"After divorcing Li Ruolin, Jiang Dongchen is lower than a stray dog. Isn't he afraid of dying too quickly by acting like this?"
Listening to the chatter, Jiang Dongchen remained as calm as an ancient well. Every step he took was filled with an indescribable resolve. He had returned to Tianhai and married Li Ruolin only to repay a debt of gratitude. Who could have known that this Li Ruolin was not the same one who had saved him years ago? He had been blind, wasting three years on this woman and even elevating the Li Family from an unknown small clan to one with assets worth over a billion.
It was his own mistake. But above all, the Matriarch should never have targeted the real Li Ruolin, who had saved his life. She had tormented that woman for ten years, forcing her to live in darkness. If he hadn't appeared in time, she would have already perished. This debt had to be repaid. How else could he honor her life-saving grace?
Bringing a funeral wreath to the Matriarch's birthday banquet was his way of telling her that the funeral bell had already tolled. If she still refused to repent... then if Heaven wouldn't take her, he would.
Li Ruolin’s face grew increasingly ugly. Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer. She lunged forward and stood right in front of Jiang Dongchen. "Jiang Dongchen, I once thought you were a man and hoped we could part ways amicably. I never imagined you could be this shameless!"
Before Jiang Dongchen could retort, her voice rose by an octave. "Your actions here are nothing more than an attempt to blackmail our Li Family and demand a breakup fee! Since today is the Matriarch’s birthday, I don't want to squabble with you."
As she spoke, she pulled out a checkbook and scribbled some numbers on it. The next second, she threw the check at Jiang Dongchen. "Here is one hundred thousand. Take the money and get out!"
She offered the money not just to prevent a scene, but because she feared Zhan Feng, who stood behind him. Naturally, she wouldn't voice this reason.
A chorus of boos rose from the crowd.
"President Li is too kind, giving that loser a hundred thousand!"
"If it were me... I’d break his legs for causing such a scene!"
"Hey kid, take the money and beat it!"
Amidst the jeers, the check fluttered to the ground, as if mocking them all. Jiang Dongchen narrowed his eyes. Before he could speak, Li Ruoxue stepped forward and stomped on the check. "Loser! If you want this money, you have to kneel and kowtow to the Matriarch to apologize!"
The Matriarch sneered, "I’m afraid of losing years off my life. Just let him take the money and get out!"
Jiang Dongchen shook his head. "One hundred thousand won't solve the problem." A flash of sharp light crossed his eyes. "I want the entire Li Group."
Without him, the Li Family would still be an unknown, small clan. He was not a petty man, but the way they had treated Li Ruolin had crossed his line. He would reduce the Li Family back to what it was.
Everyone looked at him as if he were an idiot. Li Ruolin’s face turned vicious. "You ungrateful wretch!" She glanced at the Matriarch. Since Zhan Feng hadn't followed him, it clearly meant his relationship with her wasn't as close as thought! They could cripple Jiang Dongchen and then find a way to reconcile with Zhan Feng later.
The Matriarch’s eyes flickered with murderous intent, and she gave an almost imperceptible nod. This loser was making wild demands, counting on the fact that she wouldn't want to cause trouble on her birthday. But even though she was old and plagued by illness, her teeth were still sharp. She, too, could eat people.
Sensing the Matriarch’s signal, Li Ruolin felt emboldened. But before she could speak, Zhao Ming stepped forward. "Jiang Dongchen, if you don't get out now, I’ll break your legs!"
Today at the banquet, the Matriarch was set to announce his marriage to Li Ruolin. This was a vital step in their plan to annex the Li family’s assets. If Jiang Dongchen ruined the banquet, how could the Matriarch make the announcement? Zhao Ming stepped up, hoping to use his status as the young master of the Zhao Family to suppress him.
Jiang Dongchen looked at Zhao Ming as if he were a fool. "What is your status? Do you have the qualifications to speak to me like that?"
His words were like a bomb dropped into a calm lake.
"Holy cow, did I hear that right? This kid said Young Master Zhao isn't qualified to talk to him?"
"He must have been dumped by President Li and gone crazy from anger!"
"Daring to offend Young Master Zhao? I guarantee he’ll be thrown into the river to feed the fish!"
