Chapter 43: Chapter 43: One Punch
A group of thugs flooded into the hotel lobby, their expressions arrogant and brazen.
All the guests in the lobby were startled by the commotion.
Mr. Ouyang’s face fell instantly. A few professional bodyguards beside him subtly moved to shield him.
Chen Wenxiong, as the hotel owner, was the first to step forward.
"Who are you people? Don’t you know where you are? Where’s security!"
As he spoke, he looked toward the main entrance in confusion.
The leader was a tall, burly man with a fierce face and a buzz cut.
He sneered.
"Boss Chen, no need to shout. My men have the entire hotel under control. None of your security guards are getting in!"
Chen Wenxiong stared at him, and his expression changed drastically.
He immediately recognized him as Hong Qing, the leader of the recently established and rapidly rising Cyan Fire Gang.
Many of the other guests also recognized Hong Qing, and their faces turned grim.
Some of the more timid ones prepared to sneak away.
Chen Wenxiong demanded loudly:
"Hong Qing, what do you think you’re doing, bringing so many men here? This banquet is hosted by Mr. Ouyang. Do you dare disrespect Mr. Ouyang himself?"
His rapid-fire questions boomed like thunder.
Hong Qing, however, seemed completely unconcerned. He gave a casual, cupped-fist salute toward Mr. Ouyang.
"Mr. Ouyang, my apologies for the disturbance. I’m only looking for Long Wu. This has nothing to do with anyone else!"
As he spoke, his gaze locked onto Long Wu in the crowd, his face radiating a terrifying killing intent.
Long Wu’s expression was silent, his heart heavy.
Qin Tuo glanced at him. ’So, Long Wu was right after all?’
Normally, wherever Long Wu went, he was surrounded by a large entourage of his men.
But today, Hong Qing had seized this perfect opportunity.
"Celestial King, look at this... what should we do...?"
Long Wu’s face was a mask of anguish.
Qin Tuo patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"Don’t worry, Long Wu. I said I’d protect you, and I will. Even if the Jade Emperor himself came today, he wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on you."
Long Wu instantly felt as if he’d taken a calming pill, and his heart was put completely at ease.
"Understood! Thank you, Celestial King!"
By now, Hong Qing had the situation completely under control. With a cold smile, he walked straight toward Long Wu.
Long Wu’s heart couldn’t help but clench!
Ouyang Tianqi suddenly stood up, his face dark.
"You’re Hong Qing, is that right? I don’t care who you are, get the hell out of here right now! Or else I’ll make you regret it!"
Seeing Ouyang Tianqi speak up, the guests’ expressions eased.
A few even joined in with curses!
"What the hell is this Cyan Fire Gang? Don’t they know where they are?"
"Exactly! Scram already! Do you have to wait for Mr. Ouyang to get really angry to understand the consequences?"
But faced with Ouyang Tianqi’s rebuke, Hong Qing seemed utterly fearless.
He snorted coldly.
"Mr. Ouyang, now you’re the one being unreasonable."
"What did you say?"
Before Ouyang Tianqi could speak, his assistant couldn’t stand it any longer.
Hong Qing sneered.
"Am I wrong, Mr. Ouyang? For such an important banquet, you invited trash like Long Wu, but not me, Hong Qing. You’re clearly looking down on us, the Cyan Fire Gang!"
"Bastard!"
Ouyang Tianqi’s face was flushed red with anger. He pointed a trembling finger at Hong Qing, so furious he was speechless.
"Mr. Ouyang, calm down, calm down! Don’t lower yourself to his level!"
Someone immediately came over to console him, afraid Ouyang Tianqi might faint from rage.
Yet, facing such a brazen Hong Qing, not a single guest dared to step up and confront him directly.
Seeing this, Long Wu had no choice but to step forward.
"Yo, Long Wu, you piece of trash. Finally got the guts to step out and face me?"
Hong Qing sneered, his eyes filled with mockery.
Long Wu took a deep breath and said slowly,
"Hong Qing, a man should take responsibility for his own affairs. Since you’re here for me, let’s take this outside and settle it. Don’t ruin Mr. Ouyang’s banquet!"
Hong Qing burst into wild laughter, completely dismissing the man before him.
"Long Wu, you trash. You still think you call the shots? I’m going to crush you right here, in front of all these important people."
"Dammit!"
Long Wu gritted his teeth in anger, his fists cracking as he clenched them.
Hong Qing added arrogantly,
"And only by defeating you in front of all of Ming City will the reputation of your Huaiyi Hall completely collapse! Then, my Cyan Fire Gang will take over!"
His words, full of domineering arrogance, landed heavily, and all the guests’ faces turned ashen.
Ouyang Tianqi was so angry he kept patting his chest, gasping for breath.
Long Wu angrily cursed under his breath, "Damn it, this Hong Qing is shameless!"
However, from the looks of it, if he didn’t agree, Hong Qing definitely wouldn’t let this go.
Many of the other bigwigs were also looking at Long Wu.
Their expressions clearly urged him to agree—otherwise, no one would be leaving this hotel today!
Long Wu could only grit his teeth in resignation.
"Fine! Hong Qing, I’ll fight you. But let’s get one thing straight: if you lose, you take your men and get the hell out."
Hong Qing smiled contemptuously.
"Of course. But a piece of trash like you? How could you possibly beat me?"
Long Wu shot a quick glance at Qin Tuo, sighed inwardly, and stepped forward.
Seeing Long Wu approach, Hong Qing’s lips twisted into a vicious grin.
"Go to hell, Long Wu!"
Hong Qing struck first, his speed incredible.
Everyone was deeply shocked!
’So fast!’
Long Wu’s eyes went wide. Hong Qing’s speed had stunned him.
He quickly spun around to dodge.
CRACK!
He dodged the punch by a hair’s breadth.
Hong Qing’s fist struck empty air, yet it made a sound like a small explosion!
Even Qin Tuo couldn’t help but give Hong Qing a surprised glance.
’Fists as fast as lightning and as heavy as mountains are the only way to make that sound. What a powerful punch!’
Sweat dripped furiously from Long Wu’s forehead. Everyone’s hearts were in their throats for him.
Hong Qing let out a beast-like roar, spun, and threw another punch.
WHOOSH!
The punch was too fast, too powerful; getting hit by it would likely mean being knocked out cold.
Long Wu dodged continuously until he was backed up against a table with nowhere left to retreat.
"Let’s see you dodge this!"
A cruel light gleamed in Hong Qing’s eyes, full of malice.
THUD!
As the punch flew, Long Wu quickly blocked it with his arms.
But the next moment, the immense force sent him stumbling back three steps, his face turning deathly pale!
BLEARGH...
After three seconds of silence, Long Wu violently spat out a mouthful of blood, looking utterly weak.
"What! He lost? Just like that?"
The guests were in disbelief.
’This Hong Qing’s strength is terrifying, isn’t it?’
"Heh heh, Long Wu, you piece of trash. Just as I thought, you’re no match for me. Next, I’ll send you to see King Yama!"
Hong Qing cracked his knuckles, an aura of menace about him, and slowly walked forward.
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