Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 80

“Who is this girl? How dare she speak to Young Master Liu and Miss Fu like that…” A low-tier rich kid sneered disdainfully.

Tang Linglong was deeply devoted to martial arts and kept a low profile, rarely attending social gatherings. As a result, many didn’t recognize her.

A companion who did recognize her immediately clamped a hand over the rich kid’s mouth, his face pale with fear. “That’s the Tang Family’s princess! Do you have a death wish?”

“W-What? That’s Tang Linglong?!” The young man’s face drained of color, his body trembling.

The Tang Family was the most prestigious in Linzhou, and her father was the city’s Party Secretary. Who here could possibly compare to her status?

“Miss Tang! What an honor to have you here! I apologize for not greeting you properly!” Fu Lankun was both shocked and flattered that Tang Linglong had attended her birthday party.

“Miss Tang, I never dreamed you’d come to my birthday celebration! I’m truly touched—please, take the seat of honor!”

She rushed forward, hands outstretched, practically ready to kneel and kiss Tang Linglong’s feet to show her reverence.

Among Linzhou’s elite socialites, Tang Linglong was undisputedly number one—the beloved daughter of the Party Secretary, the Tang Family’s treasured princess, and the one most favored by Old Master Tang.

Fu Lankun, on the other hand, had only climbed the social ladder through flattery and connections, barely qualifying as the club’s deputy director. In terms of real influence? She wasn’t even fit to polish Tang Linglong’s shoes.

“Oh, it’s your birthday today? I didn’t know…”

To Fu Lankun’s shock, Tang Linglong breezed past her as if she were nothing but polluted air, not even sparing her a glance.

Fu Lankun stood frozen, mouth agape, as she watched Tang Linglong stride straight to Jiang Tian’s side, bowing respectfully with a smile.

“Mr. Jiang, I’ve come to celebrate Sister Xueqing’s birthday!”

Jiang Tian leisurely lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag without responding.

Tang Linglong presented an ornate box, opening it to reveal a delicate white jade pendant.

“Sister Xueqing, this is a piece of Hetian jade I purchased in Hong Kong. It’s no match for the talismans Mr. Jiang crafts, but it’s a token of my family’s sincerity. I hope you’ll accept it.”

Fu Lankun’s face burned with humiliation.

She had assumed Tang Linglong came for her sake—only to realize she was here for Zhao Xueqing.

Gasps erupted through the crowd.

Tang Linglong, the untouchable Tang heiress, was personally congratulating an unknown like Zhao Xueqing?

And that pendant—its flawless clarity and smooth texture marked it as an antique of extraordinary value.

“That jade…”

The guests, all well-versed in luxury, immediately recognized its worth.

“I remember now! This was auctioned at Christie’s Hong Kong last year—a Han Dynasty relic worth at least 10 million yuan!” someone exclaimed.

“My God, that’s the price of several supercars!” a businessman marveled.

“Miss Tang gifted her something that extravagant?” The crowd was stunned.

“Honey, this is too much… Is it really okay?” Zhao Xueqing hesitated, glancing at Jiang Tian.

“If you like it, keep it,” Jiang Tian replied indifferently.

The Tang Family owed him an immeasurable debt—a mere jade pendant was nothing in comparison.

Suddenly, another group entered the hall.

Leading them was a man in his thirties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses—exuding both scholarly elegance and an intimidating aura. Behind him followed several distinguished middle-aged men.

“That’s Long Gaitian—Young Master Long!” The crowd buzzed in shock.

Long Gaitian, the underground prince of Linzhou, commanded a fortune in the billions, rivaling even Liu Tianle. Ruthless and shrewd, he had successfully laundered the Longwei Group into legitimacy. Every wealthy heir here feared him.

“Madam Jiang…” Long Gaitian approached swiftly, presenting an extravagant gift.

“I didn’t bring much, but this is a rare ‘tiger’s head gold’ nugget from my mining company. It’s not worth much, but the shape is unique. Wishing you everlasting youth and prosperity!”

The crowd erupted again, their disbelief mounting.

Long Gaitian—the mafia scion, a top-five elite in Linzhou’s circles—was bowing to an obscure woman like Zhao Xueqing?

“Mr. Jiang, forgive the intrusion. I’ll take my leave now.”

Once Zhao Xueqing accepted the gift, Long Gaitian clasped his hands in deference and exited swiftly with his entourage.

“Why would they treat Zhao Xueqing with such respect?” Fu Lankun’s mind raced, her gaze eventually settling on Jiang Tian.

He sat calmly, unfazed, as if everything unfolding was expected.

She had seen Long Gaitian kneel to Jiang Tian earlier. Then Lu Biyao tried to toast him. Now Long Gaitian had come bearing gifts. If she still couldn’t connect the dots, she wouldn’t be Fu Lankun.

“They’re doing this for Jiang Tian.”

“But how? What power does he hold to command Lu Biyao’s admiration, Long Gaitian’s submission, and Tang Linglong’s reverence?”

