Chapter 45: Gathering from All Sides

At this moment.

Inside a villa.

A middle-aged man sat in a chair, eyes closed for a brief rest. The black bird perched on his shoulder, tilting its head now and then, staring intently at his face.

Knock, knock, knock...

The door to the room was rapped upon.

"Come in."

The middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes and spoke.

The door swung open.

A man dressed in black entered.

He bowed, respectfully reporting, "Sir, the investigation is complete! The person selling those items is someone named Xu Han."

The middle-aged man's brows furrowed slightly. "Xu Han? Is he the top scorer in the city's college entrance exam?"

The black-robed man nodded.

The middle-aged man’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Interesting. We haven’t even sought him out, yet he dares to come to us? This Xu Han, he certainly has courage!"

The black-robed man asked respectfully, "Sir, shall we send someone to deal with Xu Han now?"

The middle-aged man shook his head. Rising slowly with the aid of his cane, he said, "No need to rush. There’s still a month until Dragon Nation University opens. As long as he remains in Donghai City, he won’t escape! There’s no need for haste. Right now, his reputation is at its peak. If we act forcefully, it will attract the attention of Donghai City’s authorities and the Zhenhai Headquarters. We might even alarm the Dragon Nation Headquarters! So, patience first. Do you understand?"

The black-robed man nodded, "Yes, sir!"

The middle-aged man waved his hand, "Alright, you may go. I need to change clothes. Today is my niece Xia Ling’s coming-of-age celebration, I must attend. Also, my disappointing son was beaten up—investigate that for me as well."

"Yes!"

The black-robed man turned and departed swiftly.

...

Rose Manor Residential District.

Every residence here was a standalone villa. Deep within the community stood three sprawling villas, one belonging to the Xia family.

Today.

The open space before the Xia family’s home was crowded with luxury vehicles.

Many distinguished guests mingled in the villa’s courtyard, chatting and laughing. All had come for the coming-of-age ceremony of Xia Ling, the precious daughter of the Xia clan.

At the villa entrance.

Xia Ling had set aside her usual style as a noble swordswoman, donning a pristine white gown. Her tall figure, paired with the flowing dress, made her resemble a proud white swan.

Many men watched her, nearly drooling with admiration.

Yet none dared voice their thoughts aloud.

After all, Xia Ling’s father, Xia Xiuwei, presided as the president of Donghai City’s Chamber of Commerce. He oversaw the city’s trading markets and auction houses. Those seeking rare equipment, skill books, or materials would need to cultivate favor with Xia Xiuwei.

Xia Ling stood at the door, her gaze searching, as if awaiting someone.

Just then.

A car pulled into the lot.

A young man in a deep purple mage’s robe emerged, supported by two attendants.

His face lit up with excitement as he saw Xia Ling. He cast aside his attendants and limped over to the doorway, propping himself against the wall, gazing at Xia Ling with fervent affection.

"Ling’er, you’re waiting here for me, aren’t you?"

Xia Ling frowned and stepped back, keeping her distance. "Lei Hongyang, we’re just ordinary friends. Call me Xia Ling, that’s enough."

Lei Hongyang’s face fell in sorrow. "Ling’er, we grew up together—how can you be so cold to me now? Our fathers even arranged a childhood engagement for us!"

Xia Ling’s brows knitted. "That was only a joke between our fathers."

Lei Hongyang tried to say more, but then a towering middle-aged man approached, his presence like a mountain, followed by a robust young man—Father and son, Iron Mountain and Iron Hill.

Xia Ling greeted sweetly, "Uncle Iron, hello!"

Iron Gang’s stern demeanor melted into a cheerful smile upon seeing Xia Ling. "Haha, Ling’er, it’s been so long! You’ve grown so beautiful—truly, a girl changes with age. When you were little, your father and I nearly arranged a childhood betrothal. But now, Iron Hill could hardly match a phoenix like you!"

Iron Hill looked exasperated. How could his father insult him so?

Xia Ling’s cheeks flushed, "Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Iron."

Iron Gang turned to Lei Hongyang, his smile vanishing. "Hongyang, you’re here too. Come, let’s go in together."

Lei Hongyang dared not protest. Iron Gang was his uncle, his father’s close friend. If he angered Iron Gang and received a beating, his own father wouldn’t defend him.

He limped after Iron Gang into the villa.

Iron Gang eyed Lei Hongyang curiously. "What happened to your leg?"

Lei Hongyang’s lips twitched. If people knew his leg had been broken in a fight, wouldn’t that be humiliating? He could only smile awkwardly, "I was injured by a beast, but it’s been treated—it’s fine now."

Iron Gang nodded and said no more.

Inside the villa, several people approached Iron Gang, eager to curry favor.

Lei Hongyang and Iron Hill went off separately to rest.

Xia Ling remained at the door, waiting.

"Why hasn’t he come? Could he have forgotten? Surely not..."

Just then.

A middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, cultured and refined in appearance, stepped out from inside.

Xia Ling asked curiously, "Dad, why are you out here?"

Xia Xiuwei grinned, "A distinguished guest is arriving soon. Naturally, I must greet them personally."

"Distinguished guest?" Xia Ling looked puzzled.

Within a few minutes.

A car pulled up to the entrance.

A middle-aged man stepped out and waved with a smile to Xia Xiuwei, "President Xia, it’s been a while."

It was Dai Guoqiang, chief of the Investigation Bureau.

Xia Ling realized who her father meant—the distinguished guest. Dai Guoqiang and her father had once been comrades-in-arms and remained close.

Xia Xiuwei went to greet him, giving Dai Guoqiang’s shoulder a friendly punch. "Trying to pull that with me?"

Dai Guoqiang laughed, "By the way, the city lord asked me to deliver a gift. He’s busy investigating the beast attacks and can’t make it, but he sends birthday wishes to Xia Ling."

Xia Xiuwei accepted the gift, "The city lord is too kind. Is there any progress in the investigation?"

Dai Guoqiang shook his head, "The Donghai City intelligence team is fully engaged. We have a preliminary result: it's the work of the Abyssal Cult, but their motives remain unclear."

Xia Xiuwei frowned, "The Abyssal Cult again! Always causing trouble!"

Dai Guoqiang nodded slightly, "If an expert hadn't intervened, the entire Donghai City might have become ruins."

As they conversed, another car entered the parking lot.

The door swung open.

A hearty laugh rang out.

"Old Dai, your driver is quick, I must say."