Chapter 107: A Challenge to the Wealthy Young Master

No. 108 Yingze Street, HZ City.

Unlike the towering skyscrapers surrounding it, this was merely a modest four-story building, adorned with simple yet elegant decorations that exuded a sense of noble grandeur.

Today’s wealthy and influential elite preferred to showcase culture and style rather than ostentation. Nightclubs and bars had long fallen out of favor; tea houses had become the new darling of high society. Among them, the Zuiyue Pavilion was undoubtedly the most popular gathering place for HZ’s upper crust.

The entry requirements were straightforward:

1. Membership holding VIP cards of various levels.

2. Guests invited by members and noted at the reception.

Beyond these, no matter how powerful or wealthy one was, the security guards had but three words for you: “Sorry, no entry.”

Thus, the rich came here to bolster their status, while the poor yearned for just one chance to enjoy its luxuries—each with their own distinct feelings.

Li Xin arrived in a black Audi A8L Executive Edition, worth over two million yuan—almost equal to all his assets combined. Gazing at the neon lights flickering under the night sky, feeling the silence of the evening, he suddenly recalled his days in Dongjia.

Back then, at the peak of his career, countless wealthy merchants had invited him to endorse their products, many even offering luxury cars and villas. Unfortunately, being stubborn and narrow-minded, he had refused them all. When he left Dongjia, he did so silently, unwilling to argue, choosing instead to depart in disgrace. Looking back now, he felt deep regret.

“Damn, I was really foolish. Even if I didn’t care for the money, I could have given my parents a better life. Maybe then, they wouldn’t have died,” Li Xin murmured, his left hand unconsciously clenching tightly.

Soon, he arrived at his destination. Although it was nearly 11 p.m., the Zuiyue Pavilion was still brightly lit and bustling with people. Outside the classical building, countless luxury cars were parked—every make and model imaginable.

The security guard seemed to recognize the leading man and greeted him before letting them through. Li Xin followed inside.

On the third floor, at Han Court—the second-best private room in Zuiyue Pavilion—five young men and women were already seated.

Duan Rulong, his lips pale and eyes occasionally flashing with pain, wore a calm demeanor; Jin Hua, the dignified and handsome owner of Zuiyue Pavilion; Zhang Yifei, deputy general manager of Fuda Group; She Shiyu, daughter of the Yunfan International Hotel’s CEO; and Sun Yang, son of the deputy mayor of HZ City.

At this moment, the four were all shaking their heads with smiles, seemingly mocking and teasing Duan Rulong.

“Rulong, you’re really exaggerating. I know all the skilled fighters in HZ City, but I’ve never heard of such a character,” Zhang Yifei said, shaking his head skeptically.

“Exactly, Duan. I think you were just scared, that’s why you felt that way,” She Shiyu added, joining in the teasing.

“To defeat enemies with just a glance? That’s not a human, that’s a killing god,” Sun Yang scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.

Jin Hua said little, merely holding a skeptical attitude.

Feeling scorned by his four friends, Duan Rulong was visibly displeased. He was full of resentment about being beaten at the bar and had originally wanted to have someone confront his attackers. But just after leaving the restroom, he had a new idea.

“Hmph. Believe it or not, this is my firsthand experience—I won’t lie. He’ll be here soon. If you’re capable, try it yourselves,” Duan Rulong declared.

“Zhang Yifei, aren’t you a black belt in taekwondo? Go challenge him then,” She Shiyu and Sun Yang immediately showed interest, egging him on.

Confident in his skills, Zhang Yifei agreed.

“Old Duan, get ready for me to slap you in the face,” Zhang Yifei sneered, pulling out a playing card, a 3.

The others immediately understood the signal: some played 3, others 6.

Surprisingly, Jin Hua played a 9.

Additionally, Zhang Yifei and two others had black suits, while Duan Rulong and Jin Hua held red suits.

What did this mean?

Speak of the devil, the heavy wooden door opened. A man was ushered in with Li Xin, while the usher exited.

“Master, the master has arrived,” Duan Rulong greeted warmly, beaming with enthusiasm.

“Mr. Duan, you invited me—how could I refuse?” Li Xin smiled lightly, then glanced at the other four.

They all scrutinized him and couldn’t help but laugh. Duan Rulong had painted him as some mystical figure, but here stood a stout man, robust but covered in layers of fat.

Such a specimen was common on the streets; hardly the aura of a true master.

Jin Long sighed inwardly, a bit disappointed, but his eyes showed no regret or sorrow. To him, the significance of that mysterious 9 was negligible.

Duan Rulong took the initiative to introduce the parties, and they all took their seats.

“Handsome sir, Duan told us you’re a master. May I ask your name and where you trained?” She Shiyu asked coquettishly.

“A master? I wouldn’t dare. My name is Li Xin—‘Li’ as in dawn, ‘Xin’ as in a new day. Miss She, you’re young and beautiful, a lady from a respected family—just call me Li Xin,” Li Xin replied with a smile. His demeanor was gracious and humble, stirring a bit of admiration among the four.

“Li Xin, Li Xin—a fine name,” She Shiyu smiled charmingly.

But the next moment, her expression abruptly shifted, becoming sharp and sly.

“Li Xin, I heard you can conquer foes without fighting, just with your gaze, and your personal strength is formidable. We’re straightforward people who respect strength. Zhang Yifei is a taekwondo expert. Why don’t you two have a match to entertain us?”

Though She Shiyu was beautiful and of average build, her temperament was fierce and her words blunt. Faced with her persistent challenge, Li Xin’s mind filled with questions.

Four men and one woman—why was the woman initiating the challenge?

What was the real purpose behind the challenge? Just to prove his strength?

And what was the meaning of the playing cards on the table?

“What’s wrong? Scared?” Zhang Yifei stood and sneered, “I told you Duan was bluffing, but he’s so stubborn.”

“Scared? I never said that. I accept the challenge,” Li Xin stood abruptly, his tone calm yet brimming with authority.

Immediately, the five exchanged glances, feeling a surge of shock. They were all from prominent families and well-versed in the big scene. They knew many martial arts masters from various schools and maintained close ties with them. Yet, few possessed an aura that could rival this man before them.

His unruffled gaze was so cold it made their teeth chatter.

“Damn, is he really a master?” Zhang Yifei muttered to himself. Though strong, and superior to many professional fighters, he wondered how anyone could intimidate him.

“If you’ve got the guts, I’m impressed. Come on, this young master will show you what I’ve got,” Zhang Yifei sneered and led the way to the practice room inside the tea house.

The others quickly followed.

Duan Rulong was nervous. Li Xin was his precious find; if he accepted Zhang Yifei’s challenge, he could be of great use.

“Heh, don’t expect too much. You know Yifei’s strength,” Jin Hua suddenly leaned in and whispered softly.

Duan Rulong stared at his friend, puzzled by the remark.