Qi Tian leaped onto the dais, roaring at me, "Boy, you have some nerve! Don't think you can act with impunity just because you're under the Emperor's nose! Still, beating back the Young Master's few bodyguards shows you have some skill. Let me test your true depth!"

A shadow flickered across my shoulder, and Taozi was instantly there. I projected my thoughts to her: Get them out of here. This old man is immensely powerful; don't let him hurt them.

Taozi didn't hesitate, quickly maneuvering the two girls away, while I snapped back at Qi Tian, "A few parlor tricks won't stop me! Watch this!"

My heart seized. Could this old man truly wield the legendary, long-lost Limitless Divine Art? It sounded like the technique described in the movies, the "Overturning Mountains and Overturning Seas" move—or maybe the one used by Furong in Wulin Waizhuan, though hers looked more like a bluff.

Qi Tian was certainly no Guo Furong. He swept his palms in a grand half-circle before his chest, then bellowed, unleashing force equivalent to ten thousand tons toward us. Several tables and chairs near the stage were swept up by the sheer gale, a deluge of water glasses and tablecloths crashing down upon us.

If only I knew Qigong, I could have returned a strike and created an equally earth-shattering spectacle. The oncoming, fierce wind sliced painfully against my face. Fearing Ouyang Qian and Li Qi couldn't withstand it, I spun around, catching both of them in a tight embrace. By this moment, Qi Tian’s palm strike had peaked. Heavy objects kept slamming into my back, and the blade-like wind shredded my clothes!

Thank heavens I shielded the two women in time; otherwise, even if they avoided injury, the wind force alone would have stripped their clothes bare, revealing far too much. That would have been infinitely worse than just having my backside secretly groped. Judging by my nearly exposed body, one could only imagine their state.

Li Qi couldn't help but laugh. "You planning on running naked?"

I shot back, "Is this the time for jokes? Go with Taozi, now!"

Li Qi stuck out her tongue in fright, grabbed Ouyang Qian, and darted behind the dais just as the second wave of palm strikes approached. Qi Tian laughed deeply, "No one leaves! The exterior is already surrounded."

"Is that so?" Xia Hu-ren stepped out from behind the curtain. "Too bad the men you brought aren't as tough as you are. They were too weak, and they fought with a reckless disregard for their own lives. Forced into a corner, I had no choice but to grant their wish."

Qi Tian's brow furrowed deeply. "Who exactly are you people? The Iron Blood Twelve Guards are not something you can simply contend with."

Two fully armed super-soldiers marched onto the stage, carrying a pile of severed heads, which they dumped at Qi Tian's feet. Qi Tian roared, "My Iron Blood Twelve Guards! I'll fight you all to the death!"

I had assumed Qi Tian's retinue would possess considerable skill, but they crumpled so easily. I suppose truly powerful cultivators are rare; otherwise, this world would descend into chaos, with everyone being a master of supernatural energy, rendering guns and cannons obsolete.

I moved to meet Qi Tian’s palms, calling back to Xia Hu-ren, "This old man has immense power—fall back, or you'll end up losing your clothes like me!"

Xia Hu-ren responded, "I can measure it—his energy is probably on par with yours. Be careful!"

The old man was indeed a worthy opponent. It seemed I would have to fight him all out today. I absolutely could not disgrace a B-Class superhuman! Qi Tian’s palm winds sliced across my body like razors. I wanted to charge forward for a punch, but under that ferocious wind, every step forward was arduous; even my hair was whipped wildly about. Fortunately, my body had undergone special modifications, so the force, however intense, wasn't enough to truly harm me.

If Qi Tian could sustain this level of explosive power indefinitely, it was uncertain if we could decide a winner before one of us collapsed. If I lost control, I might even be scraped away—a humiliating outcome even if I didn't technically lose.

However, Qi Tian’s sustained 'Overturning Mountains' assault seemed to be weakening. He still tried to keep up appearances, though, boasting, "You are the first person to withstand ten of my strikes. Young man, I respect your strength. Come to our L State Military Region; I will recommend you as a First-Class Guard under Commander Deng. If you insist on pushing this, you risk severe internal injury leading to death. It would be a tragedy at your age."

I pressed forward two more steps, arriving directly in front of Qi Tian. "Old man, did you skip lunch? I think 'Overturning Mountains' should be renamed 'Farting Out Feces.' I don't have your fancy tricks. Try taking this punch!"

Amidst Qi Tian's continuous barrage of palm winds, the punch I delivered carried less than a tenth of my usual strength. However, Qi Tian was fully committed to his defense. If he retracted his palm winds, my momentum would return; if he didn't, countering my strike would be extremely taxing.

In his entire combat history, Qi Tian had never encountered someone who could absorb dozens of his blows without falling, especially one who seemed completely unfazed by internal injury—and who clearly hadn't sustained any. This was his first true challenge since mastering this strange technique.

Qi Tian began to regret his arrogance. He should have secured the Young Master and immediately retreated. Now, his formidable backup had been eliminated by my allies, and he was being bogged down here. He knew this single punch might leave him crippled, if not dead.

