When the Han-Tang Hospital was first established, Mei Peng fabricated a supposed secret formula for AIDS at Liu Hui's request. Mei Peng, hailing from a lineage of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, was deeply familiar with herbal prescriptions. Thus, he chose an obscure and rarely used formula, Taiping Thousand Year Powder (Tàipíng Qiānnián Sǎn), and presented it to Liu Hui as the miraculous cure. Liu Hui subsequently used this formula to manufacture the supposed AIDS medication, eventually passing it on to Liang Jingyue as well.

Liu Hui now possessed a formidable memory, naturally recalling the formula for Taiping Thousand Year Powder. However, the prescription sheet in his hand now held slight discrepancies from the one he had given to Liang Jingyue—three of the traditional Chinese herbs had been altered. While he couldn't immediately deduce the outcome of these changes, he was certain this was not the exact formula he had entrusted to Liang Jingyue.

“Could it be that Liang Jingyue never gave the complete formula to Guo Jia? That what she handed over was merely an altered version? Was this a desperate measure she took to buy time to save her father? Does this mean she never betrayed me?” Upon seeing this altered formula, Liu Hui's heart violently shook, and a flood of thoughts instantly rushed through his mind.

“Wait, is Guo Jia trying to test me? Is he using me to verify the authenticity of this prescription? I must proceed cautiously and not let him see any cracks in my façade.” Liu Hui considered this possibility in a flash, yet his expression remained unchanged, as if he were genuinely scrutinizing the document.

“Well? This prescription should be the one you’ve been using, right? But why did it work before, yet it fails now? My so-called experts even claimed it was an ancient prescription, the Taiping Thousand Year Powder.” Guo Jia pressed, clearly anxious.

“I’m not aware of any issues you’re describing. Things were fine before, so there shouldn't be any problems now. If we must pinpoint an issue, why don't you investigate the medicinal materials you’ve been using?” Liu Hui spoke as if reciting a verse, neither confirming nor denying that this was the formula he had used previously.

Guo Jia, however, took Liu Hui’s ambiguous response as tacit approval of the formula’s origin. He declared, “We initially suspected the issue lay with the ingredients, but we are using the exact same batch as before. We even had those materials analyzed to rule out that possibility. I came to you today hoping you could give a definitive confirmation and help us formulate the AIDS treatment medicine once more.”

“I can’t help you there. I merely copied the formula from an old book and brewed the medicine accordingly. Frankly, I know nothing about these matters myself. If you ask me to brew it again now, I honestly doubt I could replicate it,” Liu Hui stated, deflecting all responsibility cleanly.

“Is that ancient book still available?” Guo Jia pressed further.

“It’s gone. Regrettably, back then I was broke and couldn't afford paper. During a bout of severe diarrhea, I ended up tearing up that old book to wipe myself clean. I deeply regret it even now,” Liu Hui offered, sticking to the old story he had used to address Guo Jia's inquiries.

“So, you’re saying this problem cannot be resolved?” Guo Jia’s voice began to rise in pitch.

“Indeed, there is no way to resolve this issue now,” Liu Hui replied, placing the paper bearing the formula on the table and spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

“Liu Hui, no matter what you say, we have all been deceived by you. You must provide a solution today, or you won't be leaving this room,” Guo Jia roared, his composure shattering as negotiation proved futile and having been suppressed by Liu Hui all day ignited his fury.

The Eldest Young Master frowned and cautioned, “Young Master Guo, this is the Li family residence. It doesn't appear to be your territory, does it? I suggest you show some self-restraint.”

“I know this is the Li family estate, but this matter must be settled today. If your Li family refuses to intervene, our Guo family will certainly not treat you poorly in the future. Take whatever domestic interests you desire; the Guo family will ensure your complete satisfaction,” Guo Jia promised the Eldest Young Master, indicating he had likely received authorization from his own patriarch before coming.

The Second Young Master stood up and declared with indignation, “We took on the role of mediator precisely because everyone trusts us to handle matters justly. That is why Young Master Hui agreed to meet you personally. We absolutely will not permit threats against the primary party. The Li family has no desire for your assets, Young Master Guo. Please leave.”

The Eldest Young Master added angrily, “What Second Brother said is exactly what I mean. Young Master Guo, please go.”

