Chapter 20: I Brought Nine Coffins to Visit the Lei Family!

Hiss! Pearl Mu gasped in shock. Her perception of Ben Xiao changed drastically. Despite continuously raising her estimation of him, this moment made her realize she had still underestimated her husband. Vivian Zhou, a legendary figure in Zhonghai's military. Even he was personally visiting Ben Xiao. Without hesitation, she got up to open the door. She found herself facing the legendary general up close. She felt the imposing military aura of Vivian Zhou. It was born from years on the battlefield, and was overwhelming. As a military academy graduate herself, Pearl Mu held great respect for such a dedicated general and promptly saluted, "General Zhou, welcome to our home..." Before she could finish, Vivian Zhou unexpectedly bowed deeply, "Miss Mu, as Mr. Xiao's wife, I'm unworthy of such a gesture." Jabari Zhou stepped forward to assist Pearl Mu. She stood there, dumbfounded. This..... This level of respect for Ben Xiao was beyond her imagination. She had thought that Vivian Zhou was merely indebted to Ben Xiao... Embarrassed. Pearl Mu had no choice but to accept his gesture of respect. After seating, Vivian Zhou looked at Pearl Mu and praised, "Although I've been confined to my home due to illness, I've always kept an eye on Zhonghai's affairs. Miss Mu, being one of Zhonghai's three goddesses, I can see today that you indeed possess both intelligence and beauty." Blushing at such praise from her almost idol, Pearl Mu humbly invited him in, "You flatter me, General Zhou. Please, come in." "Ms. Mu is too modest. I was actually friends with your grandfather..." In the living room, Vivian Zhou bowed to Ben Xiao, "Mr. Xiao, I hope I'm not disturbing you." Ben Xiao gestured, "Not at all. Please, have a seat, General." Vivian Zhou then took a seat. Pearl Mu gracefully served tea. Jabari Zhou brought in a pile of gifts and placed them in the living room. After a moment, Ben Xiao spoke, "Your visit today is much appreciated, General." Vivian Zhou replied, "It's my honor to help you with some minor troubles." Ben Xiao nodded, "General, you didn't come here just to visit. Speak freely." Vivian Zhou hesitated briefly before speaking, "Indeed. I came here first to thank you for the medicine and secondly... I've heard about some of your recent activities. Mr. Xiao, you're going to the Lei family in two days?" Ben Xiao confirmed directly, "Yes." Vivian Zhou's expression turned solemn, "Are you aware that behind the Lei family in Jiang Bei is a martial arts grandmaster?" "I am aware." "Do you know the background of this grandmaster?" Ben Xiao's curiosity was piqued. Considering Zhonghai's geography, it was unusual for a martial arts grandmaster to emerge there. "I'd like to know more." Vivian Zhou explained, "I once told you about a battle twenty years ago at the Zhonghai border where I was severely injured by a martial arts grandmaster from Donghai. That grandmaster was Izawa Nakten." "He remained in Zhonghai, building his influence through local powerhouses." Ben Xiao frowned, "The grandmaster behind the Lei family is Izawa Nakten?" "Yes. Izawa Nakten joined the Lei family, expanding his power. He changed his name to Izawa Lei. Now, the entire Lei family is under his control. Their strength is not to be underestimated." Ben Xiao's eyes flashed coldly, "Donghai invaded Xia Country years ago, slaughtering countless compatriots. The Lei family dares to collude with Donghai. They are worse than beasts, deserving death!" Vivian Zhou sighed, "Indeed. In pursuit of power, Lei Zhentian disregarded our national shame. We've clashed with the Lei family for years, always at a disadvantage." He then presented a brocade box to Ben Xiao, "This is a medal from my retirement, given by the Binh Giang Province War Department. If you face obstacles in the Lei family, you can show this medal. Then, they must back down." Ben Xiao now understood. This is the purpose of Vivian Zhou's visit today. To form ties with him, Vivian Zhou was willing to stake everything, a stark contrast to Ryder Su's approach. Returning the brocade box, Ben Xiao said, "This medal represents your lifelong honor and security in retirement. I cannot accept it." Vivian Zhou was taken aback, "Mr. Xiao, I know you're the young marshal of the Xiao family of Longshan. I am also a high disciple of David Hua. This medal is my gesture of goodwill..." Ben Xiao interrupted, "I appreciate your sincerity, General. But the Lei family is not something I'm concerned about." His voice was not loud but full of conviction. Seeing Ben Xiao refusing the gift, Vivian Zhou was somewhat disappointed. The medal was important to him, but forming ties with Ben Xiao could elevate the Zhou family