RETURNING FROM THE IMMORTAL WORLD

Chapter 721 - Chapter 730

Chapter 721: I Already Have A Perfect Wife At Home, So There Is No Bed Left For You

Yu Hong scornfully smiled in response to Tang Xiu's remark. She had been living in Changxi for many years, and even though her Yu Family could not be considered as a top-ranked family here, they were still a mid-ranked one and naturally understood the thoughts of the juniors of these families.

This farce, however, related to the faces of the two families, and even if Ji Mu was full of arrogance, it was highly unlikely he would do anything to shame them both.

In the beginning, she liked Tang Xiu a bit. After all, this guy was the man her good sister had a crush on. But now it seemed like this fella was ignorant about the situation as well as a boaster, simply courting humiliation upon himself.

At the restaurant's door, Ren Ranran stood there, with a face full of expectation. She was sure Ji Mu would not refuse her. Her good sisters incited and encouraged her to bet on this rugged, dangerous move. She liked Ji Mu a lot, to the point this feeling was carved deep down inside. And yet, she also realized that this guy felt just a bit affection toward her, and had yet to turn into liking, let alone love.

"You know my character, Ji Mu. What I hate the most is to have the Family do some kind of acrobatic for an arranged marriage. But ever since three years ago when you escorted me to the hospital due to my illness, only then did I realize that I liked you. The longer the time passed, the deeper this feeling got. My feeling for you is pure, uncontaminated by our so-called status. I like you even if you have nothing and I will follow you with all my heart, till death do us part. Please promise me... to marry... no, to take me as your wife."

Ji Mu, however, frowned deeply, and there was anger when he looked at her.

Was the child... she said... anything but only a chip? While she used their statuses to force him under the public witness?

Ji Mu sneered inside, then took out a cigarette and lit it up under everyone's watchful eyes. He did not wish to hurt Ren Ranran, but he did not want to be forced either. Had it been a couple days ago, he might have felt pressured due to their statuses and thus promise her. But now...

"I used to think that you were a smart woman, Ranran. At the very least, you did not pester me after what happened between us last time. So much so that I would start liking you if you were to work this out step by step and had exchanges with me just like how you used to. However... what you are doing today is anything but smart. Aren't you just using my child as a chip to force me? Like you are using our statuses in Changxi?

"I, Ji Mu, am not a man who treats affections and love like a child's play. If there was really a bond that tied our heart, I would be the one to take the initiative to court you and swear to give a happy life, so you would not need to use this kind of means to coerce me.

"But now...

"I refuse!"

Ren Ranran was stunned and dumbfounded. She had never dreamed that Ji Mu's reaction would be this intense, so much that the attitude he showed her was like that of... abhorrence.

Is it wrong? Is my love for him a mistake?

I have given you my body to the point that I'm now carrying your child.

So why?

For what reason he's ignoring the two families' faces, even refusing me so heartlessly like this?

Tears like beads were falling down her face as Ren Ranran desperately shook her head. Her hand that held the megaphone was trembling, as she loudly said, "I don't have the intention to force you, and neither am I threatening you, Ji Mu. What I'm doing today is just because I wanted you to know how much I really love you. For I, Ren Ranran, will do whatever you want even if I must cast away any constraints a woman must have and throw away my honor and reputation just to be with you."

"Sorry." Ji Mu indifferently shook his head.

On the second floor's window.

Yu Hong was tongue-tied and dumbfounded as she watched the drama unfold. However smart her brain was, it simply ceased to work at this moment. Her expression when she turned her head to look at Tang Xiu was full of disbelief.

"How is this possible?" Her voice was trembling.

Tang Xiu only let out a tranquil smile since he had already predicted this result. Had Ji Mu not obtained the cultivation technique from him, he might have no will nor energy to refuse. At the very least, he would try to preserve the Ji and Ren Families' honor and reputation. But now... even the elders of the Ji Family would not blame him, moreover... they would not dare to blame him.

"Anyways, there are things I need to tend to in this month, so I'm afraid I can't enjoy the banquet you will hold for a time. But if you do still want to realize your promise, throw the feast for Teacher Han since she has quite a lot of time to spare!"

Yu Hong gaped and looked somewhat awkward and flushed. Recalling as how she despised Tang Xiu when they started the bet, she now felt that it was her that was ludicrous.

"Tang Xiu, you already know Ji Mu, don't you?" Suddenly, this thought sprung up in Yu Hong's heart and she suddenly asked.

Tang Xiu himself did not try to hide it as he nodded and said, "I do. We've met a couple of times."

Yu Hong was left without words. Originally, she thought that Tang Xiu was a man who did not know the situation at all, a ridiculous boaster who bragged about things. Never did she expect that this guy turned out to have acquainted himself with that young master Ji. Now it was apparent that he was really confident when he made the bet with her, and was not just a braggart! She, on the contrary, foolishly held contempt toward him instead of taking a clear picture of the situation.

As she thought up to there, Yu Hong really wished that there was a hole on the floor where she could burrow herself into. She really had no face to see him again.

Tang Xiu then looked at the tearful Ren Ranran. His expression moved all of a sudden as he turned to look Yu Hong again and said with a smile, "Do you dare to make another bet?"

Yu Hong scornfully rolled her eyes at him and replied in a bitter tone, "You just won against me, what else can I bet with you?"

"I bet that Ji Mu will take his words back and accept Ren Ranran. Do you believe it or not?" Tang Xiu smiled.

Again, Yu Hong blanked and immediately rolled her eyes again, saying, "Are you still sane? Ji Mu has just firmly refused, and he did that in public. How the hell would he possibly take back his words given his character, huh?"

"I told you, do you dare to bet or not?" Asked Tang Xiu again.

Yu Hong hesitated for a bit and then said, "Fine. I'm in. I'll treat you for two months if you win, but we'll be even if you lose."

"Deal."

Tang Xiu smiled, got up to press his hands on the window, looked below and shouted, "Hey, Young Master Ji, when a woman throws away her dignity and reveals her innermost affection towards her love, it means that the man is the one who gains! Besides, she's already carrying your child, so why don't you take responsibility as a man? I heard that an irresponsible man will have a notorious reputation. That's right, someone told me that grinding a chopper won't delay the work of cutting firewood. You may have tons of other important things to do, but you still must have a family sooner or later!"

Below...

The moment Ji Mu heard that familiar voice, his whole being suddenly froze. When he looked up and saw Tang Xiu, his eyes were filled with disbelief, for he did not expect that he would see Tang Xiu here. Subsequently, the awkwardness and embarrassed drove him to secretly produce a wry and bitter smile. Tang Xiu had unexpectedly been watching all the while. This... was... virtually... shame and disgrace at its highest.

Nevertheless, he gave it a thought and suddenly felt that what Tang Xiu just said was reasonable. Ren Ranran even cast away her restraint and dignity as a woman, meaning that she had sealed her own path, and that the feeling she had for him was pure and sincere.

Like Tang Xiu said, grinding a chopper does not mean that the work of cutting wood will be delayed, while those "other things" he said should be pointed to his cultivation. Having a family while immersing himself in cultivation could indeed be carried out without affecting each other.

Should I bear the responsibility... or not?

Ji Mu's face was constantly changing as he slowly clenched his fists.

The tearful Ren Ranran also heard Tang Xiu's words and felt grateful inside. She did not know Tang Xiu, but she secretly decided to express her gratitude regardless of whether Ji Mu would eventually accept her or not.

At this moment, a woman in the crowd in black leather attire and holding a helmet suddenly looked up, stroked the hair on her forehead and shouted to Tang Xiu:

"HEY, YOU, HANDSOME! YOU SHOULD BE A RESPONSIBLE MAN SINCE YOU SAID THAT! DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND, BY CHANCE? IF NOT, WHY DON'T YOU CONSIDER ME?"

The originally smiling Tang Xiu suddenly froze. He scratched the back of his head with an expression of being at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh, and said, "Sorry, girl! I already got a good wife at home, so there's no bed left for you!"

With that said, he straightly pulled back his head and picked up the teacup with discomfiture.

All this while, Han Qingwu had yet to speak anything, but the smile on the corner of her mouth had not receded. She suddenly could not bear to chuckle and laugh upon seeing Tang Xiu who was now trying to conceal his discomfiture by picking up his teacup. Though Tang Xiu did say he wanted to have a bet with her good sister—Yu Hong a while ago, all in all, it turned out that he wanted to bring the romance to a happy ending, hence it made her feel that he just did a good job.

In contrast, Yu Hong felt different and could not help but roll her eyes after hearing Tang Xiu. At this moment, she saw the way Han Qingwu looked at Tang Xiu and suddenly couldn't bear to comment, "Tang Xiu, Ji Mu is a scion of the notable Ji Family in Changxi, whose eyes are always looking at the top. Do you think he will change his mind just because of your superficial words? Forget it, buddy."

"Whether or not he'll change his mind, who knows?" Tang Xiu put down the teacup and shrugged with a smile.

At the entrance to the restaurant.

Ji Mu's expression was still changing constantly. He looked at the tearful Ren Ranran, who was full of longing and anticipation. Eventually, he sighed inwardly and stepped forward. After he came before her, he gently wiped the tears on her face and said, "I have no vigorous and true love to give you. But if you are willing to be with me, give me three days. I'll talk to the elders of my family and then visit yours to discuss our marriage. Even if we can't marry, we can at least have an engagement first. Love is not a child's play, so give me some time to slowly nurture it."

Ren Ranran blinked, and tears flowed down from her eyes again. It was not sad tears this time, but tears of joy. She nodded repeated with a joyful expression, tightly hugged Ji Mu and released him, and then quickly said, "Please wait a bit."

With that said, she grabbed the sides of her bridal gown and ran into the restaurant. Under everyone's watchful eyes, she walked upstairs to the second floor, came to Tang Xiu's front, who was near the window, and then said with a grateful expression, "Thank you so much, Sir. I, Ren Ranran, might have not only lost my love but also my future happiness had it not because of your words today. I will always remember this benevolence and kindness. Please let me know if you have anything that requires my assistance, and I'll definitely do it to the best of my abilities."

"This girl is not bad." Tang Xiu secretly nodded.

Chapter 722: Helping A Romance To Have A Happy Ending

Tang Xiu smiled lightly and glanced at the flushed with shame Yu Hong, whose head was almost sunk to the bottom of the table. He then nodded casually and smilingly said, "Lending a hand to bring a romance to a happy ending is something that I'm naturally willing to do. Nevermind about it, I wish you to have a good life in the future."

At this time, Ji Mu also came to the second floor. Changxi may be his turf, but after he stood before Tang Xiu, he still said with a respectful expression, "I was enlightened by what you just said, Brother Tang. I didn't know you were visiting Changxi, so I neglected my part as a good host to entertain you well. I apologize for that."

"If anything, I'm just here for personal matters, so there's no need for being overly formal." Tang Xiu waved his hand. "Anyhow, you already accepted your wife to be and will soon bear your child too, so you had better take her home to have a rest."

"How could I do that, Brother Tang? You just came and as a host, I should entertain you well. Also, if you are going to stay in Changxi for a few days, I'll immediately book a hotel for you. Or you can opt to stay in my villa here if you don't want to. I have an unoccupied villa here, so you can stay there any time you want."

Everyone around was immediately struck dumb after hearing him, and even his best buddies were dumbfounded and speechless as though they could hardly believe what they heard.

Even Yu Hong herself was stunned at this time. Though she knew that her good sister Han Qingwu had an unrequited crush on her own student, she also knew that this very student had quite the abilities as he just started his own business and set up a company. But she did not know about anything else other than that.

But now, it seemed that Tang Xiu was way too good to be true, right? To think that even the scion of the Ji Family of Changxi had to put on such a respectful attitude before him. How was this possible?

Is it possible that... this Tang Xiu has a very honorable identity or something? Could it be that his influence is much more powerful than his Ji Family?

At the same time, Ren Ranran was also stunned, as she could tell from Ji Mu's words that not only he knew this young man who helped her, but also was very respectful towards him. She knew Ji Mu perfectly well, and there was no young man in the entire Changxi who could make this guy act this respectful, neither in the whole province and only very few in the whole country.

Who can this benefactor be? From where this honorable being comes from that can make Ji Mu respect him so much?

Glancing at everyone's shocked expressions, Tang Xiu helplessly said, "Your woman is pregnant, Ji Mu, and she just went through such an emotional experience. You had better take her back to rest well so as to avoid a miscarriage. Besides, I came here with a friend to deal with a personal issue, so I'll return back to Shanghai this evening. There's no need to trouble you about it while I'm here."

