Chapter 290: The Meeting

Lin Xiao and Zhao Yu had come to know each other through their fights. From the day they first met, the two had sparred almost every few days. Over time, fighting had become their unique way of communicating.

Zhao Yu’s sharp phoenix eyes swept over the corpses littering the ground, a flicker of emotion flashing in her gaze.

“Your combat skills haven’t declined. You’re still as clean and decisive as ever when killing.”

Lin Xiao slowly calmed down from the joy of seeing an old comrade, but a question arose in his mind.

“Why are you here?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not here to take you back. I was just passing through Jinghai and thought I’d drop by to see you,” Zhao Yu said, retracting her gaze and meeting Lin Xiao’s eyes. Her face betrayed no emotion. “How have you been recently?”

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “Not bad.”

“Any trouble adjusting?”

“It was a bit hard at first, but I’ve mostly gotten used to it now.” Lin Xiao’s eyes flickered slightly. “How about you all?”

By “you all,” Lin Xiao was, of course, referring to the other members of the Dragon Sword Squad and the Phoenix Feather Squad.

“The same as always, constantly on missions with little time to rest. Recently, some troublesome individuals have infiltrated, and I’ve been tasked with eliminating them,” Zhao Yu said casually.

“Troublesome individuals? From the east or the west?”

“Both. Just a bunch of sneaky rats. I can handle them alone.”

The two stood amidst the carnage, speaking in a casual, almost conversational tone. The scene was bizarre, but neither Lin Xiao nor Zhao Yu seemed to notice or care.

“What did these people do to provoke you into such a slaughter?” Zhao Yu raised her longsword and pointed it toward uncle Wang’s lifeless body, his face still frozen in shock. “This one was decent. He made me stab twice.”

“They’re Wan family people.”

“The Wan family? The one from the Capital?” Zhao Yu arched her long, slender brows.

“That’s right,” Lin Xiao replied evenly. “Recently, I offended the Wan family’s third young master. He sent these people to deal with me, but I turned the tables on them.”

“That guy, Wan Shixuan?” Zhao Yu seemed well-informed, identifying the culprit even without Lin Xiao mentioning his name. “A cowardly, narrow-minded fool who only knows how to play dirty tricks. Want me to take care of him with a sword?”

From Zhao Yu’s tone, it was clear she didn’t take Wan Shixuan seriously at all.

“I almost forgot the Zhao family is also one of the great clans.” Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “No need. I’ll handle it myself. Though I may need to trouble you to step in later.”

Lin Xiao’s words were prompted by the sound of approaching police sirens.

Such an intense gunfight had occurred here. Although the location was remote, it wasn’t completely isolated. There was no way the nearby residents hadn’t heard and reported it.

As the sirens grew closer, signaling a large team of special police arriving to surround the area, Zhao Yu glanced at Lin Xiao.

“You should leave. I’ll handle things here. I know where to find you,” she said.

Lin Xiao watched as Zhao Yu’s figure disappeared through the doorway. After taking one last look at the corpses strewn across the room, he turned and left in the opposite direction without hesitation.

Shortly after Lin Xiao’s departure, police surrounded the building that had just witnessed a brutal battle.

The gunfire had stopped, and an eerie silence had fallen over the building. The police hesitated, uncertain whether to stay outside or storm in. Their indecision didn’t last long. A single figure emerged from inside, resolving the issue for them.

“Who are you?” the officers demanded, raising their guns in unison toward the woman holding a longsword and wearing an unusual uniform.

“Get your commanding officer here to see me,” Zhao Yu said, raising her right hand to reveal a black metal badge. “Now!”

***

Lin Xiao didn’t leave Jiangbei City. Instead, he sped off, heading toward another location.

About half an hour later, Lin Xiao stopped in front of a remote villa.

This was the address Fang Haoyan had provided before his death—Wan Shixuan’s residence.

Gazing at the luxurious villa, Lin Xiao’s eyes were filled with a chilling gleam. He stepped out of the car and, without hesitation, approached the entrance.

“Stop right there! What are you doing? This is private property. No trespassing!”

Though Wan Shixuan had sent most of his men elsewhere, his cautious and cowardly nature meant he still kept some protection. Before Lin Xiao could reach the villa’s door, he was intercepted by three burly men.

Lin Xiao didn’t bother wasting words. With a sudden burst of movement, he charged forward, taking them down in an instant.

Three heavy thuds echoed as he slammed the guards into the ground, their fates uncertain.

With no further obstacles, Lin Xiao strode straight into the villa.

***

Inside, Wan Shixuan lay on a couch, flanked by two beautiful young women. Sipping red wine, he wore an expression of smug satisfaction, waiting leisurely for news from Fang Haoyan and his men.

“Think you’re clever, huh? Refusing the toast and taking the punishment? This time, I’ll make sure you wish you were dead,” Wan Shixuan thought darkly. “And as for you, Wan Caixuan, you bitch! How dare you mess with my people? Once I’m done with that brat, you’re next.”

However…

As his thoughts turned to Wan Caixuan’s stunning face and icy demeanor, his hatred mingled with an undeniable lust. No matter how much he loathed her, he couldn’t deny her beauty was unmatched.

Comparing her to the two women beside him, who were considered beauties by most, was like comparing heaven and earth.

As he fantasized about Wan Caixuan, a wicked glint appeared in Wan Shixuan’s eyes. Though they were relatives, even within five generations, this taboo only fueled his excitement.

Overwhelmed by his thoughts, Wan Shixuan grabbed one of the girls beside him, pulling her beneath him. But before he could proceed further, a loud crash interrupted him.

The villa’s front door was kicked open, sending fragments flying and dust billowing into the air.

“Who the hell dares—” Wan Shixuan shouted angrily, his rage momentarily overcoming his fear.

But as he turned to see who had entered, his words died in his throat.

“You… you… What are you doing here? This… this is impossible!”

Wan Shixuan couldn’t fathom how Lin Xiao found him. To avoid Wan Caixuan’s pursuit, he had chosen this secluded and secretive location.

But the sight of Lin Xiao left no room for doubt—he was finished, utterly finished.

Lin Xiao’s eyes were cold as he stared at Wan Shixuan, his voice icy.

“Long time no see. No, this should be our first meeting, shouldn’t it, Young Master Wan?”