Chapter 504: Heavenly Private Club

“What is it?”

Li Yunxi noticed Lin Xiao’s sudden movement, followed his gaze. All she saw was a patch of darkness at the far end of Maple Leaf Street.

“Nothing, just looked like a stray cat passed by,” Lin Xiao said, his expression already back to calm.

“Tch, what the heck? So jumpy,” Li Yunxi pouted and opened the car door, sitting in the passenger seat. “Let’s get going. That place is still pretty far.”

“Alright.”

With no further incident, Lin Xiao got into the cart, fastened his seatbelt, started the engine, and stepped on the accelerator.

The red beast let out a deep roar. Under Lin Xiao’s control, it shot forward with a smooth motion, taking a sharp, graceful turn before roaring off into the distance.

Roughly ten minutes after Lin Xiao had driven away, several vague silhouettes appeared at the previously pitch-black far end of Maple Leaf Street.

“Did he spot us?” one of the figures asked.

“Probably just a coincidence, right? With our skills, even if he used to be a king of soldiers, he shouldn’t be able to detect us so easily,” another replied.

“Exactly. Old Fourth, you’re being too cautious. We didn’t make a sound just now. No way he spotted us that easily. Hard to believe the mighty Black Dragon Squad is reduced to protecting a man. What on earth is Miss thinking?” a third figure sighed.

“Alright, enough talk. Whether he noticed or not, we can’t forget Miss’s orders. Let’s go, follow him,” said the tallest among them.

“Yes, Boss!”

As soon as the words fell, the several figures vanished into thin air, as if everything just now had been a hallucination.

***

Central District, Heavenly Private Club.

As the most bustling area of Jinghai, the land here was worth its weight in gold, teeming with elites. Luxury cars lined the wide, flat roads, and the streets were filled with handsome men and beautiful women in fashionable attire.

Heavenly Private Club was an upscale venue dedicated to serving the rich and powerful. It was renowned not just in the central district but all across Jinghai.

Rumor had it that the club’s owner was a highly influential second-generation rich kid from Jinghai, with vast connections and powerful backing. Under her management, the club flourished, raking in wealth daily.

To own such a sprawling private club spanning thousands of square meters in the central district and to operate it so successfully without ever encountering trouble. One could only imagine the power of its backer.

As a place designed to serve the elite, Heavenly Private Club naturally placed immense emphasis on security and privacy. It was never open to the public, with its doors tightly shut year-round and security tight inside and out.

Every day, several tall, muscular, and rigorously trained armed bodyguards stood at the entrance, scanning every passerby with sharp eyes.

If anyone attempted to approach the club, regardless of their intentions, they were immediately and forcefully driven away.

Inside the club, security was on an even higher level. Even the waiters delivering food and pouring drinks were well-versed in combat and martial arts.

There was only one way to enter: become a member.

Only members could enter this private club. Any other method of entry was considered trespassing, and the bodyguards, armed with licensed firearms, had the right to shoot on sight under the premise of unlawful entry.

To maintain its exclusivity and mystique, becoming a member wasn’t as simple as paying a fee. One had to receive a vote of approval from over 90% of current members.

Otherwise, no amount of money would get you in.

This approach was perfectly tailored to the tastes of the wealthy and drew the attention of Jinghai’s high society like moths to a flame, ensuring the quality of its members remained exceptionally high.

In turn, these members expanded their networks by being part of such a prestigious circle.

It was a mutually reinforcing dynamic.

At this moment, a row of luxury cars was parked in the open area outside the club.

Porsches, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Ferraris… each one worth tens of millions, with a few being limited-edition models unobtainable even with money.

One by one, elegantly dressed young men and women stepped out of their cars—some arriving in groups, some linking arms, others alone—all slowly making their way into the club.

“Brother Zhao, you came too?”

“Brother Xu, what a coincidence. Didn’t expect to run into you here.”

“Looks like Young Master Deng went all out this time. He invited so many people. A few of them are top names in our circle. Look, Young Master Sun, Young Master Fang, and Young Master Dong are all here.”

“Well, Deng doesn’t hold the most power among us, but he’s probably the most well-connected. When he sends out an invitation, even if you didn’t want to come, you feel obligated to show up.”

“True that. Brother Ye, do you know what the occasion is this time?”

“No idea. But even if there’s something, it’s probably not our business. Just showing up to support Young Master Deng and enjoying a good meal is enough. The food at this club is top-tier. I had a meal here recently and missed it for days. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.”

“Haha, great minds think alike. I was thinking the same thing.”

“Oh, right. I heard Young Master Deng also invited the Demoness Lingxi. Brother Cheng, do you think she’ll come?”

“Demoness Lingxi is the most stunning flower in our circle. Sure, she’s got a temper, but that face and that figure? Damn. One look and you’re a goner. If she shows, that’d be great, but I doubt it.”

“Shh! Keep your voice down. Lingxi has ears everywhere. Better change the subject.”

“Ahem, enough about that. Look, there’s Brother Zeng. Let’s go say hi.”

***

While the rich second generation of Jinghai were streaming into the club, in one of the inner rooms, two tall young men sat across from each other, speaking in hushed tones.

The one on the left wore a dark blue suit with a meticulously knotted tie. He was immaculately groomed, eyes bright and sharp. He should have been a standout among his peers, yet his face bore a carefree, devil-may-care smile, giving him a somewhat frivolous air.

The other young man was dressed in white casual wear. Though not particularly handsome, his brows radiated intensity. His eyes, when opened and closed, seemed to spark with lightning, making it hard for others to underestimate him.

In his hands, he toyed with a string of rosewood prayer beads. Each bead was inscribed with tiny seal-script characters, exuding a sense of age and elegance.

“Deng Yue, it’s just a gathering among friends. Why go to such lengths?”

The white-clad youth’s gaze lowered slightly.

“I have no interest in these things. Have everyone outside leave,” he added calmly.

The one named Deng Yue chuckled, leaning forward to close the distance between them.

“Zhou Li, I know you’re a traditional martial artist, a descendant of a secluded sect. You came out this time to temper your mind and break through. But if you don’t immerse yourself in the mundane world and witness all its facets, how is that any kind of trial?”

“Dining with a bunch of rich heirs counts as a trial?” the white-clothed Zhou Li raised a brow. “You want me to eat, drink, and party with them? If that counts as cultivation, my master might just kick me out of the sect.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Don’t look down on these second-gens. I got to where I am now thanks to them. If you can win them over, it’ll be a huge help for your future.” Deng Yue’s frivolous smile faded, replaced by seriousness. “I spent a lot of favors to get them all here. At tonight’s banquet, you need to perform well. Once they see your strength, everything you want to do will become much easier.”

Zhou Li seemed slightly swayed. He raised his eyelids and looked at Deng Yue.

“You’re sure they can help me?”

“Of course they can. Even if they don’t know martial arts, they have money,” Deng Yue said patiently. “As the saying goes: ‘Poor scholars, rich warriors.’ To make a breakthrough, you need resources. We come from humble backgrounds. Aside from relying on ourselves, who else do we have? Even though you have a sect behind you, you’re not the only disciple. Some things, we have to fight for ourselves.”