William Dodge’s expression grew even colder. After a few seconds of silence, he said, "Continue collecting evidence. When the time comes, we’ll catch them all in one fell swoop."

"Yes." Lu Jue was also somewhat excited.

After all, those bastards from Yang Country have been unbearably arrogant within the Medical Alliance, constantly oppressing members from Divine Land. If they’re all kicked out, the leading force in the Medical Alliance will be the practitioners of Chinese medicine from Divine Land. That would also prove that the Shenzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Community will soon enjoy a much higher status on the global stage. This could be my chance to move up the ladder as well. And if that happens, Lu’s Pharmaceuticals will have a much brighter future!

With that thought, she glanced again at Chen Xiao and his companions.

Just a moment ago, I took the opportunity to investigate their backgrounds. And what I discovered... is that Chen Xiao and his companions have a significant connection to my cousin. Especially Luo Qingli. Lu Rugao is currently amassing funds within the family, aiming to break through the Luo Group’s defenses and take it over. But I’m also one of the most outstanding members of the Lu Family’s younger generation. Back then, in that competition, I lost to my cousin Lu Rugao. The Lu Corporation fell into her hands, and the family elders only appeased me with control over Lu’s Pharmaceuticals, a mere subsidiary. I’ve never accepted it! I don’t believe for a second that I’m inferior to Lu Rugao. All these years, I’ve been secretly competing with her, aiming to wrest control of the Lu Family from her hands. Now, seeing Chen Xiao’s group, I’ve made my decision. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I’ll win them over and we’ll topple Lu Rugao together.

TAP! TAP! TAP!

Just then, a series of rapid footsteps sounded from outside.

"Who’s there?" William Dodge was startled. It couldn’t be another assassination attempt, could it? he thought, still shaken from the last one.

"Mr. William, there’s no need for alarm," Xu Yanran said. "These are members of Dragon Soul. After what just happened, we grew concerned for your safety and have dispatched a team to protect you personally."

William Dodge finally heaved a sigh of relief. Soon, a group of Dragon Soul members entered in an orderly fashion and bowed to Xu Yanran.

"Starting now, your Ninth Squad will protect Mr. William around the clock!" Xu Yanran ordered. "If he so much as loses a single hair, I’m holding you all accountable!"

"Yes, ma’am!" the Dragon Soul members saluted in response.

I can’t believe this seemingly ordinary woman is a member of Dragon Soul, Lu Jue thought.

At that moment, Chen Xiao’s phone rang. He checked the caller ID and saw it was Leng Baiyu. He stepped outside to answer it.

"I heard you’re in Zhonghai," Leng Baiyu said. "I need your help with something."

"Senior Sister, just say the word."

"Recently, many patients in Zhonghai have been infected with a new virus," Leng Baiyu explained. "We suspect the Ghost Medical Sect is behind it, deliberately poisoning the city."

Chen Xiao narrowed his eyes. "The new virus you mentioned, is it the kind that causes lesions all over the patient’s body?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "With what happened to William Dodge, we can use this as a pretext to arrest them. Under severe interrogation, we’re sure to get some clues. If we get evidence, we can use this opportunity to make a move against Yang Country."

"Understood," Chen Xiao nodded.

After ending the call, Chen Xiao returned to the living room. William Dodge spoke up, "It’s getting late. Lu Jue, please escort Mr. Chen and his companions back."

"Then we’ll take our leave."

Once outside, Chen Xiao said to Luo Qingli and Zhang Yaqing, "You two go back first. My Senior Sister gave me another task to handle."

"I’m coming with you," Xu Yanran chimed in.

Luo Qingli and Zhang Yaqing didn’t ask any further questions.

"Don’t worry, Mr. Chen," Lu Jue promised. "I will ensure Miss Luo and her friend are safely escorted home."

Afterward, Chen Xiao and Xu Yanran drove straight to the location designated by Leng Baiyu to meet up with other Dragon Soul members. Upon arriving at the rendezvous point, Chen Xiao saw a number of them standing there, waiting.

"Are you the one Chief Instructor Leng sent to assist with our mission?" a young man asked, his arrogant gaze falling upon Chen Xiao.

Xu Yanran leaned in and whispered, "This is Chen Xinglong, one of the most outstanding members of Dragon Soul’s younger generation. He’s a Third Level Commander and very strong."

