Volume One: Entering the City for the First Time Chapter Thirty-Nine: Dong Xingteng’s Breaking Point

“Is everyone here?” Emperor Ao stood in Xu Anxuan’s hospital room and asked.

Hearing the captain's question, Xia Rong quickly checked the headcount and replied, “Everyone’s here except for Dong Xingteng.”

“Dong Xingteng? Forget it. If he doesn’t want to come, just leave him be.” Emperor Ao waved a hand dismissively, then turned to the newcomers present. “Given what happened last night, we’ve decided to split the veteran members into two teams.”

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Emperor Ao slowly laid out the plan for what would come next.

Just as the group was about to disperse, Fang Hao suddenly spoke up, “Why would Dong Xingteng not show up? From his past behavior, it’s clear he’s the type who clings to life at all costs.”

The group around Xiao Wen looked displeased at first; unlike Fang Hao, they didn’t have the privilege of veteran protection—every competitor they could eliminate was to their benefit. But then they paused in thought.

“You make a good point. Does he have something up his sleeve, so much so that he even dares to ignore the words of the veteran members?” Xiao Wen wondered aloud.

Emperor Ao’s expression twitched, and he exchanged a glance with Mad Blade. The two nodded to each other, then Emperor Ao led the newcomers toward Dong Xingteng’s company building, leaving Li Xinran behind to look after Xu Anxuan.

As soon as they entered the company lobby, the receptionist greeted them politely, “Good afternoon. May I help you?”

“We’re here for Dong Xingteng. Tell him to come down and see me,” Emperor Ao said coldly.

The staffer was taken aback by Emperor Ao’s demeanor and sized the group up. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Never mind, we’ll find him ourselves,” Mad Blade said, tossing out his credentials and heading straight for the elevator.

Mad Blade kicked open the door to Dong Xingteng’s office. Behind them, a staff member and several security guards tried to push past Emperor Ao’s team to intervene.

Inside the spacious office, Lu Yi immediately saw Dong Xingteng sitting in his executive chair, while a flustered female employee rushed out of the room. Only then did the security guards manage to squeeze in.

“That’ll be all. You can leave now,” Dong Xingteng waved the guards away before turning to Emperor Ao and the others. “If I’m not mistaken, we met not long ago via video conference. I recall you said you belonged to some unheard-of department. So, what’s this about, barging into my company with such a spectacle?”

“Dong Xingteng, how can you talk like that? Without their protection, do you really think you’d be able to handle this mission on your own?” Lu Ningyu was visibly displeased with Dong Xingteng’s attitude.

“Oh, a few more of my fellow survivors. Tell me, why live so meekly? There were more than a dozen of us at the start, and now only six of you stand before me. Do you think sticking with them will really keep you alive?” Dong Xingteng flicked the ash from his cigarette as he spoke.

“So you do have something backing you up,” Xiao Wen said from the crowd.

“Haha, you could say that. In the end, your life is your own responsibility,” Dong Xingteng replied with narrowed eyes and a chuckle.

“Hmph, let’s see what you’re relying on.” Before Mad Blade’s words had faded, a blade of energy shot from his sword.

Bang—the side door to the office flew open, and a middle-aged man leapt to stand before Dong Xingteng. With a wave of his hand, he shattered Mad Blade’s attack.

It’s him. Lu Yi’s gaze sharpened; this was the very Master Cui he’d visited before.

“I’ve heard of your department for handling special incidents, but you’re not the only ones in this world who can deal with such matters. We’re responsible for Mr. Dong’s safety. I suggest you all leave and mind your own business.” Master Cui’s tone was forceful, and as he finished, a surge of energy burst forth, as if to intimidate the group.

“So you’re Emperor Ao? I’ve heard of you—a fresh recruit. There are many strong people in this world. No one’s survival hinges on your protection.” The cold words from another figure made the smile on Dong Xingteng’s face grow even broader.

“Excellent. I’ve been wanting to test the caliber of others,” Mad Blade laughed and immediately clashed with Master Cui. Explosive sounds filled the room, and soon two more people emerged to stand protectively beside Dong Xingteng.

Lu Yi was shocked to see how quickly Dong Xingteng had gathered several masters; he couldn’t help but worry.

In the flurry of movement, Mad Blade and Master Cui exchanged several blows before Mad Blade forced his way through the defenses, pressing his blade to the man’s throat. “You’ve got some skill, but you’re still lacking,” Mad Blade teased, tapping the man’s face with the flat of his sword before sheathing it.

Mad Blade glanced at the two who now stood by Dong Xingteng.

“So, even a newcomer has such prowess?” one of them remarked, stepping forward eagerly, fists clenched, shoulders squared.

Mad Blade grinned widely. “This room’s too cramped; I can’t really stretch my legs.”

“Planning to run?” the man sneered.

“Come now, no need for provocation. If someone hands me their face, I’ve never been shy about giving them a lesson.” Mad Blade wagged a finger. “One move—I’ll have you sent back to be waited on.” With that, he gripped his sword hilt.

His aura surged rapidly, even Emperor Ao looked surprised.

“I’m going to strike now—don’t go dying on me,” Mad Blade said with a mocking smile. Without waiting for his momentum to peak, he drew his sword, sending a condensed blade of energy straight at his opponent.

The man’s expression changed drastically. “Help me!” he shouted, throwing everything into blocking the attack. Master Cui and the other man were equally alarmed, and the three of them together still couldn’t withstand the force. They were driven back by the blade energy, gouging six long marks into the floorboards.

Dong Xingteng’s composure had long since vanished; he was pale and drenched in sweat.

Lu Yi shot Mad Blade a deep look, then exchanged glances with Fang Hao. Fang Hao smiled faintly and shook his head. Lu Yi understood perfectly—this was the challenge Fang Hao had mentioned. This mission was bound to become deadly enough to take out even a veteran, and the middle-aged man had just been felled by Mad Blade in a matter of moments. Even if Lu Yi and Fang Hao did nothing, Dong Xingteng’s fate was sealed.

“No, we can’t hold out!” the middle-aged man shouted. At that moment, an elder in coarse linen rushed in from behind Lu Yi and the others, stepping directly in front of Dong Xingteng.

The elder placed his hand on the energy blade, and what the combined force of several men couldn’t stop, he shattered in an instant. The violent energy surged through the room.

“Fall back.” Lu Yi was bracing himself against the force when Fang Hao suddenly spoke over the team channel. Lu Yi quickly understood his intention and let himself be swept to the floor by the blast.

When the storm finally subsided, only Mad Blade, Emperor Ao, the elder in coarse linen, and Dong Xingteng—sitting behind his now shattered desk—were left standing. The documents that had been on the desk were nothing but fragments.

Mad Blade licked his lips. “Not bad. There’s no fun in just playing bodyguard,” he said, pointing his sword at the elder. “Let’s have a proper match when you have time.”

But the elder paid him no mind. Calling it dull, Mad Blade left on his own.

Emperor Ao looked from Mad Blade’s departing figure to the elder standing before Dong Xingteng. Lacking Mad Blade’s power, he could only offer a few polite words and then led the group away.

Downstairs, everyone went their separate ways. As Fang Hao brushed past Lu Yi, he spoke over the team channel, “Be careful.” But then he paused, frowned at Lu Yi, and amended, “Pay attention to the one closest to you.”

Without waiting for any response, Fang Hao got into his car and drove off.

“The one closest to me?” Lu Yi frowned. Could he mean Li Xinran?