Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chairman Miao came to pick them up in the evening, just like yesterday, accompanied by Daoist Bai and Bai Yuanshan.

Daoist Bai was somewhat famous in the industry and had encountered the master hired by Duan Yue a few times before. However, he hadn't expected that after several years, this person would agree to work for money for Duan Yue and even engage in such life-threatening acts.

To be on the safe side and successfully secure evidence against Duan Yue, Chairman Miao also brought along officials.

When Xie Qingfeng and the others got in the car, Chairman Miao introduced a man in his thirties beside him: “This is Deputy Chief Ai Yi, who works in a special department and deals with these kinds of issues.”

The man was dressed in black clothes and a hat, looking quite ordinary, but his demeanor was more like someone from the military. After Chairman Miao introduced him, he extended his hand towards the unexpectedly young Xie Qingfeng: “Ai Yi.”

Even though he had heard that one of the masters coming this time was young and exceedingly skilled, he hadn’t expected him to be this young and striking in appearance.

Xie Qingfeng was surprised that Chairman Miao had invited someone from a special department, but since he would be traveling around, his cultivation was bound to attract attention.

He wasn’t worried about being investigated, as no one could imagine that he came from another world. This body truly belonged to Xie Qingfeng, and their birth details matched.

Xie Qingfeng calmly extended his hand and introduced himself.

Jing Xi, frowning, sat silently beside them, but noticeably saw Deputy Chief Ai glance at him while shaking hands with Xie Qingfeng, quickly shifting his gaze away.

Chairman Miao, after the introductions, hurriedly explained: “I just received a call from Deputy Chief Ai before picking up Mr. Xie. They have been investigating a case recently, which coincidentally involves Duan Yue. Our association sometimes interacts with Deputy Chief Ai. Knowing I was meeting Duan Yue tonight, he wanted to gather evidence against Duan Yue and his associates, so we decided to collaborate.”

He worried that bringing an outsider without notice might cause a misunderstanding with Master Xie, who, over the past few days, clearly preferred minimal contact with strangers. However, this situation was exceptional, given Duan Yue’s careful cover-up.

The Qi family, upon learning last night that Qi Wenhuan had been victimized by Duan Yue, took him for a medical examination while Qi’s father personally led a group to confront the Duan family. But with no evidence except for the betting matter, and Duan Yue having left the country that day only to return last night, claiming to have been in a place with no signal and unaware of the party’s events, they regretted not returning earlier.

Qi’s father was furious on the spot, but despite the Duan family being inferior to the Qi family, without evidence, any action against the Duan family would tarnish the Qi family’s reputation.

Qi Lao took his people back and then contacted Miao Feng, determined to uncover Duan Yue's wrongdoings at any cost.

Qi Lao hadn’t expected to be stabbed in the back by an insignificant junior, but the opponent was obviously skilled. The rich second-generations who had been involved in the bet and sent Qi Wenhuan to Building 9 now had memory issues and couldn’t recall the incident.

Such matters couldn’t be handled forcefully and needed someone like Miao Feng, who specialized in dealing with these situations.

Xie Qingfeng was indifferent, calmly stating: “Having Deputy Chief Ai here is just right. He can also provide testimony for us later, and if there’s evidence, we can take the culprit away directly.”

Miao Feng sighed in relief, worried that these experts might have their quirks, and offending them would be unwise.

Deputy Chief Ai's gaze lingered on the exceptionally young yet composed Xie Qingfeng and took the initiative to speak: “Chairman Miao mentioned Mr. Xie is quite formidable. How come I haven’t heard of Mr. Xie in this field before?”

It wasn’t that he was overly suspicious, but having dealt with various bizarre cases over the years and encountering all kinds of supernatural beings, he couldn’t help being cautious about a suddenly emerging skilled master.

If he were an ally, it would be fine, but if such a capable person had ulterior motives, it could be a disaster.

Jing Xi’s eyes darkened, obviously disliking Deputy Chief Ai, but Xie Qingfeng, with the original host’s memories, knew that Ai wasn’t ill-intentioned but just thinking normally.

He subtly calmed Jing Xi, who didn’t understand the situation here, implying that Ai wouldn’t be a match for him: “The praise from Chairman Miao and others is exaggerated. My skills were all taught by my master, who has long stopped caring about worldly affairs. It was by chance he agreed to take me as a disciple, and my talent was decent, so I learned the basics. The reason for my inaction before is twofold.”

