Chapter 318

Lu Kou nodded and said with a smile, “That’s right. I’m exactly laughing at you. Strange, I don’t know what you’re arguing about. Brother Tian has already made up his mind. No matter how much you argue, it won’t change anything. So why bother? It’s better to rest and save some energy for two days from now!” After saying that, he stood up, greeted Xiang Wentian, and left. Zhou Ting snorted angrily. Once Lu Kou left the room, he said, “Brother Tian, look at his attitude! What’s that supposed to mean?!” Xiang Wentian smiled, resting his hand on his cheek, and said, “Little Kou isn’t entirely wrong. I’ve decided to go. Everyone, go back and get ready. It might be another fierce battle!” “Could it be…” Zhou Ting asked doubtfully, “Could it be that Bo Zhanhui has defected to Xie Wendong?” Xiang Wentian rubbed his forehead and sighed, “According to our intelligence, he’s very close to Xie Wendong now. Even if he hasn’t defected, it’s almost the same. Bo Zhanhui is a man with deep scheming skills and great ambition. He won’t accept being subordinate to anyone. Xie Wendong’s appearance has given him a huge opportunity.”

Xiang Wentian had a vast intelligence network in Shanghai, and few matters, big or small, escaped their attention. Xie Wendong and Bo Zhanhui had been in secret contact, and it was done very discreetly, but it was still hard to hide from Xiang Wentian’s spies. Two days later, not long after Xie Wendong left the Fresh Flowers Hotel, the news reached Nan Hongmen. The report said Xie Wendong was bringing only a dozen people, in four cars. Xiang Wentian was slightly surprised. He had thought that even if Xie Wendong didn’t bring a large group, he would still have at least fifty men. Puzzled, he muttered to himself, “Could he really want to make a deal with me?” Zhou Ting shook his head and said, “Brother Tian, no matter what his intentions are, we can’t be unprepared. I’ve arranged everything for our brothers. We’re just waiting for your order.” Xiang Wentian pondered for a moment before shaking his head and saying, “This time, I’m only here for Xiao Fang’s life. I’m not determined to fight to the death with him.”

“But,” Zhou Ting urged, “we still need to be wary in case he’s up to something!” “Mm!” Xiang Wentian nodded and said, “Just keep our men a kilometer away at that time.”

This time, Zhou Ting really misunderstood Xie Wendong. He wasn’t playing any tricks; he truly wanted to use Xiao Fang to gain some real benefits from the South Hongmen. If there was any trickery, it was aimed at Bo Zhanhui. The South Hongmen were worried, suspecting something was up, and Xie Wendong’s men felt the same way. Though he only brought a dozen or so people, none of them were mediocre. Apart from the injured Sanyan within Wendong’s group, there were elite fighters, and the North Hongmen had Ren Changfeng leading them, along with several top members of their secret team. Even a small, fully armed force might not be able to handle them. In the car, the cautious Jiang Sen expressed concern, “Brother Dong, with just these dozen people, isn’t it a bit risky?”
“Of course, it’s risky,” Xie Wendong said calmly, sharpening his nails with a delicate knife. “But wealth comes from taking risks. If we don’t show some true strength, how will the underworld respect us? Besides, bringing too many people won’t help. The South Hongmen have been watching us closely lately. If we move a large group, do you think they won’t notice? No matter how many people I bring, it can’t exceed theirs. It’s better to act honestly this time. Given Xiang Wentian’s character, he probably won’t bring many people either.”
Jiang Sen said, “I’m not worried about Xiang Wentian. What worries me is our ‘friend’—Bo Zhanhui.” “Oh?” Xie Wendong raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why?” Jiang Sen replied carefully, “Bo Zhanhui isn’t an ordinary person; he’s extremely ambitious. He’s cooperating with us because he wants to overthrow the South Hongmen, which has been oppressing him. He surely understands that even after getting rid of the South Hongmen, we’ll still be pressing down on him.” After a pause, Jiang Sen added softly, “If there’s a chance to eliminate both groups at once, Brother Dong, do you think he’ll let it go?” Xie Wendong narrowed his sharp eyes slightly and smiled, “You think he’ll turn against me and Xiang Wentian?”
“If both sides bring few people, it would indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bo Zhanhui,” Jiang Sen said, emphasizing each word.
Ren Changfeng and Gao Qiang, who was driving, were shocked after hearing this. Jiang Sen wasn’t wrong! Gao Qiang said emotionally, “Brother Dong, Old Sen is right. Shouldn’t we go back and bring more people…” Xie Wendong waved his hand firmly and said, “He won’t!” “How do you know, Brother Dong?” the three in the car asked in unison. Xie Wendong laughed loudly and said, “I just know he won’t. And even if he did, it’s because he’s lived too long.”