further. Then, Ben Xiao spoke, "General Zhou, I'll accept your friendship. "After I deal with the Lei family, I'll visit you to cure your old injury." Vivian Zhou was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly. ... After leaving Ben Xiao's home. Vivian Zhou was as thrilled as a child with a new toy. Jabari Zhou was stunned, having never seen his grandfather so happy. Yet, Jabari Zhou was worried, "Grandfather, I remember you saying Izawa Nakten single-handedly broke through the battlefield and severely injured you. Can Ben Xiao really handle such a divine figure?" Vivian Zhou replied gravely, "It's hard to say." Handing the brocade box to Jabari Zhou, he instructed, "In two days, take this box to the Lei family. If Ben Xiao wins, do nothing. If his life is in danger, show this medal to protect him." Jabari Zhou was surprised, "Grandfather, you are also uncertain about Ben Xiao? I thought..." Vivian Zhou smiled bitterly, "The confrontations between martial arts grandmasters are beyond the understanding of ordinary people like us." Jabari Zhou, puzzled, asked, "Then why are you betting everything on Ben Xiao? This has put us at odds with the Su and Chen families." Vivian Zhou sighed deeply, "What do you understand? David Hua, a famed figure in Binh Giang, only broke through to a grandmaster at fifty. Ben Xiao, at just twenty, has already become a grandmaster. His future prospects... surpass even David Hua's." "Even if Ben Xiao is not currently a match for Izawa Nakten, what about in ten or twenty years? If our Zhou family forms a good relationship with him, we will have security even after my lifetime." Jabari Zhou suddenly realized the gravity of the situation and was astounded. ... Vivian Zhou's visit profoundly impacted Pearl Mu. Reflecting on her previous words to Ben Xiao, Pearl Mu began to have doubts. In the following two days, aside from handling business at her company, she persistently questioned Angus Mu about Ben Xiao. However, Angus Mu couldn't provide clear answers. In fact, Angus Mu's limited knowledge of Ben Xiao wasn't due to his unwillingness to share but rather a lack of information. The marriage arrangement was determined by her father, Sam Mu. Initially, Angus Mu opposed it, but he couldn't resist the authority of Sam Mu... Frustrated, Pearl Mu decided to investigate Ben Xiao's background herself. She found very little information. Leaving her disappointed... Eventually, Pearl Mu approached Colin Chen to inquire about how he was so certain Ben Xiao could handle Douglas Ye. Colin Chen simply said, "I waited for three days at the entrance of the Hua residence in Binh Giang. Finally, David Hua himself recommended Ben Xiao to me. I went to Kun Lun Mountain seven times to invite Ben Xiao, but never met him. In the end, I met Ben Xiao in Zhonghai." Kun Lun? One of the most mysterious places in Xia Country, Kun Lun was steeped in countless legends. Pearl Mu increasingly felt that Ben Xiao's background and identity were far more complex than just being a discarded young master of the Xiao family of Longshan. Two days quickly passed. On this day, the 8th of February. The day Ben Xiao was scheduled to visit the Lei family. A sleepless Pearl Mu woke up early and prepared a lavish breakfast. At 8:00 AM, Ben Xiao came downstairs and saw Pearl Mu sitting at the dining table with a full spread of breakfast dishes. "What's the occasion today? So grand?" Without hesitation, he sat down and began to feast. Angus Mu also joined in, casually saying, "My daughter prepared this breakfast especially for you, to see you off to the Lei family." "Eh, I've never had such treatment. Now that my daughter has a husband, she doesn't need her father anymore, so biased." "Dad! Haven't I made breakfast for you many times?" Pearl Mu stomped her foot in annoyance. "Today is special, could you please say less and not ruin the atmosphere?" Angus Mu lamented, "Damn, I can't even speak now." Pearl Mu blushed with embarrassment, "....." After the meal, Pearl Mu stared at Ben Xiao, "Is it necessary to go to the Lei family?" "It is necessary!" Ben Xiao put down his utensils and wiped his mouth, "The breakfast was good. Wait for me here." With that, Ben Xiao got up and left. Watching Ben Xiao's departing figure, Pearl Mu's eyes turned red. "Dad, there's something I don't understand." Still eating the leftovers, Angus Mu casually responded, "What is it?" Pearl Mu said, "Ben Xiao is strong and capable. His character is not bad either. But he bears deep hatred and faces countless powerful enemies. If our family accepts Ben Xiao, we'll have to face those enemies with him, living in constant fear. One mistake and our entire family could be dragged down and killed." "Why did Grandpa, who was