Return of the Celestial King

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Fainted

Hearing this, the Hong Kong merchants were instantly displeased.

One of the merchants thumped his chest and said bluntly,

"Prefect Xu, if you can make an exception for us, we guarantee it’ll be well worth your while. Tell you what, just name your price. We won’t haggle. How does that sound?"

But to their surprise, Xu Zhigang’s expression instantly darkened, and he barked at them.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Say one more word like that, and I’ll hold you accountable!"

His rebuke left the group of Hong Kong merchants speechless.

However, looks of clear dissatisfaction appeared on every one of their faces.

They had come full of hope and sincerity, only to find that this Xu Zhigang was completely incorruptible and wouldn’t give them an inch.

The merchants wanted to press the issue, but Xu Zhigang had no intention of arguing further. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he called out.

"Secretary, show them out!"

Soon after, the secretary entered, expressionless, and gestured for the group to leave.

Seeing that it was a lost cause for the day, the merchants stood up one by one, shaking their heads in disappointment.

"In that case, Prefect Xu, we apologize for the intrusion!"

One of the merchants offered a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, a strange look flickering within them.

No one noticed Bai Mei, the old man standing beside him, make a few subtle gestures.

With that, the group of merchants filed out of the room.

At that moment, Qin Tuo and Chen Wenxiong saw their chance and quickly entered.

As their paths crossed, Qin Tuo immediately sensed that something was amiss.

’Oh? What’s this?’

His sharp senses picked up a fluctuation of Spiritual Qi from one of the merchants.

The fluctuation wasn’t strong, but it was distinct.

’This person is clearly a Cultivator, too!’ Qin Tuo thought.

He wasn’t too surprised, though. Many top-tier Hong Kong merchants spent fortunes hiring genuinely skilled Jianghu Warlocks to consult on matters like feng shui.

The more adept among these Jianghu Warlocks were virtually indistinguishable from Cultivators.

Clearly, the man from before was one such individual.

Upon entering and seeing Xu Zhigang, Chen Wenxiong quickly put on a smile.

"Prefect Xu, it’s been a while. I trust you’ve been well?"

Xu Zhigang nodded at the sight of Chen Wenxiong and said with a smile,

"Mr. Chen, I am well. Thank you for your concern."

After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, Chen Wenxiong stated the purpose of his visit.

"Prefect Xu, there was an... unpleasant incident at my home yesterday. I came specifically to explain the situation to you."

Chen Wenxiong said, his expression troubled.

Xu Zhigang looked at him in confusion.

"Oh? Mr. Chen, what could have happened that required you to come explain it in person?"

Seeing Xu Zhigang’s reaction, both Qin Tuo and Chen Wenxiong understood: Xu Chao hadn’t had a chance to bad-mouth them yet.

Chen Wenxiong was immensely relieved. As long as Xu Chao hadn’t spoken about the incident, he had a good chance to explain things clearly.

"Prefect Xu, yesterday your son, Xu Chao, was at my home..."

Chen Wenxiong then proceeded to recount the events of the previous day.

He didn’t embellish the story in any way, recounting the incident from a completely neutral standpoint.

By the time he had finished, Xu Zhigang’s face was ashen with rage!

His body trembled slightly, clearly incensed by his worthless son’s actions.

"That worthless child! I won’t let him off the hook for this!"

It was rare for Xu Zhigang to get so angry. He made a call right then and there, summoning Xu Chao home immediately.

Qin Tuo, standing to the side, looked on with great interest. He was curious to see how this incorruptible Prefect would discipline his son.

Before long, Xu Chao returned.

He seemed somewhat timid, clearly aware of what was coming.

He walked in and saw Chen Wenxiong and Qin Tuo were both present. ’This is bad,’ Xu Chao thought.

It was too late to escape. Xu Zhigang’s furious voice immediately echoed in his ears.

"You scoundrel! You think you can run amok just because of who you are? To go to Mr. Chen’s home and lay a hand on his daughter... Have you no sense of propriety?"

Growing angrier with every word, Xu Zhigang rushed forward and viciously kicked Xu Chao.

Poor Xu Chao, usually so arrogant and domineering, didn’t dare make a peep in front of Xu Zhigang. He could only take the kick, sullenly biting his lip, not daring to resist.

But his eyes burned with hatred as he shot a cold glare at Qin Tuo!

Xu Zhigang continued to curse as he struck his son, but it still wasn’t enough to vent his anger.

"Aren’t you going to apologize? Or have you not embarrassed us enough already?"

Xu Chao balked at the command to apologize.

"Dad, why should I apologize to them? That bastard fractured my hand! You should be getting revenge for me!"

At these words, Xu Zhigang completely lost it, roaring,

"You little beast! You deserved the lesson they taught you! Who told you to act so disgracefully? And you still show no remorse? I’m going to beat you to death!"

Xu Chao’s retort made Xu Zhigang so furious that he grabbed a teacup, ready to smash it on his son.

Even Qin Tuo was surprised. Xu Zhigang wasn’t shielding his son in the slightest; his moral compass seemed remarkably true.

’How could a father like that have raised such a peculiar son?’

Just as Xu Zhigang was about to throw the cup, his expression suddenly went slack. Then, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

"Ah! Dad, what’s wrong with you?"

Xu Chao, who had been terrified, was now completely stunned. He rushed over to support the collapsing Xu Zhigang.

Several other members of the Xu Family rushed in at the sound of the commotion. Seeing Xu Zhigang collapsed, they all panicked!

"Oh dear, what’s happening? Quick, call an ambulance!"

Xu Zhigang’s wife, Wei Xiaolan, stomped her foot in panic.

Chen Wenxiong was also flabbergasted. He never would have imagined that his visit to clear the air would end with Xu Zhigang collapsing.

"Mr. Qin, what’s wrong with Prefect Xu?"

Chen Wenxiong couldn’t help but ask in a low voice.

But Qin Tuo didn’t reply. He stepped forward on his own to check on Xu Zhigang’s condition.

When Xu Chao saw Qin Tuo reach for Xu Zhigang, he immediately yelled,

"Qin Tuo, you bastard, don’t touch my father! It’s your fault he collapsed!"

However, Qin Tuo said with great gravity,

"If you really want to save your father, then shut your mouth!"

"What did you say, you punk?"

Xu Chao flew into a rage, ready to strike.

Suddenly, his mother, Wei Xiaolan, spoke up.