The River Gang, Wanyan Shun

Wang Yue walked through the streets of Changyun County, carrying a cloth bag containing stone slabs.

On both sides of the street, Wang Clan disciples were visible everywhere. Some were squatting by the roadside, digging up the ground with hoes, their faces grim as dirt was scattered to the side.

Others were arguing with the common folk, who, with faces full of confusion, tugged at the disciples' sleeves, asking why they were digging pits in front of their homes.

Still others entered the houses facing the street. The owners of these residences not only did not obstruct them but instead greeted them with clasped hands and polite smiles, clearly having received advance notice.

As Wang Yue walked and observed, he mused to himself, "The Clan Leader said 'the entire county has been taken care of,' and it seems his words are true. Aside from the uninformed common folk who might put up resistance, the influential families and gang powers already know about this."

He avoided the arguing crowds and headed west along the street.

About half an hour later, a magnificent mansion appeared before him. A black plaque hung on the vermilion gates, with the words "River Gang" written in gold powder. Two guards armed with long sabers stood at the entrance, their gazes contemptuously sweeping over passersby.

The River Gang was the second most powerful force in Changyun County, second only to the Wang Clan. They had over a thousand members, controlled the county's water transport docks, operated over a dozen shops within the city, and most importantly, had three Energy Refining Realm experts as their backbone, possessing considerable strength.

Wang Yue took a deep breath and walked forward, carrying the cloth bag. He cupped his hands towards the guards at the gate and said politely, "Greetings, esteemed brother. I have been sent by my clan, under the orders of the Clan Leader, to bury something within your gang's territory. Please inform your superiors."

The guard, who appeared to be in his early twenties, had a somewhat honest look on his face. Upon hearing Wang Yue's words, he was momentarily bewildered, scratching his head with a blank expression. He was just an ordinary gang member and had never heard anything about "the Wang Clan sending someone to bury things."

Just as Wang Yue was about to explain further, the guard suddenly slapped his forehead as if remembering something, his eyes lighting up. "Oh! I remember now! The Hall Master specifically instructed this morning that if anyone from the Wang Clan came, I was to report it immediately. Please wait a moment, I'll go report it right away!"

Without waiting for Wang Yue's response, he turned and ran into the courtyard, shouting as he went, "Someone from the Wang Clan is here! Someone from the Wang Clan is here! Quickly tell the Hall Master to come out!"

Wang Yue stood at the gate, listening to his shouts, finding it both amusing and exasperating. These martial world figures were indeed more direct than those from influential families; even their reporting methods were so ostentatious.

If it were a young master from a noble family in the city, they would likely politely inquire about the identity first before slowly going to report. This was probably the unique difference between people of the martial world and those from prominent families.

Inside the courtyard, the gang member ran all the way, passing through the training ground in the front courtyard and heading straight for the Hall Master's study in the back. The gang members he encountered along the way looked at him askance due to his haste, but no one dared to stop him.

He kicked open the study door and, panting, rushed to the desk, shouting at the middle-aged man reading a book, "Hall Master Wanyan! The Wang Clan... A very tall and sturdy young lad from the Wang Clan is here, saying he wants to bury something in our gang!"

The middle-aged man was none other than Wanyan Shun, the Hall Master of the River Gang. He was about forty years old, tall, with a resolute face, dressed in a dark blue martial uniform. Hearing the gang member's shout, his brows immediately furrowed. He put down the book in his hand and said with a hint of displeasure, "So reckless, what kind of deportment is this!"

He tapped a portrait on the desk with his finger and said coldly, "Did you forget the portraits of the Wang Clan members in the city that I showed you earlier? Who is it? Is it an ordinary Wang Clan disciple?"

The gang member was stunned by the question, stammering and unable to speak. He had been distracted when looking at the portraits that morning. He only remembered that the person in the portrait was a Wang Clan disciple but didn't remember who it was specifically.

Just as Wanyan Shun's expression grew increasingly grim, the gang member's eyes suddenly lit up, and he slapped his thigh. "I remember now! It's Wang Daoling! That kid is tall and sturdy, exactly like the person in the portrait!"

"Wang Daoling?" Wanyan Shun was taken aback for a moment, then a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth curved upwards. "Oh? It's actually him."

