As the patriarch of the Zhou Family, one of the four great families, the powerful Zhou Rushan naturally paid no mind to a re scrap collector. He was absolutely certain his subordinates would retrieve the antique sword. Therefore, at the upcoming antique exchange, he didn't hesitate to announce, "We had a stroke of luck today and found a real steal. I acquired an antique sword from so scrap-collecting kid for a 'low price,' and its condition is quite excellent. My n will be delivering it shortly, and we can all appreciate it together."
Again, it wasn't about the money—a few hundred thousand or a few million was pocket change to him. What he craved was the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem. The others who could attend this gathering were naturally not short on cash, and they were just as enthusiastic about finding such treasures. Upon hearing Zhou Rushan's announcent, everyone was green with envy, congratulating him profusely and eagerly awaiting the sword's arrival.
"Haha, what a lively chat! I'm late, hope you don't mind!" a hearty voice rang out as Lu Liangfei strolled in.
The mont he saw him, Zhou Rushan, who had just been putting on airs, imdiately shot to his feet. A broad smile was plastered on his face, his posture incredibly deferential. After all, the Xie Family had vanished without a trace, its mbers neither seen alive nor found dead. It was rumored to be the consequence of angering Wei Shanhe for so unknown reason. No matter how powerful the Zhou Family was, they didn't dare offend the True Martial Association.
The others also hurried to nod and bow, greeting Lu Liangfei. "Minister Lu, didn't you say you were too busy to attend?" soone ventured.
Lu Liangfei smiled and gave a casual excuse. The real reason, of course, was that he was in an excellent mood after Lin Tang had healed his hand, so he decided to make an appearance.
The exchange continued, with everyone taking out their newly acquired collectibles to admire and appraise. Lu Liangfei glanced around, finding it all rather dull. "By the way, does anyone here have any dicinal herbs over a century old? I'm interested in buying, and price is no issue," he remarked casually.
"dicinal herbs?" The crowd exchanged glances, but all indicated they had none. Centennial Elixirs were far rarer than antiques.
An idea struck Zhou Rushan. He had a few such items in his safe at ho, but he had no intention of selling them unless it was absolutely necessary, so he kept quiet. Soone tried to liven things up, saying that everyone would keep an eye out from now on and would be sure to offer Lu Liangfei first pick of any such dicinal herbs they acquired.
Once the atmosphere livened up again and after a few more topics had been discussed, soone finally asked Zhou Rushan, "Brother Zhou, what about that antique sword you ntioned? Why isn't it here yet? We're all dying to feast our eyes on it!"
"An antique sword?" Lu Liangfei's eyes lit up. Since Master Lin is so fond of these things, he'd probably be delighted if I got another one for him, right?
He eagerly began to question Zhou Rushan about what kind of sword it was and what it looked like. Zhou Rushan was flattered by the attention. While he was reluctant to part with his Centennial Elixirs, an antique sword was another matter entirely. If he could use it to curry favor with Lu Liangfei and strengthen their relationship, it would be an incredible bargain. Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Zhou Rushan animatedly described the specific details of the antique sword.
"Uh…" The more Lu Liangfei listened, the more familiar it sounded. Why does that sound so similar to the sword I gave Master Lin? Could it be… a companion sword? Or part of a set? It never once crossed my mind that it could be the exact sa one. Lin Tang just made two hundred million and clearly valued that sword. He wouldn't sell it for a low price for Zhou Rushan to just happen upon. It's not like Zhou Rushan could have taken it by force, right? Ha!
"Brother Zhou, would you be willing to part with that antique sword? Don't worry, I won't take it for free; I'll pay whatever it's worth. And please, don't be polite and offer it as a gift. That would actually displease ," Lu Liangfei declared, patting his chest.
"So generous, Minister Lu!" the crowd praised, giving him a thumbs-up.
Zhou Rushan silently rejoiced at his incredible luck and readily agreed to the deal. Looks like that scrap collector is my lucky star. I'd better tell my n not to kill him.
Deciding to show a bit of rcy, he contacted his n, only to frown. "Wang Erbao and the others have suddenly gone silent? They're not picking up their phones?" What the hell are they playing at?! "Send Tiger to handle it personally. I need it urgently," Zhou Rushan urged the subordinate on the line.
"Yes, sir!" his subordinate hastily replied.
But before the call could be disconnected, a burst of static crackled over the line, followed by a deathly silence.
"What happened? Hello? Hello!" Zhou Rushan's eyelid twitched as a sense of foreboding washed over him.
The next mont, a different voice ca through the phone. "Old Dog Zhou, is that you? I've found you!"
"You?!" Zhou Rushan could no longer maintain his composure. His expression instantly turned grim. He shot to his feet and cupped his fist at Lu Liangfei. "Minister Lu, everyone, my apologies. I must be excused for a mont!"
Lu Liangfei looked surprised. "What's wrong? Is there trouble? Do you need a hand?"