Jing Xi’s hostility dissipated under Xie Qingfeng’s tactful handling. He didn’t sense any hostility from Deputy Chief Ai, but such questioning was unusual for him.

But since the National Teacher advised against acting rashly, he wouldn’t.

If nothing else, he always listened to the National Teacher’s advice.

Deputy Chief Ai didn’t expect such frankness from the master and felt a bit uneasy, wondering if he had been too intrusive: “Oh? What are those two reasons?”

Xie Qingfeng appeared even more straightforward: “The first is that I was too busy with my studies. I spent nearly six days a week at school and had no time to leave casually.”

This revelation stunned everyone present. Chairman Miao and Daoist Bai knew Xie Qingfeng was young, but they had no idea that the master had been taking college entrance exams just two months ago.

Deputy Chief Ai was taken aback: “Busy with... studies?”

Xie Qingfeng: “Yes, high school courses are indeed very busy.”

Deputy Chief Ai and others: ??

Xie Qingfeng continued: “The second reason is that my master said not to get involved in worldly affairs before the age of eighteen.”

Deputy Chief Ai and others widened their eyes: “…”

The master couldn’t possibly be telling them he was only eighteen.

Hao Jixin, suddenly realizing: “Now I get it, Master. That’s why you waited until after your college entrance exams to take action. You just turned eighteen then.”

That explained why he had stayed at the Xie family home for a month before acting. There had always been a stipulation not to casually involve himself in the outside world.

Deputy Chief Ai, already feeling uncomfortable, now felt guilty: “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrogate you. I had no idea the young master was so young. It’s an old habit of mine.”

Daoist Bai, while surprised, also felt somewhat uneasy. Glancing at his own grandson, he thought, well, he's too old, not suitable.

He had assumed Xie Qingfeng only looked young and was at least twenty. Who knew he was just eighteen.

Bai Yuanshan, picking up on Daoist Bai's sentiment: He’s only twenty-four, how is that old?

When Deputy Chief Ai and others found out that Xie Qingfeng would be reporting to University C in half a month, they were even more impressed: “I never expected the master to also be a top student.”

Xie Qingfeng, trying to hide his emotions but feeling his ears heating up, stiffly shook his head without making a sound.

Jing Xi, who knew Xie Qingfeng hadn’t been in this world for long, noticed the redness in Xie Qingfeng’s ears in the dark and couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Xie Qingfeng turned his head and caught the sight, staring at the small emperor whose eyes still revealed amusement despite the hat and mask: What are you smiling at? I'm the original person now, I have no choice but to admit it.

Otherwise, he couldn’t continue with the story.

Jing Xi, with a deeper smile in his eyes: The National Teacher is always right, whatever you say goes.

Xie Qingfeng felt his ears grow even hotter, realizing despite his silence, he knew exactly what Jing Xi was thinking.

Due to Xie Qingfeng's age, the previously tense atmosphere eased considerably on the way, and Deputy Chief Ai even exchanged WeChat contacts with Xie Qingfeng for future communication.

Jing Xi watched silently as the two exchanged contact information, only turning his expressionless gaze away at the last moment when Deputy Chief Ai looked over.

After adding Xie Qingfeng, Deputy Chief Ai, feeling quite good, rubbed his arms, unsure if the air conditioning in the car was too strong, feeling a bit cold.

The place arranged by Miao Feng for the meeting with Duan Yue was a private club, specifically to discuss the issue of the Miao family’s younger generation and their real estate.

Miao Feng had found out that the Taoist accompanying Duan Yue, surnamed Hu, had a good reputation in the industry and was quite capable. In recent years, he had worked alone, accepting many disciples and amassing wealth.

It was unclear what benefits Duan Yue offered to persuade him to risk offending both the Qi and Miao families.

Not to mention Chairman Miao of the Heavenly Master Association alone was enough to trouble Daoist Hu, let alone that Qi Wenhuan was innocent in their conflict.

Upon arrival, a manager was already waiting outside the club, respectfully greeting Miao Feng: “Chairman Miao, Young Master Yue invites you in.”

