Chapter 77

"What?"

Hawk was so startled by these words that he nearly jumped out of his seat, hastily glancing down toward the window.

Sure enough, a squad of Divine Martial Guards was charging toward their hotel, their approach forceful and determined—their target unmistakably Hawk himself!

"Hawk, th-they seem to be coming for us, sh-shouldn't we run?"

As he watched the Divine Martial Guards enter the hotel, one of his underlings' legs went weak with terror. Even when facing Enforcement Officers from the Department of Public Order, they felt uneasy, let alone these legendary guards!

"Run?" Hawk's face darkened, his tone cold. "And where would we run to?"

"Can't you see what's going on out there?"

Compared to his frightened lackeys, Hawk managed to remain composed. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took two deep drags to steady his nerves before speaking. "Don't worry. This has nothing to do with us, and I haven't done anything. Even if the Divine Martial Guards have come, they..."

Bang!

A thunderous crash interrupted him. Before Hawk could finish, the door was kicked open, and more than a dozen Divine Martial Guards stormed into the room, their gazes locking immediately onto him.

"Are you Xue Ziying?" the leading captain demanded sharply.

"I haven't done anything, you all..." Hawk, sitting on the sofa, tried to keep his composure, his eyes meeting the captain's as he attempted to reply.

But before he could finish, the captain's palm lashed out, slapping Hawk viciously across the face.

The blow was brutal—blood spurted from Hawk's nose, two molars flew from his jaw, his head spun, and sparks danced before his eyes.

"When I ask a question, answer it!" the captain barked with icy authority. "Are you Xue Ziying?"

It was Hawk's first encounter with the Divine Martial Guards, and the slap left him utterly stunned. He nodded hastily, "Yes, I am Xue Ziying!"

"Cuff him. Take him away!"

Once the captain confirmed his identity, he gave a curt gesture to his men. In an instant, gleaming handcuffs were snapped onto Hawk’s wrists—these were high-grade suppressive restraints, offering the same effects as ancient martial limiters.

"I haven’t done anything! On what grounds are you arresting me? I..."

Smack!

Another resounding slap landed before Hawk could finish his protest.

"When you’re not asked a question, you’d better keep your mouth shut!"

"I..."

Smack!

The captain's gaze was razor-sharp as he glared at Hawk, his voice cold and menacing. "What, you still need to be taught a lesson?"

This time, Hawk was thoroughly subdued, not daring to utter another word. He could only nod at the captain, indicating his understanding.

Meanwhile, Hawk’s followers had already been terrified senseless by the scene before them. Without waiting for the guards to speak, they dropped to the floor, hugging their heads in surrender.

Yet the Divine Martial Guards spared them not a single glance; they seized Hawk and left the hotel without hesitation.

Only after the guards had been gone for a long while did Hawk’s underlings finally dare to rise to their feet, exchanging bewildered, fearful looks.

"Divine Martial Guards—damn, they're ruthless. Beating up our boss like he was nothing!"