Chapter 10: Revenge

“I never expected the infamous leader of Dragon Soul Mercenaries, the Death God Lin Fan, to come to such a small place,” the Japanese man who had been silent suddenly stood up, smiling as he looked at Lin Fan.

Hearing this, Lin Fan frowned slightly. He hadn’t expected to be recognized here; it seemed this Japanese man’s identity was indeed unusual.

His name was Ichiro Fujino, sent by the Yamaguchi-gumi of Japan to China in search of the Blood Jade. Some time ago, the Black Flame Mercenaries, under the Yamaguchi-gumi, were dispatched to Africa for a mission. They clashed with the Dragon Soul Mercenaries, who had long been stationed there, and Lin Fan nearly wiped out the entire Black Flame team. Afterwards, Ichiro Fujino was tasked with collecting information on Dragon Soul, so when Lin Fan appeared, he instantly recognized him. Of course, Lin Fan knew nothing of this.

“So, it’s Mr. Lin. May I ask what brings you to this humble house?” Hong Tianxiong, seeing Fujino recognize Lin Fan, dared not be careless and forced a smile as he spoke.

“Let me remind you, you must know Su Zhennan, the boss of Su Group in T City. That’s my godfather,” Lin Fan strode forward, his powerful aura so intense that even Xu Qiang moved aside.

Hong Tianxiong felt Lin Fan’s murderous intent, his heart chilled, and he shivered involuntarily, unable to meet Lin Fan’s gaze.

“You think you can kill me? Don’t forget, you’re alone, and this is my turf,” Hong Tianxiong suddenly regained his confidence, laughing wildly at Lin Fan.

“Try and see,” Lin Fan’s lips curled into a cold smile as he spoke, his voice icy. At the same time, he flashed forward, launching a punch directly at Hong Tianxiong.

Xu Qiang could only smile bitterly to himself. Lin Fan’s movement just now was noticeably faster than four years ago; it seemed their captain’s skills had only grown sharper.

Hong Tianxiong had never expected Lin Fan to strike so suddenly. With no time to dodge, he had to block the blow head-on. The next moment, his body was sent flying and crashed to the ground. The arm he used to block Lin Fan’s punch was now utterly useless, unable even to move. The pain wasn’t the usual dull ache—it was a raw agony that seemed to emanate from the bone itself. Hong Tianxiong was an old hand on the streets, experienced in countless fights despite his age, yet he was stunned that he couldn’t even withstand a single blow from Lin Fan.

At that moment, people outside the villa heard the commotion and rushed in, guns raised and pointed at Lin Fan.

“What are you waiting for? Kill him now!” Hong Tianxiong, still lying on the ground and clutching his injured arm, cried out in pain as his men burst in.

“No one move! Anyone who does is going against me!” Xu Qiang shouted. Instantly, Hong Tianxiong’s men looked around, uncertain whom to obey.

“Listen to Brother Qiang…” someone called out, and the rest quickly echoed in agreement. It was no surprise; most of these men had little interaction with Hong Tianxiong, but Xu Qiang was close with them in private. As a result, Hong Tianxiong’s orders were useless at this critical moment.

Lin Fan was briefly surprised by how obedient they were to Xu Qiang, but soon understood. If a Falcon veteran couldn’t even win over these street thugs, it would be a disgrace.

“Xu Qiang, remember, you promised to protect me,” Hong Tianxiong grasped at his last hope, desperate to survive.

“I said, when I found the person I was looking for, I would leave. Now that I’ve found him, your life and death have nothing more to do with me. In fact, if I get the chance, I’ll kill you myself,” Xu Qiang’s eyes flashed with murderous intent as he stepped behind Lin Fan.

“No, please, let’s talk this through! If you want money, I’ll give you anything, everything you want! Just don’t kill me, I’ll do anything you ask!” Hong Tianxiong pleaded, shrinking back.

Lin Fan said nothing, advancing steadily toward Hong Tianxiong.

“Mr. Fujino, help me! I am the most loyal partner of the Yamaguchi-gumi!” Hong Tianxiong cried out to Ichiro Fujino as Lin Fan drew closer.

“Hmph, you dared offend the leader of Dragon Soul—you deserve to die. Don’t worry, Mr. Lin, I won’t interfere,” Fujino replied disdainfully, casting a cold glance at Hong Tianxiong, annoyed that his identity had been exposed at the last moment but unable to do anything but turn to Lin Fan with a flattering smile.

In fact, when Lin Fan had come downstairs, he’d immediately recognized Fujino as a Yamaguchi-gumi member, since all formal members had to cut off a pinky finger before joining as a sign of loyalty.

“Captain, let me do it,” Xu Qiang offered.

Lin Fan shook his head. “No need, Qiangzi, I’ll handle it myself.” That familiar nickname stirred Xu Qiang’s heart; back when they carried out Falcon missions, Lin Fan had always called him that. Four years had passed, and finally he heard it again. For those four years, Xu Qiang hadn’t known what to do with himself, but now, with Lin Fan’s return, he felt he’d found his anchor once more. Lin Fan understood his brother’s intentions perfectly; Xu Qiang wanted to show that he had no ties to Hong Tianxiong or the Japanese man present. But Lin Fan couldn’t let Xu Qiang act, because Su Zhennan’s revenge had to be personally delivered—it was a wish he needed to fulfill himself.

As he spoke, Lin Fan’s eyes flashed with murderous intent. He kicked Hong Tianxiong in the chest, breaking several ribs at once. The fractured bones pierced his heart. Lin Fan, a special forces veteran, knew the human skeleton intimately—where to strike for pain without death, and where to land a killing blow.

Hong Tianxiong lay on the ground, eyes wide, blood pouring from his mouth. After a few spasms, he was still.

“Mr. Lin, such remarkable skill! Congratulations on avenging your great enemy,” Fujino quickly said, smiling at Lin Fan, fearful that Lin Fan might turn on him next.

“So, Mr. Fujino, what brings you to China?” Lin Fan turned, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.