Bai Zihe arrived home a little past eleven.
Upon entering, he found his father, Bai Zhanhong, not only awake but with a deeply troubled expression.
"Dad, what happened?"
"Take a look."
Bai Zhanhong turned on the television.
On the screen appeared a man of imposing presence with shadowed, sinister eyes.
He was bare-chested, and a black dragon tattoo on his chest was particularly striking, writhing and fierce.
It was none other than the leader of the Black Dragon Society, Black Dragon!
Facing the camera, Black Dragon spoke with malicious intent, his smile a thin veil over his cruelty.
"I am Black Dragon."
"Bai Zihe, I trust you can see this."
"Thank you for the grand gift you sent me. As they say, 'one good turn deserves another,' and I have a return gift waiting for you at the Black Dragon Bar in the provincial capital. Come and collect it."
"I'll give you three days."
"If you're not here within three days, I will personally visit Suhang and deliver this gift!"
"At that time, your entire Bai family will be wiped out, without a trace!"
This Black Dragon was remarkably bold.
Such overt threats carried a certain weight, and he clearly had the backing to support them.
Bai Zihe simply smiled and switched off the television.
"Zihe, what are your plans?"
Bai Zhanhong's worried question made Bai Ruoyi's heart tighten as well.
"Since Black Dragon is being so 'hospitable,' wouldn't it be a disservice to his kind intentions if I didn't accept his invitation?"
Bai Zihe spoke calmly.
Now that the conflict had begun, it was best to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Bai Zhanhong's expression changed as he advised, "Zihe, the provincial capital is unfamiliar territory, and Black Dragon has been established there for years. If you go there, it will surely be fraught with danger."
"In my opinion..."
"It's best to wait for him to come here."
"Suhang City has Governor Chen and Commander Hong; he wouldn't dare to be too reckless."
Bai Zhanhong's words were those of a seasoned and prudent strategist.
Secure one's position first before making further plans. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Bai Ruoyi agreed, echoing her father's sentiment, "Brother, that Black Dragon looks like a truly wicked person. He's surely prepared an ambush for you. You absolutely must not fall into his trap!"
Bai Zihe found it somewhat amusing.
With his current strength, he could face any danger, even a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, and emerge victorious.
The Black Dragon Society was a minor obstacle, hardly a dragon's lair or a tiger's den.
However, these were words he couldn't easily say to his father and younger sister.
Just then.
Xue'er suddenly entered with an envelope. "Young Master, this is a letter sent overnight from the Xuan Tian Pavilion. Please take a look."
Bai Zihe took the letter.
The cover was inscribed with four large characters – "For my junior brother to open!"
The handwriting was delicate, the strokes elegant and flowing like the wind. Through this letter, Bai Zihe seemed to glimpse a face of breathtaking beauty.
His fifth senior sister, Yue Rushuang!
Bai Zihe immediately opened the envelope.
A moment later, his face lit up with joy.
"Dad, I absolutely must go to the provincial capital this time!"
Bai Zihe stated directly.
Bai Zhanhong furrowed his brow and asked, "Zihe, what do you mean...?"
Bai Zihe smiled. "Fifth senior sister has asked me to visit her for a small gathering in the provincial capital. She said there's news about the Ten-Faced Orb!"
This statement caused Bai Zhanhong's expression to change dramatically.
The Ten-Faced Orb was an heirloom of his late wife, Lin Wanzhen, and was connected to the mystery of her lineage.
He had entrusted the Ten-Faced Orb to Bai Zihe for investigation some time ago, and now there was finally a breakthrough.
Wait!
Bai Zhanhong suddenly realized something.
Fifth senior sister?
Whose daughter was she?
He recalled that his second senior sister had appeared at the opening ceremony, and now his fifth senior sister had surfaced.
How many senior sisters did this boy actually have?
Bai Zhanhong immediately asked, "Zihe, tell me the truth, how many senior sisters do you have?"
