Chapter 329

Since Xie Wendong joined the Loyalty Gang, Tan Xiaochun realized that big changes were coming and decided to leave. Over the years, he had saved quite a bit of money and planned to leave China to spend the rest of his life safely abroad with his family, away from the dangerous world of crime. When he received an offer from the Soul Group, he dismissed it outright without even considering it. After all, he was already planning to leave, so there was nothing left to think about. Wei Ming was the exception. Ever since the Soul Group got in touch with him, he became extremely excited, thinking that there’s always a way out. With the Soul Group’s covert support, perhaps Xie Wendong wouldn’t be able to do anything to him. Even better, he could use the Soul Group to take down Xuan Zidan as well and become the boss himself.

Among the three, Wei Ming was the most enthusiastic about cooperating with the Soul Group. Both sides had their own motives and concerns, but as the saying goes, like attracts like, and they quickly reached an agreement.

The meeting between Xie Wendong and Xuan Zidan was set at the Flower Hotel. Xuan Zidan was quite bold—knowing full well that Xie Wendong had ulterior motives regarding the Loyalty Gang and was eyeing him as well, he still chose the heart of the Northern Hongmen territory without fear, showing a certain sense of grandeur. However, his grandeur still paled in comparison to Xie Wendong’s.

On the day of the meeting, Xuan Zidan arrived on time, showing strong time management skills, arriving not a minute early or late. Xie Wendong still felt somewhat grateful toward him and went out to greet him. On the surface, both appeared warm and friendly, but in reality, their minds were far from what they used to be. Once inside the hall, they sat down according to their roles as host and guest. Xie Wendong wasn’t surrounded by many people; only a beautiful woman who seemed to be his secretary stood behind him, her big, curved, shiny eyes blinking from time to time, drawing even Xuan Zidan’s attention. After some polite exchanges, Xuan Zidan got straight to the point and suddenly said, “It seems Mr. Xie is determined to take control of the Loyalty Gang by now.”

Xie Wendong was slightly stunned for a moment before laughing and saying, “Xiang Wentian, the strength of the Southern Hongmen is well-known, so I think there’s no need for me to say more. Without a territory of our own to control, it’s impossible to compete with them in Shanghai. Can Brother Xuan understand what I mean?”

“That’s your business. What does it have to do with our Zhongyi Gang?” Xie Wendong’s words seemed reasonable on the surface, but upon closer consideration, one could easily detect an undertone of coercion. Xuan Zidan sighed. He understood that strength meant truth—In the underworld, whoever had more power had their word as law. With a bitter smile, he said, “So, Mr. Xie has his eyes set on the Zhongyi Gang, which is closest to you and plagued by internal strife.” “Yes,” Xie Wendong replied without hesitation. “For the sake of the gang and the bigger picture, I have to abandon some things.” “What?” Xuan Zidan asked thoughtfully, lowering his head. “Conscience, friendship,” Xie Wendong replied calmly. “I owe you a favor for what happened to Bo Zhanhui. Unfortunately, I have to do ruthless things again. Once I stepped into the underworld, my life was no longer mine own. Conscience is a luxury for me.” Xuan Zidan nodded and smiled bitterly. “I understand that logic too, but I must admit that in this regard, you’re better than anyone else.” “So,” Xie Wendong said with a smile, “I’ve become the villain cursed by countless people.” Xuan Zidan murmured, “Originally, I hoped my words could persuade Mr. Xie to show mercy. It seems I can’t do that.” Xie Wendong paused for three seconds before saying seriously, “The underworld is a world of life and death. Since you’ve already avenged yourfeud, why stay involved? Quit sooner.” “The underworld…” Xuan Zidan shook his head slowly. “Just like the underworld, one has to bear its label for life. It’s not something one can simply quit.” In the underworld, everyone has enemies to some extent. When you’re in power, they dare not confront you, but once you step back and lose your strength, violent revenge awaits. In the world of crime, one has no choice—this phrase perfectly captures the mindset of those in the underworld. Xie Wendong narrowed his eyes and said, “Go abroad. Find a country and live a peaceful life.” “I’ve considered that option,” Xuan Zidan sighed. “Mr. Xie, I want to ask you the same question: If one day you get tired of the underworld, which path will you choose?” “Hehe,” Xie Wendong laughed thoughtfully. “I’m afraid by then, I won’t even have the chance to choose my own path. Unlike you, at least you can still make a choice now.”

