Xu Zhenqiang listened to his subordinate's report and was filled with rage.
"Where is that guy?" Xu Zhenqiang suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice.
"He went that way!" The subordinate pointed in the direction Yang Feilong had left.
"He injured my men, and instead of running, he's heading towards the volcano!" Xu Zhenqiang laughed in anger. "Very well, it's been a long time since anyone dared to disrespect me, Xu Zhenqiang, like this!"
He then waved his hand, dismissing the injured subordinates.
After a moment's thought, he strode towards the Mi siblings.
"Brother Mi, Miss Mi." Xu Zhenqiang wore a smile, but his eyes hid a barely concealed fury.
"Brother Xu, what happened? Could you tell us?" Young Master Mi asked with a smile, glancing at his sister. She enjoyed a good spectacle, and this might pique her interest, so there was no rush to leave.
"Ah, to ensure Brother Mi and Miss Mi wouldn't be disturbed, I had my subordinates guard a few paths leading up the mountain," Xu Zhenqiang said with an embarrassed smile.
Upon hearing this, the Mi siblings exchanged glances.
They truly hadn't known about this. If they had, they would never have let Xu Zhenqiang do such a thing. However, since he had already done it, they couldn't reprimand him. While his methods were questionable, his intentions were for their sake.
"Since when has our family become so overbearing? We're just here to see an active volcano, and people are being prevented from watching?" Miss Mi couldn't help but voice her dissatisfaction.
Seeing Xu Zhenqiang's displeased expression, Young Master Mi chuckled, "Brother Xu, please don't take offense. My sister has always been like this."
"Miss Mi is simply kind-hearted," Xu Zhenqiang first praised Miss Mi. Seeing her expression soften considerably, he inwardly rejoiced. Having dealt with many women, he understood their hearts quite well. Then, he sighed, "I know this was improper. Therefore, I instructed my subordinates to speak politely and even offer compensation. Who knew, the fellow thought we were too domineering and, relying on his strength, beat up my men instead, leaving them severely injured."
He made it sound as if he were the victim.
Indeed, Miss Mi's expression turned indignant. "That person is going too far!"
"Who says not?" Xu Zhenqiang replied helplessly.
Young Master Mi, however, looked at Xu Zhenqiang thoughtfully. His experience was far beyond his sister's. He had a nagging suspicion that Xu Zhenqiang's account was not entirely true and likely exaggerated.
From the rumors he had heard, Xu Zhenqiang was not an easy person to deal with. Of course, he might be accommodating to those stronger than his family, but the opposite might be true.
"This person, aren't you going to retaliate?" Miss Mi raised an eyebrow.
As someone who loved watching fights, she had become interested.
Seeing Miss Mi's gaze, an idea suddenly struck Xu Zhenqiang: "Could it be that Miss Mi admires heroic figures? Well, that's normal! Since ancient times, beauties have loved heroes."
If that was the case, Xu Zhenqiang's eyes darted, and he realized he had to put on a good show, perhaps even win the lady's heart.
If he could marry Miss Mi, his family members would no longer have any objections to him.
An alliance with the Mi family could elevate his Xu family from one of the top families in Huoshan City to a truly premier one.
The Mi family was immensely powerful, far more so than his own. With their support, the Xu family could ascend a level.
"What Miss Mi suggested is precisely what I intend to do," Xu Zhenqiang said earnestly, casting a devoted glance at Miss Mi.
Miss Mi frowned, not yet having a chance to react.
"I'll go and beat that guy up right now," Xu Zhenqiang declared immediately.
Then, Xu Zhenqiang led the way, chest puffed out and full of swagger.
The Mi siblings followed closely behind. Their guards trailed at a discreet distance, intervening only if their charges were in mortal danger.
Since Yang Feilong had made no attempt to conceal his movements and was moving slowly due to his search for fire-elemental treasures, Xu Zhenqiang and his entourage caught up to him shortly.
"Boy, did you injure my men?" Xu Zhenqiang bellowed.
Yang Feilong had noticed the approaching group earlier but had ignored them. Now, hearing Xu Zhenqiang's challenge, he turned around. The next moment, his eyes flickered as he saw the Mi siblings.
The Mi siblings were stunned when they saw Yang Feilong's true face.
"Brother Yang? Is that you?"
"Brother Feilong, what are you doing here?"
The Mi siblings exclaimed in surprise.
Yang Feilong looked at the excited siblings with a calm expression, as if he were looking at strangers.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhenqiang was bewildered. The Mi siblings were people he desperately wanted to curry favor with, and yet this fellow knew them?
Moreover, the siblings, who were usually reserved with him, were so delighted to see Yang Feilong, as if they had encountered a distinguished figure.
This caused Xu Zhenqiang's heart to sink.
Damn it, where did this guy come from? What kind of person is he?
If he was someone the Mi siblings sought to appease, what right did he have to oppose him? But if he was a prominent figure, where were his protectors?
After all, young prodigies often met unfortunate ends!
Seeing Yang Feilong's impassive reaction, the Mi siblings' hearts skipped a beat. Yang Feilong seemed displeased with them. Why would he be unhappy?
At this moment, they both recalled Xu Zhenqiang's account.
"Brother Feilong, why aren't you talking to us!" Mia approached Yang Feilong cautiously and asked in a low voice, trying to appease him.
"You're quite imposing, blocking the mountain and threatening to kill or cripple anyone who dares to approach. Does this mountain belong to your family?" Yang Feilong said indifferently.
His voice was cold.
It was as if he were speaking to strangers.
Mia and Mi Kang's expressions changed. This account differed from Xu Zhenqiang's, but they were more inclined to believe Yang Feilong, as he was closer to them.
"Brother Yang, you've misunderstood. We..." Mi Kang started to explain, but stopped midway. After all, Xu Zhenqiang had done this for their sake, and it wouldn't be right to expose him in front of him.
"Brother Feilong, this wasn't us. This fellow did it to curry favor with us! If we had known, we would never have let him do such a thing!" Mia quickly explained, afraid that Yang Feilong would get angry and ignore her.
Seeing the woman he admired so humbly beg, Xu Zhenqiang's anger flared up instantly.
"Boy, I did it. What are you going to do about it?" Xu Zhenqiang challenged.