But Qi Tian wasn't foolish enough to meet a blow requiring less than a tenth of my power head-on. He staggered back, completely withdrawing his palm force, and jumped off the dais, scooping up Deng Qiang. "Boy, we'll call it a draw for today. We shall meet again."

My speed was naturally no match for his—it surpassed it. With a few bounds, I blocked his escape. "No 'meet you later.' You've ignited my fighting spirit; we'll settle this now. Otherwise, I'll castrate your Young Master."

Qi Tian’s face changed drastically. He knew the exterior was swarming with my forces, and during our exchange, he had gained no advantage other than tearing my clothes. This had cost him a significant portion of his power, making a clean retreat impossible now.

"Boy, do you even know who I am?"

"Are you perhaps the descendant of the legendary Buddha's Palm? But watching your strikes, they bear a resemblance to the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. Are you secretly a successor of Hong Qigong?"

"Hmph. I am the senior apprentice brother of Yan Xin, the great Qigong Master of the Great Dragon Nation. My cultivation far surpasses the limits my junior brother ever reached. I now serve as the Chief Instructor for Commander Deng in the L State Military Region. Be sensible and don't invite trouble upon yourself."

"I just experienced the Master's divine art. I think the Master should now experience my Divine Fist. If you win, I’ll leave without another word. If I win, I originally planned to cripple Deng Qiang's legs, but I've changed my mind. I'll make him a eunuch—that's the consequence of laying hands on my girlfriend!"

Qi Tian erupted in fury. "You're too young to push things this far! Even the State Chairman treats our Commander Deng with respect. What are you?"

I feigned two quick punches, causing Qi Tian to turn and evade. In that instant of distraction, I wrenched Deng Qiang from his grasp. I planted a foot on Deng Qiang's chest, and he let out a sound like a slaughtered pig.

I addressed Qi Tian, "A scumbag young master like this has enough past crimes to warrant a hundred executions. Given his status, I might have ignored his bullying others, but today he messed with Zhao Qian's woman. How can I rest easy knowing my girlfriend is safe if I don't permanently neutralize this man's manhood?"

Deng Qiang cried out in pain, "Nonsense! How are they your girlfriends? You even groped Zhou Ni's backside! Do you have three girlfriends?"

I spat at Deng Qiang, "It's none of your business if I have thirty! If you truly liked them, you should have courted them properly instead of sneaking your filthy hands around behind their backs!"

Deng Qiang struggled against my grip. "Are you any better? As far as I know, you groped Fang Yanmeng's backside too. What right do you have to lecture me?"

I brought my foot down, shattering Deng Qiang's testicles. "Let me tell you the truth: Fang Yanmeng is also my wife. If I ever see you within ten meters of my wife again, I'll kill you on the spot!"

Qi Tian tried to intervene, but it was too late. He glared at me, "Boy, you’re throwing away a brilliant future for a few women! Wait for the inevitable retaliation from our entire military region!"

I let out a few cold laughs in response. "They say a man’s rage is for his beauty. Even if it means ruin, as you say, I have no regrets."

Deng Qiang had passed out. Qi Tian clearly no longer wished to fight. Forcing a duel now seemed unreasonable. The debt was settled for today; we would surely meet again.

I waved my hand. "Go. Take a message back to that great Comrade Commander Deng: I await his storm. If he feels he lacks the strength, he shouldn't come out looking foolish, or I will swiftly subdue both the L State and Chengdu Military Regions!"

Qi Tian couldn't fathom my true depth; his expression shifted constantly. Without another word, he scooped up Deng Qiang and quickly departed the auditorium. Xia Hu-ren, Li Qi, and the others rushed out from backstage as Qi Tian left, while the super-soldiers began securing the scene.

I said, "Let’s leave through the back door. Those meddling classmates probably already set up an ambush outside. Let's avoid unnecessary trouble."

Li Qi countered, "But we've already caused trouble. Both Military Region Commanders Deng Sifang and Zhu Erg Gui are at the Military Commission expansion meeting in the capital. News of Deng Qiang will reach them immediately. From this moment on, we must be extremely cautious."

I turned to Xia Hu-ren. "Contact Liu Hu for me. Tell him I approve the Southwest and Northwest defense proposals he submitted last time. Effective immediately, monitor all movements in both military regions 24 hours a day without interruption. Authorize Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er to mobilize five hundred thousand mecha-soldiers. Doesn't Kuri still have two thousand Cheetah helicopters? Deploy all of them. If necessary, commit full ground and air forces to seize the defense perimeters of both regions!"

Xia Hu-ren acknowledged me and left first. I stripped a garment off one of the bodyguards who had vomited blood and put it on. The two women followed silently as we exited the auditorium. Ouyang Qian said, "Qi Qi, you go with him. I already reported my safety to Xu Chen; your place is quieter for discussion."

I chuckled. "Are there any tender words you haven't exchanged yet? Why find a secluded spot?"

Li Qi grabbed my arm and walked, not speaking. The students we passed on the way scattered, hiding far away, clearly aware that I had made Deng Qiang’s bodyguard vomit blood on stage. I wondered if the girls would now favor me. After all, beauties historically adore heroes. Wu Sangui did something similar for the sake of his beloved; perhaps I am the second in several centuries to follow that path.

