Chapter Seventeen: The First Clash
A spark seemed to flicker in the air as Jiang An and Liu Chengfeng’s gazes collided.
“What? A rapist?! Young Master Liu, you know this man?” Liu Shao, lying on the hospital bed, brightened instantly, sensing an opportunity. He intentionally raised his voice, making sure everyone heard those emphasized words.
“Yes, a rapist!” Liu Chengfeng gave a wicked smile, as if recalling a past amusement. “We attended the same school back then. This toad wanted to eat swan meat, relentlessly pursuing my sister. How could she ever fancy him? So this hypocrite, who looked respectable on the surface, actually set a trap, trying to rape my sister, hoping that once the deed was done, he’d climb up the social ladder. Fortunately, heaven intervened—he didn’t succeed!”
“So that’s how it is. No wonder he’s such trash—he deserved the beating.”
“Ah, I didn’t want to say much, since my sister has found happiness now, but I utterly despise this scoundrel.” Liu Chengfeng shook his head and sighed.
The two played off each other, painting Jiang An in the worst possible light, and Jiang An himself offered no rebuttal. This made those present wonder—could he truly have committed such a disgraceful act?
Even Zhang Xue and Lin Xihe couldn’t help but look at Jiang An with suspicion. After a moment’s hesitation, Zhang Xue asked, “Teacher Jiang, is what they said true?”
“What do you think?” Jiang An replied, a faint smile on his lips.
Zhang Xue met his eyes directly, still clear and deep. She bit her lip and declared, “I believe Teacher Jiang is not that kind of person!”
“I believe it too!” Lin Xihe echoed.
“Hmph! Look at that—still as good at manipulating people’s hearts as he was back then.” Liu Chengfeng sneered. “Although that incident was never conclusively proven, the police record is crystal clear!”
Jiang An’s smile deepened, but only he knew the pain those dark days had brought him. Liu Xu, the heiress of the Liu family, had approached him just to win a bet, feigning affection. In those naïve days, he thought he’d found perfect love, poured himself into pleasing her, worked himself to exhaustion just to earn her smile. Yet she wore a mask every day, watching him like a clown—what a delightful game it was for her! Later, they set a trap, falsely accusing Jiang An of attempting to rape Liu Xu. After endless turmoil, he avoided prison, but his reputation was ruined. Stripped of his honors as a top Eastern University graduate, he was driven from every job, his landlord even threw out all his belongings. It was his darkest hour. If not for a lightning bolt that sent him to the immortal realm, what could his life have become?
So, when he recalled all this, his heart still stirred—a sign his cultivation was not yet complete.
Jiang An was a person of remarkable magnanimity; otherwise he wouldn’t have reached his current stature. Yet, the ant that bites you in childhood—though you wouldn’t hunt it down in adulthood—if it appears again, foolishly trying to bite you once more, then forgive him, but neither the ant nor its nest deserves to exist!
Liu Xu, Liu Chengfeng, the Liu family—these ants had successfully piqued Jiang An’s interest. Still, he looked at Liu Chengfeng with amiability; for a man doomed, Jiang An felt no resentment.
No, before he dies, stripping him of everything might be quite entertaining…
Jiang An’s gaze and smile made Liu Chengfeng deeply uncomfortable. He sneered coldly, waved his hand, and ordered, “Go seize him! Make him kneel and apologize to both the Liu and Liu families first!”
“Yes, sir!”
Two burly men responded and moved to grab Jiang An from behind Liu Chengfeng. At that moment, the heavily made-up woman at Liu Chengfeng’s side whispered, “Young Master Liu, this brat may have some training—watch out if he resists.”
“Heh, if he fights back, all the better.”
Zhang Xue and Lin Xihe, overflowing with righteous indignation, instinctively stepped in front of Jiang An. Jiang An was about to speak when Yang Hanmin’s voice suddenly sounded from outside: “Stop! What are you doing! This is a hospital, you can’t act wantonly here!”
Yang Hanmin entered, bringing several security guards with him.
