Chapter Ninety-Six: Strengthening Our Power

Chapter Ninety-Six: Demonstrating Strength

Xiao Tianci had just regained consciousness when he found himself inexplicably battered by Fire Phoenix—who not only pelted him but also acted like a lecher, even splashing water on him. Amidst his frustration, Qinglong arrived; he had just learned that Xiao Tianci was awake and immediately hurried over.

Recalling what Jingang had said, Qinglong had been weighing his thoughts carefully and finally decided when he saw Xiao Tianci, “Boss…”

Like Chief Steward Lin Jian and the others, Qinglong was stunned after addressing Xiao Tianci as “Boss.” He saw Xiao Tianci drenched and barely able to rise, only managing to support himself with his hands while leaning on one side.

Hearing Qinglong’s voice, Xiao Tianci looked at him and said, “Qinglong, how have I offended your sister? I barely spoke to her just now, and look at what happened.”

Qinglong broke out in a cold sweat. His little sister had already been reprimanded, but it had no effect—once she got impulsive, she disregarded everything else.

Hastily, Qinglong took a towel and personally helped wipe Xiao Tianci clean. Xiao Tianci had no choice; his body felt like it was falling apart, and he could barely muster any strength. Qinglong carefully tended to him, helping change his clothes and cover him with a blanket.

Once everything was settled, Xiao Tianci voiced his dissatisfaction, “Now tell me, what exactly happened?”

If it was still about past grievances, Xiao Tianci would not tolerate it any longer. One of the things he hated most was dragging up old issues repeatedly.

Qinglong’s face grew awkward, but seeing Xiao Tianci’s expression made him realize that if he didn’t clarify, misunderstandings could arise and lead to serious problems. After some thought, Qinglong decided it was best to tell the boss everything and then figure out the next steps.

He cautiously explained the situation, but no matter how delicately it was described, it was hardly a glorious matter. Xiao Tianci felt his face burning with embarrassment. Just moments ago, he had been angry with Fire Phoenix, but that anger had now dissipated.

His hands fidgeted beneath the blanket as he recalled the earlier treatment—Fire Phoenix had indeed learned to behave better. Whether intentionally or not, Xiao Tianci sincerely apologized to Qinglong.

Such matters were hardly topics for endless discussion; once understood, it was enough. After his apology, he promised to apologize to Fire Phoenix as well. Qinglong then shifted the conversation to other matters, glossing over the incident.

Xiao Tianci inquired about their injuries; fortunately, none were in serious danger. Jingang and Chief Steward Lin Jian were already able to walk. This made Xiao Tianci think about what he had been pondering earlier. Now that everyone was injured and there were no other pressing matters, it was a good opportunity for a proper discussion.

“Qinglong, in about an hour, come over here with Chief Steward Lin Jian, Jingang, and Fang Meng. We’ll have a meeting.”

“Understood.” Qinglong stood up immediately. He refrained from saying more about the incident, knowing that dwelling on it would only make everyone uncomfortable.

Nier had witnessed Meihua’s situation firsthand. Just as Xiao Tianci had predicted when Meihua’s stock plummeted, Nier smiled and told her, no matter the reasons or causes, there was definitely a part Meihua had to take responsibility for.

At that moment, the call on the other end went silent and the video froze. After waiting for a while, Nier finally reappeared, freshening up.

Nier asked when he would return. Xiao Tianci nearly jumped with excitement because she had said, “When will you come back… home?” Indeed, he was no longer alone; he was married and had a home.

But given the current tense situation, Xiao Tianci could not return immediately. He assured Tian Ni that once things here stabilized, he would definitely come back.

Actually, after both sides cooled down and gave each other space, many issues would resolve naturally. The beginning of a relationship could stem from countless possibilities, yet no matter which, it was fate that brought them together.

Fate creates the connection, but it is human effort that nurtures it. In business terms, fate’s bond requires management, requiring mutual understanding, tolerance, patience, and boundless love.

Sometimes Xiao Tianci would ponder this, but he was more pragmatic—simply enjoying a joyful half-hour chat with Nier over the phone was enough to sweeten his entire day.

Xiao Tianci glanced at Chief Steward Lin Jian. His arm and leg wounds were minor, and he could stand. If not for Xiao Tianci ordering him to sit, he would have stood beside him as before.