Xie Wendong was so confident that the three of them fell silent. Though they didn’t know what he had in mind, at least since Brother Dong was so confident, things surely wouldn’t be too bad. There was no conversation along the way as the four identical black sedans slowly came to a stop in front of the Zhongyi Gang headquarters. The spacious factory building remained the same, but there were many more people than when Xie Wendong had been there last time. Inside and outside the courtyard, groups of men could be seen gathered together. Xuan Zidan, with his hands in his pockets, paced back and forth in front of the gate. Hearing the rumble of the cars, he looked up and saw Xie Wendong’s convoy arrive. He smiled and stepped forward to greet them. When Xie Wendong got out of the car, he bowed slightly and said, “Mr. Xie, thank you for coming. I’m sorry for not greeting you properly from afar!” Xie Wendong glanced around and asked, “Where is Brother Bo?” Xuan Zidan paused for a moment before saying, “Brother Hui is inside preparing a feast to treat these two distinguished guests well.” “Oh! Haha!” Xie Wendong was initially stunned before bursting into laughter. “Brother Bo is being too polite. What kind of distinguished guest am I, anyway?!” “Ah…” Xuan Zidan shook his head. “In Brother Hui’s eyes, Mr. Xie is as important as Xiang Wentian, if not more so!” Xie Wendong tapped his forehead and smiled helplessly. “Brother Bo really overestimates me.” Li Shuang stepped out of one of the sedans, carrying someone else with him. Though he wasn’t tall and was covered in fat, looking like a living ball, he was quite strong—someone weighing 140 to 150 pounds seemed weightless in his hands. The man was dressed in white, covered in blood, with a black mask on his head and his hands tied behind his back. Even so, Xuan Zidan immediately recognized that this man was Xiao Fang, one of the eight great kings who held significant power within the Nan Hongmen. Thinking of how this once-powerful man had ended up like this, Xuan Zidan couldn’t help but laugh. He pointed and asked, “Mr. Xie, is he Xiao Fang?” “Yes!” Xie Wendong nodded in response. Jiang Sen silently walked up behind Xie Wendong and whispered, “Brother Dong, have you noticed? There are quite a few people from the Zhongyi Gang!” “It’s okay. I know what to do,” Xie Wendong replied, subtly waving his hand to stop Jiang Sen from speaking further. Seeing this, Xuan Zidan glanced at the two of them and asked, “Is there something wrong, Xie Wendong?” “No!” Xie Wendong replied with a smile. “Sigh!” Jiang Sen sighed helplessly and said to Ren Changfeng and Gao Qiang beside him, “Guys, I keep feeling something isn’t right. Stay alert later!”

“Mm!” Gao Qiang nodded without saying a word. Ren Changfeng spoke up, “I noticed that too. Everyone in the Loyalty and Righteousness Gang is polite on the surface, but it seems they hide murderous intent. I wonder what Brother Dong thinks. With his intelligence, he should be able to see through it, right??” Jiang Sen sighed, “It’s strange if Brother Dong doesn’t see it. As for what he’s thinking, only heaven knows!”
Xuan Zidan led the way, bringing Xie Wendong and his group into a large conference room inside the building. The conference table in the middle of the room had been thrown somewhere; in its place was an eight-immortals table six feet long, covered with a variety of foods—everything from birds in the sky to animals on the ground, whether rare or protected by the state, as long as it was delicious. Bo Zhanhui stood in front of the table. When he saw Xie Wendong enter, he hurried over with an apologetic smile, “Mr. Xie, please, come in!”
Xie Wendong glanced around and sneered silently, though his expression remained calm. He laughed and said, “We’re all on the same side here—no need for so much formality. Has Xiang Wentian arrived yet?”
“He’ll be here soon!” Bo Zhanhui checked his watch. “Just now, one of our brothers reported that Xiang Wentian is approaching the southern route. It should be about time.” Xie Wendong casually asked, “How many people did he bring?” Bo Zhanhui replied, “We’re not sure about the exact number, but there are only two sedans and one van. Even if they’re all filled, it won’t exceed twenty people.”
“Mm, as I thought!” Xie Wendong sat down with a smile and asked casually, “When I came in earlier, I saw quite a few of your men outside!”
“Oh? Oh! Hehe!” Bo Zhanhui forced a smile. “Xiang Wentian isn’t an ordinary person. If we hadn’t prepared in advance, and if he brought a large force to attack, we might not be able to handle it!” Xie Wendong thought this made sense and nodded in agreement. “That’s right. It’s always better to be cautious and take extra precautions.” “Yes, exactly! That’s what I mean,” Bo Zhanhui agreed eagerly. Ren Changfeng was arrogant and straightforward, unable to hide his thoughts. Seeing that Brother Dong didn’t see through Bo Zhanhui’s obvious deceit, he grew anxious and snapped, “Someone must be up to no good!” Hearing this, Bo Zhanhui shuddered secretly but pretended not to understand, asking suspiciously, “Up to no good? Who would dare be malicious on my territory? I won’t spare them!” Seeing his indignant tone, Ren Changfeng snorted and was about to speak when Xie Wendong stopped him with a gesture, saying, “Changfeng, don’t talk nonsense!”
“I…” Ren Changfeng opened and closed his mouth several times. With repeated signals from Jiang Sen, he stomped his foot angrily and retreated aside in silence.

