Free Web NovelChapter 668: Chapter 260: Victory Settlement
"Who the hell is being a traitor, let me know and I’ll skin you alive!" Li Chao’s fiery personality exploded instantly, shouting angrily.
Dragon Spine quietly looked at Li Chao, "Old Li, we’ve known each other for so many years, why?"
Everyone’s faces changed dramatically. How could it be? Among the eight captains, Li Chao was the most loose-tongued, impatient in temper, but his character was unquestionable.
"Captain Long, what nonsense are you talking? Don’t force me to turn against you!" Li Chao shouted angrily, his eyes red.
"Old Li, I’ve suspected for years there’s a traitor among our Night Patrol, but couldn’t pinpoint who. You keep crying poor, yet your life isn’t poor at all," Dragon Spine said calmly.
"Dragon Spine, stop stirring up trouble! Who doesn’t get a little side cash? I’m doing it for the brothers, or should we starve?"
Dragon Spine shook his head, "Actually, I wanted Hong Jiu to do the delivery that day, but you insisted on sending it. Did you take the opportunity while Li Xin was drunk to pry into his plans?"
Li Xin also remembered Li Chao probing his plans on the way back, but he wasn’t drunk.
Everyone looked at Li Xin, who did not refute the claim, evidently admitting to it.
Then Dragon Spine threw out a red feathered serpent, "Have you always wondered why it never returned?"
This was Li Chao’s Messenger. Li Chao snorted coldly, "Damn it, since you know, there’s no point in pretending. Yes, I did it; I just want to live like a human!"
So saying, Li Chao removed his Scarlet Coiled Dragon badge and threw it away, "From now on, I, Li Chao, am no longer a Night Patrol."
Hua Qianzhan smiled gently, "Lord Li, you’re too serious. People move up in the world. Welcome Lord Li to join the Hundred Martial Hall. Someone as talented as you is truly wasted in Night Patrol."
Li Chao stood next to Hua Qianzhan, seemingly still a bit unwilling, but at this point, aligning himself immediately was the best option, or he would be reckoned with.
The deep friendship over the years, Hong Jiu and others clearly couldn’t accept Li Chao’s betrayal, all glaring furiously.
"For the sake of our years of brotherhood, our relationship ends here. Remember, don’t become entangled with Night Patrol anymore." Dragon Spine coldly stared at Li Chao, speaking word by word.
No matter what reason or necessity justified Li Chao’s betrayal, his leak nearly caused Night Patrol’s total loss. Fortunately, Li Xin carried the flag.
Hua Qianzhan left with Li Chao and the people from the Hundred Martial Hall, and the clash between Night Patrol and Hundred Martial Hall ended with Night Patrol’s overwhelming victory.
Rules and pricing were set, and since so many people were mobilized, Night Patrol immediately started collecting management fees that day. Both Silver Market and Copper Market cooperated completely, even some stall owners asked how much to pay, and surprisingly showed reluctance when informed they didn’t need to pay.
The entire Black Market was orderly, without the chaos and unrest rumored during this time. The takeover was extremely smooth; naturally, Night Patrol needed to manage the Black Water Bar, the entrance and exit point. In fact, a cup of ’Moon in the Well’ was already considered the entrance fee for guests, a substantial income due to the large quantity, and provided first-hand personnel information.
This clearly should be managed by Night Patrol, as the Black Market is the largest intelligence and goods trade location in the Underworld. Whether selling or receiving stolen goods happens here, once Night Patrol controls it, they can effectively increase the crime-solving rate.
Men Po knew her captain was capable, but didn’t expect such capability, making no sound until making a shocking impact.
Men Po had prepared for a long time, initially unsure why to do so much when things hadn’t succeeded, now realizing the captain was confident. Poor for half a life, she never dreamed of such a day.
The Underworld follows the law of survival of the fittest. Night Patrol demonstrated their strength, making their replacement of the Hundred Martial Hall logical, though the discord between both sides was certainly formed.
Patir was happy; she earned quite a bit today, winking at Li Xin as she left, while Feili didn’t look pleased—she lost five hundred gold.
