Simply Lawless!

After a brief moment of shock, Cao Xiong quickly recovered and was overjoyed.

To gain such a gem as Li Xian was truly heaven-sent for our Canoe Gang!

Cao Xiong said with a laugh, "Life and death are fated, wealth and honor are from heaven. Today's decisive battle ends here!"

These words served as a complete punctuation mark to the day's fighting.

As the victor, Li Xian naturally soared to great heights, his future bright.

And Zhang Yangming, as the loser, would only become dust in history, forgotten by everyone in the near future.

It was truly a lamentable fate for a once powerful and influential figure in Yangzhou City.

This news was destined to shake all of Yangzhou City.

The next day, in the major teahouses, restaurants, and eateries of Yangzhou City, countless people were discussing the matter.

"Did you hear? Something big happened with the Canoe Gang!"

"What happened? Tell me more."

"A Deputy Gang Leader of the Canoe Gang is dead."

"Hiss, who dared to kill a Canoe Gang Deputy Gang Leader? They must have had the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard."

"Didn't a Hall Master just die a while ago? Now a Deputy Gang Leader is dead too. Is the Canoe Gang about to undergo a major change?"

"Don't spout nonsense if you don't know. That Deputy Gang Leader died at the hands of his own people."

"Died at the hands of his own people? What's going on? Tell me in detail."

This piqued everyone's curiosity, and they eagerly joined the lively discussion.

Through the fragmented words of those in the know, the grievances between Li Xian and Zhang Yangming were laid bare.

"How old is that Steward Li? Nineteen? Not even twenty?"

"He's a Hall Master now, not a steward."

"Really? He became a Hall Master so quickly?"

"Absolutely true. My brother is a Canoe Gang disciple. He told me this morning that Li Xian is already a Hall Master. Gang Leader Cao himself issued his token!"

"A Hall Master under twenty years old, terrifying indeed!"

Hearing this, everyone gasped in amazement once more.

At this point, someone said thoughtfully.

"I think Zhang Yangming's son was also killed by Li Xian."

Others chimed in.

"It's an obvious matter, there's just no evidence to prove it."

"Such things don't require evidence, everyone knows it in their hearts."

"That guy surnamed Li is truly ruthless. He killed both father and son just because they stole his credit."

"He probably wanted this outcome, so no one in the Canoe Gang will dare to offend him in the future."

"With such strength and resolve at such a young age, I fear the Canoe Gang will have another major figure soon."

"I heard that within the Canoe Gang now, besides Gang Leader Cao, no one dares to provoke Hall Master Li. Even the Deputy Gang Leaders, External Affairs Envoys, and elders with the longest seniority avoid him."

"A true man should be like this!"

In a secluded room, two individuals of mysterious identity met again.

"I didn't expect him to actually be able to create a miracle."

"I am also very surprised by this outcome."

"It seems his aptitude isn't just middle-to-upper Grade A, it's likely top-tier Grade A."

"That's no longer important. We need to ask upstairs if we should recruit him into the organization immediately."

"Upstairs's intention is to wait a bit longer."

"Still waiting? With such aptitude, we're still waiting?"

"Upstairs feels his aptitude is too good. They fear he'll attract too much attention and expose us if too many people target him."

"That makes some sense, I suppose."

"Then we'll follow upstairs's wishes and wait a bit longer."

"Seconded!"

Yangzhou City's excitement over one person's name naturally drew the attention of the city's upper echelons.

In the Governor's Mansion, within an elegant pavilion.

As the newly appointed Qingzhou Governor, Zheng Ningji hosted a banquet for Yangzhou City's prominent figures and upper class on this day.

After several rounds of drinks, Governor Zheng, emboldened by the alcohol, asked the crowd below with a smile, "Everyone, have you heard any of the recent rumors circulating in Yangzhou City?"

Yangzhou City is so large, countless things happen every day, who knows which one you're referring to.

"May I ask what Governor Zheng is referring to?"

Zheng Ningji said, "I heard that the Canoe Gang recently lost a Deputy Gang Leader?"

So that's what it's about.

If you're talking about this, then we're all ears.

Officials below who understood the full story began to passionately recount the incident of the Canoe Gang Deputy Gang Leader's death.

Zheng Ningji listened intently, a smile on his face, while rhythmically tapping his wooden table.

"This is simply lawless!"

Suddenly, he roared.

The officials below were startled and stopped, looking up to see Governor Zheng's face full of rage, his eyes emitting a fearsome glow.

"In the Dagan Dynasty, in Qingzhou Prefecture, in Yangzhou City, a street murder and assault has occurred! This completely disregards my Dagan's laws. This Canoe Gang is simply too much!"

Faced with Zheng Ningji's furious outburst, the others exchanged glances, unsure what to do.

This has always been the way, hasn't it?

The Canoe Gang in Yangzhou City has always been like this; it's the unspoken rule.

Could it be...

The new Governor wants to take on the Canoe Gang?

The moment this thought arose, the officials below shivered.

This is not something to be trifled with.

It could lead to a bloodbath!

Previous governors had entertained similar thoughts, but faced with the deeply entrenched and complex power of the Canoe Gang, coupled with their understanding of how to grease the wheels by offering timely tributes, they eventually abandoned the idea and let things be.

And now this Governor Zheng again?

Everyone present was intelligent. At this moment, they all fell silent, deciding it was best to keep their heads down and play the turtle.

Zheng Ningji continued, "Not long ago, I heard from my subordinates that the Canoe Gang was running rampant in Yangzhou City, disregarding the law, even going so far as to blockade West Lake and prevent outsiders from entering or leaving. At first, I didn't quite believe it. Now it seems the Canoe Gang has only gotten worse. If this gang isn't disciplined, Yangzhou City will never know peace!"

As he spoke, he turned his head and said to the person on his left.

"Commander Yuan, what are your thoughts?"

Commander Yuan's full name was Yuan Benyu, the Chief Commander of the Demon Suppressing Division of Qingzhou Prefecture.

Yangzhou City was the prefectural capital of Qingzhou, and both the Governor's Mansion and the Chief Commander's Office were located there.

In essence, he and Zheng Ningji were of the same rank.

From the beginning until now, he had been observing Zheng Ningji's performance with a detached gaze.

Only when Governor Zheng directed the question to him did he chuckle and say, "Demonic Evil disturbances within Qingzhou Prefecture have been increasing recently, and my manpower is stretched thin. I'm afraid I won't be able to assist Governor Zheng."

Zheng Ningji magnanimously replied, "It's fine. Commander Yuan, you go ahead and handle your own affairs. I will take care of the rest."

The implication was clear: since you won't help me, you also cannot help the other side.

He was determined to take on the Canoe Gang!

Yangzhou City, I fear, is truly about to undergo a drastic change!