A Divine Farmer

Chapter 146 - How Many Do You Have?

“Xu Shaoning is exceedingly cunning. He won't let this matter rest. Xiaoloong, you must exercise caution,” Chen Yaru cautioned gravely, anticipating further moves from the opposition.

Qiangloong Group, primarily a beverage enterprise, posed a significant threat to the Xu Family if the Ya Long brand gained prominence.

Despite apparent stability, their brand had regressed over recent years, lagging behind competitors with superior quality and marketing acumen.

Xu Shaoning strategized astutely; gaining control over Zhang Xiaoloong would eliminate a formidable adversary and secure a lucrative new beverage line, propelling Xu Corporation to unrivaled heights.

“Rest assured, it's in his best interest not to provoke me, or he'll face consequences,” Zhang Xiaoloong asserted, shedding his former passivity.

While he refrained from initiating conflict, he vowed retribution against those who harmed him.

Zhang Xiaoloong remained unfazed by Young Master Xu's machinations regarding a new beverage.

Their misunderstanding lay in underestimating Zhang Xiaoloong's integral role; even with the formula, success was improbable without his involvement.

“Let's hope he maintains his composure,” Chen Yaru expressed lingering concern.

They upheld principled conduct amidst adversaries, aware that continued scheming would only escalate efforts to resolve disputes.

Before Zhang Xiaoloong could speak, a foreboding sensation gripped him, reminiscent of his racing days.

Reacting swiftly, he shielded Chen Yaru and lowered himself, instinctively anticipating danger.

Chen Yaru, startled by the sudden attack, initially feared the worst, only to realize Zhang Xiaoloong's protective maneuver.

A soft thud resonated.

A bullet pierced the windshield of their new vehicle; had Zhang Xiaoloong hesitated, it could have proven fatal.

“Xiaoloong, what's happening?” Chen Yaru's panic mirrored the gravity of the situation.

Xu Shaoning!

Her immediate suspicion pointed to the instigator behind the assassination attempt.

Zhang Xiaoloong swiftly steered the car to safety, ensuring the absence of imminent danger before disembarking.

“Yaru, wait here momentarily. I'll return shortly,” Zhang Xiaoloong instructed, mindful of her safety.

“No,” Chen Yaru objected, resisting the idea vehemently. She seized the man's arm urgently. “Don't go. Let's contact the authorities. Let them handle it.”

“Don't fret. I'll be alright,” reassured Zhang Xiaoloong, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I promised to hold them accountable.”

Summoning the police wasn't impossible, but it wouldn't resolve the issue.

When law enforcement arrived, the assailant would likely have vanished. Unless the perpetrator reemerged, the police would be powerless.

The use of a sniper rifle indicated a departure from the usual criminal activity Zhang had encountered. These were professional killers, unlikely to make amateur mistakes and risk police intervention.

Regardless of the adversary's identity, Zhang needed to demonstrate strength to deter future provocations.

Atop a nearby building, a figure in black swiftly disassembled a firearm, stowing it in a prepared container before departing.

Yet, his exit was abruptly halted by the appearance of his target.

The sudden appearance puzzled him. His mark had been on the ground moments ago; how had he ascended to the thirtieth floor so swiftly?

“Leaving after the deed? Do you think killing is so effortless?” Zhang's voice sliced through the air, icy and resolute.

The assassin offered no response, discarding his firearm case and brandishing two daggers.

Questions brewed in Zhang's mind, but now was not the time. Subduing his assailant took precedence.

Bang!

Zhang sidestepped the dagger thrust, countering with a swift kick to the assailant's leg.

A sickening crack echoed as the assassin crumpled, clutching his shattered limb.

“Who sent you?” Zhang demanded, knowing leniency would only invite further harm.

The assassin remained silent, his gaze seething with malice.

Crack!

Zhang delivered another blow, fracturing the other leg.

Despite the agony, the assassin remained defiant, refusing to yield.

“I understand assassins wield significant power. Let's put it to the test now and gauge your endurance.” Zhang Xiaoloong remained stationary, extending his hand.

“If you end my life, you'll face consequences too!” The assassin's sudden words hinted at his assumption that death loomed.

“I anticipated your silence,” Zhang Xiaoloong remarked, a cold glance cast his way. “Rest assured, I won't end you. I simply wish to tally your fractures.”

Before he could conclude, another crack reverberated as the assassin's arm snapped.

Despite enduring rigorous training, the assassin succumbed to agony. Sweat trickled down his brow, yet he remained resolute.

Hence, after a brief interval, the bone in his other arm fractured.

“Save your breath,” the assassin scoffed. “You'll find your answer soon. You underestimate us, thinking it's so simple.”

“Indeed, you're highly skilled,” Zhang Xiaoloong suddenly grinned. “Unfortunately, I lack finesse. The placement of these breaks isn't ideal. Let's try again.”

The assassin puzzled over the meaning of “trying again.”

Lost in thought, he sensed an unusual energy emanating from his arm. The once broken bones ceased to ache.

More astonishingly, applying pressure caused the bones to mend completely.

“How can this be?” His mind swirled with confusion.

Moments ago, he was certain his arm had fractured irreparably. Yet, how could it now be instantly healed?

Crack…

Amidst his panic, he grasped Zhang Xiaoloong's intent to “restart.” His bones had indeed fractured anew, not far from their prior breaks.

“I find this placement still unsatisfactory,” Zhang Xiaoloong remarked, eyeing the arm with a chilling glare. “Should we veer left or right?”