Wang Daoling was a prominent figure among the younger generation of the Wang Clan and was always regarded as the representative of the Wang Clan when they were abroad. The fact that the Wang Clan had sent him personally to the River Gang this time clearly showed them great respect.

Wanyan Shun stood up, adjusted his robes, and quickly headed towards the gate. Before he even left the study, his voice had already traveled out, "It's just a small matter of burying some things, isn't it? Nephew Daoling, it's too formal for the Wang family to send you personally!"

He strode out of the gate with light steps, a warm smile on his face. But when he saw the person standing at the gate, his smile instantly froze, and his expression darkened. Although the person before him had a similar build, it wasn't Wang Daoling at all!

Wanyan Shun abruptly turned around and glared fiercely at the gang member behind him, his eyes icy. The gang member trembled under his gaze, quickly lowered his head, and dared not speak.

Wang Yue, witnessing this scene, understood immediately. He guessed that the gang member had mistaken him for someone else. Suppressing a smile, he stepped forward, cupped his hands towards Wanyan Shun, and said calmly, "Hall Master Wanyan, there's no need to be angry. My Senior Brother Daoling and I are both disciples of the Wang Clan, and we do share some resemblance in our features, so it's normal to be mistaken."

Hearing this, Wanyan Shun's expression slightly eased. He carefully examined Wang Yue, finding him increasingly familiar, and suddenly recalled the recent rumors in the county.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "You... you are Wang Yue? I didn't expect you to be the rising star of the Wang Clan. We've heard many rumors about you in the city."

"It's nothing worth mentioning," Wang Yue cupped his hands again. "May I ask for your esteemed name?"

Wanyan Shun secretly nodded. Facing him, an Energy Refining Realm martial artist, Wang Yue remained neither humble nor arrogant. He was far superior to the brash youngsters he usually encountered, and he immediately felt a sense of goodwill towards him.

He also put away his previous displeasure, returned the greeting with cupped hands, and said in a calm tone, "Wanyan Shun. I hope Nephew Wang can understand."

Upon hearing the name "Wanyan Shun," Wang Yue was slightly startled. He had heard Wang Shuo mention the three Energy Refining Realm experts of the River Gang. Among them, Wanyan Shun was in his prime, with abundant Qi and Blood and profound internal energy. His "Wave-Breaking Fist" was practiced to perfection!

Wang Yue cupped his hands again. "So it is Hall Master Wanyan by name. I am Wang Yue, a junior, paying my respects to a senior."

Wang Yue's respectful yet not timid demeanor further increased Wanyan Shun's good impression. A hearty smile spread across his face, and he waved his hand. "No need for such formality. We are all forces within Changyun City; we see each other often, so there's no need to be so reserved."

He stepped aside, making way, and gestured, "It's windy outside. Nephew, please come in and sit. We can discuss the matter of burying things after a cup of tea."

Wang Yue did not refuse and followed Wanyan Shun into the River Gang's gates.

The scene within the courtyard was completely different from the imposing presence at the entrance. After passing through the training ground in the front courtyard and circling a rockery, a lavishly decorated main hall appeared before them. Golden silk ribbons were wrapped around the hall's pillars, and several landscape paintings adorned the walls. While not masterpieces by famous artists, they exuded a certain elegance.

The floor was paved with smooth marble, polished to a mirror shine.

Inside the hall, over a dozen red sandalwood tables and chairs were arranged. The armrests and backs of the tables and chairs were carved with exquisite patterns, clearly indicating their considerable value.

"Nephew, please have a seat." Wanyan Shun walked to the red sandalwood chair beside the main seat and sat down, then gestured to the chair opposite him.

Wang Yue thanked him and sat down. As soon as he was settled, a gang member entered carrying a pot of steaming hot tea and skillfully poured them both a cup before bowing and withdrawing. The entire process was quiet and orderly, showing no trace of the crudeness typically associated with martial arts gangs.

Wanyan Shun picked up his teacup, gently blew on the foam, and his gaze fell upon the cloth bag at Wang Yue's feet. He got straight to the point, asking, "Nephew, does this bag contain the items you intend to bury within the River Gang's territory?"

