Chapter 635: The Collapse of a Noble House
The news of Hu Xi being slain with a single stroke by Ling Zhan spread rapidly.
Just as Ling Zhan anticipated.
When the senior military leaders learned the full sequence of events, they only reminded Ling Zhan not to kill within the battlefield zones next time.
Hmm…
It wasn’t that they thought Ling Zhan broke the rules, but rather, if one must kill, it should happen in the wilderness.
Killing outside is more convenient since the wilderness has fewer regulations and allows for the complete eradication of someone’s essence spirit.
After his revival, Hu Xi publicly issued an apology.
As for whether the apology was sincere or a strategic attempt to bide time, no one could tell.
However, Hu Xi was still too naive.
Let’s not mention other reserve special squads.
Just within Dragon Kingdom’s Ninth Squad.
When every squad member heard of the incident, they were immediately furious.
“This Hu Xi is outrageously bold! Does he truly think the Hu Corporation is untouchable?”
“Daring to harass our Vice Commander Zhou—honestly, just killing him once and lowering his level is not enough!”
“Wait and see, brothers. Mark my words, the Hu Corporation is done for!”
One must consider what kind of backgrounds allow someone to join a reserve special squad!
Eighty percent of those present hailed from top-tier noble houses domestically.
Although it’s unpleasant to admit, it’s undeniably difficult for ordinary people to reach this level.
In their twenties, reaching level 80 is only possible through extraordinary talent or a very influential family background.
There aren’t that many prodigious geniuses.
Thus, the remainder are undoubtedly offspring of prominent and influential families.
These heirs’ family status not only equaled but often surpassed that of the Hu Corporation.
Some families even had partnerships with the Hu Corporation.
Of course…
They were clients, dictating terms to the Hu Corporation.
No wonder Hu Xi, notorious for his arrogance, hastily issued an apology after realizing he had offended Ling Zhan and Zhou Xue’er from the Ninth Squad.
If the Hu Corporation were genuinely powerful, Hu Xi wouldn’t have been stationed with regular soldiers.
And so…
On the third day.
After training, while savoring the delicious noodle soup Zhou Xue’er brought him, Ling Zhan noticed a news headline projected via hologram about the Hu Corporation’s international stock prices plummeting.
Additionally, numerous major projects they had invested in saw partners withdrawing investments despite paying breach fees.
Even within the nation, Hu Corporation’s enterprises were facing severe financial crises.
The entire internet community was collectively stunned!
Some whistleblowers even detailed the incident online.
Others elaborated on Hu Xi’s despicable behavior.
Equally, merchants previously extorted or wronged by Hu Xi came forward, exposing his oppressive and unethical conduct.
The Hu Corporation’s upper management was utterly bewildered!!
The family head, Hu Tianze, nearly suffered a stroke!!
Can you believe it?
In just one night, a corporate empire as monumental as a skyscraper became precariously unstable!
The root cause…
Was merely their heir verbally harassing a woman!!
To be fair…
For such elite families, it wasn’t uncommon for their heirs to indulge in debauchery and arrogance, harassing women.
Usually, they used money to settle such matters easily.
Many women, initially indignant, changed their attitudes upon learning their harassers were from the Hu Corporation, even warming up to them.
Everyone makes choices, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
However…
Some women refuse to bow to money.
When facing such resistance, the Hu Corporation would resort to money as a weapon.
If the woman wouldn’t relent, they’d pressure her parents, relatives, friends, and even her boyfriend or husband.
Thus, the Hu Corporation never imagined…
That a previously trivial matter would become the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Furthermore, nationwide…
No, globally…
Netizens launched a crusade of condemnation and boycotts against the Hu Corporation!!
Domestically, numerous elite families declared they would no longer collaborate with the Hu Corporation!!
As for the main reason…
Do you think it was simply because of Zhou Xue’er’s harassment?
No, that was a secondary reason.
The true reason…
Was that the Hu Corporation made the grave mistake of offending that non-specialist!!
After the Deadly Duel Tournament.
Having demonstrated the ability to effortlessly crush sub-level 100 elites, Ling Zhan had proven that non-specialist had a bright future.
Who would dare claim that they had no prospects?
Not long ago, who would have imagined a level 110 four-tier elite bowing and apologizing to a level 70-plus non-specialist?
Yet…
What shocked people even more…
Was Ling Zhan’s outright refusal to meet him!!
Moreover, without permission from the military leaders, not even Hu Tianze, a level 110 powerhouse, could enter the Blazing Heart Empire.
Ridiculous!
In these critical times, the Blazing Heart Empire and its allied forces had imposed a blockade, barring any entry or exit.
If Hu Tianze dared to force his way in…
He’d soon discover if he could handle being outnumbered.
In the end…
Hu Tianze left, full of regret.
Simultaneously…
He realized the Hu Corporation was beyond salvation!!
What truly struck a nerve…
Was how other elite families stepped in to absorb displaced Hu Corporation employees, providing them stability.
This was another sentiment relayed by Ling Zhan.
When deities clash, mortals suffer.
The fall of the Hu Corporation meant countless employees became collateral damage.
Ling Zhan’s simple intent was clear: If you’re unwilling to accommodate these innocent unemployed workers, I’ll use my own money to have the state take care of them—no moral coercion involved.
Of course.
These elite families wouldn’t dare disregard Ling Zhan’s goodwill, eagerly taking action.
A mighty noble house.
Simply for offending one man, collapsed within a single day.
Exaggerated?
In Ling Zhan’s previous life, perhaps it would seem so, almost impossible.
But in this world of job changes…
Such an outcome was entirely reasonable.
And that same evening, Ling Zhan received startling news.
Hu Tianze had led all of Hu Corporation’s powerhouses to directly defect to the Demon Arrival Organization.