Martial Ascent to Divinity-Chapter 588 - 569: Worthy?

Dragon Bay Community.

Li Linhan got up in the morning, unable to stop smiling.

Yesterday, after watching the Sky News at his old comrade Zhao Lianshuo’s house, although the group of old fellows cried miserably, they later drank heartily and joyously.

He still remembers Zhao Lianshuo holding his Broken Sword and shouting loudly, "Saint Zhao once said, as long as the Broken Sword remains, there’s hope for Dragon Country! Zhou Leng did well; our Demon City Army’s children are not cowards!"

After breakfast, putting on clothes, pushing the door open, he stopped and looked towards the opposite door.

He saw a scruffy young man leaning against Zhou Leng’s door like a coffin board, eyeless and vacant.

Li Linhan felt wary because when Zhou Leng was targeted online, his home address was made public and many people came to make trouble.

There are still traces of paint spraying on the walls; later, the Martial Guard Bureau intervened, and those people quieted down.

"You are..." Li Linhan asked.

"Hello, Uncle Li, I am Xue Chengsong. We met before at the company, and Zhou Leng often mentioned you." Xue Chengsong bowed his head in greeting.

Li Linhan paused, showing sympathy, sighed lightly, and said, "I’ve known old Xue for years, never thought..."

Last year, when Zhou Leng first entered the Demon City, it was Li Linhan who recommended Zhou Leng to Xue Tongming, Xue Chengsong’s father.

Later on, though he wasn’t involved in the cooperation between Zhou Leng and the Xue Family, he was aware of it.

Initially, Xue Chengsong wanted to closely associate with Zhou Leng, but Xue Tongming hesitated, missing the opportunity.

Eventually, Xue Tongming decided to give up some mines for Zhou Leng and Xue Chengsong to jointly own.

At that time, Zhou Leng even approached Li Linhan, seeking advice on how to handle it, and considered asking him to help manage.

Li Linhan felt there was no need for him to get involved, so he offered some strategic advice to Zhou Leng.

Upon learning of the millions in annual revenue, he was genuinely happy for Zhou Leng, feeling proud as if his own child had achieved success.

He carefully observed Xue Chengsong, vaguely remembering his appearance, but he looked vastly different now.

Previously clean and in sportswear.

Now disheveled, covered in wounds, face deliberately smeared dirty, eyes vacant, like a beggar.

Li Linhan had heard Xue Chengsong died in battle in Demon City, Xue’s being taken over by a big figure from Xiongjing; at that level, an Immortal is above, he could only feel helpless, without even the qualification to inquire.

"Are you looking for Zhou Leng? Come inside and talk." Seeing the pity in his eyes, Li Linhan, out of kindness, invited Xue Chengsong inside.

Xue Chengsong’s eyes reddened, shaking his head, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Li."

"Why are you looking for Zhou Leng?"

Tears streamed down Xue Chengsong’s face as he said, "I want to know if his Martial Arts have recovered. If they have, I’d like him to help. Our company and mines, everything of our Xue Family, have been taken by Gao Tianlong."

"What? Everything was taken? What about Zhou Leng’s shares?" Li Linhan asked.

"Forged signatures, changed everything to Gao Tianlong’s. Initially, I accepted it; money, mines, shares, houses, I could do without. But...my father’s body is still with them. I want it back to properly bury him. But I’ve heard Gao Tianlong intends to kill me too, I dare not show myself."

Li Linhan exclaimed in shock, "Was it Gao Tianlong who killed your father?"

Xue Chengsong nodded forcefully, unable to stop the tears from flowing.

Even though he normally kept his composure, in true hardship, he was worse than an average person.

Li Linhan frowned deeply, saying, "Yesterday I mentioned your father to Zhao Lianshuo. Both of us knew old Xue, never expected this. Have you sought help from others?"

