"Shocking Good News: A Beautiful CEO's Fairy-Tale Romance with a Prestigious Scion!"

"Jiang Ruyu, President of East Sea's Lingxiao Group, and Xu Mingsheng, President of Changsheng Group Corporation, Will Soon Hold a Grand Wedding!"

On the front page of the newspaper, a man and a woman were intimately embracing.

The woman had delicate features and wore a pure white wedding dress that outlined her fiery, alluring figure. Her beautiful eyes gazed affectionately at the man holding her.

A single picture was enough to stir a man's boundless lust.

Jiang Ning looked at the newspaper in his hand and let out a cold, disdainful sneer.

The woman in the picture had been his wife five years ago.

But their union hadn't received the same kind of sensational, widespread publicity as the one in the papers. In fact, few people in all of East Sea even knew about it.

Five years ago, right after graduating from university, Jiang Ning had started working at the Lingxiao Group.

During a routine physical for new employees, he was found to have a rare RH-negative blood type, colloquially known as "panda blood." It was the even rarer Rh-null negative type, with fewer than fifty cases worldwide.

After the physical, Jiang Ruyu, who was then the company's vice president, began to actively pursue him. She not only personally promoted him but also took care of him in every aspect at the company, often asking him out to talk or have dinner, and even brazenly getting drunk to seduce him.

The naive Jiang Ning thought he had met his true love, so when Jiang Ruyu proposed, he joyfully accepted.

Jiang Ruyu claimed she was worried about office gossip and didn't want anyone to know. After they secretly registered their marriage, she convinced Jiang Ning to quit his job. Then, she claimed to be unwell and refused to consummate the marriage with him for years.

Feeling sorry for his wife, Jiang Ning never suspected a thing, obeying her every whim like a dog.

But all nightmares must end. One day, Jiang Ruyu came home and happily announced she was taking him to a luxurious clubhouse on the outskirts of the city for a banquet.

A delighted Jiang Ning had just stepped through the clubhouse doors when he was seized by several large men and dragged into a private operating room.

It was then that the venomous woman told him the truth: she had only been good to him to keep him as a "blood slave." Her goal was to curry favor with a powerful figure, using Jiang Ning's blood to help this person survive a difficult surgery.

And now, it was time for Jiang Ning to pay his price.

With that, the viper Jiang Ruyu had her men use a machine to drain all the blood from his body. Then, like a piece of trash, he was thrown out the back door of the clubhouse, off a cliff into the raging river below to destroy the evidence.

Jiang Ning thought he was dead for sure, but fate had other plans. In his hazy state, he fell into the grotto of an Immortal Venerable.

This Immortal Venerable had walked the mortal realm for thousands of years, establishing countless great powers. He was a peerless genius in both medicine and martial arts. In the end, he achieved enlightenment at the bottom of the river and ascended, leaving his grotto and legacy behind for a fated successor.

Jiang Ning, having fallen to the riverbed, happened to be a person who possessed a Spirit Vein. He thus received the inheritance and cultivated arduously in the grotto for five hundred years.

Only after emerging did he discover that the flow of time within the barrier was different from the outside world.

Five hundred years in the river's heart was but five years in the mortal world.

"Master, your disciple has completed his training and now takes his leave."

Jiang Ning left the grotto, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed heavily three times.

Then, a stone niche rose before him. On it sat three items: a small, blood-red sword that pulsed continuously, a simple and unadorned dragon-shaped ring, and a thick stack of red marriage certificates.

A phantom figure slowly rose—it was his Master, post-ascension.

"Listen, disciple of the Celestial Sect. These three Spiritual Objects before you are the final treasures your master has left for you."

"The Red Blood Sword is the symbol of the Celestial Sect's Sect Leader. It can kill invisibly from a thousand miles away and also serve as a protective Spiritual Treasure."

"The Ancient Dragon Thumb Ring is the symbol for the Eighteen Halls of the Yellow Springs, an organization founded by a few servants I took in while roaming the mortal realm. Wear this ring, and you will be the Palace Master of the Yellow Springs."

"As for these ninety-nine marriage certificates, these are what I, your master, have specially prepared for you."

"Ah, ninety-nine of them...?"

Jiang Ning was stunned for a moment. 'Is Master treating me like breeding stock?!'

"I, your master, walked the mortal realm for thousands of years, completely absorbed in cultivation. As a result, in my later years, I couldn't find even a single disciple with a Spirit Vein."

"Therefore, I specifically sought out ninety-nine individuals destined for great wealth and fortune, helped them through their hardships, and arranged these marriage contracts for their future generations. The goal is for you to spread your branches and leaves, produce many offspring, and strengthen our Celestial Sect."

"From my perspective, finding a suitable disciple is simply too difficult. You're better off taking matters into your own hands and providing for yourself. I will be waiting for you in the Upper Realm."

With that, the phantom figure dissipated.

Jiang Ning stared at the thick stack of marriage certificates, somewhat dazed.

'Don't let the good stuff fall into others' hands, I guess!'

...

"Grandpa, hurry up! We're almost at the summit."

Just then, a laugh like a songbird's pulled Jiang Ning back to reality.

Turning around, he saw a girl in a white tracksuit climbing to the summit with a cheerful smile.

The girl was tall and slender with fair skin. Her pure and stunningly beautiful smile was nearly on par with Jiang Ruyu's.

"Jiaojiao, be careful! Wait for me!"

Behind her, an old man in a white martial arts uniform walked up with a smile. Behind them both, several bodyguards in black suits scanned the surroundings vigilantly.

The old man glanced around and only saw Jiang Ning sitting cross-legged under a tree on the summit.

"Hey, this area has been cordoned off. Leave immediately."

One of the bodyguards stepped forward to drive Jiang Ning away.

"Stop!"

Before Jiang Ning could say anything, the old man behind him quickly stopped them. "What are you doing? He was here first. This isn't our property, don't just drive people away for no reason."

With that, the old man walked up to Jiang Ning and said softly, "Pardon me, little brother. Please don't take offense. This old man is Long Changsheng, and this is my granddaughter, Long Jiaojiao."

"Climbing to the summit so early... can your body handle it, little brother? I see you didn't bring anything with you. Would you like some water?"

As he spoke, the old man offered him a bottle of water.

"Hmph!"

Jiang Ning sized him up with a glance, then turned his head away without a word.

"Hey! Have you no manners?"

Long Jiaojiao shouted in displeasure, "My grandpa is just showing concern for you! Who are you putting on that sour face for?"

"Forget it, forget it!"

Long Changsheng shook his head with a smile. Seeing that Jiang Ning had no time for them, he said no more.

He pulled his granddaughter aside to sit on a rock, watching the sun rise in the distance.

Just then, a bodyguard stepped forward and said respectfully, "Master Long, I just found out. Master Zhang of Cyan Cloud Temple left yesterday to travel the world. We're too late."

The old man sighed. "Alas, Zhang Tiezui said that if I greeted the sun on Cangyan Mountain on the third day of the month, I might meet an Immortal. It seems I'm not so fortunate."

"COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!"

After saying this, the old man suddenly began to cough violently.

"Grandpa, what's wrong? Quick, drink some water."

Seeing this, Long Jiaojiao quickly grabbed a cup and poured out some warm water that had a faint herbal scent.

From under the tree, Jiang Ning suddenly spoke up. "If I were you, I wouldn't give him that water to drink. Drinking it will only worsen his condition!"

Long Jiaojiao said huffily, "Who do you think you are? I'm giving my grandpa water to drink. What business is it of yours? Mind your own business, you loudmouth."