Zhao Ming’s eyes grew murderous. "Do you really not know how to write the word 'death'? Then let me teach you!" He reached out to grab Jiang Dongchen by the throat. Giving this loser even a single word of his time was a favor; he would deal with him directly and teach him his place. Zhao Ming felt that with his training in combat, he would surely make Jiang Dongchen regret this.
But before his hand could reach Jiang Dongchen’s neck, a palm grew larger and larger in his vision. A crisp slap echoed through the room, and Zhao Ming spun like a top.
Li Ruolin screamed hysterically, "Young Master Zhao, are you okay?" She rushed over and saw his face swelling up. She looked at Jiang Dongchen with pure venom. "Jiang Dongchen! You dared to hit Young Master Zhao? I swear, I will end you!"
Li Ruoxue also shrieked, "Loser, you’re dead!"
Jiang Dongchen, however, acted as if he had performed a trivial chore. "I said, I came here to have you hand over the Li Group. If you don't agree, I will make you regret ever having been born!"
The Matriarch trembled with rage. "This is treason... pure treason!"
Li Ruolin yelled at the top of her lungs, "Jiang Dongchen! Don't think just because you’re kept by Zhan Feng that we’re afraid of you! You’re nothing but her toy! And this is Tianhai!"
Most people had heard rumors of this. Now that Li Ruolin had said it, the crowd began to buzz. No wonder a loser dared to be so arrogant—he was relying on Zhan Feng’s influence! But didn't this fool know that a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake? If the Zhao and Li families insisted on killing him, would Zhan Feng really bring her men to Tianhai to start an all-out war?
Jiang Dongchen couldn't be bothered to explain. He snorted coldly, "I’ll ask one thing: Are you going to hand over the Li Group or not?"
Li Ruolin’s face was distorted with malice. "I was going to spare your life for the sake of our past, but you are so thick-skinned and shameless! Since you are heartless, don't blame me for being unrighteous. Today, in front of everyone, I will break your legs! I’ll make you regret your stupidity!" She signaled with her hand, "Li Family bodyguards, hear me! Break this brat’s legs and toss him into the street!"
The Li family bodyguards moved at her command. Jiang Dongchen gave a cold laugh. "Well come!"
Facing the four charging bodyguards, Jiang Dongchen wove through them. A series of thuds and punches followed, and the four bodyguards collapsed, temporarily incapacitated.
Just then, Zhao Ming saw an old man hurry into the courtyard. His eyes lit up, and he called out, "Uncle Liu!"
Uncle Liu was a bodyguard hired by the Zhao Family at a high price, rumored to be at the Houtian Grade Two level. Zhao Ming had been able to get away with his wicked deeds largely thanks to him. Uncle Liu had been handling an urgent matter, which was why he was a few minutes late.
When everyone heard Zhao Ming summon Uncle Liu, their eyes shifted to Jiang Dongchen with a touch of mockery. Uncle Liu arrived at Zhao Ming’s side like a lightning bolt.
Zhao Ming’s expression was grim. "Cripple this loser!"
Uncle Liu chuckled and moved toward Jiang Dongchen in a flash, kicking at his knees. He had spent decades perfecting his sweeping leg; even a wooden post as thick as a man’s arm couldn't withstand his strike. No one doubted that if this kick landed, Jiang Dongchen would be crippled.
"Aaaah!"
A blood-curdling scream pierced the air. A figure went flying, hitting the ground and shrieking in agony, sweat beading on his forehead. When the crowd saw it was Uncle Liu lying there, most looked as if they had seen a ghost. Uncle Liu had been defeated by Jiang Dongchen?
Zhao Ming’s face turned ashen. Seeing Jiang Dongchen walking toward him, he retreated involuntarily, his face filled with terror. "You... what do you want?"
That Uncle Liu was no match for Jiang Dongchen was beyond his expectations. Realizing he had no other experts nearby, Zhao Ming panicked. He cast a desperate look toward Liu Dajiang. Liu Dajiang was the master of Guojiang Hall; if he intervened, he might be able to stop Jiang Dongchen. But Liu Dajiang simply stared at the ceiling, ignoring Zhao Ming’s gaze.
