Free Web NovelChapter 2124: Chapter 2326: Downfall!!!
"To adapt to the circumstances is to be a wise hero. If you agree now, pack up and leave Yun City immediately, I estimate you might still have some capital to start fresh somewhere else without going hungry, and live properly," Hao Jian smiled, saying, "If you’re deluded into thinking there’s a chance for a rebound, then let me advise you: it’s best to face the reality and live honestly."
With these words, Long Yi and Long Er already sensed the odd looks from the people around them. They had expanded too fast previously, always wanting to grow stronger, leveraging their might over weaker forces and absorbing them one by one. Some forces surrendered easily, while those resisting fiercely faced extreme measures — they understood this well.
So, when Hao Jian brought up the issue, feeling the intense killing intent from their gaze, the realization hit Long Yi and Long Er hard.
Long Er wore an angry expression. Barely an hour ago, he was still swaggering, feeling superior wherever he went. No one dared provoke him; everyone who approached him did so with fawning smiles, and daring to defy him would have been suicidal.
Now, not only do they disregard him utterly, but their gaze also carries the urge to beat him badly, which makes him quite displeased. The most infuriating part is, despite the displeasure, he doesn’t dare to utter a single word, only allowing himself to glare angrily.
Meanwhile, Long Yi rapidly weighed the pros and cons, contemplating Hao Jian’s words. He wasn’t foolish, unlike the furious Long Er. He could see clearly the situation laid out by Hao Jian — whether to comply with Hao Jian’s demands, pack up, and leave Yun City, or fight to the end, possibly ending up with nothing.
His brow furrowed deeply; within a short period, Hao Jian had thoroughly analyzed the situation’s pros and cons. Listening, Long Yi understood well enough — now he was left with just the need to choose, having no real control over anything else.
Recollecting one or two hours ago, Long Yi had been a leader of a significant force. "Thirty years rising and thirty years setting," he now profoundly comprehended this saying. His brow furrowed, face in turmoil as he appeared to start deciding.
"No way!" Long Er suddenly lashed out angrily, "A bunch of trash dare make demands in front of me, Long Er? Just watch how I deal with you, you..."
Yet before Long Er could finish, Long Yi pulled him back, stopping further outbursts. Long Er looked at him puzzled, wanting to speak more but finding no words as he saw Long Yi’s unusually serious expression, which made him suppress his words.
"Let’s go," Long Yi then said in a low voice.
His words rang like thunder, stunning everyone. None expected Long Yi to agree so readily, complying with Hao Jian’s demands. Long Yi, a founder of the Axe Gang managing many people, reluctant to shy away despite his disadvantage, proved he could maintain composure.
But despite this, after Hao Jian’s discourse, he was swayed. Clearly, Hao Jian’s words intimidated him, forcing him to choose wisely, opting for the most beneficial path.
When Long Yi made the decision, he resolved firmly. Imagine the struggle to secure territory, only to enjoy it briefly before losing it all and being driven away — what would one feel?
Long Yi, Long Er, and Long San started as mere gangsters but built everything slowly. However, they overstepped, focusing solely on conquest without management, leading to public outrage. Abruptly needing to fall from prominence to obscurity was a bitter pill.
Yet with the proverbial knife to his throat, Long Yi had to choose. Otherwise, he risked a severe beating and, with Hao Jian merely making a call, losing everything achieved by hard work.
Yet if he could humble himself and seek Hao Jian’s forgiveness, and then leave, packing up would at least mean relocating with some assets. Those with power can start anew wherever they go, albeit from scratch.
The night’s challenges had drained him significantly. Recovery would take time and financial effort, meaning another depletion might be unsustainable.
Having weighed the pros and cons, Long Yi had to make an unbearable decision but one maximizing benefits.
"Big brother!" At hearing this, Long Er broke down and grabbed Long Yi, exclaiming passionately, "How could you say this? We fought hard for this territory; abandoning it is unacceptable!"
"Slap!" Long Yi, not waiting for Long Er to finish, struck him on the face — a resoundingly crisp morale-shattering slap heard by all. Faces around were stunned; none expected Long Yi to personally hit Long Er.
Long Er seemed dumbfounded, standing in shock while Long Yi coldly said: "Enough, I’m in charge here; my word is final. Stop dissenting, prepare to leave, and let’s collect Old Three before departing."
"Boss!" Long Er pleaded again.
Yet this time Long Yi didn’t hit him, only casting a stern glare his way. Long Er knew once Long Yi reached a decision, change was impossible. His eyes revealed much, silencing Long Er. He shoved aside those blocking him and rushed to carry out Long Yi’s orders.
Now Baldy signaled some guys, and five or six followed Long Er closely, ensuring no slip-ups as he worked.
Long Yi faced Hao Jian again, his gaze indecipherable as he said: "I’ve agreed, we’re leaving Yun City. Isn’t it time these relentless gazes ceased? Am I still somehow threatening?"
Hao Jian smiled subtly, motioning silently for everyone to look away, their eyes losing previous boldness.
"You’ve got half an hour to pack up and leave, or face consequences," Hao Jian said blandly, departing swiftly.
Soon after, Baldy and Big Rotten Fortune followed, leaving others to monitor Long Yi, with more scattered around Rufeng Hotel to signal any oddities, ready to act. But now, even if Long Yi wanted to resist, he lacked any scepter for leverage.
Half an hour later, Hao Jian sat in the hotel lobby with Baldy and Big Rotten Fortune, awaiting. Gradually, Long Yi and Long Er approached, bringing only a safe and few belongings, leaving other items behind.
Hao Jian cared little for those things, wanting only control. Smiling quietly, he addressed Long Yi: "Live and let live; otherwise, self-destruction is assured."
His words were for both Long Yi and Long Er, but also Big Rotten Fortune and Baldy. In their world, one shouldn’t go to extremes; today’s rivals could be tomorrow’s allies. The Axe Gang’s rapid rise caused Long Yi and his partners to lose sight, neglecting moderation, leading quickly to ruin.
Afterward, Hao Jian left other matters to Baldy and Big Rotten Fortune, waiting in his car for them.
Soon, Baldy and Big Rotten Fortune joined him inside.
"Everything settled?" Hao Jian inquired.
Baldy nodded, confirming, "It’s all done as instructed. Long Yi is gone, seven or eight men trail him until he leaves Yun City, ready to alert if anything unusual occurs."
Hao Jian silently nodded, saying no more.
Truly, as a great tree falls, so too do its reliant leaves wither.
Now that Long Yi’s power stripped away, the associates depending on him quickly disbanded.
They survived under Long Yi’s shadow; now he and partners have fallen, providing no authority or protection, scattering them immediately.