"Hmph. Suit yourself."

Jiang Ning shook his head indifferently and said no more.

Just after Long Jiaojiao had her grandfather drink two cups of the warm water, Elder Long's face suddenly turned from red to white, and then he violently spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Grandpa, what's wrong? Grandpa, don't scare me! What's happening?"

"Move!"

Jiang Ning suddenly made his move. No one present saw how he appeared in front of the old man.

They only saw him form a needle with his fingers and rapidly strike several major acupoints on Long Changsheng's chest. Then, he followed up with a hard punch to his abdomen.

"Break!"

PUH!

Struck by the punch, Elder Long spat out a mouthful of corrupted blood. The clots carried a faint, choking, foul stench.

...

"You..."

Seeing Jiang Ning suddenly attack the old man, the surrounding bodyguards quickly drew their guns and aimed at him, about to pull their triggers and execute him on the spot.

"Stop!"

At that moment, a furious shout stopped everyone.

Long Jiaojiao turned around to see Long Changsheng, who had been deathly pale just moments before, wipe his mouth and get to his feet, looking hale and hearty.

"Grandpa, you're okay!"

Long Changsheng ignored his granddaughter and walked over to Jiang Ning. He cupped his hands in respect and said, "Sir, that stagnant blood has been trapped in my chest for thirty years. It's tormented me for so long... I've never been able to breathe this freely. To think that a chronic illness that plagued me for three decades could be cured by a single punch from you today. It's simply divine."

"Zhang Tiezui said I would meet an Immortal, and his words have become a prophecy. May I be so bold as to ask your name? I, Long Changsheng, would like to offer you a fortune in gratitude."

Jiang Ning smiled faintly and turned his head. "Sir, you should watch fewer movies. There are no Immortals in this world."

Before Long Changsheng could react, Jiang Ning leaped off the cliff.

"Ah!"

Everyone's faces paled in horror at the sight.

This was the side of Cangyan Mountain, a cliff thousands of feet high. Any ordinary person who jumped would be facing certain death. Even a legendary Martial Artist would have no chance of survival from such a height.

"Grandpa, look..."

Long Jiaojiao suddenly pointed in the direction Jiang Ning was falling and exclaimed.

They watched as Jiang Ning, who had been falling, was suddenly enveloped by a red light from beneath his feet. Like an arrow loosed from a bow, he shot up into the clouds and disappeared.

"Holy shit, an Im... Immortal! He really is an Immortal!"

The bodyguards who witnessed this were so terrified they almost fell to their knees in worship.

Long Changsheng looked at the sky and sighed with emotion. "To think that I was fortunate enough to meet an Immortal on this mountaintop today. If I were to tell anyone, I'm afraid few would believe me."

Long Jiaojiao said with great certainty, "No, he's not an Immortal."

Elder Long turned his head and asked, "How can you be so sure?"

"A gut feeling. And I believe we'll meet again very soon."

With that, Long Jiaojiao's gaze fell upon the newspaper Jiang Ning had left behind.

...

East Sea, Yicheng.

The Lingxiao Hotel was ablaze with brilliant lights tonight.

This wedding of the century had drawn many of the powerful and wealthy families of the East Sea, who all sent representatives to offer their congratulations.

The bride was the president of the Lingxiao Group, hailed as the greatest beauty in the East Sea's business world. The groom, Xu Mingsheng, was even more formidable. Hailing from the Xu family—one of the eight great families of the East Sea—he had single-handedly founded Changsheng Real Estate. His company held a virtual monopoly on half of the region's property market, and he was rumored to be worth tens of billions!

The two were a perfect match of talent and beauty, a union of powerhouses that drew endless praise from all.

"Congratulations, congratulations! A match made in heaven!"

"May you have a son soon and grow old together!"

The other seven great families of the East Sea all sent representatives to congratulate them, and the luxurious gifts piled up into a small mountain.

The hotel ballroom was filled with distinguished guests. Xu Mingsheng and Jiang Ruyu moved between the tables, frequently toasting their guests, their faces beaming with joy.

Just then, an out-of-place voice echoed through the hall.

"Daughter-in-law, where on earth is my son? I'm begging you, please tell me!"

A stooped old woman stood in the hall. Her words were like a clap of thunder, instantly silencing the noisy room.

'How did she get here!'

Jiang Ruyu's expression instantly darkened.

"Who's that? Why is she calling President Jiang her daughter-in-law?"

"I heard President Jiang used to be with a man, but he died. That must be his mother!"

"What? Doesn't that make President Jiang a widow getting remarried?"

"I heard it was from when she was young. They didn't end up together."

"But I heard they were married."

...

Seeing Jiang Ning's mother appear so suddenly, Jiang Ruyu snapped, "What are the hotel security guards paid for? How could you let her in?"

The security guards were speechless.

Initially, Jiang Ruyu had declared this the most luxurious wedding in Yicheng, saying anyone from the city was welcome to offer their congratulations. As a result, the hotel security focused on maintaining order inside the hall and didn't pay close attention to the arriving guests.

Who would have thought this old woman would manage to barge in.

Just as Jiang Ruyu was about to say something, Xu Mingsheng, who was beside her, stopped her.

"Ruyu, you're the bride today. Don't let an old hag like her ruin your composure."

"Then what should we do? Just let her stand here, shouting and slandering my name?"

"Ah Hu, I'll leave this to you."

After speaking, Xu Mingsheng gestured for his subordinate to step forward.

"Yes, Young Master Xu!"

The powerfully built Ah Hu stepped forward, yanked the old woman up as if she were a little chick, and snarled, "Get the hell out of here, you old hag. Keep causing trouble and I'll kill you."

The old woman said hurriedly, "No, please listen to my explanation, it's not like that! My son was always with Jiang Ruyu, and then he suddenly disappeared."

"Ruyu, I just want an answer. There's a bond between a husband and wife, no matter how short the time. I'm begging you, please just tell me where he is. Even if he's dead, I deserve to have his body back."

Xu Mingsheng shouted, "Old woman, watch your words! Who ever said Ruyu was married to your son?"

"I... I have proof!"

The old woman tremblingly took out a small red book from her clothes and said, "This is your marriage certificate from back then. I still have it."

'You're courting death!'

Seeing this, Jiang Ruyu's eyes turned cold. She hadn't expected the old hag to have kept that thing. If anyone saw it, she would be utterly humiliated.

Seeing the old woman's action, Xu Mingsheng signaled Ah Hu to act, giving him a gesture to be ruthless.

"Ma'am, I think you've had too much to drink. How about I take you to the police?"

Ah Hu let out a savage grin. As he spoke, he grabbed the old woman's arm and, with a CRACK, snapped it clean.

"AHH!"

The old woman let out a bloodcurdling scream.

Ah Hu snatched the marriage certificate from her hand and tore it to shreds in a few quick motions.

"You old hag, you're asking to die. You want to see your son, don't you? I'll send you to see him right now."

As he spoke, he wrapped a hand around the old woman's throat, preparing to snap her neck.

Seeing this, the hotel security guards not only didn't intervene, but actually stepped forward to form a perimeter, blocking the view.

The people in the hall who saw this were furious but dared not speak out. This was the power of the Xu family—they dared to silence someone by killing them in public.

"Stop!"

Just then, a furious roar came from the entrance.

A streak of red light flashed before everyone's eyes. The security guards who had formed a circle were sent flying, and the entire hall was thrown into disarray.

A figure strode in under everyone's gaze, and a fierce gust of wind immediately scattered in all directions!

"Jiang Ning?"