“The young man below can’t speak; Brother Bo, please don’t laugh at him,” Xie Wendong said softly. His words sounded like an apology, but his tone carried none such meaning. Bo Zhanhui wasn’t bothered either; he waved his hand and laughed, “Mr. Xie is being too polite. Didn’t you say just now that we’re all on the same side? It’s fine!”

As they were talking, a member of the Zhongyi Gang rushed in, sweating profusely and speaking urgently, “Brother Bo, Xiang… Xiang Wentian has arrived.”

“Oh?” Bo Zhanhui stood up straight and smiled. “Finally he’s here. Please come in!” Xiang Wentian, similar to Xie Wendong, brought less than twenty elite members from the gang, including Lu Kou and Zhou Ting. Tian Fangchang led a larger group, hiding along the road about a mile away, ready to launch an attack at the slightest sign of movement.

Upon arriving at the enemy camp, not a trace of fear could be seen on Xiang Wentian’s face. He walked in confidently, with steady steps. After glancing around, his gaze settled on Xie Wendong and Bo Zhanhui. With a laugh, he stepped forward and asked, “How have you been, Brother Xie?” Xie Wendong replied with a smile, “Thanks to Brother Xiang, I’ve been well-fed and well-rested. Shanghai is a place of pure air and beautiful scenery. After staying here for so long, I really don’t want to leave!” “Hehe!” Xiang Wentian laughed. “Then stay ‘forever’!”

One spoke after the other, their words carrying hidden meanings. Lu Kou was seeing Xie Wendong in person for the first time. He sized him up, secretly amazed. He had read Xie Wendong’s profile countless times, yet seeing him in reality still filled him with shock. He was young, but his every move exuded an air of maturity that didn’t match his actual age. He seemed ordinary, but his narrow, knife-like eyes shone so brightly that it was hard to look directly at them. So this was Xie Wendong. Lu Kou put away his usual casual smile, his expression growing serious as he instinctively reached back to his waist. Xie Wendong, a key figure in the Northern Hongmen—killing him would mean the collapse of the Northern Hongmen, and then it wouldn’t be long before the Southern Hongmen unified the world. There were five steps between them. At such close range, he was confident he could kill him in one strike. He was considering whether to strike while the other man was talking to Tian Ge. Xie Wendong had an unusually keen sense; seemingly sensing the extraordinary killing intent around him, he shifted his gaze from Xiang Wentian’s face to behind him. When his eyes met Lu Kou’s dark, murderous stare, he smiled, nodded lightly, then shook his head slightly. The nod was a greeting, while the shake of the head meant, “You can’t kill me.” In fact, not only Xie Wendong but everyone in the room felt that powerful, dark killing intent, originating from a strange and sinister face. Lu Kou naturally understood what he meant. He slowly withdrew his hand from his waist, laughed out loud, and his face returned to its usual rogue-like smirk. Xiang Wentian also noticed the unusual behavior between the two and said, “This is my brother who has just returned from afar—Lu Kou!” “Ah!” Xie Wendong nodded deeply, looking at him and thinking to himself, So this is Lu Kou. People say that if the eight great kings of the Southern Hongmen were ranked, Lu Kou would surely be first. Seeing him today, especially with that terrifying killing intent he displayed just now, he truly couldn’t be underestimated! Xie Wendong became even more cautious, and Bo Zhanhui’s expression also changed. His heart churned as he thought, Trouble—with Lu Kou around, things are going to get tough. All three had their own ulterior motives as they sat down. Bo Zhanhui kept inviting everyone to eat and drink, while Xie Wendong smiled without getting to the point. It was Xiang Wentian who spoke first, “I heard one of my good brothers was invited by Young Master Xie. I wonder if I can bring him back today?” Xie Wendong smiled, his eyes curved like two black lines. Anyone could tell his smile was genuine. He said, “No problem. If Brother Xiang asks, how could I possibly refuse!?”