Chapter 359: Child’s Play

They could feel an immense pressure radiating from this middle-aged man named Lei Qianting, as if the person sitting before them was not a mere human but an insurmountable mountain.

Lei Qianting gave a slight nod, which could barely be considered a greeting to Cheng Pingyang and Ma Qingye. It was clear he did not regard them in the slightest.

Cheng Pingyang and Ma Qingye exchanged glances before lowering their gazes, a flicker of anger flashing in their eyes. As leaders of two major gangs, they were used to receiving nothing but respect and reverence from those around them. When had they ever been treated with such arrogance?

If not for the fact that this man wasn’t someone to be trifled with—and considering they needed his help, they might have already stormed off in fury.

Even though they dared not act out, their expressions turned cold. Their previous enthusiasm disappeared entirely.

Lei Qianting noticed their change in demeanor but merely smirked inwardly, not bothering to take it seriously.

Mere ants—did they really think they were important?

“Mr. Hao, the reason I agreed to handle this matter for you is twofold.” Lei Qianting’s tone was firm, much like his voice. “First, out of respect for my elders’ past relationship with your family. Second, because you were willing to pay a substantial sum. Let me make this clear upfront. Once this matter is settled, regardless of the outcome, our dealings will be concluded. And the money must be paid in full.”

Hao Lifeng’s expression stiffened slightly. He hadn’t expected Lei Qianting to be so blunt, leaving him no room to maneuver.

However, he was a man of deep scheming. He forcibly suppressed the rising frustration in his heart and nodded. “Rest assured, Master Lei. The money has already been prepared and is yours to take at any time. But allow me to ask, are you confident in handling the target we spoke of?”

Lei Qianting merely cast a glance at him, offering no response.

Because there was no need.

It was merely a junior who had just stepped into the Dark Force stage. Someone like that wasn’t even worth his attention. His two disciples alone were more than enough to deal with him.

This so-called threat was nothing more than a petty thug who had managed to intimidate some gangsters with his minor abilities. Against a true martial artist, he was nothing.

“Mr. Hao, there’s no need for my master to dirty his hands.” The tall, handsome young man standing behind Lei Qianting sneered. “That person might seem strong in your eyes, but to us, he’s nothing.”

Ma Qingye finally couldn’t hold back. “Master Lei, young sir, I’ve personally witnessed that young man’s abilities. He crushed my iron spheres into pulp with just one hand. A person capable of such a feat… surely isn’t ordinary, is he?”

“Crushing iron into pulp?” Lei Qianting’s eyes flickered with a hint of disdain. “Your perspective is too narrow. That’s nothing more than child’s play.”

The two young disciples behind him exchanged glances, their expressions equally filled with scorn.

“If he can crush iron with his hand, it simply means he possesses great strength. Paired with Dark Force, he can concentrate all his power into his palm and release it explosively in an instant, deforming the metal.”

Lei Qianting’s voice was calm as he explained, though it was clear he held little regard for Lin Xiao. Since he had come as a favor, he didn’t mind elaborating a little.

“This isn’t some advanced technique. As long as one reaches the Dark Force level and learns to control it well, anyone can do it.”

“Since Master Lei says so, I can finally feel at ease.” Ma Qingye’s eyes gleamed, and after hearing Lei Qianting’s words, a newfound confidence surged within him. “If you can rid us of this thorn in our side, then we will be forever indebted to you.”

“Consider it done. If necessary, I will take action myself.” Lei Qianting clasped his hands in front of his abdomen, speaking with calm certainty.

***

Ten Minutes Later, Outside the Resort.

A black Mercedes roared down the road, screeching to a halt at the entrance. The sudden stop left four long skid marks on the pavement, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Behind the Mercedes, four vans followed closely. As soon as they stopped, the doors flung open, and a group of men in black suits jumped out, immediately forming a protective perimeter around the car. Among them stood Ding Hong, his face concealed by a mask.

Ever since Lin Xiao had saved his life, for reasons unknown even to himself, Ding Hong had chosen to stay by Old Jin’s side, serving as his personal bodyguard.

The two guards at the resort entrance tensed at the sight of the approaching group. Without hesitation, one of them let out a sharp whistle while both swiftly retreated into the shadows, afraid that this unexpected force might open fire.

From within the resort, another group of black-suited men rushed out, blocking the entrance and staring down the newcomers. Each of them subtly reached into their jackets, ready to draw their weapons.

The atmosphere turned razor-sharp, tension crackling like a live wire. One wrong move, and it would explode into violence.

Old Jin stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping over the men guarding the entrance. He sneered, then turned to the Mercedes and respectfully opened the rear door.

“Boss Lin, we’ve arrived.”

Inside the car, Lin Xiao opened his eyes.

In that instant, a piercing light flashed through the dim interior. It was so sharp that Old Jin involuntarily blinked, momentarily wondering if his eyes had deceived him.

A brilliant gleam flickered in Lin Xiao’s gaze before gradually fading away. He stepped out of the vehicle, his movements steady and composed.

The moment he emerged, his detached and indifferent demeanor, coupled with his deep, unreadable gaze, exuded an aura completely different from his usual self.

At the sight of Lin Xiao stepping out of the Mercedes, the black-suited guards at the entrance instinctively took a step back, unable to suppress the fear rising within them.

Many of them had been present at the underground tournament in Zhenjiang District. Some of the Mad Fang Gang members had even fought Lin Xiao themselves, though, in reality, they had only been effortlessly crushed by him.

Lin Xiao’s figure was like that of a deity or a demon. It remained deeply engraved in their memories. Thus, the moment he appeared, their first instinct was not anger, but fear.

A deep, instinctive fear.

Even now, when they held the advantage in numbers and were armed, that fear could not be erased.

Lin Xiao swept a glance at the men blocking the entrance before giving Old Jin a slight nod. Without hesitation, he strode toward the resort gates.

As he drew closer, the black-suited guards instinctively retreated, before suddenly splitting apart to the sides, allowing him to pass. Each one lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

Their reaction was a stark contrast to their initial aggression, making them seem less like guards and more like an honor guard welcoming an esteemed guest.

Old Jin straightened his posture, puffing out his chest as he followed closely behind Lin Xiao. Though he knew these men feared Lin Xiao, he couldn’t resist taking advantage of the situation to flaunt his own importance.

The men under Old Jin also followed suit, their chests puffed out, smirking coldly at the opposing gang members.

With Lin Xiao leading them, they would charge through even the gates of hell.

As they stepped inside the resort, the air grew even more oppressive.

Murderous intent lurked in the shadows. A storm was about to break.