Recognizing the newcomer, Jiang Ruyu said in disbelief, "How can you still be alive?!"

Jiang Ning ignored her. He looked down at his stooped mother before him, his heart wracked with grief.

He had been cultivating at the bottom of a river for five hundred years. He thought that by the time he emerged, all his loved ones and enemies in the mortal world would have long turned to dust.

He never expected that, by some miracle, only five years had passed in the mortal realm, and he would have the chance to see his mother again.

"Ning'Er!"

The old woman slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Jiang Ning before her, tears instantly streamed down her face.

"Mom, it's me!" Jiang Ning said, forcing down his rage as he looked at his mother's brutally broken arm. "Don't worry, I'm back. You're too tired. Rest for a bit now."

Jiang Ning reached out and gently touched his mother's forehead, causing her to fall asleep.

Jiang Ning turned his head, his voice like ice. "All of you deserve to die."

"It really is you!"

Xu Mingsheng saw Jiang Ning and cursed, "You really are one tough dog to kill! I can't believe even draining your blood didn't finish you off. And you still dare to come back!"

...

"Darling, don't be in such a rush to kill him!"

Jiang Ruyu said excitedly, "His panda-type blood is extremely valuable. Since he came back alive, we can get some more from him. If we send it up the chain, we're sure to be rewarded!"

"You're right!"

Xu Mingsheng sneered. "Jiang Ning, for the sake of all the blood you gave us, I'll let your mother go if you surrender without a fight. Otherwise, you're both dying today!"

"As if you could!"

Jiang Ning looked up and sneered. "Hmph. All you did was pick up the trash I threw out. What's there to be proud of?"

"Bullshit! What are you talking about?"

Jiang Ruyu's face changed, and she shouted, "Mingsheng, listen to me! He's lying! I never let him touch me when we were together!"

"Never touched you?"

Jiang Ning sneered. "I know your body like the back of my hand. You have a red mole under your left breast, a butterfly-shaped birthmark on your inner right thigh, and you're a 'white tiger'... If I'd never touched you, how would I know all that?"

"You..."

Jiang Ruyu was stunned.

'I know I never let Jiang Ning touch me!'

'But I can't figure out how he knows such intimate details about my body.'

Seeing the look on Jiang Ruyu's face, the guests in the hall were about seventy or eighty percent convinced. It seemed the rumors that had been flying around were true after all.

The esteemed Young Master Xu of the Changsheng Group had actually married a beautiful "widow" from a previous relationship. He had thoroughly disgraced the Xu family.

The more Xu Mingsheng thought about it, the angrier he became. He raised his hand and slapped Jiang Ruyu across the face.

"You bitch! Didn't you say he never touched you? You were lying to me! And I actually believed it was your first time! You even said you lost your virginity from a bicycle accident!"

Jiang Ruyu tried to explain, "I... I don't know! Mingsheng, believe me, you're the only man I've ever been with! It really was my first time!"

"Then how does he know your body so well?"

"I..."

Flustered and furious, Jiang Ruyu pointed at Jiang Ning. "You... tell me! When did you spy on me?"

Jiang Ning said with contempt, "Spy on you? You were the one on your knees, begging me to marry you. Is there any part of you I haven't played with over and over? Why would I need to spy?"

Although Jiang Ning had never been intimate with Jiang Ruyu, he had mastered the Celestial Eye. To him, it was as if she wasn't wearing any clothes; he could see every detail on her body at a glance.

"Enough! Fucking bitch! I'll deal with you after this is over."

Xu Mingsheng had been pushed to the brink of madness. He roared, "Ah Hu! Break his legs, but keep him alive! I want to drain his blood again and make him wish he were dead!"

Ah Hu cracked his knuckles and walked forward, a savage grin on his face.

"Kid, I don't know what tricks you pulled just now, but today you're a dead man."

The two men were in completely different leagues. One was a mass of knotted muscle with calloused fists, towering over Jiang Ning and outweighing him completely.

"This kid's finished. Brother Hu is Young Master Xu's top enforcer. I hear he used to be an underground fighter abroad and has killed more than a few people."

Just as a smug Ah Hu came to stand before Jiang Ning, about to open his mouth, Jiang Ning suddenly struck. A single finger jabbed directly into his throat.

The burly Ah Hu clutched his neck, his eyes wide with terror as he stared at Jiang Ning, and collapsed with a heavy THUD.

Jiang Ning had no intention of sparing the thug who had broken his mother's arm. With a single finger, he had sent him to his death.

"Wh-what just happened?" Xu Mingsheng stammered, stunned.

Jiang Ning had moved so fast that no one had time to react. With one unbelievable finger strike, Xu Mingsheng's top enforcer had been silenced forever.

"He... he killed someone!"

Seeing that Ah Hu was truly dead, someone in the hall screamed, and the crowd began to flee in a panic.

"Bastards! Get back here! All of you!"

Seeing that no one was listening, Xu Mingsheng yelled at the security guards, "All of you, attack! I'll take full responsibility if you kill him. If you don't, I'll kill you!"

The security guards shouted their acknowledgment and, mustering their courage, began to close in.

"With this bunch of useless clowns?"

Jiang Ning snatched a ceramic bowl, crushed it in his hand, and flicked his wrist.

Countless tiny porcelain shards shot out like bullets, felling every one of the guards who were closing in.

Then, Jiang Ning leaped into the air, grabbing both Jiang Ruyu and Xu Mingsheng by the throat.

"You... You're a Martial Artist."

Xu Mingsheng stared at Jiang Ning in disbelief.

A Martial Artist's physical prowess far exceeds that of an ordinary person; a hundred men are no match for one. Martial Artists are typically ranked into four tiers: Celestial, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. A Celestial Level Martial Artist is known as a Grandmaster, while a Congenital Martial Artist who has surpassed the Grandmaster level is called a Terrestrial Immortal.

Martial Artists hold an extraordinary status and are usually employed by great families as retainers or Honored Guest Elders. After all, even a low-level Yellow Level Martial Artist is not someone a minor family can afford to provoke.

"Jiang Ning, I'm begging you, let me go! I know I was wrong! Xu Mingsheng forced me to do it all! You wanted to be with me, right? Just spare me, and I'll let you do whatever you want to me."

Jiang Ruyu's eyes were filled with terror. She pleaded for her life, even deliberately pulling down the bodice of her wedding dress to reveal her stunning cleavage.

Hearing that Jiang Ning was a Martial Artist filled her with dread. She knew what she'd done to him; he must be itching to kill her.

And now, killing her would be effortless for him.

"Hmph. Now, I find you filthy."

Jiang Ning flicked a finger across her neck, slicing her carotid artery.

Terrified, Jiang Ruyu clamped a hand to her neck, but blood gushed between her fingers like water from a broken faucet, spraying all over Xu Mingsheng's face.

"Darling, save... save me!"

With a look of pure terror, Jiang Ruyu reached for Xu Mingsheng. A moment later, she felt all the strength drain from her body through the gash in her neck.

Her pristine white wedding dress, stained with crimson blood, created an image of strange, morbid beauty as she collapsed.

Jiang Ruyu could never have imagined that what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life would end up being her last.

"Don't... don't kill me! This has nothing to do with me! I don't know anything!"

Terrified by Jiang Ning's brutality, Xu Mingsheng's legs began to shake. A moment later, a foul-smelling stream of liquid trickled down from his crotch.

"But you had my mother's arm broken."

Jiang Ning grabbed both of his arms and twisted sharply.

With two sharp CRACKS, Xu Mingsheng's arms were broken, the white shards of bone piercing through his flesh.