Chen Xiao glanced indifferently at him. To have such a high level of Cultivation at his age... he truly is a favored son of heaven.

"Fine!" Chen Xinglong continued. "Since Chief Instructor Leng sent you, I’ll show her some respect. When we move out, just listen to my commands and don’t drag us down." As he spoke, he patted Chen Xiao’s shoulder. "Here in Dragon Soul, strength is all that matters! Your background is useless. If you came here to gild your resume, you’re sorely mistaken."

The words made Chen Xiao frown slightly. "She didn’t tell me to take orders from anyone. In these situations, I assume I’m the one in charge."

"Quite the bold statement!" Chen Xinglong sneered. "Then let me teach you about the rules!"

As he finished speaking, he lunged forward, throwing a punch straight at Chen Xiao.

So he doesn’t like me and wants to put me in my place, Chen Xiao realized. Too bad he picked the wrong person to intimidate.

He simply reached out a hand and caught Chen Xinglong’s incoming fist in his palm. Then, he twisted.

Chen Xinglong’s expression changed dramatically. He quickly flipped to disperse the force, whipping his leg toward Chen Xiao’s head in midair. The kick was so powerful it stirred the air, a truly terrifying attack.

SMACK!

The next second, Chen Xinglong’s body was sent flying by Chen Xiao. He spun seven or eight times in the air before he managed a difficult landing, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He was utterly astonished by Chen Xiao’s tremendous strength. The other Dragon Soul members stared at Chen Xiao, who now stood with his hands clasped behind his back, their eyes filled with shock.

"Still want to go?" Chen Xiao asked indifferently.

Chen Xinglong offered a cupped-fist salute. "I’m convinced!" He knew Chen Xiao had held back. Otherwise, his injuries would have been far from minor.

Chen Xiao’s cold gaze swept over the other Dragon Soul members as he enunciated each word, "I don’t like trouble, and after today, I won’t have any further contact with you. I have only one request: tonight, you will follow my orders and stay out of my way."

"Yes, sir!"

Having witnessed Chen Xiao’s formidable power, the rest of the Dragon Soul members were thoroughly convinced. A Third Level Commander, a cultivator at the Greatmaster Late Stage, had been subdued by Chen Xiao in a single move—how could they not be?

"Then let’s move out!"

The massive convoy set off like a long dragon, heading straight for the Ghost Medical Sect.

「One of the Ghost Medical Sect’s three main branches.」

The Dragon Soul members burst through the doors, flooding in like a tide. A chilling, murderous aura instantly filled the compound. The sect was thrown into chaos.

"What are you doing?"

"This is Ghost Medical Sect territory! You dare to barge in here? You’re courting death!"

The sect members shouted one after another. Chen Xiao bulldozed through them, beating them half to death before kicking them to the feet of the Dragon Soul members. "Tie them up!"

"Chen Xiao! Are you looking to die?" a roar echoed from within. Sato Taka and Jin Nanxi appeared. "Do you really think you can do whatever you want just because William Dodge is backing you?"

"We’re here today to investigate the attack on Mr. William," Chen Xiao sneered. "And your Ghost Medical Sect is the prime suspect!"

"Young man, don’t meddle in things that don’t concern you," a hoarse, ancient voice drifted from the depths of the Ghost Medical Sect. "The Ghost Medical Sect established its presence worldwide. We are not as simple as you think."

"Is that so?" A cold smile played on Chen Xiao’s lips.

The next moment, he fiercely kicked Sato Taka. The kick landed squarely in his groin, causing him to pass out on the spot. Jin Nanxi was terrified and tried to retreat, but two strands of Qi Force from Chen Xiao struck her knees. With an agonized scream, her kneecaps shattered, and she collapsed to the ground.

"Break one of each of their legs!" Chen Xiao commanded. "Let’s see if this old man dares to keep playing the mysterious phantom!"

The Dragon Soul members obeyed without hesitation.

CRACK! CRACK!

Instantly, the entire compound was filled with unending screams.

"Boy, today, you will die without a place to be buried!" the ancient voice thundered, seething with rage. The next second, the wooden door up ahead was blasted into splinters by a fierce blast of Sword Energy. The Sword Energy, undiminished, hurtled straight for Chen Xiao.