Li Ruolin started to move forward, but Jiang Dongchen glared at her. It was a look of contempt and disdain, laced with a stern warning. Li Ruolin felt a sudden chill, and her body went rigid. Was this really the same loser she had known? Why was his gaze sharper than Zhao Ming’s or even the Matriarch’s?
Just then, a resonant voice sounded. "Hua Tianfeng is here to offer birthday wishes! May the Matriarch have luck as deep as the East Sea and a life as long as the Southern Mountains!"
At the name Hua Tianfeng, the crowd erupted in a frenzy! He was the number one Divine Doctor in the entire province! The Li family had immense prestige to have him attend!
The Matriarch was overjoyed and stood up abruptly. She had been tormented by illness for over a decade—it was torture! But Hua Tianfeng was the province's top doctor; he could surely work a miracle!
Zhao Ming grabbed at the lifeline. "Divine Doctor Hua, save me!" Only Zhao Ming knew that Hua Tianfeng wasn't just a master doctor, but also a Houtian Grade Four expert! He also knew that Hua Tianfeng had come at his invitation to treat the Matriarch. Now that he was here, Jiang Dongchen would be crushed!
Hua Tianfeng entered the courtyard. Seeing Uncle Liu on the ground, he frowned. "What is going on here?"
Zhao Ming pointed at Jiang Dongchen. "This idiot is causing a scene at the banquet! Divine Doctor Hua, please deal with him!"
Seeing Zhao Ming on good terms with Hua Tianfeng, the Matriarch breathed a sigh of relief. In this world, power no longer meant who had the hardest fists. But Jiang Dongchen had ignored all convention. Fortunately, Hua Tianfeng had arrived! Without him, no one here could suppress the boy.
Li Ruolin looked at Zhao Ming with stars in her eyes. Her choice of a husband was right after all! To think he could even command Hua Tianfeng! This loser was only digging his own grave.
While the crowd wore various expressions, Hua Tianfeng ignored Zhao Ming’s blustering and walked toward Uncle Liu. Though he was arrogant due to his high status, he was still a healer at heart and couldn't bear to see Uncle Liu suffer.
Jiang Dongchen’s cold voice rang out. "I injured him. If you dare to treat him, you’re going against me. Bear the consequences yourself!"
No one expected Jiang Dongchen to speak to Hua Tianfeng like that. They all watched him as if he were insane.
Hua Tianfeng turned slowly, squinting at Jiang Dongchen. "Are you threatening me?"
Jiang Dongchen didn't budge an inch. "I’m just stating a fact that is about to happen. Weigh your options carefully."
Hua Tianfeng let out a boisterous laugh!
Li Ruolin twisted the knife further. "Divine Doctor Hua, this loser looks down on you! He said you can't cure the Matriarch’s illness!"
Hua Tianfeng’s laughter died down, his gaze sharp as lightning. "You ignorant brat!"
Jiang Dongchen gave a cold laugh. "You’re just a dabbler. You might fool others, but you can't fool me!"
Hua Tianfeng’s face lost its composure. Zhao Ming stepped forward. "Divine Doctor Hua, teach this brat a lesson! Otherwise, it will damage your reputation!"
Hua Tianfeng approached Jiang Dongchen and looked him up and down. "I don't hit nobodies. State your name!"
Jiang Dongchen had belittled him, insulted him to his face, and even mocked his renowned medical skills! Hua Tianfeng was on the verge of exploding, but as a proud man, he wanted to know who he was dealing with.
Li Ruolin and Zhao Ming watched with mocking grins. This loser, relying on a few martial arts tricks, had become completely unhinged! This would surely enrage Hua Tianfeng, and once he acted, the brat would regret being born!
Jiang Dongchen frowned. "If you want to fight, then fight! Enough with the chatter!" He didn't have time for this; he was waiting to see how Li Ruolin’s recovery was progressing after he dealt with the Li family.
The livid Hua Tianfeng let out a great laugh, but it was filled with an indescribable, ruthless intent. "Good... very good... it’s been a long time since anyone spoke to me like that! Brat, if I don't..."
