Chapter 182: Chapter 182

At the entrance of Donghai University, two Volvos stopped. Xiao Chen and Song Juncheng got out of the cars, accompanied by two middle-aged men in their forties. Dressed in Tang suits, they appeared energetic and their gaze sharp, clearly not to be trifled with.

Through recent interactions, Xiao Chen learned that these two were guest masters at the Song family, both masters of the national martial arts and grandmasters at that. Moreover, they were younger than Zhong Xincheng, at the peak of their vitality.

Xiao Chen was willing to follow Song Juncheng because these two grandmasters gave him a sense of security. Having practiced the Taiyi Divine Needles, he knew that Su Lin’s needle techniques, despite their dominance, couldn’t be used frequently.

Such powerful techniques greatly drained the user’s energy; a late-stage master like him would be depleted after just one use, and he speculated that even a grandmaster like Su Lin couldn’t exceed three needles without becoming exhausted. Thus, Xiao Chen believed he had found Su Lin’s weakness.

His visit to Donghai University with Song Juncheng was to look for Song Zhigang. Knowing that Song Zhigang taught at Donghai University but unsure of his exact location, they could only try their luck.

Despite being the summer break, the university wasn’t closed, with many students and teachers still residing on campus. The arrival of Xiao Chen and his party didn’t cause much of a stir.

Looking at the university, Song Juncheng mused, “Uncle really knows how to enjoy life, choosing such a place to teach. I should find a teaching position at a school when I’m free.”

The two men behind him shared a knowing smile, catching Song Juncheng’s sarcastic tone.

Xiao Chen, missing Song Juncheng’s sarcasm, agreed, “Donghai University is indeed a great place, ‘hidden in plain sight.’ Uncle made a good choice staying here.”

Song Juncheng cast a somber glance at the school’s gate and silently proceeded forward. He didn’t tell Xiao Chen that their visit wasn’t to find a relative but to eliminate Song Zhigang. This mission was personally given by his father, Song Zhiming, who had sent two powerful grandmasters to ensure success.

Xiao Chen thought they were on a familial visit and eagerly latched on to Song Juncheng, unaware of the underlying motives despite noticing some inconsistencies during their interactions.

“Cheng, shall we ask where the teacher’s staff building is and then search room by room?” suggested Song Juncheng, resigned to their only option.

After some inquiries, they headed straight for the teacher’s staff building. Song Juncheng signaled the two men behind him, who prepared for action, ready to strike Song Zhigang with a deadly blow upon sighting.

Arriving at the building, Song Juncheng looked back at the two men, who shook their heads, indicating they hadn’t sensed Song Zhigang.

Turning to Xiao Chen, Song Juncheng said, “Xiao Chen, release your aura, let my uncle sense you.”

Xiao Chen then unleashed his aura. Inside, Song Zhigang, who was organizing teaching materials, immediately sensed Xiao Chen’s presence. Having severed ties with Xiao Chen, he was puzzled by his visit.

As Song Zhigang opened the door, he was ambushed by two powerful auras. With fists and palm strikes, the attackers, well-coordinated, aimed at him from both sides. Caught off guard, Song Zhigang managed a hasty defense but took a solid hit to his back.

Spitting blood, Song Zhigang ignored his injury, dashed to the balcony, and fled. Xiao Chen was stunned by the swift and dramatic turn of events, which left Song Zhigang severely injured within seconds.

Facing Song Juncheng, Xiao Chen asked, “Cheng, what’s the meaning of this?”

Song Juncheng’s demeanor darkened as he scoffed, “After hiding for twenty years, we finally found him. Xiao Chen, thanks for your help. Without you, who knows when we would’ve found my uncle.”

“But… why attack Uncle Song?”

Song Juncheng patted Xiao Chen’s shoulder, “Xiao Chen, there are things you don’t understand, but it’s okay. Just know I won’t harm you.”

Realizing the betrayal, Xiao Chen understood Song Juncheng’s true intentions were never to reunite but to kill.

Thinking back, he naively hoped Song Juncheng’s grandmasters would join forces with Song Zhigang to defeat Su Lin, only to witness this shocking betrayal.

“Let’s follow him. It’s funny, I barely remember my uncle, but today, upon seeing him, I just knew he was my uncle. Isn’t the bond of blood fascinating?”

Xiao Chen remained silent, following Song Juncheng as they chased after Song Zhigang.

After a two-kilometer pursuit, they spotted Song Zhigang battling the grandmasters on a deserted field. Despite his severe injuries, Song Zhigang, desperate and cornered, unleashed his full potential in a fierce struggle.

