Chapter 128: Come Up With Ten Million

Lu Ming was a VIP guest of President Huo. If anything were to happen to him on his turf, the responsibility would fall squarely on him, and his career as general manager would likely be over. Qin Yuanjiu felt caught in the middle; he had to follow President Huo’s arrangements while also ensuring Lu Ming’s safety, leaving him feeling utterly stifled.

Zhao Huang glanced at Qin Yuanjiu and sneered, "Beat him." On his own ground, someone dared to challenge his authority; he had to punish this person severely no matter what.

Three of his subordinates charged at Lu Ming without hesitation. Lu Ming didn't even look at them, simply striking out with his palm through the air. An invisible force surged toward the three men. They were shocked and tried to dodge, but Lu Ming’s strike was not so easily evaded. The force hit the lead man instantly, sending him flying backward as if struck by a truck. He spat out a mouthful of blood and collided with the two men behind him, sending them sprawling to the floor, also coughing up blood.

The staff at Jiamei were left dumbfounded. Zhao Huang stood up abruptly, rapidly rotating the steel balls in his hands as he muttered, "An inner-martial arts expert. No wonder you’re so arrogant."

Lu Ming smiled. "You're too kind."

Zhao Huang narrowed his eyes. "You do have some skills, but this level of ability isn't enough to impress me." With that, the two steel balls in his hands flew toward Lu Ming like lightning. They trailed a white haze of internal energy, emitting a sharp whistle as they aimed straight for Lu Ming’s face. Zhao Huang himself was at the peak of the inner-martial realm and feared no ordinary master. In his view, Lu Ming was at most a beginner who had just entered the inner realm. These balls, forged from fine steel reinforced with cold iron, were much heavier than they appeared, and with his formidable internal energy, most martial artists would suffer under such an attack.

However, Lu Ming didn't even blink. He reached out and caught both fierce projectiles. With a gentle squeeze and rub of his hand, the two steel balls were reduced to fine powder, which drifted to the floor.

Not only were Qin Yuanjiu and his men stunned, but even Zhao Huang was shocked. This level of power was clearly beyond his own.

Lu Ming spoke up, "Now, take a strike from me." Sitting in his chair, he threw a seemingly casual punch into the air toward Zhao Huang. A transparent fist formed by internal energy shot from his hand. Zhao Huang was horrified; he sensed a terrifying force contained within that strike. Fearing he might be finished if he wasn't careful, he roared and crossed his arms in front of his chest. All his internal energy flooded into his arms, causing them to glow with a dazzling white light.

Lu Ming’s punch crashed into Zhao Huang’s arms. With a scream, Zhao Huang’s arms were forced apart and hung limp; the punch continued, striking his chest with undiminished force. Zhao Huang let out a cry as he was sent flying backward, slamming into the wall and creating a crater in the shape of a man before sliding to the ground.

Qin Yuanjiu and the others were speechless. Even the notorious Zhao Huang and his three subordinates—including the usually untouchable Bai Kun—had been defeated in a single strike. Lu Ming’s strength was beyond comprehension. They looked at him with a mix of respect and fear, viewing him as something akin to a monster.

Lu Ming walked over to Zhao Huang and stepped on his chest. "Damn it, an inner-martial artist daring to collect protection money from my people? You must be tired of living." He twisted his foot slightly, and Zhao Huang let out a shrill scream.

"Master, please spare me! I had no choice!"

Lu Ming sneered, "Tell me then, what choice did you have?"

Zhao Huang explained. A few days ago, an old enemy named Zhao Hu had resurfaced. The two had been rival gang leaders in the capital years ago, and after Zhao Huang had badly injured him, Zhao Hu had vanished. Ten years later, Zhao Hu had returned, possessing immense martial skill, and had wounded one of Zhao Huang’s best fighters in a single move. He had declared a duel to reclaim the title of the capital's top boss, a challenge now known throughout the Sichuan region.

Zhao Huang knew that Zhao Hu’s strength, now at the Xiantian realm, surpassed his own. Desperate, he sought to hire a master. The local martial families, the Yao and Wang families, were his only hope, but he couldn't afford a Grandmaster. He had hoped to hire a peak Xiantian expert. The Yao family was currently in turmoil and unreachable, so he turned to the Wang family. A peak Xiantian expert from the Wang family had agreed, but demanded thirty million in payment. Though Zhao Huang had made money over the years, he had many subordinates to feed and little left over. He had no choice but to raise his protection fees to meet the deadline.

After hearing this, Lu Ming snorted, lifted his foot, and sat back down. "Since you have a reason, I will spare you this time. If you ever target Jiamei again, I will not show mercy."

"Yes, yes! I won't dare!" Zhao Huang apologized profusely, acting like a frightened child.

Lu Ming waved him away. "Get out."

Zhao Huang scrambled toward the door. He had been miserable lately, first with the return of his powerful enemy and then meeting this monster, Lu Ming, who nearly killed him with one punch. As he reached the door, he turned back on impulse. "Mr. Lu, can you help me? I’ll pay you five million if you step in for me."

Lu Ming looked at him. "Didn't you already hire a peak Xiantian expert?"

"My enemy is also of the Xiantian realm," Zhao Huang explained. "I’m not sure if he's at the beginning or the peak. I’m worried the Wang family's master might fail. A master like you must also be in the Xiantian realm; with your help, I’d have a much better chance."

Lu Ming laughed. "You offered the Wang family expert thirty million, but only five million for me? You certainly have a low opinion of me."

Zhao Huang looked embarrassed. "That’s not it, Mr. Lu. I simply don't have any more money. I haven't even finished paying the Wang family's expert yet."

Lu Ming said slowly, "I can help, but it will cost ten million."

Zhao Huang’s face darkened, as he was truly broke. He had only paid the Wang expert twenty million so far. After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth. "Mr. Lu, could I pay five million now and the rest in a month?" His life was on the line; if he could survive and keep his position, he could always earn more money later.

Lu Ming nodded in agreement. Ten million was not a small sum, and he needed vast resources for his own cultivation. Seeing Lu Ming agree, Zhao Huang was overjoyed. "Thank you, Mr. Lu! The duel is tomorrow night. I will come to pick you up."

After Zhao Huang left, Qin Yuanjiu and the others stared at Lu Ming in stunned silence.