Liu Hui was quite pleased with the Li family’s stance. He smiled and said, “Eldest Brother, Second Brother, please rest assured. This is a matter between him and me. Today provides a perfect opportunity to bring these issues to a close here, so please do not interfere. I know what I am doing.”

“But…” the Eldest Young Master started.

“Don't worry, I won't act recklessly,” Liu Hui chuckled.

After a moment’s consideration, the Eldest Young Master sat back down to observe. The Second Young Master, after thinking it over, also resumed his seat.

“Liu Hui, this is no longer about whether you will act recklessly; it’s about what I intend to do,” Guo Jia sneered. Seeing that a peaceful resolution was impossible, he immediately dropped all pretense and prepared to use force.

“Oh? Do you possess that capability? I’d like to see just how you intend to cause trouble,” Liu Hui retorted coolly.

“Do you think I lack the strength?” Guo Jia stood straighter, and Elder Wu, standing behind him, suddenly emitted a powerful aura that visibly stirred the airflow, causing his robes to billow. In an instant, the seemingly ordinary old man transformed into a formidable figure radiating murderous intent.

Guo Jia was fully aware of Elder Wu’s strength; every time Elder Wu took action, he gained complete control of the situation. This was Guo Jia’s ultimate reliance for daring to act aggressively within the Li residence.

Guo Jia laughed maniacally, “Liu Hui, I don’t know what methods you used to align the Luo family with you—they vetoed the resolution for mandatory action against you at the central level, blocking us from dealing with you on a grand scale. But right now, you are in my grasp. If you don't meet my demands immediately, I would rather strike you down here and now. If the Luo family seeks revenge afterward, so be it, though you probably won't live to see that day.”

“Some people who are frequently on top assume they always will be. Do you really think you can overcome me now?” Liu Hui sneered. This Guo Jia, unable to persuade him, was resorting to physical coercion. However, Liu Hui had anticipated this and felt no fear.

“Elder Wu is an unparalleled master from the central authority; handling your bodyguard, Zhou Tengyun, will be child’s play. Do you imagine escaping today? Stop dreaming. However, if you agree to one condition, I might consider letting you go,” Guo Jia said smugly, placing immense faith in Elder Wu.

“What condition? Feel free to tell me,” Liu Hui said, showing curiosity.

“Transfer your Starry Sky Group to me. I will let you go then and swear never to bother you again,” Guo Jia demanded.

“The ancients spoke truly: whom God would destroy, he first makes mad. The lust for wealth can indeed drive people to insanity,” Liu Hui murmured with resignation.

“Heh, in this world, despite all sorts of scheming and manipulation, strength is what ultimately counts. Today, I will use the strength in my hands to seize your Starry Sky Group, establishing a fait accompli. Don’t hold a grudge; even the Luo family might be powerless against me then,” Guo Jia laughed.

Coordinating with Guo Jia’s laughter, Elder Wu suddenly flickered, moving from behind Guo Jia to stand directly in front of him. Elder Wu stared coldly at Liu Hui, emitting a powerful pressure intended to crush Liu Hui’s morale.

“Heh heh, that’s a little bit of strength, not quite enough to impress,” Zhou Tengyun slowly stepped out from behind Liu Hui, a potent killing intent beginning to emanate from him.

When they were in Bashan, Zhou Tengyun had considered Elder Wu unfathomable, feeling himself pushed back several steps by just a cold snort. But now that he had entered the initial stage of cultivation—the innate realm, the human body's limit—Elder Wu no longer seemed as terrifying. At least now, Zhou Tengyun could discern Elder Wu's level: he was, like Zhou Tengyun himself, in the innate realm.

Previously, Zhou Tengyun couldn't even follow Elder Wu’s instantaneous shift in position; his vision would just blur, and the elder would reappear. This time, however, he clearly witnessed the speed of Elder Wu’s movement. While fast, Elder Wu’s speed was far inferior to the American soldier specializing in speed they encountered in Afghanistan. Zhou Tengyun could keep pace with Elder Wu’s actions.