Xuan Zidan changed the subject and said, “Not long ago, the Soul Group approached me, hoping to form an alliance with me.” Xie Wendong wasn’t surprised at all and smiled, “And you refused.” “Oh? How does Mr. Xie know that?” Xuan Zidan asked, looking up. Xie Wendong replied confidently, “First, you’re not the kind of person who can be exploited by others. Second, if you really had reached an agreement with the Soul Group, we would be meeting at their headquarters right now.” Xuan Zidan nodded in agreement and said with admiration, “Mr. Xie is truly quick-witted and far superior.”

“The Soul Group!” Xie Wendong fiddled with his lighter and said, “You have the courage to reject their invitation, but I doubt Tan Xiaochun and Wei Ming would be able to do the same.”

“If they really collude with the Soul Group, they’ll perish even faster, with no escape route left,” Xuan Zidan mused. “Hm?” Xie Wendong raised an eyebrow and asked, “What escape route?” Xuan Zidan remained silent for a long time before finally taking a deep breath, as if he had made a decision. He smiled and said, “The last option is that if we can’t defeat you, Mr. Xie, Wei Ming and I can all turn to Xiang Wentian for help and find another path. And I guarantee Xiang Wentian will definitely not refuse us.”

Xie Wendong lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying, “He indeed won’t refuse. If it were me, I wouldn’t either. Anyone would welcome someone who can bring their greatest rival to their side.” He smiled, raised his head, and asked, “Now, you’re telling me this option. Aren’t you afraid I’ll take even this last path away from you?” “That no longer matters. I’ve decided to follow Mr. Xie’s advice,” Xuan Zidan said slowly, emphasizing each word. His words surprised Xie Wendong greatly. He thought Xuan Zidan wouldn’t give up everything he’d worked so hard for so easily just because of a few words from him—there should be at least a few tough battles before he would back down. Xie Wendong narrowed his eyes and smiled, “Brother Xuan has made up his mind?”

“Yes. I thought it through carefully just now. This is the best path.” Xuan Zidan was indeed smart. With his abilities, trapped between the struggles among the Northern and Southern Hongmen factions and the Soul Group, staying independent would only lead to death. But if he allied himself with any one of them, it would surely provoke resentment and hostility from the other two, making him their primary target. He couldn’t afford to provoke or fight against either the Northern and Southern Hongmen or the Soul Group. After much consideration, retreating was the only way to survive.

Xie Wendong smiled sincerely and nodded, saying, “It’s great that you understand the reasoning behind this. I hope you’re safe. Let’s go—leave early so as not to attract trouble.”
“Thank you!” With that, there was no need for further words. Xuan Zidan stood up and said, “I wonder if I’ll have another chance to meet Mr. Xie in the future?”
“If,” Xie Wendong said with a bitter smile, “I, this scoundrel, am still alive, I think there will be a chance.” “Haha!” Xuan Zidan was initially stunned before bursting into laughter and saying, “With Mr. Xie’s wisdom, I think few people in the world could bring you to your death.” “Hmm…” Xie Wendong shook his head sadly and said, “Anyway, I’m still part of the underworld. If one day the country gets tired of me, the government only needs to say a word to make me die a hundred times.”
“Hehe, I think if Mr. Xie is careful enough, that day will never come.” Xuan Zidan shook hands with Xie Wendong to bid farewell and then left.
“Brother Dong? Do you think he really plans to withdraw?” As soon as Xuan Zidan left, Jiang Sen appeared out of nowhere. Xie Wendong nodded and said, “There should be no problem.” “How can you be so sure he’s not lying to us, Brother Dong?” Xie Wendong smiled and said, “People’s hearts can lie, but their eyes don’t. Besides, Xuan Zidan is smart. If I were in his shoes now, apart from withdrawing from this ‘game,’ I wouldn’t know any better solution.” “Sigh!” Jiang Sen sighed and said, “I hope he’s telling the truth and that he can be as smart as Brother Dong.” “What’s wrong?” Xie Wendong asked with a smile. “You seem quite concerned about Xuan Zidan, don’t you?” Jiang Sen shrugged and said, “I just don’t want to kill someone who’s helped us before.” “Haha!” Xie Wendong laughed loudly. “Save your bullets and sharpen your knife—there will come a time when they’re useful.”
Jiang Sen smiled proudly and said, “Xue Sha has never been afraid of fighting. Right, Xiao Feng?” The girl glanced at him and then at Xie Wendong, staying silent—not because she didn’t want to speak, but because she didn’t know what to say. Jiang Sen pretended to be resentful and said, “Why don’t you speak up for me? Sigh, as the saying goes, once someone is married, they’re like water that’s been poured out—truly true…”

