Chapter 83: Daring to Destroy the Iron Fist, Why Would I Not Dare to Kill You?

Ling Xiao returned from the Iron Fist Sect as the eastern sky began to pale with the first light of dawn. On the second floor of the Ling Family Medical Hall, the room to the left was still aglow with a warm lamp. Ling Xiao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He tapped lightly with the tip of his toe, his body floating in midair, and gently knocked on the window.

Moments later, Mu Yiren hurriedly opened the window, her large eyes already swollen with fatigue. Ling Xiao vaulted inside and tapped her gently on the head.

“Are you silly? Didn’t I tell you to sleep early?”

Mu Yiren, feeling somewhat wronged, covered her little head with her hand.

“I just can’t rest easy until you’re home!”

Ling Xiao let out a long sigh and pulled Mu Yiren into his arms.

“You really are a fool.”

“I am not!” Mu Yiren pouted, and after a moment, she spoke softly, “Ling Xiao, promise me you won’t go out fighting anymore, will you? I’ve already lost you once—I never want to lose you again.”

Ling Xiao cupped Mu Yiren’s face and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She smelled sweet.

“If I lay down my blade, I can’t hold you tight; if I pick up my blade, I can’t hold you tight. There’s rarely a way to have both in this world. When I’ve conquered the world, I’ll lay down my armor, retire to the fields, and savor the tea you brew for me.”

Mu Yiren hugged Ling Xiao tightly, breathing in the scent of him deeply.

“Then I’ll always stay by your side.”

“If you win, I’ll stand with you as you rule the world. If you lose, I’ll help you rise again from the ashes. And if one day you grow weary, we’ll retreat into the deep mountains, till the earth, weave cloth, and raise a few children of our own.”

Ling Xiao smiled warmly. With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?

...

That night, Ling Xiao did not leave Mu Yiren’s room. The happiness shared was known only to them.

Early the next morning, Mu Yiren left the medical hall for work, picked up by Keke. Watching the car drive away, Ming Cheng couldn’t help but chuckle.

“It looks like the young master is about to make his grand debut!”

Xiu’er rolled her eyes.

“Ming, don’t say such things. If the young master hears, he’ll punish you mercilessly!”

“What’s the harm? Love between men and women—is it forbidden to talk about it? Besides, the two of them, alone together in a room, I refuse to believe there weren’t any sparks.”

“You don’t understand the young master. He’s not that kind of man. Before marriage, he would never act rashly toward Miss Mu.”

“You little thing, you don’t understand men!”

Just as the words left his mouth, Ling Xiao’s voice came unexpectedly from behind.

“Seems you know a lot about men. Shall I find you a few handsome fellows to help with your research?”

Ming Cheng’s face turned instantly awkward.

“Ahem... Young master, I was only joking! Please don’t take it to heart!”

Ling Xiao glanced at him and snorted.

“Have you advanced to Martial Sage yet?”

“Uh... not yet.”

“If not, why aren’t you out training? Waiting here for breakfast?”

“Yes, I’ll go right away!”

Without another word, Ming Cheng dashed out.

Xiu’er couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, while Ling Xiao shook his head helplessly.

“Don’t banter with Ming Cheng in the future. He’s the reincarnation of the Martial Emperor, and his cultivation progresses much faster than ordinary people. When you have the chance, focus more on your own cultivation.”

“Yes, young master. Xiu’er understands.”

“Go back and train. The clinic isn’t open, there’s nothing for you to do.”

“Yes!”

Just as Xiu’er was about to return to her room, four or five Audi A8s pulled up at the entrance.

She frowned.

“Young master, I’ll go send them away.”

She assumed they were patients seeking treatment and was about to step forward, but Ling Xiao waved her off.

“No need. These aren’t patients.”

As he spoke, six elderly men in white cloaks stepped out of the cars and strode into the courtyard of the Ling Family Medical Hall. Though advanced in years, each carried an air of distinction, and their white robes were embroidered with golden dragon patterns.

“We apologize for the unannounced visit. Major Ling, may you have been well.”

Ling Xiao’s expression remained indifferent.

“Since when are members of the Dragon Group so idle?”

“We in the Dragon Group are always busy. Our visit today is for official business. Major Ling, might we come in for a discussion?”

Ling Xiao did not reply, but turned and walked into the house with his hands behind his back.

“Xiu’er, tea.”

“Yes!”

The elderly guests eyed Ling Xiao’s retreating figure with a hint of anger, but said nothing more, quickly following him into the hall. Soon, Xiu’er brought in tea. Ling Xiao sat at the head seat, while the six elders took places on either side. Xiu’er poured tea and withdrew swiftly.

Ling Xiao lifted his cup, his expression calm as he sipped. Though dressed in plain pajamas and slippers, he retained an air of elegance and nobility. His looks and the unconscious aura he exuded were enough to command respect.

Yet the guests from the Dragon Group were clearly displeased with Ling Xiao’s attitude. After all, the name ‘Dragon Group’ was the most prestigious anywhere in China. Ling Xiao’s behavior was undeniably curt.

“If you have business, speak.”

“Major Ling, where were you last night?”

“That’s private—I’d rather not say.”

“Well, Major Ling, you have quite the temper! No matter, we haven’t come empty-handed today. Bring them in.”

With a sharp command, Dragon Group agents entered, escorting several martial cultivators dressed in the attire of Tiger Gate elders and disciples. Once inside, they immediately knelt on the floor.

“Honorable judges of the Dragon Group, it was him! He broke into Tiger Gate, gravely wounded our Grand Elder, and killed many disciples! We sought help from Iron Fist Sect, but they too were slaughtered by him! He declared that Iron Fist Sect must destroy Tiger Gate and submit to him, or else he would wipe Iron Fist Sect from the earth as well!”

The judges fixed their gaze upon Ling Xiao.

“We’ve investigated. Aside from this incident, Iron Fist Sect has had contact with Major Ling. Furthermore, it seems their young master behaved inappropriately toward Major Ling’s girlfriend. And last night, over ten thousand members of Iron Fist Sect were wiped out in a single night—the corpses littered the ground, rivers ran red with blood. Major Ling, can you explain this?”

Ling Xiao’s face remained impassive, utterly unconcerned.

“They were nothing but trash. Is explanation even necessary?”

The elders narrowed their eyes.

“So, by your account, the destruction of Iron Fist Sect was orchestrated by you?”

“Correct. To be precise, I killed them myself.”

Ling Xiao’s cold and indifferent tone enraged the Dragon Group judges.

“Ling Xiao, how dare you! To openly slaughter martial factions—do you have any respect for law and order?”