Free Web NovelChapter 30: Chapter 30: Uproar in the Gang! The Gang Leader’s Cultivation
「Early the next morning.」
The entirety of Black Stone City was in an uproar.
Everyone in the martial arts world was stunned.
At the Red Sand Gang’s headquarters, the elders and squad leaders all gathered, creating a commotion.
Inside the vast assembly hall, everyone wore a grim expression.
Even Chen Xuan had been summoned early in the morning. He blended into the crowd, deliberately putting on a sullen face.
In the very center of the hall, two mangled corpses lay on stretchers, visible to all.
All the prominent masters in the gang had already gone forward to inspect them.
The killer had been exceptionally vicious, shattering every bone and meridian in Elder Ge and Elder Fang’s bodies...
From the outside, it was impossible to tell what kind of martial arts had been used.
"Gang Leader, we must investigate this! We have to get to the bottom of it. No matter who did this, they must be made to pay the price!"
Right Protector Xiang Tao said through gritted teeth.
"Investigate? How?"
Gang Leader Hong Wentong’s face was livid, his aura terrifying. He roared, "One was killed in the street, the other in his own home! You tell me how we’re supposed to investigate that? Useless! You’re all a bunch of useless fools!"
Xiang Tao’s expression shifted, and he lowered his head without a word.
He knew just as well that this was an impossible case to solve.
But he had to at least show he was taking a stand, didn’t he?
"Gang Leader, Elder Ge and Elder Fang were always affable and rarely made enemies. For them both to be murdered at the same time... judging by the wounds on their bodies, it was clearly the work of a single killer!"
Zuo Qiuyun couldn’t help but say in a low voice, "We should investigate if the two elders have offended anyone recently. If not, could this be retaliation from the Giant Whale Gang or the Thirteen Golden Dragon Fortress!"
The Red Sand Gang had been expanding aggressively lately, leading to conflicts with both the Giant Whale Gang and the Thirteen Golden Dragon Fortress. They had snatched quite a few lucrative opportunities from right under their noses.
It was entirely possible that these two major powers were harboring resentment and retaliating in secret.
"Correct!"
A dark look flashed in Hong Wentong’s eyes. He said coldly, "Investigate. Find out who these two elders have offended recently. Also, keep a close watch on the movements of the Giant Whale Gang and the Thirteen Golden Dragon Fortress. Report anything unusual immediately!"
"Yes, Gang Leader!"
The crowd responded, clasping their fists.
His face dark, Hong Wentong rose and left without another word.
Only then did the crowd begin to disperse.
"Squad Leader Chen..."
Suddenly, a calm and gentle voice came from behind Chen Xuan.
Chen Xuan turned to look.
He saw Zuo Qiuyun, dressed in a scholar’s robe and wearing a smile, walking toward him.
"Greetings, Left Protector."
"No need for such formalities."
The Left Protector smiled faintly and said, "Last time, I sent Elder Ge to see you. From what he told me, it seems you’re still angry with me, aren’t you?"
"I wouldn’t dare."
"It seems you are angry after all."
The Left Protector sighed softly. "To be honest, my hands were tied. The Red Sand Gang is too large, and too many eyes are on me. I could only put on a show for my subordinates. In truth, I still think very highly of you. Why don’t we let bygones be bygones?"
"You’re too kind, Left Protector."
Chen Xuan replied deferentially, but sneered inwardly.
’Let bygones be bygones?’
’The man tried to have me killed!’
"Why don’t you come by my place later for a chat?"
The Left Protector said calmly.
"Well... there are still matters to attend to at the docks. I’m afraid I can’t stay for long!"
Chen Xuan refused.
"Is that so?"
Zuo Qiuyun gave Chen Xuan a meaningful look. "Very well, then. You may go. Elder Ge’s death was so tragic... I wonder what kind of person could possess such methods!"
He patted Chen Xuan’s shoulder and turned to leave.
Chen Xuan’s eyes filled with suspicion as he watched Zuo Qiuyun’s departing figure.
’Is he suspecting me?’
’It makes sense. He ordered Elder Ge to send people to kill me. Now I’m perfectly fine, while Elder Ge is the one who’s dead...’
’How could he not suspect me over this?’
’Anyone with half a brain would know who did it.’
’But even though he suspects me, he doesn’t dare make it public. If he did, the Gang Leader would be the first one to come after him...’
Countless thoughts flashed through Chen Xuan’s mind.
’Right now, the person the Gang Leader is most wary of is clearly Zuo Qiuyun!’
’No, I have to get stronger.’
’Letting Zuo Qiuyun live will be a major problem sooner or later!’
"Squad Leader Chen..."
Suddenly, Su Qingliu ran over. "The Gang Leader wants to see you personally."
"The Gang Leader wants to see me?"
Chen Xuan’s pupils constricted in surprise.
