In the Wang family's reception hall, a man in his fifties with a grim expression paced restlessly. Behind him stood over a dozen men in black suits, all wearing sunglasses.
These individuals exuded an aura of menace, clearly not ordinary folk.
Bai Guanghai, the patriarch of the Bai family in Jiangshan City, had been a formidable figure in both legitimate and illicit circles during his youth, known for his decisive and ruthless actions.
Later, he shrewdly assessed the situation and transitioned his business into a legitimate enterprise.
However, it was an open secret that the Bai family's success was built upon many underhanded dealings.
Today was a significant day for the Bai family, as Bai Haotian was scheduled to visit the Wang family to propose marriage.
Initially, Bai Guanghai had intended to accompany his son. However, Bai Haotian had vehemently objected, deeming it unnecessary. Furthermore, Bai Guanghai had an important client to meet that day, so he did not go.
Midway through his business meeting, the devastating news arrived: the Wang family had rejected the proposal and had injured Bai Haotian.
Upon seeing his son's injuries, particularly the comminuted fracture in his arm, Bai Guanghai felt an overwhelming urge to kill. He immediately led his men to the Wang residence to demand an explanation.
As he anxiously awaited, Old Master Wang appeared with his entourage.
"Haha, Patriarch Bai, long time no see. I trust you are well!"
Upon seeing Old Master Wang, Bai Guanghai was inwardly perplexed. Hadn't this old man claimed to be on his deathbed? Yet, he appeared far from it.
His gaze then shifted to Uncle Yi, who stood behind Old Master Wang, and finally settled on Ling Tian.
Bai Guanghai had already been informed by his household staff that the person who injured Bai Haotian was a handsome, young man. And anyone standing so close to Old Master Wang clearly held a position of considerable importance.
A murderous glint flashed in Bai Guanghai's eyes.
"Wang Chunfeng, you know why I'm here. Don't play ignorant!"
Old Master Wang, whose given name was Wang Chunfeng, was also taken aback. For many years, no one had dared to address him so directly to his face.
"I'm afraid I'm truly unclear, Patriarch Bai. What brings such great displeasure?"
"Old man Wang Chunfeng, don't get arrogant! My son Bai Haotian came to propose, and it's one thing for your Wang family to refuse!
But you actually instructed your household slaves to injure my son, rendering his entire arm crippled. You owe me an explanation!
If not, don't blame me, Bai, for slaughtering your entire Wang family today!"
Bai Guanghai's face contorted with rage, looking as if he were about to devour someone.
Years ago, after the birth of Bai Haotian, he had been ambushed by enemies, sustaining severe injuries to his lower body. He had only this one son, Bai Haotian.
Bai Guanghai had invested an immeasurable amount of resources into raising Bai Haotian, only for his son to become disabled. How could he possibly accept this!
To his surprise, Old Master Wang let out a cold laugh.
"Patriarch Bai, if anything, I should be seeking an accounting from you!"
"What did you say!" Bai Guanghai's eyes widened. Old Master Wang's attitude was like adding fuel to the fire.
"This old man has been gravely ill recently and is nearing his end. Your Bai family has used all sorts of tactics to suppress the stock prices of our Wang family's industries and then aggressively acquired them.
While your actions are understandable, as everyone wants a piece of the pie.
However, your son, Bai Haotian, actually hired a quack doctor to assassinate me, openly threatened me in my presence, and used force to intimidate our Wang family!"
"This is impossible!"
Bai Guanghai was also greatly alarmed, as Bai Haotian and his escorts had not informed him of these matters.
If Bai Haotian had indeed acted this way, then suffering severe injuries, even being crippled, would be his own doing. The Wang family sparing his life was already showing considerable respect!
Old Master Wang turned and gave Chen Yi a meaningful look. Uncle Yi immediately understood and turned to leave. Shortly after, he returned with a tablet computer and handed it directly to Bai Guanghai.
"Patriarch Bai, hearing is not as good as seeing. The events of yesterday are all here in the surveillance video. You are welcome to take a look."
A bald man behind Bai Guanghai quickly stepped forward, snatched the tablet, respectfully held it in front of Bai Guanghai, and pressed the play button.
The tablet played back everything that had transpired from Bai Haotian's entry into the Wang residence yesterday.
Watching the screen display Bai Haotian, who was initially arrogant and imperious, and finally beaten like a dog, Bai Guanghai could hardly believe it was his son!
"This... this isn't real..."
Bai Guanghai's reaction caused the Wang family members to look at him with some surprise. It seemed he was unaware of Bai Haotian's actions.
In the eyes of the Wang family, Bai Haotian had acted under Bai Guanghai's orders.
Just then, Ling Tian spoke.
"Mr. Bai, what is the relationship between your Bai family and the Gu King?"
"What Gu King? What is a Gu King? What are you talking about!" Bai Guanghai questioned with a hint of annoyance.
At this moment, Ling Tian's mind was clear. The true essence within him flowed, concentrating in his eyes.
On the surface, Ling Tian showed no abnormality. In reality, he was employing a supreme technique taught to him by his grand-master, Dao Yuan Xian Shi: the art of observing qi.
All things possessed qi, which was a manifestation of their inherent state.
Through centuries of dedicated cultivation and research, Daoist practitioners had summarized this art of observing qi.
By employing this technique, users could better understand the world and thus seek advantages and avoid harm.
An advanced application of the art of observing qi was its use in discerning people.
The qi emanating from a person was essentially an expression of their emotions.
For instance, if someone was consumed by rage, observing them through this art would reveal a surge of anger.
Similarly, if someone harbored malice and intended to kill another, they would exude killing intent.
Or those who were long ill or severely injured and near death would faintly emit a trace of death qi.
In fact, the qi emanating from people could be sensed by some more perceptive ordinary individuals, but that sensation was fleeting.
The Daoist art of observing qi, however, could solidify this sensation, making it hundreds of times stronger than that of ordinary people.
Ling Tian observed the qi emanating from Bai Guanghai, which displayed emotions of anger and malice, but showed no indication of deception!
This meant that Bai Guanghai seemingly had no knowledge of Bai Haotian's connection to the Gu King!
"Mr. Bai, I ask you, have you noticed any recent symptoms in your son, Bai Haotian, such as bloodshot eyes, mouth sores, increased appetite, irritability, and difficulty concentrating?"
Bai Guanghai was startled, as he realized that what Ling Tian described were precisely the recent abnormal symptoms his son had exhibited!