"Yes, but as soon as they heard it was Gao Tianlong, no one dared to help. Gao Tianlong is the nephew of the Patriarch of the Zhao Family, let alone in Rucheng, no one in Xiong City dare provoke him. I was out of options, seeing Zhou Leng become a general, I thought to ask."

Li Linhan found it hard to believe; he had heard of Gao Tianlong. Though Zhao Lianshuo didn’t say directly, in between the lines he mentioned the ruthless actions of Gao Tianlong and Gao Tianfeng siblings, disliked by many.

Xue Chengsong said, "Because the poor mine turned into a rich mine."

Li Linhan realized, "So that’s it, no wonder."

The essence of Demon City is a special space, many places inside are unstable, mines are pressured by the power of the world, frequently changing.

Xue Chengsong said, "Initially explored from a billion-worth poor mine, it became a rich mine of over hundred billions in scale, the deep high-energy reactions are shocking, likely hiding special high-energy ore. Originally, when Gao Tianlong came, my father knew he couldn’t hold on, saying clearly, together with Zhou Leng, they only wanted 10% of the shares, not asking much."

"But that bastard Gao Tianlong didn’t even give 10%, directly offered ten million to buy everything."

"My father didn’t even dare refuse, made an excuse that Zhou Leng wasn’t around, to consider."

"The next day, Gao Tianlong lured my father and company executives to Demon City, killed them all. Then sent people to forge faces and identities, smoothing out the relationships, consumed mine and Zhou Leng’s mines."

"Too much..." Li Linhan almost burst into curses, he had heard of such things often, but having it happen close to himself was a first.

Xue Chengsong wiped away his tears, saying, "I don’t care anymore, just want my father’s body back, to properly bury him."

"Old platoon leader... Do you know Zhao Lianshuo?"

"The one with Saint Zhao’s Broken Sword?"

"Yes. The old platoon leader had a good relationship with your dad. The Zhao Family in Xiong City has been in contact with him. Getting back the mining rights might be difficult for Brother Zhao, but retrieving your dad’s body is very possible. Come, I’ll take you to see the old platoon leader."

"Is... is it possible?"

"Let’s give it a try. Zhou Leng’s situation is hard to say right now, so let’s try not to bother him."

"I know. I’ve messaged him, and he hasn’t replied. I didn’t want to keep contacting him. I just happened to be passing by today, so I thought I’d stop by..." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Li Linhan took Xue Chengsong to Zhao Lianshuo’s house. A few years ago, Xue Chengsong had visited and listened to Zhao Lianshuo talk about Saint Zhao’s Broken Sword all night.

When Zhao Lianshuo saw Xue Chengsong, he was shocked and, after understanding the situation, began cursing out loud.

Xue Tongming wasn’t particularly close to him, but he had indeed helped him once back in the day.

However, he knew a little about Gao Tianlong’s reputation.

He hesitated for a long time, then took out his phone and went outside to make a call.

When he came back, Zhao Lianshuo said, "Let’s go find Gao Tianlong."

"Brother Zhao, can this work?" Li Linhan asked.

"Let’s see. We’re not asking for the mine, just the body. It should be fine." Zhao Lianshuo sighed softly.

The three of them arrived at the building where Gao Tianlong was. A female employee in a suit and skirt enthusiastically led them to the reception room.

The employee was incredibly warm, preparing fruits and hot water—everything was well-prepared, and etiquette was impeccable.

Gao Tianlong never appeared.

After waiting for a good two hours, a tall Innate Master walked in. He had slightly dark circles around his eyes, a pale and smooth complexion, and was quite handsome. As soon as he entered the door, he wore a smiling face, bent down on his initiative, and stretched out both hands to shake hands with Zhao Lianshuo.

"Uncle, it’s been years since we last met. It’s my fault for keeping you waiting so long. I’ve just been extremely busy. The issue you mentioned has been relayed from Xiong City. Xue Tongming’s death has nothing to do with me, but out of respect for you, Uncle, I will immediately send someone to search for him. I guarantee we will find him within three days! If we can’t find him, I will personally come to admit my mistake!" Gao Tianlong said with a smile, speaking in a straightforward manner, seeming to be a magnanimous and forthright person.