“Oh, Director Yang, do you remember me? I once met you with my father. I didn’t intend to make trouble here, but my friend Liu was assaulted and I’m just helping apprehend the perpetrator for the police. I’m sure you’re a man of principle and won’t deliberately shield a suspect, right?” Liu Chengfeng looked at Director Yang, his words carrying a veiled threat.
His tone was both soft and hard, making things difficult for Yang Hanmin, but he still said, “This is a hospital—such commotion isn’t allowed. Young Master Liu, do me this favor. There must be some misunderstanding here; let’s talk it over calmly.”
Yang Hanmin was well aware of the Liu family’s grievance with Jiang An, but he valued Jiang An’s medical talent, so he spoke up to protect him.
Liu Chengfeng’s face darkened. The Liu family, a distinguished clan, should show you deference? He snorted, “Director Yang, are you trying to shield him? But today, we’re taking this man, and your favor isn’t enough!”
“Then, what if you add mine?”
A sudden male voice broke the tension. Everyone turned to see a tall, slender young man forcing his way in, accompanied by more than ten powerful men, his smile half mocking as he addressed Liu Chengfeng.
This was someone from the Divine Blade Sect!
The Divine Blade Sect, like the Liu family, ranked among the top ten powers in Lin City, their strength comparable. It was rumored that the sect’s old master, who had one foot in the grave, had somehow advanced to grandmaster level, recently surging in power. As a Liu family scion, Liu Chengfeng knew all this; just days ago, the Divine Blade Sect had sent invitations. But what was Jiang An’s connection with them? If the relationship was close, he’d back off—otherwise, well, things could get interesting…
“May I ask what your sect’s relationship with this suspect is? Is he one of yours?” Liu Chengfeng probed.
The young man leading the Divine Blade Sect was, naturally, Gao Chao. Hearing this, he wanted to introduce Jiang An’s identity, but Jiang An spoke first: “Gao Chao and I are friends.”
Gao Chao was perceptive, seeing that Jiang An didn’t wish to reveal his identity. He laughed, “Of course—Jiang An is my brother. Who dares touch him?”
That complicated matters. Jiang An was now connected to the rising Divine Blade Sect, making Liu Chengfeng uncertain. Yet, after a moment’s thought, he scoffed: The young master fears nothing! Jiang An was only friends with one of the sect’s Three Talents, Gao Chao, not with the old master himself! Gao Chao could protect him for a while, but not forever. Well then, let the game begin…
“Fine, since Brother Gao Chao has spoken, I’ll give you face. We’ll withdraw,” Liu Chengfeng said, now appearing urbane as he signaled his men to retreat.
“Young Master Liu! Are we just letting this brat go?!”
“Yes!” The Liu mother and son protested.
Liu Chengfeng shot them a cold look, compelling them to back down, then declared, “Jiang An, until we meet again.”
“Yes, until we meet again. I believe our next meeting will be soon,” Jiang An replied, his words laden with meaning.
Liu Chengfeng’s heart burned with anger—soon, he’d show Jiang An the consequences of crossing him! Without another word, he left with his entourage, ending the farce for now and allowing many to breathe easier.
“Bah!” Gao Chao spat disdainfully, about to approach, but seeing the flicker in Jiang An’s eyes, understood his intent and instead took his leave: “Jiang An, as long as you’re alright, I’ll be off. Let’s stay in touch if anything comes up!”
He departed with his men, but barely had he stepped outside when he heard Jiang An’s voice softly in his ear, “Wait for me outside for a moment!” Gao Chao spun around—behind him were his own followers. He was stunned: Sound transmission? Such a skill?
The room felt emptier, and the ladies finally relaxed. Yang Hanmin pondered a moment, then whispered to Jiang An, “I never knew you had ties with the Divine Blade Sect, but the Liu family acts ruthlessly… Ah, I’ll give you a few days off—better lay low. Young people should think thrice before acting, but you never listen.”
Yang Hanmin had always treated Jiang An well, so Jiang An smiled, “Director, rest assured—I’ll resolve this. Within two or three days, you’ll be at ease.”
Yang Hanmin didn’t believe him, assuming Jiang An was just trying to reassure him, and shook his head, “If only that were true.”
Jiang An said no more, for he intended to prove himself through action!
Liu family, beware. I am coming. How many days can you withstand my wrath?