The next day, Jiang Tian met with Secretary Yu, Yu Qiang’s father, at a very private little restaurant.
“Master Jiang, I’ve long admired you!”
At the Jiang family birthday banquet before the Spring Festival, Secretary Yu had accompanied Cao Shixiong along with several other provincial officials. So as soon as he walked in, he warmly shook Jiang Tian’s hand.
“Secretary Yu, a pleasure to meet you!”
Jiang Tian’s expression was perfectly calm—neither haughty nor humble. If he could stay composed in front of Cao Shixiong, of course he had no trouble with a provincial-level official like Secretary Yu.
“Mr. Jiang, I’ve already heard about that kidnapping case and reported it to the provincial leadership. I can tell you, the authorities are absolutely furious. I’m not here just speaking for myself this time, but on behalf of the province.”
Secretary Yu sat down across from Jiang Tian, and they ate a simple, modest meal while chatting.
As for Yu Qiang—a well-known young socialite in Jinling—he didn’t even qualify to sit at the table. He could only pour tea and fetch water like a waiter.
Secretary Yu was completely open with Jiang Tian and laid out the whole situation in Jinling without holding anything back.
Right now, organized crime in Jinling was springing up like bamboo shoots after a rain. The three great families, led by the Nie family, were relying on the Qingyun Society—a criminal organization—to seize assets through dirty deals, kidnap and threaten people, and even gun down their competitors.
They were seriously disrupting the market economy. The repeated failed auctions for that plot of land at Fulong Mountain over the years? That was their handiwork.
And the merchant alliance of the Bajiao Club, led by the Xu family, was using their background as a martial arts family to control the vast underground industries of Jinling.
Even though Jiang Tian kept a low profile, his influence had already brought the Tang, Bai, and Tie families from Yangcheng, along with businesses from north of the river, to invest in Jinling. The total investment had reached a scale of 100 billion yuan, directly reviving Jinling’s once-dead local economy.
Moreover, Jiang Tian had deep connections with Zhan Long and high-level military officials.
Who was righteous and who was evil? Who was strong and who was weak? Who could bring benefits and who were the troublemakers? Who deserved support and who needed to be suppressed? The higher-ups in Jinling and even Jiangsu Province could figure this out in an instant.
“The problem is the head of the Xu family, Xu Zhenlei—Xu Ruocheng’s father. He’s a true martial arts master!”
Secretary Yu sighed. “And the Nie family has ties to a mysterious cultivation sect as well. It’s very difficult for the police to wipe them all out in one fell swoop.”
“Secretary Yu, how would you like to cooperate? I’m willing to help,” Jiang Tian said calmly.
Although Jiang Tian had no interest in becoming a government agent, what he learned from making so many enemies at the Martial Arts Federation Conference had taught him a valuable lesson.
You have to pull weeds out by the roots!
Back then, if he had wiped out the Mo family and the Hong family completely, they wouldn’t have had any chance to cause trouble afterward!
And the best way to wipe out enemies completely is to cooperate with the authorities. Sometimes, they could be even harsher than he could. He would kill whoever he could, and whoever he couldn’t, they would lock them up for him.
“Now that Fulong Mountain has fallen into the Jiang family’s hands, I think the three families—including the Nies—won’t be able to sit still much longer. As for the Xu family, they’ve been lying low for years, but they’re actually itching to make a move. They’ll probably want to grab a piece of the pie and expand their influence while things are chaotic.”
A cold, fierce light flashed across Secretary Yu’s face, and he smiled grimly.
“Once they make a move against the Jiang family, Mr. Jiang, you can fight back however you see fit. Our police force will not interfere.”
“As for cleaning up the aftermath, leave that to us. I guarantee, not a single one will slip through the cracks.”
Secretary Yu’s meaning was clear: Jiang Tian would take out the main villains, especially the martial artists responsible for the beheading operations.
In truth, this was also the most dangerous part of the mission. If he failed to kill them, those martial artists would unleash bloody revenge—something even high-ranking officials feared to some extent.
But when it came to the secular side of things, that could be left entirely to the police.