"AAAAH!"

Xu Mingsheng screamed in agony, the excruciating pain from his broken arms causing him to pass out.

"How dare you!"

Shortly after Jiang Ning broke the man's arms, a furious roar echoed through the hotel lobby.

Immediately, a figure flew through the air, his leg descending on Jiang Ning's head like a giant python.

Jiang Ning frowned. He released Xu Mingsheng and raised his arm to block. After a quick exchange of blows, both fighters retreated a few steps.

"A Profound Level Martial Artist. No wonder you're so arrogant!"

A thin, black-clad old man now stood before Jiang Ning, staring at him coldly. His triangular eyes, like those of a viper, radiated a chilling, vicious cruelty.

"You vile cur! How dare you cause such a scene at a Xu family wedding banquet."

Moments later, a group of people surged into the hall from outside the hotel.

Amid the wreckage lay the lifeless body of Jiang Ruyu and the unconscious Xu Mingsheng, his arms twisted and broken.

The man leading them was none other than Xu Jiangshan, Patriarch of the Xu family—one of the eight great families of the East Sea—and Xu Mingsheng's father.

Seeing the scene in the hall, the Patriarch's face went white with rage. He pointed a trembling finger at Jiang Ning and cursed, "You fiend... to act with such cruelty! Who sent you? Why are you doing this?"

Jiang Ning replied coldly, "There's no why. I did it because I wanted to. Stop wasting my time with pointless questions."

"Good! Very good!"

Xu Jiangshan's face went white with fury.

In all his years, he had never seen anyone behave with such arrogance in his presence.

...

"If I can't tear you to shreds today, how can the Xu family ever show its face in the East Sea again!"

Xu Jiangshan stared at Jiang Ning with venomous hatred, cursing through gritted teeth.

"Then don't. Just die, all of you!" Jiang Ning glanced at the people opposite him. "Stop wasting time. Come at me together!"

Jiang Ning's words utterly infuriated Xu Jiangshan.

"Kill him for me!" Xu Jiangshan pointed a finger at him and ordered the men at his side, "I want him ground to dust, his soul scattered so he can never be reborn!"

Before his voice had even faded, the black-robed elder from before was the first to charge at Jiang Ning, his five fingers forming a claw as he aimed for Jiang Ning's chest.

The other bodyguards followed suit, attacking Jiang Ning from every available opening.

They worked in perfect coordination. All the other Martial Artists they had faced in the past were instantly killed in this exact manner.

There had never been an exception!

A mere Jiang Ning would be no different!

"A little interesting, but ultimately useless!" Jiang Ning sneered. He simply sidestepped slightly, instantly dodging the black-robed elder's sharp claws.

Next, he shot his hand out, catching an incoming fist from one bodyguard while simultaneously kicking another away.

He quickly shook the two of them off, then swept the legs of the enemies behind them, knocking them all to the ground.

Before the black-robed elder could react, Jiang Ning slammed a heavy punch into his chest!

The entire sequence of moves was as smooth as flowing water, dazzling the onlookers. In reality, it all happened in less than half a second.

The black-robed elder's body flew dozens of meters before crashing heavily onto the ground, a clear indentation visible in his chest!

Seeing this, the others gulped. Was there even any point in fighting him?

"Go! Whoever kills this kid, I'll give them a million!"

Xu Jiangshan roared at the crowd.

A hefty reward is sure to bring out a brave man. Hearing that number, the group's eyes turned red with greed, and they charged at Jiang Ning without a second thought.

To deal with this bunch of riffraff, Jiang Ning only used ten percent of his power. In less than five minutes, all of Xu Jiangshan's bodyguards were lying on the ground.

Jiang Ning stepped over a body, but just as he was about to move forward, a hand grabbed him. "Ning'Er! Don't..."

The old woman had regained consciousness. She looked at Jiang Ning with tears in her eyes, shaking her head nonstop.

Jiang Ning's heart lurched.

"Mom, don't be afraid. I'm here now. No one will ever bully you again!" Jiang Ning said, looking at his mother and enunciating every word.

The old woman knew nothing about Profound Level Martial Artists. She only knew that the person before her was her own son, and she couldn't just stand by and watch him commit a crime. He could go to prison for this!

Besides, their enemies were a rich and powerful family. Crushing them would be as easy as squashing an ant.

"Ning'Er, where have you been all these years?"

Su Qingwan reached out a trembling hand to touch Jiang Ning's face. "Five years. It's been five years!"

Hearing his mother's voice, Jiang Ning could barely hold back his emotions. "Mom, I've been an unfilial son, only returning to see you after five years! But don't you worry. From now on, I'll make sure you live the best life possible!"

Everyone in the banquet hall quietly watched the scene of the mother and son reuniting. Were they moved? No, they were too scared to move. They didn't dare move a muscle!

After calming his mother down, Jiang Ning took her hand and shot a cold look at Xu Jiangshan. "For my mother's sake, I'll let you off for now!"

Although he was powerful now, he knew his mother had always been a kind-hearted person who couldn't bear to see killing.

'So, for his mother's sake, I'll let them live for a couple more days.'

Jiang Ning led his mother out of the hall with a swagger. The entire venue was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, everyone holding their breath as they waited for the two to leave.

As he passed the black-robed elder, Jiang Ning glanced down and gave him a cold, deeply mocking smile.

After Jiang Ning and his mother left, the hall erupted into chaos. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion would now have to be turned into a funeral.

Xu Jiangshan was both furious and terrified. He watched helplessly as all his guests fled for their lives, and could only grit his teeth and snarl, "Jiang Ning, this isn't over! Do you have any idea who it was that took your blood? I may not be able to handle you, but he can wipe out your entire clan with the lift of a finger! Just you wait!"

...

After Jiang Ning and his mother left the hotel, he wanted to hail a cab, but Su Qingwan felt it was a waste of money and insisted on walking.

Su Qingwan led Jiang Ning through one small alley after another, her steps light and joyful, completely ignoring the pain in her arm.

The moment she opened the old wooden door before them, Jiang Ning's composure completely shattered!

The room was piled high with junk, mostly things like plastic bottles and cardboard.

The small shack, less than a hundred square feet, didn't even have a toilet.

"Mom, what kind of life have you been living all these years?"

Jiang Ning asked, his voice trembling as he gritted his teeth, desperately trying to hold back tears.

"I..." Su Qingwan had only said one word before she was overcome with emotion and fainted.

Jiang Ning immediately took out his silver needles and performed acupuncture on his mother, clearing away the exhaustion and hidden injuries she had accumulated over the years, and also healing her arm.

Looking at his mother's exhausted and battered body, Jiang Ning was overcome with a grief so profound he was on the verge of tears.

"You old hag! You're back and didn't even say a word!"

Several men in black short-sleeved shirts, their tattooed arms exposed, appeared in Jiang Ning's line of sight. "Hurry up and pay your debt! You really think Brother Gou is some kind of philanthropist?!"

"My mom just fell asleep. Keep your voice down, don't disturb her rest!"

Hearing the voice, Jiang Ning immediately frowned and stepped forward to block the men.

"Your mom?" A puzzled look crossed Brother Gou's face. "As I recall, that old hag's son died five years ago. Where did you crawl out from?"

"I am her son. And I'm not dead yet," Jiang Ning said, his expression flat.

Brother Gou looked Jiang Ning up and down, then suddenly laughed. "Great! Good that you're not dead. Then you can pay back her debt!"

"How much does my mom owe you?" Jiang Ning asked.

