Chapter 146: Li Xianren

The Mo family of the North.

"What are the other families doing?"

Mo Shuntian, head of the Mo family, stood in his formal suit before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office in the Mo Corporation building. His gaze swept over the imperial capital of the North, his eyes deep and unfathomable, like a dark abyss.

"After we released the news, they all retreated voluntarily. They have all indicated that they are abandoning their bid for the project," replied a delicate-looking, effeminate middle-aged man.

This man was Zhao Cheng, Mo Shuntian’s deputy and butler.

"Hmph. The state holds ancient sects like the Hidden Gate in high regard. Once those families learned we had connections with the Hidden Gate, they naturally didn't dare to contend with us anymore."

A flicker of confidence appeared in Mo Shuntian's eyes. Throughout this multi-family struggle, everyone had assumed the Mo family was destined for defeat, never suspecting that they had such a powerful backer.

"Indeed. The Hidden Gate may stay in seclusion, but once they emerge, it brings blood and chaos. Those families would never dare to act recklessly," Zhao Cheng nodded.

"By the way, where is Mo Feng? I haven't seen him in days. Where has he gone?" Mo Shuntian asked, suddenly realizing his son’s absence.

"News came a few days ago that the underground circles in Qian City had been wiped out. Young Master Feng took the 'Dragon Slayers' to Qian City, saying he intended to reclaim it," Zhao Cheng replied.

"With his playboy attitude, what could he possibly accomplish? It's utter nonsense," Mo Shuntian scoffed, dismissing the idea that his son could retake the city.

"Ever since Fang Wenshan and Ba Dao left the North, they hadn't encountered any decent opponents. They must have grown arrogant, which is why they were wiped out. With the Dragon Slayers there, I’m sure Young Master Feng will have no trouble reclaiming the Qian City underground," Zhao Cheng said with a smile.

"Hmm. Give him a call and ask," Mo Shuntian nodded, conceding that Zhao Cheng had a point.

Zhao Cheng dialed the number, but after several attempts, the line remained switched off.

"Perhaps Young Master Feng stayed out too late last night and is still sleeping," Zhao Cheng said awkwardly.

Mo Shuntian felt a pang of disappointment. He knew his son was incapable of anything significant—a hopeless, spendthrift wastrel.

"Send the 'Dragon Killers' to Qian City to check on the situation. Tell them I sent you," Mo Shuntian said, still uneasy.

He had been plagued by a bad premonition for the past two days. Last night, he even dreamt of Mo Feng crying out to him for revenge. Being unable to reach his son only deepened his anxiety.

"Understood. I will go find them now." Seeing the grave expression on Mo Shuntian's face, Zhao Cheng nodded and left without delay.

***

"Bing'er, don't worry. Even if it costs the entire Li family, Dad will get revenge for you! I’m going to Chuan City to find Li Wu right now. He will surely destroy Mo Han and his family!"

In the hospital, Li Xianwu gripped Li Bing’s hand, a murderous glint in his eyes.

Li Bing lay flat on the hospital bed. Even in his vegetative state, his subconscious seemed to grasp Li Xianwu’s words. He desperately tried to wake up, but no matter how hard he struggled, only his eyelashes fluttered slightly before falling still again.

"Rest well, Bing'er. Dad is heading to Chuan City now. Once Li Xianren kills Mo Han’s family, I’ll come back with the good news." Li Xianwu took one last pained look at his son’s serene face before rising to leave.

Li Xianwu traveled tirelessly, arriving in Chuan City by nightfall. If he had any other options, he would never have dared to see Li Xianren.

Like Li Xiande, Li Xianren was an adopted son taken in by Li Zhendong years ago. After returning from studying martial arts under a reclusive master, Li Xianren had become incredibly formidable. He rose rapidly within the Li family, far outstripping Li Xianwu, the biological heir, in every regard.

From that point on, Li Xianwu had feared Li Xianren, convinced that he would seize the family fortune. Consequently, he and Li Zhendong conspired to shamefully drive Li Xianren out of the family before he could fully rise to power.

Everyone assumed that without the Li family's protection, Li Xianren would end up as nothing more than a bodyguard. Instead, he had arrived in Chuan City and, within a few short years, become the king of its underground circles—living a life far more prosperous and dignified than the Li family itself.

Yet, neither Li Xianwu nor Li Zhendong regretted the way they had cast him out.

"Brother Ren."

Li Xianwu’s tone was deferential; he dared not show any arrogance in front of Li Xianren.

Li Xianren, who was busy playing cards, looked up at Li Xianwu. Exhaling a cloud of cigar smoke, he sneered, "No, no, *you* are my big brother."

The others at the table looked at Li Xianwu with mocking grins. They were the veterans who had followed Li Xianren from the start and knew exactly who Li Xianwu was.

Li Xianwu’s late-night visit could only mean the Li family was in deep trouble and had come begging for help.

"Brother Ren, what happened in the past was indeed our fault. But you must believe me—it was Dad who insisted on exiling you. I even went to plead with him on your behalf," Li Xianwu said sheepishly.

Li Xianren set down his cards and leaned back, his eyes full of ridicule as he watched Li Xianwu. Li Xianwu felt a wave of embarrassment but quickly masked it.

"Xianren, our family has run into some trouble..."

Meeting Li Xianren’s gaze, Li Xianwu gritted his teeth and said, "I want to ask you to deal with Li Xiande’s family. Name your price! Anything you want!"

"Anything at all?" Li Xianren mocked.

Li Xianwu clenched his jaw and nodded. "Anything!"

"Hahaha!"

Li Xianren laughed out loud. He stood up, patted Li Xianwu on the shoulder, and revealed a look of pure greed. "I’ll give you twenty million. I want the entire Li Corporation."

Li Xianwu’s heart skipped a beat. He knew Li Xianren would demand something outrageous. Even with the pharmaceutical plant in Li Xiande’s hands, the entire Li Corporation was worth hundreds of millions. Li Xianren’s offer of twenty million was pure extortion.

But he had no choice. "I can agree to your terms. However, the most profitable asset, the Li Pharmaceutical Plant, is now in Li Xiande’s hands. You will have to take it from him."

"That’s simple enough. Once you transfer the entire Li Corporation to me, the pharmaceutical plant will naturally be mine as well," Li Xianren laughed.

He felt invigorated. Back then, he had risked his life for the Li family, doing countless things for them, only to be cast out by Li Xianwu and his father simply because he had performed too well. To him, that was the greatest humiliation of his life. If not for the debt of gratitude he owed Li Zhendong for his upbringing, he would have wiped out the Li family years ago.

"However, I have one condition," Li Xianwu said suddenly.

"Hmm?" Li Xianren turned, a sharp, cold light flashing in his eyes.

Li Xianwu trembled, intimidated by Li Xianren, but he gritted his teeth and insisted, "I want you to personally kill Li Xiande’s son-in-law, Mo Han!"