Xue emerged from Canglang One Floating Life and drove to the luxurious private room of Guipinxuan. The grand banquet hall, designed to resemble the grandeur of Yang City and the Forbidden City, was already packed with people by the time Xue arrived.
Looking around, it was a gathering of formidable figures—not politicians or social elites, nor was it a charity gala or an auction event. Instead, it was filled with the Gray Crocodiles who wielded power in Washing City’s Underworld, exuding a palpable aura of menace throughout the expansive hall.
Xue's brow relaxed, and a slight smile appeared on his lips, replacing the earlier wistfulness. A noble air emanated from him, subtly contrasting with the fierce atmosphere that surrounded him.
As soon as Xue stepped through the door, he naturally drew everyone's attention, silencing the previous clamor. He walked confidently to the front, standing at ease while casting a gentle gaze over the crowd, ignoring their hostile stares.
With neither side moving, Xue remained silent after taking his position. Moments later, someone unable to contain themselves spoke up.
“Xue, what do you mean by calling us here? Do you really think we’d be afraid of a sudden attack? You’ve offended everyone in Washing City’s Underworld; are you looking for trouble or just don’t care about your life?”
The speaker's voice boomed with authority, clearly a practiced fighter and a rising star in Washing City’s Underworld known for his reputation in the southern part of the city over the past two years.
Xue chose to ignore the brash man’s provocation and instead focused on an elderly man with white hair not far away. He slightly bowed in respect, immediately tempering his demeanor to an appropriate level.
“Huang Taisui, I have long heard of your legendary deeds and hold great admiration for you. I have wanted to pay my respects for some time but regrettably had to invite you in this manner. I recently learned that your beloved daughter has happily married; I have prepared a modest gift to express my congratulations.”
As Xue spoke, Tian Feng received a transparent crystal box from one of his subordinates. Inside was a beautifully crafted Azure Wind Antelope. Tian Feng no longer appeared nonchalant; he presented the box with both hands. Huang Taisui's eyes brightened upon seeing the exquisite jade carving as he personally accepted the box, his tone softening.
“You're too kind, Brother Xue. It’s rare for someone like you to care about an old man like me. I won’t act all high and mighty; I graciously accept this gift. When time allows, I have plenty of fine tea at my home where we can share a drink together.”
Xue slightly bowed again. “Then I shall take you up on that invitation.”
“Good. Good.” Huang Taisui handed the gift box to a bodyguard beside him and stood up to exchange pleasantries with several other elderly men present before bidding farewell to Xue.
To everyone’s surprise at this grand gathering of Washing City's Underworld—a rare event in a century—Huang Taisui left so quickly and amicably. The attendees exchanged confused glances as if lost in a thick fog; even those few White-Haired Elders were puzzled.
Huang Taisui's adopted sons were equally bewildered by their father’s actions. Previously, he had acted casually; now they found themselves unsure after being distanced from him for some time. Huang Taisui rarely interfered with their decisions either.
Xue sent Huang Taisui away before shifting his gaze to the earlier boorish man, his demeanor suddenly transforming, like a towering pine tree piercing the sky, stirring up a gust of wind that instantly lowered the temperature in the grand hall.
"Are you Chen Huoxiong from the Southern City Blaze Association?"
"A true man does not change his name or surname; I am indeed your grandfather Chen!"
Xue did not show any anger at the other's rudeness; instead, he remained unusually calm, like an old monk in meditation. Chen Huoxiong felt a slight unease under Xue's piercing gaze, finding himself at a disadvantage once again, and he laid bare his final stance.
"Xue, don't play tricks with me. I'm not falling for your game. Since I've come here, I'm not afraid of you. Just give me a straightforward answer—what do you want? I admit that one of my men was involved in the assassination of Jufeng not long ago, but if you want to be my boss, you need to show your strength. I've worked hard for years to reach my current position; there's no way I'm just going to hand it over because of a sneak attack!"
Chen Huoxiong spoke earnestly; although his words were blunt, they echoed the thoughts of many present. The reason everyone was gathered here was largely due to their curiosity and fear of the Hurricane gang. Their sudden rise had been like lightning, and even the Senior Management of the gang had perished under a hail of bullets without a single survivor—a truly chilling display of power. Previously, they had been forced to avoid offending this new power due to the pressure from the Unification Alliance, but now that the Unification Alliance was preoccupied with its own troubles, they had suffered a sudden and brutal lesson from Hurricane. Which gang in Washing City would dare boast about achieving such remarkable results as defeating dozens of bars in just half a day?
Everyone's attention returned to Xue, whose gaze remained fixed on Chen Huoxiong's face. The hall was still and cold, as if the spring night outside dared not intrude.
"If you want laws, I can give you laws. We are all here to make a living; naturally, it's the one with the bigger fist whose words carry weight. A few months ago, your group banded together with strong fists and dealt Hurricane some painful blows. Fortunately for us, our bones are tougher; we endured those hits and have since recuperated and grown stronger. I am an orphan; I had no parents to teach me principles. I learned through hardship that when others bully me, I endure until I have the strength to retaliate properly and make them remember it for life so they won't dare target me again. Brother Jufeng has too narrow a vision; he seeks revenge for every slight and cannot accomplish great things. I want to change that, but for now, I will not change. Chen Huoxiong, you merely wish to know if Hurricane's strength can still hold you and your gang in check. I invite you all here not for negotiations but to inform you: from now on, Hurricane will be the ruler of Washing City's Underworld!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd was taken aback, struggling to conceal their anger at being threatened in such a manner. Chen Huoxiong had voiced what everyone felt deep down—that each person had fought hard to reach their current position; who would willingly bow down?
