Chapter 114: So What If I Killed Him?
For a long time, in the Imperial Capital and throughout the Empire, who would dare not give the Wen family some respect?
Major noble families, guilds, and even the imperial departments all showed deference to Wen Xu, the eldest young master of the Wen family.
When Wen Xu arrived and saw someone bullying Gu Anran, he immediately became furious. Stepping forward with an air of dominance, he sought to protect her.
With his status, 90% of the powerful elite were mere ants in his eyes, compelled to bow and admit their wrongs.
However, he hadnât expected the situation to involve the Qin familyâespecially Qin Xian. The attitude of Yuan Quan, clearly siding with Qin Xian, further complicated matters.
At this stage, retreating was no longer an option. Failing to protect even a woman would tarnish his reputation and make survival in the Imperial Capital impossible. It would also render the Wen family a laughingstock.
While the Wen family was indeed the most prominent rising power in the Empire, their new status meant a lack of deep-rooted foundation. Even a single blow to their prestige could harm their interests significantly.
Zhao Anran, Li Ling, and Xu Taichu, seeing Gu Anran looking pitiful and aggrieved, felt their hearts ache. They stepped forward to stand beside Wen Xu.
Though their backgrounds were not as prominent as Wen Xuâs, they were still remarkable, and together they formed a formidable alliance.
Seeing this, many women cast jealous glances at Gu Anran. How could this woman have the charm to make so many influential men risk everything for her?
Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, Qin Xian spoke calmly, âEarlier, did you intend to drive Miss Shi Wei away? The Shi family is a friend of the Qin family. Should I interpret that as a provocation against the Qin family?â
His words were mild, but an overwhelming sense of oppression radiated from him. Shi Wei, standing nearby, felt deeply moved.
Her beautiful eyes fixed on Qin Xian, her heart murmuring, âYoung Master Qin is standing up for me!â In that moment, Shi Wei felt so happy that she nearly fainted.
Qin Xian gave Qiu Bo a glance. Understanding his intent, Qiu Bo stepped forward, releasing the terrifying aura of a Level 58 powerhouse. His tone was menacing: âYoung Master Wen, please leave.â
The crowd gasped. It seemed Qin Xian intended to drive Wen Xu out! If that happened, Wen Xu would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the Empireâs upper circlesâa humiliation he could never live down.
Wen Xuâs expression turned grim. Earlier, he had boldly ordered Zhao Tong to expel Shi Wei, thinking himself majestic and impressive. Now, facing the prospect of being expelled himself, he felt only humiliationâextreme humiliation.
Zhao Tong, standing by Wen Xuâs side, stepped forward with a stoic expression. Facing Qiu Bo, he said coldly, âAnyone who dares humiliate Young Master Wen or the Wen family will pay the price!â
Zhao Tong cared nothing for the Qin family or the Divine Revelation Church. As a former Eastern Army colonel, his loyalty lay solely with Wen Xu. Anyone who threatened Wen Xu or the Wen family was his enemy.
âThen go ahead and try,â Qiu Bo replied with a mocking smile.
In an instant, Qiu Bo appeared before Zhao Tong, his hands engulfed in flames. The terrifying aura melted the surrounding space.
Zhao Tong, undeterred, summoned a blood-red greatsword. Despite having only one arm, he exuded the unstoppable aura of a war god emerging from a sea of blood.
The crowd retreated rapidly, stunned that the two truly intended to fight. After all, these were powerhouses above Level 50. Even with their strength controlled, the mere aftershocks of their battle could kill ordinary people outright.
Zhao Tongâs face turned grim as he swung his greatsword toward Qiu Boâs head. He held back slightly, mindful of the Celestial Revelation Auction Houseâs strict prohibition on private duels within the Imperial Capitalâs center.
Causing too much chaos could implicate some powerful figures, which would create trouble for the Wen family. This battle, therefore, was meant to be more symbolic than lethal.
Noticing Zhao Tongâs restraint, a trace of mockery flashed in Qiu Boâs eyes. Courting deathâŠ
The flames in Qiu Boâs hands grew fiercer, melting Zhao Tongâs blood-red greatsword entirely. Zhao Tongâs face showed shock and disbelief as he realized Qiu Bo had no intention of holding back.
In battles between experts, life and death often hinged on a single moment. By the time Zhao Tong attempted to counter, it was already too late.
With a scream, Zhao Tong was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes.
The crowd stood frozen, staring at the pile of ash on the ground, their bodies trembling slightly as they turned to Qin Xian in disbelief. Did Qin Xian really have Zhao Tong killed?
Zhao Tong wasnât an ordinary person; he was a former imperial colonel, a Level 55 powerhouse, and a renowned figure in the Empire. Yet he had been killed so casually?
Even Yuan Quan was stunned, not expecting Qin Xian to act so ruthlessly. While he favored Qin Xian and sought to maintain good relations with the Qin family, the Divone Revelation Church always remained neutral between the Regency Government and the Imperial Government.
Yuan Quan prided himself on being a master of diplomacy, skilled at navigating complex relationships without offending anyone. He had merely intended to have Gu Anran expelled while allowing Wen Xu and his group to continue attending the auction.
But now, staring at the ashes of Zhao Tong, Yuan Quanâs expression turned grim. Things had spiraled out of control. No matter what, Zhao Tong had died within the Divine Revelation Auction House.
Anger flashed in his eyes as he turned to look at Qin Xian. Qin Xian, meeting his gaze, smiled faintly, his eyes deep and meaningful.
Yuan Quanâs heart sank as realization dawned. He had assumed Qin Xian intended to strike a blow to the Wen familyâs reputation.
But now, he understood that Qin Xianâs true target had been him all along. Zhao Tongâs death was a calculated move to force Yuan Quan to choose between the Qin family and the Regency Government.