"Uh, well, actually..."
Li Xun stammered for a moment before revealing the truth, "Everyone has to live, and living requires money. To live well, you need a lot of money... Our Li family is responsible for doing this for the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard."
Chen Xiao nodded, finding this understandable. "So, your Li family is responsible for doing their dirty and difficult work, acting as their subordinates."
Li Xun's face turned ugly. He wanted to explain that their work was not only clean and easy but also glorious, something others wouldn't even have the qualification to do.
However, the memory of his grandfather's subservient demeanor whenever he met those people prevented him from refuting Chen Xiao's statement.
"If that's the case, then your Li family doesn't hold much sway with the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard. Will they really listen to your Li family and let Yang Potian join the organization?" Chen Xiao asked, puzzled.
Li Xun gave a sheepish smile.
"Mr. Chen, you wouldn't know this, but the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard also wants to recruit fresh blood. Therefore, our Li family has the qualification to recommend talents. In fact, Xiao Tiance was originally the best candidate, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard really wanted to recruit him."
"However, General Xiao only has the nation and the world in his heart and no interest in this path. My grandfather tried to persuade him many times, but General Xiao never agreed."
"Yang Potian, on the other hand, heard about this news from somewhere and recommended himself to my grandfather, desperately trying to curry favor with our Li family."
"However, my grandfather doesn't think highly of this person. He said that Yang Potian claims to be the 'Eastern Hero' but lacks the magnanimity of a gentleman; he's a hypocrite, and such people are the most terrifying."
"He is bowing and scraping to our Li family today, seeking to join the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard. But if he ever gains power, he will likely repay what he has given to our Li family today tenfold!"
Hearing this, Chen Xiao smiled slightly. "Your grandfather is indeed a wise man."
Li Xun's eyes darted around. "So, Mr. Chen, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As long as you let me return to the Imperial City, I will definitely ask my grandfather to introduce you to the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard! As for Yang Potian, let him go wherever it's cool!"
Chen Xiao burst into laughter. "Hahaha, you call Yang Potian a hypocrite, but I think you're a true scoundrel. You've already ruined Yang Potian's Underworld Hall to this extent, and yet you still want others to end up with nothing. You're truly despicable."
Li Xun watched Chen Xiao laugh while simultaneously scolding him, leaving him utterly bewildered.
He didn't know what Chen Xiao's intentions were, so he could only force a laugh and dared not say anything.
However, in the next second, the smile on Chen Xiao's face vanished instantly. He stared coldly at Li Xun and said, "Li Xun, are you taking me for a fool? If I let you go, the first thing you'll do is have your grandfather seek help from the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard to avenge you!"
Li Xun's pupils rapidly dilated upon hearing this, and he immediately dropped to his knees with a thud.
"Mr. Chen, how could I possibly think that? I truly didn't think that way. I can swear to the heavens, as long as you let me return to the Imperial City, I will definitely have my grandfather introduce you to join the Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard..."
Chen Xiao sneered, "What you're thinking is entirely unimportant. As for that damned Imperial City's Embroidered Uniform Guard, I don't even give it a second thought. Your biggest bargaining chip is worthless in front of me!"
With that, Chen Xiao brought his palm down.
Li Xun died instantly, falling into a pool of blood.
This scene served to show the assembled martial arts figures Chen Xiao's decisive and ruthless nature.
They had seen Chen Xiao and Li Xun exchanging words and thought Chen Xiao was preparing to spare Li Xun.
Who would have thought that Chen Xiao would still kill him without hesitation? The direct descendant of one of the five great families of the Imperial City was treated like mere grass in his eyes.
Among the remaining figures, several were not familiar with Chen Xiao. They felt fortunate that they had not betrayed Chen Xiao like Liu Yanzhi.
And they secretly vowed that for the rest of their lives, they would absolutely never entertain the thought of betraying Chen Xiao.
After killing Li Xun, Chen Xiao waved to Qi Tianhu. "Old Qi, have your men clean this up. If there's nothing else, everyone can disperse..."
Chen Xiao's actions once again drew a wave of astonishment.
As expected of Boss Chen, he never played by the rules!
They thought that after such a shocking event, Chen Xiao would at least deliver some rousing speech, if not more.
Who would have thought that he would simply wave his hand and tell everyone to disperse?
Qi Tianhu, relying on his close relationship with Chen Xiao, bravely asked, "Boss Chen, more than half of the big bosses from various regions of Jiangbei died today. How do you plan to divide their territories?"
Chen Xiao scratched his head; he hadn't really considered this matter.
After a moment's thought, he casually said, "You all did well today and didn't betray me. So, let's just say you guys can discuss it among yourselves and divide those territories equally. If anyone from outside tries to take advantage, just eliminate them!"
The few bosses exchanged glances, all satisfied with this decision.
And from that day on, these bosses became unprecedentedly united. The underground world of Jiangbei became a solid fortress, forming a force that could not be underestimated.
After dealing with the territorial division, Chen Xiao prepared to leave.
At this moment, Qi Qingfei walked over and said solicitously, "Master, shall I escort you back?"
"I almost forgot the main business. Qingfei, do you have time recently?"
Chen Xiao slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering the martial arts tournament.
Qi Qingfei quickly replied, "I have time. Does Master have any instructions?"
Chen Xiao clearly had something he needed her to do, and no matter how important her own matters were, Qi Qingfei had to make way for this.
Chen Xiao said lightly, "If you have time, come with me to participate in a martial arts tournament. I'll take you to see the world."
Qi Qingfei was flattered. "Master, are you talking about the martial arts tournament organized by the Pantheon?"
"Yes, that one," Chen Xiao nodded.
"That's wonderful, Master. I've heard about it for a long time..."
Qi Qingfei chirped with joy, but then a hint of hesitation appeared on her face. "But Master, my strength is weak, and I haven't received an invitation from the Pantheon. I'm afraid they won't let me in at that time."
Let alone Qi Qingfei, even martial artists like Qi Tianhu, who were listed on the Golden Rankings, had not received an invitation.
As for Han Jiuchuan and Da Xiang, although they possessed the strength of the Heavenly Rankings, they had not participated in the Heavenly Rankings competition, resulting in them being unlisted. Therefore, they were also not on the Pantheon's invitation list.
Chen Xiao heard Qi Qingfei's concern and simply laughed heartily, saying casually, "What does it matter if you don't have an invitation? I don't have one either!"