Chapter 50: Defiance—Fight Until You Yield

Ling Xiao’s words were laced with seven parts domineering arrogance and three parts madness, leaving everyone present utterly stunned.

Xu Long was certainly arrogant, but at least he had the credentials to back it up. The Xu Group was a household name in Jiangzhou, boasting a market value exceeding two hundred billion. Who in the entire city could possibly challenge him? The number of disciples under Xu Long’s tutelage was uncountable, and among them, the number of billionaires was equally difficult to estimate. Thus, everyone could only vent their anger in silence at Xu Long’s arrogance—his strength left them no other choice.

Now, consider Ling Xiao. Apart from Zhang Daochu and a scant few others, who really took any notice of him? Even Zhang Daochu and his ilk were only on par with some of Xu Long’s lesser disciples, let alone comparable to Xu Long himself.

Xu Long threw back his head and let out a resounding laugh. “Tonight, I have finally witnessed what it means to be self-important. You want Jiangzhou from me? You won’t even give your name, just spout empty words. Do you take me for a fool? If you’ve got the guts, drop the act and tell me who you are. Let’s see if you’re worth my attention!”

Ming Cheng gave a cold snort and stepped forward. “Xu Long, listen well! My young master is the Young Lord of Ghost Valley!”

“The Young Lord of Ghost Valley? One of the three great mysterious sects of the martial world?” someone exclaimed.

“That’s right!”

“Hmph, so what? Kongtong is one of the nine great martial sects—do you think we fear Ghost Valley? And you’re just the Young Lord, not even the Valley Master himself!”

Xiu’er clasped her hands behind her back, chin raised, and replied with calm dignity, “Then what about the rank of Major General in the Dragon Division?”

“What?” The collective gasp from the crowd was palpable.

It was true that Ghost Valley was one of the three great mysterious sects, but its very secrecy meant it did not inspire much awe. However, a Major General of the Dragon Division was a rank earned through sheer strength. Just the title of ‘Major General’ was enough to dominate Jiangzhou.

Xu Long gritted his teeth and looked down at Shen Wantong, who gave him a reassuring smile, signaling him not to panic. Only then did Xu Long relax. He snorted and pressed on, “Even if you are a Major General in the Dragon Division, so what? Ghost Valley is far from Jiangzhou. What right do you have to command us?”

Zhang Daochu smiled calmly. “My young master is not only the Young Lord of Ghost Valley—he is also a native of Jiangzhou.”

“What did you say?” Xu Long’s pupils narrowed.

He sneered. “Absurd! To seize Jiangzhou, even the Young Lord of Ghost Valley resorts to lies. I have to wonder if you’re just bluffing about being a Major General!”

Xu Beichen chimed in, “Exactly! It’s one thing to claim you’re a Major General, but now you say you’re from Jiangzhou? I’ve never heard of anyone like you here.”

“My young master’s surname is Ling, given name Xiao—son of the Ling family from Jiang City, Jiangzhou!”

“Ling Xiao! It’s actually him!” Once again, the crowd was thrown into shock.

The Ling family was not among the great clans of Jiangzhou, but the events of three years ago were unforgettable, and everyone present knew of them. When Xu Long heard Ling Xiao’s identity, he was first shocked, but soon his expression turned scornful.

“So that’s who you are—the remnant of the Ling family! Back then, your family crossed the Hua family of Yanjing. Your parents were killed, your legs were broken—what a tragedy! Now, only three years later, you return, claiming to be the Young Lord of Ghost Valley and a Major General of the Dragon Division, seeking to take Jiangzhou for revenge? Do you take all of us for fools?”

Ling Xiao’s expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as before. “I have just one question for you. Will you submit?”

“Hmph, and if I do, what then?”

“I will spare you for your earlier insolence.”

“Hahaha… utterly ridiculous! And if I refuse?”

“Then I will kill you.”

Xu Long burst into laughter for a third time. “Ling Xiao, you needn’t try to intimidate me! I, Xu Long, am not so easily frightened! You want to kill me? I’d like to see you try!”

His demeanor turned icy. “You assaulted my grandson and caused trouble on Xu family turf. If I don’t kill you, how will I command respect?”

Ling Xiao remained impassive. “So there’s nothing more to discuss. In that case, enough talk.”

“Kill—!”

At the command, Ming Cheng wasted no words. With a heavy stomp, he sprang into the air like a tiger descending the mountain or a dragon sweeping across the sea, charging straight for Xu Long.

Xu Long’s face changed. The Xu family disciples immediately shouted, “Protect Master Xu!”

At that order, all the Xu family experts emerged from hiding, surrounding Ming Cheng. Though the Xu family was a secular clan, they were not to be underestimated; with their vast wealth, they could easily support several martial artists, though most were unaffiliated and not true disciples of any great sect.

Even so, with the Xu family’s resources, it was easy to keep several experts on retainer. Among this group, aside from the majority who were ordinary martial artists, there were four at the third level of Martial Master and two at the seventh level.

Ming Cheng himself had already reached the seventh level of Martial Master, but he was no ordinary martial artist—he was the reincarnation of a Martial Emperor. Thus, though alone, he was more than a match for many opponents.

Inside the hotel, a wild storm broke out. Ordinary people hurried to the corners, terrified of being caught in the crossfire.

“Young master, have a seat,” Zhang Daochu said, bringing over a chair. Ling Xiao sat down, leaned back, crossed his legs, and watched the battle with detached calm.

After a few exchanges, the Xu family’s martial masters could not help but marvel. “This guy’s strength is incredible!”

“And his techniques are even more ruthless, far superior to our own!”

“No wonder Ghost Valley is one of the three great mysterious sects—they do have some substance after all.”

“This won’t do. If we keep fighting like this, we’ll lose. Quick victory is our only chance—capture their leader, and the rest will fall in line!”

“Martial Masters, hold him back! All martial artists, go and seize Ling Xiao!”

“Yes!” came the response.

Ming Cheng grinned. “You could have lived a little longer, but you insist on courting death—how foolish.”

The martial masters didn’t understand, but by then, the martial artists were already charging straight for Ling Xiao. Zhang Daochu and the others stood behind Ling Xiao, unmoved. Though they were ordinary men, with Ling Xiao present, their hearts were as steady as a mountain—there was no fear.

Xiu’er prepared to move, but Ling Xiao’s calm voice stopped her. “Stand down.”

She obeyed, letting the martial artists approach Ling Xiao. As several men attacked simultaneously and saw Ling Xiao unmoving, smirks appeared on their faces.

“Who would have thought this boy would be so easy to capture?”