Chapter 223

Wang Xi had spent many years fighting on the streets and seen countless people, making him an experienced veteran. Yet he had never seen anyone shoot like Xie Wendong—firing wildly first, whether there were allies present or not. As he wondered what was going on, a sudden gust of wind hit him, startling him. He quickly dodged, but before he could steady himself, another knife sliced down from above. Wang Xi inwardly exhaled in awe—how formidable! He tried to dodge again, but the knives followed him like shadows, one after another, like endless waves in the sea, never stopping, only continuing.

Wang Xi moved up and down, dodging over a dozen attacks, never even getting a chance to see the face of his opponent, let alone shoot. Filled with anger, he shouted and kicked out, aiming at his opponent’s legs. Normally, the opponent would have to dodge or retreat, giving him a chance to shoot. At such close range, no one in the world could avoid his bullets. But Ren Changfeng’s reaction was beyond his expectations—he stood still, simply raising his knife quickly downward with the blade facing outward. Wang Xi’s kick hit the blade. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and didn’t use all his strength; otherwise, his leg would have been severed on the spot. Even so, the knife still carved a deep cut into his calf. Wang Xi gritted his teeth in pain and staggered backward two steps. Before he could steady himself, Ren Changfeng rushed forward in an instant, swayed his wrist, and planted the knife on Wang Xi’s shoulder.

Ren Changfeng raised the corner of his mouth and said in a deep voice, “You’ve lost!” The others from Hongye, seeing Wang Xi in danger, rushed forward in a rush. Ren Changfeng pressed down with his arm, driving the knife deeper into Wang Xi’s shoulder, and said harshly, “If you want to watch him die, go ahead!” Wang Xi had only ever killed others in his life and had never been subdued before. Losing to Ren Changfeng like this, without even the strength to fight back, filled him with resentment. He raised his eyebrows and shouted, “Don’t think you’re great just because you’ve subdued me. If you want to kill me, go ahead!” With that, he turned to the others and yelled, “Ignore me! Attack!” Though Wang Xi said this, none of the dozen or so people dared to step forward, fearing that if Ren Changfeng got angry and really killed him, they wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences. The group exchanged glances, stepped back two steps each, gripped their guns tightly, and stared intently at Ren Changfeng.

Seeing that the threat had worked, Ren Changfeng smiled inwardly. He glanced around again—Nan Hongmen’s disciples were either dead from the bloodshed or fleeing; none remained standing. His eyes swept to Xie Wendong, seeking his opinion on whether Wang Xi should be killed. Xie Wendong understood his intent and nodded slightly. Ren Changfeng was very clever; having been with him for quite some time, even a small gesture could reveal its meaning. He smiled, stepped closer to Wang Xi, and said leisurely, “It seems you’re not willing to admit defeat?”

Wang Xi naturally wasn’t willing to admit defeat. Ren Changfeng’s swordsmanship was intricate and lightning-fast, which he truly admired. However, if it weren’t for the surprise attack, Wang Xi believed the outcome might have been uncertain. As a killer, he couldn’t afford to speak such words—defeat meant death, with no room for pride. He said coldly, “I don’t want to waste words.”

Ren Changfeng chuckled, shrugged, and sheathed his sword. He said, “I know you’re not convinced. I can give you another chance to fight again.”

Wang Xi was stunned, almost doubting his ears. In the martial world, there was no such thing as giving an enemy another chance—if you didn’t kill them, they would kill you. Everyone understood this. Wang Xi asked doubtfully, “What do you mean?”

Ren Changfeng held his sword vertically, standing with his feet in a cross shape, his pride shining through as he said slowly, “I also dislike wasting words. Let’s fight again. If you win, go back to Taiwan. If you lose, your life belongs to me!” Wang Xi narrowed his eyes and looked around. Aside from his dozen or so subordinates, the area was filled with people from Bei Hongmen. Though not many, they were all tall and strong, with sharp eyes and fierce expressions. He sighed inwardly—these people weren’t weaker than his own subordinates. If a real fight broke out, it was uncertain how many of his side would survive. He shook his head helplessly, realizing he had fallen for Xiao Fang’s trick and become a scapegoat. With that thought, Wang Xi shook his head and said firmly, “Alright!” Then he threw his gun to his subordinates, picked up a steel knife from the ground, tested its balance, and looked up at Ren Changfeng, saying, “Let’s go!”

Ren Changfeng smiled upward, waved his arm, and his sword flew out, piercing into a side table. He stepped into the arena and casually picked up a knife as well, saying with a smile, “Be careful!”

