The Beauty CEO's Personal Expert

Chapter 1543 - 1848: Meridian Soul Stealing Needle (1)

"Elder Tong, how much do you know about this needle?"

"I know a little, but that was many years ago," said Tong Zhentian. "The martial arts world is divided between good and evil, a distinction that has persisted for centuries. Nowadays, people seldom differentiate between good and evil; they use terms like ’good people’ and ’bad people.’ There was once a master in the martial arts world who used the weapon you are holding—the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle. This needle is highly poisonous and difficult to guard against because of its small size. If hit by it, death is inevitable within five steps, a truly vicious weapon. Because of this, that master was feared by many martial artists."

"Elder Tong, what was this person’s name?"

"His name was Xie Quan, a man of unrestrained character who acted according to his own desires. In his view, there was no such thing as good or bad, only what he liked or was willing to do. Thus, he did many good deeds but also committed many bad ones. To martial artists with a sense of justice, he was a scourge to the martial arts community and was later besieged by the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion; his fate remains unknown."

"His fate remains unknown?" Ling Chen asked, puzzled. "Even though the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion sent people to besiege him, why is his fate unknown? There should be a conclusion."

Tong Zhentian nodded and said, "Back then, Xie Quan was gravely injured, on the verge of death. To escape the pursuit of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, he jumped off a large bridge. The Pavilion searched for two days and nights but never found his body. Since then, Xie Quan vanished from the martial arts world, and no one has seen him ever since. So, no one knows whether he is dead or alive."

"In that case, with the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle reappearing in the martial arts world, Xie Quan should still be alive."

"No, he must be dead," Tong Zhentian said. "When Xie Quan was besieged, he was already over forty years old. If he’s alive now, he would be over a hundred, so he couldn’t possibly be alive. Master Su and I believe that Xie Quan didn’t die back then but chose to retire from the martial arts world. As for this Meridian Soul Stealing Needle... it might belong to Xie Quan’s apprentice."

Ling Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Elder Tong, if it’s truly Xie Quan’s apprentice, why appear at this time? Based on what you said, Xie Quan’s enemies are the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, and his apprentice should seek revenge against them. Over the past two years, the Pavilion faced numerous crises, ideal times for revenge; why didn’t he strike then? Moreover, Sect Leader Qi is the leader of the Dangyang Sect and has no connection to the Pavilion—why not directly target the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?"

"I’m not too sure either. In any case, this martial arts tournament has attracted much attention, drawing many hidden masters out. The Meridian Soul Stealing Needle is only one example; more lost secret weapons may emerge." Tong Zhentian sighed softly and said, "Honestly, seeing the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle reappear in the martial arts world, I have doubts about whether hosting this martial arts tournament was the right decision."

"Elder Tong, please don’t say that," Ling Chen interjected. "The martial arts tournament is a grand event for martial artists, and our intentions were good. In this world, some people can’t stand to see you succeed and will try to sabotage you from the shadows. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to find the person attacking Sect Leader Qi."

As they spoke, the two arrived outside the intensive care ward.

Seeing them return, Su Mei stood up and said, "You’re just in time. I just spoke with the doctor, and although Sect Leader Qi’s injuries are severe, they are not life-threatening. However, he won’t be able to participate in the martial arts tournament and must stay hospitalized for recovery."

Tong Zhentian nodded and said, "Let him rest well then. Dragon Tiger Hall and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion will lend a hand."

"Master Su, with Sect Leader Qi remaining in the hospital, his safety..." Before Ling Chen could finish, Su Mei interrupted, "You don’t need to worry about that. Our Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion will ensure his safety. Ling Chen, we have confirmed the accuracy of the intelligence; hopefully, you can uncover more leads through the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle and promptly find the perpetrator."

"I understand. I will send someone to investigate shortly."

"Good, thank you for your efforts."

Leaving the hospital, Ling Chen sat in the driver’s seat, driving slowly onto the road. Not long after, he arrived at the scene where Qi Yong was attacked. After parking, Ling Chen walked around, observing the surroundings. According to Tong Zhentian, Qi Yong was in a car passing through here when an ambush occurred; the driver was killed by the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into a power pole.

On the spacious roadway, brake marks remained. The damaged car had been towed away, but many traces were left at the scene. Truth be told, Ling Chen was surprised by the strength of the ambusher. From the driver’s wounds, it was clear he was hit in the chest by the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle, which means the ambusher was in front of the car. Such a slender long needle could penetrate the car window glass and pierce the driver’s body, demonstrating formidable prowess not to be underestimated.

Following the road adjacent to the scene, Ling Chen walked northward. After walking about thirty meters, he finally found a surveillance camera. Based on the camera’s position, everything that happened should have been recorded.

"Hey! Fatty, do me a favor, go to the traffic department and find a surveillance video, send it to my email; it’s urgent."

In less than five minutes, Hu Fei sent the video. Ling Chen took out his phone and played the surveillance footage, soon seeing the car Qi Yong was riding—a Mercedes—slowly approaching from across the street. Just as the Mercedes car was nearing the scene, a person suddenly jumped out from behind a roadside trash can, flinging their arm. Instantly, the Mercedes lost control and crashed fiercely against the roadside power pole.

After the Mercedes stopped, besides the already deceased driver, several others jumped out of the car and charged directly at the ambusher.

However, Qi Yong’s three subordinates were struck down by the Meridian Soul Stealing Needle before they could get close. Seeing the unfavorable situation, Qi Yong turned and tried to flee. Yet, the ambusher’s speed was incredibly fast, intercepting Qi Yong’s escape route in the blink of an eye.

Finding no escape, Qi Yong launched into a desperate fight, attempting to force the opponent back. But after just two or three moves, Qi Yong was struck by the opponent’s palm and fell to the ground. After a fierce struggle, Qi Yong was bruised all over, unable to resist further. Just as the ambusher prepared to deliver a fatal blow, a bright light suddenly shone from across the road. An instant later, a patrolling police car appeared in the surveillance footage.

It was the timely arrival of that police car that saved Qi Yong’s life. Otherwise, he would have been killed by the attacker.

Hmph! That guy really is lucky.