Martial Dao: Peace by Force

Chapter 65: Chapter 63: Heavy Gold for Bones, See You Again in the Jianghu

"Tie Shizhe, listen up! Take down everyone from the Yu Shang Group. If anyone so much as moves, beat them to death for me!"

At the critical moment, Tie Qingyang stepped forward. With a grand wave of his hand, he radiated an air of absolute authority.

A crowd of people surged forward.

Tie Qingyang walked over to Wan Ze. He lowered his gaze to Xiao Qing’s face, whose eyes were still open in death, and his focus wavered for a moment. After a few seconds, he composed himself and gestured. "Mr. Wan, there are too many prying eyes here. Please, follow me to a side room."

Wan Ze nodded but glanced at Xiao Qing’s body, his thoughts unreadable. Tie Qingyang noticed this and arranged for someone to take Xiao Qing’s body away. He then personally assigned Tie Feiyang to guard the people from the Yu Shang Group before leading Wan Ze next door.

...

「Inside an antique-styled room.」

Only Tie Qingyang and Wan Ze remained.

Although tea had been prepared, neither of them had the time to drink it.

Tie Qingyang pushed a pre-prepared leather briefcase over. "Today’s events went beyond our plan. I failed to control the situation, which forced you to take a risk, Mr. Wan. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

The plan was for Wan Ze to draw his attention, and for me to deliver the final blow.

But unexpectedly, Wan Ze dominated the situation from the very beginning, saving me a great deal of trouble.

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t shocked.

Originally, he had considered not hiring outside help and acting himself.

But his old injuries had yet to heal, and besides, age is a disadvantage in a fight. If he had gone up against Xiao Qing himself, not only would Sun Shengji have likely ambushed him with a group of gunmen, but at his age... it was best not to fight unless absolutely necessary.

After all, he wasn’t a top-tier master like Situ Bai, who could preserve his essence and vitality.

Every bit of strength he used now would drain a bit more of his life force.

Once his qi and blood were fully depleted, his death would not be far behind.

This was also why he always looked at Wan Ze with a hint of envy... ’It’s nothing like being young again!’

Putting aside his sentimental feelings, Tie Qingyang no longer held back. "Xiao Qing was a loner. His death won’t cause any future trouble. I originally planned to deliver the final blow myself simply because I didn’t want you to have to dirty your hands, Mr. Wan... But since you’ve so decisively eliminated this villain for me, I am naturally beyond grateful.

"As for the Yu Shang Group, you can rest assured, Mr. Wan. The higher-ups won’t pursue this matter. This has nothing to do with Dragon Eagle; it’s just the way the rules work. Now that Sun Shengji has lost to me, he will no longer receive the support of his backers. Furthermore, you and Xiao Qing are Martial Artists. In a Martial Dao duel, life and death are common occurrences, so they won’t dare say anything. Publicly, I will claim that Xiao Qing died at my hands... In any case, Mr. Wan will have no connection to this matter whatsoever."

Wan Ze nodded. "You handle it as you see fit. I trust you."

Those last three words signified his approval.

After Tie Qingyang had spoken so frankly with him, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had been afraid that Wan Ze might be displeased, but fortunately, the young man was more magnanimous than he had expected.

Besides, he had prepared this money in advance. Even if things hadn’t turned out this way today, he would have given it to Wan Ze all the same.

He couldn’t let the man make a trip for nothing.

The Martial Skill was one thing, but the appearance fee was another.

Tie Qingyang understood this distinction very clearly.

However, that was his previous thinking. Now, after witnessing Xiao Qing’s death firsthand, he had other ideas.

He said after a moment of contemplation,

"To be honest, the business we’re fighting the Yu Shang Group for isn’t just the Qingya No. 1 Courtyard project. It also involves the redevelopment of old housing for the entire Western Region... There’s a profit of at least twenty million in it. So, I’ve established a new company specifically for this Western Region redevelopment project. A lot of big shots are involved, but I have the authority to transfer 10% of the dividend-paying shares from my name to you, Mr. Wan."

Ten percent of a twenty-million-yuan profit was a huge sum of two million.

With that kind of money, Wan Ze could buy half the residential complex he lived in!

But Wan Ze still refused.