Looking at Ren Ranran's belly, Ji Mu hesitated a bit and then said, "Alright, I'll escort her back first, and come over again to accompany you after she's settled. Brother Tang, I'm a Changxi local—a king here you may say, so I can help you deal with things here if you encounter any minor problem."

"Are you some kind of dogskin plaster or something?" Grunted Tang Xiu. After saying that, however, he felt that his actions seemed not to give Ji Mu face, so he continued, "But since you got nothing to do, then fine. Come over again later!"

"Sure thing!" Ji Mu was actually a bit embarrassed, but the following sentence from Tang Xiu immediately made him happy. He then grabbed Ren Ranran and went downstairs.

Tang Xiu's gaze followed the duo's back as they left, and suddenly spoke, "Hey, do remember to notify me when you get married. I'll prepare some great gifts."

JI Mu's pace halted and his heartbeat sped up. He immediately turned around to express his thanks with a serious expression and then left with Ren Ranran, who looked confused.

After the noisy event, everyone in the entire restaurant now knew that Tang Xiu was some kind of a great celestial being seeing as even the young master of the Ji Family acted that respectful toward him. Nobody dared to come over to hit a conversation with him. They measured and asked themselves: Do I have enough qualifications?

At this moment, Yu Hong gaped her mouth so wide that even a duck egg could fit in. The shocked expression on her face lasted for a few minutes, as she then snapped back to her senses like being awakened from a dream. She gulped down and glanced at Han Qingwu, who was still eating. While still being overwhelmed with uneasiness, she asked, "T-Tang... Tang Xiu, exactly which honorable person are you? Ji Mu... he's a proud man to the bones, but how can he act like a grandson before you?"

Tang Xiu rolled his eyes at her and snappily said with a smile, "Hey! You're an adult belle, yet your mouth kind of runs loose, no? I have yet to get married and have a wife, and neither do I have any sons. How could I possibly have a grandson, huh? I told you I met Ji Mu a couple of times and we're just friends!"

Yu Hong pouted and wore an expression that she did not buy his explanation in the slightest.

Han Qingwu suddenly raised her head and looked at Yu Hong, saying, "Honghong, just hurry and eat your meal, will you? The dishes have been served for quite a while and it will be cold if you don't eat them now."

"Okay. I'll eat!"

Seeing that Tang Xiu did not want to entertain her, Yu Hong suppressed the resentful yet doubtful feeling she had deep down.

Below the restaurant.

Ji Mu sat in the driver seat on his Ferrari. After starting the car, he then drove it away. But Ren Ranran, who sat in the passenger seat, still looked confused, though she was very happy inside. She then asked, "Ji Mu, that Tang... exactly who is this Mr. Tang? You seem to... to value him very much?"

Ji Mu glanced at her and then said slowly, "He has a very special identity that I can't tell you now. But you must remember something. Later on, you can annoy anyone in the world, but never once must you provoke him."

"Is he really powerful?" Ren Ranran was astounded.

The smile on Ji Mu's force was a bit forced as he sighed, "Far more than powerful. Eradicating both our Ji and Ren Families is even easier than killing an ant for him."

"This..." Ren Ranran was completely shaken. She had heard a lot about powerful figures, but never once had she heard of anyone who could easily destroy the Ji and Ren Families. Granted that... even if he was a scion of the most powerful clan in the capital, there was no way it was an achievable feat, no?

However, she too felt that Ji Mu was unlikely to speak out such big words either. Hence, what exactly was all this about?

Ji Mu seemed to realize what she had in mind and gave a longer explanation, "There are many people in the world who we can't afford to annoy, Ranran. What I told you is the truth! When I described how powerful he is, that's the lowest estimation that disparages his power already. You also know about those prominent clans in the capital, don't you? Even those genuine powerful families are nothing but ants in his eyes. Do remember my words, do not look at him with normal eyes, and you must be respectful in front of him. Even if he wants to kill us, we must be the ones who take the initiative to give it on our own."

Hiss... Ren Ranran gasped and felt a chill down her spine.

Ji Mu still felt that his explanation was still not enough and gave a simple summary, "Just forget it, I'll tell you more. He's the secret Big Boss of the Magnificent Tang Corporation, and also a junior of the Tang Family of Beijing. But everything he has is little to nothing related to the Tang Family. The horrifying power he holds is not something even one hundred Tang Families added up can be compared with."

"Aren't you describing a God?" Ren Ranran's lips were quivering as she interjected.

Ji Mu suddenly felt that Ren Ranran's description was quite correct because, in his eyes, Tang Xiu was a definition of what a God was like; the sort who was far removed from the masses and reality, an abnormally dreadful demon god.

"That's also one way to describe him."

Now, Ren Ranran was completely shaken. After a long while, she came back to her senses and said, "Anyways, I just saw Yu Hong there, and she seems to know Mr. Tang."

Ji Mu stared for a moment as a pondering look immediately appeared on his face. After half a minute, only then did he slowly speak, "There will be some opportunities in the future, so try to get closer to Yu Hong. Also, speak with the elders in your family to maintain a good relationship with the Yu Family in the future."

As a very smart person, Ren Ranran immediately caught Ji Mu's meaning.

After the Ferrari ran past the road quite far, Ji Mu spoke in a low voice, "Ranran, we have known each other for a very long time, thus we both know our own roots and also each other's characters. I will naturally take the responsibility since you are now carrying my child. But then again, I can't just take this feeling half-heartedly, so I want us to get along well together in the future. I'm sure I can nurture this feeling slowly, so let's get engaged first. We'll continue discussing about the marriage after the elders of our families have decided the engagement date."

"Alright, I'll listen to you."

Ren Ranran reluctantly released her grip on his hand and nodded with delight.

Time flew by.

Tang Xiu, Han Qingwu, and Yu Hong did not rush to leave after having lunch, but let the waiter clean up the table, and then asked for a pot of tea while waiting for Ji Mu to come back.

During this time, Tang Xiu did not talk much and only listened quietly to Yu Hong and Han Qingwu's conversation about some funny things they came across in life. At 14:30, Ji Mu finally rushed back.

"Anyways, we'll attend to our things at eight tonight, so we got nothing to do this afternoon. Do you a recommendation?" Asked Tang Xiu.

"Are you, by chance, going to watch the fights in the underground fighting arena, Brother Tang?" Asked Ji Mu, surprised.

"Eh, you know about it?" Asked Tang Xiu again.

"The underground fighting competition's final is going to be held in Changxi, so I naturally know about it," said Ji Mu with a smile. "I originally did not have time for that tonight because I already agreed to hang out with my buddies and watch the match together."

"Alright then. Let's go together!" Tang Xiu nodded. "Now, let's see to our schedule this afternoon."

Ji Mu thought for a moment, and then asked, "How about going to the Red Pavilion? We can have tea and also watch the theatrical play over there. If you want to watch a concert, there will one in the afternoon. If you two ladies are willing, I happen to know the Manager of the Red Pavilion's Cosmetics and Hairdressing area, and you can ask the service of the ladies there to apply makeup on you."

Han Qingwu suddenly asked, "This Red Pavilion you mentioned, do they have a gym?"

"Yeah, there's also a fitness area there." Ji Mu nodded.

"Alright, let's head there, then!" Said Han Qingwu. "Anyways, don't you have something else to do this afternoon, Honghong? You don't have to keep us company and just tend to your things. You can call us later after you're done with it."

Yu Hong hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "Nevermind it. I'll call them saying that I have something to do and move it to another time. Even Young Master Ji can squeeze his time to accompany you, so if I leave..."

"No need, girl. Just go ahead and tend to your things first. You can call me again after you're done. It's fine, really. I will feel quite bad if your important matters were to be delayed because of me." Han Qingwu did not want her to know that she was participating in the underground fighting match, hence the interruption.

Chapter 723: Threshing Wastrels

Changxi City was not a first-tier or second-tier city, but the construction and development of the cities in the Southern Region were still thriving and prosperous. The entertainment establishments here were comparable to Shanghai's, and the Red Pavilion was a large-scale entertainment center with a variety of leisure and recreational facilities.

At the fitness area.

Han Qingwu had taken off her coat and put on a black vest and sweatpants. The fighting match tonight was very important to her, and she did not dare to slack off, so she did warmups ahead of time, adjusting her body and mind to the best condition, as it was her very purpose of coming here.

Punching out with a thousand pounds striking power was not an issue with her current strength. After the training she had with the expert from the Everlasting Feast Hall, coupled with dozens of matches she had gone through in the underground fighting arena, she could be regarded as a battle-hardened fighter now. While standing in front of the dumbbells, her movements looked very casual and she did not appear to struggle even with the heaviest dumbbells.

"Brother Chong, there's quite a belle here, and she got a darn great body!"

At the access to the fitness area's entrance, two young men came in with a towel, one of them, whose nose was sticking out and had a monkey-like face and sweat on his forehead, looked at Han Qingwu exercising and his eyes suddenly lit up, blowing a whistle and grinning.

Zhou Chong raised his brow. After observing Han Qingwu a couple of times, he then nodded and said, "The best quality indeed. Great front and awesome back, added with a darn great body. Chen Shuai, wanna gamble with me to win that belle today?"

"You want to gamble?" Chen Shuai rolled his eyes. "Do you think I'm a masochist? Every time we play this game I always lose to you. The darn Heavens were really unfair to me. How the hell did they name me Shuai (handsome) but did not give me at least a proper face?"

Zhou Chong smilingly said, "You can't eat with good looks alone, though. You know, although one's looks are the first thing women see, a few of them are kind of content with men's inner looks. So maybe... that belle is an exception, a special case like I said, no? Alright, 100 stakes, man. Do you dare to bet with me?"

Chen Shuai blanked and immediately frowned, "You really want to play big, huh?"

Zhou Chong smiled and nodded in response.

Thinking for a moment, Chen Shuai then seemed to be ready to risk everything and said, "Fine, let's play! Who's afraid who, huh? Worse come to worst, I'll just pass through the month broke. No big deal. You just wait here, buddy. I'll definitely win this game and come back with that belle."

"I'll be waiting." Zhou Chong folded his arms while smiling.

Chen Shuai sorted out his clothes and let out a confident smile. After coming to Han Qingwu's side, he tried hard to impersonate a gentleman and said, "Care to chat, beauty?"

Han Qingwu only cast a sidelong glance at him and directly treated him like air. She had good looks and stature and was often approached by men who wanted to talk to her, hence the choice she opted the most when facing these type of wastrels was to ignore them.

As though having expected such a result, Chen Shuai did not seem to be disheartened. Instead, he moved closer to Han Qingwu and said, "Beauty, I'm betting with my buddy whether I can take you with me. The stake is 100. As long as you're willing, how about we share half of the booty?"

"..."

A disgusted look flashed in Han Qingwu's eyes, and she still did not respond.

Chen Shuai frowned. He thought about it and quickly added, "That 100 stake I told you is actually 1 million. I know I'm not a handsome guy and only a few women find me to their liking. But since I have taken the gamble, could you at least help me win it this time? As long as you're willing to cooperate with me, I'll give you 500 thousand yuan."

"Scram!" Han Qinwu only spat out a word indifferently.

Chen Shuai's expression froze and stared blankly at Han Qingwu for a long while. While suppressing his anger, he said, "Do you know the Bitao Group in Changxi City? I'm the son of its chairman, Chen Shuai. As long as you're willing to play this game with me, I'll give you the full 1 million bet prize."

"Scram! Don't make me say it the third time," said Han Qingwu coldly.

Chen Shuai gasped for breath. He did not expect this woman to not know chalk from cheese, so greedy and insatiable. 1 million yuan to act for a few minutes, yet she did not give him face at all. If not for the gambling with Zhou Chong, he would directly thrash this bitch.

"You really don't know what's good and bad. Offending me will not end up in a good way if you seek a living in Changxi. I'll give you one last chance before I turn around and go back to my buddy. If you still refuse, don't blame me for ignoring any decorum."

With that said, he turned away with anger.

Finally, Han Qingwu looked at him and secretly lamented inwardly that there really were too many trash in this world. If it wasn't for her unwillingness to have more troublesome matters come to her, she really wished to paint this trash's ugly face with her soles.

Nearby, Zhou Chong watched Chen Shuai smilingly, who came back alone and intentionally spat out his contempt, "Well, well. Seems like your looks and inner handsomeness are not working, eh buddy? How is the feeling of coming back with your tail between your legs? Doesn't it feel great?"

