As a notorious ruffian on the streets, he was practically a veteran of countless skirmishes.
Judging by their appearances, these were mere school kids, yet to be hardened by the harsh realities of society.
So Brother Liang prepared to put on a show of defiance in front of Zhang Tianxing, just to appease Fatty Wang and ensure the money already in hand wouldn't be returned.
Otherwise, if word got out, it would make the underworld laugh their heads off.
He was a figure of some standing in the underworld, not to be made a laughingstock.
Despite all his calculations, he never foresaw Zhang Tianxing being so reckless, attacking directly with a cleaver.
Startled, Brother Liang stumbled backward, landing on his backside.
The cleaver grazed past Brother Liang's head. Good heavens.
Brother Liang shot up, his face burning with shame.
He had suffered a humiliating defeat today, actually being threatened with a cleaver by a junior.
Brother Liang could already imagine becoming fodder for gossip.
However, this kid wouldn't dare. He had just graduated high school, reportedly did well in his studies, and was likely to get into a decent university.
His life was different from ours, the street thugs. He was like fine porcelain, unlike us common mud. He wouldn't confront us head-on.
Brother Liang roared in fury, "Kid, you dare to wield a knife? You must be tired of living, seeking a free meal from jail."
He strode forward, pointing a finger at his own head. "Come on! Chop here. I slipped earlier. This time, aim carefully, don't slip again!"
Seeing the arrogant expression, Zhang Tianxing knew he couldn't back down.
At this moment, his presence was paramount. He couldn't be intimidated.
However, this guy was clearly a belligerent troublemaker, and such people couldn't be dealt with softly. He needed to show them his methods.
Zhang Tianxing gripped the cleaver firmly. After continuously chopping meat for a while, he felt a sense of unity between his hand and the blade.
It was as if he could cut wherever he aimed.
This man called himself Brother Liang, yet he had a full head of hair, making the name somewhat misleading.
There are no wrong nicknames, only ill-chosen ones. So, let this strike make his nickname truly fitting.
Zhang Tianxing swung his arm, and the gleaming cleaver descended again.
This move by Zhang Tianxing instantly terrified everyone present.
"Tianxing, don't do it! I've already called the police."
"What's the big deal? There's no need to resort to knives."
"Little boss, let's talk things out. If one meal can't solve it, then two meals..."
"Little boss, your skills are truly impressive. You can't win against them with force. Show some humility, and we'll mediate for you."
They all urged Zhang Tianxing to put down the cleaver. Zhang Tianxing ignored them, believing that kindness is exploited, and a good horse is ridden hard.
In reality, everyone understood what was happening, but there was no evidence.
However, this wasn't a criminal investigation requiring a complete chain of evidence. It was enough that I knew it was you. If I encounter a thief, I'll kill them directly. There's no need to guard against thieves a thousand days.
Zhang Tianxing's hand remained steady, and the cleaver descended towards Brother Liang's head.
Wen Qing and Li Fang closed their eyes in fear. They tried to rush forward but were blocked by the thugs.
Zhu Dayong, enraged, took off his shirt, ready to fight them.
Gao Tianming grabbed Zhu Dayong, "Calm down. They have too many people. What about Wen Qing and Li Fang if we fight?"
Zhu Dayong instantly wilted like a frost-beaten eggplant. Yes, there were two women. But now Zhang Tianxing was surrounded by several people alone.
Tianxing, you must hold on! I'll figure something out.
Brother Liang didn't dodge this time. That fall earlier was an accident. If he dodged again, he'd lose all face in the underworld.
He reckoned this kid wouldn't dare.
Brother Liang's eyes widened as he roared, "Chop! Chop! Chop here!"
"Brother Liang, I think this kid doesn't dare. He's just a boy who hasn't even grown hair. He's no good!"
"Hahaha, kid, kneel down and apologize to Brother Liang, and he might spare your life."
"Kid, Brother Liang has given you a chance. If you miss it, don't blame others."
"He didn't dare before, and he dares even less now. Brother Liang, you don't need to mess with children. Just have his parents come out and talk."
Damn it, these scoundrels had decided to fleece him. Seeing him making money, they all swarmed over.
If he couldn't handle this group today, then no matter how much money he made in the future, it would belong to others.
Without ruthlessness, one cannot stand firm. Zhang Tianxing cleared his mind, and the cleaver in his hand chopped down.
Brother Liang's vision blurred. Damn! This kid is actually going to chop. I'm going to be disgraced today.
Before Brother Liang could react, a coolness swept over his head, and he felt a chill in his lower body.
Terrified, Brother Liang nearly collapsed. This kid wasn't playing by the rules. He never expected him to actually attack.
His head felt cold; he must have been injured.
However, Brother Liang no longer dared to provoke Zhang Tianxing, fearing that this kid might chop him in a way that would leave him incapacitated.
Those in the underworld understood one thing: the first bloody blow is the hardest. Once the first blow is struck, the second and third will follow naturally.
Everyone was stunned, no one had expected Zhang Tianxing to actually make a move.
This little boss is so fierce. Doesn't he know there are many of them?
Zhang Tianxing knew all this. Fortunately, it all worked out well.
"Brother Liang, is it? I heard others call you Brother Liang, but your head isn't bright, so I gave it a chop with the cleaver."
Zhang Tianxing put away the cleaver, blew on it, and then looked at Brother Liang with a cold expression.
The crowd was astonished. This young boss, who seemed so shrewd, was speaking such nonsense.
Just then, a gentle breeze blew, and everyone was dumbfounded.
Brother Liang's thick, luxuriant hair on top of his head vanished with the wind. Brother Liang suddenly felt a coolness on his scalp.
Brother Liang touched his head and found that the entire top section was bald.
Zhang Tianxing's cleaver had just shaved off all the hair from the top of Brother Liang's head.
"Is this a movie? Whose cleaver can shave hair?"
"It seems this Boss Zhang has skills. Steady hand, fast knife. This time it was just shaving hair. If they don't behave, things will be different."
Brother Liang touched his head, too afraid to speak. This kid didn't play by the rules; he was ruthless, and his actions were brutal.
Now, Brother Liang couldn't care about becoming a laughingstock. He was afraid of Zhang Tianxing's gaze.
There was not a shred of emotion in his eyes. Just now, he looked at him as if he were a piece of meat.
Such a person was not to be provoked. He feared having a life but no means to live it.
Forget it. He'd better go back to mixing in the streets. That's how it was at home anyway, and after tonight's incident, he'd have even less face.
Brother Liang glanced at his subordinates. They all looked uncomfortable. He understood something in his heart.
It seemed Zhang Tianxing's cleaver strike had intimidated them all. He no longer dared to provoke Zhang Tianxing further.
Such a master of the blade could cripple him in minutes. Brother Liang wasn't afraid of death, but he was afraid of disability.
After years in the underworld, who didn't have enemies? If his enemies knew he was crippled, his future life would be... well, never mind.
Brother Liang shot Zhang Tianxing a hateful glance. "You win. We're leaving!"
He slunk away with his subordinates.
"Boss Zhang, your cleaver skill is truly divine. You almost scared that hooligan to death."