# 425
Chapter 425 – Settling Accounts
Source: “I Learned to Slay Gods in a Psychiatric Hospital”
Outside the main tower of the Baili Group.
A black sedan eased to the curb. The window slid down, and Ninth Seat gazed up at the towering skyscraper, eyes narrowing.
“They’ve reached the venue,” Shen Qingzhu said, hands still on the wheel. “Do we keep chasing?”
“First escorted by Team 010, now a Baili motorcade… they’re protecting Baili Tuming well.” Ninth Seat snorted. “Do they really think I won’t dare strike inside the Baili family’s own hall?”
Shen Qingzhu frowned. “Sir, the tower’s security is airtight, packed with forbidden-artifact users. Forcing our way in is nearly impossible.”
“Who said anything about forcing?”
Ninth Seat drew two black invitations from his pocket, a cold smile curving his lips. “Before we left, I had Seventh Seat forge these. We’ll walk in openly, find our moment, and kill Baili Tuming. They’ll never expect us to hide among the guests…”
Shen Qingzhu’s expression turned odd. “Too risky. What if we’re exposed?”
Ninth Seat lifted his gaze to the rear-view mirror, meeting Shen Qingzhu’s eyes. “Afraid? You, Yiyu’s favorite, future Second Seat of the Believers, the one who’ll lead our glory—yet you balk at this?”
“…”
Shen Qingzhu took the invitation and tucked the white-fox mask inside his coat.
“When do we move?”
“Now.”
…
Ding—!
The elevator stopped at the 166th floor. Doors parted to reveal a vast, opulent banquet hall.
The entire floor had been reserved for the birthday feast. Floor-to-ceiling windows, spotless, ringed the huge space; beyond them, a sea of clouds stretched endlessly, layered white drifting beneath the guests’ feet. From here, the whole of Guangshen lay visible below.
“Please make yourselves comfortable, honored guests. The banquet begins in ten minutes,” Chang Kangsheng said with a smile.
Lin Qiye nodded, accepted a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, and strolled toward the windows.
“Why do you look so practiced?” Cao Yuan asked, glancing around. The refined atmosphere felt alien to him.
Lin Qiye raised a brow. “Hard? Movies make it look easy.”
Cao Yuan: …
An Qingyu joined them, champagne in hand, gaze sweeping the crowd. He paused on a few figures in a corner, then looked away.
“Team 010 from Guangshen is here,” he murmured, eyes on the clouds outside. “Southeast corner—the distracted ones. Stance gives them away: straight backs, strong aura, thick calluses on right hands—habitual blade users.”
Lin Qiye flicked a glance that way and nodded. “Guangshen’s Night Watch. Chairman Baili has Night Watch connections; their invitation is natural… but they look troubled.”
“Should we talk to them?” Cao Yuan asked.
Lin Qiye considered, then shook his head. “Our status is sensitive. Approaching openly would only raise suspicion.”
“Fair.”
Lin Qiye checked the time, sipped champagne. “Seven minutes. Let’s drink quietly and wait for Baili Pangpang’s entrance.”
Cao Yuan straightened his collar. “That punk better not out-dress me.”
A girl in a backless red gown drifted over, lashes fluttering. “Hi, I’m Li Xiang, Li Group. You’re gorgeous—may I know you?”
Beside them, Jialan’s glass twitched; she turned away, eyes narrowing dangerously.
Lin Qiye gave the girl a cool once-over. “Li Group? Never heard. Step back—your perfume chokes me.”
Li Xiang’s smile froze.
Jialan almost laughed. She cleared her throat, gazed at the clouds, and took a happy sip.
Sweet.
“Hi, I’m Han Shuai, Tengyuan Heavy Industry. Miss, may I—” A slick young man approached Jialan.
“Scram.”
“…”
…
Baili Group, Chairman’s Office.
Baili Xin stood before a vast black desk, fastening a priceless watch while checking his reflection in the window. He turned.
Baili Pangpang and Baili Jing stood side by side.
Pangpang wore a deep-blue bespoke suit; disciplined posture made his bulk look merely sturdy. All mischief was gone—grave, steady.
Baili Jing adjusted gold-rimmed glasses. “Father, all guests are present. Everything’s ready—five minutes to start.”
“Mm.” Baili Xin nodded impassively. “I’ll greet some old friends. You head to the hall.”
“Yes.”
The door shut with a thud.
Silence fell.
Pangpang’s eyes narrowed, coldness surfacing as he turned to Baili Jing.
“We still have a few minutes,” he said quietly. “Time to settle our accounts.”
Baili Jing arched a brow, smile playing at his lips. He rounded the desk and settled into the chairman’s black leather chair.
“Yes… let’s settle them.”
His smile widened.