“Before that, we’ll use the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Prosecutor’s Office to remove any of the Nie, Sun, and Chen families’ people who have wormed their way into official positions. That will clear the path for you, Mr. Jiang,” Secretary Yu assured him.
“Good. Secretary Yu, I hope we have a productive partnership. Just one thing—when you make your arrests, I hope you’ll coordinate with my timing as well,” Jiang Tian said, standing up gladly to shake Secretary Yu’s hand.
…
“Jiang Tian, do you know Xu Ruocheng?”
That evening, Ye Ziwei suddenly rushed back to the villa, grabbed Jiang Tian, and asked urgently.
“No, I don’t,” Jiang Tian said calmly, shaking his head.
“It’s strange. Xu Ruocheng has asked to meet you. Are you willing to go?” Ye Ziwei looked a little uneasy, frowning as she spoke softly.
“I’ll meet her,” Jiang Tian said with a faint smile, standing up gladly.
The Xu family was a martial arts family. It was said that Xu Zhenlei had reached the Transformation Realm years ago, far surpassing the Lei family of Cannon Fist. But ten years ago, Xu Zhenlei had gone into seclusion, and the Xu family had kept a very low profile ever since.
However, with people like Tang Shaoze and his crew providing information, and with Secretary Yu sharing intelligence with him, Jiang Tian knew the Xu family inside and out.
If the Nie, Chen, and Sun families were the main pillars of Jinling’s legitimate society, then the Xu family was the giant holding up the city’s underworld.
Several major organizations—Jinling Iron Wolf, New World, Triumph, and Nova—were all secretly controlled by the Xu family. Their leaders had all studied under Xu Zhenlei, either to learn martial arts or to seek protection.
And Xu Ruocheng was, in truth, the true queen of Jinling’s underworld. She ruled over a significant domain, and her power was not to be underestimated.
Once they were in Ye Ziwei’s Aston Martin, and after she started the car, Jiang Tian asked, “What does she want to talk to me about?”
“She heard you have some conflicts with the Nie family, and she wants to help mediate,” Ye Ziwei said softly.
“Heh, I doubt it’s that simple.”
Jiang Tian smiled faintly. His gaze was calm, like an autumn lake on a still day.
News of Jiang Tian’s dominance over Lingnan might be hidden from ordinary people, but it definitely wouldn’t escape the Xu family, who had eyes and ears everywhere.
Now that Jiang Tian had returned to Jinling with overwhelming power, and—with support from the Tang, Bai, and Tie families—had secured the Fulong Mountain land, how could the Xu family possibly feel at ease?
Soon, they arrived at the Bajiao Club, located on one side of the Qinhuai River.
The place was enormous.
In an area where land was incredibly valuable, it occupied a huge stretch of property—clear proof of its owner’s immense power.
The club was surrounded by lush trees, and the courtyard was filled with lush, lovely banana plants. A small path paved with cobblestones ran through it.
The gate tower was exquisitely crafted, with curved tile channels and glazed animal-shaped roof ridges. The brick wall ends on either side were carved with landscapes and figures.
The black lacquered gate was studded with gleaming brass nails. The gate plinths were carved from bluestone, each with a pair of kylin in relief, covered in patches of moss that seemed to carry the faint, distant scent of the Six Dynasties’ golden dust.
Embedded in the brick walls on either side of the gate was a row of iron rings, and below them lay a long strip of purple stone.
When Jiang Tian looked closely, Ye Ziwei explained, “This compound used to be a prince’s villa from the Qing Dynasty. Those iron rings on the wall were for tying up horses, and that purple stone is a mounting block. In the old days, wealthy families would ride horses into the street, with bells jingling on their saddles and the satisfying clatter of hooves—it was actually more impressive than us driving sports cars today.”
There was a hint of reverence in her tone. In Jinling, Xu Ruocheng was far more famous and powerful than she was.
For starters, just this plot of land alone was worth at least one or two hundred million yuan—and yet it was merely a place where Xu Ruocheng had tea and met with friends.
The doorman had already received instructions. When he saw Jiang Tian and Ye Ziwei arrive, he didn’t stop them at all and immediately let them through.