Elder Wu was greatly startled. Zhou Tengyun had been standing behind Liu Hui, completely concealing his presence, appearing as merely an ordinary master, unlikely to draw suspicion. Who would have thought that once Zhou Tengyun fully released his aura, he would be an innate master, radiating an exceptionally dense killing intent—the kind that could only be accumulated by killing countless people? Elder Wu immediately became wary of Zhou Tengyun, his previous confidence wavering.

“An old man, instead of staying home to play with his grandchildren and wait for death, is out here swindling people and aiding villains. Today, you dare bully someone under my protection. In that case, I'll make sure you leave here today carried out on a stretcher, so you learn not to underestimate the heroes of this world,” Liu Hui remained completely undisturbed, even taking the time to mock Elder Wu.

Guo Jia, unable to discern Zhou Tengyun’s strength and completely unaware of the current dynamic, exhibited the fearlessness of ignorance. He roared furiously, “Elder Wu, don't hold back! Immediately kill this bodyguard named Zhou Tengyun, and then break Liu Hui’s arms. Let’s see if he’s still so defiant then.”

“Third Brother, escort this old man surnamed Wu to the West for free, and then break Guo Jia’s arms,” Liu Hui said with a laugh, perfectly mirroring Guo Jia’s words.

Although Elder Wu was surprised by Zhou Tengyun’s strength, he felt no fear. He had survived countless deadly encounters in his life, and opponents stronger than him had ultimately been killed by him; thus, his resolve was ironclad. Seeing Zhou Tengyun display his power now only heightened his fighting spirit. He stepped forward, fixing his gaze on Zhou Tengyun.

“Old man, you’re so aged yet still doing hard labor. It seems your master doesn't treat you well. Why not switch allegiances? Our boss is desperate for capable men, and we can certainly reserve a spot for a watchdog,” Zhou Tengyun was confident in his own strength but knew the elder before him was formidable. He tried to engage in verbal sparring first to undermine the elder's building momentum.

The old man, seasoned and rich in combat experience, was not about to fall for such a trick. “Young man, why so much nonsense? Take this!” he shouted, moving instantly and lunging rapidly toward Zhou Tengyun, throwing a punch aimed at his chest.

A cold glint flashed in Zhou Tengyun’s eyes as he rushed toward Elder Wu, matching his attack with a punch of his own. Their fists collided rapidly, resulting in a deafening crash. A powerful wave of energy pulsed outward from them as the center point, whipping the onlookers’ clothes fiercely. After the initial impact, both men recoiled three steps, staring at each other in shock. The collision of their power was perfectly balanced, resulting in a draw.

They quickly adjusted, calming the surging blood in their vessels, and charged again. Zhou Tengyun once more aimed a punch at Elder Wu’s head. The air around his fist cracked audibly, the windshear hitting Elder Wu’s face before the fist even arrived, demonstrating the sheer force behind the blow. Having just exchanged blows with Zhou Tengyun and recognizing his immense strength, Elder Wu sought to avoid a direct hit from the fierce attack. He executed an Eagle Claw maneuver toward Zhou Tengyun’s opposite shoulder, attempting to force Zhou Tengyun to recall his punch to defend himself.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Tengyun seemed utterly oblivious to Elder Wu's Eagle Claw attack, his fist making no move to stop, continuing its trajectory toward Elder Wu’s head. Elder Wu was momentarily stunned. His Eagle Claw struck Zhou Tengyun’s shoulder, ripping away a large chunk of flesh. Blood immediately sprayed from Zhou Tengyun’s shoulder, exposing bone.

Elder Wu had inflicted a severe injury on Zhou Tengyun, but before he could savor his momentary success, Zhou Tengyun’s fist, trailing the force of the punch wind, slammed heavily into his head. The power Zhou Tengyun wielded at this moment was immense. Elder Wu’s skull cracked audibly, like a watermelon splitting open. His entire head exploded in a spray of red and white matter. Then, his headless body slowly collapsed to the ground, his hand still clutching a bloody piece of flesh torn from Zhou Tengyun’s shoulder—the entire scene was brutally gruesome.

White brain matter and red blood splattered onto Li Da, Li Er, and the Sixth Young Lady, who were seated nearby. Li Da and Li Er turned ashen-faced, clenching their fists, unable to speak. The Sixth Young Lady, however, let out a piercing scream; they had never witnessed such a bloody spectacle firsthand.

