White-Robed Youth, Zhao Qinhu

West City.

Black Tiger Gang headquarters.

"There's a pretty girl in a household in the east of the city?"

The gang leader, Zhao Qinhu, clad in brocade robes, looked at Liu Zhuang's respectful expression, interest flashing in his eyes.

He had two great passions in life: women and sabers!

"Yes, Gang Leader. That girl is like a fairy. Even this little one couldn't stop himself from drooling. But then I remembered you still lacked one concubine, so I hurried over to report it to you, sir."

Liu Zhuang said ingratiatingly.

"Oh?"

Zhao Qinhu revealed a thoughtful look and asked again. "Have you found out that family's circumstances? Do they have any backing? Will it cause trouble?"

Zhao Qinhu was no fool; he was exceedingly smooth and worldly.

He generally did not provoke anyone troublesome. But if they were ordinary commoners, then sorry—done deal.

For minor trouble, he only needed to grease a few palms to settle it.

Moreover, his younger brother was the direct disciple of an elder from the Golden Saber Sect, one of Southern Fujian Commandery's two great sects. That was why, despite possessing only peak Third-Rate Realm strength, he had led the Black Tiger Gang to flourish in West City, while Ma Zhankui did not dare touch him.

"Rest assured, Gang Leader. They're absolutely ordinary commoners. I've looked into Lin Changsheng—his parents died in an accident. He used to be an apprentice at a noodle shop, then learned martial arts at the Iron Hand Martial School, but didn't amount to much. Now he's gone to Hundred Herbs Hall to learn alchemy!"

"As for that girl, no one knows where she came from. Since she's living in that brat's home, she probably doesn't have any background!"

Liu Zhuang said in a low voice.

As a minor leader of the Black Tiger Gang, he had records and information on every household in his territory that paid monthly protection money.

"He has money to learn things, which means his parents left behind some assets. That girl's origins are unknown. Go observe them a little longer first!"

"If you handle this well, I'll reward you handsomely."

After thinking briefly, Zhao Qinhu spoke in a deep voice.

"Understood. Thank you, Master Tiger!"

Liu Zhuang was so delighted that even his form of address changed to something more intimate.

A thousand li beyond the Grand Canal.

Inside a luxurious estate.

A young man in white stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

At that moment, a black-clad figure wearing a silver mask hurried over, dropped to one knee before the white-robed young man, and said respectfully, "Young Master, news has just arrived. She isn't dead. She's hiding in Pasture City!"

"What?"

Hearing the report, a sharp gleam burst from the white-robed young man's eyes. He drew a deep breath, and a cold killing intent appeared in his gaze. "She absolutely must not be allowed to return!"

"Remember!! None of this has anything to do with us. To avoid suspicion, I'll head back first!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

The black-clad, silver-masked figure rose respectfully, retreated several steps, and vanished in an instant.

"Just stay in Pasture City and rest easy!"

"The age of yin flourishing while yang declines should come to an end!"

The white-robed young man narrowed his eyes and turned to enter the estate. Before long, a luxurious carriage raced out of the estate, heading toward Yu Capital.

"The Hundred Herbs Hall main branch in Southern Fujian City has formulas for Tiger Blood Pills and Dragon Blood Pills!"

Lin Changsheng walked home after work, anticipation shining in his eyes.

Today.

According to Alchemist Li of Hundred Herbs Hall.

The main branch had high-grade qi-and-blood-enhancing medicines and formulas, including Tiger Blood Pills and Dragon Blood Pills!

One had to know.

When Lin Changsheng was in the Second-Rate Realm, one Blood-and-Qi Pill could give him 300 cultivation experience points. Once he reached the First-Class Realm, however, it could only grant 150 experience points.

Tiger Blood Pills and Dragon Blood Pills were higher-grade than Blood-and-Qi Pills. After taking them, the experience they granted would surely be even greater!

"Once my strength is powerful enough, I'll have to make a trip to Southern Fujian City!"

Lin Changsheng muttered.

He continued onward.

Before long.

Lin Changsheng was nearly home. His house stood at the end of an alley, two li from the street entrance.

"Hmm? Liu Zhuang from the Black Tiger Gang?"

Suddenly, Lin Changsheng saw three young men hiding not far behind his house, peering about. One of them was Liu Zhuang, who collected protection money every month!

"What are you doing here?"

Lin Changsheng walked over, looked at Liu Zhuang, and asked.

Caught peeping, Liu Zhuang was somewhat awkward. Then, putting on a brazen front, he said, "Lin Changsheng, I saw a pretty girl in your house. Who is she to you?"