’Could it be that even the Gang Leader suspects me?’
"Did he say what it’s about?" he asked, keeping his expression neutral.
"Don’t worry, it’s a good thing."
Su Qingliu said, "Things have been turbulent within the gang recently. Several squad leaders have already died tragically, and now two elders are dead. The Gang Leader most likely wants to groom you. You’ll understand once you go see him."
"Is that so?"
Chen Xuan’s mind raced, but he followed him nonetheless.
’If the Gang Leader really wanted to take me down, he could have just killed me back in the hall. There’s no need to arrange a private meeting for that. Since it’s a private meeting, it probably isn’t anything bad.’
「A short while later.」
Led by Su Qingliu, he entered a rear courtyard.
The spacious courtyard was filled with all kinds of lush plants. The environment was beautiful, the air was fragrant with flowers, and it presented a unique, scenic view.
Gang Leader Hong Wentong was holding a watering can, quietly watering the plants.
He showed no trace of his earlier anger.
"Greetings, Gang Leader!"
Chen Xuan said with a cupped-fist salute.
"You’re here."
Hong Wentong responded casually, placing the watering can aside. He turned around calmly to face Chen Xuan and asked, "How did it feel to defeat Lu Yao?"
"How did it feel? Nothing special, really."
Chen Xuan mused.
"You know, Lu Yao is the beloved daughter of the Giant Whale Gang’s leader. In terms of talent, she ranks among the top five in all of Black Stone City. After being so thoroughly humiliated by you, the Giant Whale Gang certainly won’t let it go easily. I’m afraid countless troubles will be coming your way. Aren’t you afraid? To say nothing of others, many disciples from the martial arts schools in the city will probably want to avenge her!"
Hong Wentong said with a smile.
"Afraid? I risk life and limb for the gang, so what good would being afraid do? Was I supposed to cower like a turtle in its shell that day? Wouldn’t that have brought complete shame upon our Red Sand Gang?"
Chen Xuan thumped his chest. "Besides, I, Chen Xuan, can do anything but be a coward!"
"Well said."
A strange light flickered in Hong Wentong’s eyes.
Whether his words were true or not, Chen Xuan had indeed backed them up with his actions.
Defeating Lu Yao was proof enough of everything.
"I heard from Qingliu that you’ve also practiced the Vajra Fist?"
Hong Wentong smiled. "Gather all your strength and try hitting me."
He slowly extended a palm, holding it upright in front of him.
"This..."
"Don’t worry, just try!"
Hong Wentong said calmly.
"Yes, Gang Leader!"
Chen Xuan responded.
’I can’t tell if the Gang Leader is testing me. If I really unleash my full power, the Gang Leader will definitely realize I have the strength to completely crush Elder Ge and Elder Fang. At that point, he won’t even need an investigation to know it was me.’
With this in mind, Chen Xuan took a light breath. His muscles tensed in an instant, blue veins bulging like coiling dragons. He suddenly strode forward and threw a fierce punch straight at Hong Wentong’s palm.
BOOM!
The sound was explosive, and the air surged.
Hong Wentong’s body didn’t move an inch.
Chen Xuan’s expression changed slightly. He felt as if his punch had struck cotton, or perhaps a whirlpool. All of its force was rapidly broken down and dissipated, having seemingly no effect at all.
"Transforming Force?"
He revealed a look of shock. free𝑤ebnovel.com
"Correct, this is Transforming Force!"
Hong Wentong’s voice was calm. "It seems you’ve reached the rudimentary stage of the Vajra Fist."
"I just recently reached it."
Chen Xuan replied.
"Not bad at all."
Hong Wentong nodded. "To reach the rudimentary stage of the Vajra Fist in just two days... that level of talent is far beyond that of an ordinary person. Even Qingliu took about a month to get there."
To the side, Su Qingliu’s face was a mixture of complex emotions, and he sighed in admiration.
"You’re too kind, Gang Leader."
Chen Xuan cupped his fists.
"Chen Xuan, I intend to cultivate your talents, but I was worried it wouldn’t be well-received by others, which is why I temporarily placed you at the Qingshui Sect." freeweɓnøvel.com
Hong Wentong patted his shoulder lightly and smiled. "When a suitable opportunity arises, I will naturally promote you to an elder. Here are five Blood Qi Pills. Take them and use them."
He casually picked up a white jade vial from the side and handed it to Chen Xuan.
"Thank you, Gang Leader!"
Chen Xuan accepted it respectfully.
"As for secret manuals, don’t worry. When your cultivation progresses further, you can come to me at any time to request them. I am never stingy when it comes to geniuses,"
Hong Wentong said.
"Yes, Gang Leader!"
Chen Xuan thanked him again.
"Mm, you may go."
Hong Wentong said calmly.
"Your subordinate takes his leave!"
Chen Xuan clasped his fists together and immediately departed.