almost a general himself, insist on this marriage arrangement?" Pearl Mu didn't reject Ben Xiao, but there were things she couldn't understand. Angus Mu spread his hands, "I don't understand either. I asked father the same question." Pearl Mu was shocked, "What did Grandpa say?" Angus Mu thought for a moment, "Father said — 'Across the eighteen provinces of Huai Dong, only Ben Xiao can protect you for life. Unparalleled in Huai Dong, one of a kind in the world.'" "I didn't quite understand what he meant. Maybe we'll know more when your mother returns." "Unparalleled in Huai Dong, one of a kind in the world..." Pearl Mu murmured the phrase. Sam Mu, the idol of all Mu descendants and a mysterious figure, had such high regard for Ben Xiao. Knowing that at its peak, the Mu family ranked among the top five business families in Zhonghai, Pearl Mu was even more perplexed. After a while, Pearl Mu regained her composure, gazing out at the foggy world beyond the gate. "Dad, why did Grandpa suddenly disappear five years ago?" ... The Lei family was under lockdown. Camouflaged soldiers patrolled outside the Lei residence, preventing outsiders from approaching. The unusual scene alarmed the neighborhood. 'First time in five years seeing the Lei family lockdown. Is something big happening today?' 'Rumor has it, the young man who killed the King of Jiang Bei is visiting today.' 'They say it's a visit, but it's more like a showdown with the Lei family.' 'What? Someone dares to challenge the Lei family, the top clan of Jiang Bei? Are they seeking death?' ... In the Lei family hall. Roger Lei, the head of the Lei family, dressed in a red Tang suit, sat majestically. His burly figure, furrowed brows, and square face gave him a domineering presence. Next to him sat his wife, wearing a black cheongsam. She was exactly the wife of Roger, Iris Chen. On the left side, four robust men sat, each as formidable as Master Chen. Surrounding the hall were dozens of top-tier armed mercenaries. Iris Chen, furious, said, "Roger, it's already ten in the morning. Why haven't Ryder Su and Ndubisi Chen arrived yet? Are they backing out because they know Ben Xiao has Vivian Zhou's backing?" Roger Lei was confident, "No. I know my sworn brother. He's been stuck in the post-transformation stage for many years, seeking breakthroughs. Breaking the transformation peak is his life's biggest wish. I gave him the opportunity to become a disciple of Izawa Lei, he will definitely come." "As for Ndubisi Chen, his grandson died at Ben Xiao's hands, so he must come." Iris Chen gritted her teeth, "Ryder Su is your competitor, introducing him to our master might backfire..." Roger Lei shook his head, "Vivian Zhou's influence is significant, and our Lei family alone can't withstand it. To prevent his intervention today, we must unite with the Su and Chen families. Only then can we ensure Ben Xiao's elimination without fail." "As for Ryder Su... haha. I've broken the transformation peak. Under my master's guidance, I have a chance to become a martial arts grandmaster. Why fear Ryder Su?" Iris Chen finally relaxed. Suddenly— Swoosh! Two groups of people burst into the Lei estate. Over a hundred mercenaries! Leading them were Ryder Su and Ndubisi Chen. Roger Lei joyfully greeted them. "Brother Ryder, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival." "Brother Roger, I've brought a hundred Su family mercenaries and twenty-three Black Guards!" Ryder Su introduced his accompanying forces. This was the Su family's peak strength! Roger Lei was delighted, "With Brother Su's support, Ben Xiao is dead if he dares come. Even if Vivian Zhou himself arrives, he can't save him." "Please, have a seat." "Mr. Chen, please." The guests settled in the hall, casually chatting over tea, appearing relaxed and confident. Unbeknownst to them, noon arrived. Ndubisi Chen grew restless, "Could it be that Ben Xiao, knowing our three families have gathered, dares not come?" Ryder Su also worried, "Our three families together can dominate half of Zhonghai. It's normal for him to turn tail. Brother Roger, what do you think?" Roger Lei's gaze hardened, "If he doesn't come, we will... go directly to No. 1 Wenchang Road and take him down ourselves." "Three families united, momentum built, there's no reason not to strike. It's too late for him to run now!" At that moment— Boom! The heavy metal gates of the Lei residence exploded open. "Who said I'm fleeing?!" A resonant voice thundered throughout the Lei family. There stood Ben Xiao, accompanied by Alvin Liang and Rei Shao, striding in. Behind them followed nine men in black, each carrying a coffin, walking with an imposing gait. "Ben Xiao, bearing nine coffins, pays a visit to the Lei family!" ----------