Chapter Fifty: The Master Has Arrived

I did not resist; I simply nodded and was led into the police car. The others were no exception—they were all handcuffed and put into police vehicles as well. After a while, the police finished photographing the scene and handling the aftermath, then, with sirens blaring, drove us to the station.

Moments later, a young officer escorted me into the precinct, seating me opposite two policemen. The blood on my forehead had already dried, but I paid it no mind. Looking at them, I said, “Officers, whatever you need to investigate, I’ll cooperate.”

They nodded, and one of them, holding a notebook, said, “Lin Xuan, born in Wanzhou, currently living with your father in Yuzhong District—is that correct?”

I nodded again. The officer continued, “Tell us, what happened? So young, yet already fighting?”

Placing my hands on the table, I replied, “Honestly, it wasn’t my fault. They started it. I was only defending myself.”

“Self-defense? We’ve taken statements from the crowd. Everyone says you went looking for Lin Feng this morning. How do you explain that?”

I shrugged, indicating I had nothing to say. The officer sighed, “Fine, call your guardian.”

I froze. Should I call my master? If he finds out about this, I’ll be scolded for sure. The officer, noticing my hesitation, tapped the table and said, “What are you waiting for? Don’t have a phone? Here, use mine. Do you remember your guardian’s number?”

I nodded and recited my master’s number. The officer was about to dial when a commotion erupted outside the door. He paused, exchanged a glance with his colleague, who immediately understood and went to the door. Before he reached it, the door swung open by itself. I turned to see a man in a suit standing outside. Both officers were taken aback, instantly straightening up and saluting, “Good day, Assistant Wen!”

The man nodded, glanced at me, and said to the officers, “Thank you for your hard work. I’ll take it from here.”

The officers exchanged glances, about to speak but swallowed their words and nodded. The man called out, and two men in sunglasses came to escort me out. I looked back at the officers and my escorts, bewildered. “Hey! What are you doing? Where are you taking me?”

They remained silent, leading me out of the station. Inside, the two officers huddled together, whispering, “It's over. Of all people to offend, he had to go after Chief Lin. That kid’s future is ruined.”

“Ah, instead of worrying about that, think about what to eat tonight. We have to work the night shift. Did you hear? Two days ago, a corpse was brought in, and the cause of death is still unknown.”

“Corpse? Damn, are we really on duty tonight? That sounds creepy.”

“Why would I lie? Later, let's sneak some drinks in. We’ll need them for tonight.”

One officer nodded, agreed, and together they walked out of the station.

In the car, my eyes were covered with a black cloth, pressing uncomfortably against my face. I shouted into the darkness, “Hey, say something! Where are you taking me? Hey!”

No one answered; only the engine’s roar broke the silence. After an indeterminate time, the car slowed and stopped. Several people hauled me out. I sensed we entered an elevator and then a spacious room. When they finally removed my blindfold, I saw I was in a hospital ward. In front of me was a hospital bed, and lying on it was Lin Feng, with a suited man seated beside him.

I glanced at the men behind me in black, then heard the man at the bedside speak, “Kids’ scuffles don’t concern me, but there are limits. You dared break my son’s arm—what are you going to do about it?”

He didn’t bother to turn, his gaze fixed on Lin Feng. I suddenly realized, “So this is the government official Lin Feng mentioned—his father. The speed’s impressive; Lin Feng’s already been admitted.”

“Kid, our chief is asking you a question. Can you answer?”

While I pondered, someone pushed my shoulder—the man who’d taken me from the station. I turned to Lin Feng and said, “Do whatever you want—money or an arm.”

I extended my hand. The suited man was surprised, finally turned to look at me, and laughed coldly. “Money? Do you think I lack money? Bold, aren’t you? An arm for an arm… how interesting.”

I shrugged. “It’s not about being bold; it’s about whether you are. I tried reasoning with your son, but he wouldn’t listen, insulted me, and brought people to ambush me. Is this your idea of a good son?”

The man frowned at me. “Kid, watch your mouth. One word from me and you won’t last here.”

He signaled to the others. They understood, went to the door, checked outside, and locked it again. “Since you want to pay with an arm, fine. But I have another idea.”

He stood, his smile sinister. “I don’t just want one arm—I want both.”

The black-clad men closed in, pinning me to the floor. I struggled, but they held me down like trained soldiers. One grabbed both my arms. I shouted, “A bunch of adults bullying a kid—what’s your skill? If you dare touch me today, you can forget your position!”

The man raised his hand, signaling them to stop. They released me, and I panted, glaring at him. He approached, staring into my eyes, “Kid, you talk big, but today I’ll take not just your arms—Wen Feng, knock out his teeth. A little bastard without manners, you want to play with me? I’ll ruin you.”

The man beside me nodded, walked over, and pried open my mouth. One of the black-clad men picked up an iron bar from somewhere. I shook my head, trying to speak but unable, only able to scream. Lin Feng’s father said, “Stop yelling. This ward is more soundproof than you think. Scared now? Too late. Do it!”

As his words fell, I kept screaming, my mouth forced open so wide that drool pooled on the floor. One of the men struck my head hard. Dizzy, pain radiated from my temples. My head hung limply in his grasp as he signaled to the others. The iron bar was raised toward my mouth.

Suddenly, the ward door was kicked open with force. Through my haze, I heard my master’s furious roar: “Stop right there!”

The black-clad man froze, iron bar hovering at my mouth. Everyone turned; Lin Feng’s father also looked over in confusion. My master stood alone in the ward, his face stormy. Lin Feng’s father scowled at the men, “Didn’t I tell you to keep the door locked? Useless fools.”

He turned to my master, hands clasped behind his back, “Who are you? Bold, aren’t you? Don’t you see this is the intensive care ward? Get him out of here!”

The black-clad men nodded, released me, and moved to eject my master, but he swiftly knocked them to the floor. Facing Lin Feng’s father, he said, “Lin Fang, long in office and your eyesight’s failing? You’re just a petty chief—when did your power grow so great? You dare touch my apprentice? Are you seeking death?”

Lin Fang was stunned, his face darkening. “Who are you? How do you know my other name?”

My master’s lips moved slightly. “Tan Boqing.”

Hearing this, Lin Fang’s eyes widened in shock. “Tan Boqing? From Beiming Pass?”

My master said nothing, expressionless, and walked to me, helping me up and checking my injuries. I shook my head at him. Lin Fang, still incredulous, asked, “Are you really Tan Boqing?”

My master remained silent, gestured, and summoned the Gate of Netherworld. A roaring wind erupted, blowing toward the group. The black-clad men couldn’t see it but felt the sudden gust. Lin Fang’s eyes widened in panic. “I’m sorry, master. I didn’t know he was your apprentice, truly.”

My master interrupted him. “Enough. I’ve learned from Principal Qin that your son Lin Feng started it. My apprentice only defended himself. But your son insulted him, and I know my apprentice’s temper. He broke your son’s arm—he was being merciful. What more do you want? Come, I’ll give you an answer.”

My master’s words left Lin Fang speechless. He awkwardly expelled the other men and, after closing the door, put on a smile and said, “Master, it was my mistake. I didn’t investigate thoroughly. How do you wish to handle this? I’ll follow your lead.”