Chapter 41: The Wu Family Annihilated, Meeting Tang Zhenguo

"Can't be bothered to kill you." Without another word, Ye Tian tossed aside his blade, expressionless, and found a clean table to sit down at. He clapped his hands and called out, "Boys, come in and tidy up the place!"

No sooner had he spoken than the steel door was violently smashed open with a thunderous crash, and a swarm of bare-chested ruffians stormed in. Each man wielded a blade, grabbing hold of the wealthy gentry and powerful families present as if picking up chickens.

"Awaiting your orders, boss!"

Ye Tian looked on at his gathered enforcers with satisfaction and raised his voice. "Don't get it wrong—any direct members of the Wu family, hack them to pieces and feed them to the dogs. As for minor thugs and collateral branches, just give them a beating and throw them out."

"You can seize their property, but as for businesses and such, I’ll have other families come in and take over. That’s not your concern."

"Understood!"

A thousand strong, the bandits answered as one, then set about their work—beating, killing, laying waste to the hall until all was swept clean, leaving only Qian Xiaoxia behind.

"By the way, anyone want a wife? There's one here, and she's rather pretty," Ye Tian said, pointing at Qian Xiaoxia.

"Reporting, boss! This woman’s too fierce, can't control her!" one of the ruffians shouted, drawing a burst of laughter.

"Boss, we don't need wives. We usually just visit the brothels," another chimed in.

Listening to this band of fools, Ye Tian could only shake his head. "She’s a direct descendant of the Qian family. If no one wants her, then she’ll have to be killed."

"In that case, leave her to me." Wang Zizai stepped forward, and without another word, delivered a resounding slap to Qian Xiaoxia’s face, then barked, "Thank the boss!"

Sobbing, Qian Xiaoxia fell to her knees and, through her tears, managed to choke out, "Thank you, boss."

Wang Zizai then led her away.

As the ruffians worked with feverish intensity to clear the scene, Ye Tian sat alone at the wine table, picking at the delicious food in great delight. Having killed those members of the Wu family, he found, for reasons unknown, that the blockage in his chest had suddenly eased, and some of his consuming hatred had faded.

That was why he hadn’t killed Qian Xiaoxia. After all, five years ago, she’d been just a girl in her teens; even if her family had been involved, she herself could hardly have played a part. Yet her character was undeniably vicious, and though she hadn’t killed, she’d caused much suffering among the common folk. Releasing her was out of the question. Better to entrust her to someone suitable—perhaps she might change for the better.

And in Ye Tian’s mind, Wang Zizai was the perfect candidate. A man of military background, already married, he would not be as savage as the other ruffians, but his strictness and integrity would keep her in check.

"Benefactor."

As Ye Tian was happily counting the Wu family’s fortunes, a familiar figure appeared—Tang Long.

"What brings you here?" Seeing the man, hair now streaked with white but still vigorous in his fifties, Ye Tian could not hide his surprise.

"Godfather sent me to keep an eye on things, fearing you might go too far."

"As expected of the Duke Protector—barely awake, and already vigilant on all fronts," Ye Tian teased.

Tang Long, somewhat embarrassed, hurried to explain. "After all, our Dragon Nation is a land of order. If you kill too many, my father would find it hard to clean up after you."

"Seems I owe Old Tang some thanks, then."

"You flatter me. I can never repay the debt of saving my life," Tang Long realized his words had been inappropriate and quickly apologized.

"Why so formal? I’m no seasoned official," Ye Tian shot him a glance, unable to resist another tease. But then he straightened and asked, "You didn’t come just for this, did you?"

"Let me be frank."

"You see right through me, benefactor. My godfather invites you to his residence for a talk."

"Very well. I’ve nothing else to do—let’s go now," Ye Tian replied without prevarication.

With that, an armored SUV bearing official plates forcefully entered the Wu family estate, stopped at the gate, and carried the two of them away.

...

Zhongdu—Tranquil Heart Villa.

Deep within the serene and elegant bamboo forest, several beautiful wooden cabins stood above a lotus pond, connected by wooden bridges. Winding along the shaded path, Ye Tian finally reached the deepest part of the grove.

"Over five thousand martial artists—the Grand General is truly extraordinary," Ye Tian remarked in admiration as he walked.

Everywhere in the bamboo forest, men in black stood at the ready. These were the personal guards of Tang the Duke Protector, known across the Dragon Nation by a formidable name: the Sweepers—those who cleared all obstacles and filth from the road for the country.

"Unfortunately, these fellows aren’t much to speak of. When it comes to martial gifts, none of them can hold a candle to you, benefactor," Tang Long said, shaking his head with a sigh.

Ye Tian’s display today had left him in awe. Not yet twenty-five, and already at the Beidou Realm! In other words, Ye Tian had surpassed Tang Long’s cultivation with twenty-five years less training. Back on the northern frontier, Tang Long himself had once been hailed as a once-in-a-generation martial prodigy. Yet now, that title seemed laughable before Ye Tian.

They crossed two small bridges, and Ye Tian finally found himself before a wooden cabin. There, a ruddy-faced old man sat cross-legged, focused intently on brewing tea. With practiced hands, he split a tea cake with a knife, tossed the leaves into boiling water, and then raised his head with a smile for his guest.

"Come, Ye," he invited.

"Thank you for the seat," Ye Tian replied, bowing in Daoist fashion before sitting cross-legged in imitation of the elder.

With a smile, the old man spoke first. "You look as if you’re basking in the spring breeze—something good must have happened."

"Please don’t jest, Old Tang. I’m but a humble commoner—surely you know my every move already?" Ye Tian replied.

At this, Tang the Duke Protector couldn’t help himself—he burst into hearty laughter.

"Ah, you speak plainly and honestly," he said.

Their exchange left Tang Long sweating nervously at the side. Because of his status as a commander, the Duke Protector was always exceedingly strict with his disciples—regardless of rank or status, he demanded strict adherence to the rules. No one was ever permitted to overstep in his presence.

Yet now, faced with Ye Tian’s casual irreverence, the old man took no offense but laughed heartily instead. Clearly, his godfather’s admiration for Ye Tian was genuine—not simply gratitude for saving his son, but a heartfelt appreciation for rare talent.

Tang Long was stunned, then suddenly understood. Indeed, a young man at the Beidou Realm, a healer capable of reviving the dead—such a prodigy was likely the first, and perhaps the only one, Tang the Duke would ever meet. How could he not be filled with admiration?

"I know you’re also a straightforward man, Old Tang. Let’s speak plainly," Ye Tian said, helping himself to a cup of hot tea.