Brother Gou held up one hand, spreading his fingers, and grinned. "Not much. Five hundred thousand!"

When Jiang Ning heard that number, the fury in his heart instantly skyrocketed.

His mom was just an old woman living in a dump like this. Her living expenses were next to nothing. How could she possibly owe such a huge debt?!

It went without saying—she had definitely been scammed by these people!

Jiang Ning said coldly, "Do you take me for a child? In her situation, how could my mom possibly owe you five hundred thousand?!"

"Don't give me that crap. It's written here in black and white. Your mom borrowed five thousand from me!"

Brother Gou took out a piece of paper and waved it in Jiang Ning's face. "Three months, with principal and interest, that comes to five hundred thousand! And by the way, it seems she borrowed that five thousand to pay someone to find your body."

Then he added with a sneer, "You're such an unfilial son. If you weren't dead, you should've shown up sooner. You made your mom take out a predatory loan and work her body to the bone!"

Jiang Ning's eyes filled with rage and killing intent. He said through clenched teeth, "But today, you're all dead!"

"You dare yell at me? You're the one who's dead!"

Brother Gou shot Jiang Ning a disdainful glance and couldn't help but mock him, "With that pathetic look of yours, I could waste you with one hand! Not even God himself could save you now!"

Before his words had faded, a clear and pleasant voice called out from the doorway, "Excuse me, is this Jiang Ning's home?"

Hearing that voice, Brother Gou's whole body went soft, and he nearly surrendered on the spot.

He turned his head to look and was stunned to see a great beauty.

...

But the stunning beauty's gaze was fixed solely on Jiang Ning.

The moment she saw Jiang Ning, she excitedly rushed over to his side. "You really do live here!"

'Brother Gou's eyes nearly popped out of his head. A stunner like that actually knew Jiang Ning, and they were so close? It was enough to make him die of jealousy!'

"Long Jiaojiao?" Jiang Ning was also surprised to see the beauty. "How did you know I was here?"

Long Jiaojiao intimately wrapped herself around Jiang Ning's arm, her ample bosom completely engulfing it.

"You left a newspaper behind, didn't you?"

"I first checked the information on the front page, which led me to Jiang Ruyu. Through her, I found you!"

"With a little more digging, I found out your mother lives here, so I figured you'd show up eventually. And I was right!"

She made it sound easy, but investigating all that was actually quite a hassle.

What's more, she had managed to uncover everything in just a few hours. The Long family's influence in the East Sea was truly terrifying.

Seeing no room to interject, Brother Gou could only turn to Jiang Ning. "Heh heh, I actually have a way to wipe out your mom's debt!"

"Jiang Ning, who are they?" Long Jiaojiao asked, her curiosity piqued by his words.

Jiang Ning had been planning to deal with this group directly, but with Long Jiaojiao present, he decided against making the scene too bloody for now.

"A bunch of thugs!" he said, casually brushing off Long Jiaojiao's question, before turning to Brother Gou. "I'll pay you back the five thousand my mom borrowed. As for the rest, sorry, I'm not acknowledging it!"

"Kid, who the fuck do you think you are, acting so cocky!" Brother Gou glared at Jiang Ning. "Who do you think you are, daring to bargain with me, Brother Gou? Let me tell you, either you pay up today, or you can hand over that little chick to cover the debt!"

Hearing this, Long Jiaojiao roared, "You dare to have ideas about me? Are you tired of living?!"

"Ooh, feisty. I like it!" Brother Gou grinned lecherously and reached out to touch Long Jiaojiao's face.

BAM!

Long Jiaojiao didn't hold back in the slightest. She lifted a slender leg and kicked straight up, crushing Brother Gou's balls. She then planted another kick on his face. "Get out!"

"She dared to touch Brother Gou! Get the bitch!" Seeing this, his lackeys immediately charged at Long Jiaojiao.

But before they could even make a move, Long Jiaojiao's long legs swept out like an iron broom, connecting squarely with their faces.

In less than three seconds, all of them had been thrown out the door.

"I'm with the Four Seas Gang!" Brother Gou roared, both shocked and furious, pointing at Long Jiaojiao. "You dare hit me? I'll send your whole family to the crematorium!"

"The Four Seas Gang? What kind of joke is that!" Long Jiaojiao's elegant brows furrowed as she snapped, "My surname is Long! Do you understand?"

"Long?! The Long family of the East Sea?" Brother Gou was so terrified he nearly pissed himself and immediately dropped to his knees. "Young Miss Long, I was blind! I deserve to die! You're a magnanimous person, please just treat me like a fart and let me go!"

Long Jiaojiao said coldly, "You dared to speak to me so disrespectfully, and you offended my friend! Do you think it's appropriate for me to just let you go?"

Brother Gou started crying and begging for mercy. "As long as you spare my life! I'll do anything you say!"

"You're the one who said it!" Long Jiaojiao chuckled.

SHING!

In the next instant, a flash of white light streaked past, and an arm fell to the floor.

"AHHH—" Brother Gou stared in a daze for a few seconds before reality hit him, and he screamed in agony, clutching his severed arm.

Long Jiaojiao turned to Jiang Ning, clearly trying to curry favor. "Mr. Jiang, if you're not satisfied, I can finish them off at any time."

"Get out!" Jiang Ning had no patience for such small fry.

As if granted a royal pardon, Brother Gou and his men fled for their lives.

"Why did you come looking for me?" Jiang Ning asked, looking at Long Jiaojiao.

Long Jiaojiao smiled. "You saved my grandfather's life. I'm here to repay you."

"It was nothing. There's no need to repay me," Jiang Ning said lightly.

"That won't do. The Long family always repays its debts!" Long Jiaojiao shook her head firmly. "If you don't let me repay you, then I'll just stay here and won't leave!"

'Jiang Ning knew what she was up to.' He couldn't help but sigh. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly thought of something.

He spoke up. "Actually, there is a favor I need from you. If you help me with this, we can call it even."

"What is it?" Long Jiaojiao immediately pressed. "Do you want me to take care of the Four Seas Gang?"

Jiang Ning shook his head. "I have some marriage contracts, but I don't know where the people are. I was hoping you could help me look them up."

"No problem." Long Jiaojiao held out her hand, looking relaxed. "Just let me see the marriage contracts. I'll have my people start investigating immediately. I guarantee I can find them for you within a day!"

"Deal!" Jiang Ning immediately pulled a thick stack of red, stiff paper from the bag he always carried and shoved it into Long Jiaojiao's hands.

Long Jiaojiao was instantly stunned. "You... you... what is this?"

"Marriage contracts!" Jiang Ning was also a little confused. "Didn't you tell me to show you the marriage contracts?"

Long Jiaojiao glared at him. "Yes, I did! You just had to show me *the* marriage contract! What's with this thick stack you just gave me?!"

With a casual expression, Jiang Ning replied, "These *are* the marriage contracts. All 99 of them."

"How many?" Long Jiaojiao was so shocked her eyes looked like they might pop out of her head. "Ninety-nine marriage contracts?!"

"That's right." Jiang Ning nodded calmly.

Looking at the utterly calm expression on Jiang Ning's face, Long Jiaojiao found it truly hard to believe.

In Great Xia.

A man could only marry one wife.

That was common knowledge!

Even for the great families like her own, a man officially had only one wife. Any others were kept on the side, in secret.

She had never seen anyone be as brazen as Jiang Ning!

"All of these... you want to find them all?"

Long Jiaojiao held the ninety-nine marriage contracts in both hands, feeling their considerable weight.

She casually flipped one open. Each one had a full name, the reason the marriage contract was established, and the terms for its fulfillment.

