Both of them argued while throwing punches at one another. Lu Xiaoran landed a punch on Lin Chen's chest, sending him crashing into some tables. Before Lin Chen could retaliate, Lu Xiaoran said, "Lin Chen, I don't have time to waste on someone like you. If you want to fight, then fight like a man. Why did you kidnap Pushpa? Release her now, or I will break every bone in your body."
Lin Chen replied, "What nonsense are you talking? When did I kidnap anyone named Pushpa?"
Lu Xiaoran shot back, "Don't think I'm as gullible as these villagers. I know you have a habit of kidnapping the family members of your enemies before a fight. You never had the courage to face me head-on, so you took Pushpa. Today, whether I leave with Pushpa or your dead body, the choice is yours."
With that, Lu Xiaoran took a fighting stance. He gathered spiritual energy in his body. On the other hand, Lin Chen wasn't idle. He also gathered his spiritual energy, wrapping his fist in golden fire. His eyes turned vertical, and slight golden scales appeared on his hands.
Seeing the imminent fight, Lu Xiaoran addressed the bystanders, "Everyone, get out of this hotel."
The first to move was Lin Chen's bodyguard. They took Xia Yang with them to ensure her safety. The villagers followed, moving toward the exit.
Meanwhile, Lin Chen and Lu Xiaoran dashed toward each other. Lin Chen struck with his fire-coated fists, summoning a tornado of fire. Lu Xiaoran defended against the attack, becoming engulfed in flames. This time, the golden fire burned ten times stronger than any other fire.
After a few seconds, the fire tornado froze as if it were golden liquid. Lu Xiaoran broke through the ice, now wearing armor that looked like it was made of blue ice. This transformation came from the Chaos Titan body refining technique. This technique has several stages, and mastering the first allows the wielder to cover their body with an elemental mastery, providing mastery over that element.
Seeing this, Lin Chen powered up, revealing his aura. Draconic features emerged on his body; his eyes became vertical pupils, and reptilian scales appeared on his face. He dashed toward Lu Xiaoran, but Lu Xiaoran easily tackled him, holding him by the throat and punishing him with repeated punches. Eventually, Lin Chen broke free and punched back. They both fought with nearly all their power, risking the destruction of the hotel.
Just before either could make another move, several police vehicles arrived outside. Officers emerged, holding high-tech guns, capable of handling an ordinary Golden core realm expert.
Seeing this, both fighters paused. Lin Chen remained vigilant, while Lu Xiaoran relaxed, as part of his plan had succeeded. Now it was time for him to shine. The police officers ordered them to raise their hands, and they complied. As they exited the hotel, police arrested Lu Xiaoran, while Lin Chen walked toward his guards, ignoring the police. He looked at a man who didn't wear a police uniform but had a commanding presence.
A man in a brown coat stood by a police vehicle, flanked by military-like guards. Lin Chen approached him and said, "Uncle, I'm glad you came, but he is my prey."
The man replied, "Lin Chen, your fight has already caused enough chaos. If this continues, even I can't hide it from the authorities."
From their conversation, it was clear they knew each other well, as Lin Chen addressed him as "uncle." Seeing them, Lu Xiaoran said, "Lin Chen, this isn't over. Release Pushpa, or if my master finds out, you will regret it for the rest of your life."
Lin Chen retorted, "What are you talking about? When did I ever kidnap anyone?"
Lu Xiaoran countered, "Do you think I'm a fool? Look for yourself; your girlfriend is holding Pushpa in a cage."
At Lu Xiaoran's words, everyone, including the villagers, turned to look at Xia Yang, who was indeed holding Pushpa in a cage. Some villagers shouted, "Yes, it's the pet cat of Master Vik." Many others agreed, having seen Pushpa on Lin Chen's shoulders earlier.
Jessica even chimed in, "See, I told you Lin Chen is a bad guy. He is starting with kidnapping, and this time he didn't even spare pets." At her words, all eyes turned to Lin Chen, shattering the trust he had tried to build, which was exactly Lu Xiaoran's plan.
Xia Yang spoke up, "Lin Chen didn't kidnap this cat. Our guards caught it sneaking into the hotel's kitchen."
Lin Chen looked to his guards for confirmation, and they nodded in agreement. After hearing this, Lu Xiaoran snapped, "That's nonsense! Lin Chen, you don't even have the guts to own up to what you did. You said the same thing when you kidnapped village men, claiming your men acted without your knowledge. Now you're repeating that same excuse."
Lu Xiaoran turned to the villagers and said, "Are you all hearing his nonsense? Did he not kidnap you through his men? Or did you also sneak into that warehouse?"
The village men recalled their painful kidnappings and shouted in support of Lu Xiaoran, chanting, "Release Pushpa, you shameless Lin Chen," in unison.
The man in the brown coat raised his voice, "Silence! This is not your backward village. This is a lawful city, and the police will handle this case." His authoritative tone silenced the villagers. Some tried to protest, but the police presence intimidated them into submission.
Now was my time to make an appearance. I stepped into view from the other side of the road, walking slowly with purposeful steps. The sound of my shoes echoed in the area, creating an effect for my entrance.
Soon, everyone turned to face me. Ignoring them, I focused on Lu Xiaoran, now handcuffed by the police, and said in a flat voice, "Lu Xiaoran, tell me where Pushpa is. I left her in your care, and now she is missing."
Lu Xiaoran feigned fear and said, "Master, I'm guilty of not taking proper care of Pushpa because Lin Chen kidnapped her." He pointed to Xia Yang, who was holding Pushpa in the cage. I locked my gaze on Pushpa, then walked toward her. Lin Chen's guards tried to stop me, but I released my aura, immobilizing anyone in my way. I seized the cage from Xia Yang's hands and freed Pushpa, who immediately jumped onto my shoulder while chewing on that cursed doll.
Once this was done, I looked at Lin Chen and said, "Lin Chen, you really are a rascal. You even kidnapped an innocent pet for your own gain." All the people present glared at Lin Chen like he was a criminal. Lin Chen wore a wronged expression, insisting he did nothing wrong. But most people did not believe him.