Before anyone could voice their opinions, Xue continued, "Tian Feng, take Chen Huoxiong outside alone and notify him that tonight, I intend to wipe out the Blaze Association in Huaguo completely!"
The crowd was stunned by Xue's abruptness and momentarily lost their ability to react. Tian Feng stepped forward toward Chen Huoxiong; just two steps out when a handgun appeared in his hand without anyone noticing. He raised it and fired twice before anyone could comprehend what was happening.
In that moment of shock, Tian Feng had already reached Chen Huoxiong's side. The gun vanished as he placed a hand on Chen Huoxiong's shoulder. The Blaze Association was built on real strength; they wouldn't sit idly by. Chen Huoxiong swiftly grabbed Tian Feng's wrist with one hand while striking at Tian Feng's face with the other.
Tian Feng slightly turned his head just in time to evade that punch while stepping closer with his foot. He pressed against Chen Huoxiong’s extended arm and twisted downwards on his wrist while simultaneously lifting him off the ground with his abdomen.
The phrase "in the blink of an eye" is often used to describe speed; however, those present would find it an understatement given how quickly events unfolded. Chen Huoxiong was lifted by Tian Feng and dared not move recklessly as he was carried away from the venue, leaving behind a group of people exchanging bewildered glances.
Once outside in the corridor beyond the grand hall, Tian Feng set Chen Huoxiong down after taking a couple of steps and smirked, "You’re getting addicted to being carried! Do you want me to carry you home?"
Chen Huoxiong smiled awkwardly and said, "Isn't this a rare opportunity? If it weren't for the need to play along with you in this act, how could I let you take the burden? Believe me, this feeling is quite enjoyable."
Tian Feng snorted coldly, leaning against the wall, casually asking, "Are your two subordinates okay after their sacrifice?"
Seeing this, Chen Huoxiong straightened up and replied seriously, "Don't worry. Those two were spies from another gang. I was just looking for a way to deal with them! Damn it, I've been in South City for so many years, and I've shown respect to all kinds of deities; none of them are ever satisfied."
Tian Feng disliked Chen Huoxiong's demeanor. He was clearly a capable person but had been stuck in South City for two or three years, making him hard to figure out.
"Next, it all depends on you. After you go back, make sure to complete the act. I've promised to give you a substantial medical fee. Just don't mess it up."
"Of course." Chen Huoxiong took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and enjoyed a puff before slowly exhaling, his bright eyes hidden within the smoke.
"I heard that the boss above has returned. Since you're close to him, have you heard any news?"
With a curious expression full of gossip, Chen Huoxiong looked at Tian Feng, who still snorted but slightly reminded him, "Just be careful; otherwise, he won't be able to save you either."
Chen Huoxiong seemed to have anticipated such an answer and wasn't particularly surprised. When he had smoked most of the cigarette, he teasingly remarked, "I'm not worried at all. I'm just a pawn; as long as I'm willing to do my part, that's enough. But you—I've heard that not only does he have that person by his side, but there are also several skilled individuals around him who hold great prestige among the elders in Hurricane. Well, good luck!"
Chen Huoxiong extinguished the cigarette butt and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Just as he was about to head outside, his phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw his eyes light up with excitement.
"Is there news from over there?"
"Yes, the first battle was victorious!"
…………
At the same time Chen Huoxiong received the message, the atmosphere in the hall was buzzing with debate. Several bosses were trying to distance themselves from their connections while simultaneously emphasizing that the Unification Alliance was their backing in hopes of easing tensions. For some unknown reason, Xue's tone was not as direct with Chen Huoxiong; instead, he began to speak grandly. As for the others, they each had their own agendas and were secretly plotting something.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted as people began checking their phones one after another, looking shocked and speechless before their eyes darted around and they sighed deeply.
Xue observed the changes in everyone's expressions, and a smile crept onto his face as he remained silent. He had not brought his phone, confident that today's events would unfold as he anticipated.
"Everyone, I don't know why you keep looking down. It seems you are ready to make a decision. So be it. I have a stack of business cards here. Friends who wish to ally with Hurricane are welcome to take one. Please give us a call afterward to inform us, and we can coexist peacefully. If any of you wish to confront Hurricane directly, then we shall meet on the battlefield."
Xue issued his ultimatum, and those present felt as if their phones had suddenly become incredibly heavy in their hands. Moments later, one person stood up, took a business card from Xue, exchanged polite greetings, and left with a somber expression. Almost immediately, another person stood up and repeated the previous person's actions. It was like a domino effect; one after another, people began to rise, and soon the hall felt somewhat crowded.
What message had caused such a shift? In truth, whether it was Chen Huoxiong or anyone else present, the messages they received contained only a few words.
"Hua Gang strikes back; the Unification Alliance suffers a great defeat and retreats."
Another sudden battle!
(To be continued.)
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