Li Qi slammed the door shut behind us and pulled me into the center, with Ouyang Qian on my left and her on my right, sandwiching me. "Talk. Did you plan this all along? Don't you realize how worried Qi Qi and I were?"

"Are you two kidding? Was my plan for other men to grope you?"

Ouyang Qian pressed, "Then what about those plans and proposals? It sounded like you were prepared for everything."

Li Qi stated firmly, "Exactly. My grandfather doesn't even know about these things. My husband has a very bad conscience; he used us as sacrifices."

I was torn between laughter and tears. "Last time at the Tri-Service Corps meeting, Liu Hu submitted a proposal. He said the defense situation in the L State and Chengdu military regions was becoming intolerable. Considering our underground Thousand-Mile Defense Zone, surface defenses couldn't be neglected either. If those two regions continued their shenanigans, it could jeopardize the underground zone's security. Liu Hu suggested taking over surface defense command, but I immediately vetoed that proposal."

The two women asked, bewildered, "Why? We know Liu Hu well enough; he’s competent and wouldn't propose something impractical without reason."

I sighed, "I know him well, too. But if we take over the L State and Chengdu defense portfolios, how do we explain it to the Chairman? Wouldn't it look like a power grab? And would the Tan family intervene to stop us? Because of these difficulties, I didn't agree."

"So why agree now?"

"Because I was forced to this point. I cannot allow that brat Deng Qiang to act so arrogantly. If he were bullying someone else, I might have tolerated it, but touching Zhao Qian’s woman is absolutely forbidden!"

"I would rather bear the infamous title of a traitor than let him crush him beneath my heel!"

The two women were deeply moved, throwing themselves into my embrace. "Zhao Qian, you are so good to us! We are deeply touched. We vow we will marry no one else in this life, or where else in the world could we find such a good man?"

"You don't blame me now, do you?"

Li Qi giggled, "No blame. Hee hee. You sound a bit like Wu Sangui now. If a conflict erupts between us and two military regions because of us, do you think we are disastrous temptresses bringing ruin?"

Ouyang Qian sank into my arms languidly. "Ah, well, I’ve been labeled a temptress for a long time; I don't mind being cursed again."

Li Qi chimed in, "What does it matter if I'm a temptress for my husband? I always blamed Zhao Qian for being hesitant and timid; to think he dared to slap the backside of two tigers for our sake. It seems women wield the greatest power."

Ouyang Qian suddenly hugged me tightly. "Husband, I desperately want to make love right now, right here in front of Qi Qi, how about it?"

Li Qi was equally thrilled. "Great! I've never seen real lovemaking. Show me, so I can learn."

The previous incident had deepened the girls' affection for me. The best way for a woman to express her love, I supposed, was to let her beloved man take her. But my time was extremely short. I settled for casually touching both their breasts through their clothes. "I want to play with you two as well, but time doesn't allow it. Taozi is out setting up the tracking mission. I think we should consolidate our forces to deal with any sudden developments. They’re likely planning a massive reprisal, and we need to be ready."

Li Qi suggested, "Then let's go to our place? Our house has plenty of space; it can accommodate everyone."

I shook my head. "Your place isn't the safest spot either. Let's go home. After over a year of management, my home is the most secure location. Even if both military regions mobilized their entire forces, they might not reach the front door. Plus, coordinating upstairs and downstairs will be easier."

Ouyang Qian looked troubled. "But there's no room for me and Qi Qi at your place. Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, Xiaoyudi, and Xiaohui live upstairs. Fang Yanmeng, Xiao Chuchu, Yi Xiaorou, and Cheng Susu live in the apartment across the hall from you. Xu Jing and Zhou Ni live in the other unit across the hall. Where should Qi Qi and I go? You aren't going to cram us into Sister Xu Jing’s room, are you?"

I smiled. "I was prepared. If you don't want to squeeze in, it doesn't matter. I secretly bought the remaining two units upstairs, and the two units across the hall from Xiaoya downstairs. The renovation was completed secretly. We have room for anyone who arrives."

Li Qi and Ouyang Qian each grabbed my ear. "Be honest! Why did you prepare so many apartments? Do you have undisclosed girlfriends out there? If you don't confess, we aren't coming!"

I pulled the two women up. "Heh heh, let's go quickly. There are really no others outside. I intended to keep the four of you in separate rooms so that you wouldn't always prefer group play. This avoids unnecessary awkwardness."

The two women stood up with me. "You're thoughtful. Let's go."

On the way, I notified all the women spread across the city to return home and await orders. Taozi had also completed her intelligence gathering deployment and rushed back. Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er, having just reached Nansha, hastily turned back to base to requisition the five hundred thousand mecha-soldiers and two thousand Cheetah helicopters. Our operational speed naturally surpasses that of ordinary people. Before they could react, everything would be ready on our end, just waiting for the right moment. As Li Qi said, internal security must come first. The Great Dragon Nation is my foundation; I cannot allow the area around L State to become chaotic. Perhaps it is time for a cleanup.