Volume 1, Chapter 33: A Nocturnal Visit by Long Yunfei!

It was night when Su Ming returned to the hotel. He knew his younger sister was already asleep, and two waiters were standing guard at the door. The service was impeccable, and Su Ming was quite satisfied.

Just then, the Godfather approached from a distance. "Your Majesty the King, you performed beautifully on tonight's mission!"

"Heh, the move you pulled tonight really struck fear into those troublemakers!"

"They are all waiting outside; they want to meet you!"

As he spoke, the Godfather’s face was filled with excitement, and his gaze toward Su Ming was brimming with awe.

"No time. I need to rest."

"We'll talk tomorrow."

Su Ming impatiently pulled the door open and walked inside.

"Your Majesty, please wait. You don't have to see those troublemakers, but there is an old gentleman you must meet tonight, no matter what. It concerns the SSS-level mission you accepted!"

The Godfather hurried to catch up, his face full of pleading. He seemed even more concerned about this mission than Su Ming himself.

"Let him come in."

Upon hearing this, Su Ming sat down on the bed.

"Right away, I will bring the old gentleman over!"

The Godfather’s eyes lit up, and he turned to leave in a rush. A moment later, an elderly man wearing a white Zhongshan suit and black leather shoes, with slightly greying hair, appeared at the door, followed by two bodyguards.

"Elder Long, this fellow actually made you come up to see him yourself? He’s far too arrogant!"

"Let us go in and give him a sound beating to teach him a lesson!" one of the bodyguards said viciously, his face cruel.

"Qingyang, I know you are young and promising."

"In Southwest Asia, you are known as a gold-medal fighter, but remember: there is always someone better, and a sky beyond the sky. This person’s strength is such that if he wanted to kill you, it would be nothing more than a mere thought."

"Wait at the door. I will go and speak with him."

After Elder Long finished speaking, he turned and entered the room. He saw that Su Ming had changed into pajamas and was sitting on the sofa, smoking. Seeing the old man enter, Su Ming didn't acknowledge him, merely nodding. The old man didn't mind Su Ming's attitude. He walked over to the sofa and sat down.

"You must be young Master Su Ming, right?"

The old man smiled and said, "I am Long Yunfei. I have followed Master Lin Xiaotian for many years as his servant."

"Back then, your teacher saved the master’s life, granting him ten more years. It was a debt of great gratitude."

As he spoke, Long Yunfei’s gaze fell on Su Ming, but he saw that Su Ming remained indifferent, his expression unchanged, as if he hadn't heard a word. For this, Long Yunfei felt a sense of admiration for the young man before him; he was steady, calm, and as immovable as a rock.

"Old gentleman, it’s late. If you have something to say, get to the point," Su Ming said coolly as he extinguished his cigarette.

"Very well, Master Su. I have come to ask for your help."

"Master Lin Xiaotian has fallen into a deep coma. I fear this is a great tribulation for him."

"His only concern is the family business and the safety of his children. I am here for Miss Ruoxue... I am aware that you were the one who saved her tonight."

Long Yunfei took a deep breath. When he learned of tonight's events, he was shocked. He hadn't expected the Black Widow, known as the lord of the Devil's Second Legion, to appear. Even more unexpectedly, the disciple of that mysterious Taoist from years ago was so formidable that he had actually slain her.

"I am already aware of the situation."

"My teacher instructed me to resolve the crisis facing Lin Ruoxue. You can rest assured on that point."

Su Ming had gathered the gist of his visitor's intent and nodded.

"That is good, Master Su. I know you were reluctant to accept this mission, but I hope you will use your connections to provide some convenience for the young lady’s career."

"The old Taoist—your teacher—once said that the secret of your origin would be the reward for this mission."

"I hope you will complete this mission with all your heart."

Long Yunfei spoke with great solemnity. Upon hearing this, Su Ming’s calm demeanor rippled. His own origins! How could his teacher know about his origins? Was his time in prison, meeting his teacher and learning these skills, connected to his true identity? Su Ming’s mind raced, connecting many dots. He was silent for a long while, steadying his emotions.

"Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Su Ming knew that this time, he had to take things seriously. Before, he had only intended to finish the tasks his teacher left behind, but if his own origin was involved, he had to achieve perfection.

"Actually, it is a bit of an imposition, but I hope you will agree to marry into the Lin family."

"With the master in a coma, he cannot offer you support, so this is the only way."

"Miss Ruoxue is resistant, but fortunately, she is obedient to her grandfather and will not refuse your marriage. However, the process of getting along..." Long Yunfei trailed off as Su Ming raised a hand to interrupt.

"Enough, I understand."

"I will do my best."

"However, regarding the 'connections' you mentioned, I am just an ex-convict. I am not as powerful as you think, and the people I know are mostly former inmates."

Su Ming knew exactly what Long Yunfei meant. Having already seen Lin Ruoxue’s attitude toward him, he knew that living together would inevitably lead to conflict. Su Ming had already foreseen the consequences.

"Then, I leave it to you."

"It is getting late. I shall take my leave and stop disturbing your rest."

With that, Long Yunfei stood up and walked out. Su Ming politely saw him to the door and closed it.

"Elder Long, I traveled thousands of miles to protect the Lin family, yet you go and find an outsider. It’s clear you look down on me!"

"That aside, I cannot understand why, at your age, you are so servile toward this guy."

The moment the door closed, Qingyang spoke in a disgruntled tone. In Southwest Asia, he was a renowned gold-tier bodyguard; many ministers of state had personally requested his protection. To come to a second-tier city in Huaxia and be treated with such disregard while protecting a family was insulting. If not for a favor he owed the old master, he would have booked a flight home long ago.

"Qingyang, I know you are unconvinced."

"But you would do best to behave. This Su Ming is not as simple as you imagine!"

"Remember: cherish your life!"

Now that Su Ming had made his stance clear, Long Yunfei felt reassured about the safety of the Lin family. He could finally retire with honor. Otherwise, the pressure he had been under lately had made it impossible to get a good night's sleep. With Su Ming here, he no longer needed to worry about the threats of those criminals. As for Qingyang, he could stay or go as he pleased.

With that, he turned and walked away.