Qi Tuojiang hadn't expected Shen Lang to bring up the matter in front of him, and his expression immediately turned grim.
No one had ever dared to disregard Qi Tuojiang's face until now. Shen Lang, knowing full well that Yuan Bubai was his man, had still dared to kill Yuan Bubai. Qi Tuojiang's anger towards Shen Lang was beyond comprehension.
However, Qi Tuojiang was, after all, a person with profound schemes. Even though his heart wished to flay Shen Lang alive, he did not reveal it. He smiled at Shen Lang and said, "It seems Brother Shen has a good memory, remembering that we had spoken before."
"It's just that Brother Shen seems to have forgotten one thing: I explicitly asked you to spare Yuan Bubai's life."
"Young Master Qi, you shouldn't blame me for killing Yuan Bubai. In fact, you should be grateful to me."
Looking at Qi Tuojiang, Shen Lang smiled. "Yuan Bubai established 'Heaven on Earth' in Nanling and held a 'Blissful Feast' there. He indiscriminately captured young girls to indulge himself, causing innocent maidens to lose their purity and their lives. It was an act that angered Heaven and humanity."
"My killing Yuan Bubai was acting on behalf of Heaven and also helped you, Young Master Qi."
"If people knew that Yuan Bubai was your subordinate, they would believe that all his actions were instigated by you, the eldest young master of the Qi family."
"Heaven can be deceived, but the common people cannot. If people knew that Yuan Bubai's actions were all at your command, think about how those enraged people would treat you?"
"They would condemn you verbally and even attack you en masse. Even if you are the young master of the Qi family, you would eventually be ruined and die a miserable death."
Shen Lang looked at Qi Tuojiang, smiling heartily. "Therefore, I not only helped you but also did you an immense favor. You owe me a tremendous debt of gratitude."
"Young Master Qi, since this is our first meeting, how do you plan to show your gratitude?"
Shen Lang picked up a white folding fan and fanned himself gently, saying leisurely, "For such a massive favor, giving me eight hundred million or a billion to express your gratitude should be no problem, right?"
Shen Lang's words made not only Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao's eyes widen, but even Ye Shishi and Tang Wan'er were stunned into silence.
Ye Shishi and Tang Wan'er could not have imagined that Shen Lang, when facing Qi Tuojiang, would not only speak eloquently but even dare to ask Qi Tuojiang for money. What on earth was this guy thinking?
Among the younger generation in the Dragon Country, Qi Tuojiang was not the strongest, but he was undoubtedly one of the most influential. Many prominent figures treated Qi Tuojiang with extreme caution, fearing that a single misstep would offend him and bring about disaster.
Yet, Shen Lang, a person without power or influence, not only offended Qi Tuojiang but also faced him with a calm and carefree demeanor, engaging in pleasantries and disregarding the simmering anger in Qi Tuojiang's words, twisting black into white. How many people in this world could achieve such a mindset?
Qi Tuojiang also hadn't expected Shen Lang to be so shameless, claiming to have done him a great favor after killing his subordinate and then demanding money.
Qi Tuojiang was accustomed to dealing with people of deep schemes and had never encountered such a scoundrel as Shen Lang. For a moment, he was caught completely off guard.
However, Qi Tuojiang was, after all, one of the most outstanding individuals of his generation. Faced with Shen Lang's insolence, he quickly devised a strategy. He smiled warmly and said, "I've heard that Brother Shen is an extraordinary person. Seeing you today, I realize the rumors are true."
"Extraordinary person?"
"I think he's a shameless scoundrel."
After Qi Tuojiang finished speaking, Kong Wudao said with a sneer.
"Oh, and who might you be?"
Shen Lang, having long guessed Kong Wudao's identity, feigned ignorance and asked.
"Kid, listen up, I am Kong Wudao of the Kong family."
Kong Wudao replied coldly.
"Kong Wudao?"
"So, you're Kong Zixiong's older brother?"
Shen Lang, feigning shock, said, "So it's another person who owes me a favor."
"Perfect, both people in Longdu who owe me favors are gathered here. Let's settle the debts. Ten billion from each person."
Shen Lang extended his hands, brooks no argument, and said, "No nonsense. Give me the money now."
"Owe you a favor?"
"Give you money?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao were dumbfounded. This bastard had crossed the line of shamelessness; he had completely thrown away any semblance of decency.
Kong Wudao let out a hearty laugh as if he had heard the greatest joke. "Shen Lang, I think calling you an extraordinary person is too polite. You should be called an idiot, so you can recognize yourself."
"What favor do you have from us? We only have hatred. To say nothing else, you caused my brother Kong Zixiong to be rendered infertile and disrupted my plan to control the White Horse Club. I should tear you to pieces and torture you to death."
"You claim I owe you a favor and want ten billion in thanks? Shen Lang, are you out of your mind?"
"No, Young Master Kong, I think it's you who is sick and your mind is muddled. We have no enmity, only kindness. The Kong family owes me a debt of gratitude."
Shen Lang looked at Kong Wudao and smiled. "Your brother, Kong Zixiong, attempted to force himself on my girlfriend. I should have crushed his head with a single kick. However, being magnanimous, I only gave him two pills, saving his life at the cost of his manhood. Is this not a tremendous favor?"
"As for disrupting your plan to control the White Horse Club, that's as ridiculous as a eunuch attending a meeting—utter nonsense. Yang Ce did not wish to be coerced by you and the Kong family, so he voluntarily gave me eighty percent of the White Horse Club's shares. Are you still trying to snatch it?"
"Stop the nonsense. I spared your brother's life; this is a great kindness. Give me the money, you must give me the money."
At this point, Shen Lang rolled up his sleeves and said to Kong Wudao, "Today, it's ten billion. Not a cent less. If you dare to refuse, I'll cripple you on the spot and ensure your Kong family is completely without heirs."
"What the hell!"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Ye Shishi and Tang Wan'er were both dumbfounded.
Threatening Kong Wudao for money in front of everyone, and promising to cripple him if he refused – was Shen Lang really that brave?
Ye Shishi had initially thought Shen Lang would be cautious when facing Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao, at least taking a step back to gain perspective. Now, she realized she was utterly wrong.
This scoundrel Shen Lang was completely fearless. What Qi family young master, what Kong family young lord, meant nothing to him. He didn't even take them seriously. It seemed conflict was unavoidable.
Indeed, after hearing Shen Lang's words, Kong Wudao's expression turned grim. He let out an enraged laugh. "Shen Lang, I truly don't know where you get your confidence to challenge me. Are you tired of living?"
"Where do I get my confidence?"
Hearing Kong Wudao's words, Shen Lang smiled. He pulled the shocked Tang Wan'er closer and embraced her tightly. "My fiancée gave it to me. Any problem?"
After speaking, under the astonished gazes of Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao, Shen Lang smiled. "This is my fiancée, the eldest daughter of the Tang Sect, Tang Wan'er. I am now the son-in-law of the Tang Sect. If you dare to welch on this, I'll kill you right now."