What a brave man! Wang Xi thought in admiration. He had discarded his gun and chosen a shorter weapon, while the other party had also given up his usual weapon, clearly not wanting to gain an advantage through weapons. Though proud, such people were rare in the martial world. He nodded and smiled, saying, “Go ahead!”

“Good!” Ren Changfeng shouted loudly. Standing about five meters away from Wang Xi, he took two quick steps forward, swung his arm, and delivered a slash. With the user’s strength amplified by the weapon and the weapon’s power enhanced by the user, the blade hadn’t even reached him yet, but its momentum had already arrived. Wang Xi took a deep breath, not daring to retreat—any step back would mean losing the advantage, and Ren Changfeng’s subsequent attacks would be relentless and cunning, putting him at a severe disadvantage. He had no choice but to brace himself with his sword. However, sensing Ren Changfeng’s fierce momentum, he secretly used a clever trick, tilting the blade slightly to the side. Seeming to brace against the attack, it actually aimed to strike to the side, allowing him to reduce at least seven out of ten layers of force. Ren Changfeng saw through his intention and smiled inwardly. At the moment the blades were about to collide, he abruptly stopped the blade and kicked out with his leg. Wang Xi’s entire attention was focused on the opponent’s sword, and all his strength was directed into his arms. Unprepared for Ren Changfeng’s rapid change of tactics, he couldn’t dodge in time. The kick hit him in the lower abdomen. Wang Xi let out a groan and stepped back five or six times before managing to steady himself. The searing pain in his abdomen made him cry out.

Before he could catch his breath, Ren Changfeng was on him again—stabs, slashes, cuts—his ordinary sword turning into an invincible weapon in his hands, shining brightly as each strike targeted a vital point. In truth, there’s no such thing as a good or bad weapon, nor a difference in length; it all depends on the user. Wang Xi might be slightly better at spear fighting than Ren Changfeng, but he was far inferior when it came to swordsmanship. Combat hinges on gaining the upper hand first. In the art of sword fighting, the eyes are the key—moving in and out with precision, the one who acts first wins. Ren Changfeng was the kind of person who wouldn’t let go of an advantage. If he seized it, even Dongxin Lei would have a hard time recovering, let alone Wang Xi. Before five exchanges had passed, Ren Changfeng spotted an opening and kicked Wang Xi’s leg. With a cry, Wang Xi fell backward. Just as he tried to get up, Ren Changfeng bent down and placed the sword on his shoulder. With a grin, before Ren Changfeng could speak, Wang Xi said, “No need to say more. I surrender!”

“Haha!” Ren Changfeng sheathed his sword and laughed, shaking his head. “If you used a spear, who knows who would be standing here now.” With that, he pulled Wang Xi to his feet.

Wang Xi stood up, brushed off his clothes, bowed, and said in admiration, “I’ve seen your swordsmanship. If I get the chance to come to Taiwan in the future, I’ll treat you.” Wang Xi was also unmarried. With a wave, he ordered his men, “Let’s go!” Ren Changfeng bowed in return and said, “I think we’ll have the chance in the future!” Before leaving, Wang Xi turned around and said with a smile, “I’m not as good at swordsmanship as you, but I’m sure I can drink more than you!” Ren Changfeng laughed and said, “How can you know unless you try?!” Wang Xi laughed loudly and left with his men.

Watching Wang Xi disappear into the darkness, Ren Changfeng shook his head and turned to look for Xie Wendong. He scanned the area but saw no one. Doubtfully, he asked those around him, “Where’s Brother Dong?” “Huh?” The others looked around and realized that they had been too focused on the battle between Ren Changfeng and Wang Xi, and no one had noticed where Brother Dong had gone. Everyone shook their heads, saying they didn’t know either. Ren Changfeng frowned and fell into deep thought. Suddenly, he stamped his foot and exclaimed, “Brother Dong must have gone after Xiao Fang!”
Ren Changfeng was right—Xie Wendong indeed went after Xiao Fang. Having watched the fierce battle between Ren Changfeng and Wang Xi, he knew that Wang Xi could never win in a direct fight. But not wanting to distract him, he didn’t inform the others and quietly left through the back door. Xiao Fang was the biggest threat to Xie Wendong in the Nan Hong Men, second only to Xiang Wentian. He didn’t want to miss this excellent opportunity. After stepping out through the back door, his eyes filled with panic. Behind the small inn was a grass mat about half a person’s height. Xie Wendong had been there before, and it would be extremely difficult to find someone hiding there. He glanced around, hesitated for a moment, then took out his gun and stepped straight into the bushes.
He couldn’t see where Xiao Fang was, but he could sense that he must be nearby. Xie Wendong shouted loudly, “Xiao Fang, I know you’re here. Listen well—don’t expect Zhan Long to come save you. He might not even be able to save himself by now.”
As he shouted, Xie Wendong kept watching for any signs of movement. Unfortunately, everything was quiet, except for the rustling of the grass in the night wind.
Undeterred, Xie Wendong continued, “Xiao Fang, I’m ashamed for you. We’ve fought several times, and you’ve never won once. Besides, your Nan Hong Men has eight Heavenly Kings, yet three of them have died at your hands. Zhan Long also fell into my trap—most of them are dead. How can you even face Xiang Wentian? How can you return to Guangzhou and meet your colleagues? You’ve become a killer of Heavenly Kings—everyone around you suffers misfortune. I truly feel sorry for Xiang Wentian for sending you to Nanjing!”