They were, in a word, impeccably formal.

"You don't need to worry about that. Just help me find their addresses. Don't go making any decisions on your own."

Jiang Ning sighed softly.

'Ninety-nine marriage contracts!'

'His master had really treated him like a stud horse!'

'But this was an age of marital freedom.'

'The great Jiang Ning wasn't about to go around forcing women into marriage!'

"Alright! I'll help you with this, but the addresses on these contracts are all pretty vague. It'll take some time to track them down."

Long Jiaojiao said, taking a deep breath.

"Good. In the meantime, I'll finish curing your grandfather's illness. Consider it payment for your help."

...

"Ning'Er, Ning'Er..."

Just as he sent Long Jiaojiao away, Jiang Ning heard his mother calling.

He rushed to the bedside. Seeing his mother drenched in sweat and murmuring in her sleep, he was overcome with guilt.

Five years ago!

If he hadn't trusted that bitch, Jiang Ruyu, his mother never would have suffered such a tragic fate.

Their family had been poor, but it was never this bad.

In the past five years, his mother must have sold off everything she owned trying to find him.

That's how she ended up in this tiny shack, less than ten square meters and without even a toilet.

The closest public restroom was five hundred meters away!

"I'm here, Mom!"

Jiang Ning's voice trembled.

Hearing her son's voice, Su Qingwan shot awake as if from a nightmare, her eyes flying open and her hands grasping wildly at the air.

At last, her gaze settled on Jiang Ning's face.

Realizing it wasn't a dream, Su Qingwan threw her arms around her long-lost son.

"My son! You're finally back! As long as you've come back, I don't need anything else!"

Hearing her words, Jiang Ning felt his heart bleed.

Before he left, his mother had owned a large house.

It was less than a hundred square meters, but it had been more than enough for them.

But now...

"Mom, don't worry. I'm not leaving again. Never again..."

Jiang Ning gently patted Su Qingwan's back, soothing her.

Her body was wracked by years of toil, and her heart heavy with accumulated sorrow.

This wasn't something that would heal in just a day or two.

"Alright, alright. I'll go make you something to eat. You must be hungry."

Feeling the warmth from Jiang Ning, Su Qingwan pushed away from him and headed for the door.

Jiang Ning was puzzled.

When he followed her outside to look, the sight made his heart bleed.

By the doorway stood a simple stove built from mud bricks.

Next to it were piles of scavenged dead branches.

On the stove sat a large iron wok, scorched black and covered in rust spots.

There were even five or six small holes along the wok's rim.

"Mom—"

Jiang Ning fell to his knees.

"Ning'Er, what are you doing?"

Su Qingwan jumped in fright and quickly turned to help Jiang Ning to his feet.

"I may have suffered for so many years, but as long as you're back, it was all worth it. You go sit inside for a bit. I'm going to cook you your favorite egg noodles."

As she spoke, Su Qingwan ushered Jiang Ning back inside, as if unwilling to let him see her in such a wretched, embarrassing state.

'Rest easy, Mom. Now that I'm here, I'll never let you suffer again.'

Jiang Ning vowed to himself.

「Meanwhile」

The Jiang family, who had been joyfully awaiting Jiang Ruyu's first visit home as a bride, instead received her cold, lifeless body.

Moreover, the Jiang family's son-in-law, Xu Mingsheng, had had both of his arms brutally snapped by that little bastard.

Such brutal methods!

The entire Jiang family was utterly enraged!

Jiang Ruyu's parents, in particular, were practically bursting with a rage they couldn't swallow.

"Mingsheng, just tell us what you need us to do!"

Jiang Sihai said to Xu Mingsheng.

Ostensibly, the Jiang family was in legitimate business, but in reality, Jiang Sihai had single-handedly propped up Yicheng's Four Seas Gang.

It was just that no one knew.

"Uncle Jiang, today was supposed to be a joyous day for Ruyi and me, but because of that little bastard, both our families have suffered a terrible loss. The Xu family is powerful in real estate, but when it comes to these shadowy martial arts organizations, we're nothing compared to you. Therefore, I want you to find someone to take out that little bastard, and while you're at it, drain him of every last drop of his blood!"

Xu Mingsheng said, his teeth clenched in hatred.

Ever since Jiang Ning had left the hotel, Xu Mingsheng had gone over it in his mind again and again.

If he wanted revenge without damaging the Xu family's foundations, his only option was to seek out Jiang Ruyu's parents.

Most importantly, Jiang Ning was a Martial Artist.

A Martial Artist at the Profound Level or higher, no less!

You either don't provoke someone like that, or you finish them in one decisive strike.

But when Jiang Sihai heard that Jiang Ning was strong enough to instantly kill a Profound Level Martial Artist, he fell silent.

"Jiang, what are you still thinking about? Don't you want to avenge our daughter?!"

Jiang Ruyu's mother, Mei Changyan, roared hysterically from the side.

"It seems... we have no choice but to ask *him* to come out of seclusion!"

A vicious look flashed across Jiang Sihai's face.

Upon hearing the word "him," Xu Mingsheng's face flooded with ecstatic joy.

"Uncle Jiang, with him on our side, forget one little bastard—even ten of them would die without a place for a grave!"

...

After eating his fill, Jiang Ning told his mother to tidy up the house and that he was just stepping out to earn some money and would be back soon.

'Oh, that boy. It's not so easy to earn money these days... I'd be thanking heaven and earth if you could just find a good job today.'

Su Qingwan murmured to herself as she watched Jiang Ning's retreating figure.

But Jiang Ning heard her every word.

Jiang Ning simply smiled.

He now possessed a host of heaven-defying abilities.

Making money was going to be incredibly simple.

Leaving home, Jiang Ning headed straight for the bustling downtown area of Yicheng.

The thirty-kilometer journey took him a mere ten-odd minutes.

Though called the downtown area, it was really a very lively market.

Here, everything from daily necessities, antiques, and calligraphy to gold, silver, and jade was bought and sold.

And after cultivating for so long, Jiang Ning knew it all—from array formation and alchemy to healing illnesses and exorcising ghosts.

Only by setting up a stall here would he not seem so out of place.

Finding a secluded spot, Jiang Ning sat down cross-legged. He picked up a wooden plaque, and with a flick of his finger, four bold, powerful words appeared on it.

"Cures for the Incurable!"

The moment he set out the sign, countless eyes turned toward him.

This was a busy district, with all sorts of people coming and going.

But they had never seen anyone quite like Jiang Ning.

"Kid, if you're just looking to scam some cash, you should've gone with fortune-telling or feng shui. Curing incurable diseases? Even old master physicians, even a divine doctor, wouldn't dare make such a bold claim."

"Exactly! And look where you are! To write those four words right next to the Huichun Building... Are you trying to look like a buffoon?!"

Huichun Building!

It was the medical hall established by Yicheng's very own Divine Doctor Li Huichun.

At a full six stories tall, it was an incredibly magnificent sight.

Most people didn't even dare get close.

Jiang Ning listened to the surrounding chatter, but he didn't get angry. He simply waited in silence.

He had no intention of revealing his more esoteric, supernatural arts.

That would only attract unnecessary trouble!

In the mortal world, only his heaven-defying medical skills could make him money this stably and quickly.

"Make way! Make way! My master needs emergency help from Divine Doctor Li!"

Suddenly, a car worth tens of millions was racing through the crowded market, a man with a megaphone shouting from the sunroof.

This was a crowded market, and even with the constant warnings, some people couldn't dodge in time.

On the path leading to the Huichun Building.

