Xia Kaishan's Wrath

"However, you don't have definitive evidence to prove your innocence. I expect that in the end, it will come down to a 'presumption of common sense,' with the Martial Arts Inspection Department and the university jointly deciding the outcome," Jiang Wei said. "If it reaches that stage, things will get complicated. You should understand that." How could Fang Yu not understand? A so-called joint ruling was ultimately decided by people. And that meant Xia Kaishan could exert his influence. In the end, the presumed outcome would most likely be unfavorable to him. "Therefore, I'll do my utmost to fight for legitimate defense on your behalf, but you must also be prepared for 'excessive defense,'" Jiang Wei said in a low voice. "If Xia Kaishan truly crosses the line and tries to convict you of 'intentional homicide,' I will ask your grandmaster to step in if necessary." "Of course, all of this is on the premise that what you said is true." Jiang Wei gave Fang Yu a deep, searching look. He could roughly guess that Fang Yu's account had certainly been embellished. Yet he would not actively poke holes in it. After all, if Fang Yu were found guilty, Jiang Wei—as the referrer for Fang Yu's contract—would also be affected... Of course, that was merely a secondary reason for his resolve to help Fang Yu. The most crucial reason was the astonishing talent Fang Yu had demonstrated. That was also why he had come to question Fang Yu in person. Intervening in this matter meant making an enemy of Xia Kaishan in a sense, so how could Jiang Wei not be cautious? He had to verify things with his own hands before making a decision. Everything was driven by interest. "Rest assured, Martial Uncle, everything I said is absolutely true." Fang Yu knew he had no way out; he had to stick firmly to "legitimate defense" and push away primary responsibility. In Fang Yu's view, Jiang Wei might help him somewhat, but expecting him to confront a Level 49 Earth Martial Artist at all costs on his behalf was unrealistic. As for Grandmaster Pei Fan? His mother had already passed away, and he had never even met the man, let alone possessed his contact information... Even if he had it, there was no past rapport between them; unless pushed to the absolute brink, he would not come knocking on his door to beg for help. "By regulation, you aren't allowed to contact anyone right now." "In this matter, who else do you think could help you?" Jiang Wei looked at Fang Yu and asked softly. "Name them, and I'll go contact them for you." Fang Yu fell silent. Who could help him? Jiang Wei was in no rush to press him. In this situation, the more people who could help, the better. "Please trouble yourself to contact my family, Martial Uncle, and tell them about my Star Aspect awakening," Fang Yu said after some thought. "My younger brother and sister both awakened Upper-Rank Star Aspects and signed contracts with Star Radiance Group... Perhaps they can offer some help." "Oh?" Jiang Wei was slightly surprised. This was something he hadn't known. Back then, he had only stayed in Wuling City for half a day and merely gathered basic information about Fang Yu. As for Fang Long and Fang Siyue? They hadn't even entered high school yet, so naturally, he hadn't paid them much attention. "Both awakened Upper-Rank Star Aspects, and from the same family—Star Radiance Group will certainly value them," Jiang Wei nodded slightly. "If higher-ups from Star Radiance Group are willing to step in, it will greatly check Xia Kaishan's influence." "I also need to trouble Martial Uncle with one more thing." "Please contact Chairman Wang Xundao of Shengchuan Group directly for me. His contact info is..." Fang Yu hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I signed an endorsement contract with Shengchuan Group... Perhaps he can help." "However, Martial Uncle, you only need to notify him," Fang Yu added. "If Shengchuan Group wants to terminate the contract, please tell them I will agree unconditionally." The stakes were simply too high this time. If he told Wang Mo first, given Wang Mo's personality, he would probably do everything he could to beg Wang Xundao to help. Thus, Fang Yu did not want to drag Wang Mo into this... As for Wang Xundao? Fang Yu believed that given the chairman's character, he would weigh everything carefully. If Shengchuan Group decided to terminate the contract, Fang Yu would completely understand. "Shengchuan Group? An endorsement contract?" Jiang Wei mused thoughtfully. "I've heard of that company; it's quite sizable. Fine! I've noted it all down. Leave it to me. Once I've handled everything, I'll come see you again." "Thank you, Martial Uncle," Fang Yu said gratefully. Without Jiang Wei, getting word out would have been difficult, and he most likely would have had no choice but to sit and wait for the judgment. "Fang Yu, what matters most is still you yourself," Jiang Wei said slowly. "The greater the talent and strength you display, the more it will influence the final verdict." "Therefore," "Once we return to the space base, the university will give priority to re-evaluating your strength, Star Aspect talent, and skill talent," Jiang Wei continued. "When the time comes, make sure to perform well." "Understood," Fang Yu nodded. Martial artists concentrated supreme might in their own bodies; everything stemmed from oneself. The stronger a martial artist was, the greater their privileges. The law bound only ordinary people... Legendary Star-Sky Martial Artists, for instance, embodied the law of the entire Blue Moon Alliance. Take this incident, for example. If he were still just an Intermediate Martial Artist barely past Level 20, had not awakened a Star Aspect, and had not comprehended an Entering the Minute secret technique... would Martial Uncle Jiang Wei still be willing to take risks to help him? By the same token, if he were an unrivaled martial arts genius of the Blue Moon Alliance, would he even need to fear Xia