Chapter Fifty-Six: The Azure Dragon's Wrath

As he watched the scene unfold, Xiao Tianci couldn’t help but secretly approve—truly, the bond between siblings ran deep. Yet, on second thought, he found himself both amused and exasperated. Was it really necessary to make things so solemn? It was as if they were parting forever, as though life and death hung in the balance—was it truly that serious? He hadn’t even done anything to her; she’d lost a bet to him, and he’d let her off fairly lightly. As for making her strip down to just three pieces—that hardly warranted such drama. Honestly, he didn’t think of himself as particularly forward-thinking, but even he felt there was nothing much to it. Could it be that her brother was an old-fashioned relic?

Qinglong strode forward and stopped about ten steps away from them. Xiao Tianci gently patted Fang Meng, signaling him to step aside, and then took a step forward himself.

At this moment, his expression and mood were remarkably calm—the result of years of battle-hardened experience. No matter what happened, or what kind of enemy he faced, strong or weak, he always remained composed.

Before Xiao Tianci could speak, Qinglong bowed first and said, “I sincerely apologize. My younger sister is young and reckless. If she has offended you in any way, I offer you my apologies on her behalf.”

“So that earlier posture was meant for a desperate fight… Ah, he’s following the custom of courtesy before force.” Xiao Tianci returned the courtesy with a gracious smile. “Not at all, not at all, Mr. Qinglong. You are too kind. It was just a small misunderstanding. In fact, I was hoping to explain it to both you and Miss Fire Phoenix. I’ve just come from the casino and haven’t had the chance yet.”

Both parties knew perfectly well what had transpired, and after these few polite exchanges, Qinglong’s voice grew grave. “Mr. Xiao, your family is powerful and influential—I do not deny it. But my sister and I have relied on each other since we were young. She may be a little mischievous and hot-tempered, but she would never cause trouble without reason. I don’t know how she offended you, Master of the Xiao family, but if she truly made a mistake, if she lost money—no matter how much—as long as we live, we will never renege on a debt. If she was injured in a fight, that’s another matter; in our line of work, we risk our lives for money, and if she was defeated, it’s her own lack of skill. However…” At this, Qinglong’s eyes flashed with a chilling light, his voice as cold as ice, “you should not have treated her so. She is a woman. By humiliating my sister, you have also disgraced the Xiao family. Today, I, Qinglong, am here to seek justice for my sister.”

Given his formidable size and reputation—bolstered by Fang Meng’s account of his exploits—Xiao Tianci had expected Qinglong to charge in, ready to fight to the death. That he had begun with an apology was already a surprise; now, hearing these words, Xiao Tianci silently nodded in approval. Well said. Looking at him earlier, he was clearly prepared for a desperate battle, yet he was still able to speak so rationally—this was not a man to be underestimated.

Xiao Tianci spread his hands and smiled. “Come now, Qinglong, is it really that serious? I think you’re making too much of it. Besides, I didn’t do anything! It was all in jest… perhaps I went a little too far, but nothing really happened to her—if anything, she should be thanking me.”

Xiao Tianci assumed that Fire Phoenix had already told Qinglong everything. His words expressed the idea of accepting the outcome of a bet, and though the forfeit might have gone a little too far, it was merely stripping down to three items—hardly something to make such a fuss over. Yet, Qinglong was only speculating based on what he knew. He had pieced together some things, but was unaware of the whole story.

Hearing this, Qinglong threw his head back and laughed wildly. “Ha… ha… ha… Well, it seems all rich people are the same. To think I held the Xiao family in such esteem, but it turns out it’s nothing at all to you wealthy types. Today, even if you were the Emperor himself, I, Qinglong, would still fight you.”

The existence of the Xiao family was an open secret among the upper echelons, its notoriety depending on one’s connections. Qinglong had only recently learned of them, as his rapid ascent in the international mercenary world brought him into the circles of influential people—even the legendary King of Soldiers had tried to recruit him. Yet, Qinglong was ambitious and did not accept.

Perhaps because they were both Chinese, he and the King of Soldiers got along well. They spent a month together studying martial arts. For most modern people, martial arts were a relic of the past, confined to novels and TV dramas. But, just like the existence of the Xiao family, many things persisted even if people were unaware. Over time, every country had developed its own secret methods, integrating traditional martial prowess with modern forces. Such power was usually held by governments or powerful families, and the evolving lethal techniques had different names in different cultures. Among the Chinese, they were called martial arts.

It was from the King of Soldiers that Qinglong learned of the Xiao family. The King of Soldiers, a legendary figure among mercenaries, had dominated the mercenary rankings for decades. His Death God Mercenary Corps was the largest in the world, and among its ranks, three more occupied the fourth, fifth, and ninth spots on the leaderboards. Their strength was formidable—given enough money, they could overturn or suppress small nations at will.

During their time together, the King of Soldiers spoke highly of the Xiao family, especially Xiao Lin, expressing deep admiration. At the time, Qinglong didn’t understand what the Xiao family did that would earn such respect from a man who looked down on presidents and generals alike.

The old soldier simply told him that Xiao Lin was the true power behind Sino-American affairs, the one who made technology truly serve the people and brought countless benefits to his homeland and the Third World.

Though Qinglong didn’t know all the details, he greatly admired the deeds of the Xiao family. That was why he had come here with such an attitude. Now, hearing Xiao Tianci’s words, convinced that his suspicions were correct and angered by Xiao’s demeanor, he could no longer restrain his fury.

At this moment, his gaze no longer lingered on Xiao Tianci—who easily saw the contempt in his eyes as they shifted away. Qinglong knew Xiao Tianci was just an ordinary man; his real adversary was King Kong Fang Meng, the only one capable of stopping him. Knowing this, Qinglong had made the worst possible preparations.

He pulled a pair of gloves from the pouch at his waist and slipped them on. The gloves gleamed with metallic luster, and each fingertip was crafted like an elongated alloy nail, sharp and glinting coldly.

A fierce fighting spirit surged forth. Though Xiao Tianci knew nothing of martial arts, he still felt as if a blade were pressed to his throat—the same threat the razor-sharp gloves of Qinglong posed, ready to strike at any moment.

With a heavy step, Fang Meng stomped forward, his foot thudding against the ground. In that instant, Xiao Tianci no longer felt threatened at all.

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