Excitement. Uncontrollable excitement.

To be blunt, Pei Donglai had always dreamed of restoring his cultivation. Ever since his cultivation was crippled, he himself had become a wreck, spending his days in a daze, living in unbearable agony. If it weren't for having to take care of his sister, Pei Donglai would have ended it all long ago.

But now, Lin Xiao had said he could not only restore his cultivation but also help him break through to a new realm. How could Pei Donglai not be excited? Forget kneeling; even if Lin Xiao proposed a harsher condition, Pei Donglai would agree. There was no other way. He truly didn't want to live like a failure any longer.

"Get up. You're a grown man. Kneeling at the drop of a hat? What kind of behavior is that?" Lin Xiao said with a look of displeasure.

Overwhelmed, Pei Donglai scrambled to his feet. "Captain, can you really restore my cultivation?"

Honestly, although Pei Donglai knew Lin Xiao was no ordinary person, he still couldn't bring himself to believe his words. After all, the idea of restoring his cultivation was simply earth-shattering. In fact, after his cultivation was crippled half a year ago, the military had tried to find treatment for him. They had even brought in someone from the Immortal Doctor Sect. Unfortunately, they only managed to heal his physical injuries, not restore his cultivation. It was for this very reason that Pei Donglai chose to retire from service. He felt he was nothing but a failure and would only be a burden if he remained in the army.

Lin Xiao said nonchalantly, "You'll know soon enough whether it can be restored or not."

"Captain, if you can restore my cultivation, I'll be your loyal servant from this day forward!" Pei Donglai said emotionally.

Lin Xiao smiled. "Alright, I'll remember that. Close your eyes and open your mouth!"

Yes, Lin Xiao planned to use his Dragon Blood. Although acupuncture could also heal Pei Donglai, the effects were too slow. Dragon Blood, however, could not only restore his cultivation but also give him a boost to break through to a new realm.

Pei Donglai, however, was filled with confusion, clearly not understanding why Lin Xiao was telling him to open his mouth. But he didn't hesitate and hurriedly did as he was told.

Lin Xiao pricked his finger, squeezing out a single drop of golden blood, and flicked it into Pei Donglai's mouth.

Pei Donglai felt a bitter taste on his tongue and then heard Lin Xiao say calmly, "Done!"

His heart sank. Even though he had absolute faith in Lin Xiao, how could his cultivation be restored just by opening his mouth? This seemed far too much like a joke.

Just as Pei Donglai was about to speak, his Dantian suddenly blazed with heat. Streams of Profound Energy began to generate wildly within him, swiftly surging through his limbs and bones. In an instant, a comfortable warmth spread throughout his body, an indescribably pleasant feeling.

Holy shit! Pei Donglai swore inwardly. He couldn't help it; he was too stunned.

"How do you feel?" Lin Xiao asked indifferently.

Pei Donglai's voice trembled as he spoke. "Captain, I... I feel my cultivation is returning! And the Profound Energy in my Dantian is even more dense and powerful than before!"

"That's how it should be."

Pei Donglai wanted to say more, but Lin Xiao waved his hand. "Don't talk for now. Just rest and recuperate properly."

Pei Donglai nodded eagerly, immediately sitting cross-legged on the floor to feel the long-lost sensation of his cultivation returning.

Time ticked by. After an unknown amount of time had passed, the Profound Energy in Pei Donglai's body finally ceased its circulation and returned to his Dantian. Feeling the abundant power contained within, Pei Donglai began to cry, tears of joy streaming down his face. They say a man doesn't cry easily, but for Pei Donglai, Lin Xiao restoring his cultivation was tantamount to giving him a new life.

"Pei Donglai, what the hell are you crying for?"

Pei Donglai hastily wiped away his tears. "Captain, I-I'm just too moved. Not only has my cultivation been restored, but I think I've also broken through to a new realm. Captain, thank you. I mean it, thank you."

