Zhao Tieshan's villa was located on the outskirts of Jinling City. From the outside, it was incredibly imposing, nestled by the mountains and water in a location with excellent feng shui. The man certainly knew how to live well.

Led by the butler, Lin Xiao entered the villa, and the view immediately opened up before him. While the villa looked grand from the outside, the interior was even more extraordinary, its opulence bordering on the absurd.

However, more striking than the villa's decor was Zhao Tieshan himself. He was seated in the center of the room, flanked by two rows of dozens of burly men. These men exuded a brutish aura, and every one of them looked murderous, casting a heavy, oppressive pall over the room.

Lin Xiao simply smiled at the sight. Their strength was garbage, but Zhao Tieshan's talent for posturing was impressive.

Ignoring the dozens of henchmen, Lin Xiao strolled casually over to Zhao Tieshan. Spotting an empty chair nearby, he sat down without a second thought.

His action immediately drew the attention of the henchmen, whose gazes turned sharp enough to kill. It seemed they would flay him alive the moment Zhao Tieshan gave the command.

Zhao Tieshan let out a cold laugh. "Kid, you've got some serious guts to actually show up!"

Lin Xiao smiled. "I'm a big fan of free meals. Since you invited me, why wouldn't I come? But I don't get it, Zhao Tieshan. It's just dinner. Why the big production?"

"To welcome you, of course!" Zhao Tieshan said with a sneer.

"Well, I'm certainly feeling your enthusiasm. When do we eat? I'm starving!"

Zhao Tieshan's gaze was icy as he stared at Lin Xiao for a long moment. Then, with a grim smile, he commanded, "Serve the meal!"

Several servants quickly brought in a dining table of surprising size and placed it between Lin Xiao and Zhao Tieshan. Following them, seven or eight uniformed servants began placing one delicacy after another on the table until it was completely covered in moments.

Lin Xiao looked it over. "Why is there no wine?"

Zhao Tieshan sneered, "What, you still want wine?"

"It's my last meal. Of course I want a drink."

Zhao Tieshan snorted. "You're not as stupid as I thought!"

Lin Xiao smiled. "Don't misunderstand. I meant that about you."

"Insolence!" a rough voice bellowed. It was the same butler who had led Lin Xiao inside, a man who called himself Fang Buping.

Lin Xiao glanced at the old man, who was glaring at him with such fury that his eyes seemed about to shoot fire.

"You're the one being insolent," Lin Xiao said with a dismissive laugh. "I am Zhao Tieshan's guest today. How dare a mere butler like you speak to me so rudely? Those who know what's happening will think you're protecting your master. Those who don't will just assume Zhao Tieshan can't even manage his own staff."

The words were designed to wound. Fang Buping froze and subconsciously glanced at Zhao Tieshan.

Zhao Tieshan snorted coldly. "Who told you to speak?"

Stunned again, Fang Buping promptly slapped himself hard across the face. After doing so, he shot Lin Xiao a look filled with such venom that it was clear he wished he could kill him on the spot.

Lin Xiao, however, didn't even spare him a glance. He raised his wine cup, a smile playing on his lips. "Zhao Tieshan, I must propose a toast."

"Why?" Zhao Tieshan asked, his own smile not reaching his eyes.

"For inviting me to such a fine meal!"

"And?" Zhao Tieshan pressed.

"I hope you cherish this last meal!" Lin Xiao said with a grin.

Zhao Tieshan burst into loud, unrestrained laughter. "You filthy beggar, I never realized you were such a master comedian!"

"What, you think I'm joking?"

"What else? Do you really think a little skill lets you swagger through Jinling City? Kid, let me be blunt: with your pathetic abilities, I could snuff you out in minutes!"

"Ooh, I'm so scared!" Lin Xiao said, theatrically patting his chest. But despite his words, his expression held not a hint of fear, only a thick layer of mockery.

Zhao Tieshan fell silent. He raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

Lin Xiao followed suit, pouring the contents of his own cup down his throat. The strong liquor burned its way down. He smiled. "Good wine!"

A sinister glint flickered in Zhao Tieshan's eyes. He chuckled. "Then have another!"

"Alright!"

"Pour the wine!"

A servant quickly refilled Lin Xiao's cup.

"This cup, I toast to you!" Zhao Tieshan said with a cold smile.

Lin Xiao smiled back. "The reason?"

"Simple. You're the first person in all of Jinling City who has dared to court death with me. For that courage alone, I should toast you."

Lin Xiao suddenly sighed. "What a pity."

"Filthy beggar, a pity about what?" Zhao Tieshan sneered.

"You didn't have to die. It's a pity you insisted on courting death!"

Zhao Tieshan merely smiled indifferently and downed his wine. Lin Xiao drank his as well.

"Pour the wine!"

The servant filled Lin Xiao's cup once more.

Lin Xiao raised his glass. "This third cup is my toast to you."

"For what reason?"

"I'd like to ask for your last words."

Zhao Tieshan stared, dumbfounded, before bursting into laughter again, laughing so hard that tears streamed from his eyes. "Kid, you're truly clueless about the line between life and death," he said with a hideous smile.

Lin Xiao shrugged. "Looks like you have no last words. In that case, after this drink, let's make our move."

"Fine. Since you're in such a hurry to die, I'll oblige you!" Zhao Tieshan said, his voice dripping with malice.

Lin Xiao smiled nonchalantly, drained his cup, and set it down on the table.

Zhao Tieshan also downed his wine, his face twisting into a sinister grin as he watched Lin Xiao. "Filthy beggar, how are you feeling now?"

"How is what feeling?"

"The Seven-Star Poison I put in your wine. How does it feel?"

Lin Xiao's expression changed drastically. "What? You poisoned me?"

"Oh? Judging by your reaction, you didn't see that coming, did you?" Zhao Tieshan cackled.

Lin Xiao's face grew even paler, instantly becoming ashen and devoid of all color. He gave a few bitter chuckles. "I really didn't expect this. I didn't expect you to be so vicious."

Zhao Tieshan laughed wildly with pride. "Filthy beggar, surviving out in this world isn't about being merciful. You should count yourself lucky to die at my hands."

"Zhao Tieshan, you despicable, shameless, vile bastard!"

Seeing Lin Xiao's unbridled rage, Zhao Tieshan's smile grew even more ferocious. "Filthy beggar, you're still far too green to challenge me."

At his words, Lin Xiao, who had looked to be in agony just a moment ago, suddenly burst out laughing.

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