Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 14

Everyone in the room was stunned, especially Zhou Zhenghao, who looked utterly confused and disbelieving.

What was going on? Brother Wei was the personal bodyguard of the old master, someone even the big shots in the underworld didn’t dare to mess with. Yet here he was, calling this little PR guy “Master Jiang” and referring to himself as “Little Wei”?

Jiang Tian picked up a piece of watermelon, chewed it slowly, and after swallowing, asked calmly, “Little Wei, is this your man?”

The “Brother Wei” in question was Tang Lao’s bodyguard. Jiang Tian couldn’t figure out how he could possibly have any connection with Zhou Zhenghao.

Zhou Zhenghao, still not grasping the situation, leaned in and asked, “Brother Wei, are you sure you’ve got the right person? He’s just a small-time PR guy from Zhao’s Pharmaceuticals. Why are you calling him Master Jiang?”

“Zhou Zhenghao, if you don’t shut up, no one will think you’re mute! Keep your mouth closed!” Brother Wei was so angry his nose was practically crooked. With a sharp glare, he backhanded Zhou Zhenghao across the face.

The force of a professional soldier’s slap was no joke.

Smack!

The crisp sound echoed through the room. Zhou Zhenghao staggered back, nearly falling to the ground. His vision blurred, his face burned, and blood trickled from his nose and mouth.

But Zhou Zhenghao wasn’t a fool. He had climbed to his position through cunning and intelligence. Realizing he had messed with the wrong person, he covered his face and stayed silent.

“You’re puffing up like you’re not convinced, huh?” Brother Wei pointed at Zhou Zhenghao’s nose and scolded, “Master Jiang is a guest of honor, a friend, and a benefactor of the old master! How dare you mess with him? Are you tired of living? One call from Secretary Tang, and you’ll be kicked out of Linzhou by tomorrow!”

Zhou Zhenghao shuddered, cold sweat pouring down his back. He stammered, “What? He’s a friend of Tang Lao?”

This was beyond unbelievable!

In his mind, the people who associated with the old master were either high-ranking officials, retired generals with stars on their shoulders, or renowned martial arts masters in their sixties. But this young man in his early twenties…

How could this be possible?

“You don’t believe me? Should I call Tang Lao over to introduce you to Master Jiang?” Brother Wei’s cold, sharp voice cut through the air.

“No, no! I wouldn’t dare! Brother Wei, this is all just a misunderstanding!” Zhou Zhenghao, though still baffled, turned to Jiang Tian with a pitiful expression. “Master Jiang, please forgive me. I was blind and foolish. Spare me this once.”

“Spare you? Who am I to do that? Didn’t you just say that in terms of connections, power, and background, I’m no match for you?” Jiang Tian smiled faintly, picking up a grape and carefully peeling it before popping it into his mouth.

Smack!

Zhou Zhenghao slapped himself hard across the face, tears welling up in his eyes as he begged, “Master Jiang, I was blind and foolish. I spoke out of turn. Please, spare me this once. I’ll never dare to cross you again!”

Everyone in the room was dumbfounded.

Zhou Zhenghao was a dominant figure in the West District, even in all of Linzhou. He had connections and influence everywhere. Yet here he was, slapping himself and begging for mercy in front of Jiang Tian. It was surreal.

The crowd was utterly confused.

Who was this Brother Wei who dared to slap Zhou Zhenghao? And who was this “Tang Lao” he kept mentioning?

“This isn’t just about whether you’ve offended me or not, Zhou Zhenghao. I’ve heard of your reputation long before today. And now that I’ve seen you in action, I can confirm it’s well-deserved. Bullying the weak, twisting right and wrong—is this how you always operate? People call you a big shot, but to me, you’re nothing but scum! Your behavior is a disgrace to Tang Lao and the Tang family!”

Jiang Tian sneered. “Should I tell Tang Lao exactly how you conduct yourself?”

Sister Dongdong, who knew the inside story, felt a pang of despair. Was today the end of Zhou Zhenghao?

Zhou Zhenghao was desperate. Suddenly, he rushed over to Zhao Qianru and knelt down with a thud.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Qianru took a step back, startled.

Zhou Zhenghao was on the verge of tears, pleading, “Miss, you’re Master Jiang’s girlfriend, right? Please, put in a good word for me. I was wrong!”

“You’ve got it wrong. I’m not his girlfriend!” Zhao Qianru’s face flushed red.

“But you can still speak for me! Please, spare my life!” Zhou Zhenghao continued to slap himself, his pitiful state on full display as he begged.

Girls tend to have softer hearts. Zhao Qianru tugged at Jiang Tian’s sleeve and whispered, “Brother-in-law, let it go. He looks so pitiful.”

At this moment, everything felt surreal to her.

This powerful underworld figure, who had just been forcing her into a humiliating situation, was now trembling like a child in front of Jiang Tian.

No, more like a mangy dog. She was sure if she stuck out her toe, he’d lick it without hesitation.

And what was this about him being “Master Jiang”?

Zhao Qianru looked at Jiang Tian’s tall figure. There was something indescribable about him now.

Yes, it was an aura—the aura of someone in a position of power.

At this moment, he stood like a towering mountain, shielding her protectively under his wings.

This feeling of being protected was truly, truly wonderful.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you. Let’s go.”

In his past life, Jiang Tian had experienced countless battles and betrayals in the outer realms. He had seen the darkest and most malicious sides of humanity. People far more ruthless and evil than Zhou Zhenghao were nothing new to him.

He wasn’t particularly angry. All he wanted was for Zhou Zhenghao to submit and not dare to seek revenge.

With his goal achieved, Jiang Tian had no interest in lingering. He took Zhao Qianru’s hand and walked out of the private room.

As for Fatty Cheng, he didn’t even spare him a glance.

“I’ll deal with you later!” Brother Wei glared fiercely at Zhou Zhenghao before hurrying after Jiang Tian.

“Get out!” Zhou Zhenghao waved his hand, dismissing his lackeys from the room.

Once everyone had left, Zhou Zhenghao collapsed onto the sofa like a pile of mud, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. “Oh my god, that was terrifying! So scary!”

He turned to Fatty Cheng with a stern expression, his anger flaring. “Remember this: from now on, if you see Master Jiang, stay the hell out of his way! And that million you owe him? Pay it back immediately! Don’t cause me any more trouble!”

“What the hell, Brother Hao? Who is that guy? Why are you so scared? Can’t we just stall? A million’s no small amount!” Fatty Cheng complained, clearly not understanding the gravity of the situation.

Zhou Zhenghao, who had nearly ruined his career today and felt like he wanted to die, suddenly found a burst of energy. He leapt up like a lion pouncing on its prey and kicked Fatty Cheng square in the ribs.

“Ouch!” Fatty Cheng yelped, falling face-first onto the floor.

It seemed that in this critical moment, Zhou Zhenghao had miraculously regained the fighting skills of his younger, thuggish days.

As Fatty Cheng groaned and tried to get up, cursing under his breath, “Brother Hao, have you lost your mind? Why the hell did you kick me?”

Zhou Zhenghao, feeling like the world was against him, wanted to break down and cry. Hearing Fatty Cheng’s words only fueled his rage. He lunged forward and kicked Fatty Cheng in the face. “You’re the one who’s lost his mind! You’re nothing but a curse on me!”