Song Zhigang was in despair, not expecting Xiao Chen to lead the Song family to him, especially to kill him. He was caught off guard now he’s facing a dangerous situation and no hope of survival.

Three auras rapidly approached from a distance. The newcomers were Liu Changyuan and his companions.

The three stood still, observing the fierce battle among the three grandmasters. Liu Changyuan’s face turned green with shock. When did Donghai become so lively that three grandmasters appeared?

“Dad… that person seems to be the eldest son of the Song family from Jingzhou.”

Liu Changyuan looked towards Song Juncheng, indeed recognizing him as the Song Juncheng he remembered; “It really is him. Then, the injured one must be Song Zhigang.”

“He was hiding well in Donghai University. How could he be so careless?”

“Dad… isn’t that Xiao Chen?”

Seeing Xiao Chen, Liu Changyuan realized who had exposed Song Zhigang’s location. Who else could it be but Xiao Chen?

“This… Xiao Chen really is Wang Yannian’s disciple, capable of such ingratitude.”

“He’s capable of anything. Sister Hui’s grandfather died trying to save him, and I heard from Sister Hui that he abandoned her grandfather and fled.”

“Dad, what should we do now?”

Liu Changyuan bitterly smiled; “What can I do? How am I, a mere director, supposed to get involved in the Song family’s internal affairs?”

At that moment, a voice sounded beside them, startling Liu Changyuan almost off the wall.

“Director Liu, I didn’t expect you to be such a fair-weather friend. Without any background, you dare to come here to snatch people, but you don’t even dare to speak in front of those with a strong background.”

“Who~!!” Liu Changyuan shouted excitedly, then saw Su Lin beside him, somewhat shocked. Despite being a grandmaster himself, Liu Changyuan didn’t notice when Su Lin had approached so close.

Xiao Chen was the first to notice Su Lin. Quickly assessing the situation, he immediately abandoned Song Juncheng and fled.

“I’m sorry, Cheng, Su Lin is here to kill me. I’m leaving first.” As his voice faded, Xiao Chen’s figure vanished.

This sudden maneuver stopped the ongoing battle, leaving everyone slightly baffled. Song Juncheng was especially stunned, unable to comprehend why Xiao Chen had run away upon seeing Su Lin.

“Pfft~! So much for the descendant of the miracle doctor. Just a coward.”

Liu Changyuan patted Liu Xiaoe’s head; “Xiaoe, don’t speak recklessly.”

The battle resumed fiercely, with Song Zhigang nearing his end, his movements becoming erratic and occasionally being hit consecutively, his blood spraying like it cost him nothing.

Su Lin swiftly intervened, standing among them. With a casual double palm strike, the Song family’s guests were taken aback by the strength of such a young late-stage grandmaster.

Retreating several meters, they stared at Su Lin, fixated.

Su Lin ignored their gazes, turning to Song Zhigang and coolly proposed, “I’m in need of a fighter. Are you interested? If so, I can save your life today.”

Coughing up blood, Song Zhigang bitterly laughed, “Look at me, do you think I can still be your fighter?”

Su Lin nodded, “Even if you were dead, I could make use of you. You just need to agree or disagree.”

“I…”

“Su Lin, are you disregarding my Song family by protecting him?” Song Juncheng angrily demanded.

“Be quiet.” With a palm strike, Su Lin silenced the interruption.

“Be careful, young master!”

Song Juncheng braced for defense, confident he could block the strike, but upon contact, he realized his mistake.

Blown away, he crashed into a wall, unconscious.

Su Lin turned to Song Zhigang, “Now that we’re not interrupted, what’s your decision?”

Bitterly smiling, Song Zhigang said, “You picking me isn’t a great choice. The Song family won’t let me off.”

Su Lin calmly responded, “Don’t worry about that. My patience is limited.”

“Master Su, I’ll be your fighter, but you must promise me one thing: let me take Song Zhiming’s life.”

Su Lin agreed, “No problem.”

“From today on, my life is yours,” Song Zhigang declared.

Su Lin nodded, satisfied.

He chose Song Zhigang as his follower for a simple reason: Song Zhigang was a man of gratitude, like Chen Yang, who would wholeheartedly assist once committed.

In the original story, Xiao Chen thrived in Jingzhou thanks to Song Zhigang’s support. Moreover, Song Zhigang’s talent was exceptional.

Without any resources, he cultivated to become a grandmaster in his forties, mastering both internal and external skills. Such talent was more terrifying than many grandmasters.