Out of shame, Chen Shuai and growled, "This fucking bitch is too arrogant. I would have already trashed her if she was not a woman. Bah, forget it. If you got the ability, you try."

Zhou Chong blew a whistle as he came to Han Qingwu and smilingly said, "Thanks a bunch for that, Beauty."

"Scram!" Han Qingwu growled without lifting her head.

Ugh... The smile on Zhou Chong's face froze instantly and his brain unable to send an impulse to react. This is out of the script I just wrote! She should be asking why I thanked her. How can she...

Thick-skinned as he was, the embarrassed expression on Zhou Chong's face only lasted for a few seconds before receding like a tidal wave. He then touched his nose and said with a dry smile, "Coming across someone is something preordained by fate, Beauty. Don't be so fast rejecting people. Alright, let me introduce myself. I'm Zhou Chong, a junior of the Zhou Family in Changxi. May I have the honor to invite you to dinner after you finish working out?"

"I don't give a damn of what dogs or cats you are," said Han Qingwu coldly. "Scram if you don't want to get into trouble. There's no way I'm interested in some coxcomb like you."

"You..."

Never in his dreams did Zhou Chong ever imagine that he would be rejected this ruthlessly. One must know that by virtue of his handsome looks, famous brands he wore from head to toe, and coupled with the status of the Zhou Family in Changxi City, his adventure in picking up girls had been a walk in the park.

But today... how could this special situation happen?

As much as he wanted to unleash a tantrum, Zhou Chong was a man who had a tender heart for the fairer sex, and rarely got angry at them. Therefore, he could only suppress his discomfiture inside and walked back toward Chen Shuai crestfallen.

The latter was immediately ecstatic, and the anger he had after getting thrashed by Han Qingwu dissipated a lot upon seeing Zhou Chong coming back with a black and blue expression. A mocking expression appeared on his monkey-like face as he teased, "Holy cow, how come Young Master Zhou came back alone with a dejected face? You always brag and boast that you're a Casanova in picking up hot chicks, and yet you were just thrashed by that beauty?"

Zhou Chong was so vexed that his nose felt noxious. In the past, he always hugged a belle back and showed it off to Chen Shuai, enjoying to watch the guy's envious and jealous expression. But now he was mocked by him, making his anger towards Han Qingwu more intense.

His face turned ashen. He did not even reply to Chen Shuai, but turned his head and waved at a nearby attendant. After the attendant came over, he said, "I'm gonna give you a task. Keep an eye on that woman. Wait until she finished exercising, and then find out after she leaves whether she has friends here. That's right. Don't forget to take some pics of her. It will be useful to me."

The attendant apparently knew who Zhou Chong was, as he quickly nodded and said, "Rest assured, Young Master Zhao! I'll do it will!"

Zhou Chong nodded and took out his business card and stuffed it into the attendant's hand before turning away.

Inside the teahouse.

Tang Xiu was savoring his tea while reading a book and enjoying his short tranquil time. He did not speak, and neither did Ji Mu. Although the latter was a bit bored, he just sat on his chair trying to sense the flow of qi inside his body. Since he obtained a cultivation technique, most of his time was spent on feeling the qi flow inside his body. He wanted to become an expert and also a cultivator, and thus was willing to work himself to death.

In a blink of an eye, it was already six in the evening. Han Qingwu was finally back from the fitness area. Since the fitness area had its own bathhouse, she had already cleaned herself up and changed her clothes.

"Alright, let's go!" Said Han Qingwu.

Tang Xiu looked at the time and asked, "How long does it take to get to the fighting arena from here?"

"I don't know the specifics." Han Qingwu shook her head. "But it's already six, only two hours away from the match. But as a participant, I must be there half an hour earlier."

"There's no need to rush," said Ji Mu quickly. "It will only take 40 minutes from the Red Pavilion to the Emerald Resort by car. Anyways, Miss Han, you spent half the afternoon working out, would you like to have some food first? I went to the dining area half an hour ago and already prepared a meal for us."

"This..." Han Qingwu hesitated.

Tang Xiu got up and said, "Let's head there and have something to eat! You need the energy for the match tonight."

In the dining area.

Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai were with a pretty woman each, and merrily ate and drank. Since their "endeavor" in chasing a beauty was completely crushed, the duo called two call girls they used to play with to vent their crestfallen mood.

Suddenly, Zhou Chong's phone rang.

"Yo, how is it?" He answered the call and asked lightly.

The voice of the attendant he met in the afternoon came out of the phone, "Young Master Zhao, I'm the attendant in the fitness area, Xiao Liu. I've just accomplished what you tasked me! That beauty went to the teahouse after she finished exercising. I didn't dare to approach closer, so I only saw her meeting two men there, and they are now heading to the dining area."

"Got it. I'll gift you something later," said Zhou Chong before hanging up. A cold light flashed in his eyes as he pushed the woman in his embrace and said, "Continue your meal. I gotta make a call and go out."

"Got it!" Chen Shuai nodded. Suddenly, his expression moved and he hurriedly asked, "Hey, Zhou Chong, was it that attendant who called you to report what you asked him to do in the afternoon? Do remember to call me if there's a good play to watch!"

Zhou Chong hesitated for a moment before replying, "Then come with me. I wanna see who could be so capable to tame that bitch."

Chapter 724: Getting Beaten Up

Inside the dining area.

The quaint corridors were decorated with hanging big red lanterns, while guests were coming and going out, showing the venue's thriving business. The faint scent of wine and the fragrance of the dishes fluttered in the air, stirring the starving bellies of many guests.

Tang Xiu and Han Qingwu were not familiar with the place, so Ji Mu took the lead to guide them and explained the specific situation of the Red Pavilion to the duo the reason why this place had a good business. The Red Pavilion was not a top upscale venue and neither was it regarded as mediocre, but middle-class guests liked to come and spend their money there. Even the wealthy also came here because of the variety of leisure and recreation facilities in this place.

"Private room 0066."

After Ji Mu who brought the other two arrived, he opened the door and said, "Brother Tang, Miss Han, please go inside and wait for a while. I'm going to see the arrangements and be right back."

"Got it!" Tang Xiu nodded.

The box was quaint, more than 20 square meters wide. Aside from the tables and chairs, two single sofas and tea tables were placed in the corner. Tang Xiu and Han Qingwu had just sat for two minutes when the box's door was pushed from the outside.

"I heard the Feng Shui of #0066 box is great, so we'll be having dinner here tonight." Said Zhou Chong as he pushed the door open and then entered with a smiling face. When he saw Han Qingwu and Tang Xiu sitting on the sofas in the corner, he pretended to look surprised and said "Holy... what a strange... How come this box is occupied? Furthermore... we can't avoid our adversary, huh? To think that I'd bump into the woman who refused to give us face here."

Chen Shuai carefully observed Tang Xiu for three seconds before he determined that he did not recognize the guy. He immediately felt relieved and said with a smile, "I still thought I was trifled with by some icily arrogant woman and was kind of wondering what kind of great dude could have her company! Never thought it was just some teenager, eh? Don't tell me being an old cattle grazing on young grasses is kind of a popular fashion nowadays. But to find yourself such a pretty boy toy to pet on?"

Zhou Chong touched his chin and fanned the flames while smiling, "Well, we really can't judge a book by its cover nowadays, eh? One may look like a pure and chaste icy maiden, but who knows if she has some kind of special fetish? Tell me, how come the two of you are here? Did you book this box? Get the hell out fast if you didn't, but if you have, I'll call the reception desk to prepare another box for you."

Tang Xiu slightly knitted his brows and turned to Han Qingwu, "Do you know them?"

"Little punks who wanted to talk to me," said Han Qingwu.

"Since they provoked you, just throw these foolish things out," said Tang Xiu, waving his hand.

Han Qingwu coldly smiled and thought that Tang Xiu's "foolish things" remark was spot on. After standing up, she directly asked, "Do you want to scram yourself, or do you need me to throw you out?"

Zhou Chong sneered at Han Qingwu and immediately said to Tang Xiu, "Speak some manners, brat! Nobody dares to provoke me, Zhou Chong, in this Changxi City."

"Noisy bugs!" Tang Xiu was too lazy to look at them again.

Han Qingwu strode forward and her hands instantly grabbed Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai's collars lightning fast. She dashed forward and threw them out of the door like garbage.

Bam (Bam!)...

She then slammed the door from the inside, walked back to the sofa and said with a smile, "Well, the world has been cleaned up, so it's peaceful and quiet now."

Outside the door.

Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai who were thrown into a dizzy state and took a while to get up from the floor. The former looked like a drowned mouse while an expression of humiliation hung on his face as he kicked the door of the box open. Right as he was about to storm inside, a man's figure appeared a few meters from him and his pace suddenly sped up. Ji Mu directly grabbed Zhou Chong's shoulder and forcefully threw him back, causing the guy to be flung away for a few meters and slam on the floor heavily.

"FUCK!!!"

Now Zhou Chong was really enraged, and the pain of his body made him furious. The speed he got up this time was very fast. After shouting a curse, he was ready to rumble.

As for Chen Shuai, his heart instantly sunk the moment he saw Ji Mu. After hearing Zhou Chong's curse and seeing his stance to fight back, he immediately dashed toward him, blocking his path and immediately covering his mouth, then turned around to shout, "Brother Ji, I did not expect you to be here. Zhou Chong drank too much today, so he kinda went crazy!"

Ji Mu's face looked ashen. He glared at Zhou Chong, who gradually ceased struggling, and sneered, "You got drunk and wanted to have a brawl, so you wanted to fight me?"

Zhou Chong was struck dumb at the moment. Never did he expect that the man who just threw him back was actually Ji Mu, and felt deep regret for cursing just now. He then apologized submissively, "I didn't know it was you, Brother Ji. It's just that that man and woman inside that box were loathsome and threw us out. You're a great guy and rarely harbors grievance for a nobodies' past wrongs, so please forgive me!"

"You said a man and a woman threw you out?"

Ji Mu's heart jolted. He grabbed Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai's shoulders and dragged the duo into the box. When he saw Tang Xiu and Han Qingwu sitting on the sofa, he closed the door with his foot and then released them after gifting them some heavy slaps.

"B-, Brother Ji, you..."

The slaps made Zhou Chong turn dull. He raised his hand to touch his burning face as disbelief appeared in his eyes. Chen Shuai, who also got beaten, looked at Ji Mu but dared not resist. Their families may have big enterprises and wealth that made them scions who commanded respect and prestige in Changxi, but comparing their families with the Ji Family was simply comparing Heaven and Earth; totally not a comparison.

Ji Mu ignored the duo after slapping them and then prudently looked at Tang Xiu and Han Qingwu before asking, "Brother Tang, Miss Han, did these two assholes provoke and annoy you?"

Hahaha. Tang Xiu could not help laughing, "One should not have such a blazing flame of anger at a young age. Anyways, these two chaps may have dirty mouths, but they haven't gone too far either. If anything, it was not me who they provoked, though. They were just rejected by Han Qingwu, hence put on a show off out of anger and embarrassment."

Ji Mu suddenly realized that he was so angry inside that his seven orifices were about to release smoke. Han Qingwu was a distinguished guest to him, and it was highly likely that she was also a cultivator. These bastards, Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai, were womanizer assholes, and even dared to provoke her. This was simply courting their own death!

As he pondered up to there, he directly turned and slapped their faces. Then he turned to speak to Han Qingwu, "Miss Han, you're a distinguished guest of mine, and yet got pestered by these two punks. This is virtually a slap on my face. If you don't want to personally beat them up, let me break their legs so as to make them remember it for a long time."

"Ji Mu..."

"Brother Ji..."

Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai's complexions drastically changed and hurriedly called out. At this moment, they finally realized whether it was Han Qingwu who they used as a gamble between them or that young man were not some easy targets. Even Ji Mu himself had to act prudently in front of them, a fact that made them realize that they were just poking a hornet's nest, annoying great trouble for themselves.

Han Qingwu was not an unforgiving and unreasonable woman, so she looked at Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai, who had been slapped six or seven times already. With a disgusted expression, she waved and said, "Alright, just forget it! Just tell them to scram. It's fine with me. Anyways, let's have a bite so as to avoid delaying our important things."

"Alright!"

Ji Mu raised his hand to slap the duo's head and scornfully scolded them, "You two bastards, can you make less trouble later? You're not young men anymore, why don't you mature and find yourselves wives and stay at home? Now, scram! Don't let me see you make any trouble again later, or else I'll beat you to death!"

"Yes, yes, yes. We'll leave."

