C4 There Is Poison in the Tea

Xing Mo strode confidently out of the hospital, with Lin Yichen trailing behind him. In that moment, her heart, once adrift like a water hyacinth, seemed to latch onto a newfound anchor.

Turning to Lin Yichen with a resolute look, Xing Mo declared, "I've told you before, I won't let anyone hurt you again."

"But Mr. Blade isn't someone to mess with!" Lin Yichen was moved, yet her face quickly clouded over with deep concern. "Master Hong is the South Heavenly King, after all. He's ruthless. I'm worried about what he might do to you..."

"Master Hong! If he dares to come after us, I'll ensure the South Heavenly King vanishes from Luton for good," Xing Mo stated earnestly, prompting Lin Yichen to sigh.

She couldn't help but wonder if Xing Mo's sudden surge in strength was due to some martial arts training. But in this day and age, not the era of Wuxia, could martial arts really stop bullets?

Once they were in the car, Lin Yichen's phone buzzed with a new message. Her expression turned stormy as she read it.

"Is something bothering you?" Xing Mo asked, glancing over at her.

After a brief pause, Lin Yichen exhaled deeply and shared, "It's Qin Tianci. He's trying to coerce me into marrying him by having the Qin Group pull all of our jade suppliers. It looks like Lunaire Designs won't last much longer at this rate."

"Is that all? Just raw gemstones? No need to fret. Your jewelry company will find even better materials soon," Xing Mo reassured her with a calmness that belied the gravity of the situation. He sensed a potent spiritual energy emanating from Cloud Mountain to the north of Luton, likely from a vein of superior jade.

Lin Yichen listened to Xing Mo's nonchalant reassurance and let out a wry chuckle. "Spare me the platitudes. You're not Qin Tianci. Do you really think you have the clout to win back those suppliers?"

Xing Mo held his tongue, understanding all too well that in Yichen's eyes, he was still just a poor boy. That was his past, and it seemed to be his present too.

Meanwhile, life continued at the bustling Ocean Sun Club in Luton.

At that moment, Qin Tianci was the epitome of elegance in a crisp white Armani suit, his hair slicked back to perfection, lounging in an opulent private room.

Cradling a cappuccino, he sipped at it with an air of leisure.

"Young Master Qin," a man in his fifties announced as he entered, "I've just learned that Lin Shitian has made it official before the entire Lin family. He's planning a banquet to celebrate your engagement to Miss Lin."

The newcomer was Liu Zhengdao, the Qin family's loyal butler.

With a satisfied sip of his coffee, Qin Tianci couldn't hide his excitement. "Lin Shitian, that old fool, fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Hahaha, Lin Yichen, you can act all aloof, but one day, you'll be mine!"

"But Young Master Qin," Liu Zhengdao interjected, his expression turning grave, "Miss Lin seems quite... resolute in her refusal."

With a sharp "snap!" Qin Tianci's cappuccino crashed to the floor, splattering across the tiles.

"She dares to defy me? Prefers that loser over me, Qin Tianci, the esteemed heir of the Qin family?" His eyes blazed with fury as he bellowed.

"However, Young Master Qin, it appears that 'loser' has stirred up some serious trouble," Liu Zhengdao added, barely concealing his glee. "Today, at the hospital, he actually took down Mr. Blade!"

"What? That nobody bested Mr. Blade, one of Master Hong's men?" Disbelief washed over Qin Tianci's face.

Liu Zhengdao nodded affirmatively. "It's confirmed. But it seems that the young man has picked up some martial arts skills along the way."

Qin Tianci laughed off the news. "What good are a few tricks from that junkie? Master Hong commands an army. Taking him down would be child's play!"

"You're absolutely right, Young Master Qin. Master Hong never lets an insult slide; he won't let Xing Mo off the hook," Liu Zhengdao agreed.

With a predatory grin, Qin Tianci pulled a sultry woman to his side. "Even better! Let that fool dig his own grave. Once he's crossed Master Hong, he'll vanish from Luton for good. And then, I refuse to believe that Lin Yichen will remain a chaste widow her entire life."

