Chapter Fifty-Three: Visitors from the Southern River District

"Hello, I’m the driver sent by Red Dragon. I’m here to pick you both up for the contract signing at the venue."
Xiao Ye felt something was off, but before he could say anything, Qin Xue’er replied first.
"One moment, we’ll be ready soon."
Last night, while Xiao Ye stepped out to take a call, Qin Xue’er must have spoken to them inside, though what she said remained a mystery.
But what puzzled him most was that neither Red Dragon nor Black Hawk had ever mentioned this man to him.
Still, he thought, perhaps it had simply slipped their minds.
Before he could think further, Qin Xue’er, in her slender high heels, wrapped her arm around his and led him to the car.
The driver’s gaze flickered with a trace of viciousness barely visible, as he took out his phone and sent an unknown message before getting in the car himself.
As the car moved along, Xiao Ye considered the situation.
"The medicine I took last night really worked; my skin is noticeably better."
Xiao Ye nodded. He had always trusted Xue Gui’s medical skills.
However, Xue Gui’s methods remained as rough as ever, never caring for the patient’s comfort. That was why, even after his return, few sought him out for treatment.
He remembered the rare herbs Xue Gui had mentioned; supposedly, they were very hard to find.
He feared that it would be a long time before the scars on Qin Xue’er’s face could heal.
As he pondered this, the driver suddenly veered the car sharply, making Xiao Ye frown. He spoke up,
"Driver, I don’t think this is the route to our destination."
"I know. There’s some traffic ahead, so I’m taking a detour. It’ll get us there just the same."
"Then please hurry," Qin Xue’er urged, not wanting to waste any time before the signing.
Xiao Ye’s doubts eased a little when he noticed the heavy traffic outside.
Engaged in conversation, neither of them noticed as the scenery outside gradually turned desolate.
All at once, the car jolted and came to a slow stop.
"Where are we?" Qin Xue’er asked in bewilderment, suddenly aware of their surroundings.
But before she could get a response, the driver flung open his door and sprinted away.
The bizarre turn of events left them both stunned.
"What on earth is that driver doing?" Qin Xue’er muttered, brows knitted in frustration at the delay. She was not one to keep others waiting.
She reached for the door, intending to step out and investigate, but Xiao Ye instantly sensed a murderous aura.

"Watch out!"
In a flash, Xiao Ye pulled her back into the car just as the vehicle was pierced by a volley of sharp blades—flying swords that embedded themselves in the door.
Had he reacted a second slower, Qin Xue’er would have been riddled with those hidden weapons!
He quickly shut the door, while Qin Xue’er, still shaken, tried to compose herself. Xiao Ye rushed to the driver’s seat, intending to start the car, only to realize the keys were gone—the driver had taken them.
His expression grew fierce as he slammed his palm against the steering wheel.
Only now did he realize everything had been premeditated; the so-called driver was nothing more than a trap!
Yet he couldn’t fathom who, in Jianghai City, would go to such lengths to target him.
Checking the rearview mirror, Xiao Ye spotted several figures approaching the car, exuding a far more menacing air than the petty thugs he’d dealt with before.
He knew at once—assassins were on his trail again.
"Stay in the car. I’ll be right back," he told Qin Xue’er. If he didn’t take the risk, staying put would mean certain death.
He flung open the door; more flying swords shot toward him, but instead of stepping out, he timed it perfectly, rolling forward to land on the open ground beside the car.
The attackers behind the car hadn’t expected him to escape so quickly and hesitated in surprise.
Xiao Ye loosened his tie, wrapped it around his right hand, and gestured provocatively at his foes.
"Ha! Caught like a rat in a trap and still putting on airs? Teach him a lesson!"
The man in front, Liu Hai, snorted coldly at his companions.
He was none other than the assassin Chu Chuang had brought in from Jiangnan District.
In an instant, the group surged forward to attack Xiao Ye.
Not wanting to endanger Qin Xue’er, Xiao Ye rushed to meet them head-on.
They clashed violently; though his opponents were formidable, Xiao Ye’s strength surpassed theirs.
He quickly realized these men were highly trained—no ordinary hitmen could have been hired for this.
No doubt, they were from the Jianghai Business Alliance.
Since that was the case, Xiao Ye didn’t hold back. He drove a punch into one man’s chest, the sickening sound of breaking bones echoing as the man was flung backward, ribs shattered.
The rest soon fell by similar means.
Liu Hai lost his composure as his comrades dropped one after another. As Xiao Ye felled the last of them, Liu Hai charged forward.
No sooner had Xiao Ye steadied himself than Liu Hai lunged with a dagger.
The blade flashed coldly, but Xiao Ye dodged it with ease.
A look of terror flickered in Liu Hai’s eyes—he had struck first, yet Xiao Ye had evaded him effortlessly.

This man could not possibly be ordinary!
To secure extra help, Chu Chuang had downplayed the situation, never revealing that Xiao Ye was a titled king.
Had they known, not one of these men would have dared attack!
"With skills like yours, you dare attempt an assassination?"
Xiao Ye’s face was thunderous as he charged Liu Hai in fury.
He was rarely this impulsive, but these men had truly provoked his wrath!
To try such tricks before him—did they think nothing of his status as a king?
Liu Hai paused, thrown by Xiao Ye’s unexpected demeanor.
Before Xiao Ye could reach him, more flying swords shot out from some hidden vantage, blocking his path.
This was Liu Hai’s backup—he had people waiting in ambush, just in case Xiao Ye and Qin Xue’er took the bait.
With another cold snort, Liu Hai brandished his knife and attacked again.
Xiao Ye was forced to fend off Liu Hai’s assault while dodging the flying swords.
Even a god could not escape unscathed from such a fierce barrage.
His clothes were sliced open, thin lines of blood appearing on his skin.
Liu Hai grew increasingly uneasy; despite his injuries, Xiao Ye’s movements only seemed to grow faster!
A roar rang out—the next instant, Xiao Ye exploded into action, charging straight at him.
"Not good!"
Liu Hai’s arm was still extended from his last strike, and the flying swords had ceased—clearly, the hidden weapon team was out of ammunition.
Before he could react, Xiao Ye seized his dagger arm with crushing force, snapping it instantly.
He followed with a savage kick, sending Liu Hai flying like a severed kite.
By the time Liu Hai hit the ground, Xiao Ye was already at his side, relentless as a shadow.
Pain shot through Liu Hai’s shattered arm; his face turned ashen, his body trembling uncontrollably, breath ragged.
Staring into Xiao Ye’s murderous eyes, he gave a bitter, broken laugh.
"You think the car is so safe?"
No sooner had he spoken than he pulled a remote control from his bag and slammed his thumb down on the button!
The moment the words left Liu Hai’s lips, Xiao Ye realized what was about to happen.