Miao Feng’s expression was grim, but he didn’t take it out on the manager, simply nodding and entering the club with the group.

Walking at the rear, Xie Qingfeng, Jing Xi, and Hao Jixin heard Hao Jixin whisper: “I thought Duan Yue wasn’t favored in his family. How come he’s treated with such respect by this club?”

Xie Qingfeng inquired: “What about this club?”

Hao Jixin spoke even lower: “This club’s name is quite ordinary, I didn’t think much of it, but when we entered, I saw a totem in the lobby. It belongs to the Wang family, a powerful force in B City, depicted as a tiger and a phoenix. They're a century-old family with assets everywhere, rivaling the Zhang family. The Wang family ancestors had 'hu' (tiger) and 'feng' (phoenix) in their names, hence the totem has been passed down. Any Wang family property always has this totem, so it’s easy to recognize.”

Hao Jixin, although not from B City, knew a lot about the Wang family’s widespread businesses and gossip from his father.

He hadn’t expected the Wang family to be connected to Duan Yue. If so, it’s possible that Daoist Hu agreed to work for Duan Yue under the influence of the Wang family, not Duan Yue himself.

It made sense then. Even with Daoist Hu’s reputation, he couldn’t stand against the extensive wealth and influence of the Wang family.

But if the Wang family was indeed involved, this matter could be more complicated.

Perhaps they deliberately chose this club for the meeting, intending to intimidate Miao Feng into backing down, knowing whose territory it was.

Miao Feng, having also noticed the totem, couldn’t hide the chill emanating from him as he followed the manager to a special VIP room on the top floor.

This floor had only one room, lavishly equipped with every imaginable luxury.

As the door was pushed open, inside were two rows of people standing respectfully with trays, offering a variety of meals, beverages, and desserts.

The grand hall was comparable to a banquet hall, opulently decorated, making it seem more like a banquet was being held rather than a private meeting.

Sitting on the sofa in the center of the room was a young man, dressed in a floral shirt, wearing sunglasses, smoking a cigar, and playing cards amidst swirling smoke.

The one playing with him was Duan Yue. The others included an elderly man with partially gray hair in Taoist robes, presumably Daoist Hu, and an unfamiliar middle-aged man.

The manager approached and whispered, “Young Master Wang, Chairman Miao and his party have arrived.”

Miao Feng, seeing the young man next to Duan Yue and hearing the title ‘Young Master Wang,’ his expression turned even grimmer, confirming his previous suspicions.

Duan Yue’s brazenness seemed to be fueled by the support of this ‘Young Master Wang’ behind the scenes, daring to offend both the Miao and Qi families. In Young Master Wang’s eyes, as long as it wasn’t a direct challenge to the Zhang family, his father could handle it.

The young man addressed as Young Master Wang looked up and initially intended to snub the group, but his gaze shifted over Miao Feng and landed on Bai Yuanshan and finally Xie Qingfeng, his eyes brightening. Tossing his cards aside, he changed his attitude and warmly invited them in: “Please, come in.”

Duan Yue, noticing Young Master Wang’s change of demeanor, also looked over. Upon seeing Xie Qingfeng’s face, his expression turned to surprise and then displeasure, his eyebrows furrowing and eyes showing annoyance, yet he said nothing.

Hao Jixin cursed under his breath: “Why did we have to run into this bastard?”

Xie Qingfeng glanced at him.

Hao Jixin quickly stepped forward to shield Xie Qingfeng, muttering: “This is the youngest son of the old patriarch of the Wang family, a real piece of work, especially known for… his fondness for handsome men.”

Jing Xi’s eyes darkened immediately, clearly understanding the implications of Young Master Wang’s gaze on Xie Qingfeng.

Young Master Wang clearly hadn't expected such a charming encounter on this visit to meet Miao Feng. Looking at the young man, he thought such beauty was a rare find, captivating from just one glance.

“Ah, my eyes!” Young Master Wang, his eyes fixed on Xie Qingfeng, suddenly felt a cold breeze, as if a razor had swept across his eyes, causing intense pain.

Bodyguards immediately stepped forward to shield him, but when Young Master Wang reopened his eyes, they were just red without any visible damage. No one else had noticed what had happened, only feeling a gust of wind before the young master reacted.

