A Well-Placed Kick

Huo Xuan's calculated act of forcing the Xu family to discipline Xu Dongliang stemmed from sensing the latter's hostility from the start. His purpose in treating the Xu patriarch was to expand his network, not make enemies—hence the need to eliminate this obstacle immediately.

The revelation that Xu Dongliang's animosity originated from Shangguan Meixue only hardened his resolve. After all, he and Shangguan Meixue had been intimately involved. Like most men, Huo Xuan harbored that primal possessiveness—once his woman, always his woman.

As he waited in the parlor, the Xu family meted out severe punishment to Xu Dongliang. Xu Chenghu took charge, glaring at his son with undisguised disappointment.

"Xu Dongliang," he declared coldly, "from today onward, I disown you. You are no longer part of the Xu family. All your positions are revoked, and you will leave the capital immediately."

Xu Dongliang stood frozen, stunned by his father's finality. "Father!" he cried.

Xu Chenghu remained unmoved. "You prioritized personal grudges over your grandfather's life—this is unfilial! Leave now, and never return."

Terror gripped Xu Dongliang. Without the Xu name, he was nothing—just a minor martial artist at the Hidden Force level, a far cry from his former privileged status. Desperate, he turned to Xu Chengbiao. "Third Uncle, please intercede!"

Xu Chengbiao's gaze was icy. "Do you know how much your grandfather sacrificed to build this family's standing? How much we three brothers have given? No! Yet you jeopardized it all for a woman!"

The situation had spiraled beyond Xu Dongliang's worst fears. He stood paralyzed, his body numb with shock.

It was Xu Dongsen who finally broke the tension. Clearing his throat, he said, "Dongliang, you're young—mistakes happen. If you truly repent, I believe Second Uncle will forgive you." He shot Xu Dongliang a meaningful look.

Catching the hint, Xu Dongliang hurriedly declared, "I'll apologize to Dr. Huo at once and beg him to treat Grandfather!" With that, he rushed to the parlor.

There, Huo Xuan sat composedly sipping tea while admiring the room's decor. The Xu residence was a trove of antiques—a Qing dynasty prince's daybed, Ming scholar's armchair, even the teacup was a rare "Mao porcelain."

Typically, high-ranking officials avoided such opulence, as greater status often demanded greater discretion. But the Xu family was an exception—every artifact here spoke of extraordinary influence.

Suddenly, Xu Dongliang stormed into the room. Fixing Huo Xuan with a glare, he demanded, "Huo Xuan, I heard Jiang Du injured you with Hidden Force. And now you plan to retaliate?"

Huo Xuan hadn't expected him to know Jiang Du. "Correct," he replied evenly. "A true man repays kindness with kindness, and grudges with vengeance. Jiang Du wronged me—I'll return the favor."

"Fine! I'll take Jiang Du's place. Let's settle this today!" Xu Dongliang declared.

Huo Xuan rose without hesitation, a cold smile playing on his lips. "After you."

The moment Xu Dongliang assumed his stance, Huo Xuan recognized the Xingyi Tiger Form—ferocious and domineering, like a tiger roaring through mountains. With a derisive snort, Huo Xuan adopted the Subduing Tiger Stance taught by Yunhu Monk, its essence now fully mastered. His very presence seemed to transform into a three-zhang (10-meter) monstrous tiger, radiating overwhelming power and menace.

A true expert reveals himself in the first move. Xu Dongliang's eyes widened. This man is formidable! Could his master be a grandmaster too? Then another thought struck him—If I let him vent his anger by taking a few hits, maybe he'll stay to treat Grandfather.

Young and straightforward, Xu Dongliang naively believed this plan would work.

Their movements blurred—advancing, retreating, exchanging three moves without even grazing each other's sleeves, every strike meeting empty air. Such was the nature of Hidden Force duels: real contact rarely occurred, but when it did, victory was decided instantly.

After ten exchanges, Huo Xuan vanished from sight, reappearing behind Xu Dongliang. The younger man had intended to test Huo Xuan's skill seriously first, never imagining the gap between them was this vast. By the time he sensed danger and lunged forward, it was too late.

A numbing strike pierced his waist. His qi scattered instantly, collapsing him to the floor powerless. Pale-faced, he gasped, "What technique was that?"

"Dragon Riding Step," Huo Xuan answered coolly, looming over him. "Choose—should I break your arm or your leg?"

Xu Dongliang's jaw tightened. "I said I'd bear Jiang Du's debt. Since you won, do as you will!"

Huo Xuan snorted. "That strike to your kidney will cause necrosis within hours. Enjoy waiting for death."

"You treacherous bastard!" Xu Dongliang roared.

Ignoring him, Huo Xuan returned to his seat and resumed sipping tea, calm as still water.

At that moment, Xu Dongsen entered and glanced at Xu Dongliang. "Serves you right!" he said before turning to Huo Xuan. "Brother, well done. This idiot had it coming."

Huo Xuan saw right through their act—this was clearly an attempt to placate him. He replied indifferently, "I wouldn't dare."

Xu Dongliang, however, wasn't a fool. After this ordeal, he finally understood the gravity of the situation. Gritting his teeth through the pain, he said, "Dr. Huo, consider that strike repayment for my offense." With that, he turned to leave.

Huo Xuan couldn't help but admire his stubbornness. "What about your kidney? Come kneel, and I'll heal you."

Xu Dongliang, prideful to the core, snapped, "I'd rather die than kneel!"

Huo Xuan smirked. A man with principles, no matter how flawed, couldn't be all bad. "Fine. Then let me kick you instead."

Xu Dongliang froze, unsure if he'd heard correctly. "Kick me?"

"Yes, one kick," Huo Xuan said coldly. "After that, I'll treat you."

Xu Dongliang weighed his options—a kick was far better than kidney failure. Steeling himself, he blurted, "Fine, go ahead." To everyone's astonishment, he actually turned and stuck out his backside.