Conspiracy

Outer City.

Moonwatch Tower was brightly lit, the sounds of strings and pipes unceasing.

Inside a private room on the third floor, two men sat at a banquet table.

The man seated in the place of honor was Jiang Chong, hall master of the Dragon King Gang's Four Waters Hall.

Sitting opposite him was a man nearing forty.

He was tall and slender, fair-faced and beardless, with delicate features that carried a faintly feminine air.

Zhao Lang was an old friend Jiang Chong had known for many years.

After making his way through the prefectural city for years, he had come to Azure Cloud City specifically to visit Jiang Chong.

Though Jiang Chong and Zhao Lang had once been close friends, he knew things were different now.

After struggling in the prefectural city for over a decade, Zhao Lang was no longer the man he used to be.

Not only was he well connected, but his martial cultivation had already reached the peak of Manifest Force.

He was just one step away from perfection, and before long, he would be able to challenge Dark Strength.

For that reason, Jiang Chong treated Zhao Lang with great respect and did not dare show the slightest neglect in his words.

"Come, come, Brother Zhao. Let us have another cup."

Jiang Chong raised his cup, his face full of smiles.

Zhao Lang did not decline. He lifted his cup and drained it in one gulp.

As the fine wine slid down his throat, he narrowed his eyes in enjoyment.

The beautiful maidservant waiting nearby immediately stepped forward to refill his cup, her delicate hands holding the wine jug as she moved with gentle expertise.

Zhao Lang's gaze lingered on her face for a moment. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, clearly putting him in an excellent mood.

"Brother Jiang."

With a little wine in him, Zhao Lang's tone carried a trace of regret.

"You and I have known each other for years. There are some things I ought not say..."

"Brother Zhao, please speak freely."

Zhao Lang set down his wine cup and sighed.

"You have such skill, yet you have lowered yourself to becoming a hall master in a tiny gang like the Dragon King Gang. What a waste of talent.

What future could there possibly be in a small place like Azure Cloud City?

Take my advice. Leave this dump and come make your way in the prefectural city with me.

The prefectural city has opportunities everywhere, and its resources are inexhaustible. As long as you seize the right chance, you can improve your martial cultivation whenever you wish.

You are still stuck at the third level of Body Tempering. If you go to the prefectural city, I guarantee you will break through to Manifest Force within a year!"

Jiang Chong listened intently, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.

But in the end, he shook his head and gave a bitter smile.

"I appreciate your kindness, Brother Zhao.

But I know my own limits. With the little talent I have, if I went to a den of dragons and tigers like the prefectural city, I fear not even my bones would remain.

I would rather stay in Azure Cloud City as a minor hall master, living freely and comfortably."

Pretending to be angry, Zhao Lang laughed and scolded, "Your courage is smaller than a rat's! You have no ambition at all. No wonder you have been holed up in this dump all these years."

Jiang Chong was not offended. He merely smiled and shook his head.

The two exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter together and raised their cups once more.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside, followed by a light knock on the door.

"Come in." Jiang Chong set down his cup and spoke in a deep voice.

Skinny Monkey froze briefly after entering.

Seeing Zhao Lang present, he hesitated, looking toward Jiang Chong as if he wanted to speak but held himself back.

Jiang Chong waved a hand and smiled. "Brother Zhao is one of us. Say whatever you need to say. There is no need to avoid him."

Only then did Skinny Monkey hurry forward. He respectfully cupped his hands to Zhao Lang and bowed. "This lowly one greets Master Zhao."

Zhao Lang gave a slight nod.

Skinny Monkey turned to Jiang Chong and lowered his voice.

"Hall Master, Old Jin and the others were... taken care of in a small alley outside the fish market!"

The wine cup in Jiang Chong's hand abruptly halted. His face instantly darkened. "What? Old Jin is dead too?"

"Yes." Skinny Monkey nodded. "The bodies were discovered at dusk. They were all killed with a single punch."

Jiang Chong slammed his palm onto the table, making the cups, plates, and bowls clatter. He roared furiously,

"Bastard! Why is something happening in my Four Waters Ward every other day?

A few days ago, it was Zhou Dabao. Now there is trouble at the fish market too. Do they really think I am made of mud?"

His expression shifted uncertainly as several thoughts raced through his mind.

