Chapter Fifty-Nine: On the Brink

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It was midnight, the sky void of stars, and the elevated inner ring road was shrouded in darkness.

Two black Land Rover military vehicles gradually picked up speed, drawing closer to the matte grey Lamborghini ahead before silently overtaking it. Everything appeared so calm and ordinary; such maneuvers happened often on this road, raising no suspicion whatsoever.

Were it not for Xiao Cheng’s early awareness that these vehicles were filled with armed men, he too would have suspected nothing amiss.

But he possessed a preternatural sense, keen as the highest martial cultivator, and nothing inside those cars could elude his perception. What others considered a flawless plan was, in his eyes, nothing but a farce. The men inside were likely congratulating themselves on their imminent success, a thought that elicited a cold, disdainful smile from Xiao Cheng.

Glancing out the window, Xiao Cheng saw they had already reached the Xiangyi Phase II construction site. It had been twelve minutes since he’d called Li Zirui, who should have arrived by now.

Just as everyone expected Xiao Cheng to maintain his speed, he slammed the brakes. The four wheels locked, and with a rough, skillful drift, the Lamborghini came to a gradual halt at the roadside, its taillights flashing incessantly, as if it had broken down.

In Vehicle 2, Captain Wang noticed the Lamborghini’s abrupt stop and his expression darkened. He couldn’t tell if the car had malfunctioned or if there was another reason.

He did not believe their target had discovered them. He had been meticulous in executing this mission—no one could detect a trace, not even his own team knew who the target was. They had maintained radio silence throughout, only just now breaking it, so there was no risk of being intercepted.

He was therefore certain their target could not have found them out—no one else could possibly know, either.

Though the Lamborghini’s sudden stop was unexpected, it did not affect the mission; this was precisely where he had planned to deal with the target.

“Vehicle Three, stop fifty meters from the target and set up a roadblock. Be ready to intercept. Vehicle One, follow me—block all lanes horizontally,” he ordered.

The three vehicles stopped almost simultaneously, forming a barricade across the road.

As soon as they halted, the doors opened and twenty-seven armed mercenaries poured out, clad in camouflage and balaclavas.

Captain Wang made a special hand gesture, and the team split into wedges—nine men per group, each group centered around a Barrett sniper rifle, its black muzzle aimed at the Lamborghini.

The three vehicles boxed in the Lamborghini completely, with the twenty-seven mercenaries forming a crescent around it. Besides these men, there were also some of Hongde Hall’s underlings, whose cars, along with Vehicle Three, sealed off the road so thoroughly that no further barricades were needed.

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With everything set, Captain Wang tossed a loudspeaker to Yan Hongde. “Make them come out on their own. It’s best if we don’t have to use our guns,” he said.

Yan Hongde hadn’t expected to be handed such a plum task—this was exactly what he wanted. If the mercenaries simply shot the targets, what fun would that be? Such a death would be far too merciful for those two.

“Haha, you probably don’t even know what’s happening, do you? Ah, at this moment you must be wondering why there are suddenly so many guns. Let me enlighten you: you’re surrounded. And by Guanyu Security, no less. I’m sure you’ve heard of their reputation—no need for me to explain further! Hahaha!”

In the night, Yan Hongde’s crazed laughter carried far. He was now beside himself with excitement, almost delirious. Once, Zhuo Qinglian had been his equal; now, she was his prisoner, all too easily subdued.

And as for the young man who’d hit him earlier tonight… Well, he was a capable fighter, but so what? Even Chen Zhen, strong as he was, died under a hail of bullets; even a grandmaster like Ip Man feared guns.

No matter how skilled Xiao Cheng was, could he really surpass these men? Yan Hongde didn’t believe it for a second.

He savored this feeling of dominance, relishing it. After catching his breath, he continued, “To be frank, it was I who hired Guanyu Security. Surprised? Didn’t expect that, did you? Are you scared now? Don’t cower inside your metal shell. Come out on your own!”

Chang Chongzi, hearing Yan Hongde’s taunts, walked over and snatched the loudspeaker from his hand. He hadn’t dared confront Xiao Cheng before, but now, with mercenaries backing him, he was certain Xiao Cheng wouldn’t escape. How could he pass up such a chance to kick a man when he’s down?

“Xiao Cheng, I know you’re tough. So what? Can you escape a net like this? You’re young, yet so arrogant—do you have any idea how the world works? Let me tell you, there are plenty of people out there who can put you in your place. Don’t think a little skill makes you invincible.”

He grinned, finally feeling a measure of satisfaction as he spoke.

Chang Chongzi continued, “If you’re a real man, come out yourself. Don’t drag Qinglian down with you. We’re only here for you. Qinglian, you know how I feel about you—I never meant you any harm. But you went behind my back with another man, and I only found out now. Still, I don’t mind. As long as you come back to me, you’ll always be my Qinglian!”

Inside the Lamborghini, Zhuo Qinglian laughed at his words. So this fool took her and Xiao Cheng for a pair of adulterers. When she and Xiao Cheng had become involved, this guy was probably still toiling in some coal mine, yet now he spoke with such self-righteousness.

Chang Chongzi was absurdly naive. He still believed these people were here solely for Xiao Cheng, but Zhuo Qinglian had already guessed their true target was likely her.

“Guanyu Security—sounds impressive, doesn’t it? And have I ever been arrogant? Am I the third party now?” she mused.

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Xiao Cheng heard the shouts outside but felt neither fear nor the surprise Yan Hongde expected. If anything, he was calm, almost indifferent.

He’d spotted these people long before—what surprise could there be? They might seem formidable to ordinary eyes, but to him, they were nothing. Not only could he wipe them out himself, but even the Xiao family’s Bloodguard would view them as mere rabble.

Yet this lot was so confident they could keep him here, as if Guanyu Security were the mightiest force in the world. So ignorant, so laughable.

Zhuo Qinglian shot Xiao Cheng a look, but had to admit that lately, he’d been anything but arrogant—if anything, he was subdued, only acting when provoked. It was a far cry from his troublemaking past. In all of Shanghai, only Xiao Cheng could mock Guanyu Security with such nonchalance.

Captain Wang could no longer endure the pointless shouting. At this rate, the people inside would never come out. He snatched the loudspeaker from Chang Chongzi and barked toward the Lamborghini, “All occupants, exit the vehicle immediately. Don’t even think of escaping. You have thirty seconds, or we’ll open fire.”

His stern, icy voice carried far on the night air. The elevated road was deserted, the darkness pressing in. The Lamborghini sat alone and forlorn, as if awaiting its final judgment.

“I’ll give you ten seconds to say your last words. Otherwise—”

Before Captain Wang’s words had faded, a cold, emotionless voice rang out from the Lamborghini. Though not loud, it was deep and resonant—everyone could hear it clearly.

Such brazen words, delivered with such casual indifference.