Subtle Ripples

Zhang Lin, a Hall Master of the Blood Eagle Gang.

When such a person died, naturally, the news would quickly reach his Gang Leader.

Furthermore, because the Blood Eagle Gang and the Iron Hand Gang were currently allied, appearing friendly and respectful, the leaders of both gangs, along with their Hall Masters and key members, gathered in the narrow space before the headless corpse.

Unusually, they did not torment innocent people this time, only asking for witness accounts.

It wasn't that they didn't want to kill someone to vent their anger, but simply because the turmoil from the previous chaotic battle had not truly subsided.

The Hall Masters and gang members didn't know this, but could the two Gang Leaders be unaware?

They were merely keeping a tight lid on things to prevent widespread panic!

Therefore, being cautious now was always the right move.

"Wearing black clothes, standing tall and straight, face unseen, didn't utter a word from beginning to end, moved with extreme speed and ferocity, killed Zhang Lin in a single encounter..."

The Blood Eagle Gang Leader muttered, unable to help but glance at the Iron Hand Gang Leader beside him.

This Gang Leader was also dressed in black and stood very straight.

Moreover, the entire style of the Iron Hand Gang was black; everyone wore black clothing...

"Brother, you know me! This must be a trick by the Green Robe Gang!"

Seeing the gazes from the Blood Eagle Gang, from their Gang Leader down to the Hall Masters, fall upon them with a strange intensity, the Iron Hand Gang Leader couldn't help but exclaim.

The moment he spoke, he fell from grace, losing all semblance of a master's demeanor. This was in stark contrast to the consistent descriptions in the witness testimonies.

Damn it! What are you looking at?!

The Iron Hand Gang Leader was furious.

If not for the current circumstances, why would he be in such a subordinate position, enduring such contemptuous glances?

This is truly damnable!

The most damnable was the Green Robe Gang!

Within the spheres of influence of the three gangs, the overall situation, while seemingly calm and stable, was actually rife with undercurrents.

Simply put, the Green Robe Gang was not content with just what they had gained this time!

However, facing the alliance of the two gangs and their defensive stance, they had no way to strike.

Therefore, if they could cause internal strife within these two gangs...

"Little brother, don't overthink it. How could I possibly suspect you!"

The Blood Eagle Gang Leader came back to his senses and quickly appeased him, then his face contorted with rage. "It's common knowledge that the Green Robe Gang wants to sow discord between us. Just a few days ago, suspicious figures were lurking around my territory, and I scared them off when I discovered them."

"Oh? You had them too, brother?" The Iron Hand Gang Leader seemed surprised, then his expression turned displeased. "I did have an encounter with one of them, an assassin from the Green Robe Gang. I even injured him, but unfortunately, he was fast and I couldn't catch him in the end."

"Hmph! It really was the Green Robe Gang!"

"Vile, hateful Green Robe Gang!"

With their opinions aligned, the other Hall Masters and key members were also filled with righteous anger.

However, after their fury subsided, a sense of helplessness emerged.

"Sigh~ The end of the year is approaching, and our gang members have been very tired lately, busy helping the Foremen fill in the gaps in their achievements."

"Isn't that the truth? Hmph! For now, we can only let the Green Robe Gang off the hook. We'll settle the score after the New Year!"

Though they said this, they lacked real confidence.

Seeing their Gang Leaders preparing to let the matter go easily, the Hall Masters were first stunned, then fear and worry began to grow.

The Gang Leaders, at Late-stage Qi Refining, still had the power to protect themselves. As for their own strength, even if it was greater than Zhang Lin's, how much greater could it be? They were still only Mid-stage Qi Refining, weren't they?

Harboring such worries, they dispersed with trepidation, fearing that another Green Robe Gang assassin might suddenly appear and blow their heads off.

Anxiety is contagious.

When Du En and the others went out as usual the next morning, they easily sensed this.

Mainly, these scoundrels, who lived by extorting the hard-earned money of others, had grown plump and strong, surpassing ordinary low-level individuals. Thus, among the hunched and weak, they stood out conspicuously.

Fear and unease were reflected in their eyes.

Trembling could be seen in their actions.

What happened?

The Corpse Buriers exchanged glances, while Du En silently blended in.

Unlike the others around him, he was thinking about whether Zhang Lin's corpse would appear before him in some sinister manner.

If not, then everyone would be happy.

If it did, it would prove that the hidden Evil Cultivator had not only not been eliminated, but was likely targeting him specifically!

With their thoughts racing, their steps did not falter.

They arrived at the desolate burial ground.

"Huh?"

Ning Caize's face was filled with shock. He quickly ran to a headless corpse, looking it over carefully. The more he looked, the more surprised he became, and a hint of joy also surfaced.

Wei Ming was very confused, and the other three were also somewhat bewildered.

"Old Ning, what's going on?"

"Brother Ning, do you recognize this corpse?"

"Alright, old man, stop playing coy."

"Yeah, spit it out already. The boss is waiting."

"No need to rush."

Du En said calmly, stepping to Ning Caize's side.

Looking at Zhang Lin's corpse, he subtly observed. He could basically confirm that no one else had touched it.

The situation was trending towards the better.

So, was Lu Xiang's corpse last time just a coincidence?

While he was thinking, Ning Caize had already finished his identification.

"It's Zhang Lin! I wouldn't be mistaken! This guy..."

He couldn't help but mumble quickly, many words jumbled together.

Clearly, Ning Caize had suffered a lot because of Zhang Lin.

So, finally, suppressing the urge to cough, he became very excited: "Hahaha, this beast is finally dead! Good riddance! This is the best New Year's gift!"

As he spoke, he grinned again, looking at the others, his smile unceasing: "Moreover, with Zhang Lin dead, the other small fries are probably already trembling in fear. It looks like we can have a happy and comfortable New Year!"

The others reacted now, all smiling broadly.

Although they didn't know which hero had done the deed, it didn't matter. They just wanted to say thank you.

Amidst the joy, Du En also nodded slightly.

Then, he said calmly, "Alright, now that we've had our fun, let's get to work. And Old Ning, don't get too excited, or you'll have a hard time recovering later."

"Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough..."

You spoke too late!

Ning Caize, who had choked while excited, widened his eyes and coughed violently, as if his lungs were about to burst.

A classic case of joy turning into sorrow.

This immediately brought the others back to their senses. They couldn't help but smile helplessly, only able to help him recover a bit before starting the work of burying the bodies.