A pregnant woman was leading a little girl, about to cross the road.

But the sudden blare of the megaphone scared her so much that she froze on the spot, utterly at a loss...

...

"Bastard! Get out of the way!"

The female driver watched as she was about to crash right into him, and she slammed on the brakes, her face a mask of frantic anxiety.

The surrounding area instantly fell into chaos.

'Hm? Someone dares to drive this recklessly in a bustling city! Utterly insane! Huh?'

The moment Jiang Ning opened his eyes, he saw the scene unfold.

Without a second thought, he shot to his feet and rushed to the pregnant woman's side.

His actions made everyone's jaws drop.

No one knew how Jiang Ning had gotten there.

But everyone knew that in another second, Jiang Ning would be flattened into a meat patty.

The car's speed was just too fast!

And it was an imported, explosion-proof vehicle!

But just then, a cold glint flashed in Jiang Ning's eyes.

Facing the speeding car, he smashed his fist straight down.

**BOOM—**

A plume of smoke rose as the hood caved in, and all sorts of fluids sprayed and leaked out.

Yet despite this, the car's body remained incredibly stable, and the people inside were completely unharmed.

It was beyond bizarre!

The shock, however, was unavoidable.

**BANG—**

The door was kicked open, and the female driver pointed a finger at Jiang Ning's nose and cursed, "You bastard, couldn't you see I was driving?! The car was already out of control, and you still stood in front of it. Do you have a death wish?!"

Jiang Ning frowned and pointed at the two people behind him. "And what about their lives? Don't they matter?! If your car was out of control, you should have steered into a wall, not acted so wantonly on a public road!"

"You—!"

Knowing she was in the wrong, the female driver was too furious to speak.

Two submarines bobbed up and down, as if about to break the surface.

"Class President? So it was you who saved me and Xiaoya!"

After being rescued, the pregnant woman came to her senses. She looked at Jiang Ning, about to thank him, when her eyes suddenly widened.

A trace of delighted surprise appeared on her face!

Looking at the woman who had called out his name, Jiang Ning narrowed his eyes, his thoughts drifting back to his high school days.

Back then, he had been the class president.

And this pregnant woman was none other than Su Weiwei, who used to sit behind him.

"Mister, thank you so much for saving us. Here, this lollipop is for you."

Su Xiaoya thanked Jiang Ning, even offering him the lollipop she had been reluctant to eat herself.

"I don't want it, Mister. You and your mom should go stand over to the side for now."

Jiang Ning smiled but didn't accept it.

"Bastard! Since they're fine, get out of my way! My grandfather is in the car waiting to be saved!"

The female driver, sounding like she was about to cry from desperation, yelled at Jiang Ning.

"Hmph! He's a dead man!"

Jiang Ning glanced over and said coldly.

'A person like that doesn't deserve my help!'

"Fine!"

The female driver gritted her teeth, but not wanting to waste any more time, she could only spit out viciously, "You just wait!"

**TAP TAP TAP!**

Soon, a group of men in black suits and sunglasses arrived in front of the dented car.

They surrounded it, standing guard over the area.

"Young Miss, what happened?"

One of the burly men cupped his hands and asked the female driver.

"Uncle Lang, let's hurry and take Grandfather to the Huichun Building."

Eager to avoid any further delay, the female driver wasted no time.

She simply ordered a few men to keep an eye on Jiang Ning and not let him escape.

She planned to settle the score with Jiang Ning after her grandfather was treated.

As for Jiang Ning, he returned to his spot and sat down cross-legged again.

"Mister, you were so cool just now! Can you be my daddy?! Then Mommy and I will have someone to rely on."

Jiang Ning had just closed his eyes when the childish voice rang out, nearly shattering his unshakable Dao Heart.

"Xiaoya, what are you saying?!"

Beside them, Su Weiwei's face turned beet red with embarrassment.

She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

"Mom, you're not getting any younger. It's been so hard for you raising the two of us by yourself ever since that scumbag dad ran off. If you don't have someone to take care of you, how will you manage?!"

Su Xiaoya, a true social butterfly, spoke with the unfiltered honesty of a child.

Just now, this man had saved her and her mom's lives.

He must be a good person!

It would be such a shame if a good person like him didn't become her dad.

"What happened?"

Jiang Ning looked at Su Weiwei and began to ask for details.

...

"Young Miss, what was all that about?"

Meanwhile, after arranging for his men to take the old master into the Huichun Building, Uncle Lang turned to the female driver and asked.

He soon learned what had just happened.

"Uncle Lang, once Grandfather is out, I'm going to make that bastard pay! You have to help me!"

the female driver said indignantly.

She wasn't just some female driver. She was from the Chu family, one of the eight great families of East Sea!

Chu Yunyun!

The Young Miss of the Chu family—that was her true identity!

And the grandfather she spoke of was none other than the Chu family Patriarch, Chu Tianba!

"Miss, you mustn't be reckless! You said he stopped your car with a single punch, and that you and the old master were completely unharmed. I'm afraid he's an expert!"

Uncle Lang said with a grave expression.

"Hmph! So what if he's an expert? Uncle Lang, you're the Chu family's patron Martial Artist! Are you telling me you're afraid of some punk kid?"

Chu Yunyun said proudly, the admiration in her eyes undisguised.

"Very well, Miss. I'll teach that kid a lesson for you later. But in a way, he did help you. Otherwise, that mother and daughter would have met with disaster."

Ancient Wolf shook his head and reluctantly agreed.

There was nothing to be done. Who could say no to his family's spoiled and willful young miss?

**COUGH COUGH!**

Suddenly, a series of heavy coughs echoed from within the Huichun Building.

The sound spread like the roar of a tiger or the cry of a dragon.

It was utterly heart-wrenching.

"What's happening?"

Chu Yunyun panicked and rushed toward the consultation room.

「Inside the room.」

Li Huichun watched the uncontrollably coughing Chu Tianba, his brow furrowed into a tight knot.

**BANG—**

Just then, the door burst open.

"Grandfather! Grandfather!"

Chu Yunyun rushed in, threw herself onto the head of the bed, and couldn't help but cry out, "Divine Doctor Li, is my grandfather beyond saving?"

Looking at Chu Yunyun's desperately anxious face, Li Huichun couldn't help but feel a sense of shame.

"Yunyun, don't be impudent!"

Chu Tianba could feel his life force fading away.

But he understood that he had been on the brink of death for a long time.

For all these years, he had merely been clinging to life with the help of various heavenly treasures.

Now, he had finally reached his limit.

There was no turning back the tide!

"Grandfather~"

Looking at Chu Tianba, whose breath was as faint as a thread, Chu Yunyun's eyes filled with tears.

"Old Master!"

The moment Ancient Wolf entered the room, he dropped to his knees with a THUD.

He had heard the words from just now.

'There was no turning back the tide!'

In other words, the heroic figure of his generation from the Chu family...

...was about to fall!

"It's all that bastard's fault! If I had brought Grandfather here sooner, he wouldn't be dying!"

Chu Yunyun suddenly shot to her feet, gritting her teeth, and charged outside.

"Ancient Wolf, take me to her! Quick! Don't let Yunyun do anything foolish."

Chu Tianba suppressed his fading life force as he commanded Ancient Wolf.

"Yes, Old Master!"

Ancient Wolf's temper flared as well.

'Today, no matter what, I will help the young miss get her revenge!'

...

CRACK!

The moment Chu Yunyun stormed out of Huichun Building, she cracked her long whip, lashing it viciously at Jiang Ning. "You bastard! If you hadn't stopped me, my grandfather wouldn't be dead!"