Xiao Fang was lying in the grass not far away. He hadn’t missed a single word of Xie Wendong’s words and heard them clearly. He was furious—what Xie said was all true. However, Xiao Fang still hadn’t had the chance to confirm whether Zhan Long had fallen into a trap. But judging from Xie Wendong’s attitude tonight, it seemed highly likely that Zhan Long would also find it difficult to please him; otherwise, he would have returned to support him by now. At this thought, Xiao Fang’s nose stung, and tears almost welled up. Yes! He had lost again. Just as Xie Wendong said, how could he face Xiang Wentian again?! He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wishing to rush out and fight Xie Wendong. But then he thought again—his injuries were severe, and going out like that would be suicide. Moreover, he still didn’t know how Zhan Long was doing. If both of them met misfortune, Nanjing might truly be doomed, which would only make Xie Wendong happier! With a deep sigh, he endured it and accepted it. No matter what Xie Wendong said or how he mocked him, Xiao Fang closed his eyes and pretended not to hear.

Xie Wendong talked to himself in the grass for a long time but saw Xiao Fang not emerge. He nodded secretly. Xiao Fang wasn’t someone like Qian Xixi—he wouldn’t be able to hold back. If it were the latter, she would have lost patience long ago. But unfortunately, it was Xiao Fang lying in the grass. Xie Wendong smiled and slowly stepped back, saying as he did, “Xiao Fang, when you see Xiang Wentian, don’t forget to give my regards. And don’t let him think about attacking Nanjing again. I won’t give him any chance. Remember what I said today!”

Xie Wendong spoke slowly. By the time he finished, he had already stepped out of the grass. Looking at the pitch-black grass, he sighed lightly and said indifferently, “See you again if there’s a chance!”

“Brother Dong, where have you been?” Ren Changfeng appeared beside Xie Wendong at some point, sweating and asking anxiously.

Xie Wendong smiled and said, “I just went to say hello to Xiao Fang. Has Hongye left?” Ren Changfeng nodded. “Yes! But why did you ask me to be lenient? We’re not afraid of Hongye!” Xie Wendong shook his head. “I’m not afraid either. It’s just that the appearance of the Soul Group has disrupted my plans. It seems we can’t yet become enemies with Hongye—we need time.”

“Oh!” Ren Changfeng nodded and then asked, “What about Zhan Long?”

Xie Wendong narrowed his eyes and smiled. “Lao Lei should take good care of him.”

War Dragon wasn’t actually surrounded as Xie Wendong claimed, at least not yet. He fought fiercely against the Four Great Warriors, with both sides having roughly equal strength. It was just that the Four Great Warriors feared War Dragon’s swordsmanship and didn’t dare confront him, opting instead to keep dodging. If their leader was like this, one could imagine the chaos wherever War Dragon went. The disciples of the Northern Hongmen gradually retreated, and the battle turned into a mess. The outcome was obvious even to a fool.

In less than half an hour, the Northern Hongmen could no longer withstand the Southern Hongmen’s attacks, and defeat was inevitable. The Four Great Warriors also fought half-heartedly, focusing on their own interests. Even if they defeated War Dragon, their own losses would be significant. Why risk their resources in a battle in Nanjing when they might not even be able to defeat War Dragon in the first place?

Among the four, only Wu Yekai charged at the front, his sword flashing brightly as he swung it. Though hot-tempered, he had the strength to back it up, and his skills were formidable. Many disciples of the Southern Hongmen fell under his blade. Wu Yekai fought with enthusiasm, shouting loudly with each swing. Seeing his bravery, the others’ confidence soared, and their low morale was lifted again. Although War Dragon was among the crowd, he couldn’t miss what was happening. An idea struck him—he must be the enemy’s leader, and today he would test his sword skills against him.