Ming Zhitian had long anticipated that Qingkong Xuanlang wasn't bringing his father for money, but for reinforcements.
To Ming Zhitian, these were mere pawns, but in the eyes of the secular world, the Eight Lodges of the Azure Dragon were masters, revered figures second only to the absolute strongest.
Uncle Feng stepped forward first. "Uncle Feng greets Mr. Ming."
Ming Zhitian smiled faintly. "Heh, the Eight Lodges of the Azure Dragon? Come at me together."
Qingkong Xuanlang had already retreated behind the five, not forgetting to issue threats. "Ming Zhitian, kid, you're quite something. Eight Lodges of the Azure Dragon, heed my command! In the name of Young Master Qingkong, I order you to kill Ming Zhitian immediately!"
"This… not good…!" Uncle Feng was in a bind, but Qingkong Xuanlang's order had been given, and they had no choice but to obey.
However, before the five could make a move, Ming Zhitian struck first!
A punch, like roaring flames, descended. Ming Zhitian was astute; he targeted Uncle Feng, the strongest of the five. Uncle Feng hastily countered with a palm strike!
*Bang!* Qingkong Xuanlang, caught in the aftermath, was sent flying to the side, unconscious.
Uncle Feng staggered back over a dozen steps before managing to stabilize himself. The other four were in a similar state.
But before they could recover, Ming Zhitian's punch sent Uncle Yun crashing to the ground. He then spun and kicked Uncle Lei in the chest.
Uncle Lei had crossed his arms to block his chest, but Ming Zhitian's kick sent him flying back.
In an instant, both Uncle Yun and Uncle Lei were incapacitated. Aunt Zi and Uncle Dian planned to strike first.
Yet, Ming Zhitian made no move to attack or evade, instead taking the brunt of their punches and kicks head-on.
With a grab and a twist, Uncle Dian cried out in pain. Aunt Zi let out a soft groan.
*Thump, thump…* The two were flung backward.
Uncle Feng quickly caught them by their backs, easing their impact.
Ming Zhitian glanced at them and kicked out.
Uncle Feng, Uncle Dian, and Aunt Zi were forced to fall together, piling up like paper figures.
Ming Zhitian chuckled. "Eight Lodges of the Azure Dragon? Trash."
"You!…" The five seethed with frustration but were powerless, outmatched in skill.
Ming Zhitian walked up to Qingkong Xuanlang, raised a foot, and without even looking, stepped on and broke one of his arms. *Crack!*
Qingkong Xuanlang, who had been in a daze, instantly woke up in agony. "Ah!! My arm!…"
Ming Zhitian showed disdain for such a scoundrel. "This is a punishment. Next time, you'll be a dead man."
Qingkong Xuanlang cursed, "You bastard Ming Zhitian! I'll make sure you die a horrible death!"
Ming Zhitian chuckled. "You seeking death?"
"Crack! Ah!!…………My leg!"
Ming Zhitian's kick shattered Qingkong Xuanlang's thigh bone. The pain caused him to pass out.
Ming Zhitian shook his head. "Remember what I said." He then flickered and disappeared.
Uncle Feng, dragging his severely injured body, rushed Qingkong Xuanlang to the hospital. The other four followed.
—
Meanwhile, in a magnificent, golden palace, the hall was spacious and bright, adorned with nine pillars, each supporting a coiled dragon. On the dragon throne knelt a woman, dressed as an Empress Dowager, with a phoenix coronet and robes, a white jade bead necklace, jade bracelets, and hooked phoenix-tail rings on her fingers.
Two eunuchs stood by, Old Ghost and Zhong Chang. The woman's red lips parted slowly. "What is the latest information from Miaohai City?"
Zhong Chang respectfully cupped his hands. "Reporting to Your Grace, recently, the Yuan family, the second most powerful force, was destroyed by an inconspicuous Wang family that was not even on the rankings. The reason for all this is a young man named Ming Zhitian."
"Oh?" The woman asked with curiosity.