Chapter 498: Daring To Lead The World

Gong Qian and his group suddenly felt their legs go weak, as if an electric current had coursed through their bodies. A numb, tingling sensation overwhelmed them, and they collapsed to the ground, unable to move.

“This is just a warning. Next time, heads will roll,” Li Xiaofei’s voice echoed in their ears.

By the time they regained their senses, Li Xiaofei was already gone. They had no idea how he had vanished so quickly.

After a few moments, the numbness in their limbs began to fade. They struggled to their feet one by one, their faces a mixture of anger and disbelief.

“That bastard ran away,” someone muttered.

“Looks like he’s a skilled fighter from the slum,” another said.

“Probably at least in the Five Spirits Realm,” someone else speculated.

“He ran fast, though. I didn’t even get a chance to show my moves,” one grumbled.

“Hmph, so what if he’s strong? He’s still just a lowly slum-dweller. He wouldn’t dare actually harm us. All he could do was run away,” Gong Qian sneered, brushing off his bruised pride.

Despite being completely overwhelmed in a single move, none of them showed any real fear.

After all, they were the nation’s elites, students at Zhendan University, the third-best university in the country. They were not only highly privileged but also protected as the future of Great Xia. Why would they be afraid of a nobody from the slums?

“We underestimated him this time,” Gong Qian admitted, rubbing his leg. “But so what? A martial artist at the Five Spirits Realm is nothing we haven’t dealt with before. We’ll gather a few more people next time and corner him again. I’ll cripple him for good, and then we’ll see how he dares compete with me for my woman.”

One of his companions, unable to hold back, added, “Honestly, Gong Qian, why are you so hung up on Ren Dong? Sure, she’s got a nice figure and a pretty face, but is she really worth all this trouble? If you’re that interested, just use some tricks to get her into bed. Why bother degrading yourself trying to win her over openly?”

"Exactly, Brother Gong. Just give the word, and I’ll find someone outside to deliver her straight to your bed," one of the students suggested with a wicked grin.

"That’s too crude," another chimed in. "If it were me, I’d pressure her through her family. Get some dirt on them, and she’d have no choice but to kneel and beg."

"Right, women from small places like hers are all the same, spineless and cheap. The nicer you are to her, the more she’ll act all high and mighty," added a third.

"Yeah, look at the department beauty from the Swordsmanship Division. She used to cry and resist, but now she clings to me every day," another chimed in, laughing.

The tone of the conversation was far removed from that of university students. Their words were venomous and dripping with malice, more befitting seasoned thugs than scholars. They all encouraged Gong Qian to act, feeding his ego and frustration.

Gong Qian’s resolve wavered. His patience had long since worn thin. He’d tried everything from soft words to harsh threats, but Ren Dong hadn’t even spared him a glance. She had hurled more insults at him than he could count.

Does she really think Gong Qian, the great son of the Gong family, is some kind of dough she can mold and shape as she pleases?

He clenched his jaw, a sinister light glinting in his eyes. "We’ll start with that boy from today. It’s obvious she cares about him. If I take him down, she’ll have no choice but to submit."

With that decision, Gong Qian’s mind settled on his plan.

"Finally, you’re thinking clearly," one of his companions exclaimed. "I’ll head out and find some people for you right away."

"No need," Gong Qian interrupted with a sly smile. "Ordinary gang members won’t cut it to deal with a so-called expert from the slums. They’re no real threat. I’ll use someone with official backing. I already have a plan. Meanwhile, I need you all to handle something else for me."

***

Li Xiaofei returned to Jingwu Sect.

The headquarters of the Haisha Gang had now been transformed into the main base of the Jingwu Sect. Although the renovations were still incomplete, the place was already beginning to take shape.

Inside the conference room, Li Xiaofei handed over portions of the cultivation framework and martial techniques he had compiled to the three Hall Masters, Li Buyi, Long Zhengfei, and Chi Chunshui.