Despite appearing fine, Young Master Wang felt severe pain in his eyes and pointed accusingly at Miao Feng and his group: “Is this how you treat your host?”

Miao Feng, looking at this junior, coolly replied: “We are standing so far from you. Which eye of yours saw us making a move?”

Young Master Wang then realized there was a distance of at least ten meters between them, indeed not appearing as if anyone had acted against him.

Thinking of something, Young Master Wang turned to Daoist Hu: “Did they use something on me?” referring to possible talismans.

Daoist Hu, frowning, flicked a talisman and calculated, then shook his head: “No.”

Young Master Wang’s face turned green with anger, but it was clear he had no way to protest this unspoken loss.

His earlier thoughts of beauty were now scattered, and he dared not let Miao Feng and his party come closer. Keeping a distance of over ten meters, he arranged another table: “You sit over there.”

Having heard that Miao Feng found a very capable master, he was initially skeptical, but now he believed it.

After Xie Qingfeng took his seat, he glanced at the calm and composed young emperor beside him, a smile appearing in his eyes. Using internal energy in such a way was typical of the young emperor.

Suffering from the impact of the internal energy palm wind, the symptoms weren't apparent yet. But a few hours after they left, Young Master Wang's eyes would likely be unable to open for at least a month.

But by then, it wouldn't be their concern anymore, and even surveillance wouldn't be able to determine the cause of the injury.

Miao Feng, seeing Young Master Wang in this state, had no hope of taking Duan Yue away tonight.

Young Master Wang, feeling slightly better in his eyes, squinted at Miao Feng: “Chairman Miao, what brings you to meet Duan Yue this time? Duan Yue is my man. If this is just a small misunderstanding, why don’t you let it go for my sake, Chairman Miao, what do you say?”

Miao Feng, infuriated by the other’s nonchalant words, retorted sharply: “Give you face? How much is the face of a bastard worth?”

His unflinching words turned the previously smirking Young Master Wang’s expression dark, his eyes becoming sinister and venomous, distorting his otherwise decent face: “Chairman Miao, there are things you can say, and things you shouldn’t.”

Ever since he joined the Wang family, it had been years since anyone dared to call him a bastard to his face.

Miao Feng indeed had guts, and Young Master Wang was very, not, happy.

Miao Feng was genuinely angry. After all, Young Master Wang, for his own selfish reasons, nearly destroyed years of Miao family’s efforts and almost cost Qi Wenhuan his life.

As the head of the Heavenly Master Association, he despised those who used their abilities meant for good to do evil: “Am I wrong? Even if your father were here today, I would say the same. Though it's said not to speak ill of others, allowing your subordinates to harm people is much more ruthless than my words.”

The other party dared to treat human life so trivially, so why couldn’t he rebuke them?

Hao Jixin used to think it was improper to expose others’ faults, but now he felt like applauding.

Someone who does evil deeds in secret thinks it's indecent to be called out?

Where do the people he almost harmed go to seek justice?

Young Master Wang stared intently at Miao Feng, suddenly laughing without a trace of humor in his eyes, glanced at Daoist Hu, and then slowly said: “It seems Chairman Miao is quite angry. I heard you brought some masters with you. Since I also have a master here, why don’t we have a contest? If Chairman Miao wins, you can take away anyone present tonight. Of course, if Chairman Miao loses, you’ll have to leave one of your people here, and I'll choose who stays.”

His gaze, one eye covered by a towel and the other fixed on Xie Qingfeng, clearly had ulterior motives.

Miao Feng frowned deeply, about to say something, but Daoist Hu had already stood up: “Daoist Bai, long time no see. Since we meet here, why not have a friendly competition? You wouldn’t be afraid, would you?”

Daoist Bai didn’t speak, his face not looking great, clearly disappointed that a fellow practitioner had sunk to such a level, not deigning to even speak to him.

Hao Jixin wished he could punch Young Master Wang, but obviously couldn’t with so many people around. He sneakily glanced at Xie Qingfeng and, seeing a slight nod, immediately perked up and stood up: “Who is this? Daoist Bai is an elder, it’s not his place to compete. We can do it. Or are you afraid to even take on us young ones?”

He threw Daoist Hu’s words right back at him.

Just using the old baiting tactic – who doesn’t know it?