It’s hard to be angry at someone with a smiling face, especially someone close to the Zhao Family who agreed readily. Zhao Lianshuo swallowed all his words.

He had initially intended to bring up the issue regarding Zhou Leng’s shares, but since the other party agreed so readily, it was now hard to mention it.

Zhao Lianshuo sighed and said, "We met in the past, and if it weren’t absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t have wanted to use this old face to beg. Since you, Young Gao, have said so, I have nothing more to say. On behalf of the Xue Family, thank you."

"We are all family, no need for thanks, it’s too formal. Grandpa even mentioned you. Uncle, have you eaten yet? Someone, book a restaurant; let’s all have a meal together as a family." Gao Tianlong loudly instructed his subordinates.

Zhao Lianshuo, although straightforward, was experienced; the invitation sounded like a request for them to stay, but it was actually a way of seeing them off.

Zhao Lianshuo said, "I have things to attend to at home, so let’s not trouble you. You’re quite busy, and I can’t delay your work."

After exchanging a few courteous words, Gao Tianlong saw the three of them off. Throughout the entire time, Gao Tianlong showed no interest in Xue Chengsong and Li Linhan.

The three of them headed towards the company’s elevator.

Li Linhan and Xue Chengsong both sighed in relief, but Zhao Lianshuo’s face remained heavy.

All three were martial artists with acute senses, and after walking only a few steps, they heard Gao Tianlong’s voice drift over from afar.

"He rose the highest to the district level; in Xiong City, he’s a dime a dozen small figure, does he deserve the Zhao surname? That old stubborn fool actually called Xiong City first, making me lose face..."

Zhao Lianshuo was furious, his entire neck turning red, and he growled, "Even Saint Zhao never treated me this way!"

Seeing things turning bad, Li Linhan hurriedly pulled Zhao Lianshuo into the elevator.

"Old platoon leader, let it go. We’re well aware of what these spoiled brats are like."

Unable to speak due to anger, Zhao Lianshuo sighed after a long pause, "When Saint Zhao was around, people like this couldn’t even enter the Zhao Family’s door."

Xue Chengsong whispered, "Now, the Zhao Family is full of people like them. I’ve heard that Gao Tianlong and Gao Tianfeng, the brother and sister duo, hold high positions in the Zhao Family, almost second only to the Zhao Family’s three sons."

Zhao Lianshuo hung his head, saying nothing.

The night fell.

In Gao Tianlong’s office, a low muttering suddenly emerged.

"A cripple became a member of the Immortal Tower Council? How could a demigod compete for him? What a bother..."

"Once meat is in your mouth, you don’t spit it out. Besides, I only get a small share; the big share is with those few families above..."

Gao Tianlong pondered and decided to stick to his strategy of remaining unchanged.

If the other party indeed had strength, he would admit defeat, refunding some shares. If the other party couldn’t make it to the table, everything would continue as is.

As for returning Xue Tongming’s body, it was just sending it back. Xue Chengsong alone couldn’t stir up a storm.

He used to be a toady, living under the table for decades, his sister kneeling and washing feet for decades. Now, seizing the chance with two sons of the Zhao Family gone, his turn to sit at the table has arrived. How could he easily retreat?

No matter if it’s the Zhao Family taking over the mine or reselling, at least thirty billion is directly pocketed; how could such a large piece of meat be regurgitated?

His sister Gao Tianfeng is said to be a strong businesswoman, appearing to have significant influence, but it’s all proxy holding; the real share belonging to the Gao Family is minimal.

The fate of the Zhao Family in the future is uncertain, but while the Zhao Family is prosperous now, if not taken advantage of now, should one wait until the Zhao Family falls to profit?