Chapter 6: Doing Justice on Heaven’s Behalf

At the front strode a burly man, his shaved head gleaming under the light, face set in a fierce scowl. Trailing behind were a dozen or so thugs with brightly dyed hair and a dangerous gleam in their eyes—each gripping a weapon, from steel pipes to machetes.

The blonde punk and his cronies were among them.

It was evident Lin Xiao was their target. However, he had no intention of avoiding them. These ruffians, though potentially intimidating to the average person, were merely an unruly mob in his eyes.

Although he had given a harsh lesson to these punks earlier, he had restrained himself due to the public environment. But if these goons were foolish enough to seek revenge, he wouldn’t hesitate to give them a lesson they wouldn’t forget.

As Lin Xiao was considering his next move, the blonde punk he had previously disciplined was pointing at him.

“Brother Tiger, it’s this guy. You’ve got to avenge me,” he said loudly, turning to the bald leader.

The blonde punk’s glare could’ve burned a hole through Lin Xiao. He’d been crushed, humiliated, and left with a broken arm. Never in his life had he been this embarrassed.

The bald man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he waved his hand, and his gang quickly fanned out, surrounding Lin Xiao.

Upon seeing Lin Xiao thoroughly encircled, Brother Tiger sauntered over to him nonchalantly, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

“Something’s off, Blondie. This twig of a guy beat you? Did you party too hard last night and your legs turned to jelly?” he asked, somewhat perplexed.

It wasn’t surprising that Brother Tiger was skeptical. To any ordinary person, Lin Xiao didn’t look like a fighter. He was thin, with an average face. Apart from his seemingly energetic demeanor, he didn’t stand out from the typical laborer.

However, this was just Brother Tiger’s perspective. Though he may appear intimidating, he was, in fact, just a low-level gangster boss. If there had been a true expert present, they would have known how fearsome Lin Xiao truly was.

There was no expert present—only the blonde punk, who’d been beaten down by Lin Xiao. But even he had only seen a fraction of Lin Xiao’s power.

“Brother Tiger, don’t joke around. Despite his humble appearance, this guy is a tough fighter. He’s brutal when he gets serious. Be cautious, or you might be tricked,” the blonde punk hastily responded with a grin.

“Listen, Blondie, you’re losing your edge,” Brother Tiger said disdainfully, completely disregarding the warnings. “If you continue acting like a fool, don’t associate with me anymore.”

Could this guy really fight? How ruthless could he be?

It had to be a joke, there was no way a single person could overpower a group of more than a dozen.

Could anyone be more ruthless than him, Brother Tiger? Did they think Brother Tiger ascended his position without effort?

There was no reason to be afraid of Lin Xiao.

With an air of condescension, Brother Tiger approached Lin Xiao. “So, did you injured my man?”

“Yes, I did,” Lin Xiao said, his face as calm as ever, as if the circle of menacing thugs around him didn’t exist.

Brother Tiger’s contempt slightly diminished, replaced with a degree of admiration. Any average person would’ve been scared witless in such a situation, but not Lin Xiao.

“You injured my man, dared to lay a hand on him. It seems you don’t consider me, Brother Tiger, a threat.”

“Who is Brother Tiger, and what is his role in this?” Lin Xiao said nonchalantly, words that seemed to fuel the bald man’s anger.

Faced with Lin Xiao’s lack of respect, Brother Tiger glared at him. Before he could respond, Blondie quickly jumped in, hurling insults at Lin Xiao.

“You bumpkin. Brother Tiger speaks to you respectfully, and yet you respond with disrespect. You don’t appreciate goodwill. Fine, brace yourself for the consequences. Since you’re this ignorant, I’ll enlighten you. Let’s hope you won’t collapse in fear.”

“Really?” Lin Xiao’s calm didn’t waver at Blondie’s threats. A mere thug didn’t intimidate him.

The blond man misunderstood Lin Xiao’s composure for fear and prided himself, “Brother Tiger is a renowned figure around here. Ask anyone, they all know his name. Just for your information, in this Yongnan district, Brother Tiger reigns supreme. Now, are you scared?”

Brother Tiger’s initially stern expression softened, revealing a glimmer of approval. Of course, he was not as influential as Blondie had described, such as being the overlord of the Yongnan district. Those were mere words. In reality, he held some sway only within this immediate area.

Otherwise, if he were as formidable as Blondie made him out to be, there’d be no need for him to step into the fray himself. True leaders have their own businesses, and the money from protection fees would come to them.

Despite this reality, he didn’t seem uncomfortable under Blondie’s sycophantic praises. He basked in it.

“Is that so? And what does it matter? How does it concern me?”

“Very well, you’re impressive!” Upon seeing Lin Xiao’s nonchalance, Brother Tiger’s frustration boiled over.

In this region, who wouldn’t tread lightly, showering him with reverence at the mere mention of his name, Brother Tiger? Everyone feared provoking his wrath. Yet Lin Xiao was utterly unfazed.

“You’ve injured my man. I, Brother Tiger, am gracious enough to overlook it. I’ll simply break the hand you used to harm him. Kneel and call me ‘father’ three times, and we’ll call it even,” Brother Tiger menaced, glaring at Lin Xiao.

“Country boy, I suggest you listen. Otherwise, your end won’t be a pretty sight,” the blond punk taunted, a scornful look in his eyes as he approached Lin Xiao.

He couldn’t see how Lin Xiao could stand against so many armed men. In his mind, Lin Xiao had no alternative but to beg for mercy no matter how competent a fighter.

Imagining Lin Xiao groveling before him like a beaten dog, Blondie’s chest wound from Lin Xiao’s earlier assault seemed less painful.

Lin Xiao, eyes icy and heart ablaze, surveyed the arrogant Blondie and the angry brother Tiger. He initially planned to pull his punches, but their repeated provocations and threats to break his arm ignited his anger.

This seemed like a tall tale, but an ordinary man would likely find resistance futile.

Given the circumstances, he resolved to teach these hooligans a lesson they would not forget.

With a mocking smirk and a steely gaze, Lin Xiao swept his eyes across the group and said, A bunch of street rats really had to test me today. Kneel down and call me ‘Grandpa’ three times; maybe then I’ll consider letting you off.”

“Good, good, you’ve got nerve. Blast it, attack him, kill him!” Brother Tiger was driven to incredulous laughter.

The infuriated thugs surrounding Lin Xiao were itching to raise their weapons and charge, spewing curses as they lunged forward.