Flawless Metropolitan Divine Emperor

Chapter 0054 – From love to hatred

"Fancy meeting you all here," Jiang Feng greeted as he approached.

Cheng Shaoqing and Cheng Zhenjie were momentarily stunned to see Jiang Feng, but quickly gathered around him.

"Where have you been these past few days? I couldn't reach you on the phone, and I was worried sick," Cheng Shaoqing said with concern.

Jiang Feng realized it was his fault. After making a brief call to Cheng Shaoqing, he hadn't followed up, and his phone had run out of battery, making it impossible to receive calls.

"Sorry about that. My phone died, and I didn't get a chance to charge it," Jiang Feng apologized.

"You really need to be more mindful. Cheng Shaoqing has been asking me every day if I've heard from you. It's been driving us crazy," Cheng Zhenjie added.

Jiang Feng felt deeply touched. Having two people worry about him made him feel content and stirred his emotions.

"I'm really sorry for making you worry," Jiang Feng said sincerely.

"Forget it, as long as you're okay," Cheng Zhenjie replied.

"Why are you so dirty? What have you been up to these past few days?" Cheng Shaoqing asked, frowning at Jiang Feng's disheveled appearance.

Women are indeed more observant, Jiang Feng thought, realizing she had noticed his sloppiness right away.

Jiang Feng smiled awkwardly. "I've been busy these past few days and didn't have time to clean up. Sorry for the mess."

"I don't mind, but look at our beauty Cheng Shaoqing here," Cheng Zhenjie said nonchalantly.

"Hehe, I don't have any complaints. As long as you're safe," Cheng Shaoqing smiled.

"Let's not dwell on this. Today is the day of the duel. What are your plans?" Cheng Zhenjie asked.

"What else? I'll fight. Do you think I'm afraid of them?" Jiang Feng replied calmly.

"That's the spirit, Jiang Feng," Cheng Zhenjie said. "I've already checked. The duel is scheduled for noon, so we can go after our classes."

"That's what I was thinking too. Great minds think alike," Jiang Feng laughed.

"Hey, 'great minds think alike' is a phrase for couples. I'm not a woman," Cheng Zhenjie pretended to be angry.

"You're nagging like one, though," Jiang Feng teased.

"Uh..." Cheng Zhenjie was at a loss for words.

"Alright, enough with the nonsense. I've heard that Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy has invited a lot of people to watch the duel, making a big spectacle out of it. Almost everyone in the city knows about it," Cheng Shaoqing said.

"Is that true?" Jiang Feng was surprised.

"Yes, I've heard the same. I don't get it. It's just a duel. Why make such a big deal out of it?" Cheng Zhenjie wondered.

But Jiang Feng quickly understood Yue Feishan's intentions behind the grand setup.

Jiang Feng sneered. "He just wants to embarrass me and use this event to advertise Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy, gaining some fame. I have to admit, it's a clever move. No wonder he managed to make the academy so successful."

Cheng Shaoqing immediately looked worried. "What should we do then?"

"Don't worry about it. We'll see how it turns out. If they think they can use me as a stepping stone, they're in for a surprise," Jiang Feng said confidently.

...

After class, Jiang Feng headed to Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy, with Cheng Shaoqing and Cheng Zhenjie insisting on coming along to cheer him on.

Jiang Feng didn't refuse. Having supporters to shout encouragement at critical moments wouldn't hurt.

On the way, Jiang Feng noticed many people heading towards the academy, including students from Meilong Middle School and various notable figures from society.

"It really is like you said. Everyone knows about the duel. Yue Feishan has gone to great lengths," Jiang Feng remarked with a faint smile.

"Jiang Feng, look at that billboard. It's advertising your duel," Cheng Zhenjie pointed out.

Jiang Feng looked and saw it was true. The billboard featured him and Yue Feishan on either side, with a large "vs" in the middle and the words "Epic Showdown, Shining Meilong" below.

"They've certainly prepared well," Cheng Shaoqing commented.

"Indeed," Jiang Feng said softly.

When they arrived at the entrance of Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy, it was already packed with people, forming layers of crowds.

However, people were being guided into the venue in an orderly manner.

The academy had a large venue that could accommodate thousands of people.

"Well, if it isn't Jiang Feng. You actually dared to show up. I thought you'd be hiding in fear," a nauseating voice called out.

Jiang Feng didn't need to look to know who it was. It could only be Zhu Bajie.

"Shut your filthy mouth, or I'll knock you out," Jiang Feng snapped, glaring at Zhu Bajie with a cold, piercing gaze.

Zhu Bajie flinched and took a step back, still haunted by the memory of Jiang Feng slapping him last time.

