Chapter 408: Alliance

“This…”

As Lin Xiao sent Jingang flying with a single palm, the atmosphere under the pavilion suddenly turned deathly silent.

The crowd that had just moments ago been mocking and ridiculing Lin Xiao now felt as if they had been collectively slapped across the face, burning with shame.

Only now did they realize that Lin Xiao’s earlier calm composure, his unhurried demeanor, had not been stalling for time. From beginning to end, he had never taken Jingang seriously.

All the chatter vanished, replaced only by Wu Donglai’s pig-like wails.

In the earlier collision, his nose had been broken by Jingang’s back. Blood poured freely, making him look utterly ridiculous.

“Useless trash! Get off me! You’re crushing my neck!”

Wu Donglai howled and cursed, furiously pounding Jingang’s back with his fists.

Jingang’s face turned pale, then flushed. He pushed himself up from the ground with both hands and let out a low, furious growl from deep in his throat. His eyes were bloodshot, and like a raging bull, he charged straight at Lin Xiao.

Each of Jingang’s steps landed heavily, leaving deep imprints behind. Despite his large, burly frame, he moved with shocking speed, reaching Lin Xiao in just two seconds.

“I’ll crush you!”

A flash of ferocity glinted in Jingang’s eyes as he pushed off with all his strength, muscles taut, slamming into Lin Xiao with full force.

He was confident he could even flip a car with this impact.

Lin Xiao stood motionless, allowing Jingang to crash into him.

It was like a grown man sprinting full speed to tackle a small child.

Everyone’s eyes lit up, expressions filled with anticipation. Even Wu Donglai, blood still streaming, was no exception. They all waited eagerly for Lin Xiao to be launched through the air.

But the next moment, everyone’s jaws dropped—their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

“How… how is this possible?”

“This guy’s strength is insane!”

And no wonder they were shocked. The outcome of Jingang’s charge was completely opposite to what anyone had imagined.

Lin Xiao, the one struck, stood firm with his feet sunken into the ground, not a single step back, not even a change in expression. He remained calm and detached.

Jingang, on the other hand, staggered back several steps, then plopped heavily onto the ground, dazed and unable to get up.

“Wh-What happened to me…”

Jingang saw stars, dizzy and weak, ears ringing. It took him several seconds to regain his senses.

When he finally came to, his gaze toward Lin Xiao held no trace of hostility—only deep fear.

In that collision, it hadn’t felt like crashing into a man, but into a mountain.

An unshakeable, indestructible mountain.

His proud physical strength was utterly meaningless before Lin Xiao.

Jingang got up slowly, then suddenly bowed his head and gave a deep bow to Lin Xiao, speaking with utmost humility: “You are a true master. I am not your match. I concede. If I offended you before, I ask your forgiveness.”

With that, he pushed through the crowd and left with staggering steps.

His departing figure was desolate, completely different from the arrogant swagger he’d arrived with.

Hearing Jingang actually concede, Wu Donglai’s face darkened to an extreme. Wiping the blood from his nose, he spat venomously, “Useless! Useless! What’s the point of you!”

He’d forgotten how he’d sung Jingang’s praises just minutes earlier.

Seeing Lin Xiao so easily defeat Jingang—and even force him to admit defeat—the gathered sons of noble families fell silent.

This wasn’t just a defeat. It was a complete crushing. Jingang had been shattered in his strongest area—his confidence obliterated.

Behind his back, Jiang Shiliu clenched both fists tightly. Lin Xiao’s strength far exceeded his expectations.

“Uncle Xin, do you think you can beat him?” Jiang Shiliu asked in a mosquito-like whisper to the burly middle-aged man beside him.

This man was Xin Ping, a martial expert Jiang had spent a great deal to recruit. With cultivation at late-stage Dark Force, he was treated as an honored guest and rarely asked to act.

Xin Ping’s sharp eyes remained fixed on Lin Xiao, his expression grim. He shook his head: “From his clash with Jingang, the information is limited. All I can see is that he’s incredibly strong and solid in stance. As for his cultivation, I can’t tell. So I can’t answer your question.”

“So we’re just going to let him go? I can’t accept that,” Jiang Shiliu gritted his teeth, hatred burning in his eyes.

He didn’t know why he hated Lin Xiao so much. He just couldn’t stand the sight of him. The stronger Lin Xiao acted, the deeper his hatred grew.

At that moment, Nangong Hao sidled up to Jiang and said in a low voice, “Brother Jiang, this Lin Xiao is indeed formidable. I doubt any one of us can take him alone.”

Jiang Shiliu’s eyes flickered. “Then what’s your suggestion?”

“Get everyone’s fighters together and gang up on him.” A cold gleam appeared in Nangong Hao’s eyes. “He’s looking down on us just because he’s skilled. But this isn’t some formal martial duel, why bother with fairness?”

Jiang Shiliu’s eyes lit up. After a moment of thought, he nodded firmly. “Brother Nangong, that’s brilliant.”

He turned to Xin Ping. “Uncle Xin, I’m afraid I’ll need your help.”

Xin Ping narrowed his eyes, flexing his fingers. “Whatever Young Master Jiang needs.”

“Good.” Jiang clapped both hands. “Brother Nangong, go speak with Liu Wan and Li Chengkun. Borrow their fighters too. Four Dark Force masters, surely that will be enough to bring him down.”

“Leave it to me.”

Nangong Hao casually turned and walked over to Liu Wan and Li Chengkun.

Lin Xiao had already sensed the strange tension in the air, but remained unbothered. No matter what trick they planned, he had full confidence in himself and maintained a composed calm.

“Mr. Lin, your martial prowess is truly eye-opening,” Jiang Shiliu finally spoke up. “But as they say, the layman watches the show, the expert sees the skill. We’re all laymen here and just want to see more excitement. So we’d like to send a few more people up to spar with you. What do you think?”

Though Jiang had decided to gang up on Lin Xiao, his words were wrapped in dignified civility. His shamelessness was truly remarkable.

Hearing this, Wan Caixuan furrowed her brows. A cold glint flashed in her beautiful eyes. Her loathing for Jiang Shiliu deepened, and she mentally added him to her blacklist.

Anyone who made it onto that list was considered her enemy.

Lin Xiao replied calmly, “I have no objection. Just don’t complain later that it was too lively.”