Chapter 208: One Stone, Two Birds
Cheng Yuan didn’t even bother to look up at He Zhendong. He said flatly, "Sorry, I know Sister Shishi. If you have something to say, just say it, but I’m not switching seats."
He Zhendong couldn’t help but frown deeply. ’This kid is actually disrespecting me like this?’
"Kid, my name is He Zhendong. From the He Family of Beijing."
"Oh."
Cheng Yuan acknowledged him, then tilted his head back against the seat, no longer bothering to pay He Zhendong any mind.
He Zhendong was about to explode! It was the first time he’d ever met someone so disrespectful! And in front of his goddess, no less!
’This is absolutely unacceptable!’
"Kid, I’m taking this seat. I suggest you be smart about this and don’t force me to get rough!"
Cheng Yuan could tell that He Zhendong was a Divine Realm Expert, but it wasn’t like he’d never killed one before!
Besides, it had been several days since he’d killed Wang Yuanchen. His strength had already improved to a certain degree. Relying on just his left hand, he could now exchange a couple of moves with a Grandmaster.
Cheng Yuan said calmly, "I’d advise you not to get rough. You’re no match for me."
This was the first time anyone had ever defied He Zhendong like this. His anger flared.
Seeing Cheng Yuan refuse to give up the seat, Hu Shishi felt a little happy. ’Looks like Xiaoyuan really does care about me!’
However, she was also worried. He Zhendong’s background was too formidable; the pressure was almost suffocating.
If things really escalated and the He Family decided to place blame, her Hu Family wouldn’t be able to protect Cheng Yuan at all!
Hu Shishi quickly tried to smooth things over. "Mr. He, Xiaoyuan has a bit of a temper. I apologize on his behalf. I hope you won’t stoop to his level!"
He Zhendong’s expression softened slightly. "If Miss Hu is asking, I will of course give you face."
Cheng Yuan said, slightly displeased, "Sister Shishi, there’s no need to apologize for me."
’Sister Shishi?’
’Calling her so intimately?’
He Zhendong’s eyes narrowed. ’Looks like this kid is also one of Miss Hu’s suitors!’
’No wonder he wouldn’t give up his seat!’
"Kid, for Shishi’s sake, I was going to let you off the hook. But since you’ve rejected my kindness, don’t blame me for what happens next! Get out of my sight!"
He Zhendong suddenly attacked. With a CLICK, he unbuckled Cheng Yuan’s seatbelt. He then reached for Cheng Yuan’s collar, intending to lift him right out of his seat!
Of course, Cheng Yuan wasn’t just going to take it lying down. His left pinky finger shot out like a phantom, accurately striking the center of He Zhendong’s palm!
A sharp CRACK was heard!
The bones in He Zhendong’s palm shattered. Excruciating pain radiated out from the wound.
He Zhendong instinctively clutched his hand, grimacing in pain. He couldn’t believe it—he had actually been injured by this kid!
"You crippled my right hand? You broke the bones in my palm? Kid, you’re dead!"
Cheng Yuan curled his lip in disdain. "The cabin cameras recorded everything clearly. It was self-defense. Now get lost. I don’t want to get my hands dirty."
With that, Cheng Yuan waved his hand impatiently.
He Zhendong desperately wanted to crush Cheng Yuan, but the kid’s strength was too terrifying. He had crippled his right hand in a single move!
He Zhendong knew very well that if that last attack had landed on his chest or throat, his life would have been over!
He Zhendong shot Cheng Yuan a venomous glare. "Kid, you’ve got guts. I’ll remember you!"
He Zhendong knew he couldn’t continue this confrontation.
He would only lose more face. Fuming, He Zhendong returned to business class.
Adhering to the principle that Jianghu matters are settled in the Jianghu, He Zhendong didn’t call his father. Instead, he dialed a familiar number.
