One should know, there are many in this world who dare to scheme against Wang Zhan. But those who dare to scheme against this little fox, knowing full well they couldn't beat him, were becoming fewer and fewer.

Haven't you seen? Even those noble families in Jing State—like those surnamed Xu, Tang, or Li—despite Wang Zhan's open return to Jing State this time, where he even flaunted his prowess in the Federal Martial Arts Academy, none dared to scheme or retaliate. Instead, they all chose to lay low, didn't they? It's because they knew that when Wang Zhan got mad, he wouldn't care how many influential figures stood before him. In short, he would kill anyone he could and spare those he couldn't—only to settle the score ruthlessly when they crossed him again.

These were the same people Wang Zhan had thoroughly humiliated when he was a nobody, discarded by the Chu State Military Academy. Now, he had become a full-fledged student of the Federal Martial Arts Academy. Even if it was only for a year, it brought great face to the Federation.

So, even though Tian Qi had already arrived, the ever-confident Wang Zhan didn't pause. On the contrary, he became even more outrageous. His expression and movements remained as rebellious and somewhat cruel as ever, much like a spoiled rich kid embarking on a frenzied revenge after being mistreated.

Suddenly, another series of thumping sounds echoed—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—like a grotesque symphony of life. And beneath this symphony lay the nightmare of the pitiful Old Four, who had long since abandoned all illusions and attempts, utterly panicked and at a loss.

In fact, this was the first scene Tian Qi witnessed upon pushing open the tightly closed door of the secret room. Even though he was a Grandmaster and had experienced countless strange things, the sight before him left him utterly aghast.

What happened? Why has it suddenly come to this?

In the span of a blink, Tian Qi quickly scanned the secret room, an urgent expression on his face as he prepared to step forward. It was unclear whether his concern was for Wang Zhan or Old Four.

But it was quite evident... These splinters... they must be from the round interrogation table. Only a Martial Artist could destroy it, so Old Four must have done it. This footprint, sunk nearly five li into the ground—that's the strength only a Martial Master possesses, so Old Four must have done this too... Yet, the more Tian Qi examined these shocking sights, the more puzzled he became. This doesn't make sense! Old Four is a Martial Master, after all. Even if his rank is a bit low, he's still an intermediate Martial Master. How could he have ended up in such a state?

However, Tian Qi clearly had no way to distract Wang Zhan and continue observing the scene. So, feigning ignorance, he reached out a large hand towards Wang Zhan and shouted, "What are you doing?"

Wang Zhan, his back still to Tian Qi, turned his head slightly, a cold sneer playing on his lips. I can't kill him anyway, so why are you in such a hurry? But there was no helping it. When you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head. Besides, Wang Zhan was like fresh, slippery, coveted meat.

And so, the historic meeting of three great actors commenced. Wang Zhan spun around, his face a sudden, complex mask of surprise, resentment, urgency, and profound relief. While looking to Tian Qi for support with an air of deliverance, he continued to strike Old Four on the forehead with the stick, declaring, "Brother Expert, you're finally back! This guy almost beat me to death just now! He even claimed to be one of your men! I don't believe it. You all are such good, kind-hearted people; how could you associate with someone like this? He's clearly slandering you! That's why I fought so hard to poison this rogue, this scum, this beast—to get justice for you all! You've come at the perfect time! Quick, help me see if this man is spouting nonsense to try and defame you! I knew it! He's despicable, utterly shameless, and death would be too good for him, yet he still tried to trick me! Hmph, does he take me for a fool?"

BANG! With that, he struck Old Four again.

Tian Qi's eyebrows twitched violently. He desperately wanted to shout, Stop fucking hitting him, that's my brother! But he couldn't. If he acknowledged Old Four, wouldn't that make him a rogue, a shameless degenerate, a beast... just like the man Wang Zhan was describing? That was absolutely out of the question!

So, even though Tian Qi's face flickered with surprise and his heart twitched madly with annoyance, what could he say with Wang Zhan carrying on like this? The most urgent task was to ensure that the mountain of blame Wang Zhan was heaping onto Old Four stayed firmly fixed there. After all, being unjustly accused was an unbearable torment. Old Four, oh Old Four, just bear it for a little longer. As long as word of this doesn't spread and our long-awaited grand opportunity doesn't turn to dust, we can still salvage this. For instance, rescue Brother Old Four quickly and find out what really happened. Then, we can figure out if it's possible to utterly pulverize Wang Zhan, this root of all calamities!

Therefore, Tian Qi immediately adopted a solemn expression, glaring at Old Four with righteous indignation as he declared, "How outrageous! That such a thing could happen in this world! You beast! You certainly are audacious, daring to commit such atrocities right under my nose!"