"Precisely," Wang Yue replied softly, not hiding anything. He casually lifted the cloth bag, opened its mouth, revealing the grayish-blue stone slabs inside. "These are the stone slabs inscribed with symbols. The Clan Leader ordered them to be buried at various locations throughout the county."

Wanyan Shun put down his teacup and leaned forward, carefully examining the symbols on the stone slabs. His brows gradually furrowed. These symbols were distorted and strange, resembling neither writing nor formation diagrams. In his forty-plus years, he had seen many precious treasures and ancient texts but had never encountered similar symbols.

"These stone slabs look ordinary, and apart from these peculiar symbols, I can't discern any divine properties. What is their purpose when buried underground?" Wanyan Shun couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked, "Nephew, do you know the purpose of these items?"

Hearing this, Wang Yue also frowned, a look of helplessness appearing on his face. "To be frank, Senior, the Clan Leader only ordered us to bury the stone slabs, specifying the density and range of burial, but did not inform us of their function. I also do not know the purpose of these stone slabs."

He was telling the truth. From the moment he received the mission at the martial arts field until now, his understanding of the stone slabs was limited to "bury one every thirty meters." As for why they were being buried and what their purpose was, he knew nothing.

Seeing that he didn't seem to be lying, Wanyan Shun's doubt deepened, but he didn't press further. This matter was reportedly being manipulated by the Dragon Transformation Sect from behind the scenes. Since Wang Yue was unaware of the details, there was no point in questioning him further.

He changed the subject and asked, "Then, how should these stone slabs be buried? Should they be buried in specific locations, or can they be buried anywhere?"

"The clan leader only said to bury one every thirty meters within a radius, without specifying exact locations, as long as the area is covered."

Wang Yue replied truthfully, "However, when burying them, a pit half a meter deep needs to be dug, the stone slab placed flat inside, and then covered with soil. The slab must not be exposed."

After all, if Wang Yue buried them, the people from the River Gang would see him, and there was no need to lie.

Wanyan Shun nodded upon hearing this, then called out towards the hall, "Someone!"

Very quickly, a gang member dressed in gray tight-fitting clothing walked in and bowed, "Hall Master, what are your orders?"

"You take ten brothers, grab shovels and hoes, and within the area of our River Gang's base and the three surrounding streets, bury one stone slab every thirty meters." Wanyan Shun commanded calmly, "Remember, dig a pit half a meter deep, place the slab flat, and after burying it, compact the soil so no traces are left."

"Yes!" The gang member respectfully acknowledged, then turned to gather his men.

"Wait!" Wang Yue suddenly spoke, standing up and cupping his hands towards Wanyan Shun, "Hall Master Wanyan, allow me to do it myself. This is a task the clan leader entrusted to me, it would be too much trouble to ask the brothers of the gang."

He hadn't intended to bother others in the first place, and furthermore, the purpose of the stone slabs was unclear. Having the River Gang members bury them felt somewhat inappropriate.

Wanyan Shun, however, waved his hand and said with a smile, "Nephew, there's no need to be so polite. It's just a small matter of burying a few stone slabs, why would you need to do it yourself?"

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning, "Moreover, including the three surrounding streets means the area is not small. If you do it alone, I fear you'll be busy until dark. More importantly, the unruly folk on those streets might dig up the slabs out of curiosity. If I have my men bury them and keep an eye on them, it will save a lot of trouble."

Wang Yue's heart stirred upon hearing this. Wanyan Shun made sense; it would indeed be time-consuming and labor-intensive for him to bury the stone slabs on ten streets by himself. Moreover, if the common people dug up the slabs out of curiosity, he would have to find and rebury them, which would be even more troublesome.

The River Gang had deep roots in the surrounding area. Having their members bury and watch over the slabs was indeed the best option.

He no longer refused and cupped his hands towards Wanyan Shun in thanks, "Since that's the case, thank you very much, Hall Master Wanyan. I am deeply grateful."

"It's just a small effort," Wanyan Shun chuckled, picking up his teacup. "Nephew, please have some tea first. Once the brothers are ready, I'll take you to see the burial locations. Rest assured, I will have them follow your requirements precisely, and there will be no mistakes."

Wang Yue nodded in agreement, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. The tea was mellow and sweet, clearly a fine quality brew.