Chapter 133: Qian Longtou’s Strongest Man

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Soon, a soldier rushed in and reported, “Report, a few minutes ago, Advisor Dongfang left via helicopter. His destination is unknown.”

“What?” Qian Longtou’s face paled. He hadn’t expected Dongfang Xi to dare escape. He’d planned over 90% of the tactics for Nan Qing and knew everything about it. Dongfang Xi was practically Nan Qing’s second-in-command, yet he’d fled.

Qian Longtou’s expression shifted, but he eventually calmed down. He knew Dongfang Xi’s wisdom. Betrayal implied Dongfang Xi no longer held hope for him. But he still commanded an army of 2000; wasn't that enough for a mere Ye Mo?

However, Qian Longtou remained cautious. He knew Dongfang Xi’s tactics rarely failed, and his insights were usually sound. Why leave? Dongfang Xi could run, but where could he go? What place was safer than Sai Na?

Suddenly, he realized his control was insufficient. The chain of command had too many loopholes. If helicopter use required his prior approval, Dongfang Xi couldn't have escaped. Furthermore, several trusted men entered without reporting, another oversight.

Dongfang Xi, his advisor, knew these loopholes yet never mentioned them. This meant he'd planned his escape long ago.

“Good one, Dongfang Xi. I’ll find you, even if I have to search the entire world,” Qian Longtou gritted out, slamming the table.

“No, I want to see how many heads and hands this Ye Mo has to force even Dongfang Xi to betray me. Someone investigate the contents of that call. I will capture this Ye Mo. I’ll show him that I, Qian Baihe, haven’t lost my edge!” Qian Longtou, ignoring the pain in his hand, yelled again.

“No need, I’m here already,” Ye Mo’s calm voice echoed in the meeting room.

Qian Longtou stopped abruptly. He stared at the door in astonishment. He had multiple layers of guards; how had Ye Mo entered silently?

He soon saw Lang Ji and his face turned green. “Lang Ji, you heartless animal, you dare betray me too? I’ll kill you!”

Qian Longtou reached for his gun, but found his wrists immobile. A crimson stain spread across them, yet he felt no pain. A metal nail? The legendary metal nail?

Lang Ji remained silent.

Qian Longtou saw his wrist pierced by a metal nail and his heart sank. He knew he was doomed, but hadn't expected Ye Mo to be so powerful. His undetected entry was absurd. Even with Lang Ji’s help, Lang Ji couldn't have smuggled a stranger into his territory. Was his invisibility real?

Qian Longtou regained his composure, slowly looking at Lang Ji and then Wu Qiang. His only hope lay in Wu Qiang holding Ye Mo, or perhaps Lang Ji’s change of heart.

A man in his twenties burst in, ignoring Qian Longtou. He was Lang Ji’s close associate, brought into Nan Qing by Lang Ji. He handed Lang Ji a letter, saying, “Before Advisor Dongfang left, he told me to give this to you, saying it could save your life.”

Lang Ji immediately opened it. A single line read: “When you were surrounded and attacked in Macau years ago, it was planned by Qian Longtou.”

Lang Ji’s face contorted. He hadn’t believed Qian Longtou, his longtime loyal servant, capable of such treachery. He’d served him for over a decade, worse than a pig.

No wonder Qian Longtou always delayed his revenge. No wonder he’d coincidentally encountered Qian Longtou in Macau while fleeing. It wasn't a coincidence; Qian Longtou gambled, but never in Macau.

When he first served Qian Longtou, Nan Qing was smaller. He'd contributed significantly to Nan Qing's growth. Qian Longtou must have heard of his reputation. Although Lang Ji had offended a powerful figure and fled to Macau, Qian Longtou had found a way to recruit him.

Lang Ji couldn't comprehend why Dongfang Xi would give him this clue, and he had no time to ponder. He crumpled the paper and threw it at Qian Longtou. “Qian Baihe, no wonder you always delayed my revenge! You did it yourself! And I was grateful to you? I'll kill you myself today!”

Ye Mo didn't look at the letter, but Lang Ji’s rage revealed Qian Longtou’s deceit. He considered killing Lang Ji later, but decided there was no rush; Lang Ji might prove useful.

Seeing Lang Ji charge at Qian Longtou, Li Sandao intervened. “Lang Ji, you’re injured; you’re no match for me. I don’t want to fight my brother.”

“Brother, shut up. Qian Longtou stabbed me in the back to get me to work for him, and I thought he'd coincidentally saved me. Li San, were you also tricked by this bastard?” Lang Ji raged.

Li Sandao shook his head. “The chairman did save my life. I won’t let you attack.”

Li Sandao was clear about Qian Longtou’s kindness. Had Qian Longtou not rescued him from the streets, he would have starved. He swore lifelong loyalty. However, he lacked finesse. Though Qian Longtou’s most trusted man, he led the army but lacked Dongfang Xi’s strategic acumen.

Ye Mo watched Lang Ji and Li Sandao clash; they were evenly matched. Li Sandao was strong.

Wu Qiang’s eyes narrowed. He wasn't loyal to Qian Longtou, but needed to test Ye Mo.

Though he felt inferior to Xian Daoist, the difference was slight. He was around 30, while Ye Mo seemed younger. He didn’t believe everyone possessed his fortune. At ten, he’d met a master in Miao Jiang. He'd trained for 26 years, rigorously disciplined. His dedication to martial arts surpassed his desire for women; he’d forgone intimacy for three years.

He doubted a twenty-year-old Ye Mo could match him.

“I’m Wu Qiang. I know you wield powerful weapons, but I want to test your strength…” Wu Qiang smiled faintly, launching a kick.

Wu Qiang's power resided in his legs, but his killing move wasn't a leg strike. Those who knew it were dead. His fight with Xian Daoist was a test; he'd never used his killing move.

His leg’s wind carried a rhythm. Only Ye Mo sensed it. Immediately, Ye Mo knew he was far stronger than Lang Ji.

His invisibility was useless against Wu Qiang (Stage 3 Chi Gathering). Invisible chi would be detected. Invisible attacks without chi were ineffective.

Ye Mo wanted to assess their strengths, so he countered with a kick.

Seeing Ye Mo meet his kick, Wu Qiang felt exhilarated. Even Xiao Daoist wouldn't dare clash legs with him. Ye Mo was naïve; he'd break his leg.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Ye Mo felt leg pain but remained unmoved. He’d never encountered such leg strength in a normal martial artist.

Wu Qiang stumbled back. His legs weren't broken, but the pain was excruciating. He stared at Ye Mo, shocked. They'd exchanged over twenty kicks; Ye Mo hadn't moved, effortlessly repelling him.

He never imagined his leg would be outmatched. He'd trained for twenty years. Even if Ye Mo had trained in utero, his legs shouldn't be stronger.

Ye Mo mobilized his chi, eliminating the pain. Wu Qiang's strength surprised him, but he didn't linger. He casually flung a metal nail.

Clink. Simultaneously, a white light flashed from Wu Qiang’s sleeve, blocking the nail. Wu Qiang stumbled back, spitting blood.

Ye Mo was stunned. This was the first time his metal nails had been blocked.