Could it really have been the Black Tiger Gang?

But after the gang leader personally acted following his breakthrough into Dark Strength, the Black Tiger Gang had been beaten back again and again.

By all rights, the Black Tiger Gang was too busy saving itself to spare any effort causing trouble in Four Waters Ward.

If it was not the Black Tiger Gang, then who was it...?

Zhao Lang remained calm at the side. While enjoying the maidservant beside him feeding him wine, he picked up a piece of venison and placed it in his mouth, chewing unhurriedly.

"In my opinion, Brother Jiang, there is likely an expert hiding in your Four Waters Ward."

Jiang Chong was taken aback and quickly asked, "Please elaborate, Brother Zhao."

Zhao Lang put down his chopsticks and began analyzing the matter at an unhurried pace.

"On the way here, you told me your cousin was also killed by a single punch. Now these men have likewise been killed with one punch.

What does that mean? It means this person specializes in fist techniques and kills with his fists.

Someone like that either came up through a proper martial arts school or is a veteran who has spent years struggling in the martial world.

Have your men investigate Four Waters Ward and see who practices fist techniques. If you are lucky, you may find traces of the killer."

Jiang Chong immediately understood. A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he cupped his hands to thank Zhao Lang for his guidance.

He picked up his wine cup and offered it with both hands, his attitude exceedingly respectful.

Zhao Lang waved his hand, signaling that there was no need for such politeness.

Yet his gaze drifted unconsciously toward the two beautiful maidservants attending beside him, his lust completely undisguised.

Jiang Chong understood at once and smiled.

"Rest assured, Brother Zhao. During these days you are in Azure Cloud City, I cannot promise much else, but I will certainly make proper arrangements in that regard!"

Zhao Lang burst into laughter and praised him. "Good! Once you decide to go to the prefectural city, I will arrange everything."

After several rounds of wine.

The drunkenness on Zhao Lang's face gradually faded, and his eyes became clear once more.

Seeing this, Jiang Chong waved his hand. "All of you, leave."

The maidservants bowed and filed out.

Skinny Monkey also sensibly withdrew from the private room and stood guard outside.

Only Jiang Chong and Zhao Lang remained in the room.

The lamplight flickered, casting alternating brightness and shadow across their faces.

Zhao Lang raised his wine cup. The frivolity from before was gone, replaced by a solemn expression.

"Brother Jiang, I came to Azure Cloud City this time because there is something extremely important that requires your help."

Jiang Chong's expression turned serious as he sat upright. "Please tell me, Brother Zhao."

Zhao Lang leaned closer and whispered into his ear.

After their conspiracy, not a trace of drunkenness remained on Zhao Lang's face. He solemnly cupped his hands to Jiang Chong.

"If this succeeds, once I return to the prefectural city, my status will surely rise with the tide.

When that time comes, forget being the leader of a petty gang like the Dragon King Gang—even a higher position can be arranged for you."

Jiang Chong quickly steadied him and said seriously, "You overstate it, Brother Zhao. We have been friends for many years and trust each other. We should naturally support one another. Leave this matter to me."

The two exchanged a look. Everything was understood without words.

Jiang Chong raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, having already made his decision.

By the time Zhao Lang left, it was already late at night.

Jiang Chong sat in the private room, lightly tapping his fingers against the table in a steady knocking rhythm.

After a moment, he said in a low voice, "Skinny Monkey."

Skinny Monkey answered from outside and entered.

Jiang Chong's gaze was cold as he slowly said,

"Arrange a few men to thoroughly investigate Four Waters Ward.

Find out who has recently been practicing fist techniques, especially hard cases capable of killing someone with one punch.

Whether they come from martial arts schools or learned on their own, do not let a single one go."

Skinny Monkey nodded repeatedly and turned to leave.

"Wait."

Jiang Chong called him back and added, "Also, keep a close watch on the Black Tiger Gang. See whether they have made any unusual moves lately."

Skinny Monkey acknowledged the order and slipped away.

Jiang Chong sat alone in the private room, his face dark as water.

Trouble had struck Four Waters Ward again and again. If he did not pull out this thorn, he would have nowhere left to show his face.

"No matter who you are, if you dare stir up trouble on my turf, you will pay the price."