The Beauty CEO's Personal Expert

Tian Xiong pressed his hand down slightly and said with a smile, "Mr. Ling, don’t get too agitated. Let’s talk things over calmly. Since there are only the two of us here, I might as well be honest with you. Compared to the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect, the Dark Pavilion values your Dragon Tiger Hall more. As for the reason, I explained it clearly last time we met. It’s because the Dragon Tiger Hall has more potential for growth. The Dangyang Sect’s leader is Qi Yong, and he’s surrounded by a rabble that can’t achieve great things. Although the Heavenly Dragon Sect is a rising star and currently in the limelight, they lack depth. In comparison, your Dragon Tiger Hall not only has rich history but also formidable strength, making it an excellent partner. If you agree to cooperate with us, I can assure you that the Dark Pavilion will immediately cancel its cooperation with the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect. From now on, the allies of the Dark Pavilion will only be your Dragon Tiger Hall. Moreover, we’ll help you deal with the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect. Mr. Ling, what do you think? I believe my proposal shows enough sincerity."

"Indeed! I admit you are very sincere," Ling Chen nodded and said. "However, I’m not very interested in your proposal. Everyone might have their own ambitions, but please don’t lump us together with you. I’ve never thought of expanding my territory or establishing my own empire; I just want to guard my own small patch of land honestly. As long as others don’t actively bother me, I won’t trouble them either."

"Mr. Ling, don’t you think your idea is too naive? Since you’ve chosen to step into the martial arts world, you can’t avoid disputes. Besides, the joy of the martial arts world lies in contending with others and contending with nature. If you reject these things, you might as well disband the Dragon Tiger Hall and live as an ordinary person."

"That’s true. Sometimes I quite regret founding the Dragon Tiger Hall in the first place. However, since I have, I can only take responsibility for it. Just like this time, your three major forces united against our Dragon Tiger Hall, injuring my Third Brother and my parents. Whether as a brother or a son, I must settle this debt with you."

Hearing this, Tian Xiong asked with interest, "Mr. Ling, by saying this, are you declaring war on us?"

"You might see it that way. That’s why I said just now that cooperation between the Dragon Tiger Hall and the Dark Pavilion is impossible. Not everyone in this world chases after profit; some prioritize loyalty and relationships. In my eyes, loyalty is more important than profit."

"Mr. Ling, it was indeed the Dangyang Sect that attacked the Eight Monsters on the road, and I don’t deny that. But I want to clarify that the Dark Pavilion was not involved; it was entirely the Dangyang Sect acting on its own, so it has nothing to do with us." Having said this, Tian Xiong paused slightly, then continued, "Also, you just mentioned the injury to your parents, but I don’t quite understand your meaning."

Ling Chen snorted, "Mr. Tian, must I spell it out? You sent people to attack the Ling Family in Beijing, injuring my father and hurting so many people from the Ling Family. Do you dare say it wasn’t you?"

Tian Xiong showed a look of surprise and defended, "No, it wasn’t us. You must be mistaken. I can assure you this has nothing to do with us."

"The Dark Pavilion didn’t, but can you vouch for the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect?"

"All actions of the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect can’t be hidden from us at the Dark Pavilion. I’m one hundred percent confident in this, so there’s no need to doubt me. If it was indeed them, I would never deny it. Moreover, we’ve already spoken so plainly; what would be the point in continuing to hide things from each other?"

Looking into Tian Xiong’s eyes, Ling Chen slightly furrowed his brows. Judging from the other party’s demeanor, he didn’t seem to be lying. Moreover, since he had already admitted to attacking the Eight Monsters, there was no need to deceive him further. Hence, he believed that what Tian Xiong said was true.

But if it wasn’t them, then who could it be? It seems the Dragon Tiger Hall has no other enemies. Could it be... those attackers weren’t targeting the Dragon Tiger Hall, but were simply out for revenge against him?

No, that’s not right!

Ling Chen shook his head inwardly, finding that explanation unconvincing. When he talked on the phone with Ling Kun, the latter was very clear that there was someone very powerful among the attackers, someone even he wasn’t a match for. However, after injuring him, that person immediately withdrew with their companions without the intent to kill. If it were purely for revenge, they wouldn’t have spared the Ling Family members.

Who are those people really? Ling Chen was puzzled.

Seeing Ling Chen deep in thought, Tian Xiong smiled playfully and said, "Mr. Ling, it seems you have quite a few enemies. I think you should seriously consider my proposal. By cooperating with us, you can escape the predicament of being beset on all sides."

"There’s no need to mention this again," Ling Chen said calmly. "I’ve already told you that cooperation between us is impossible; don’t even think about it. The reason I came here today is to have you relay to the Heavenly Dragon Sect and the Dangyang Sect that they will pay ten or even a hundredfold for what they have done."

With those words, he picked up the teacup in front of him, drained the tea in one gulp, then stood up and said, "Everything that needed saying has been said, Mr. Tian. The next time we meet will be on the battlefield."

Seeing Ling Chen turn to leave, Tian Xiong hurriedly called out to him.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Tian?" Ling Chen turned back and asked.

"The last time we met, I promised you that whether or not you agreed to cooperate, I would tell you about the Netherworld Snake."

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen’s eyes lit up slightly. That was indeed one of his purposes for coming to the appointment today. But given the strained nature of their relationship, he thought the other party wouldn’t tell him, so he hadn’t asked further. Unexpectedly, Tian Xiong was so forthcoming.

"It seems Mr. Ling is interested," Tian Xiong smiled slightly and gestured to the chair Ling Chen had just vacated. "Sit down. The matter of the Netherworld Snake isn’t something that can be explained briefly."

Ling Chen hesitated for a moment, then sat back down in the chair. Meanwhile, Tian Xiong picked up a teacup and refilled Ling Chen’s cup.

"Mr. Ling, there’s no need to show too much hostility now. In this room, let’s hope we can cast aside all disputes over interests and simply regard each other as friends. I likewise won’t treat you as an opponent. If we do this, everything will be much easier. What do you think?"

"Sure, no problem," Ling Chen agreed straightforwardly. Tian Xiong’s suggestion was good. Letting down one’s guard and discarding pretenses could simplify things a lot.