Jingang’s recovery was even faster. Seeing their improved condition lifted Xiao Tianci’s spirits further. “Good, only with good health can we pursue what we want. Take this time to rest well; we’ll lay low and confuse everyone.”

Chief Steward Lin Jian said, “Boss, I’ve just contacted our intelligence network. The U.S. government has dispatched audit teams along with various investigative groups into Meihua. Meanwhile, the financial storm unleashed by Meihua’s collapse is sweeping across the globe. Except for the U.S., most countries are relatively unaffected. However, the entire stock market is down.”

Xiao Tianci replied, “Countless people are probably hunting for us now. Staying hidden is a wise choice. By the way, this meeting is to discuss boosting our strength. After this battle, I’m more convinced than ever that we must enhance our capabilities.”

Jingang nodded in agreement. “That’s essential. The Ghost seems to have recruited quite a few people, including the murderous demon king Grintz and those three gifted youngsters. Each is formidable—any one of them could rank among the top ten soldiers.”

Jingang spoke his mind without noticing Qinglong’s somewhat gloomy expression. Xiao Tianci could guess how Qinglong felt. After all his struggles, Qinglong had finally entered the top ten, but many fought fiercely for that spot. It was a symbol of strength, and Qinglong had been proud of it.

Losing to Jingang was understandable since Jingang’s extraordinary skills were well-known. But to learn that none of the Ghost’s recruits was weaker than him—and in fact, each was stronger—was a devastating blow for someone who valued martial prowess so highly.

Xiao Tianci added, “Qinglong is now one of us. His joining is our greatest support. From now on, we’re family. But we need more experts. Even someone as strong as Jingang can’t handle everyone alone.”

Qinglong nodded. Jingang said, “I have a few friends I often fought alongside in the past; I can reach out to them. Also, Qinglong has lacked proper guidance, which caused a bottleneck in his cultivation. He’s accumulated powerful true energy but can’t release it—like a teapot with dumplings boiling inside.”

Xiao Tianci, lying there, smiled. “Jingang, contact your friends. Whatever they ask, I’ll try to fulfill. As for Qinglong, if he improves, how strong could he become?”

Xiao Tianci had compared them before. When he first saw Qinglong spar with Jingang, Qinglong seemed strong. But after last night, especially Jingang’s third transformation, everything else seemed minor.

Jingang thought for a moment. “Qinglong’s accumulation is sufficient. If I help him release it, he probably can’t utilize it all at once in the short term. He might reach the level of murderous demon king Grintz. Beyond that depends on his own efforts.”

“Oh.” Xiao Tianci hadn’t imagined that just helping him a bit could instantly forge such a strong warrior—it was almost unbelievable.

Seeing Xiao Tianci’s puzzled look, Jingang explained, “Actually, I had to reach a certain level myself to help him clear his meridians all at once. It requires immense true energy, and I need to transform a third time to help him.”

Xiao Tianci suddenly recalled Jingang’s appearance after that third transformation and thought, How could he possibly help clear meridians looking like that?

Jingang elaborated, “I channel the powerful energy needed for the transformation while transforming, guiding it to help Qinglong clear his meridians.”

Chief Steward Lin Jian casually remarked, “So you won’t be able to move for three days? That must be painful.”

Qinglong suddenly remembered and quickly said, “Jingang…”

Jingang resolutely replied, “It’s nothing. I’ve lain still for days before. The priority now is to quickly increase the strength around the boss and protect his safety. But we must find a completely safe place to ensure his security.”

Xiao Tianci looked around and said, “Don’t you think this place is quite good? Let’s not make a move for now and lay low for a while. At least until Jingang recovers and we all get better.”

Chief Steward Lin Jian said, “Boss, we could return to the island…”

He meant the old Xiao family estate on a large island, which was originally their destination.

“Ah, it’s rare to have two peaceful days. Let’s wait a bit longer.” With Xiao Tianci’s approval, Jingang began preparing to bring Qinglong inside to swiftly improve his strength so that the boss would soon have another expert nearby.

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Recommended: “God of Fire”
“Boundless and lawless in the Five Elements and Seven Realms. Supreme over the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.” — Monster or hero!
How does one judge right and wrong, good and evil? How to decide gain and loss, success and failure?

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