"Brother Ji, I'm really sorry. Miss Han, I'm sorry. We'll leave."

Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai were like having been pardoned, as they bowed unctuously and replied shortly before running away. Such top dogs who could make Ji Mu value them were not people they could afford to annoy, ever. Now that they did not want pursue the matter further, they also did not want to be really cleaned up.

How about revenge? That was simply a joke!

With what could they exact their revenge? Wouldn't it be the same as if they were impatient to have these people knock at the door of their families and oppress them?

The duo ran out of the dining area in one breath and only halted their pace after they caught their breaths. Chen Shuai rubbed his burning face and said with a bitter expression, "I did not even fucking see the almanac when I went out today, else how come I would annoy such ruthless stubble, to begin with. Even that fucker Ji Mu solemnly and prudently served those two sacred Lords. Who are they and what are their origins?"

Zhou Chong's expression was bit gloomy, and yet he felt helpless at the same time. When he heard Chen Shuai's words, he had no choice but to comment helplessly, "They are definitely not from Changxi, else we'd absolutely know who they really are. Some big figure from the outside our area, and not only just that, but they are also definitely of a very deep background."

"Don't you have photos of that woman?" Suddenly asked Chen Shuai. "How about sending someone to investigate her?

Zhou Chong hesitated before nodding silently, and said, "I'll find someone to investigate her tonight after I get home. We both have utterly lost our faces today big time. Let's get the hell out of here! No need to eat."

Chen Shuai nodded and followed him outside. After a few steps, he suddenly asked, "There's an underground fighting match tonight, are we going to watch it?"

"We'll go. But we gotta find some place to take a bath first and change our clothes, to get rid of this wretched luck," said Zhou Chong without thinking.

"Yeah!"

Inside the private box #0066

"Miss Han, I know those two chaps. They are not bad in nature, but they were born with a gold spoon in their mouths, being spoiled by their families and finally developing such unbridled personality," said Ji Mu with a bitter smile. "Rest assured, though. I'll make them repent and educate them, guaranteeing that they will never act absurdly again later."

Han Qingwu did not take the incident seriously and said with a smile, "Nevermind it. They really did not act too much. Besides, I have packed them up."

Ji Mu quickly glanced at Tang Xiu and then said with a smile, "Miss Han truly has a broad mind, like a heroine. Anyways, let's hit the table! The dishes will be served soon. Ah, that's right. I did not order any wine since Miss Han is going to have a match tonight."

"I drink wine," said Han Qingwu.

"Well, wine is indeed a poison for the intestine, so it's better if you can drink less." Tang Xiu laughed. "Anyways, let's eat the meal fast so as to not delay the important matter!"

"Okay!"

During his contact with Tang Xiu all this while, Ji Mu's evaluation toward Tang Xiu was that he did not have even the slightest trace of a silk pants. He was mature, prudent, and unfathomably deep.

Chapter 725: It's A Small World

After a simple dinner, the three then rushed to the underground fighting match. Han Qingwu did not want her sister to learn that she was participating in it, so she shut down her phone directly.

"How many matches are going to be held in the finals?" Tang Xiu, who sat back in his seat and glanced at Han Qingwu.

"Two matches in total, the first being one semifinal and the other one to determine the champion," said Han Qingwu.

"Be careful in the match, and just throw in the towel if you see that you're no match for the opponent," said Tang Xiu with a nod. "It's not worth to lose your life just because of a trivial arena fight."

"I know."

Though Han Qingwu replied like that, she secretly made up her mind to not lose the match even if she had to risk her life. She could not let Tang Xiu see her in contempt.

Ji Mu, who was driving, was surprised, "Is Miss Han participating in the underground fighting match, and you're also one of the top four powerhouses from the thousands of contenders in the entire country in this event?"

"Yeah!" Answered Han Qingwu casually with an indifferent expression.

Ji Mu was slightly taken aback. The moment he first saw Han Qingwu, he thought that she was a delicate and weak young woman. The thought that she actually had a dreadful strength hidden beneath her tender appearance had never crossed his mind at all. Nonetheless, when he recalled Tang Xiu's identity, as well as why he came to personally accompany her, Ji Mu felt relaxed as it was very likely that she was also a cultivator.

Upon realizing it, Ji Mu suddenly felt that he just made a wise and correct decision today, and he could obtain many unexpected benefits if he could maintain a good relationship with Tang Xiu.

Moreover, Tang Xiu had promised to bestow him a great gift when he got married.

Ji Mu was wondering what great gift was it, and suddenly had a burning wish inside and looked forward to it.

The Emerald Resort was located in the Southern suburbs of Changxi City in a spot that was surrounded by hills and waters—a dreamlike landscape that was decorated with countless lanterns. The resort was very large and also employed an absolute privacy policy, and did not receive ordinary guests. One must obtain a recommendation from two members if they wanted to have a vacation in this place, while they were also required to have at least 20-million-yuan net worth in wealth.

"The security here is quite good," lamented Tang Xiu, observing through the glass when the car drove toward the entrance of the Emerald Resort.

More than 40 robust security guards dressed in black suits were directing the arriving vehicles in a systematic order, where the guests who had passed the security checks were then guided to board a viewing car to the inside. While in the dark, there were at least a dozens of experts who were good at concealment and quietly observed their every movement.

Tang Xiu estimated that if he brought Mo Awu and the other eleven men and tried to enter this place forcefully, he would likely have to spend some time and strength to get inside. Suddenly, his expression moved and looked slightly stunned, since he saw that Mo Au had appeared outside the door.

"Let's get off!" Tang Xiu touched Han Qingwu and directly opened the door.

Soon after, the four arrived in the front entrance guarded dozens of stocky men wearing Chinese tunics. An energetic white-haired old man then greeted them with a light smile, "Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, please show me your identification."

Han Qingwu took out a black card and lightly said, "I'm a participant of tonight's event, and they are my friends."

The white-haired old man stared blankly, surprised. He did not expect that there would be such an elegant and beautiful woman among the top four of the national underground fighting match. After scanning the black card and finding that it was genuine, he immediately said, "You are indeed a participant, but you can only take up to two people according to the rules of the underground fighting arena."

"I brought my own card." Ji Mu took out a gold card and lightly said.

The white-haired old man smiled faintly and said, "The Ji Family's Young Master is a gold card member of our Emerald Resort, so you naturally can enter. The four of you, please get on the viewing car, it will take you to the arena."

The Emerald Resort boasted a large area, and the viewing car crossed nearly half of it in a circle before stopping in front of a three-story villa about seven-plus minutes later. At the entrance in front, dozens of beautiful girls with slouching and long hairs and donned in white formal dresses were waiting in an orderly line.

One of them walked out of the line and quickly came to the front of the three, saying, "Good evening and welcome to the Emerald Resorts, three honored guests. I'm Xiaoying, may I ask whether the three of you would like to watch the fighting match?"

"Yes!" Tang Xiu nodded.

"Then, please come with me!" Xiaoying smiled.

Under her guidance, the three entered the villa's hall straight to the elevator. Inside, Xiaoying pressed the basement button and the elevator then dropped down for more than 20 meters. As it stopped and the door was opened, Xioaying smilingly said, "The underground fighting arena is here, and is quite spacious with a built-in arena and auditorium. Three honored guests, please follow me. I'll take you to the viewing booth assigned to you, and then I'll lead you to the auditorium."

"I'm not here to watch, but as a participant," said Han Qingwu. "The organizers should have notified you ahead of time."

"You're a contender?"

Xiaoying was shocked and looked at Han Qingwu with a serious expression. After seeing Han Qingwu take out the black card, she immediately said, "Hello Miss, I'll immediately escort you to the backstage. Our supervisor has long been waiting there."

After that, she turned and said to Tang Xiu and Ji Mu, "Two gentlemen, could you please wait a minute? I'll immediately come back to escort you after sending this lady."

"Okay." Tang Xiu nodded. His eyes then rested on Han Qingwu and he hesitated a bit before saying, "Remember what I told you. Just admit defeat if you can't win. You haven't practiced for a long time, so it's not shameful even if you lose. Alright. I'll gift you something when you return if you lose, but I won't gift you anything if you win."

Han Qingwu stared at Tang Xiu, speechless and dumbfounded. Following that, she immediately rolled her eyes and snappily said, "You just want me to lose? Like exchanging it with a gift when I lose and nothing if I win?"

After she reacted, however, she immediately realized Tang Xiu's intention. He was afraid that she would risk her life and go all out to fight her opponents in the arena, hence he deliberately mentioning the gifts.

This... was his way of showing his care and concern toward her.

Han Qingwu then left with Xiaoying with a warm heart. She decided that she must win the competition tonight regardless of how hard it was, and then win the championship in the final.

At present, dozens of people were already in the auditorium. In the last row, a plump man with a glossy face and a cigar in his mouth was talking with a thin middle-aged man beside him.

"I'm not bragging, Xuecheng! Even if I can't be the champion, securing second place would be easy for me if I were to participate in this underground fighting arena. Don't look at me as a fatty, my body is fast and flexible!"

"Can you not blow this up, Fatty Li? Maybe I could still believe you a bit if you said it dozens of years ago. But now... Hahaha. Anyways, I heard you went to Shuanqing's Star City last year to have a duel with Chen Zhizhong, right? What was the result? Didn't you get punched by him till your teeth broke? Buddy, many of our friends were laughing at you."

"Darn shit! Who the hell run his cheap mouth? Goddammit! Good news goes on crutches while ill news flies apace. If Chen Zhizhong hadn't had a good master, I would have... Bah, let's stop talking about this topic. Just thinking about it gives a bellyful of chagrin."

"You still feel chagrined about that? I thought you only got a scratched skin! Anyhow, you said that Chen Zhizhong has a good master, who is it?"

"You wanna know?"

"Yep!"

"Heh, I won't tell you. You dare to laugh at me, Li Laoshan. You're doomed."

"Holy heaven..."

Amidst their chat, Li Laoshan's self-satisfied expression suddenly froze as his obese body rapidly stood, and under the dumbfounded eyes of his buddy, he dashed fast toward Hall's entrance.

"What the... Fatty Li's body is full of fat, literally. Yet he so swift and flexible?" The thin middle-aged man gulped down and muttered in disbelief.

When Li Laoshan was a dozen meters away from Tang Xiu, he waved his big palm-leaf fan and shouted, "Yo, Brother Tang, come here! HAHAHA.... It's really a small word. We, Brothers, are really fated!"

Tang Xiu heard the call and immediately could not help laughing upon seeing that it was Li Laoshan. He forgot that this fella was also a martial artist and that this underground fighting arena was something he would be really interested about.

"It's been a few months since the last time I met you, Brother Li, but you gained weight again?"

Li Laoshan and Tang Xiu exchanged a big hug. After releasing him, the former laughed loudly and said, "Can't help it, really! Your old brother is always drinking cold water all around. Can't do nothing about it. My old waist luckily still works well, though. Else I wouldn't have dared to drink cold water anymore."

Ugh... Tang Xiu was at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh and rolled his eyes at him. What was this about his old waist still working well? Just be a living eunuch if it doesn't work well anymore.

Li Laoshan then glanced at Ji Mu beside Tang Xiu and said with a smile, "Eh, is this your friend, Brother Tang?"

"Yeah, he's Ji Mu, a young man from the Ji Family here in Changxi." Tang Xiu nodded. "Ji Mu, this is Li Laoshan, Brother Li."

"How do you do, Brother Li," greeted Ji Mu hastily.

"The Ji Family's boy, eh? Good, good." Li Laoshan smiled. "Anyways, that Ji Chunlei from your family has a bit of friendship with me. We had a sparring about 20 years ago. Later on, we joined hands to fight someone else, hence becoming friends through fists."

Ji Chunlei? Ji Mu was shaken inside. Isn't it my father?

At this time, he looked highly at Li Laoshan's identity. It must be noted that even though his father was an easy-going man on the surface, he was proud to the bones, and Li Laoshan's identity was anything but normal for being able to befriend him.

Nearby.

After having escorted Han Qingwu, Xiaoying came back and asked, "Two gentlemen, would you like me to escort you to your seat first so you can chat more comfortably?"

Li Laoshan glanced at the number in Tang Xiu's hand. He then took it and gave it back to Xiaoying. "Mine is the 128th. Help arrange to change his seat next to me."

"About this..." Xiaoying hesitated, but eventually nodded, taking Tang Xiu and Ji Mu's seat cards and quickly ran to the outside.

