Chapter 406: Lin Xiao’s Pride

Lin Xiao’s cold and icy voice echoed endlessly within the pavilion.

His eyes flickered with a chilling light, electric currents seeming to swirl within their depths, making them impossible to meet directly. As he uttered his final word, a dangerously intense aura surged from within him.

Though the aura had no form or substance, and no physical changes occurred, the pressure it exerted on everyone present was unmistakably real.

Under the weight of this aura, Lin Xiao became razor-sharp and awe-inspiring. His not-so-tall figure seemed to transform into a towering, solitary peak, rising high into the clouds—lofty, imposing, unreachable.

Those standing closer to Lin Xiao felt a gust of cold air sweep over their bodies. They shivered involuntarily, hearts racing with an inexplicable sense of dread as if standing at the edge of a thousand-foot cliff. Instinctively, they stepped back.

“What is this?”

Among the crowd, the middle-aged man behind Jiang Shiliu suddenly felt every hair stand on end, his muscles tensed, pupils constricted like needles, as if startled by something immense. He stared at Lin Xiao in stunned uncertainty.

And not just him, many of the bodyguards stationed around the scene turned their eyes toward Lin Xiao, their faces growing serious. Some even placed their hands near their waists, ready to draw their firearms.

In that instant, these seasoned, battle-hardened elite guards all detected a familiar aura from Lin Xiao—a presence filled with slaughter, death, destruction, and annihilation.

However, the terrifying aura within Lin Xiao disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. It vanished before the crowd could fully register it, leaving them wondering if it had been an illusion.

Wan Caixuan’s beautiful eyes sparkled with a strange light. This was the first time she had seen this fierce and domineering side of Lin Xiao. It was completely different from his usual restraint and humility, but even more captivating.

Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere turned heavy and bizarre.

Anyone invited by Jiang Shiliu to this gathering was either a scion of a hidden family or an outstanding young talent. All of them were of at least average intelligence—none were fools.

At first, they may not have thought much of Lin Xiao. But once he mentioned the name Wan Shixuan, they were forced to take his words seriously.

Even among their own elite circle, Wan Shixuan was a top-tier figure. Jiang Shiliu wouldn’t have gone out of his way to win him over otherwise.

Because the Wan family was one of the most powerful families in Xia Country.

The strength of the Wan family lay not in wealth, but in their cutting-edge technology and vast, intricate global influence.

Although the Wan family’s succession struggle was technically an internal matter, it was closely watched and discussed by other major families. It often became a hot topic—even a model to emulate.

They all knew that Wan Shixuan had lost to Wan Caixuan, but they had never understood why.

Now, Lin Xiao’s words had solved their mystery.

The one who caused Wan Shixuan’s downfall wasn’t someone else—it was this man named Lin Xiao.

No one doubted Lin Xiao’s claim because Wan Caixuan was standing right there. If he had been lying, would she have allowed it?

Realizing this, the crowd’s gaze toward Lin Xiao turned complex—disgust, fear, scrutiny, curiosity… but no longer contempt or dismissal.

“I didn’t understand before why Wan Shixuan hated this guy so much. Now I finally get it.”

Jiang Shiliu’s expression turned gloomy, his eyes flickering. He glanced at the middle-aged man behind him, sensing, for the first time, a real challenge.

“If he could serve as Wan Caixuan’s personal bodyguard and capture Wan Shixuan despite heavy protection, his martial skills must be extraordinary. Can my men really handle him? Besides, Wan Caixuan definitely won’t sit idly by. I need a good excuse, one that provokes him without turning her against me.”

Wu Donglai narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Lin Xiao as he thought to himself, ‘This guy hides his strength so well. On the surface, he looks like any other ordinary man, but turns out he’s a tiger in disguise. He’s dangerous. Best to avoid provoking him. I had wondered why someone as cold and distant as Wan Caixuan would keep a man by her side, and even act so close to him. Now I know the reason.”

Liu Wan’s charming peach blossom eyes were fixed on Lin Xiao, interest rising again. ‘If I steal him away, I wonder what expression that aloof, untouchable Miss Wan would have?’

Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, and for a moment, no one spoke.

Suddenly, a round of applause broke the silence.

It was Jiang Shiliu who clapped, smiling as he said, “So Lin Xiao is this formidable. We truly underestimated you earlier. But for you to say we are all spoiled brats riding on our families’ coattails, that’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

Jiang Shiliu was indeed cunning. One plan failed, and he immediately moved to another. Just a few words, and he again positioned Lin Xiao in opposition to the crowd.

Thanks to his reminder, everyone now recalled Lin Xiao’s earlier remark. Their expressions turned hostile. A few hot-tempered ones even looked ready to explode.

Most of these people came from prestigious families and had been praised since birth, developing proud, arrogant personalities. When had they ever been insulted like this?

“Some people think they’re amazing and love running their mouths. Do they think they’re invincible?” Nangong Hao sneered. “I think he’s just insecure, afraid we’ll look down on him, so he spouts such arrogant nonsense.”

Li Chengkun added with mockery, “If not for Miss Wan, someone wouldn’t even qualify to set foot in this manor with us. If we’re all trash, then what does that make him? Less than trash?”

“Young Master Li is right. No matter how skilled he is, he’s just a bodyguard. Does he really think he’s someone important?”

“Exactly. If he were truly capable, why be someone else’s bodyguard?”

As their words grew more biting, Wan Caixuan finally couldn’t bear it. She clenched her silver teeth and was about to speak in Lin Xiao’s defense, but he raised a hand to stop her.

A cold sneer tugged at Lin Xiao’s lips, his face full of disdain. “Words are useless. I don’t care to argue with you. Talk is cheap. If you want to know whether I have any real skills, why don’t you all come try me?”

These children of noble families looked down on Lin Xiao, but Lin Xiao had never once regarded them as worth his attention.

From beginning to end, what Lin Xiao despised most were those who used their family background to act recklessly. He hadn’t investigated whether these people were true wastrels or not.

But regardless of that, none of them were qualified to be his opponent, not even with their family backing.

That was the confidence of the Night Emperor of the underworld.

And the pride of a true Flowing Force grandmaster.

As for Jiang Shiliu’s petty schemes, Lin Xiao saw through them with perfect clarity.