Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Devoted Fan

Page (1/3)

Those words were certainly not good news to Jiang Xiaotian’s ears.

“Damn it, I knew that old bastard was up to something!” he muttered under his breath, feeling disgusted with the Zhao family, while secretly scheming against them.

However, Master Lin didn’t seem to hold much status within the Zhao family. After just a couple of words, he was asked to leave—probably because they feared too many eyes might cause unexpected trouble.

Jiang Xiaotian followed Master Lin, curious about his next move, only to find the old man heading straight back to the hotel.

His own strength was too low; Jiang Xiaotian didn’t bother to hide his presence along the way, yet Master Lin failed to notice him.

Moreover, this old man was truly a two-faced character—in front of the Zhao family, he was obsequious and servile, but back at the hotel, he regained his former arrogance, appearing utterly aloof, much like an internet troll.

Though Jiang Xiaotian uncovered his secret, he didn’t want to alert the enemy. He was curious to see what kind of scheme the Zhao family could hatch by allying with such a useless figure.

After all, once the treasure hunt began, the place would be swarming with people. If the Zhao family acted recklessly, they risked offending everyone.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiaotian decided not to overthink it—the truth would reveal itself in time.

He swaggered back to his room, ready to rest, when a sudden, urgent knock startled him.

Opening the door, he was surprised to see Wang Xuening. Scratching his head, he wasn’t keen to get involved with her, so he mimicked her tone: “What do you want?”

Wang Xuening immediately exploded: “Jiang Dali! Are you looking for trouble? How dare you treat me like that! And you even hung up on me!”

Jiang Xiaotian was stunned—women could truly be terrifying!

He hurriedly explained that he was busy at the time, but Wang Xuening was furious. She had been inexplicably scolded and then had her call abruptly ended, and now he had the audacity to imitate her!

This man was utterly unreasonable!

Without warning, she unleashed a flurry of punches, catching Jiang Xiaotian off guard. He never expected her to be so serious and was soon howling in pain.

By the time Wang Xuening was satisfied, Jiang Xiaotian was near tears, wondering how he had ended up with such a violent girl. He had always thought she was rational before, but now he realized that a rational woman was still a woman—when angry, she was something else entirely. (This was mainly a description of my girlfriend, haha.)

Actually, Wang Xuening was also angry for another reason: “Do you know why so many people wanted you gone, but I never agreed?”

Jiang Xiaotian touched his injured mouth and made a pitiful face: “Enough said—just kick me out!”

Wang Xuening clicked her tongue, about to hit him again, but Jiang Xiaotian quickly backed off.

“You’re called Jiang Dali, a name very similar to someone else.”

“Who?”

“Jiang Xiaotian!” Wang Xuening’s eyes shone with admiration when she said the name. “He’s my idol.”

Jiang Xiaotian blinked, almost bursting into laughter.

Page (2/3)

He never expected this guy to be his fan!

But when he laughed, Wang Xuening grew annoyed and retaliated with another barrage of punches, leaving her idol battered and bewildered.

“Don’t you recognize him? He’s the top fighter of the Linhai Martial Arts Tournament. For such a small place to produce such a young warrior—he’s reached the pinnacle of external force and even defeated someone at the initial stage of internal force! So cool, my goodness!”

Wang Xuening, caught up in admiration, suddenly realized her outburst and quickly cleared her throat.

“I’m telling you this because you’re about the same age and your names are similar. You should be like him—a strong person—not acting stubborn and foolish! Look, who in our family even likes you?” Wang Xuening sighed. Honestly, she didn’t know why she was venting to Jiang Xiaotian; the man gave her a strange feeling.

Jiang Xiaotian didn’t understand her sudden outburst either, but couldn’t deny it was amusing—how unexpected that Wang Xuening, usually so serious, was secretly his fangirl!

“Jiang Xiaotian, huh? I’ve heard of him—an amazing and handsome guy. I even thought you were going to say you were him!”

Jiang Xiaotian said with glee, feeling a bit disgusted by himself.

Wang Xuening showed a deeply disgusted expression and stepped several paces away: “You’re shameless... and you still go by Jiang Xiaotian?”

He shrugged: “Maybe I am. Didn’t you say our names are similar? Jiang Xiaotian, Jiang Dali—maybe it’s just my alias.”

She clicked her tongue and shook her head: “Really, Jiang Dali, I knew you were shameless, but not to this extent! Don’t insult my idol—I truly admire Jiang Xiaotian. Someone like you, claiming an alias, or ‘maybe’—if you were Jiang Xiaotian, I’d strip naked and dance on a pole for you without hesitation!”

Wang Xuening nearly laughed. She was a conservative girl, and such absurd words only came out because Jiang Xiaotian had provoked her.

But at this moment, Jiang Xiaotian wore a meaningful smile and even narrowed his eyes to scrutinize her.

“Ah, I can’t believe I’m actually babbling with you. Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you. The treasure hunt is about to begin. Let me remind you, if you cause trouble, we’re not responsible. So behave yourself, stick with the main group, and obey Master Lin’s commands, understood?” Wang Xuening didn’t want to waste more time and quickly finished before leaving.

Jiang Xiaotian smiled and nodded, his fondness for the girl rising several degrees.

She wasn’t a bad person after all. Whatever her reasons, at least she had come to inform him personally.

After Wang Xuening left, Jiang Xiaotian stroked his chin with a mischievous grin: “Pole dancing, huh~”

...

Long City, Zhao Family.

The Zhao family villa was nestled in the northern district of Long City, a bustling urban area. Their estate was especially eye-catching.

The Zhao family had existed for many years. Even ordinary people unfamiliar with martial arts knew of them—they were part of Long City’s culture.

Now, the grand estate was filled with joyous energy; smiles adorned every face.

For others, they still had to study the treasure hunt, but for the Zhao family, victory was assured.

Zhao Zheng felt various unfamiliar powers coursing through his body, unable to hide his excitement.

“I wonder if Jiang Xiaotian will come. If he sees me, would he be shocked?” Zhao Zheng smiled darkly, eyes filled with cruelty.

Page (3/3)

It was he who had humiliated himself before, forcing one of Long City’s three great families to flee in panic. This score had to be settled!

As he spoke, a figure clad in black suddenly appeared before him.

The man wore a strange mask, moving without a trace—like a phantom who never truly existed.

He was the Zhao family’s foundation, a true master of divine force: Shadow.

Shadow knelt on one knee before Zhao Zheng, awaiting orders.

Zhao Zheng cupped his fist: “Shadow, the upcoming operation depends on you. We must secure the treasure!”

Shadow nodded solemnly, then vanished into the night.

Zhao Zheng took a deep breath and led several others to a certain house.

Though proud and dominant, his expression was somewhat tense.

The next moment, the haughty Zhao Zheng surprisingly knelt down.

“Sir! I am Zhao Zheng. Everything has been arranged!”

The door opened just a crack, clearly allowing only Zhao Zheng inside.

Hesitant, he stepped in.

Inside sat a hunched old man in a chair, his entire head covered by tattered black cloth. His withered limbs were frightening, as if he were no longer human.

“Sir, are you sure the treasure in the city park will allow me to destroy the Ouyang family?”

“Heh... heh...” The old man emitted a hoarse laugh.

“Child... do you know who left that treasure behind?”

Zhao Zheng shook his head; he did not.

The old man waved his hand, and countless gusts of sand surged toward Zhao Zheng, settling on the ground to form a painting.

Zhao Zheng frowned as he looked closely.

“Sir, is this... a dragon?”