7: You clown, just wait to be slapped in the face!

Zhao Zhen's expression was extremely grim.

He returned to the residence arranged by the Demon Suppression Division, slamming the door shut. With a 'bang,' the door frame rattled.

The atmosphere in the room was oppressive, as if the air itself had solidified.

"Outrageous!"

Zhao Zhen roared in a low voice, veins bulging on his forehead, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

That Li Dong, a country bumpkin!

A village patrol captain!

He actually made Zhao Zhen lose face in front of everyone!

This was an insult!

It was truly a disgrace!

Thinking of Li Dong's calm yet mocking gaze, and Zhang Wu's clearly biased attitude, Zhao Zhen grew even angrier, his fury threatening to erupt.

"He's just a Body Refinement Fifth Level kid, so what if he has some strength and defeated Wang Wei?"

He thought angrily.

"It was just good luck! Pure luck!"

"That old man Zhang Wu actually gave him a direct pass! He must have lost his mind!"

Zhao Zhen paced back and forth in the room, like a caged beast, his eyes filled with resentment and rage.

"No! I can't let this go!"

He suddenly stopped, his eyes turning sinister.

"I can't swallow this indignity!"

"Li Dong... you made me lose so much face. If I don't make you pay the price, then I'm not Zhao Zhen!"

He had to do something.

He absolutely had to teach that kid a lesson during the Demon Suppression Baptism!

To let him know the consequences of offending Zhao Zhen!

Yes, that's what he'd do!

Zhao Zhen had a plan, and a cold sneer formed on his lips.

He needed help.

Someone who also hated Li Dong and could be useful.

Wang Wei.

His subordinate who was injured and humiliated by Li Dong.

Zhao Zhen's eyes lit up. He straightened his clothes, adjusted his expression, putting on a facade of false concern, and opened the door to leave.

He was going to see Wang Wei.

Wang Wei lay on a makeshift bed, bandaged, his face pale, his eyes vacant, but his heart was filled with hatred.

His ribs still ached, reminding him of the recent humiliation.

That kick not only broke his bones but also shattered his pride as a Demon Suppression Division member.

Li Dong! That name was like a poisoned thorn, piercing his heart.

Just then, the door opened, and Zhao Zhen entered.

Seeing Wang Wei, Zhao Zhen immediately put on a concerned act.

"Wang Wei, how are you? Are your injuries severe?" He walked to the bedside, his tone gentle, as if he were truly a good superior concerned for his subordinate.

Wang Wei tried to get up, but Zhao Zhen pressed him down.

"Lie still, don't move, you're an injured man." Zhao Zhen's voice was a bit disingenuous.

Wang Wei gasped, feeling humiliated, and whispered, "Thank... thank you for your concern, Lord Zhao. This subordinate is useless and has shamed my lord..."

"Oh, what are you saying!" Zhao Zhen immediately interrupted him, his tone imbued with 'righteousness.' "This time you were careless and fell for that kid's trick! Don't take it to heart."

He paused, leaned in a little closer, and whispered, "That Li Dong, he just ambushed you. How strong can his real abilities be? I think it was mostly luck!"

These words resonated with Wang Wei.

He was already unwilling to accept defeat to an unknown kid, and Zhao Zhen's words gave him an excuse, making him even more indignant.

"My lord is right..." Wang Wei said through gritted teeth, "That kid is too devious!"

Seeing this, Zhao Zhen sneered and continued, "Think about it, he's just a wild kid from the countryside, what right does he have? What right does he have to directly get a spot for the Demon Suppression Baptism?"

He deliberately paused, emphasizing, "Isn't it because his father is Li Shanyue! These people who rely on connections are the most detestable! The opportunity he snatched should have belonged to us, those who truly work for the Demon Suppression Division!"

These words made Wang Wei even angrier, consumed by jealousy.

That's right! What right did he have!

Wang Wei had been in the Demon Suppression Division for so long, only at Body Refinement Fifth Level, so why could Li Dong ascend to the heavens in one step?

Just because his father was Li Shanyue?

Why should he suffer such injuries while the culprit benefited?

It's unfair!

"Lord Zhao!" Wang Wei suddenly looked up, his eyes fierce, his teeth clenched tightly. "Don't worry! I, Wang Wei, will not let him off! Given the chance, I will... I will definitely make him pay! I'll let him know the consequences of offending us!"

"Good!" That was exactly what Zhao Zhen wanted. He nodded with satisfaction, a smile appearing on his face. "With your words, I am reassured."

He leaned in closer, his voice even softer, like a venomous snake: "The Demon Suppression Baptism, while a great opportunity, also carries risks... If someone 'accidentally' gets into trouble inside, it's their own incompetence, unable to withstand the energy. No one else can be blamed..."

Wang Wei immediately understood Zhao Zhen's meaning, and a glint of excitement and cruelty appeared in his eyes.

"My lord is brilliant! This subordinate knows what to do!"

"Very good." Zhao Zhen patted Wang Wei's shoulder, carefully avoiding his injuries. "You rest and recover first. We'll discuss the specifics later. We must make that kid... suffer during the Baptism, preferably making him utterly fail, lose face, and have no future!"

The two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sinister calculations.

In the room, the smell of medicine and resentment intertwined, and a plot was thus set.

For the next two days, Zhao Zhen was not idle.

He appeased his disgruntled subordinates.

He also hinted to them that they could create some 'small trouble' for Li Dong during the Baptism.

He also used his connections within the Demon Suppression Division.

He inquired about the process of this Demon Suppression Baptism, who would preside over it, how the energy would be supplied, and even looked for loopholes in the rules.

He wanted to ensure that not a single mistake occurred.

He had to find the best timing and method to strike.

He wanted to make Li Dong a laughingstock in front of everyone, or even... cripple him directly!

For this, he didn't hesitate to use dirty tactics.

He also contacted those who similarly disliked Li Shanyue's old subordinates, making secret arrangements.

A net targeting Li Dong was quietly being cast.

At this time, Li Dong, in Li Village, was still unaware of Zhao Zhen and Wang Wei's specific plans.

However, he vaguely sensed the malice in the air.

Especially Zhao Zhen's venomous gaze when he left, and Zhang Wu's reminder before departing, kept him highly vigilant.

He knew very well that defeating Wang Wei was tantamount to publicly slapping Zhao Zhen in the face.

Given Zhao Zhen's vengeful nature, he certainly wouldn't let it go.

The upcoming Demon Suppression Baptism would likely not be smooth.

This was not just an opportunity; it might even be a deadly trap aimed at him.

He was currently in seclusion, practicing the Ripping Sky Demon Suppression Seal and preparing for the Baptism.

Just then, the cold, emotionless System voice sounded in his mind again.

【Ding! Detecting abnormal malicious energy fluctuations around the host. The source points towards the Demon Suppression Division. Host, please be vigilant!】

The System's warning confirmed Li Dong's suspicions.

It seemed trouble was indeed coming.

However... Li Dong slowly opened his eyes.

He felt the more condensed Life Qi and blood in his body, as well as the powerful strength brought by the Ripping Sky Demon Suppression Seal.

The corners of his mouth curved slightly, carrying a hint of coldness.

"Zhao Zhen..."

He muttered in a low voice, his eyes full of confidence, and an undisguised disdain.

"Trying to play tricks during the Demon Suppression Baptism?"

"Heh heh..."

He chuckled softly, a touch of mockery in his tone.

"A mere clown, daring to play games in front of me?"

"Just wait and see... who gets slapped in the face!"

He, Li Dong, was not a soft persimmon to be kneaded by just anyone!

Since they dared to come, they should be prepared to face his wrath!