However, Tian Qi then snorted, pointedly ignoring Old Four. Feigning to vent his own displeasure, he turned to Wang Zhan with a look of concern and asked, "Are you alright? Did he hurt you? But, young man, this was far too dangerous! How could you take such a monumental risk? Ah, this is entirely our fault for not looking after you properly. We only intended to find you a temporary safe haven, never expecting something like this to occur…"

Wang Zhan feigned a stunned expression for a moment. Then, a look of immense excitement flashed across his face. Ah, another golden opportunity for an acting contest! If you're a master actor, then naturally, I can't afford to look weak, can I? Immediately, with tears of gratitude welling in his eyes, he exclaimed, "I knew you were all truly good people! This scoundrel actually tried to ruin your reputation—death would be too good for him! Luckily, he couldn't escape these hands of mine, dedicated to punishing the strong and helping the weak, nor my heart that cherishes peace and kindness! But don't you worry. Even if you hadn't come, this whelp couldn't have done anything to me. Hmph, does he really think that just because I'm an ordinary person, I have no way to deal with Martial Artists? See? I was just teaching him a lesson on how to behave. Brother, you arrived a tad early, but no matter. I was just about to castrate him. Perhaps I should finish the job now…?"

UGH! Tian Qi felt sick listening to Wang Zhan's shameless boasting. But his subsequent words shocked him to the core. WHAT THE HELL! What on earth is this situation? Endangering future generations? Isn't this kid a bit too vicious? One shouldn't involve family in feuds!

Tian Qi's peripheral vision even caught Old Four trembling slightly when Wang Zhan uttered those words. Though Old Four desperately tried to remain still and silent, how could he possibly deceive a Grandmaster like Tian Qi?

So, Tian Qi hastily changed the subject. He first placated Wang Zhan, then turned to Old Four, his voice laced with menace, "Ahem, ahem! How could we possibly trouble our young friend with such a task? We'll handle it. We're... more practiced in these matters…"

Wang Zhan just said, "Oh," sounding somewhat unfulfilled.

Fortunately, Tian Qi hadn't forgotten that Old Four was still his man. He immediately snorted coldly at Old Four and said, "Hmph! Heaven has a path, but you refused to take it; Hell has no gate, yet you barged right in! Even if it's inconvenient for this young man to act, how dare you be so audacious! Do you really think my subordinates are all good-for-nothings? Just you wait! I'll teach you a harsh lesson!"

Then, he turned back to Wang Zhan, his expression sincere as he promised, "Young man, please rest assured. We will absolutely ensure justice is served for you. We will dig into this fellow's background, find out who sent him to cause trouble, and when the time comes, we will grind his bones to dust and scatter his ashes!"

Old Four, eyes squeezed shut and too ashamed to face anyone, hadn't wanted to speak. However, Tian Qi's implication was clear: Old Four still needed to provide a 'mastermind' for his actions, or else this sharp kid, Wang Zhan, would definitely grow suspicious. Therefore, Old Four immediately snapped his eyes open, glaring venomously at both Wang Zhan and Tian Qi as if they were his mortal enemies. "Don't get complacent too soon! My big brother will definitely avenge me!" he snarled.

As for the true grudges and intricacies behind this charade, those would have to be settled at a later date. Tian Qi didn't offer an immediate solution. He merely glanced at the injuries on Wang Zhan's body—the numerous small cloth strips stuck on like makeshift bandages and his bruised, swollen face. While escorting Old Four out of the secret room, he said comfortingly to Wang Zhan, "Little brother, this was our oversight. We never imagined someone could infiltrate this location and give you such a fright. How about this: I'll have one of my men escort you out shortly and ensure you're well looked after. You don't need to worry for now. I promise, what happened today will not occur again…"

Wang Zhan looked at Tian Qi, his face a mask of profound gratitude. If it weren't for the extensive bruises mottling his skin, his act might not have been nearly as convincing. But still, he managed, "Thank you, thank you so much, brother! You are all such good people! If it weren't for you, I might truly have died today…"

What more could Tian Qi say? He could only manage a strained, exasperated expression and quickly steer the conversation elsewhere. He summoned one of his subordinates, instructing him to arrange for Wang Zhan's care and to temporarily keep the incident involving Old Four confidential. Meanwhile, he swiftly took Old Four to another hidden room to examine his condition without delay.

At this moment, Old Four felt utterly humiliated and aggrieved. The mission assigned by his big brother was not only incomplete, but he had also ended up in this wretched state—it was simply too shameful to bear. "Big brother…" Old Four began, his face streaked with tears and snot, a picture of utter desolation. He called out to Tian Qi again, but Tian Qi merely gestured for him to wait.

Fortunately, Tian Qi only needed to inspect the supposed poison on his body. He soon discovered that aside from some unknown toxic substances—or so Wang Zhan claimed—Old Four actually had no serious issues. Moreover, the black substance smeared on Old Four's skin turned out to be mere ink when Tian Qi rubbed it with his hand…

This…

Tian Qi could only manage a bitter smile, shaking his head repeatedly. This Wang Zhan… damn him, he's truly not someone to be trifled with!

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