"Alright, that's enough. Cut the chatter and get back to work."

Pei Donglai nodded again and again.

Watching him leave, Lin Xiao suddenly realized that since Pei Donglai's cultivation had been restored, there was no longer any need for Xu Qingfeng to come and assist. After all, having the top master on the Dragon Emperor List guard a small bar was quite beneath him. Yes, Lin Xiao decided to have Pei Donglai guard the bar instead.

He immediately called Xu Qingfeng, who answered instantly. "Young Master, what are your orders?"

"Hey, about that... you don't need to come anymore."

If anyone else had done this to him, Xu Qingfeng would have been furious. One moment he's told to go, and the next, after he's already set out, he's told not to come. It was completely messing with him. But when it came to Lin Xiao, Xu Qingfeng had no complaints. He even chuckled and said, "Alright, Young Master. Whenever you need me, just give me a call, and I'll be there as fast as I can!"

"Okay, I'll remember that!"

Lin Xiao hung up and left the security office. He immediately saw Su Qingning and Uncle Zhong standing at the bar's entrance, seemingly waiting for someone.

Lin Xiao walked over, a grin on his face. "Qingning, what are you doing here?"

Su Qingning shot him a cold look. "Nothing much. Just welcoming a new Martial Artist."

Lin Xiao was stunned. This was the very reason he had come to find her. He had planned to recommend Pei Donglai. Well, it's not like she believes me anyway. I can't be bothered to prove myself to her.

"Didn't I say I'd hire someone for you?"

Su Qingning replied coldly, "Your love of bragging is your business. I, for one, refuse to treat the bar's safety like a joke!"

Lin Xiao's mood instantly soured. Why won't this woman ever believe me?

Just as he was about to say something, a luxury car sped toward them, screeching to an arrogant halt less than a meter from Su Qingning. She jumped back in fright.

A terrifying glint flashed in Lin Xiao's eyes. You motherfucker. How dare you scare my wife? Are you asking for a death wish?

The car door swung open, and a cavalier-looking man hopped out. His eyes were immediately drawn to Su Qingning. It couldn't be helped; a beautiful woman was always the center of attention, and Su Qingning was a beauty among beauties.

Seeing him staring at her so brazenly, Su Qingning felt a flicker of annoyance. But then she remembered he was a Martial Artist, a vital asset for the bar's security. She couldn't afford to offend him.

"Truly the number one beauty of Jinling City. You're gorgeous," the man said with a smirk.

Su Qingning replied coolly, "Thank you for the compliment."

"Don't mention it. The name's Huang Xiaolong. I'm very satisfied with you. Now, let's talk price!"

"Mr. Huang, what annual salary are you expecting?" Su Qingning asked solemnly.

Huang Xiaolong stated arrogantly, "Ten million. Not a penny less!"

Su Qingning's expression darkened. While Martial Artists were valuable, their asking price surely hadn't doubled like this.

Lin Xiao couldn't watch any longer. "Qingning, let me introduce a Martial Artist to you. He'll cost way less, and he's stronger than this guy!"

Huang Xiaolong's gaze snapped to Lin Xiao. He looked him up and down, then said sarcastically, "Well, well, Su Qingning, is this your beggar husband? Not much skill, but he's got a big mouth. Anyone who didn't know better would think he's an idiot."

Uncle Zhong, who had been silent until now, couldn't help but speak up. "Miss, it's not my place to interfere, but I think it's best if your husband stays out of this. He knows nothing about Martial Artists. If he says too much, he might just anger Mr. Huang. It's truly not easy to find a reasonably priced Martial Artist these days."

Hearing Uncle Zhong's words, Su Qingning glared at Lin Xiao. This damned rogue only knows how to cause trouble. I was trying to negotiate the price with Huang Xiaolong. How am I supposed to do that now that he's stirred things up?

Just as a fuming Su Qingning was about to speak, Lin Xiao just smiled and said, "How about a spar?"

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