Xuanzidan left, and Tan Xiaochun left too. There were no signs beforehand; it seemed as if they had vanished suddenly, leaving behind only the deeply troubled Zhongyi Gang, along with those who were obsessed with it, fighting for their unattainable dreams. With its biggest competitors gone, Wei Ming should have been happy, but sadly, he felt nothing but a sense of loss and loneliness, as well as fear—now he would have to face that terrifying enemy, Xie Wendong, alone. The Soul Group promised to help him, but he didn’t dare place all his hopes on them. The already chaotic Zhongyi Gang became quieter with the departure of those two giants, and it was then that they truly realized the threat posed by Xie Wendong. By the time the various leaders tried to unite to resist him, it was already too late.

July 25th, the rain still hadn’t stopped, with dark clouds covering the sky. Men Chuanfang was one of the most powerful leaders of the Loyalty Gang. Surrounded by his men, he stepped out of the hotel with a steady gait, accompanied by his confidants and the lover who had spent countless sleepless nights with him. He pushed aside the subordinate holding an umbrella for him, looked up at the sky, and let out a long sigh. For some reason, he had felt oppressed these past few days—perhaps due to the rain, or maybe because Xuan Zidan and Tan Xiaochun had disappeared without explanation. As he gazed upward in exasperation, a motorcycle sped past them on the road. It slowed down slightly as it passed by, then a dark figure shot out from the rider and headed straight for Men Chuanfang’s face. Before he could react, his subordinate screamed and pushed him hard aside. With a thud, the dark figure landed, and everyone stepped forward to pick it up. Upon looking down, they saw it was a card with a black background and a blood-red character “Kill” covering more than half of it. “Ah! A death notice!” Men Chuanfang exclaimed in shock upon seeing it. His men, without hesitation, drew their weapons and chased after the motorcycle. But Men Chuanfang stood frozen, holding the death notice, his eyes unblinking. He had only heard of the Black Death Notices before, but now it was in his hands, and various rumors rushed through his mind. “What’s wrong?” his lover asked, puzzled by his mood, her big eyes wide with surprise. “Nothing, I’m just scared,” Men Chuanfang replied, but someone else answered for him. A figure emerged from the hotel, completely dressed in black, as if merged with the darkness. A black cloth covered his mouth, and his eyes emitted a piercing glow. Men Chuanfang quickly turned his head, his eyes wide, his heart pounding. “Who are you? Blood Killer?” By the time he spoke, the man in black was already about ten meters away, but as soon as he finished speaking, the man was right in front of him. His empty hands suddenly held a knife—a flawless, pure-steel machete. Before Men Chuanfang could react, the man swung the knife. It was too fast; he didn’t even feel pain, only a chill in his chest, as if ice had suddenly entered his body, freezing his entire heart. The world around him began to blur. He seemed to hear his lover’s screams and his subordinates’ angry shouts in the distance, but nothing mattered anymore.

Men Chuanfang slowly collapsed to the ground. The man in black pulled out his knife expressionlessly, habitually shook off the blood from it, cast a cold glance at the girl beside him who was shouting in desperation, said nothing, and darted past her to head straight for the street. Midway there, a motorcycle arrived just in time, as if it had been planned in advance. Without waiting for the motorcycle to stop, the man in black leaped onto it. With a “hiss,” a wisp of black smoke appeared, and the motorcycle vanished instantly at the end of the street. Everything happened so quickly that all that remained was a corpse and the black card still in his hand. Men Chuanfang’s assassination was just the beginning, not the end. With his death, the deadly black notices spread widely, causing panic among people. Within a few days, no less than seven leaders within the Zhongyi Gang died as a result of these notices. At that time, the entire Shanghai underworld was shocked—they finally realized the terrifying nature of these killings, a horror that made even dreams terrifying. A small card, the black notice, had become a curse for death; once issued, it never failed to bring about death.