Chapter 18: The Embarrassed Jia Lie Ao
A mere two-star Dou Zhe was no match for Payne, a six-star Dou Zhe—especially not when he was backed by eleven subordinates, each at or above the eighth stage of Dou Qi.
The process of subduing the herb shopkeeper went extremely smoothly.
At this moment, the man knelt on the ground, bruised and bloodied, yet still somewhat defiant. He didn't believe the Xiao family's Third Young Master would really dare to do anything to him.
After all, he worked under Huang Jing. The Xiao family might be powerful, but they still needed access to medicinal herbs.
Moreover, he himself was a Dou Zhe. Among Huang Jing's subordinates, there were barely over a dozen Dou Zhe. If Xiao Yuan really harmed him, it would be a direct slap in Huang Jing's face.
Xiao Yuan crouched down, his gaze icy. "So… you're not planning to explain anything, is that it?"
"Young Master Xiao, Wu Tan City isn't ruled solely by your Xiao family!"
The shopkeeper growled through gritted teeth.
"Then go tell Huang Jing—he'd better meet me at the central plaza soon. Otherwise, his Dou Zhe subordinates will start dying."
Xiao Yuan no longer even looked at the man. Instead, he addressed a frightened clerk nearby, then turned and left the herb shop with his men.
Payne and the rest dragged the bruised shopkeeper along, following behind.
As they marched through the streets, the group drew plenty of attention.
Xiao Yuan, dressed in a pristine white robe, wore a sharp, cold expression. Far from frightening the crowd, it made many young girls blush with infatuation.
Soon, they reached the weapons shop.
Aside from the two guards at the entrance, there were two distinct Dou Zhe auras inside.
When the guards saw the Xiao family uniforms worn by Payne's team, they immediately grew wary, drawing their weapons and preparing for a fight.
Seeing their stance, Xiao Yuan instantly knew—they were involved in the scheme too.
Before they could act, he stepped forward, using Drifting Dragon Steps to close the distance.
Because of their distance and heightened alertness, Xiao Yuan didn't subdue them instantly and instead engaged them directly.
The two guards were indeed strong—both were ninth-stage Dou Qi.
But no matter how skilled they were, their Dou Techniques didn't surpass mid Yellow Tier. Against Xiao Yuan—who possessed the Five Yuan Qi Chambers, had stronger Dou Qi, and had mastered Xuan-tier Techniques—they were clearly outmatched.
Dodging their attacks with ease, Xiao Yuan suddenly halted, twisted his waist, and slammed a punch into one man's chest.
Iron Mountain Fist!
This punch channeled most of the metallic Dou Qi from his White Gold Qi Chamber, dramatically boosting its power!
With the technique now at mastery level, its might was immense.
Boom!
The punch sent the guard flying, blood spurting from his mouth.
Just then, the other guard struck with a longsword toward Xiao Yuan's back.
But Xiao Yuan reacted faster—leaning forward as if to roll away, but instead, he planted his palms down, exploded with Dou Qi, shattered the floor beneath him, and launched himself into the air.
Next, Dou Qi from the Green Wood Qi Chamber surged along a specific meridian path into his right leg.
Wind Hawk Kick!
In mid-air, Xiao Yuan twisted his body, spread his arms to maintain balance, and with the momentum of his descent, struck the guard who had just missed with a ferocious kick.
Bang!
A dull thud echoed as bones shattered. The guard's face went pale, and he vomited a mouthful of blood laced with bits of organs before collapsing, his aura vanishing.
Tap.
Xiao Yuan landed gracefully, glanced at the stunned Payne and company, and said flatly, "Bring out the other two Dou Zhe. Don't make me wait."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Payne snapped out of it first, grinned savagely, and led his men into the shop.
Sounds of intense fighting erupted shortly afterward.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan casually picked up a dropped longsword and walked toward the first injured guard.
"You're supposed to be a cripple..."
The injured man, bleeding heavily, stared in disbelief.
Everyone in Wu Tan City "knew" that Xiao Yuan was the definition of a pretty-boy—useless even compared to Ya Fei.
That was why neither of the guards had used their Dou Techniques initially.
Who would've thought this "weakling" would be so fierce? And wielding high-level techniques at that?
In mere seconds, he had defeated them both.
"Anyone who causes trouble in my territory… should be ready to die."
Xiao Yuan gave no further explanation. He activated his Dou Qi and hurled the blade into the man's chest.
Watching this brutal scene, nearby onlookers shivered and quickly scattered, murmuring in confusion and fear.
Wasn't Xiao Yuan supposed to be a waste who couldn't cultivate? Judging by his strength… even low-level Dou Zhe might not be a match for him!
Boom!
Suddenly, the shop's doors burst open, and a figure dashed out.
Payne's team followed but didn't strike, as if hesitant.
The escaping figure moved quickly and landed in the street.
"Hm? Jia Lie Ao?"
Xiao Yuan recognized the man and raised an eyebrow.
So the main culprit had shown up. But Jia Lie Ao wasn't easy to kill—if he died here, Jia Lie Bi might wage all-out war against the Xiao family.
Besides, now that Jia Lie Ao had likely begun cultivating Whirling Wind Technique, his power wouldn't be low. Even with a group, pinning him down would be difficult.
"Xiao Yuan?! You dare attack Jacks' shop? Is your Xiao family severing ties with him?!"
Jia Lie Ao shouted after seeing Xiao Yuan and realizing what had happened. He cast a wary glance at the guards behind him, then tried to speak righteously.
"If Jacks really dares meddle in our business, then Wu Tan City's so-called 'Weapon Tycoon' would've been replaced long ago!"
Xiao Yuan sneered, then waved his hand.
"Get him. If he dies, I'll take responsibility!"
Hearing this, Jia Lie Ao's face turned completely pale.
"You'll regret this!"
He growled at Xiao Yuan, then turned and bolted.
"Pfft!"
The scene made Payne's men laugh uncontrollably.
Xiao Yuan looked at Jia Lie Ao's fleeing figure with a mocking smile, then turned to one of the guards holding the nearly-dead shopkeeper and nodded.
"Let's go. To the central plaza."
(END CHAPTER)
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