Kaishan? Oneself was what mattered above all. "Martial Uncle," Fang Yu suddenly spoke up, "when it comes to the final ruling, what will happen to my teammates?" "What do you want to happen?" Jiang Wei countered. "If someone ultimately has to take primary responsibility and face Xia Kaishan's wrath," Fang Yu said calmly, "let it be me. In our defense, I was the main one fighting Xia Tao anyway." Jiang Wei took another look at Fang Yu. He hadn't expected Fang Yu to make such a request. "All right," Jiang Wei agreed to Fang Yu's request. ... The New Moon. Even after decades of the Blue Moon Alliance's Planetary Terraforming Project, the vast majority of the New Moon remained unsuitable for ordinary people to inhabit. Most residents lived within several dozen major cities. Guanghan City. As the second-largest city on the New Moon and the headquarters of Star Polar Group, Guanghan City was highly advanced. Robots and flying cars were ubiquitous, while in the sky, a city protective barrier enveloped the entire metropolis. Star Polar Manor No. 9, one of the residential compounds affiliated with Star Polar Group's headquarters, occupied a prime location. It featured detached villas set among numerous rockeries and lakes. Although none of the villas were particularly large, it was still a place countless people on the New Moon dreamed of living. After all, constrained by limited urban space, the overwhelming majority of people on the New Moon lived in mid-rise and high-rise apartments. A detached villa? Even a modest one covering three hundred square meters in such an exceptional location would sell for at least two billion Star Coins on the New Moon. On top of that, there were hefty annual property taxes. Of course, properties in Star Polar Manor No. 9 were not offered for public sale; only mid-to-high-level personnel of Star Polar Group who paid a certain price could obtain long-term residency rights. Inside one of the villas. A room on the third, top floor. The room was not large, measuring just over thirty square meters, but it was outfitted with various specialized equipment. Its ceiling was made entirely of transparent glass, offering an unobstructed view of the starry sky. A middle-aged man dressed in loose martial arts robes sat cross-legged in silence. He was not particularly tall, neither fat nor thin—ordinary in build and appearing quite genial. He was Xia Kaishan, an Earth Martial Artist of considerable renown in Huguang Province. Ever since stepping down from his post as a city general manager, he had resided long-term on the New Moon. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary middle-aged man fond of health cultivation. Yet only those familiar with him knew just how explosive his temper truly was. "The cultivation environment on the New Moon is indeed ten times better than on the Blue Star," Xia Kaishan mused to himself. "With the help of a star force chamber, practicing for just a short time each day is enough to keep my bodily functions and star core in peak condition." "Cultivating on the New Moon over the long run gives me a substantially higher chance of breaking through." Suddenly. "Master, your disciple Wan Jin is contacting you urgently," a slightly hurried voice sounded. "Huh?" Xia Kaishan frowned. "Connect!" Whoosh! The apparatus behind him cast hazy rays of light, swiftly forming a holographic projection. The video communication was established. "Teacher," Wan Jin greeted respectfully. "Aren't you undergoing actual combat on the Primordial Star? What is it?" Xia Kaishan asked with a frown. Wan Jin was a student of Huguang Martial University's Earth Academy and an inner disciple he had taken under his wing. "Junior Brother Xia Tao's name... has disappeared from the university rankings," Wan Jin said with head bowed, not daring to look up at Xia Kaishan. "Xiao Tao!" The unflappable composure on Xia Kaishan's face fractured into shock. He knew full well what a name disappearing meant. "How long ago was this?" Xia Kaishan barked furiously. "It should have been before ten in the morning," Wan Jin answered hastily. "I was venturing in the Wilderness Zone at the time. The moment I discovered it, I rushed back to the space base to report to you, Teacher." "Before ten?" "It's already eleven!" Xia Kaishan glanced at the Universal Auxiliary Device on his wrist, fury blazing in his eyes as if ready to spew flames. "They didn't notify me for so long—what is Huguang Martial University doing?!" Click! He severed the call with Wan Jin. "Use the group's internal clearance and check immediately whether my nephew Xia Tao is dead," Xia Kaishan practically roared. "He was at Iron Wall Base's Auxiliary Base No. 12. Quick!!" "Please wait, Master. Searching now," the artificial intelligence's voice replied. Thirty seconds later. "Master, the query is complete," the artificial intelligence reported. "Xia Tao: confirmed deceased... Cause of death: insufficient clearance. Authorization from a group Star-Sky Martial Artist is required." "He really is dead?" Xia Kaishan gritted his teeth, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes. "Who was it? Who killed my nephew?!" As for the latter half of the AI's words, he treated it as though he hadn't heard it at all. Yes! A Star-Sky Martial Artist could indeed grant authorization, but from what his status allowed him to know, even a Star-Sky Martial Artist would have to pay an enormous price to run a direct inquiry like that. He, Xia Kaishan, could not possibly manage that. "Check if Huguang Martial University has contacted me," Xia Kaishan demanded coldly. "Master, there is an email sent half an hour ago. Because you were cultivating, Master, no notification was issued," the artificial intelligence said. "The email mentions Xia Tao's death and states that an investigation is underway." "An email? Under investigation?" "Heh! Haha!" Xia Kaishan laughed in sheer fury. "Connect me to Tang Jianxin of Huguang Martial University right now!"