Chapter 52: Forming the Golden Core

An unknown amount of time passed, and a crisp sound shattered the silence.

In Jiangnan's dantian, a Golden Core slowly coalesced, emitting a dazzling radiance that illuminated his entire body.

He snapped his eyes open, his gaze flashing with brilliance, a powerful aura bursting from his body and causing the surrounding air to tremble slightly.

"Finally formed the Golden Core!"

Jiangnan let out a long breath, a look of contented smile appearing on his face.

At the same time, the River God Pearl in his hand lost its luster, turning into an ordinary jade stone.

It had fulfilled its purpose, dedicating all its energy to Jiangnan.

Jiangnan stored the River God Pearl away, rose and stretched his muscles, feeling his whole body brimming with power, as if a single punch could shatter a mountain peak.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Mr. Jiang, are you awake?"

Murong Wan's voice came from outside the door.

"Come in."

Jiangnan tidied his clothing and sat cross-legged on the sofa.

Murong Wan pushed the door open and, seeing Jiangnan looking radiant, felt a joy in her heart.

"Mr. Jiang, you look in good condition."

"Hmm, just broke through."

Jiangnan gave a faint smile.

A flash of surprise crossed Murong Wan's eyes, then was replaced by delight.

"Congratulations, Mr. Jiang!"

"Thank you."

Murong Wan naturally walked to Jiangnan's side and sat down, speaking softly:

"Mr. Jiang, the Su Family is hosting a celebration banquet tonight and wants to invite us, saying it's to celebrate the successful resolution of the He Shen Quan Incident."

"How shall we arrange it?"

Jiangnan pondered briefly and replied casually:

"Alright, let's go out for a walk."

He has been in seclusion for many days; it's time to get out and move around.

"Fine, I'll go prepare!"

Murong Wan stood up, a hint of excitement on her face.

Night fell, and the city lights began to glow.

The Su Family villa was brightly lit, guests gathered in clouds, glasses clinked, and the atmosphere was extraordinarily lively.

Jiangnan and Murong Wan arrived together at the banquet hall, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Jiangnan wore a black suit, his posture upright, his aura exceptional,

while Murong Wan was in a red evening gown, elegant and graceful, radiant as a blooming rose, its beauty dripping with allure.

The two stood together like a perfect pair, evoking endless envy.

Su Zhen Dong, the Family Head of the Su Family, personally came forward, smiling broadly as he shook Jiangnan's hand.

"Mr. Jiangnan, welcome, your presence at our celebration banquet truly adds brilliance!"

"The Su Family Head is being modest."

Jiangnan gave a faint smile.

Meanwhile, in a dark corner of Jinghai,

Wei Tianhai was dragging his crippled body, trudging with difficulty.

His whole body was covered in scars, his face mottled with bruises, blood still clinging to the corner of his mouth, looking utterly disheveled.

What pained him most was that, due to external force, he had developed hemorrhoids in the past two days; each step pierced his heart with pain, forcing him to hunch like a boiled shrimp.

He looked up at the brightly lit Su Family villa, his eyes filled with venomous resentment.

"Jiangnan, I, Wei Tianhai, will never share the sky with you!"

He snarled through clenched teeth, his heart ablaze with vengeance,

"Everything I have now is because of you!"

Wei Tianhai, struggling, fished a Dagger from his coat, its blade flashing coldly in the moonlight.

He gripped the Dagger tightly, his finger joints whitening from the strain, his hatred growing wildly like weeds.

Tonight he would infiltrate the Su Family villa, planning to give Jiangnan a "surprise" at the banquet.

He intended to make Jiangnan fall disgracefully before all eyes, even… die without a burial place!

Wei Tianhai inhaled deeply, enduring the excruciating pain, moving step by step toward the Su Family villa.

However, just as he was about to approach the villa, several Black Shadows suddenly darted from the darkness, blocking his path.

Leading them was a hulking, flesh‑filled brute, a fierce Hutou tattooed on his arm, the head of Jinghai's Tiger Shark Gang—Hu Ge.

Behind Hu Ge were several thugs wielding Steel Pipes, their eyes fierce and faces hostile, encircling Wei Tianhai.

"Wei Tianhai, you kid have some nerve, daring to run from Hu Ge's grasp!"

Hu Ge sneered, spitting a thick wad that hit the ground with a 'thwap' sound.

Wei Tianhai's complexion shifted; the torment of recent days had nearly shattered his spirit.

"Thwap"—the Dagger clattered to the ground.

He clutched his head, curling in the corner and trembling.

Hu Ge, I—I didn't run, please let me go!

You still dare to say you didn't?

Hu Ge let out a cold laugh and kicked Wei Tianhai in the stomach.

Wei Tianhai let out a wretched cry, like a rag doll kicked into the air.

"Enough of that damn chatter! The fact that I set my eyes on you is just your good luck. Weren't you the one who strutted arrogantly before me back then? I'm about to press down on you now—see if you can stand it!"

"What are you all just standing there for? Speak some sense to Young Master Wei!"

At Hu Ge's command, a few thugs surged forward, brandishing the Steel Pipe in their hands, smashing it straight at Wei Tianhai's face.

Wei Tianhai struggled desperately, trying to fight back, but his body was already riddled with wounds and he was utterly powerless.

The Steel Pipe struck his body with a dull thud, accompanied by his harrowing scream.

He felt his bones as if they were about to shatter, the intense pain nearly causing him to faint.

After an unknown amount of time, the beating finally ceased.

Wei Tianhai lay on the ground, drenched in blood, on the brink of death.

He felt his consciousness slowly fading, as if he were immersed in endless darkness.

Hu Ge walked to Wei Tianhai's side, crouched down, and patted his face.

"Kid, don't blame me; if you must blame someone, blame that good‑for‑nothing father of yours who offended such a big figure."

"You—Hu Ge, I have no choice either."

Hu Ge sneered, pulled a *** gun from his chest, the blackened barrel aimed at Wei Tianhai's leg.

"Go, or die? I'll let you choose yourself."

……

Bang!

The gunshot rang, piercing the silent night sky sharply.

Immediately after, a chaotic clatter of footsteps echoed through the alley.

"Damn it, is he crazy? He actually killed Hu Ge!"

"Run, this madman has a gun!"

…

Wei Tianhai propped himself up and staggered out of the alley.

His complexion was as pale as paper, cold sweat covering his forehead, his body trembling violently from fear and adrenaline.

He looked up toward the brilliantly lit Su Family villa, his eyes filled with madness and despair.

He knew he had utterly failed,

He had lost everything—dignity, status, wealth, and even… his whole body.

He had become a cripple, a failure despised by everyone.

And all of this was caused by Jiangnan!

"Jiangnan! Su Family! I won't let you get away! I will make you pay!"

Wei Tianhai roared, his voice filled with venomous resentment and unwillingness.