’Some money isn’t worth taking.’

’Not only would he have to wait a long time for the dividends, but there was also the unspoken rule... the more money you take, the more you have to do.’

He didn’t want to be tied down by unknown obligations.

More accurately, Tie Qingyang hadn’t earned the same level of trust in his mind as Lei Ming. His tone softened considerably, however. "Boss Tie, please don’t try to persuade me further. I’m the type who prefers a long and steady stream."

Tie Qingyang was slightly taken aback, surprised by Wan Ze’s composure. Any ordinary person would have been impatient to accept, and might even have complained that the offered share was too small.

But he never expected Wan Ze to refuse without a second thought.

Coming back to his senses, he looked at Wan Ze with admiration and said frankly, "Very well, we’ll do as you say, Mr. Wan. I hope our friendship can also be a long and steady stream. On another note, I’ve already sent people to search Xiao Qing’s residence. If they find any Martial Skills, I will have them delivered to you immediately."

"Thank you, then. I’ll be going," Wan Ze said, standing up.

"You’re leaving already?" Tie Qingyang quickly tried to make him stay. "I’ve arranged a special banquet for you tonight. Please stay, Mr. Wan. You are our greatest contributor."

"No, thanks. I have a training schedule at the dojo tonight. Contact me if anything comes up," Wan Ze said with a smile, waving over his shoulder without looking back.

"Then let me arrange a driver..."

"No need. Go on with your business."

Wan Ze wanted to complete the one-million-meter mission for his Mysterious Shadow Step as soon as possible, so he declined Tie Qingyang’s kind offer. He did, however, take the briefcase of cash with him.

He wasn’t the least bit embarrassed about it.

’It’s what I deserve!’

...

Once Wan Ze left, Tie Qingyang was the only one left in the room. This old veteran, who had traveled far and wide for many years, suddenly felt as if he were in a dream.

If his initial investment in Wan Ze was more about valuing Situ Bai, who stood behind him, as well as Wan Ze’s own innate talent...

...then now, he was truly moved by Wan Ze’s personal charisma.

’Composed, knows when to advance and retreat, and possesses profound strength... This is clearly a heaven-chosen future Grandmaster!’

"Excellent!"

"I’ve been a muddle-headed old fool my whole life, but I’ve finally made the right choice for once!"

Tie Qingyang let out a long breath, composed himself, and then stepped out of the room with his thoughts in order.

Tie Feiyang was already waiting. Looking around and not seeing Wan Ze, he was taken aback. "Dad, where’s Mr. Wan?"

"He left."

"Left? Fuck, I was planning on drinking with him tonight."

The moment Tie Feiyang finished speaking, Tie Qingyang smacked him on the head. "Stop fucking fooling around all day! I’m warning you, don’t cause any trouble for me!"

Tie Feiyang said aggrievedly, "How am I making trouble? I saw what a state that son of a bitch Xiao Qing was beaten into. I just think... Mr. Wan is so damn awesome, I just wanted to build a bit of a connection with him, you know? But I have to say, Dad, you’ve really got some skills!"

Tie Qingyang smacked him again. "Goddammit! Can’t you be more civilized? What’s with all the ’damn awesome’ this and that? Get lost!"

Tie Feiyang just chuckled and leaned in closer. "Dad, I used to think your old eyes had gone dim, but I never expected you to be the one with the real wisdom! Xiao Qing was strong, but I never thought he wouldn’t even last three moves against Mr. Wan... He’s too damn strong!"

He’d let another curse slip out and quickly covered his mouth. But this time, Tie Qingyang didn’t hit him. Instead, he warned him sternly, "You are not to speak of Mr. Wan’s identity to anyone. I invited him here privately. If word gets out and displeases the higher-ups at Dragon Eagle, making them think I’m using him, your old man won’t live to see tomorrow. Understand?"

Tie Feiyang nodded repeatedly but couldn’t help but ask, "Dad, what do you think about me going to Dragon Eagle to learn martial arts? If I became Mr. Wan’s junior martial brother, you’d benefit from the connection too, right?"

Tie Qingyang was taken aback and couldn’t help but give his son a second look.

’Looks like the kid from Xiaobi Village is finally using his head!’