After returning, Lin Yichen and Xing Mo relocated to a seaside villa—a legacy from Yichen's mother. Living with Lin Shitian had become somewhat uncomfortable for Yichen. Though this new home was closer to the ocean, it was notably smaller than their previous abode.

Once he had finished arranging his room, Xing Mo stepped out and, without realizing it, found himself in a jade shop. The Treasure Jade Pavilion, as it was called, exuded luxury and sophistication. Inside, it was a hive of activity, with a long line of customers. Xing Mo took a seat in the designated waiting area by the entrance, which boasted a genuine leather sofa and complimentary refreshments—a perfect spot for guests to bide their time.

Choosing a secluded corner, Xing Mo settled in. The waiting area soon filled up, buzzing with lively chatter. A delicate fragrance drifted by, lifting Xing Mo's spirits. Opening his eyes slightly, he noticed a young girl, dressed with an air of innocence, taking a seat beside him. She appeared to be in her late teens and had the look of wealth about her.

The girl glanced at Xing Mo and her brow creased in a frown. Xing Mo's preference for loose, comfortable clothing meant he was clad in inexpensive garments from a street vendor, lacking any semblance of luxury. Nearby, an elderly man, full of vigor, stood by the girl's side.

Before long, a dashing young attendant from the Treasure Jade Pavilion presented a cup of tea. "It seems this Hall of Worldly Benevolence judges by appearances," Xing Mo mused with a touch of irony, feeling the sting of society's judgments.

Yet, as he eyed the steaming cup of tea, a frown creased his forehead. "What, you want some too?" the girl asked coldly. "This is premium Longjing Tea. If you're so eager, I can give you my cup."

Give it to me as if I'm a beggar? That's quite the insult!

In his past life, Xing Mo was revered as an Immortal. How could this earthly Longjing Tea ever measure up to the celestial brews of the Immortal Realm?

Despite the woman's demeanor, Xing Mo could distinctly sense the mockery and pity she harbored for him.

It was understandable, given his attire; anyone would peg him as a youth scraping by at society's lowest rung.

He had come to the Jade Treasury not to purchase anything—he simply sought a place to rest.

Yet, Xing Mo noticed something amiss with the Longjing Tea.

"A cup of poisoned Longjing Tea is best left for oneself," Xing Mo chuckled, his face etched with scorn.

"What are you saying? The Longjing Tea is poisoned? You must be joking!" The girl's spirit flared up, her icy countenance now frosted over, sending a shiver through the air.

Beside the elegant woman, an elderly man fixed Xing Mo with a glare.

Xing Mo gave the old man a once-over. Despite his lean frame, the pronounced temples betrayed his identity as a martial artist.

Martial arts and the Immortal Dao are distinct paths.

Martial arts emphasize internal strength, whereas the Immortal Dao is about harnessing spiritual energy.

Though Xing Mo's rebirth left him with only the first tier of the Nine Circles Battle Spell, he was undeniably a Martial Grandmaster within Wudruebar's martial circles.

"I'm merely offering a friendly warning. Whether you take it to heart is your choice," Xing Mo said, shaking his head.

"You're just a resentful youth hiding malicious intent! I've seen plenty of your type, claiming moral high ground while secretly seething with envy," the girl spat out, her privileged upbringing clashing with Xing Mo's pointed retort.

"Miss Wushuang, there's wisdom in the saying that one should not harbor ill will, but also not be without caution. Given your unique status, it's wiser to err on the side of belief," the old man by the girl's side said, his stern gaze locked onto the cup of Longjing still wafting steam as he furrowed his brow.

The girl seemed poised to argue but evidently held the old man in high regard and thus restrained herself.

With a grave expression, the old man picked up the cup of Longjing and took a delicate sniff.

"Why all this fuss?" Xing Mo stood, reaching for the silver flute atop the statue of a young girl in the hall.

He plunged it straight into the cup of Longjing tea.

It was straightforward!

Brutally effective!

In no time, a black layer formed on the surface of the silver ornament.

A sight that was startling!

Ye Wushuang and the elder both gasped at the scene before them!

It was now certain that the Longjing tea was laced with poison—a lethal toxin that could claim lives.