Li Laoshan hugged Tang Xiu's shoulder and enthusiastically brought him and Ji Mu to the back row, and then introduced his friend to Tang Xiu.

The man's name was Chu Xuecheng, the Boss of the Beigong Group, the leader of the machinery industry in the Northern Region. Though the man had wealth comparable to Li Laoshan's, he always conducted himself in a low-key manner in society.

Chapter 726: Unrestrained Gambling

The underground fighting match was to be held at eight in the evening, but the guests had already fully occupied the seats in the auditorium before seven-thirty. The number of guests in the audience was not a lot, but it still numbered up to 400-500 people. Tang Xiu himself had never participated in such an event, so he did not understand some of the unspoken rules, such as black handicap and gambling.

"Are you going to play the big games, Brother Tang?" Li Laoshan wiped his oily face and asked curiously.

Tang Xiu stared blankly and asked, "What games, exactly?"

"Gambling, buddy! Don't tell me you're not going to play?" Said Li Laoshan.

Tang Xiu did not answer him straightly, but frowned and asked again, "You can still gamble while watching the underground fighting matches?"

Li Laoshan just rolled his eyes in response, speechless.

Sitting on the other side, Chu Xuecheng let out a smile and explained, "It seems that Brother Tang never attended an underground fighting match! In actuality, the main purpose of each match in the underground fighting event is to provide a gambling opportunity for the wealthy. Everyone has a dream of martial arts chivalry, but since they don't have the ability, they will wager their money on the fighter they prefer to replace themselves in an all-out fight in the arena, splashing blood and arousing the boiling blood inside their bodies. To put it bluntly, they want to find stimulation and excitement."

Tang Xiu understood in a flash and was at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh. "I've never been in an underground fighting match before, so I'm really ignorant about this. So, what about you two, Brothers? Are you ready to gamble too?"

"Yup. I bet on dozens of matches already, how can I miss these final matches?" Li Laoshan proudly said. "Besides, my favorite fighter, the Ironfist Jin Can, has the strength that almost surpasses those at the grandmaster level. Not only did I bet that he will end up in the top two, but I'm also dead sure he'll become the champion."

"Nah, I don't think so." Chu Xuecheng shook his head and smilingly interjected. "Ironfist Jin Can does indeed have an innate superhuman strength and a superb fist style that can inflict heavy damage on every opponent he faces. But, his style is too rigid and headstrong, and once he faces against someone who has a soft style, he will definitely fall into a hard struggle. Besides, it happens that there's one among the top four fighters who fit the suit, the Ladyboy, Wu Tong. Her Binding Silk Hands and 18 Path Kick styles happen to be the bane that can restrain Ironfist Jin Can. If these two were to fight, though, it's hard to say who will win."

"I heard there's another fighter called Li Tong. Is he very powerful?" Said Tang Xiu.

Li Laoshan and Chu Xuecheng exchanged looks, shaking their heads at the same time. The former then said, "Brother Tang, Li Tong is indeed quite powerful, and he has already broken through to the grandmaster level many years ago. His martial arts style is very ruthless, cunning, and uncanny, while his moves are unrestrained; the kind that must shed blood one it hits. One who gets hit will die or become disabled. But I think he is a level worse than the Ironfist Jin Can and Ladyboy Wu Tong."

Tang Xiu nodded without speaking.

Once again, Li Laoshan asked, "You haven't said whether you'll play or not, Brother Tang! I'm going to the backstage to place my wager, do you wanna go with me?"

"Since all of you are playing, then I'm in." Tang Xiu nodded. "Anyways, what about you, Ji Mu?"

"I'm in too," said Ji Mu.

Quickly, the quartet came to the counter in the backstage where a wide and long table with more than a dozen staff were busy handling the business. A dozen stocky strongmen were standing around on guard and looking vigilant, and yet still retaining an amicable manner when greeting guests who came to put their wagers.

"Boss Li, Boss Chu, welcome. Are you going to bet? Also, these two unfamiliar handsome young brothers, are you betting too?" When the four men arrived, the bouncers immediately greeted them warmly.

Li Laoshan laughed and said, "Sure thing. Missing such a good chance to play is simply wasting good time. I'll wager on... Black Widow... I'll bet on..."

Suddenly, he seemed to realize something as he turned his head to look at Tang Xiu and asked, "Eh, Brother Tang, you haven't said who you'll bet on, right?"

"Han Qingwu," said Tang Xiu calmly.

Li Laoshan was taken back, whereas Chu Xuecheng wore a strange expression. In their eyes, for Han Qingwu to be able to end up in the final matches was an unexpected surprise already. They did not expect Tang Xiu to choose her.

Squinting his eyes, Li Laoshan's eyes deeply fixated on Tang Xiu, and then immediately shifted his gaze at the croupier and asked, "Black Widow, what are the odds placed on Han Qingwu?"

"Seven to one," said the croupier.

Li Laoshan suddenly scratched the back of his head. The amount he was going to wager this time was not little, about 100 million yuan. He would still feel quite a pinch if he were to lose despite being wealthy. However, when he recalled Tang Xiu's dreadful strength and identity, he hesitated before pulling out his bank card and directly handing it to the croupier, saying, "I'm betting on Han Qingwu to win. 50 million yuan for her first match and 50 million for the second one."

The croupier looked surprised, but she still nodded and quickly swiped Li Laoshan's bankcard and swiftly gave him the receipt.

Chu Xuecheng frowned deeply, as he did not understand why Li Laoshan suddenly changed his mind. It had to be noted that wagering 100 million was not something that would affect them much, but they would still feel disgruntled when they lost.

Was it... because of Tang Xiu?

Chu Xuecheng stared at Tang Xiu before he finally chose his favorite fighter, the Ladyboy Wu Tong. The total wager he bet on her was also 100 million yuan.

Tang Xiu speedily handled his transaction as well. While Ji Mu, who looked up to Tang Xiu as a heavenly being, naturally followed suit by placing his bet on Han Qingwu. He spent too much money recently, leaving him with only 20 million yuan, all of which he placed on the bet.

"You're really bold, Brother Tang. You even dare to bet 100 million yuan. It seems that today, this old Li can count the money with you, hahaha." said Li Laoshan with a laugh. His laugh, however, was a bit hollow, showing that he was a bit doubtful about the chances of Han Qingwu winning the competition.

Subsequently, the quartet went back to their original seats in the auditorium and then waited quietly for the beginning of the underground fighting match. They had already placed their wager and were not in a hurry, so they took their time to observe the other wealthy guests in the auditorium. Occasionally, they saw familiar faces and just nodded at them.

At the entrance, Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai came in together. Though they were slapped by Ji Mu several times, the redness on their faces had faded away after applying cold ice on them.

"Are you going to bet, Zhou Chong?" Chen Shuai did not have much money, so he was going to wager a million. He knew that Zhou Chong had more money, but he just did not know how much he was going to chip in.

"Yeah, I'm going to wager 5 million. I don't care if I lose, but it will be great if I can win. I'm kinda vexed today, and just want to see bloodshed so as to vent this depressing mood."

Chen Shuai nodded and his eyes quickly swept at the audience in the hall. It was a coincidence that at the moment when he was about to take back his glance, he suddenly caught sight of Tang Xiu and Ji Mu.

"Look at the right rear corner, Zhou Chong."

Zhou Chong was surprised and followed suit. His complexion instantly turned a bit unsightly after seeing Tang Xiu and Ji Mu, secretly cursing his bad luck inside. Still, he pretended to not see anything and speedily followed the attendant to take their seat number and planned to go to the betting counter in the backstage.

What made the duo helpless was that they came too late as the all seats had been occupied at the time, so they could only stand behind to watch.

At eight sharp.

After the croupier who was called 'Black Widow' by Li Laoshan walked into the arena at the center of the auditorium, she took a microphone, let out a bright smile and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the underground fighting's final match. I'm Black Widow, the host for tonight.

"Firstly, I'll introduce you to the four contestants of tonight. Actually, I'm pretty sure that everyone has already known all the details of these fighters. Some of you not only know them but are also very familiar. Without further ado, the first fighter, please come to the stage!"

Her voice had yet to fade away as a formidable-looking middle-aged man came out from the exit of the backstage. The man had several scars on his face that looked like a climbing centipede, causing his appearance to look extraordinarily savage.

"The Savage Beast, Li Tong."

Many rich people were already shouted in the auditorium.

Nicknamed Savage Beast, Li Tong was the very synonym of savageness and ferocity. Just his name alone caused a lot of these wealthy people to wager on his win. Coupled with his past fist style, almost half of these rich people bet on him to win the competition.

"TONIGHT WILL BE THE DAY FOR MY OPPONENTS TO SHED THEIR BLOOD, BECOMING DEAD OR DISABLED!"

Li Tong came to the ring, waved his fists and roared.

Those wealthy among the spectators who placed their bets on him were screaming, infected by Li Tong's confidence. They ripped off all the masks of hypocrisy they put on the past business deals to reveal their savage and ferocious nature.

In the second place was the Ladyboy, Wu Tong. He was a man and not at the same time. After having a sex reassignment surgery, it could be said that he was half male and half female, which was very relevant to his name.

"Keep me off from winning the championship and I'll kill you without mercy."

A cold voice came out from Wu Tong's mouth, while a cold light came out from his eyes. Every rich man he swept his eyes across had the feeling as though they were being stared at by a venomous serpent, terrified and having gooseflesh and a chill ran down their spines.

The third one was the Ironfist Jin Can, aggressive as well as arrogant. Just as he stepped on the arena, he tore his robe, revealing his naked bronze upper body, and roared loudly, "I AM JIN CAN, THE IRONFIST. IN THE ARENA TODAY, I'LL TWIST THEIR HEADS AND TEAR OFF THEIR LIMBS. I PULL OUT THEIR HEARTS AND EAT THEM IN FRONT OF YOU."

"JIN CAN!!! (JIN CAN!!!)"

"IRON FIST!!! (IRON FIST!!!)"

Numerous voices shouted and cheered him loudly—the rich men who placed their wagers on him to win stood up, waving their fists with their blood boiling.

As for the fourth, it was Han Qingwu with her long hair, looking valiant in her training suit. She stepped on the ring with a chilly expression and glanced around. When she saw Tang Xiu in the auditorium, a smile immediately appeared on the corner of her mouth and said, "Today, my opponents are not them, but myself. If I win, then I'll leave with my chest puffed. But if I lose, then only my dead body will leave."

This time, only a handful of rich men reacted. After all, a lot among them did not favor or feel optimistic about her. Even 60% of those who wagered on her did it only because of her looks.

Chapter 727: Self-Death Path

In the back row of the auditorium.

Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai were dumbfounded when they saw Han Qingwu, and a chill ran up their spines straight to the back of their heads. Other than the different attire, the looks and figure were identical, so it was absolutely Han Qingwu. The duo recalled the time when they tried to talk to her, and as they thought about how mistaken their actions were, they were so scared that they nearly wet their pants.

"Gulp... it feels so good to be alive." Chen Shuai's throat squirmed, and his trembling right hand wiped off the cold sweat on his forehead. He was afraid to even imagine what would happen if Han Qingwu were to hit them back in the Red Pavilion. Even if they did not die, they would be left only half alive!

Zhou Chong, on the other hand, unfastened his buttons as though wanting to unleash the depression pressing his chest. Though Ji Mu slapped him a few times and made him regret that he should not have annoyed Han Qingwu, he regretted it the most at this moment. It was because those who could participate in the underground fighting match all the way down to the finals were absolutely not people he could afford to provoke.

"Chen Shuai, I was a bit resentful towards Ji Mu previously, but now... I can't find myself to hate him... I'm even feeling very grateful."

"Yeah, me too."

Chen Shuai nodded with lingering fear inside as he recalled he had annoyed Han Qingwu. If she wanted to beat them both, wouldn't they be dead already?

On the stage.

Black Widow smiled after introducing the four fighters, and then summoned a beautiful girl, took a sealed box from her and placed it in the center of the ring. She then smiled and said, "There are four cards in this box. Two Great Kings and two Small Kings. Each fighter will draw one, the matches will be Small King vs. Small King and Great King vs. Great King. The winner of each match will then fight in the final."

It was a lottery, a very fair grouping method, so the four fighters did not object to it. The result came out soon. Han Qingwu and Savage Beast Li Tong drew Small King cards, whereas Ironfist Jin Can and Ladyboy Wu Tong drew Great King cards.

After Black Widow announced the pairing matches, the four fighters went to the backstage to prepare themselves. The first round would be the Small Kings and the second match would be the Great Kings. The Small King match would start at 8:30 and the fighters had 20 minutes to prepare.

