Chapter 7: The First Signs of Crisis

Li Hongjun and Gongsun Linglong continued their crucial discussion in an antique-style teahouse in Ruili. The fragrance of tea drifted through the air, lingering in every corner, its fresh, delicate scent meant to bring tranquility to the soul. Around them, patrons spoke in hushed tones about family matters or sipped their tea in quiet contentment, enjoying the leisurely afternoon. Yet Li Hongjun and Gongsun Linglong had no mind for such peace; their expressions were grave, their thoughts wholly consumed by the complex situation at hand.

“Mr. Li, I still think you must be extremely careful with Qin Yue’s proposal. This partnership may sound tempting, as if it’s a golden path paved before you, but who can guarantee there aren’t traps hidden within?” Gongsun Linglong sipped her tea, her delicate brows knitting in concern. Her refined features were full of seriousness and anxiety, her gaze betraying her worry for Li Hongjun. In the ever-changing world of jade gambling in Ruili, a single misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Li Hongjun nodded slowly, his fingers unconsciously tapping a steady rhythm on the tabletop, syncing with his train of thought. After a moment’s reflection, he spoke, “I understand your concerns, Miss Gongsun. This is not something to be taken lightly; caution is essential. But to be frank, I am in urgent need of a large sum of money to acquire…certain special items, things crucial to me. So Qin Yue’s offer feels like an oasis in a desert when one is on the brink of collapse. It’s difficult to resist.”

A spark of curiosity flashed in Gongsun Linglong’s eyes. She was puzzled by the “special items” Li Hongjun mentioned, but out of respect and propriety, she didn’t press further. She continued, “Well, if you truly intend to take this step, you must scrutinize every detail of the contract. Get a trustworthy lawyer to review it, so you don’t leave any hidden dangers behind. And your unique skill in selecting raw jade—under no circumstances can you let that secret slip. If someone with ill intentions discovers it, you’ll be in endless trouble.”

Li Hongjun offered a grateful smile, his eyes full of sincerity. “Miss Gongsun, I really appreciate your careful reminders. Without your advice, I’d be at a complete loss in this tangled situation. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me.”

They were engrossed in conversation when a sudden commotion erupted outside the teahouse, shattering the serenity like a boulder thrown into a calm lake. Li Hongjun’s heart clenched with foreboding. He exchanged a glance with Gongsun Linglong, finding the same wariness and concern reflected in her eyes. Without another word, they rose swiftly and strode toward the entrance to investigate.

As they reached the door, they saw a group of burly, fierce-looking men approaching the teahouse like a pack of wolves. They brandished clubs that gleamed coldly in the sunlight, ready to inflict harm at the slightest provocation. At their head stood an especially massive man, towering over the rest like a small mountain. A savage scar slashed diagonally across his face from the corner of his eye, twisting like a centipede and lending his already menacing features an even more terrifying aspect. This must be the “Leopard” that Shangguan Wude had sent.

“Well, isn’t this Li Hongjun?” Leopard sneered, his gaze dripping with contempt and provocation as he looked Li Hongjun up and down, a cigarette dangling from his lips. As he spoke, smoke curled directly into Li Hongjun’s face. “Heard you’ve got some nerve, daring to go against Young Master Shangguan. Do you even know your own weight?”

Li Hongjun frowned, thinking to himself that, as expected, this was the handiwork of the petty and vindictive Shangguan Wude. Swallowing his anger, he replied coolly, “So it’s just another of Shangguan Wude’s lackeys. What, he’s too cowardly to show himself and sends you drunkards to die in his place? I suppose that’s all the guts he’s got.”

Leopard was infuriated by the taunt, his dark expression growing even more stormy, like the sky before a tempest. “You’ve got a sharp tongue, kid! Today you’ll learn what happens to those who cross Young Master Shangguan! Boys, get him—beat him within an inch of his life! Let him know that in Ruili, offending the Shangguan family is a death sentence!”

At his command, the men charged like rabid dogs, clubs whistling through the air, threatening to tear the very atmosphere. Gongsun Linglong turned pale with fright, but she forced herself to stand firm and shouted, “You’re openly breaking the law! Attacking people in broad daylight—aren’t you afraid of the authorities?”

Li Hongjun reacted instantly, pulling Gongsun Linglong behind him and channeling the spiritual energy of the early Foundation Establishment stage. An invisible yet formidable force surged around him. He smirked, his eyes radiating confidence and disdain. “A ragtag bunch like you? I’ll show you what true strength looks like!”

In a flash, Li Hongjun’s figure moved with ghostly speed, weaving among the thugs. Despite the ferocity of their assault, their clubs found only empty air as Li Hongjun evaded them with agile footwork. Using the tables and chairs as cover, he dodged attacks and countered in the brief moments when his opponents were off balance. Each of his punches, imbued with the power of Foundation Establishment, struck like a cannonball, landing with a resounding thud.

The thugs were sent reeling, toppling like dominoes, cries of pain filling the entrance of the teahouse. Some clutched their stomachs, writhing in agony; others hung limp, arms clearly broken. The scene was filled with the sound of suffering.

Leopard was visibly startled—never had he imagined that this seemingly ordinary, even modestly dressed young man possessed such formidable skills. Yet his violent, stubborn nature would not let him back down. With a vicious scowl, he whipped out a knife from his belt, its blade glinting venomously in the sunlight. He lunged at Li Hongjun, shouting, “You’ve got some skill, huh? Let’s see if you can dodge this! Meddle in my affairs, and you’ll pay the price!”

A cold gleam flashed in Li Hongjun’s eyes, sharp and chilling as a meteor streaking across the night. He stood his ground, unmoving like a mountain, unshaken by the coming storm. As Leopard closed in, Li Hongjun’s hand shot out, gripping Leopard’s wrist like an iron vise. With a sudden twist, a crisp crack rang out—Leopard’s wrist was snapped. The knife clattered to the floor, the sound piercing in the tense silence.

Leopard’s face turned deathly pale, sweat pouring from his brow, his lips trembling from the pain. Li Hongjun kicked him to the ground and said coldly, “Get out! Tell that coward Shangguan Wude not to bother me again, or next time it won’t end so easily. If he sends anyone else, they’ll never return.”

Clutching his broken wrist, Leopard and his crew slunk away, their retreat a woeful contrast to their earlier arrogance. Gongsun Linglong looked at Li Hongjun with awe and admiration, stammering, “Mr. Li, how are you so skilled? Those men looked terrifying. My heart nearly stopped from fear.”

Li Hongjun scratched his head with a sheepish grin, downplaying his abilities. “I learned some martial arts before; handling these small-time thugs is no problem. Are you alright, Miss Gongsun? I hope you weren’t too frightened.”

She shook her head quickly. “I’m fine, thanks to your protection. But knowing Shangguan Wude, he won’t let this go. He’s vindictive and may come up with even more devious ways to get back at you. Please, be very careful.”

Li Hongjun’s expression grew serious. “I know. This can’t be left unresolved. I need to come up with a thorough plan to stop him from ever daring to trouble me again. Otherwise, this kind of nuisance will never end.” His eyes shone with determination, already plotting his next move.

On the surface, Ruili remained bustling and vibrant, but beneath that calm exterior, a storm set in motion by Li Hongjun was quietly brewing. How would he respond to whatever fiercer revenge Shangguan Wude might unleash? For now, it remained a mystery—one that would slowly be revealed as the story continued.