Chapter 114: A Sigh of Relief

His arrival brought silence to everyone present. Although he was younger than both Zhang Guodong and the man with the handlebar mustache, no one dared to underestimate him. Upon seeing him, the man with the mustache grew visibly uneasy.

However, Jiang Xiaotian rose in a fury, brandishing his sword as he charged straight at the newcomer!

He was the very person who had originally coerced him into masquerading as Ling Zhi’s disciple! He was the true disciple! Knowing that Ling Zhi’s cultivation techniques had fallen into the hands of Zhao Zheng and harmed so many, how could Jiang Xiaotian not be incensed?

It was this man who had dragged him into this chaotic whirlpool! Had he not agreed to his demands back then, had he not bowed for that meager sum of money, things would never have spiraled into their current state!

Driven by this, he struck without hesitation, determined to vent his frustration first!

But the man didn't even take him seriously. Before Jiang Xiaotian could get close, he felt his legs grow as heavy as lead, making it impossible to take another step!

"You brat, biting the hand that feeds you, are you?" With a wave of his hand, the divine sword was snatched from Jiang Xiaotian’s grip and fell to the ground, while Jiang Xiaotian himself stood rooted to the spot, unable to move.

"You’re Ling Zhi’s disciple!" Jiang Xiaotian glared at him viciously.

To everyone’s surprise, the languid man walked over and slapped the back of Jiang Xiaotian’s head: "Disciple of who? My name is Ling Tianzhi! I heard some old dog with a name similar to mine was up to no good, so I killed him. You actually believed that lie? You idiot!"

Jiang Xiaotian was stunned. He looked toward Zhang Guodong, who quickly began the introductions: "You two have met? Ha, no wonder. This is Ling Tianzhi, the Chief Director of the Falcon Group and my direct superior. Since you already know him, I won’t say more."

Huh? Jiang Xiaotian couldn't process this. This man wasn't Ling Zhi’s disciple, but Zhang Guodong’s boss?

"Then you..." he stammered, dumbfounded.

"What 'you' this and 'you' that? I lied to you, obviously. Otherwise, how would you have had the chance to join the Falcons? Oh, and Old Six, I’m the one who recommended this kid to Zhang Guodong and insisted on him joining. Do you have a problem with that?"

Ling Tianzhi scratched his messy hair and looked at the man with the mustache.

In the hierarchy, a higher rank carries absolute weight, and Ling Tianzhi was several levels above him. The previously overbearing man had to swallow his resentment, muttering and offering an awkward smile: "So it was Director Ling who recruited him. No wonder he’s so arrogant!"

As he spoke, he shot a hateful glare at Jiang Xiaotian.

However, Ling Tianzhi was determined to back Jiang Xiaotian, declaring loudly: "Oh, Old Six, what is wrong with you? You’ve lived more than half a lifetime; what’s the point of picking on a kid? Forget it, I’m the one who brought him here. Whatever mistakes he made are on me; go ahead and hit me instead."

Ling Tianzhi spread his hands, looking as if he were ready to face death.

Facing such a rogue, the man with the mustache was helpless. Not only was Ling Tianzhi his superior, but he was also no match for him in strength. What was there to fight about?

"Ha-ha, never mind, never mind. Since Director Ling has said so, it’s all just a misunderstanding. But about this sword..." The man with the mustache still held a sliver of hope.

Ling Tianzhi blinked, feigning a sudden realization: "Oh! Look at my memory; I almost forgot. Who? Who ended up with this sword?"

No one answered, but everyone turned their gaze toward Jiang Xiaotian. The implication was clear.

Ling Tianzhi wore a look of sudden enlightenment: "Ah! My memory really is failing me. Isn't this Jiang Xiaotian? Come, come, let’s congratulate him on his successful acquisition! He truly is the person I chose; he didn't let me down! The authorities keep their word—anyone who dares to try and snatch it again had better not blame me for being unkind!"

He was clearly pointing at the mulberry tree to scold the locust tree. Everyone knew who he was talking to, and the man with the mustache felt his lip twitch in utter frustration.

But how could he just let Jiang Xiaotian go?

He spoke up again: "He wounded my subordinates in the Falcon Group, severing one of their hands. That’s as good as crippling him. There must be an explanation for this, right?"

Ling Tianzhi clicked his tongue, feeling annoyed. This "Old Six" was truly a nuisance, one thing after another. Why did he hate Jiang Xiaotian so much?

He ordered those nearby to recount the sequence of events. To be fair, he asked several people. While the details varied slightly, the consensus was that Zhang Lan had used a woman as a hostage to seize the divine sword—it was despicable behavior!