In the audience, Li Laoshan gazed at the back of Han Qingwu as she left and lightly furrowed his brows. He really could not figure out why Tang Xiu would choose Han Qingwu. He had seen her fighting in more than ten matches and had some estimation in regards to her combat prowess. She was not by any means weak, since her strength and speed could be said to be one of the best. And yet, she exposed her biggest flaw during the competition... she was too kind.

The underground fighting match was the kind of fight where the fighters' moves would either be to inflict injury or to kill, but the most serious injuries Han Qingwu inflicted on her opponents in her several matches were only breaking several of their ribs or dislocating their arms. That was when she was forced into a miserable state, so she didn't have a choice but to go all out.

"Brother Tang..."

Li Laoshan did not want to spend 100 million of his own money for naught, so he hesitated and shouted—a shout that carried his regret. At this time, he was questioning Tang Xiu with an ugly expression.

Tang Xiu glanced at him and lightly smiled, "Relax! She promised me to win this game. She'll become the champion even if she has to pay the price, that's for sure."

"You know Han Qingwu?" Asked Li Laoshan, startled and astounded.

"I came here with her this time, else I wouldn't have known there was an underground fighting competition," explained Tang Xiu.

Li Laoshan's unsettled and fidgety heart immediately turned at ease as he rubbed his hands and grinned. "Well, then I can rest my heart easy since she came with you, Brother Tang. Losing money is just a trivial matter, but I'm hella sure Old Chu will laugh at me."

Chu Xuecheng frowned, and there was solemn look in his eyes. He really could not understand why Li Laoshan trusted Tang Xiu so much.

8:30.

Han Qingwu, still donning her original attire, a black training suit, valiantly entered the ring from the backstage. Her expression was cold, and there was neither dread nor contempt when she saw the fierce and cruel-looking Li Tong. Her eyes swept past Tang Xiu and then landed on the host, Black Widow.

Black Widow did not waste any more time as she immediately announced the start of the fight and left the ring. If it was a regular boxing match, the referee would stay in the ring and use the so-called rules to restrain the boxer, but the underground fighting match had no rules. One could use any means, however shameless they were, once they stepped onto the ring. They were even allowed to use any weapons but firearms.

Li Tong smacked his lips when he stared at Han Qingwu and grinned hideously, "Ice Phoenix Han Qingwu. Encountering such a beauty like you in the underground fighting arena is really a rare occasion. Nevertheless, I, Li Tong, will have mercy on you if you admit defeat now."

"Spare the bullshit, let's just prove it through our fists," said Han Qingwu coldly.

"Disregarding dangers and having no idea of death, eh?" Li Tong evilly grinned. "Fine. Don't blame me for destroying your beauty with a heavy blow."

Han Qingwu did not respond, as her elegant stature dashed and instantly appeared in front of Li Tong in the blink of an eye, the True Essence in her body surging and circulating through the meridians all over her body.

Hmph...

Li Tong didn't have the slightest worry. He was very excited after getting paired with Han Qingwu. He had watched all her fights in the competition. He knew that although this woman had quite the speed and strength, she was actually very soft hearted. If he were to fight the others and win the match, it would probably a hard earned victory, but he did not have to worry about being injured heavily and being unable to fight in the next match as long as he won against Han Qingwu.

As his toes stepped on the floor, his legs made a tight stance and swept a kick in a flash. As his body soared and the moment Han Qingwu avoided it, the shadows of his legs joined together and delivered continuous kicks at Han Qingwu.

BAM...

After a dozen of seconds of strikes, Han Qingwu's arm was finally hit once, but amidst the pain, Han Qingwu's body swayed and she instantly delivered a kick at Li Tong's calf.

"DIE!"

Li Tong did not want to have a long fight because there was still another match. After that brief counter strike, he did not want to take a cheap loss, suddenly arousing his savageness. His body was like a hungry tiger as he sent a barrage of punches at Han Qingwu's head. In a flash moment after, his right hand grabbed a dagger from his waist. He was confident that as long as Han Qingwu dared to block his heavy punch, he could then strike her head with this dagger.

A cold light flashed in Han Qingwu's eyes. Upon seeing Li Tong use a weapon, she knew that this guy wanted to kill her. She immediately kicked her foot on the floor and made a dash backward. Her palm slapped Li Tong's fist while her left hand's finger pierced his armpit.

Puff...

As the trajectory of Li Tong's fist deviated, the downard stabbing dagger also instantly shifted. The rugged dagger swept the hair on Han Qingwu's temple, but his body suddenly trembled and a clearly visible wound appeared at his armpit. No one was able to notice that a spurt of True Essence was shot out the moment Han Qingwu's finger pierced Li Tong's armpit and then pierced the acupoint in the wound.

As his body flipped over, the heavy hammering came.

As Li Tong's body trembled, Han Qingwu had already done a complete set of smooth flowing movements that only showed white and delicate fists barraging the left side of Li Tong's neck.

Crack...

Despite having a hard iron-like body, Li Tong's neck was broken as though it was smashed by stone by Han Qingwu's fists. As the sound of the broken bones echoed, his large body flew up for five-plus meters before it heavily fell on the platform.

"What's going on?"

"How is this possible?"

"This..."

In the auditorium, the rich men who placed their wagers on Li Tong's win had drastic changes in expression and could not bear shouting. They did not see his heavy punch destroying the belle, and neither did they see him shedding the exquisite peony's blood or hacking her in half...

In the back row, a smile painted Tang Xiu's handsome face. He also felt somewhat surprised, as he did not expect that Han Qingwu could actually shoot her True Essence out. She was evidently at the Peak of Qi Refining Stage, but her being able to achieve this was really a bit unexpected.

However, it was her win, an easy one.

Li Laoshan suddenly turned to look at Tang Xiu and said in pleasant surprise, "How come Han Qingwu be so strong? Less than half a minute passed and she already won?"

"She has been trained by a specialist, and what she learned was nothing but killing moves," said Tang Xiu with a smile. "But still, she is not a bloodthirsty killer and maybe, she has yet to unleash everything she has in her previous fights. In fact, that Li Tong is quite a powerful man, and his strength and speed can't be compared to ordinary martial arts grandmasters. Only, he underestimated Han Qingwu's strength as well as her determination. In actuality, he could have lasted for some time and would be even less likely to fall by the edge of the sword if he did not pull out his dagger."

Li Laoshan blinked and instantly understood Tang Xiu's explanation. This Savage Beast Li Tong just created a death path for himself!

At the side.

Chu Xuecheng had an unsightly expression. Although the one he placed his wager on was the Ladyboy Wu Tong, yet the combat prowess demonstrated by Han Qingwu was beyond his expectations. He was a martial artist himself, and even though his ability was not as good as Li Laoshan's, he still had keen and sharp eyes.

Who would have thought that Han Qingwu, the one he felt less optimistic about, unexpectedly won the match and directly killed Savage Beast Li Tong? What surprised him the most was how easy it was for her to defeat him. It seemed that not even half a minute had yet to pass from the beginning to the end.

Don't tell me Han Qingwu will really become the champion?

He glanced at Li Laoshan and even looked at Tang Xiu. After having observed them for a long time, a bitter smile was cast on his face and he secretly shook his head.

The fighting match was not over yet, and he did not want to see this result. So he secretly cheered for Ladyboy Wu Tong to pass through. The others may not have noticed, but Ladyboy Wu Tong had yet to unleash his full power as well, something he was clear about.

He once saw him in action outside the underground fighting arena. Back then, this shemale was simply a berserk deity.

Chapter 728: Frantic Killing Intent

"The next match will be Ladyboy Wu Tong's show. It would be best if he could win smoothly, but if he struggled for victory, then the final champion is none other than Han Qingwu." Chu Xuecheng thought silently.

In another place, behind the seats of the auditorium, Zhou Chong and Chen Shuai exchanged dismayed looks. Their hearts were as though falling into an ice hole as their complexion turned very nasty.

"To be alive is a great feeling indeed. Now I finally realize the deeper meaning of this sentence." Chen Shuai raised his hand to caress his neck and said bitterly.

"She's really too strong. For anyone who can go all the way to the top four of the underground fighting arena, they are definitely not weak. But even for the Savage Beast Li Tong to not last for half a minute and be beaten to death by her..." Zhou Chong interjected with a complicated expression. "Chen Shuai, I'm now very grateful to Ji Mu. If he did not appear in time, I'm afraid that we..."

He could not continue speaking anymore after speaking up to there. However, Chen Shuai knew perfectly well what he wanted to say. He took a deep breath and then said, "After watching this game, we'll immediately call Ji Mu and ask him when he has time to have dinner with us so as to express our gratitude to him."

"Yeah." Zhou Chong nodded silently.

"Ji Mu is our savior. Should we send him some gifts as tokens of our gratitude?" Asked Chen Shuai.

Zhou Chong thought for a moment and said, "We must thank him and send him a thank you gift. We gotta discuss the appropriate thank you gift after this fighting match."

"I heard Ji Mu has been buying precious medicinal herbs in these two days." Chen Shuai's expression suddenly moved and spoke in a low voice.

"Huh?" Zhou Chong looked doubtful and wondered, "What is Ji Mu buying precious herbs for? Is he ill? Or a family member..."

"I dunno." Chen Shuai shook his head. "It's just a rumor, so I'm not really sure. I will, however, tell my friend to ask around after the fighting match. If it's true, then we'll send him some precious herbs."

"No problem!" Zhou Chong nodded and looked pensive.

Black Widow, who stood under the ring and watched as Savage Beast Li Tong was struck and defeated in less than half a minute, could not help but tremble. She was an expert herself, and even though she had yet to reach the martial arts grandmaster level and could be extremely cruel and merciless, she was still shocked nonetheless.

What a dreadful person! It turns out that Ice Phoenix Han Qingwu has never unleashed her full power.

Her gaze shifted from Han Qingwu and looked at the fallen Li Tong on the floor, who was no longer moving. She shivered and sighed inwardly, before she stepped onto the platform again to check his condition. Following that, she walked to Han Qingwu's side and applauded, "The Ice Phoenix—Han Qingwu has really concealed herself too deeply. I now announce that Savage Beast, Li Tong, has died. The winner is HAN QINGWU!"

"Ice Phoenix Han Qingwu, you can take a break in the backstage. Your second match will start at 10."

Han Qingwu nodded. She glanced at Tang Xiu's direction and immediately replied, then turned around to leave the ring.

The second match.

After Ironfist Jin Can and Ladyboy Wu Tong came onto the ring, the two men showcased their soaring fighting intent. Even Tang Xiu, who was sitting in the back row of the auditorium, spared his time to observe the two fighters. Following which, he turned to Chu Xuecheng and lightly smiled, "Brother Chu have good eyes. That Ladyboy Wu Tong seems so weak that even the wind can blow him away, but he's undeniably formidable. Also, he should have killed quite a lot of people."

"Brother Tang is kidding me. I can't even be compared to you. The one you favor, Han Qingwu, easily killed Savage Beast Li Tong, and the result won't affect her second match. Though this Ladyboy Wu Tong is indeed very strong, yet he would probably be injured and badly battered even if he is able to defeat Ironfist Jin Can. For him to lose in his second match against Han Qingwu is quite likely."

Tang Xiu just smiled in response and did not talk anymore. Han Qingwu was just unwilling to fully unleash her strength. As long as she made up her mind to go for the kill, she would definitely become the champion. Tang Xiu had confidence in her as well as the Everlasting Feast Hall's expert who had taught her.

As expected, the close quarter fight ended very slowly. Ironfist Jin Can and Ladyboy Wu Tong engaged in an intense fight for more than 10 minutes before the outcome was finally revealed. The winner was the Ladyboy Wu Tong, yet he was also covered with several injuries as well as heavy internal injuries after killing Ironfist Jin Can.

10:00.

Black Widow stood in the ring again. Her complexion was a bit unsightly, and there was even faint anger in her eyes. She held the microphone and suppressed her anger as she announced, "Next is our final match. Ice Phoenix Han Qinwu and Ladyboy Wu Tong, please come to the ring!"

After a while, the two people stood on the ring.

Black Widow held her breath and fiercely glared at the injured Ladyboy, Wu Tong, and coldly said, "Without further ado, I announce the match begins... NOW!"

Wu Tong shot a deep gaze at Han Qingwu before he immediately shook his head and said, "To those friends who have placed their bets on me, I can only say I'm sorry to all of you. I'm so seriously injured that I can hardly support myself. Hence, I admit defeat."