The call connected quickly, and a gruff voice came through. "Zhen Dong, I heard you agreed to join Dragon Flame? When are you getting to Beijing? I’m waiting for you at Dragon Flame; I’ll roll out the red carpet for you!"
"Brother Tai, I’m afraid I won’t be able to report to Dragon Flame. Some kid on the plane just crippled my right hand."
The man on the other end of the line was Zhou Tai. He was a guard for the Old Master of the He Family and had followed him onto the battlefield several times.
Under the Old Master’s guidance, Zhou Tai was now a Grandmaster and currently a squad leader in the Dragon Flame Divine Dragon Camp.
Zhou Tai grew up in the He Family and was extremely close with He Zhendong, treating him like his own younger brother.
Hearing that He Zhendong had been crippled, Zhou Tai was consumed by rage!
"Zhen Dong, when will you arrive in Beijing? I’ll come pick you up."
"In about forty minutes."
"Got it."
...
「Economy Class.」
After He Zhendong left, Hu Shishi frowned deeply. "Xiaoyuan, you were too impulsive. He Zhendong’s father is the Deputy Director of the Central Organization Department. His grandfather, Elder Ye, was one of the first old marshals and had the power of a Martial Emperor twenty years ago! Elder Ye hasn’t made a move in two decades; who knows if he’s broken through to the Martial Saint realm by now. Our Hu and Zhu Families may have the final say in Dongshan, but we’re nothing in the face of the He Family! As things stand, the only way to ensure your safety is to join Dragon Flame!"
Cheng Yuan’s brow furrowed. He never expected a small dispute over a seat to put him in such a passive position!
’Is joining Dragon Flame really my only option?’
’But I really hate being tied down!’
’What should I do?’
’How can I get out of this?’
...
「Dragon Flame Headquarters.」
Dragon Lord Li Baizhan and Dragon Head Yang Qianhuan were in the middle of a game of Go.
"Old Li, that ’killing two birds with one stone’ move of yours was brilliant. Not only did you get He Zhendong, but you’ve also cornered Cheng Yuan, leaving him no choice but to join Dragon Flame."
Li Baizhan smiled. "Old Yang, between these two kids, who are you more optimistic about?"
"Isn’t that obvious? He Zhendong, of course! His talent is just too immense! As long as we guide him properly, he will surely be able to shoulder the great responsibility of defending Dragon Country in the future!"
Li Baizhan narrowed his eyes. "He Zhendong did inherit Old Marshal He’s Bright Moon War Body, so his talent is indeed very strong. However, his attitude toward cultivation is questionable. It will be difficult for him to reach that shore we can only gaze at from afar. I’m still more optimistic about Cheng Yuan."
Hearing Old Marshal He’s name, Yang Qianhuan’s expression turned a little more serious. "You’re right. He Zhendong’s attitude toward cultivation is indeed a big problem. If he were half as diligent as Old Marshal He, he’d be a Grandmaster by now! Still, comparing the two kids, I’m still betting on He Zhendong. Attitude can be changed, but talent can’t."
Li Baizhan laughed. "Actually, it’s quite simple to change He Zhendong’s attitude. He’s always been slacking off mainly because he has no rivals among the younger generation. If he feels a sense of crisis, perhaps He Zhendong will change."
Yang Qianhuan smiled. "Then let’s have Cheng Yuan stimulate He Zhendong a bit. Hopefully, He Zhendong won’t waste his talent."
"Let’s wait and see! We’ll find out which of these kids will rise to the occasion! However, I hope even more that in the near future, our Dragon Country’s twin stars can shine together, illuminating the entire sky!"
...
Cheng Yuan was silent for the rest of the flight, weighing the pros and cons of his situation.
The plane landed smoothly and taxied down the runway.
Hu Shishi broke the silence. "Xiaoyuan, have you made your choice? No matter what you choose, our Hu Family will stand firmly by your side! Even if it means the ruin of our family!"
Cheng Yuan gave Hu Shishi a deep look. "Sister Shishi, do you think I still have a choice?"