Chapter 026: Acting in the Name of Heaven

"Died miserably?" Chen Xiaodao ignored Su Jingxing, Kong Dabao, and the others, his gaze fixed on Wu Shouhan, the director of the Western Suburbs Crematorium. With a cold laugh, he said, "You're talking about tomorrow's duel, aren't you?"

"The news certainly spreads quickly. Even a busy man like you, Director Wu, has heard about it."

"So, Director Wu, do you think I'll lose tomorrow... no, that I'll die for sure?"

"Duan Feihong's been away for years, and now that he's back, he thinks he has me cornered?"

"Those are your words," Wu Shouhan replied coldly. "Chen Xiaodao, I have little patience for empty talk. Your men injured Old Liu—what are you going to do about it?"

"What am I going to do? What do you expect?" Chen Xiaodao sneered. "It was that lowlife who hurt my son first—why should I compensate him?"

"That's not true!"

"It was clearly you—"

"Enough!" Wu Shouhan barked, silencing his subordinates who tried to explain. He stepped forward, fixing Chen Xiaodao with a steely gaze. "So, you intend to just let Old Liu's injuries go?"

"Otherwise, what do you suggest?" Chen Xiaodao met Wu Shouhan's eyes without a trace of fear, a wicked smile curling on his lips.

Although Wu Shouhan was no less imposing, in terms of cultivation he was a rank below Chen Xiaodao.

Chen Xiaodao was seventh rank; Wu Shouhan was only eighth.

But Wu Shouhan was no ordinary man. He was the crematorium director, a representative of Qinghe City's officialdom! His martial prowess might not be high—an old man still stuck at eighth rank, with no hope of ever reaching seventh, let alone sixth—but that hadn't stopped him from forging deep connections in Qinghe over decades. He knew people everywhere: in government, business, martial circles, and even the military.

Chen Xiaodao dared to break Old Liu's limbs, but he wouldn't dare lay a finger on Wu Shouhan.

That was precisely why Wu Shouhan could stand up to Chen Xiaodao.

If the crematorium employees like Kong Dabao or Su Jingxing provoked Chen Xiaodao, they would certainly face brutal retribution. Wu Shouhan, on the other hand, showed no fear. The old man's face was expressionless, his eyes icy cold.

"I don't want anything more than justice," he said. "Since you refuse to settle this privately, I'll call Commander Qi to come and arbitrate."

"Oh, and Lao Wang—fetch the surveillance footage here."

As Wu Shouhan spoke, he instructed Manager Wang to retrieve the video.

"Yes, sir," Wang replied, nodding and turning to leave.

"Wait." Chen Xiaodao's face darkened. He called after Manager Wang, glaring at Wu Shouhan. "You really do care for your people, don't you, Director Wu?"

Wu Shouhan ignored him and instead turned to Manager Wang, frowning. "What are you waiting for, Lao Wang?"

"Right away, Director!" Wang stifled a laugh and strode off.

"Stop!" Chen Xiaodao's temples throbbed as he gritted his teeth. "Fine, you want compensation? One leg, one arm—how about two hundred thousand?"

"Not enough," Wu Shouhan replied, face blank. "At least five hundred thousand."

"Fine, five hundred thousand!" Chen Xiaodao snarled. "Five hundred thousand Dayu coins. I'll send someone over with the money at once!"

With that, he turned and strode away. His subordinates, realizing it was over, quickly followed. The whole group vanished noisily around the corner.

"Uncle Wu, that's it? You're just letting them go?" Kong Dabao called after them, clearly dissatisfied.

"What else do you expect?" Manager Wang, who'd just returned, replied irritably. "Getting money out of Chen Xiaodao is already a miracle."

He turned to Old Liu, who was lying on the ground, looking dazed and faint. "Hang in there, Old Liu—the ambulance will be here any minute."

"That's right, Old Liu, stay with us."

"The director got you five hundred thousand. Don't you dare pass out now."

"Stay strong, Old Liu!"

The others, snapping out of their shock, gathered around, coaxing Old Liu to remain conscious.

"I'm awake, I'm awake," Old Liu replied, his face pale and trembling.

Su Jingxing watched silently from the side, his feelings mixed.

To some martial artists, ordinary people like Old Liu were beneath notice—free to be bullied at will.

Though the nations of Earthstar had driven the barbarian tribes into the vast mountain ranges, there was still plenty of conflict between countries, with small wars breaking out now and then. Even the Dayu Nation had its enemies, and internal threats as well. The disasters caused by the demonic insects from beyond were a constant threat, and from time to time, evil forces stirred up chaos.

Overall, though, life was relatively stable. Dayu ranked among the top three safest countries on Earthstar.

Yet even so, ordinary people still suffered at the hands of martial artists. Most dared not offend them. Only the strong presence of the Martial Control Bureau kept things in check.

This, Su Jingxing mused, was the reality: if you don't want to be bullied, you must become strong.

Seventh rank, sixth rank—they weren't enough. Only by reaching first rank could one truly take control of their own fate.

As for Wan Rong? He was nothing but a temporary obstacle on the path to becoming first rank.

...

The ambulance arrived swiftly. The paramedics carefully transferred Old Liu onto a stretcher and into the vehicle. Manager Wang from the crematorium and the captain of the second corpse collection team accompanied him to the hospital.

Su Jingxing and Kong Dabao returned to moving bodies.

After such an incident, Kong Dabao remained furious, cursing Chen Xiaodao and his gang at every opportunity during the rest of the work.

From his outbursts, Su Jingxing learned the truth: the child Old Liu had accidentally bumped into was Chen Xiaodao's godson. Chen Xiaodao, having been injured in his youth and left sterile, had adopted three godsons—all of whom, under his influence, had grown up to be arrogant bullies. They fought classmates, insulted teachers, and harassed girls as a matter of course.

This time, it had been one of those brats who ran into Old Liu and fell to the ground. But the little devil turned around and accused Old Liu of knocking him over.

Without a word, Chen Xiaodao ordered his men to break Old Liu's hand and foot.

Fortunately, it happened at the entrance to the farewell hall, where security cameras were installed. If it had happened elsewhere, Old Liu's suffering would have been for nothing, with no evidence and nowhere to appeal.

As for why Chen Xiaodao and his entourage were at the crematorium, it was because one of his top henchmen had died, and he was putting on a show of loyalty by attending the funeral.

As a result, Old Liu suffered.

If not for Wu Shouhan, Old Liu would have had no recourse for justice.

A man like Chen Xiaodao—if Su Jingxing killed him, it would be doing the world a favor.

...

Wei Jiajia had only managed to secure three chances in her deal with Su Jingxing, trading the "Eight Steps Ascending Dragon" for his help. With so few opportunities, she had to make each one count.

So, as soon as Su Jingxing agreed, Wei Jiajia spread the word, letting those who coveted Wei family assets or those waiting to see a show know that the Wei family was preparing to strike back.

And the first step in that counterattack was to publicly challenge Chen Xiaodao!