"YOU WHAT? YOU JUST ADMITTED DEFEAT LIKE THAT?"

"WHAT THE FUCK? WHAT PRANK ARE YOU PULLING? THIS LAST GAME OF THE UNDERGROUND FIGHTING MATCH IS THE ONE I'M MOST ANTICIPATING. HOW CAN IT BE OVER LIKE THIS? THIS BIG DADDY HAS ALREADY BET 50 MILLION YUAN..."

"HEY WU TONG! I'LL FIND A WAY TO KILL YOU IF YOU GIVE UP!"

"I PAID TO SEE YOU TO KILL! SHOW ME BLOOD!!!"

"NO BALLS DICKHEAD! YOU'LL REGRET FOR CROSSING ME!!!"

"..."

Many rich men stood up and cursed furiously, a lot of them directly throwing out threats.

Wu Tong did not stay for long. Despite his strength, the anger of a lot of rich and powerful people was not something he could afford to face. He knew what situation he was in and only a dead end was there for him if he continued the fight. While those rich people would be targeting him after the competition, yet he believed he could preserve his life, and could just leave China if worse came to worst.

Han Qingwu was also very surprised, for she never thought that Wu Tong would choose to admit defeat directly. Originally, she planned to resort to killing if Wu Tong had the intention to kill, but now it seemed that her victory was already settled.

In the audience, Li Laoshan glanced at the pale Chu Xuecheng as he immediately laughed loudly, "Hahaha... Old Chu! I never thought to be so lucky today. Not only did I meet Brother Tang here, but also pocketed 700 million yuan as well. Damn, this is really such a great and joyous event. Brother Tang, spare the talk, let's just go to the backstage to exchange this receipt to bank notes. This Old Li must treat you to a drink."

Tang Xiu only smiled. The reason why he came along with Han Qingwu to Changxi was that he was afraid she would have an accident in the underground fighting match. He had yet to have an answer from her, and definitely did not want her to die in such a match.

What was accidental was that he followed Li Laoshan to gamble and won quite a lot of money.

"Okay, let's go!"

Just as Tang Xiu let out a smile, Li Laoshan dragged him away. Ji Mu was similarly looking happy and followed them to the backstage. Though his wager was not much, the odds were quite high, so he also earned quite a lot!

Half an hour later, Tang Xiu, Li Laoshan, Ji Mu and Chu Xuecheng had already taken the elevator to the surface. Without much delay, Han Qingwu, who had changed clothes, came before them.

"Feeling happy?" Asked Tang Xiu.

Han Qingwu nodded. With a smile hanging on her face, she said, "Of course, winning money is a happy thing. But I'm not thrilled for the match, though, since I was kinda excited to fight that Ladyboy Wu Tong."

"Well, I'll send you to Jingmen Island later if you want to have a good fight," said Tang Xiu smilingly.

Han Qingwu's smile turned stiff. She immediately shook her head and said, "No, thanks. Forget it!"

Tang Xiu chuckled and asked, "Anyways, did you place a bet as well? How much did you win?"

"I bet 20 million yuan and won more than 100 million," said Han Qingwu. "I'm a young rich woman now."

"Huh? I don't recall your family being short on money, no?" Tang Xiu snappily said. "Do you really want to live on your own without asking for support from your family?"

Han Qingwu realized that Tang Xiu knew her grandfather, so he should know about the situation in her family. She then nodded and smilingly said, "I usually spend little, but earning myself quite some money is not bad, you know."

Tang Xiu only smiled and did not continue talking about this subject, but pointed to Li Laoshan and Chu Xuecheng and introduced them to her.

Straightforward as he was, Li Laoshan, who won more than 600 million yuan because of Han Qingwu, patted his chest and said, "Miss Han, I gotta say thanks to you this time! I won more than 600 million yuan because of you! This Old Li probably won't be able to earn this much from my business in a year or two. So I wanna invite you to have some snacks tonight, but this Old Li will prepare you a lavish thank you gift when I visit Shanghai later."

"There's no need for this." Han Qingwu smiled. "It's your fortune, Brother Li. Just choose a good place to have some snacks tonight. It's fine already."

"Nope, a snack is a must and so is the lavish gift," said Li Laoshan crisply. "Anyhow, Brother Ji, you're the local snake of Changxi, so you should know the best place for a night snack, right? This Old Li is very happy tonight, so take us to the best place!"

Brother Ji?

Ji Mu shivered inwardly. He had secretly browsed the Internet while watching the matches, searching information about Li Laoshan. The result was quite a shock to him since he learned that Li Laoshan was the Iron Steel Magnate from the Northern Region with a net worth of over 10 billion yuan. Though he was a scion from the Ji Family, he did not have the qualification to be addressed as Brother by this man at all. It was more appropriate if it was his father.

He simply benefitted from associating with someone else!

Ji Mu secretly glanced at Tang Xiu and saw that the latter nodded to him. He then let out a dry smile and said, "I won quite a lot tonight, too, Brother Li. You are originally a guest, so treating several brothers should be on me as the host! Whenever Brother Li has some time to spare in the future, feel free to invite us."

Tonight was a night of harvest and thus became a pleasant night.

It was already 1:30 when the five finished the night snack. Tang Xiu drank a lot of wine and felt a bit drunk since he had not forced the alcohol out of his body. As for Li Laoshan and Chu Xuecheng, both of them drank a lot, so Ji Mu tried to find a few Ji Family's men to escort them and book a good hotel in advance when they left.

However, Li Laoshan dragged Tang Xiu at parting time to tell him that he wanted to see him tomorrow and go to Shanghai together. Tang Xiu did not ask for what affair he was going to tend to, while Li Laoshan himself did not explain anything.

Chapter 729: Strange And Unusual Leads

The next day.

When the red sun rose from the East, Tang Xiu woke up in a daze from his lodging bed. The place he spent the night in was a luxurious villa belonging to Ji Mu, who even changed the main bedroom bedding and gave the room to Tang Xiu, while he himself spent the night in a guest room on the first floor.

Knock, knock...

The door was knocked and as Tang Xiu opened it, he saw Han Qingwu smilingly standing outside while holding her handbag.

"You got up early?" Asked Tang Xiu.

"Not too early." Said Han Qingwu after entering the bedroom behind Tang Xiu. "I heard some sounds from your room, so I came over. Anyways, are we going back to Shanghai directly or stroll around Changxi? Yu Hong called this morning kinda complaining about it."

Tang Xiu thought about it and then asked, "Is there something urgent for you to hurry back? If you don't, let's return in the afternoon or tonight."

"Alright," said Han Qingwu immediately.

"Okay!" Tang Xiu readily agreed. He hesitantly agreed last night to return back together to Shanghai with Li Laoshan, so he was going to call him directly later. However, Han Qingwu's following words made him give up on making the call.

"Let's have breakfast first, Tang Xiu. After which, how about accompanying me to the ancient town in Yandang? I heard the scenic view there is great, and I've always wanted to have a look. I haven't had a chance to do so until now due to tons of things I needed to tend to. While in passing, I'm gonna call Yu Hong too, so we can have lunch together."

Tang Xiu pondered and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to attend to some important matters shortly. By then, I'd like you to approve my leave later."

Upon hearing it, Han Qingwu immediately rolled her eyes at him in a charming manner. With an expression of being at a loss whether she had to cry or laugh, she said, "To think that you are actually haggling over this thing with me. Hmph, so be it then. Who told me to be in a good mood in these two days? Alright, I promise you."

Tang Xiu was left speechless. He did have a lot of things to take care of in the near future, nonetheless. On the one hand, he had to ponder about making more money, while in the other, the tender for the Magnificent Tang Corporation's construction project in Shanghai was going to be held as well, and a lot of things must be handled by then. There was also one other thing. He did not go to Jingmen Island to see Gu Yan'er to celebrate the Chinese New Year before, so he planned to go there in the near future. If there was more time to spare, he also wanted to go to Nine Dragons Island while in passing.

After washing his face and rinsing his mouth, Tang Xiu came to the first floor with Han Qingwu. There, he saw Ji Mu in an apron taking two dishes out of the kitchen.

"Brother Tang, Miss Han, you two are already up! Anyways, come eat breakfast. It's my cooking today, so you gotta try and enjoy it," said Ji Mu cheerfully.

"You did the cooking?" Asked Tang Xiu with a strange expression.

Ji Mu straightened up his chest and proudly said, "Of course. I was originally learned it to pick up some hot chicks... ugh... cough, cough... well, to make someone fall in love with me, hence I spent quite an effort to learn cooking. There's a sentence I kinda believe the most: a man can conquer his woman as long as he can seize her stomach."

Pfft...

Hahaha...

Han Qingwu could not help giggling, but Tang Xiu burst into a roaring laughter. Who would have thought that the respected big playboy of Changxi City, the young master of the Ji Family, Ji Mu, turned out to have learned cooking just to flirt with girls?!

Four dishes and one soup, paired with meat and veggies.

Ji Mu did everything thoroughly, even serving fruits and dessert on the table. He seemed to be afraid that Tang Xiu and Han Qingwu would not enjoy the dishes he made, so he also prepared hot milk and bread on the side.

"Wow, it's really delicious." Han Qingwu was not a foodie, but she wolfed the meal down this time.

Tang Xiu tasted a few mouthfuls and praised, "It seems that your wife will be blessed in the future."

"I'm glad you like it." Ji Mu let out an embarrassed smile. "Ah, that's right. What are you planning to do today?"

"Stroll with Han Qingwu and then return to Shanghai in the afternoon," said Tang Xiu. "Also, Li Laoshan told me last night that he wants to return with me."

Ji Mu looked at Han Qingwu, who was lowering her head to eat the dish, and smilingly said, "Since you're going shopping with Miss Han, then I won't be the third wheel, Brother Tang. Anyways, if you're going to spend a couple more days in Changxi, do call me. I don't have a plan to stay longer here, so I can't send you off by then. But I'll be visiting you again in Shanghai later if I have time."

"By the way, don't be over polite toward me later." Tang Xiu waved his hand. "We're going to have a drink together if there's time."

"Alright!" A joyful feeling blossomed inside Ji Mu's heart after hearing it. He felt that what he had done yesterday was really worth it.

Yandang Ancient Town.

Tang Xiu accompanied Han Qingwu for most of the morning until noon. The duo then picked a restaurant and waited for Yu Hong to catch up. After swallowing her complaints, they then had lunch together. Originally, Yu Hong proposed to go boating in the afternoon together, but Tang Xiu received a call and gave up on the plan.

"Are you sure?" While holding the phone, Tang Xiu asked with eyes lit up.

Mouse's voice came from the phone, "I'm absolutely sure, Boss. I spent quite a lot of money to buy the information from a senior executive of the Brain Assembly Biotech. Do you wanna know how much I spent? 6 million! That greedy bastard actually demanded 6 million yuan!!!"

"Let alone 6 million, even 60 million is still worth the news," said Tang Xiu in a deep voice. "Anyways, I'll immediately send someone to contact you. You'll be in charge for directing them to keep an eye on Xie Zhiqiang for me. Call me at once when he makes contact with those SOE people."

"Are you not going to come personally, Boss?" Asked Mouse. "This is a huge deal!"

"I'm in Changxi right now, and it will take one hour to get back," said Tang Xiu. "Just tell me the address and I'll find you when I get there."

"Got it..."

After hanging up, Tang Xiu looked at the enthusiastic Han Qingwu and said, "There's an urgent matter that I need to hurry back to Shanghai to. I'm afraid I can't accompany you boating. Han Qingwu, are you going to go back with me or will you go back later?"

"Since you're going back, then I'll go with you," said Han Qingwu without thinking.

"What is this important matter that you have to rush back so urgently to, Tang Xiu?" Asked Yu Hong with a dissatisfied expression. "It's not easy for Qingwu to visit Changxi, and even I asked for a leave for this occasion. Why don't you accompany her to have some fun here? Qingwu, Tang Xiu may have things to tend to, so just let him rush back first, do you think that I can't accompany you?"

"About this..." Han Qingwu looked a bit hesitating.

"That's right. What Yu Hong said is true, you should stay here and have some fun! Loosening and relaxing your mood so you can do your activities better later," said Tang Xiu.

Han Qingwu still hesitated, before she eventually agreed. After all, her good sister had specially asked for a leave just to accompany her. She would hurt her if she were to leave!

At 16:00.