Even though the Zhao family had tried to frame Jiang Xiaotian, the facts made Zhang Lan the true villain. The man with the mustache, unaware of the inside story, felt his heart sink. It was over.

As expected, Ling Tianzhi, who had initially seemed like a problem, frowned in disapproval: "So that’s it! How outrageous! To think the Falcon Group would produce such scum! Fine, since that’s the case, Jiang Xiaotian will be fined—let’s say a hefty sum of one thousand credits! As for Zhang Lan, his behavior was vile! But considering he has already been taught a lesson, expel him from the Falcon Group as a warning to others! And as for you, Old Six, you are demoted by one rank. Write a twenty-thousand-word self-criticism report. You brought such a person into the Falcons and, knowing his malicious nature, shielded him at every turn!"

The man with the mustache was stunned. Frowning, he chose to prioritize self-preservation: "Director Ling, you’ve misunderstood. I didn't know the actual situation. I didn't expect Zhang Lan to be so depraved. He deserves his punishment. Besides, we didn't arrange this; he participated in a personal capacity. It has nothing to do with me, but I accept the punishment!"

Ling Tianzhi chuckled: "I see. Then we’ll skip the demotion. Just go back and write that report for me."

He then looked at the crowd: "I, Ling Tianzhi, on behalf of the Dragon City martial arts community, acknowledge that Jiang Xiaotian has obtained the treasure here! According to the original rules, the treasure belongs to him. Furthermore, Jiang Xiaotian accidentally killed a Spirit-Grade martial artist who was acting in bad faith; that person was already due for sanction. Since Jiang Xiaotian is a member of the Falcon Group, he has achieved merit without fault. Go back and collect your reward!"

Ouyang family representatives expressed their agreement, and the Li family reluctantly followed suit. Only the Zhao family remained, but they had no heart left to fight.

Jiang Xiaotian finally exhaled, slinging the sword over his back, though he still looked at Ling Tianzhi with a strange expression.

"What’s with that look? You want another beating, brat?" Ling Tianzhi reached out as if to slap him again but suddenly stopped.

He felt someone staring at him, a terrifying sensation no less intense than that of the violent little girl.

Ling Tianzhi looked around and noticed a girl standing behind Zhang Guodong, whose aura was unlike anyone else's. After locking eyes with her for a split second, Ling Tianzhi immediately looked away, putting on a sunny smile: "Haha! How could I bear to hit you? I’m joking! You’re our hero, after all!"

Jiang Xiaotian didn't care to humor him; he ran over to Ling'er: "Sister Ling'er! Look!"

He gestured to the ancient sword on his back: "I won! I killed a Spirit-Grade martial artist. Isn't that awesome? I’m still in shock myself!"

Jiang Xiaotian, usually so arrogant and sparing with his words, was suddenly pouring his heart out, recounting everything that had happened with vivid enthusiasm.

Ling'er listened quietly, then patted his shoulder: "Not bad, not bad. You didn't disappoint me. Truly, you are yourself, hehe!"

For some reason, seeing Jiang Xiaotian achieve such success made her genuinely happy.

"Jiang Xiaotian! Thank you! If it weren't for you, my sister and I would have been finished! Sit down, let me treat your wounds!" Suddenly, a fragrant breeze drifted over. Ouyang Ziqian approached with a gentle voice, poking Jiang Xiaotian on the back.

She then noticed Ling'er. A girl’s innate sense of rivalry made Ouyang Ziqian wrinkle her nose: "Who is this..."

Before she could finish, another girl rushed over carrying a medical kit, looking anxious: "Brother Tian, Brother Tian! You’re neglecting your health again! Sister Ling'er, look at him! He’s covered in injuries! Come, come, move aside. Miss, please step back. I’m a military doctor; I’m going to provide emergency aid."

Qin Lulu said, nudging Ouyang Ziqian.

To everyone's surprise, the usually gentle and unassuming Ouyang Ziqian refused to budge: "Who are you? I’m a martial physician. Regular doctors can’t treat Jiang Xiaotian’s injuries; you’d better leave it to me!"

As they went back and forth, Ouyang Ziqian and Qin Lulu began to argue. Neither girl was truly malicious, but they were both blushing with agitation, a sight that the onlookers found quite amusing.

Jiang Xiaotian laughed along, but suddenly felt something was wrong. Why did his backside feel like it was burning?

Then, he heard Ling'er’s playful voice: "Hehe, not bad at all. Not only did you find a treasure, but you also picked up a beauty?"