Chapter Fifty-Two: Shattered with a Single Punch

At the command of the balding boss, the security guards swiftly surrounded Ling Tian and the others, ready to spring into action at any moment. Zhang Ding quickly counted: there were about a dozen of them, all burly men with thick arms and waists. Cold sweat broke out all over Zhang Ding’s body, while Zhang Ting hid nervously behind him, eyes fixed on the approaching guards.

Ling Tian’s expression remained calm. Although the other side had a clear numerical advantage, in terms of ability they were nothing more than a disorderly mob. With his skills, dealing with these men would only take a matter of minutes. There was a time when Ling Tian had led the Thunder Squad against enemies outnumbering them ten to one. With superior tactics and teamwork, they handled it with ease—these small fry were nothing in comparison.

Zhang Ding and Zhang Ting wanted to call the police. As soon as they pulled out their phones, the balding boss sneered and said, “Trying to call the police? How hilarious. I, the victim, haven’t even reported anything yet, and you troublemakers want to call for help? Believe me, I’ll have you thrown in jail and you’ll never see the outside again.”

If the police got involved, things would become complicated. Though not a major crime, it would be a real nuisance. If violence could settle the matter simply, Ling Tian would always choose violence. In fact, violence was always his first choice.

Judging by the balding boss’s demeanor, he too intended to settle things by force, which suited Ling Tian perfectly.

Ling Tian shook his head at Zhang Ding and Zhang Ting. “Put your phones away,” he said.

Zhang Ding trusted there was a reason behind Ling Tian’s words and put away his phone. Zhang Ting, however, had only just met Ling Tian and knew all too well what kind of person the balding boss was. She whispered anxiously, “Brother Ling, this guy is bad news. We’ll be in real trouble. If we call the police, at worst we’ll get a scolding and pay some medical fees, and that’ll be it. But if we fall into that old bastard’s hands, we’ll be lucky to survive with our skins intact.”

Her fears were not unfounded. If Zhang Ting hadn’t been quick-witted enough to get the balding boss drunk and escape, she would have long since been ruined by him.

Ling Tian replied coolly, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”

The balding boss laughed heartily. “This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s find somewhere private to have a good chat.”

Ling Tian nodded. “Just what I was thinking. Let’s go somewhere secluded and have a proper conversation.”

The boss was relieved to see Ling Tian agree so readily. He had been worried they would call the police; if the authorities showed up, he wouldn’t be able to keep them here—especially Zhang Ting, whom he dreamed of taking to bed.

Escorted by the guards, Ling Tian and the others were led to the repair shop being renovated out back. Once the guards had driven away the workers, the vast courtyard became eerily quiet.

Now, in such an isolated place, the balding boss had no more reservations. As long as no one died, he could do as he pleased. The female sales agent standing behind him looked at Ling Tian with malicious glee and said coldly, “Weren’t you acting tough just now, boy? Let’s see you act tough again. Today, I’ll make sure you pay for it.”

The balding boss grinned. “None of you are getting out of here today. Zhang Ding, judging by how angry you look, you really must hate me. That’s right—I stole your wife. And let me tell you, Zhou Juan really is wild in bed. Want to see for yourself how I had my fun with her?”

Zhang Ding shouted in fury, “You’re worse than an animal! I’d rather die than let you get away with this!” There’s a saying: nothing shames a man more than having his wife taken from him.

The balding boss laughed triumphantly. “You little punk, take a good look around—whose turf do you think this is? I stole your first wife, and as for your current one, she’s mine tonight too. I’ll have my way with her right in front of everyone. What, don’t like it? Come bite me!”

No man could accept such humiliation. Zhang Ding could bear it no longer and surged forward, ready to fight to the death.

Ling Tian reached out to block him and spoke calmly, “He’s trying to provoke you into making the first move. That way, he can claim self-defense. Even if he kills you, it’ll just be excessive self-defense—no real punishment.”

The balding boss laughed again. “At least one of you gets it. But so what if you understand? I’ll ruin you just the same. Don’t forget, this is my territory.”

Ling Tian laughed back, rolling his shoulders and flexing his joints. “Are you coming at me one by one, or all at once?”

The balding boss was momentarily confused—wasn’t that supposed to be his line? How’d the other guy steal his thunder? He snapped, “Damn it, I haven’t even gotten started and you think you can show off in front of me?” Then, pointing at the tallest, brawniest guard, he barked, “You go first. Hit him as hard as you can—just don’t kill him. There’s ten thousand in it for you when you’re done.”

The chosen guard was so excited he couldn’t speak. Beating someone up for money—what luck! He swaggered forward, muscles bulging, and charged straight at Ling Tian.

Zhang Ding stepped in front of Ling Tian. “Boss, let me handle this one.”

Ling Tian smiled and said, “You two just cheer me on from the side.” With that, he strode straight toward the guard, ready for a direct clash.

Everyone present watched with mocking anticipation—judging by their builds, Ling Tian didn’t stand a chance. The guard was twice his size, face twisted into a savage sneer. Clearly not a decent man.

No one believed Ling Tian would last a single exchange.

The burly guard curled his lip in disdain. He was the strongest among all the guards, both in size and in strength—rumor had it he could punch straight through a sandbag.

Their fists collided—one large, one small—with a sickening sound of bones cracking. Zhang Ding and Zhang Ting squeezed their eyes shut, certain Ling Tian’s hand was finished.

But Ling Tian’s fist was like an iron hammer, driving straight through the other’s.

The so-called unbeatable guard screamed in agony, jerking his hand back and hopping around in pain. Ling Tian had shattered his fist with a single blow; it was completely ruined.

The screams, it turned out, weren’t Ling Tian’s. When Zhang Ting and Zhang Ding opened their eyes, they saw Ling Tian was unscathed while the guard howled, clutching his hand.

Ling Tian shook out his wrist, radiating confidence. “Who’s next? Which one of you wants to die?”