Tang Xiu, Li Laoshan, and Chu Xuecheng had already arrived at Shanghai. On the way there, Tang Xiu inquired clearly the purpose of the two for visiting Shanghai. It was to discuss some business deals, and Tang Xiu agreed to gather with them two days later before rushing to the address Mouse gave him.

Jingning District, Kangsha Pharmaceuticals.

The place had a good environment and strategic location and boasted a large area. Tang Xiu learned from the intel that this small company was a subsidiary of the Brain Assembly Biotech and was also where its pharmaceutical factory was located; Xie Zhiqiang had even bought the land as well.

"So, how was it? Is Xie Zhiqiang inside?"

After catching sight of Mouse, who was acting furtively like a thief, Tang Xiu asked the fella directly.

Mouse handed over a cigarette and personally lit it up for Tang Xiu, and then said, "He has been inside for more than four hours, and has yet to come out. Our men have been keeping an eye on the entire Kangsha Pharmaceuticals, so he's definitely still inside. He has a secret lab there according to that sky-high price information I bought."

"What about those SOE people? Is there any movement?" Asked Tang Xiu again.

"Yeah, a total of two groups have been here in these four hours. One of them is from that SOE company, consisting of four or five people. Their identities, however, are still a mystery. I've already assigned some men to investigate them, but there's no result as of yet."

Tang Xiu knitted his brows and said, "What you mean is, the other group is not from SOE?"

"They should not be," said Mouse. "I've investigated all those from SOE who have sneaked into Shanghai, so I'm sure this group is not one of them. I think it's highly likely this group is also after the genetic particles. Since I can buy a senior executive of the Brain Assembly Biotech, it is very likely that some other forces are keeping an eye on this company to investigate the existence of this genetic particle."

"What you said makes sense." Tang Xiu nodded. "Anyways, let's not act rashly. We'll first observe the reactions from the other forces. That's right, did those SOE people and the other groups notice our men?"

"I guarantee you that what I've secretly arranged can never be found out," said Mouse with a smile.

"Alright, keep an eye on this place, regardless of whether they are from the SOE, Xie Zhiqiang, or from other forces." Tang Xiu nodded. "This gene particle is not your ordinary stuff, and regardless of which force obtains it, I'm afraid they will be able to train a huge number of masters in a very short time. Not to mention that if this gene particle were to spread widely, it will definitely affect the power constellation around the world. I don't want to see such a situation."

Mouse understood Tang Xiu's intention, as he also knew the power of this so-called gene particle. According to the boasting of the bought Brain Assembly Biotech's senior executive, obtaining the gene particle was tantamount to getting a large number of armed forces, which was equal to having more control, power, and wealth.

"That's right. We have yet to notice anyone from the military. They just... mysteriously disappeared."

Tang Xiu stared blankly, before frowning and saying, "Is there a chance that one of the other groups who came here is from the military?"

"Unlikely." Mouse shook his head.

"Then check it out. Investigate anyone who has the power to spy on the gene particle, including those from the military," ordered Tang Xiu.

"Got it!" Mouse nodded.

Tang Xiu did not stay there. After hopping on the car, he looked at Mo Awu, who was sitting on the driver seat, and directly ordered, "Send some men to bring two sets of night suits. We're going to move tonight."

Chapter 730: Having No Choice

The moonlight shone like water as the slight chill bit people.

Jingning District. Outside the high outer walls that surrounded Kangsha Pharmaceutical, two ghostly figures silently approached and easily climbed a bleak big tree. Just like two gusts of dark wind, they jumped from the high branches onto the iron sheet stacked on the wall.

"Put this on."

In the hidden corner, Tang Xiu took out an Invisible Talisman and handed it to Mo Awu, who was also wearing a night outfit.

Mo Awu did not even ask Tang Xiu what it was and directly pasted it on his neck, and then whispered, "Boss, this Kangsha Pharmaceutical appears to have only a few security guards on the surface, but there are many people hiding in the dark. The most important thing is that there should be monitoring equipment everywhere. We'll be discovered unless we dash at full speed."

Tang Xiu just smiled in response, patted his shoulder and said in a toned down voice, "Just remember. You must not speak no matter what happens. And don't make any sound."

With that said, he went straight out of the iron sheet under Mo Awu's gaze. Even though there were four patrolling security guards in the distance holding flashlights, he did not even try to avoid them.

"This..." Mo Awu's head was full of confusion, for he could not understand why his Boss was exposing their position. But he still grabbed his sharp dagger and appeared beside Tang Xiu. Once the four security guards rushed at them, he would kill them lightning fast.

What followed, however, made him dumbfounded.

The four patrolling security guards just stood in line and looking around, as if they did not see Tang Xiu and him at all, flashing their flashlights while looking around and passing by them. Even after the four security guards disappeared in the distant corner, Mo Awu had still not recovered from his astonishment.

Tang Xiu only smiled and gently patted his shoulder, then immediately went inside. After walking for several meters forward, he saw a dozen surveillance cameras and then led Mo Awu to swaggeringly waltz in front of the camera.

"Curse it!"

Mo Awu gulped down and followed Tang Xiu to pass by the other four security guards, where he subconsciously raised his hand and touched the Invisible Talisman hanging on his chest. Although he was a cultivator with a body filled with power, he did not know any magical spells nor any talisman's magical functions at all. He wanted to ask about it, but when he recalled Tang Xiu's warning a while ago, he could only suppress the urge inside.

Kangsha Pharmaceuticals' grounds were very large and there were many buildings inside. There were even rows of factories at the rear, while one thing that made Tang Xiu and Mo Awu speechless was that the entrance they just passed through was only the front yard. They continued going deeper without stopping, and finally found the main gate with a line of sentry posts.

Taking advantage of the time between patrols to enter and exit the second gate, they successfully sneaked through to the third gate sentry and then stopped before the fourth gate sentry.

"What should we do now?"

Mo Awu followed Tang Xiu to a remote corner and asked with a voice that only they could hear. There were six security guards standing before the fourth sentry post, but there were no guards coming in and out at all. What made Tang Xiu and Mo Awu speechless was than once they crossed through the fourth sentry post, there was only a corridor cast of steel that went all the way to the entrance of the five-story building with all the windows sealed.

Tang Xiu had already released his spiritual sense, covering a two hundred plus meters area in the surrounding. Despite wearing an Invisible Talisman and being able to fly, there was no answer he could give Mo Awu.

"No way to get inside." Tang Xiu shook his head after observing with his spiritual sense. There was no one else in the entire five-story building but 18 sleeping security guards. According to the intel, Xie Zhiqian came here noon yesterday and had yet to leave, but he could not find him at this time.

Tang Xiu guessed that there should be an underground lab, but he could not even enter the inside, let alone the underground lab. At a time like this, he did not want to alert the enemies, because he had yet to figure out whether this was only a smoke screen left by Xie Zhiqiang.

Gene particles were something Tang Xiu regarded as very important, as he did not want to see a change in the power constellation pattern in the world. He did not want to see countless mutated human emerge in the world. In the case the gene particles had any side effects, many people would be harmed by it.

"Let's leave! We'll find another way."

Tang Xiu sighed inwardly and grabbed Mo Awu's shoulder as their figures instantly soared to the sky and flew out of Kangsha Pharmaceuticals in just a few breaths.

Less than two minutes after, fifteen hazy figures rushed out from the fourth gate sentry. All of them wore full-body black steel armor and helmet, with cold weapons in hands.

"There's no one here, Boss."

One of the middle-aged men in armor reported through the intercom after searching everywhere for a long time.

Tens of meters' deep underground, Xie Zhiqiang sat in front of the monitor as a chilling light flashed in his eyes. The thermal detector would never make a mistake. His subordinate previously reported that it detected two humanoid-shaped energies, which showed that some people had just sneaked inside.

"Keep searching and find them even if you have to dig deep into the ground!" Said Xie Zhiqiang in a heavy voice.

****

A few kilometers away from Kangsha Pharmaceuticals, Tang Xiu and Mo Awu appeared in a residential building. As they entered the apartment, the monkey-like Mouse greeted them with red eyes, "Did you just personally go into action, Boss?"

"I did, but no gains," said Tang Xiu. "Xie Zhiqiang has managed to fully seal the entire area of Kangsha Pharmaceuticals, there's no way to sneak inside. I've read all the information from you, and yet we were unable to enter that building installed with the infrared mechanism."

"I have yet to gather much information on Xie Zhiqiang. I can tell this man is very cautious and discreet from the intel. He never leaves a tail. Even the data of his last four years of life is forged. We can't figure it out, so he should have been out of the country during those four years."

"Then there's no need to investigate him for now since you can't find it." Tang Xiu nodded and asserted, "Remember, I must get that gene particle. This thing is too horrible, so we must be the ones to get it. Notify your men to move back for two kilometers from the current surveillance perimeter. Do keep in mind, all of our intelligence personnel must not be exposed."

"Rest assured, Boss. I'll definitely execute it," said Mouse cautiously with a nod.

Tang Xiu no longer spoke and quickly changed his clothes and left with Mo Awu. This time, he did not head to Paradise Manor but returned directly to Bluestar Villa.

In the next morning, Tang Xiu left home in great spirits and went to Shanghai University on foot. He hardly studied recently due to being delayed by many things, and he was not prepared to do anything else before the construction project tender bid, hence he would use this tranquil time to learn more things.

In the library.

Tang Xiu was quietly reading books on finance and economics. Although the morning class he attended was over already, he always felt that he had forgotten something.

Bzzz, Bzzz...

His phone that was set to on vibrate mode suddenly buzzed.

Tang Xiu took it and looked at the number displayed on the screen, and immediately remembered what he had forgotten. He received a text message from Yuan Chuling this morning, saying that he would come to Shanghai University and that he had something he needed to discuss with him. And the call now was exactly from Yuan Chuling.

Tang Xiu did not answer it and hung up. After which, he sent a short message to Yuan Chuling saying to wait for him at the Shanghai University's entrance. Then, he put away the book and took all the books he had selected before to the registration counter. After registering the borrowed books, he headed straight to the entrance of Shanghai University.

"Wow, you're doing well, Fatty Yuan! A belle in a great car, eh? Awesomely romantic." Tang Xiu immediately teased Yuan Chuling the moment he saw him standing by a white Porsche Cayenne while hugging a gentle and slender pretty girl.

Yuan Chuling released the girl in his embrace the moment he saw Tang Xiu and grinned, "Big Bro, I'm not gonna take your limelight! Besides, from where would I have the capital if you did not invest in me? Anyways, this is Xiaoting, my babe. Xiaoting, this is the Boss I often mentioned to you, my Big Bro, Tang Xiu."

Wei Xiaoting gracefully nodded and said, "I've heard a lot about you, Tang Xiu."

Tang Xiu nodded to her in response and immediately asked Yuan Chuling, "What made you rush here? I'm a good student at the campus, so don't delay my studies."

Yuan Chuling rolled his eyes and snappily said, "If you're a good student, there will be no bad students under the sky nowadays. I heard a couple days ago that the dignified Big Boss of the Magnificent Tang Corporation who has been studying at Shanghai University for half a year turns out to have appalling attendance."

Tang Xiu couldn't help laughing and asked, "You have contacted Han Qingwu, haven't you?"

"Woot, you deserve to be called Boss, Big Bro." Yuan Chuling grinned. "To think that you've actually captured Teacher Han. Anyways, she seems to be quite resentful towards you, though. She said that you're too busy to have time to please her."

"Fuck off!" Tang Xiu cursed. "Just tell me, what the hell are you here for? I'm going back to the library if you keep farting!"

Yuan Chuling rubbed his hands and smilingly said, "Well, I need some money."

"Huh?" Tang Xiu was stunned. "You need some money? What for?"

"Our fitness center is very hot and popular and earned quite a lot last year. But I'm not going to pay you its dividends for the time being, though. I wanna open another branch, so I took a look at the address. But, the investment needed is kinda big. I already asked 10 million from my old man and, added with the earned money, I only have a total of 16 million now. It's not enough."

"You don't have enough money, so why are you rushing to open a branch in the first place?" Asked Tang Xiu with a helpless expression.

"Got no way out, man. I wanna develop this fitness center as my career!" Said Yuan Chuling. "Besides, the location for the new branch is really good. After surveying it, I found it has two neighborhoods nearby, and both of them are upscale residential areas. Firstly, it has a high visitor flow rate and secondly, the rent for the shop is cheap! The owner of that shop was hit by bad luck or something, hence he's been wanting to rent his store."

"How much do you need, then?" Asked Tang Xiu.

"Three million," said Yuan Chuling. "But if you have too much money to burn, then add two million more."