Her face flushed with humiliation. Tonight was supposed to be her triumph—yet she had been utterly overshadowed.

“Madam Jiang! And little sister Qianru! I brought you Diamond VIP cards for the Imperial Club—free access anytime!”

Zhou Zhenghao scurried in next, grinning obsequiously as he handed over the cards.

“Hmph! As if I’d want your dirty money!” Zhao Qianru snapped, glaring.

Zhou Zhenghao broke into a cold sweat, bowing repeatedly in apology.

The onlookers were speechless.

Zhou Zhenghao, the feared overlord of the West District, was being scolded like a dog—and apologizing?

“Where’s Madam Jiang?”

“Happy birthday, Madam Jiang! May you enjoy eternal youth!”

Zheng Li arrived next, leading a procession of tycoons who piled gifts into a small mountain—including the keys to a luxury sports car worth millions.

“The CEO of Huanhai Real Estate!”

“The chairman of Huanyu Pharmaceuticals!”

The crowd was shell-shocked.

Even Liu Tianle couldn’t stay seated, his heart pounding.

Fu Lankun’s face twisted with envy and shame. Just moments ago, she had basked in her party’s success—but compared to Zhao Xueqing’s reception, hers looked like a pauper’s gathering.

Tang Linglong leaned in, whispering apologetically, “Master, was there some trouble earlier? My fault—I should’ve warned them in advance.”

“No matter,” Jiang Tian replied, his eyes flicking to Fu Lankun.

“Miss Fu here just tried to kick me out—and threatened to revoke Xueqing’s membership.”

Fu Lankun’s blood ran cold.

“Miss Tang, please let me explain—”

“Fu Lankun, how dare you disrespect my honored guest?” Tang Linglong’s voice was icy.

“No explanations. I’ll report this to my mother. Consider your position here terminated.”

Fu Lankun’s world collapsed. She shot a desperate look at Liu Tianle, praying he’d intervene.

But Liu Tianle was too busy sweating bullets.

From the moment Tang Linglong appeared, his confidence had shattered. Seeing her defer to Jiang Tian was the final blow.

This was the Tang Family’s princess—the daughter of the Party Secretary!

Even his father would have to grovel in her presence.

His father, an aging mayor, was nothing compared to Tang Weimin, a rising political star backed by Old Master Tang.

Swallowing hard, Liu Tianle forced a smile.

“Miss Tang, Mr. Jiang… This was all just a misunderstanding—”

“I told you to get lost.”

Jiang Tian stood, casually stubbing his half-smoked cigarette into Liu Tianle’s breast pocket—pressing down until the man winced in pain.

Then, with slow, mocking pats to Liu Tianle’s cheek, Jiang Tian smiled.

“Now… get lost.”

Cold. Cruel. Arrogant. Unyielding.

Liu Tianle’s pride shattered instantly.

Humiliated beyond measure, his hatred burned—but Jiang Tian’s overwhelming presence stifled any retaliation.

Face dark with fury, he stormed out without another word.

“All of you—out. This space belongs to Mr. Jiang and Miss Zhao now.” Tang Linglong’s gaze swept over Fu Lankun.

“Y-Yes, right away!” Fu Lankun stammered, scrambling to leave.

Not a soul dared protest. The hall emptied in moments, leaving only Jiang Tian’s group behind.

Outside the Banquet Hall

“That bastard!”

Once in the hallway, Liu Tianle finally exploded, kicking a porcelain vase to shards.

“Young Master Liu, control yourself,” a manager snapped, unimpressed.

The club’s backer was Chen Xin—the Party Secretary’s wife. They had zero reason to fear Liu Tianle.

Glaring at the smirking staff, Liu Tianle stormed off.

Spotting Fu Lankun and Lu Biyao, he growled, “Jiang Tian’s supposed to be a lunatic! How does he know Tang Linglong, Long Gaitian, and Zhou Zhenghao?”

“Maybe it’s the Jiang Family’s influence… Long Gaitian once kneeled to him,” Fu Lankun muttered, still dazed.

“Biyao, why do you respect Jiang Tian so much?” Liu Tianle pressed.

Lu Biyao scoffed. “He’s handsome. I like him. Compared to him, you’re worthless.”

With that, she walked off without a backward glance.

Before the Blue Whale’s underground fights, she might’ve answered honestly.

But now? She’d seen Jiang Tian’s true power. Why bother with a loser who’d offended him?

“That bitch!” Liu Tianle’s face purpled with rage.

As they exited the club, a black Mercedes SUV pulled up beside them.

The window rolled down, revealing Long Gaitian, cigarette in hand.

“Young Master Liu… Got humiliated, huh?”

“L-Long Shao,” Fu Lankun stammered, “why does everyone respect Jiang Tian so much?”

Long Gaitian exhaled smoke, smirking.

“Some questions are better left unanswered.”

With that, the window rolled up, and the car drove off.