"I pay the monthly protection money on time. You aren't the authorities, are you?"

Lin Changsheng narrowed his eyes. Liu Zhuang was acting as though he were checking household records. He had likely spotted Yu Wenjing at home and was plotting something.

He only wanted to lie low and quietly improve his strength, but since Liu Zhuang had come knocking, he did not mind making him disappear!

"Hehe, Changsheng, good fortune has come your way. Our Master Tiger still lacks a concubine. I think the girl in your house is quite suitable. Tomorrow, we'll send a matchmaker to your door. Go back and make preparations first!"

Liu Zhuang said with a chuckle.

"How about this? Take me to see your gang leader now."

At those words, an imperceptible chill flashed through Lin Changsheng's eyes as he spoke calmly.

Since the Black Tiger Gang had come looking for trouble, there was no need for it to continue existing.

He could also strip them clean once more and make his pockets a little fuller.

"Fine, meet the Gang Leader first!"

Liu Zhuang nodded. The three immediately led the way toward the Black Tiger Gang in West City.

The four headed all the way toward West City.

Half an hour later.

They arrived at the Black Tiger Gang's main headquarters in West City.

West City, within a grand estate.

Rows of houses stood in neat succession, alongside lotus ponds and pavilions.

There was a massive martial training ground within the estate.

More than fifty young men with fierce tiger emblems embroidered on their chests practiced saber techniques and fist arts. A tall, broad man in brocade robes, with a long saber at his waist, was instructing them in saber techniques.

"Gang Leader!"

Liu Zhuang walked before the brocade-robed man and said respectfully, "This is Lin Changsheng, the one I told you about earlier. There's a pretty girl in his home!"

After speaking, Liu Zhuang pointed at Lin Changsheng behind him.

"Oh?"

Zhao Qinhu gave Lin Changsheng a once-over and said indifferently, "Lin Changsheng, right? From now on, we're family, so no need to stand on ceremony! Your big brother will look after you!"

"You're courting death. What kind of thing are you?"

Lin Changsheng looked at Zhao Qinhu, killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"You're seeking death!"

Zhao Qinhu was stunned for a moment. Then his gaze turned cold, and killing intent surged forth!

Clang!

His long saber left its sheath. He slashed with a single stroke, so swift that it carried the sound of wind and thunder!

Whoosh!

Without another word, Lin Changsheng's figure flashed. He instantly closed in on Zhao Qinhu and struck with the Perfect Stage Iron Sand Palm!

An aura belonging to a First-Rate Master spread from Lin Changsheng's body, sweeping across the entire scene!

Rip!

Half a zhang of sharp palm force surged from Lin Changsheng's hand and swept across Zhao Qinhu's chest, instantly tearing open a wound so deep that bone could be seen!

Zhao Qinhu staggered back several steps!

"Ah!"

"You... a First-Rate Master!"

Feeling the powerful aura emanating from Lin Changsheng and the horrifying wound in his chest, Zhao Qinhu's heart trembled at once, as though he had fallen into an ice cellar!

To strike half a zhang of qi force from a bare palm—he was absolutely a First-Rate Master!

That damned Liu Zhuang had brought a First-Rate Master down on his head!

Hadn't he said Lin Changsheng was an ordinary resident?

"What? Lin Changsheng actually slashed out half a zhang of sharp qi force with his bare palm?"

Not far away, Liu Zhuang watched Lin Changsheng heavily injure the gang leader in one move. His eyes widened as he slowly backed away, preparing to flee.

"Spare me! Brother Lin—no, Big Brother Lin, spare me!"

"This... this... is all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! This lowly one is willing to compensate you!"

Seeing the aura erupt from Lin Changsheng, Zhao Qinhu immediately knelt before him, weeping bitterly and kowtowing without end, the thudding sounds ringing out incessantly!

"Too late!"

"Die, all of you!"

Lin Changsheng swept his gaze over the Black Tiger Gang members present and walked toward Zhao Qinhu.

Since they had become enemies, he would kill them all and eliminate future trouble at its roots!

Compensation?

Once he killed them, he could take everything anyway!

"You... you can't kill me! My younger brother is a disciple of the Golden Saber Sect's Grand Elder!"

Seeing Lin Changsheng's undisguised killing intent, Zhao Qinhu's eyes filled with despair. Since begging had failed, he could only hope this man would have some misgivings. He knew threats would only enrage the other party, which was why he had initially promised compensation.

But the other man's intent to kill had not diminished. He could only bring out his younger brother.

As long as he could preserve his life, that was enough!