"Thank you for your concern, Minister Lu. It's just a small matter," Zhou Rushan managed to squeeze out a smile, signaling to his n as he walked out.
Of course, he recognized the voice on the phone. It was Lin Tang! This damned mutt… For an ant to refuse to be squashed, to dare crawl right under my nose and make a fuss… that is the ultimate sin, worthy of death!
Just as he reached the parking garage, he saw that his beloved car had been smashed to smithereens. The few n who had been standing guard were sprawled on the ground, and a few bystanders were gathered nearby, pointing and murmuring.
Lin Tang was leaning against a pillar, a slight smile on his face as he watched him. "You're here."
"Hmph!" Zhou Rushan had to admit he'd underestimated Lin Tang. But this is as far as he goes. He waved his hand dismissively. "Kill him!"
Then, he pulled out his phone to call for more backup. This entire building belonged to the Zhou Family, and all its security forces were under his command. At his summons, the entire building's security staff mobilized, converging on the location like a mighty tide. In an instant, the parking garage was surrounded by security guards, who quickly shooed away the curious onlookers. The onlookers were disappointed they couldn't see the finale and began discussing in hushed tones, "How long has it been since so fool dared to bare his teeth at the Zhou Family?" "That young man must be new to town, right?" "So young, yet so determined to die." "He's finished!"
THUMP! THUMP!
The first wave of n charging at Lin Tang was sent flying.
Zhou Rushan's mocking expression didn't change. "So, you're a Martial Artist. No wonder you can put up a bit of a fight. But you're naive if you think a few years of training is enough to turn the tables. Do you think the four great families of Jiangbei have stood for so long on money alone? I've crushed more third-rate Martial Artists like you than I can count."
"Enough with the useless chatter," Lin Tang said, shaking his head as he began walking toward him, one step at a ti.
"Kill!"
The guards imdiately ford a coordinated unit with riot shields, spiked batons, stun guns, and pepper spray. They moved together like a solid wall, advancing like an ancient army ready to steamroll its enemy. They saw Lin Tang as a lamb for the slaughter, their contempt mixed with delight. They usually only earned a fixed salary, but taking down a troublemaking hothead like Lin Tang ant a hefty bonus!
BOOM!
The two sides collided fiercely. Then, it was like a scythe slicing through a field of wheat. n were sent flying to either side, their screams rising and falling amidst a gut-wrenching sound—a symphony ford from the crushing and grinding of bone and flesh.
"Hm…?!" Zhou Rushan, who had been about to turn and leave, suddenly spun back around, his eyes wide with disbelief. Are you kidding ? How can he be this powerful?
Watching Lin Tang bulldoze through his n, sending bodies flying without suffering so much as a scratch, Zhou Rushan began to panic, frantically patting himself down.
Lin Tang, for his part, was rely curious. As he continued to batter the guards still rushing at him, he asked, "What's your salary? A few thousand? Or ten thousand? You're willing to die for that little inco?!"
The security guards were speechless. The guys in the back are pushing us forward, alright! Is this bastard the reincarnation of the Bull Demon King? How can he be so strong?!
Finally, the remaining guards broke and fled on their own. When your opponent is completely unbeatable, numbers beco aningless. Besides, they weren't a true army trained for battle. This was a completely different league.
Lin Tang walked straight up to Zhou Rushan. Reaching for him, he said coldly, "Do you have any idea how much I despise hypocrites?"
"You think you have ? Go to hell!" Zhou Rushan's eyes were bloodshot. A bizarrely shaped hidden weapon box appeared in his hand—the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Poisonous needles shot toward Lin Tang like lightning. At such close range, and with such suddenness, there is absolutely no way he can dodge!
A savage grin spread across Zhou Rushan's face, only to freeze a mont later. All his poison needles had missed, and the hidden weapon box fell into Lin Tang's hands.
He toyed with it, wondering aloud, "So, these things are mass-produced?" He rembered that Xie Qinghong had used the sa device when he'd gone to settle accounts with the Xie Family. Turning the box over, he saw a distinct brand mark on it: Tang Sect!
"Interesting," Lin Tang mused, his thoughts drifting to Zhu Yingning of the Qingye Syndicate, the daughter-in-law of the Tang Sect Leader. Co to think of it, spanking that perfectly round ass of hers was quite a morable experience. Maybe I should pay her another visit when I have the ti?
"You…" Zhou Rushan opened his mouth to speak.
Lin Tang cut him off with a backhanded slap that sent him reeling, seeing stars and spitting blood. Trembling from head to toe, he was both terrified and enraged. When had he ever suffered such a humiliating defeat?
"STOP!"
A furious roar echoed through the garage as a burly figure charged forward. The floor cracked beneath his feet, and the windows of nearby cars shattered from the force of his approach. Song Chaohu of Fierce Tiger Hall had arrived! He wielded a massive, spiked club, which he swung directly down at the crown of Lin Tang's head. He, too, was a Martial Artist
User Comments
0 comments from readers