Hearing Second Elder Song’s completely defeated tone, Felix Song was plunged into utter despair. Still, he refused to back down and snapped at Ian Song, “Ian, I’ll let you off this time. But if you cross me again, I swear I’ll make you regret it! Let’s go!”
Second Elder Song nearly fainted at Felix’s words. How could their young master be so clueless? He’d just admitted they were no match for Ian, yet he was still throwing threats around—was he trying to get himself killed?
Sure enough.
Ian Song curled his lip when he heard Felix’s bluster. “Go? Did I say you could leave?”
This time, Second Elder Song didn’t wait for Felix to speak. He hurried forward and pleaded, “Sir, my young master was out of line. Please, for the sake of the Song Family of Southwest State, let us go!”
“That’s right! My father is the head of the Song Family of Southwest State. If you dare touch me, our family will never let you off!” Felix added, trying to sound intimidating.
Second Elder Song almost fainted again, wishing he could slap this idiot on the spot.
Ian’s eyes flickered mischievously. “Oh, the Song Family of Southwest State? I’m so scared! Alright, I don’t want to waste time with you. If you want to leave, fine—each of your men can pay a ransom of 100 million, and as for you, the son of the clan head, yours will be 1 billion. That’s 2.7 billion total. Pay up, and I’ll let you go!”
“What? 2.7 billion? Why don’t you just rob us!” Felix shouted, practically jumping in fury.
“That’s right! I’m robbing you—and you’re the ones who delivered yourselves!” Ian admitted with zero pressure. “Of course, you can refuse. But if you do, you die! You’ve got thirty seconds to decide!”
"You bastard...!"
Before Felix could finish, Second Elder Song clamped a hand over his mouth and forced a smile at Ian Song. “Alright, we hope you’ll keep your word. Once we pay, you’ll let us go, right?”
Ian Song grinned. “Don’t worry, your young master is such a goldmine—I’d never kill him. If I did, who’d deliver himself for me to rob next time?”
Felix was about to go crazy from anger at Ian’s words.
Second Elder Song was loaded. After confirming Ian’s account number, he immediately pulled out his phone and transferred the full 2.7 billion.
“Sir, can we leave now?” Second Elder Song asked, putting away his phone.
“Of course.”
“A Biao, A Meng, take the young master and let’s go!” Second Elder Song ordered in a low voice.
Just as the Song Family group was getting in their car, Ian called out after them, “Come again next time! Take care!”
Second Elder Song staggered at Ian’s words. Once he steadied himself, he quickly dove into the car. Seriously, how could someone with such high cultivation act so shameless?
Watching Felix Song and his group drive away, Ian Song and his companions got back into their own car.
Sabrina Han wanted to ask Ian a few questions, but Harold Han stopped her with a glance.
Once they were in the car, Sabrina Han asked Harold Han, puzzled, “Grandpa, why did you stop me?”
Harold Han’s expression grew complicated. “Silly girl, you and I are just ordinary people. It’s best not to get involved in the world of martial artists.”
“Why?” Sabrina Han was even more confused.
“Because the martial world is far too cruel.” Harold Han seemed to recall something, and a hint of fear flickered across his face.
“How cruel could it be?” Sabrina Han pressed.
Harold Han’s face darkened. “Enough, kid. Don’t ask about things you shouldn’t know. Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss—the more you know, the more you’ll fear this world.”
“Yes, Grandpa. I understand.”
............
That night, Harold Han hosted a banquet for Ian Song and Shawn Hsiang.
Throughout the meal, nobody mentioned the canyon incident. Sabrina Han kept sneaking curious glances at Ian, clearly wanting to ask questions but too nervous to speak. As for Victor Liu, all the hatred in his eyes had vanished, replaced by awe.
So, after sitting down, he didn’t dare say a word in front of Ian. Compared to his previous arrogance, he was a totally different person.
Jadeport Hotel, Room 309.
Wendy Jiang looked at Grace Zhu. “Did Charles Chai agree to meet with us privately?”
Grace Zhu shook her head, looking troubled. “He turned us down, saying he’s not feeling well! I’m sure Felix Song is behind this—Charles Chai wouldn’t refuse us otherwise.”
“Damn it!” Wendy Jiang cursed. In Blackfield, the jadeite rough stones are controlled jointly by five warlords.
That’s why all the major jewelers in the country try to stay on good terms with the five warlords. The Jiang Family’s supplier was Charles Chai, one of those five.
But this year, Charles Chai suddenly tore up his contract with the Jiangs and refused to work with Jiang Jewelry anymore. Negotiations failed, so Wendy Jiang had to bring her team to Blackfield herself.
Before coming, she’d heard Charles Chai had a hidden illness. To gain leverage, she spent a fortune hiring Doctor Daniel Ning to treat him. But as soon as Doctor Ning arrived in Blackfield, Felix Song had him kidnapped.
But now, Chachai wouldn't even agree to a meeting. She was certain Felix Song was behind this, causing trouble from the shadows.
The thought made her furious. "Is marrying Felix Song really the only way to get rough jade from Chachai?"
Suddenly, Grace Zhu spoke up. "President Jiang, I just heard that Han Zhenhai from Zhouman Jewelers is also in Jadeport. As far as I know, Han Zhenhai is on very good terms with Chachai. If he's willing to introduce us, we should be able to meet Chachai!"
Wendy Jiang's eyes lit up with hope. "Where is Han Zhenhai right now?"
"He's having dinner at a nearby Chinese restaurant right now," Grace answered.
"Great, let's go over immediately!" Wendy said decisively.
"President Jiang, is it a bit abrupt for us to just show up like this?" Grace asked, a little worried.
Wendy glanced calmly at Grace. "This is an emergency. If we can't secure rough jade from Blackfield, Jiang Jewelry may collapse. I know Han Zhenhai—he may run Zhouman Jewelers, but he's broad-minded and different from most businessmen. As long as we explain our situation and offer fair compensation, he won't mind us dropping in unannounced."
"I hope you're right," Grace nodded.
Chinese restaurant, private dining room.
Han Zhenhai, face flushed from drinking, kept raising his glass to Ian Song.
Ian didn't shy away either. After advancing from Innate Second Layer to Innate Fourth Layer, his physical strength and alcohol tolerance had greatly improved. Now, he could drink a jin of baijiu without feeling any discomfort.
What surprised Ian even more was Sabrina Han's drinking ability. She'd also downed about a jin of baijiu, yet her face hadn't changed at all.
"Old Xiang, really not even one drink?" Ian suddenly teased Xiang Shan, trying to coax him into joining.
Xiang Shan shook his head. "If I touch alcohol, I get drunk instantly. Trust me, you don't want me drinking!"
"No way! Your cultivation's so high—how could you get drunk that easily?" Ian sounded skeptical.
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and two people walked in.
Ian looked up, a bit surprised—it was Wendy Jiang and her assistant, Grace Zhu.