Jiang Ning's right hand shot out, snatching the whip and clenching it tight.

He looked up.

His eyes were cold and indifferent.

"Your grandfather's death has nothing to do with me."

"Even if you had brought him to this quack without any interference, he still couldn't have saved your grandfather."

"His five vital organs were failing, and his life force was completely severed. It was a case of the Five Celestial Decays."

"You're full of shit!"

Jiang Ning's honest words did nothing to bring Chu Yunyun back to her senses.

Instead, Chu Yunyun yanked her whip hard and swung her right leg in a vicious kick aimed at Jiang Ning's head.

"You don't know what's good for you!"

Releasing the whip with his right hand, Jiang Ning tapped Chu Yunyun on the calf.

In an instant, Chu Yunyun felt as if a powerful electric shock had coursed through her entire body.

Not only did she feel completely drained of strength, but she also convulsed as if she'd been zapped, crashing hard onto the ground.

"Insolence! How dare you bully the young miss of the Chu family!"

Ancient Wolf, who had just wheeled Chu Tianba to the entrance, witnessed this scene and was instantly filled with uncontrollable rage.

"Cough, cough! Ancient Wolf..."

Before Chu Tianba could stop him, Ancient Wolf shot forward and, with a lift of his leg, delivered a powerful whip-like kick.

It was utterly ruthless!

If an ordinary person were hit by it, they would be dead or gravely injured!

"Another blind fool! This tap will be your lesson!"

Jiang Ning spoke with indifference. Without moving from his cross-legged position, he once again pointed a single finger.

SPURT—

A spray of blood burst forth, splashing in all directions.

But as the blood was about to splash onto Jiang Ning, it was stopped as if by an invisible barrier.

The wooden sign next to Jiang Ning, however, wasn't so lucky.

It was splattered with blood, turning a vivid red.

"Bastard, you dare hurt Uncle Lang!"

Seeing that Ancient Wolf's right leg had been crippled, Chu Yunyun immediately tried to get up from the ground.

But the paralyzing numbness hadn't faded yet, and as soon as she rose, she stumbled and fell again.

"Young Miss!"

Seeing Chu Yunyun trying to stand up for him, the fallen Ancient Wolf's heart hardened. He reached behind his back, drew a pistol, and immediately aimed it at the center of Jiang Ning's brow.

"You dare point a gun at me! You have chosen the path to death!"

Jiang Ning's expression instantly turned cold and merciless.

His right hand brushed lightly against the grass beside him, and he plucked a delicate blade of grass.

SWISH!

With a flick of his wrist, the blade of grass shot out.

Ancient Wolf instantly felt a mortal threat.

But he focused his eyes and saw...

The thing threatening him was just an ordinary blade of grass.

'How is that possible?'

Ancient Wolf's eyes narrowed suddenly.

In his desperation, he could only cross his arms in front of his brow, hoping to save his own life.

But a cold sneer touched the corner of Jiang Ning's mouth.

'Trying to block my attack?'

'Absolutely delusional!'

Anyone he, Jiang Ning, wanted to kill would die!

Just as killing intent stirred in Jiang Ning, a desperate cry rang out.

"Young friend, please show mercy! I am willing to pay one hundred million to spare Ancient Wolf's life!"

Chu Tianba shouted, his face filled with anxiety.

He was about to die.

If the Chu family were to lose two of its pillars in a single day, their position among the eight great families would be in grave danger!

The eight great families of East Sea appeared to be at peace, but behind the scenes, they were all competing fiercely.

It was a matter of life and death in an instant!

"Hmph! Since someone has pleaded for you, I'll spare your life! But you won't escape punishment for this capital offense!"

Jiang Ning snorted lightly.

The blade of grass, having already pierced through both of Ancient Wolf's arms, was about to penetrate his brow.

But it suddenly froze!

It pressed hard against the center of Ancient Wolf's brow but did not go all the way in.

GASP!

Completely drained, Ancient Wolf collapsed to the ground, having narrowly escaped with his life.

"Divine Doctor Li, please help me save Ancient Wolf."

Chu Tianba quickly called out to Li Huichun, who was walking over.

Ancient Wolf's injuries were too severe.

His right leg and both his arms were crippled.

If he didn't receive immediate treatment, he would likely be a cripple for life!

"This..."

Li Huichun looked at Ancient Wolf lying on the ground, his brows instantly furrowing.

"Don't worry, that quack can't treat the injuries I inflicted!"

Jiang Ning said faintly, pointing to the blood-splattered sign in front of him.

"Young man, what an arrogant tone!"

Li Huichun was burning with anger. In his sixty years of practicing medicine, this was the first time anyone had ever called him a quack.

"I think it's not that my tone is arrogant, but that your temper is flaring!"

Jiang Ning glanced at Li Huichun, showing him no respect whatsoever.

"Grandpa, why did you come out?"

After regaining sensation in her body, Chu Yunyun immediately stood up and looked at Chu Tianba with an anxious expression.

"Cough, cough..." Chu Tianba coughed heavily before speaking. "Yunyun, Grandpa isn't going to make it. Your two good-for-nothing uncles can't support the Chu Group. However, as long as you have Ancient Wolf's help, you'll be able to stabilize the situation."

After he finished speaking, the light in Chu Tianba's eyes faded, his life force on the verge of being completely extinguished.

"Lastly... thank you, young friend, for showing mercy..."

With those words, Chu Tianba slowly closed his eyes.

"Grandpa—"

Chu Yunyun wailed, tears streaming from her eyes like a bursting dam.

"Stop crying! Give me five hundred million, and I can revive your grandfather immediately! Also, add the one hundred million for sparing his life!"

Jiang Ning said indifferently, pointing at Ancient Wolf, who was collapsed on the ground.

"Senior, I'll pay! I'll pay you right now! I, Ancient Wolf, will also cover the five hundred million for you to treat the Patriarch."

Ancient Wolf immediately took out his phone to make the transfer.

Unfortunately, with his hands crippled, his movements were extremely slow.

"Uncle Lang, he's just a charlatan! Why would you believe him!"

Chu Yunyun tried to stop him, glaring at Jiang Ning with defiance in her eyes.

"Young Miss, as long as there's even a sliver of a chance, we can't give up!"

Ancient Wolf said through gritted teeth.

Large patches of his sleeves were soaked in blood.

"Master Jiang? What are you doing here?"

Just as Jiang Ning was about to get up and collect his money, a familiar voice called out.

Behind Long Changsheng was an old man whose aura was unstable, a clear sign of serious injury.

"I'm here to earn a little money."

Jiang Ning said without any hesitation.

Long Changsheng's eyes immediately fell on the blood-covered sign. His face lit up with joy, and he turned to clap the old man firmly on the shoulder.

"Jiang! You can be saved now!"

Jiang Chengwu was a revered Martial Artist serving the Long family.

From repeatedly helping the Long family fend off powerful enemies and expand their influence, he had accumulated many hidden injuries over the years.

Originally, Long Changsheng had wanted to find Jiang Ning to treat him.

But meeting an immortal-like figure such as him depended on fate.

He hadn't dared to get his hopes up.

He never expected to run into him again on the same day.

"Easy! I can cure his injuries with just three needles. As for your own injuries, just take the medicine I prescribe on schedule, and after some conditioning, I guarantee you'll live for another twenty years!"

Jiang Ning glanced at Jiang Chengwu and spoke with complete confidence.

"Uncle Long, he's a fraud! You can't let him fool you! He's the one who killed my grandfather just now!"