My Ares Son-in-Law

"Not yet... We've already used all available channels, both overt and covert, to investigate. Mr. Xiao, should we notify..."

“No need,” Xiao Chen interrupted him. “In this kind of matter, the intervention of ordinary forces will only alert the enemy. We’ll handle it ourselves. Notify the finance department that, in addition to the maximum insurance payout stipulated by the group, each family of the fallen brothers will receive an additional five million from my personal account. Process it immediately.”

Liu Jianming looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with shock. This compensation was astronomical, far exceeding the norm. From a business perspective, it was undoubtedly a huge loss. But from a moral and ethical standpoint…

Suddenly, Xiao Chen's gaze sharpened, landing on a body in the corner. The deceased's fist was clenched tightly, remaining clenched even in death. He crouched down and carefully, finger by finger, pried open the stiff hand.

A strangely shaped piece of cloth lay quietly in the pale palm. Engraved on its surface was a bizarre symbol, unlike anything seen before and imbued with an exotic style.

"Before he died, he used his last strength to leave us this." Xiao Chen gently closed the deceased's eyes, stood up, and said, "Give his family another ten million."

Then, he picked up the piece of cloth, examined it carefully for a moment, took out his spare phone, and dialed an encrypted number.

"Gates, help me look something up. I've sent a picture to your encrypted email. I need to know where it came from within an hour."

"clear."

The call ended. Xiao Chen knew that contacting "Gates" was the fastest way. This guy was the most technically skilled member of his alliance, and also the commander in charge of intelligence; the breadth and depth of his information database far exceeded his imagination.

The waiting time was extremely long.

Fortunately, the encrypted phone rang just fifteen minutes later.

“Found it, boss.” Gates’ voice was tinged with seriousness. “The patterns on this tattered cloth belong to an organization called ‘Shadow Clan.’ This organization has a deep-rooted influence and worships the so-called ‘God of Shadow Warriors.’ Its leader is called the Extreme Yin Old Monster, whose strength is said to be unfathomable. He has a large number of fanatical followers around the world and wields immense influence.”

"Their hideout is unknown; it's said to be on some isolated island, where even satellites can't locate it!"

"Three years ago, our Xiao Alliance had a skirmish with them on the southeast coast, and both sides suffered heavy losses. This is a highly unfriendly and threatening force towards the Dragon Kingdom. Mr. Xiao, how did you come to provoke them?"

Xiao Chen's eyes were icy cold as he asked directly, "Has anyone from the 'Shadow Clan' entered the country recently?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, as if they were quickly checking, before replying, "Yes. Three days ago, a caravan entered the Dragon Kingdom, arrived in the ancient city by plane, and stayed at a clubhouse under the name of the New Martial Arts Association."

"Send me the specific address and personnel information."

"Okay, I'll send it to you right away. Boss, do you need any backup?"

"No need!"

Xiao Chen shook his head slightly. If it came to tough stuff, he feared no one in the mortal world. Moreover, with the Soul Tower awakened in his Immortal Mansion, he was now even more powerful than before.

Liu Jianming stood to the side, vaguely hearing the conversation, and asked nervously, "Mr. Xiao, this 'Divine Shadow Clan'..." Xiao Chen looked at the coordinate information he had just received on his phone, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Some bottom lines cannot be crossed. Some debts must be repaid with blood."

Ancient City, a luxurious villa under the name of Xinwu Association.

Expensive incense and cigar smoke mingled, creating an ambiguous and decadent atmosphere in the luxurious suite. Four short, stocky middle-aged men in bathrobes were nestled in soft Italian leather sofas.

There were several beautiful women dancing in front of them.

In ancient times, only emperors and nobles were entitled to enjoy such a scene.

In stark contrast to the decadent atmosphere was a young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses kneeling on the carpet directly in front of the sofa. He trembled slightly, his head bowed, unable to meet the gaze of what lay before him. Behind him stood seven men with buzz cuts, dressed in black, standing ramrod straight like lifeless stone statues. Each had a sheathed longsword at their waist, their hands clasped in front of them, their eyes empty and cold, radiating the chilling aura of professional assassins.

The atmosphere inside the suite was thus divided into two extremes: one side was one of extravagance and debauchery, and the other was one of chilling murderous intent.

The four middle-aged men seemed oblivious to the kneeling person, leisurely raising the crystal glasses on the table, which were filled with amber-colored premium whiskey.

One of them, sporting a mustache, smacked his lips in satisfaction and said in heavily accented Chinese, "Flower Burial, I never expected to receive such a generous 'gift' on the very first day of this trip to China. It seems the gods are always watching over the warriors of our Yamato people."

The man known as "Flower Burial," with his high cheekbones, scoffed at the words, "Brother Lü Tian, ​​you're mistaken. We don't need to thank the gods, for we are the gods ourselves. Our greatest gratitude should go to Lord Ji Yin; if it weren't for his connection with the gods, how could we have gained such influence overseas?"

Upon hearing the words "Lord Jiyin," Lü Tian's eyes suddenly turned serious. He quickly put down his wine cup, bowed slightly, and said, "Brother Huazang is right! It is our great Lord Jiyin who has bestowed upon us strength and opportunity!"

The other two middle-aged men also burst into laughter, and then raised their glasses.

"Cheers to Lord Jiyin! Cheers to Jiyin Island!"

Just then, the bespectacled man who had been kneeling suddenly raised his head, as if he had mustered all his courage, his face full of fawning smiles: "Gentlemen... this time... this matter, I... I have done something of little merit, haven't I?"

If Liu Jianming were here, he would be filled with shock and anger. This man is none other than Zhao Qiming, the missing technical director of Xunjiang Group!

The four people from Jiyin Island seemed to only then notice the figure standing at their feet. Lü Tian glanced at him with the eyes of someone looking at an ant, a mocking smile curving his lips: "Oh? It's you. Of course, you little dog from the Dragon Kingdom, you've certainly been barking quite loudly this time."

Zhao Qiming's smile froze; what he wanted was not this insulting "praise".

Seeing that the four men made no mention of the agreement, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and cautiously remind them, "Gentlemen, then... then can you... can you fulfill the conditions you promised me? The Xunjiang Group must have already discovered it was me, and I can no longer stay in Dragon Kingdom! Please... please send me to Jiyin Island as agreed! I have long admired the culture and technology of Jiyin Island! With my abilities and degrees, I am sure I can make a contribution to Jiyin Island!"

At this moment, Zhao Qiming was prostrate on the ground, his posture so humble that he was less than a stray dog ​​wagging its tail and begging for mercy. He could almost see his "bright future" on Jiyin Island, where he would squander money and live a life of unbridled indulgence, and all of this was in the hands of the four men before him. (End of Chapter)