Bai Zihe then realized he had let it slip. Stammering, he replied, "There are... about seven or eight!"
"Cough, cough!"
Bai Zhanhong's expression shifted as he revealed his true intention. "Zihe, I'm not one to pry, but they've gone to great lengths to help you. Don't you think you should show some gratitude?"
"Find a time to invite them over for a meal."
His words were so blatant.
Liu Qianxun, sitting far away on the sofa, couldn't help but chuckle.
The clanging of his plans was too loud!
Bai Zihe broke out in a sweat and stammered, "Next time, definitely, next time!"
He then made his escape and began to make arrangements.
"Tianlong, send a reply to Black Dragon."
"Tell him I accept the invitation."
Zhan Tianlong immediately set about carrying out the order.
Bai Zhanhong followed, earnestly urging, "Zihe, even so, you must still be cautious when you go there."
"Black Dragon has dominated the underground forces of Jiangdong Province for years; he must have some trump cards."
"Ruoyi and I will wait for your safe return at home."
Bai Zihe nodded solemnly in agreement.
The next day.
Bai Zihe, accompanied by Xue'er and Liu Qianxun, boarded a plane to the provincial capital.
Zhan Tianlong remained in Suhang to ensure the security of the Bai family.
Jiangdong Provincial Capital, Anbao Airport.
As soon as Bai Zihe disembarked, a throng of people holding banners, flags, and even a huge banner rushed forward, surrounding them completely!
"Brother Ji, I love you!"
"Brother Ji, I am your eternal fan!"
"Gini Taimai, my love for you will never fade!"
"..."
It was a fan reception group.
Gini Taimai had not yet appeared.
But the fervor of these fans made even Liu Qianxun gasp in amazement, teasing, "Great Devil, look, now that's what I call a grand entrance!"
Bai Zihe shot her a cold glance and said indifferently, "What benefit does this kind of pathological aesthetic and irrational idol worship bring to the country and its people?"
"This trend should have been corrected long ago."
Liu Qianxun, finding herself rebuffed, pouted and mumbled, "I was just making a joke, why are you so serious..."
"Ouch!"
At that moment, a cry of pain came from ahead.
Everyone looked to see.
It turned out that an old soldier, wearing a military uniform, had been pushed to the ground by the frenzied fans because his legs were a bit slow.
Just then, Gini Taimai emerged.
"Brother Ji!"
"Brother Ji, I love you!"
"Brother Ji, eternal love, I'll love you forever!"
"Brother Ji..."
The fans, who had already lost all reason, paid no mind to the fallen old soldier and surged madly towards Gini Taimai.
The retired soldier's name was Li Jun. His right leg had been injured in battle years ago.
He was now advanced in years, and after the fall, he found it difficult to get up quickly.
The fans were too frantic, making it impossible for him to protest. He could only struggle to move aside, so as not to block anyone's path.
Suddenly, someone appeared before him.
This person wore overalls, platform shoes, and a bow tie around his waist.
His face was adorned with smoky makeup and hand cream, his fingers curled like a dancer's.
It was Gini Taimai!
"Brother Ji!"
"Brother Ji, can we take a photo?"
"Brother Ji, please give me an autograph!"
"Brother Ji, I will live for you, die for you, and strive for you my entire life!"
"Brother Ji..."
The fans became even more frantic.
Screaming, shouting, and crowding, they had completely lost their reason.
Gini Taimai, wanting to get closer and interact with the fans, found his feet tangled by Li Jun's leg, which he hadn't yet moved.
A look of disgust flashed across his face as he said contemptuously, "Old thing, haven't you ever heard that a good dog doesn't block the way? You're lame, can't you just crawl out slowly after everyone else has passed?"
*Slap!!!*
Bai Zihe instantly erupted in rage.
He flashed in front of Gini Taimai and, with a sweep of his hand, delivered a slap that sent the man to the ground.
The scene stunned everyone present.