


    The group took out all sorts of weapons as they changed towards Xia Tian.


    ¡°Stop!!¡± A person appeared by the cabin next door. He seemed to be in his twenties and was certainly not more than thirty years old.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Zhu Liang looked at the man and asked.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am, what¡¯s important is that you¡¯ve disrupted my meal.¡± That man stared at Zhu Lian indifferently.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you right now to mind your own business. I¡¯m Zhu Liang and I¡¯ve got plenty of strings and connections among the mafias and law-enforcers.¡± Zhu Liang revealed his trump card.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about who you are.¡± The man made sure to not give him any face.


    ¡°Who are you then?¡± Zhu Liang strode towards the man. His subordinates behind him followed suit. It was as if they were ready to attack him at any given moment.


    ¡°Hey hey hey!¡± Xia Tian in the cabin said lazily, ¡°Are you guys idiots? Are you here for revenge or something?¡±


    Xia Tian¡¯s words had attracted everyone¡¯s attention, including the man by the door.


    ¡°Xia Tian, what are you doing? Are you not satisfied unless these people skin you apart?¡± Huo Wennu stared at Xia Tian. Everyone could tell that Zhu Liang and his gang were about to deal with that man by the entrance. She would have the opportunity to call for help then, but Xia Tian had snatched their attention back onto them at the most crucial moment.


    ¡°Xia Tian?¡± The man by the door was slightly startled when he heard Xia Tian¡¯s name. He then smiled when he had a closer look at him.


    ¡°You b*stard, I was planning to let you live a little bit longer. Since you really want to die this badly, I¡¯ll make your wish come true.¡± Zhu Liang stared angrily at Xia Tian.


    ¡°I remember telling you to stop.¡± The man strode towards Zhu Liang.


    ¡°Son of a b*tch, what¡¯s with everyone wanting to die this badly today?¡± Zhu Liang scolded at that man.


    ¡°What was that earlier; you¡¯ve got people in the mafias and law-enforcement?¡± The man asked indifferently.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Zhu Liang gave that man a despicable look.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± That man giggled.


    ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± Zhu Liang asked confusingly.


    Then, the cabin next door opened up and four to five people walked out of it. These people were all in suits and leather boots.


    ¡°Zhu Liang, you¡¯ve become more and more arrogant. How dare you disrespect my honored guest.¡± One of the men looked at Zhu Liang and said angrily.


    ¡°Brother Wang!¡± Zhu Liang was startled at the sight of the man. This man was not just anyone ¡ª he was Zhu Liang¡¯s boss. He had his social standing today all because of this developer.


    ¡°We¡¯re here today to treat Brother Ma to a meal. Who would¡¯ve thought that you would cause so much disruption.¡± The developer spoke.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would be here, Brother Wang.¡± Zhu Liang recognized the three men behind his boss. They were all famous developers, just like him, and it was only then he realized that he had offended the wrong people. Only an important guest would have the honor to enjoy a meal with four bosses.


    He would never have dreamt that Brother Wang and the rest would bring such an important person to dine at such a plain place.


    ¡°Brother Ma, I apologize in his stead. Would you be willing to let this incident go?¡± Brother Wang pleaded for Zhu Liang. After all, the latter was still the former¡¯s subordinate and he was also satisfied with his capabilities.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you face, tell them to leave this instant.¡± Brother Ma nodded.


    ¡°Well? Scram!¡± Brother Wang glared at Zhu Liang and his entourage as they left hastily. Before Zhu Liang left, he shot a deathly gaze at Xia Tian.


    Brother Ma and the lot then returned to their own cabin. Before he left, he looked at Xia Tian and nodded.


    Everything settled down in the cabin. However, other than Xia Tian, everyone else had lost their appetite.


    ¡°Sister Wen, why don¡¯t we leave things here as they are today and I¡¯ll treat everyone a meal again sometime in the future.¡± Tang Yan could tell that the crowd felt uncomfortable and suggested out loud.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Huo Wennu was incredibly frustrated. She was the young mistress of the Huo Family but a few thugs had bested her. They even threw her prestigious family¡¯s name in the wind when she brought it up.


    When Xue Chuan went to pay the bills, he realized that someone had already paid for him. When he asked the cashier who that person was, he could not provide an answer. All he said was that the guy was Xia Tian¡¯s friend.


    ¡°Why are you all looking at me? I don¡¯t even know who he is.¡± Xia Tian looked at the crowd and explained.


    As they bid goodbye to each other, Yun Miao and Ling¡¯er went on their way. Xue Chuan drove his car over as he was supposed to send Tang Yan back. Since Bing Xin and Ye Qingxue lived together and Xia Tian planned to stay there for a night as well, they sat in Huo Wennu¡¯s car as the latter sent the three back home.


    Meanwhile, the day had left Huo Lajiao absolutely livid.


    She had an argument with her grandfather at home after he found out that she was learning martial arts. She was severely reprimanded by her father and as a result of the latter¡¯s rage, she was thrown out of the house. She did not really mind that she was thrown out, but she did not have a single cent on her at all.


    She planned to call Xia Tian for help but the latter hung up her call immediately.


    ¡°D*mned master, bad master.¡±


    ¡°You should go and choke to death eating, drinking, and talking. I hope you get crushed to death while you¡¯re walking too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so hungry. I need to find a way to make some money.¡±


    Huo Lajiao felt helpless sitting by the street. She had already switched off her phone ¡ª she refused to return home unless her grandfather agreed to let her learn martial arts.


    ¡°How should I make some money? Should I go and rob someone?


    ¡°That¡¯s no good. Who would be scared of me if I rob them with just my bare hands¡­


    ¡°How about begging?


    ¡°Can¡¯t do that either. Forget about how much I¡¯ll get doing that, I don¡¯t even look like a beggar these clothes on.¡±


    ¡°What should I do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Huo Lajiao purposely made her hair messy and ripped her shirt here and there before standing beside the road.


    ¡°This vehicle isn¡¯t good. It¡¯s too old and anyone could tell that the driver isn¡¯t rich.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do either¡­¡±


    After waiting for around ten minutes, her eyes shone brightly.


    ¡°There¡¯s a red sports car. I¡¯m sure it costs like a million bucks or two. I¡¯m going to be rich.¡± Huo Lajiao stood by the traffic light nearby, waiting for the sportscar to slow down as it was a red light. Huo Lajiao grabbed hold of the timing and dashed out across the road and fell on the ground, acting as if she was hit by the car when it was coming to a halt.


    ¡°Here comes the money.¡± Huo Lajiao was incredibly excited.


    ¡­