Zhou Tengyun knew Elder Wu possessed superior combat experience. If they fought conventionally, he couldn't guarantee victory even with comparable strength. Therefore, he chose to completely abandon defense, securing Elder Wu's death in exchange for a devastating injury to himself. Elder Wu, whose thinking was somewhat rigid, expected a prolonged contest of skill, aiming to exploit Zhou Tengyun's vulnerable areas to force a defensive response. He never anticipated Zhou Tengyun’s ruthlessness—sacrificing an arm resulted in a fatal lapse in guard.

The confrontation between two masters of seemingly equal strength concluded in an instant after Zhou Tengyun paid a heavy price, leaving Guo Jia, who had been anticipating watching Elder Wu brutally overwhelm Zhou Tengyun, mouth agape.

Liu Hui remained outwardly composed, but inwardly he cheered Zhou Tengyun’s decision. Zhou Tengyun knew he possessed the biological healing water tank capable of rapidly treating such wounds, making the injury a worthwhile exchange for the surprise execution of Elder Wu. This was an extremely profitable transaction; in just twelve hours, Zhou Tengyun’s severe injury would heal completely, causing him no lasting impact.

Zhou Tengyun’s arm, hemorrhaging heavily, lent a pallor to his face, but his fierce resolve was evident. He made no move to bandage the wound, instead dragging his arm as he walked toward Guo Jia, leaving a trail of blood pooling on the floor.

“You... what are you doing? Don’t come any closer,” Guo Jia stammered, suddenly overcome with deep terror.

“Heh heh, I’ve already sent the old man to the netherworld for free, but your arms haven’t been broken yet. I can’t disappoint the boss’s expectation,” Zhou Tengyun licked the spattered blood from his lips and sneered.

“You can’t do this! I am part of the Guo family! You cannot harm me! You are opposing the entire nation of China; aren't you afraid of national pursuit?” Guo Jia threatened, his bravado thin and transparent.

“Heh heh, we’ll discuss that later. Right now, it’s time to break your arms,” Zhou Tengyun chuckled, continuing to drag his bleeding arm closer.

“Eldest Brother Li, Second Brother Li, save me quickly!” Guo Jia had never faced such a situation. The opponent utterly disregarded his background influence, and his protector had just been slain. Alone and facing such imminent danger, he was terrified.

“You just stated that we wouldn't interfere here, and we shouldn't go against your wishes, or how would we justify accepting the benefits from your Guo family?” The Second Young Master was furious at Guo Jia’s attempt to use the Li family’s reputation to achieve his goals. Such an act would completely ruin the Li family’s standing, making future trust impossible. Thus, he refused Guo Jia’s plea. The Eldest Young Master merely watched silently.

“Liu Hui—no, Boss Liu—please spare me,” Guo Jia, seeing the two Li brothers ignore him, turned his desperate gaze toward Liu Hui.

“Heh heh, I don’t want your life. I just want both your arms. You won’t die; you can still use your feet to embrace beautiful women in the future,” Liu Hui consoled him.

The thought of only being able to embrace women with his feet sent Guo Jia into a frenzy of terror. He immediately dropped to his knees before Liu Hui, begging, “Boss Liu, I was wrong! I shouldn't have opposed you! Please let me go; otherwise, I will return the Han-Tang Hospital to you.”

“The Han-Tang Hospital is an insignificant thing to me now; I stopped caring about it long ago. But you used schemes and deceit to force Liang Jingyue to betray me—that is what I absolutely cannot tolerate. And today, you attempted to coerce me with force again. Do you think I would let you go?” Liu Hui said sharply.

“This…” Guo Jia was momentarily speechless.

Zhou Tengyun then advanced toward Guo Jia with a vicious grin, letting out strange, repeated cackles. Guo Jia was so unnerved he collapsed, too paralyzed to even try to crawl away. Men like him, accustomed to relying on powerful backing, experienced a deeper internal terror than ordinary people when those supports vanished.

Just as Zhou Tengyun’s hand reached out to twist Guo Jia’s arm, a voice cut through the air: “Xiao Hui, hold on a moment.”

A thank you goes to the QQ user ‘ ’ for promoting this book across the twenty-plus QQ groups he belongs to. Thanks again. A.