When Jiang Tian and the others walked into the courtyard, they saw several young people sitting under a loquat tree, sipping tea and chatting.
It was a gathering of young elites who wielded immense influence in Jinling: Nie Mingyuan, Chu Mengyao, Tang Bao’er, Lei Gang, Mu Yunqing, Xia Miao, and others. Some held laptops, some held documents, and seated in the middle of them was a nationally renowned business school professor.
“This subprime mortgage crisis in the United States will have far-reaching effects. We need to be wary of its impact on China as well, especially on small and medium-sized processing and export enterprises.”
“We also need to be cautious about risks in the capital markets.”
“However, crises also contain opportunities. The Chinese government will roll out large-scale stimulus policies. Infrastructure and real estate will benefit, though that will also create some degree of asset bubbles.”
The business school professor spoke eloquently.
At the rosewood tea table, Chu Mengyao listened attentively while brewing tea for everyone. The bone china tea set came from Jingdezhen and was exceptionally beautiful—far from ordinary.
Her technique was skilled, and she had grasped the essence of the tea ceremony. Her delicate white hands moved nimbly, making even the pure white porcelain seem dull in comparison.
Every week, small academic lectures were held here. The speakers were all business school professors and executives from multinational corporations.
The topics were very high-level, covering global asset allocation, industry development prospects, and domestic policy trends. The caliber of discussion was far beyond what the Qixia Children’s Club could offer.
“Oh? Why is Jiang Tian here?”
Suddenly, Mu Yunqing caught sight of Jiang Tian and Ye Ziwei. Her pretty face instantly changed color, and her small hand holding the teacup trembled slightly.
Back then, she had personally witnessed Jiang Tian kick Nie Feng so hard that he broke bones and coughed up blood—and then she saw Yu Qiang get so scared he dropped to the ground.
Ever since that day, she had become even more confused about Jiang Tian’s true identity, but the fear in her heart just wouldn’t go away.
“Jiang Tian… he actually dares to come to the Bajiao Club!” Chu Mengyao turned her head, saw Jiang Tian, and her expression also changed dramatically.
Chu Mengyao had also heard the news that Jiang Tian had beaten Nie Feng badly. But the owner of the Bajiao Club, Xu Ruocheng, had a good relationship with Nie Mingyuan. Wasn’t Jiang Tian asking for trouble by coming here?
“Hmph, that guy is way too arrogant. Coming back to Jinling and stirring up all this trouble, even daring to hit Young Master Nie. He’s absolutely reckless and ignorant. Just wait until Xu Ruocheng breaks his legs!”
Tang Bao’er looked at Jiang Tian, wrinkled her delicate nose, and let out a scornful snort.
Even though she had seen Zhao Tiankun treat Jiang Tian with great respect at the Hubei Martial Arts Federation meeting, she thought Jiang Tian was just relying on his family’s protection. If Jiang Tian dared to go up against Xu Ruocheng, it would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
“Heh, his days are numbered!” Xia Miao was also full of sarcasm, sneering and shaking his head.
Ever since Jiang Tian had seriously injured him last time, leaving him bedridden for half a month, Xia Miao had hated Jiang Tian to the bone.
But Nie Mingyuan remained utterly calm. Only a barely noticeable sharp glint flickered in his eyes.
“Jiang Tian, you must be here to apologize to Nie Mingyuan. Later on, make sure your attitude is good…”
Chu Mengyao hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked over, giving a sweet smile. “I know Young Master Nie and Sister Ruocheng as well. If you need me to put in a good word, I can do that.”
Even though she didn’t know Jiang Tian was actually Master Jiang, the news had come out over the past few days that Zhang Wanqing had retaken control of the Pharmaceutical King Group, that their products were selling nationwide, and that they had secured the Fulong Mountain land. As the crown prince of the Pharmaceutical King Group, Jiang Tian still stirred some romantic feelings in her.
“Why should I apologize to him?”
“Didn’t you hit Nie Feng?” Chu Mengyao asked, completely surprised.
After all, the Pharmaceutical King Group had only just started to recover and hadn’t fully escaped its decline. How could Jiang Tian possibly compare to Nie Mingyuan?