Just as Hua Tianfeng was about to lash out, Li Tianming, who had been standing to the side, finally couldn't help himself. "Jiang Dongchen, apologize to the Divine Doctor at once!" He had remained silent due to the Matriarch's authority and his feeling that Jiang Dongchen had gone too far with the wreath. But seeing him recklessly offend Hua Tianfeng, he felt a flicker of sympathy.
Hua Tianfeng gasped, his breath hitching, and he broke into a violent coughing fit. At the First People's Hospital in Tianhai, he had encountered a miracle doctor who could save his daughter. That person’s name was Jiang Dongchen! And now, the person disrespecting him was also named Jiang Dongchen! Could they be the same person?
No, no! This boy was so young—how could he possibly understand the Hidden Needles technique? How could he possibly know the Golden Needle Crossing the Tribulation? He could not be the Divine Doctor Jiang Dongchen who could save his daughter!
But to be sure, Hua Tianfeng asked tentatively, "Do... do... do you... do you know the Golden Needle Crossing the Tribulation?"
A flash of dissatisfaction crossed Jiang Dongchen’s eyes. "Who told you that!?"
*Who told you that!* It meant he *did* know the technique! He had only ordered Zhan Feng to hide his identity because he didn't want to be high-profile.
Realizing this, beads of sweat broke out on Hua Tianfeng’s forehead. The divine doctor he had been looking for was right in front of him! And he was a man even Zhan Feng feared! He had almost tried to discipline the only person who could save his daughter... he had been truly blind!
Seeing Hua Tianfeng covered in sweat, most of the people present looked on in confusion. Had he suddenly taken ill? Clearly, no one expected that just the name "Jiang Dongchen" would cause such a storm in Hua Tianfeng’s heart!
As the thought crossed their minds, Hua Tianfeng suddenly dropped to his knees. "It is I who was blind and offended a divine doctor! I hope the Divine Doctor will be magnanimous and save my daughter!"
*BOOM!*
It felt like a thunderclap had struck everyone’s ears. Hua Tianfeng was kneeling to Jiang Dongchen, begging him to save his daughter... Was Jiang Dongchen’s medical skill actually superior to Hua Tianfeng’s?
The Matriarch’s vision went dark; she nearly fainted. Li Ruolin’s face turned pale, and Li Ruoxue looked baffled. Liu Dajiang breathed a long sigh of relief. He had been cautious from the start. Seeing Jiang Dongchen move like a gust of wind and defeat Uncle Liu in a single move, he knew that stepping forward would only be asking for trouble. That was why he had ignored Zhao Ming’s calls for help. Seeing Hua Tianfeng kneel now, he congratulated himself on his wisdom.
Jiang Dongchen looked coldly at Hua Tianfeng. "Get up first."
Hua Tianfeng dared not disobey. Rising, he asked cautiously, "Young Master Jiang, shall I take action?"
Before Jiang Dongchen could respond, a clear voice rang out. "The head of the Liu family from the Provincial Capital, here to pay respects to Young Master Jiang Dongchen!"
"The head of the Li family from the Provincial Capital, here to pay respects to Young Master Jiang Dongchen!"
"Wang Jun of the second generation of the Wang family, requests an audience with Young Master Jiang Dongchen!"
In less than a minute, at least eleven people of various ages, all radiating the authority of powerful figures, appeared in the courtyard! The Liu family, the Li family, the Wang family, the Zhou family... these were people who could shake the very ground of the Provincial Capital just by stamping their feet! Even the mayor of Tianhai couldn't gather all eleven of them at once. Yet, representatives from these eleven families had come all the way to Tianhai just to see Jiang Dongchen?
Who exactly was Jiang Dongchen?!
Zhao Ming’s legs shook uncontrollably. The sisters Li Ruolin and Li Ruoxue looked on in despair. The Matriarch collapsed into her red chair. The little loser was actually an existence capable of defying Heaven! Not only had he brought Hua Tianfeng to his knees, but he had also drawn representatives from eleven families across thousands of miles!
If they hadn't divorced, if they had treated him better... would the Li family have become the top family in Tianhai? Would her own illness have already been cured?
Jiang Dongchen frowned. This was definitely Zhan Feng’s arrangement. But she was overstepping her bounds!
Li Ruolin, however, charged toward Jiang Dongchen like a madwoman, hysterical. "Jiang Dongchen, is this fun for you?"