The comprehensive framework contained thirty-six true ancient martial legacies, including eight rare, treasured-level techniques and three of mythical caliber. As the three Hall Masters skimmed through the framework, their expressions shifted from curiosity to utter disbelief.

So many true ancient martial legacies presented at once? Is this even real?

Without a word, they opened the manuals and carefully examined each one, flipping through the pages with growing intensity. The more they read, the more their hearts pounded. The more they read, the more their expressions were filled with awe and shock. It was real.

It was not just the three mythical-level legacies, which alone could cause unimaginable chaos in the martial world of Haijing City if even the slightest whisper of them leaked out. Even the other techniques were flawless and profound masterpieces. Not a single one was inferior in power or refinement to the techniques they themselves had passed down to their disciples.

The three mythical-level ancient martial legacies were treasures of such value that even the faintest rumor of their existence would plunge Haijing’s martial world into a storm of bloodshed and rivalry.

If the three of them cultivated these techniques... Their strength could leap several realms in an instant.

"Are these... really meant for the Jingwu Sect?" Long Zhengfei asked, his breath quickening.

There was no shame in his reaction. The sheer value of these ancient martial techniques could establish a powerful family of Saints.

Li Xiaofei nodded. “This is only the initial framework. There will be more to come. As for the three mythical-level techniques, only the first halves are included. The second halves will be granted to those who master the first and render meritorious service to Great Xia. All other techniques can be released publicly.”

Chi Chunshui took a deep breath, his expression serious. “Releasing so many complete ancient martial legacies all at once? What if they fall into the hands of the wrong people?”

“Then we clean house,” Li Xiaofei said flatly.

After a brief pause, he added, “Great Xia is in turmoil. The international landscape is volatile and unstable. We cannot hoard these treasures like the great families and sects. Instead, we must take the lead for the greater good. If the techniques are made public, every additional practitioner who masters them adds strength to Great Xia.”

Li Buyi nodded in agreement and said, “It seems the three of us have been thinking too narrowly. Sect Master, your decision is right, and we will fully support and execute it.”

Li Xiaofei said, “I’ll be counting on you three for this. I’m new here and lack authority or reputation. The affairs of the sect will have to rely on you.”

The three Hall Masters agreed in unison. As for the source of these techniques? They were well aware of Li Xiaofei’s other identity as a special envoy of the Dragon Group. It made sense that the Dragon Group could produce such treasures.

After the Hall Masters left, another meeting commenced. The ten team leaders of the Dragon Group, along with key figures like Hua Wuying and Nan Hua, gathered to report the latest intelligence on the movements and events in Haijing City over the past two days.

Li Xiaofei reviewed the reports thoroughly.

“Proceed as per your recommendations. Eliminate whoever needs to be eliminated,” he said decisively.

He trusted the Dragon Group’s integrity completely, so he saw no need to micromanage. “I’ve said it before: act boldly. If you encounter something you can’t handle, bring it to me.”

The group’s morale visibly rose at his words.

Li Xiaofei continued, “Starting tomorrow, investigate every official in Haijing City. I want clear distinctions between the righteous and the corrupt, the factions and the cliques. I need a comprehensive report within three days. Can this be done?”

"This..." Nan Hua hesitated slightly. "Special Envoy, according to the Dragon Group's operational guidelines, we cannot arbitrarily investigate Great Xia’s officials."

Li Xiaofei waved his hand dismissively and said, "Carry out my orders. I will take full responsibility for any consequences."

"Understood," Nan Hua replied.

The determination in Li Xiaofei's tone left no room for doubt, and everyone present felt a surge of adrenaline. They had wanted to do this for a long time. Haijing City’s deteriorating situation was largely due to the misconduct and corruption of many officials.

By the time the tasks were assigned and the plans finalized, it was already early morning of the following day. The leaders of the action teams dispersed to begin their missions.

Li Xiaofei, having gone through the entire night without rest, stood up and stretched. Suddenly, the sound of his light core phone rang. Ren Dong was calling. He answered.

“Get to the school, quick!” Ren Dong’s urgent voice came through the phone, pushing him to act immediately.