Though he feared Jiang Feng, Zhu Bajie tried to act tough to save face.

"What do you want?" Zhu Bajie asked timidly.

"Hmph, class monitor, you should speak less and do more. Stop scheming all the time. It's not good and will only bring trouble," Jiang Feng warned.

"I don't need your advice. I know what I'm doing," Zhu Bajie retorted.

Jiang Feng didn't notice Xiao Wanjun standing beside Zhu Bajie, looking at him with a resentful gaze.

Xiao Wanjun no longer felt any guilt or regret towards Jiang Feng. Since that night at Panlong Beach when Jiang Feng said those words, she had given up completely, or perhaps fallen completely.

She no longer cared about others' opinions or gossip. She only pursued what she wanted.

From the moment she chose this path, there was no turning back.

So, anyone who looked down on her, no matter who, would face her revenge.

"Jiang Feng, save your lectures. Nowadays, money and power are what matter. People who only talk will never achieve anything. Everything you're saying is nonsense," Xiao Wanjun said coldly.

Her words marked the beginning of her transformation from love to hatred.

Jiang Feng glanced at her but didn't bother to respond. She wasn't worth his attention.

"Let's go inside," Jiang Feng said, turning towards the martial arts school.

His dismissive attitude hurt more than any insult or slap.

Xiao Wanjun, humiliated and furious, shouted, "Jiang Feng, stop right there!"

Jiang Feng paused but didn't look back.

He gave Cheng Shaoqing a subtle signal.

Cheng Shaoqing, being smart, understood Jiang Feng's intention.

Though she wasn't officially connected to Jiang Feng, she couldn't ignore his plight, especially since she despised Xiao Wanjun's unscrupulous behavior.

"Xiao Wanjun, please stop bothering Jiang Feng. There's nothing between you two anymore," Cheng Shaoqing intervened.

"What business is it of yours? You're just an outsider. What is Jiang Feng to you, and what are you to him?" Xiao Wanjun retorted coldly.

This...

Cheng Shaoqing was momentarily at a loss for words.

"What are you to me now? What right do you have to lecture my friends?" Jiang Feng finally spoke, his tone cold, severing any ties with Xiao Wanjun.

Now it was Xiao Wanjun's turn to feel awkward. Indeed, she was the outsider now.

"Remember this: we have no relationship anymore. At most, we're just classmates. You chose your path, so walk it with determination. No one is stopping you," Jiang Feng said, striding into the martial arts school.

Cheng Shaoqing smiled triumphantly. Jiang Feng's support warmed her heart.

"Jiang Feng, wait for me," Cheng Shaoqing called, catching up and linking her arm with his. She made sure to display the "Star of Love" necklace Jiang Feng had given her, glancing back at Xiao Wanjun.

She did it deliberately to show Xiao Wanjun her importance in Jiang Feng's life.

As Xiao Wanjun watched, her heart ached as if stabbed by a knife.

She had heard about the "Star of Love" necklace Jiang Feng had given Cheng Shaoqing, making all the girls at school envious.

Jiang Feng had never given her anything so valuable. Now, he had given such a precious gift to Cheng Shaoqing. How could she not be jealous?

If she hadn't broken up with Jiang Feng, perhaps the necklace would have been hers.

But now... it was too late.

Zhu Bajie noticed Xiao Wanjun's expression and felt a surge of anger.

"Jealous? Thinking about your old lover?" Zhu Bajie sneered, slapping Xiao Wanjun across the face. "Remember, you're my woman now. If you dare think about anyone else, I'll kill you."

Xiao Wanjun held her burning cheek, tears streaming down. Jiang Feng was right; she had chosen this path and had to walk it.

But she wasn't willing to give up. Even if it was the wrong path, she would continue for her family's sake. They were counting on her to rise to the top. She couldn't stop, no matter what.

"Brother Jie, I'm sorry. I'll be devoted to you from now on and have nothing to do with Jiang Feng," Xiao Wanjun said, wiping her tears and steeling herself.

"Hmph, that's more like it. But I won't forgive you easily. Tonight, you better please me, and maybe I'll consider it," Zhu Bajie said coldly.

"Don't worry, Brother Jie. I'll do my best to satisfy you," Xiao Wanjun agreed without hesitation.

She had already been used by Zhu Bajie many times and didn't care about this one. She had no right to self-respect anymore.

Let Zhu Bajie have his way. She no longer cared. As long as someone could benefit her, she would let them use her.

At that moment, she fully accepted her fate. Her body was just a tool to please men.

It didn't matter who she pleased. It was all the same, being played by some filthy men.