Past events involving Lu Shuai left her filled with rage; it wasn’t about the money, but about judgment. Others perceived her judgement and vision weren’t as sharp as Patir’s, which she couldn’t tolerate. Today she stumbled once again, and Hong Ban’s big mouth seemed eager to spread it everywhere.
As the election heated up, competition between the Nalan Family and Hong Family intensified, with the surface calm ready to break at any moment.
After working tirelessly all night, Li Xin returned home to find Kathy and Lin Fei waiting for him. The wine on the table was already empty, Lin Fei’s complexion was good, obviously having learned the outcome.
Lin Fei helped Li Xin hang up his clothes, "You guys chat; I’m going upstairs to sleep. Lots to do at the newspaper tomorrow."
Yawning, seeing Li Xin unharmed, she felt relieved.
Lin Fei went upstairs, Kathy evaluated Li Xin, "Kid, not bad, you handled today’s situation beautifully."
Li Xin plopped down, "Luck played a part. Friends and opponents were quite cooperative."
"Haha, if Hua Qianzhan heard you say that, he’d vomit blood," Kathy laughed.
"Did Dragon Spine and the others come for your sake?" Li Xin asked.
Kathy shook her head, "Not entirely. Since Shadow Owl’s leadership role dispersed, Night Patrol became fragmented, suffering losses over the years while seeking someone to lead. Initially, they considered me, but I’m with the Church Court. You’re the most suitable; you’ve changed greatly, and I think you’re ready this time." freёwebnovel.com
Li Xin smiled, "The world won’t be gentle simply due to avoidance or awe, so come what may."
"Well put; the essence of the world has never changed."
"Do they listen to you like that?" Li Xin asked curiously. Night Patrol was mostly unruly; while listening to Kathy made sense, their firm support was somewhat unexpected.
"Don’t think the worst of people, nor the best. Dragon Spine and others are seasoned veterans, clever enough. The Candy episode aimed to save someone, yet was also their test. I told them the real planner was you, along with Luo Jin’s favor, making sense. You’re a genuine Night Patrol member, with impressive performance in the Celestial Capital and Hedan. The Black Market’s management was your final examination, Night Patrol needs someone young, energetic, with strength. I gained a huge advantage here, and tomorrow morning I’ll impress the Red-robed Archbishops to show them what a triumphant young lady is," Kathy winked playfully.
Though Candy involved only a rough story, its execution relied on Kathy’s scheming. No need to clarify with Sister Kathy.
Love isn’t without reason; people are complex. Considering everything, Dragon Spine and other veterans decided to gamble on Li Xin.
"I think we should seize this opportunity to restore Shadow Owl’s leadership in Night Patrol. I’ll work to facilitate its passage at the Church Court meeting," Kathy continued, "What are your plans?"
"First improve Night Patrol’s overall living conditions, then expand the team, starting with the Canon Law School and Celestial Principle Academy."
"Oh?" Sometimes Kathy found Li Xin hard to understand; often a big boy, yet frighteningly meticulous in action.
"The Moon God’s Court won’t let the Celestial Principle School expand smoothly in Dragon Capital, even the Canon Law School struggles. Dean Mordo’s current low profile is actually right—Unity of Knowledge and Action. The Celestial Principle School has talents; enlist them in Night Patrol for training, killing two birds with one stone," Li Xin laughed.
First nodding, then suddenly realizing, "You want the Celestial Principle School’s influence expanded via Night Patrol’s actions?"
"Reasoning is one means; doing is another method. While progress through action is slow, it’s more solid, addressing the current predicament and achieving multiple wins."
"Great, I’ll handle the Court Church side, and this time Hundred Martial Hall received just the right beating, couldn’t be better. Whatever you do, I’ll fully support!" Kathy said.
"This provides the confidence Sister Kathy gives me," Li Xin nodded.
Warmth filled Kathy’s heart; this is her motivation to live.
The two discussed details briefly; Kathy decided not to return that night, sleeping with Lin Fei.
