Chapter 48: Li Zhentian’s Request

Everyone looked at Xu Han with complicated feelings.

A few days ago, the Earth-Shattering Tiger King had stormed into Donghai City, army at its gates, all in search of its cub!

But how did that cub end up in Xu Han’s hands?

Could it be that Xu Han had stolen the Tiger King’s cub?

Lei Hongyang was so agitated he leapt up, pointing at Xu Han. “It’s him! He’s the one who stole the Tiger King’s cub, which led the Tiger King to attack with the other beasts!” he shouted. “It’s already been investigated—he’s the culprit!”

The onlookers stared at Xu Han, their gazes turning strange.

“So he’s the reason the beasts attacked Donghai City?”

“And he’s still carrying the Tiger King’s cub around? What is he planning?”

“Will the Tiger King keep searching for its cub? If it does, Donghai City will never be safe!”

Everyone looked at Xu Han, their faces full of doubt.

After a moment, Zheng Zucai finally spoke. “Xu Han, tell me—what’s the story with this Earth-Shattering Tiger King’s cub?”

Xu Han answered calmly, “It’s just my pet.”

Lei Hongyang sneered as he walked over. “‘Pet’? Xu Han, this is the Tiger King’s cub! That day, the Tiger King led the beasts to attack the city for one reason—to find its cub! And now, the cub’s in your hands! How do you explain that?”

Xu Han remained composed. “The Tiger King handed it to me personally.” Then, he recounted the entire story.

When Xu Han finished, everyone looked at one another in disbelief.

“That’s incredible. Is he telling the truth?”

“It sounds far-fetched! Why would the Tiger King give its cub to a human?”

“I think it might be true. I heard that after the Tiger King left in a hurry, peace returned to Mulintown—as if nothing ever happened.”

“If it wasn’t sure its cub was safe, why would the Tiger King leave so quietly?”

The crowd buzzed with speculation.

However, Dai Guoqiang and his companions were visibly shocked. Others might not know the truth, but they were well aware. According to their recent investigation, someone had indeed rescued the Tiger King’s cub. And now, the cub had become Xu Han’s pet!

“So you’re the hero who saved Donghai City?” Dai Guoqiang exclaimed in disbelief.

Xu Han nodded slightly. “More or less.”

Dai Guoqiang immediately pulled out his phone. “I’ll notify the city lord and the military commander right away!” He quickly dialed the number and recounted the whole story to Li Zhentian.

Only fifteen minutes later, several vehicles stopped at the Xia family’s doorstep. Over a dozen members of the city guard quickly disembarked and formed two lines at the entrance.

Li Zhentian and Chen Qiang stepped out of their car and headed straight into the Xia family villa. When the crowd saw them, they all bowed their heads respectfully. “Greetings, City Lord!”

Li Zhentian ignored the others and walked right up to Xu Han, immediately spotting the Tiger King’s cub lying by his side. He exchanged a glance with Chen Qiang; both saw the shock in the other’s eyes. They had fought the Tiger King many times—there could be no mistake.

“It truly is the Tiger King’s cub,” Li Zhentian said, nodding slightly. Then he declared, “Xu Han is the hero we’ve been searching for—the one who saved Donghai City!”

The room erupted in astonishment.

“My heavens! He’s really the hero?”

“So young, and already such achievements—it puts us all to shame.”

“Xu Han’s future knows no bounds!”

The crowd murmured in awe.

Xia Ling’s gaze upon Xu Han was now filled with adoration.

Lei Hongyang clenched his jaw, teeth grinding audibly. He had only wanted to embarrass Xu Han, but now Xu Han had become the hero who saved Donghai City! If anyone tried to harm him now, they’d be branded a traitor to humanity—no one could protect them.

Li Zhentian smiled. “Xu Han, come to the city lord’s residence tomorrow. I’ll present you with your honors and your reward.”

Everyone looked at Xu Han with envy. Saving all of Donghai City—the reward would be at least a million! And that was the least of it. The true prize was the glory. With such honors, securing a government position would be effortless—a lifetime of comfort awaited.

Yet Xu Han hesitated. “I plan to continue my training tomorrow. Could you give me the reward directly?”

Everyone was dumbfounded.

What did he mean? The city lord was offering a reward, and that was his attitude? How arrogant!

Li Zhentian was taken aback for a moment, then nodded cheerfully.

“No problem! It seems Xu Han is truly focused on becoming stronger!” he said. “Excellent, very good! If, after graduation, you wish to return to Donghai City, come find me. You can join the military directly as a centurion. With outstanding performance, you could be promoted to a commander within three years, major general in five, and deputy commander of the city guard within ten!”

The crowd was stunned by the offer. Such treatment was unheard of! Normally, it took connections just to join the city guard, and becoming a centurion could take a decade or more. As for becoming a commander or higher, only exceptional contributions could earn such promotions—no amount of influence could buy them. And as for major general or deputy commander, that was nearly impossible.

Zheng Zucai chuckled. “If Xu Han wishes, staying at the university as an instructor is also an excellent option.”

Everyone stared at Zheng Zucai in amazement.

He hadn’t even enrolled yet, and they were already competing for him?

Becoming an instructor at Dragon Kingdom University was no easy feat. Though the crowd didn’t know the exact requirements, they knew it was even harder than joining the city guard. Moreover, wherever a university instructor went, they were treated with the utmost respect.

Li Zhentian asked, “By the way, Xu Han, could I speak with you privately?”

Xu Han nodded slightly.

The two stepped outside, surrounded by more than a dozen city guards.

Li Zhentian said, “Could you recount the whole event for me in detail once more?”

Xu Han, unsure of Li Zhentian’s purpose, told the story again.

After listening, Li Zhentian’s brows knitted together. “I see. According to our investigation, this matter is closely tied to the Abyssal Church. Moreover, the leader of the church’s Donghai City branch is likely a high-ranking official within the city.”

Xu Han frowned. “What does that have to do with me?”

Li Zhentian smiled. “I just want to ask for your help. If we succeed, we can draw that man out of the shadows. Of course, I won’t let you help for nothing. Once it’s done, you can choose any equipment you like from the city warehouse. How about it?”

Xu Han’s eyes lit up. He nodded. “Deal!”

Li Zhentian lowered his voice and revealed his entire plan to Xu Han.