Then Gulag changed tack, his tone turning vicious and pointed. "All talk and no action is just an empty show! Tonight, we have a golden opportunity to establish our might and pocket some real benefits along the way! But this job needs brothers who dare to be ruthless. There may be blood, even deaths!"
He swept his sharp gaze over everyone. "Those willing to do it, stay behind. I'll explain the details shortly. Once we succeed, those who take part get first dibs on the spoils! If you think it's too risky and don't have the guts, you can leave now. I, Gulag, won't give you any trouble. We'll just say fate never meant for us to work together! But if you stay, hear the plan, and then change your mind, or go outside wagging your tongue..."
He snorted coldly and said no more, but the murderous intent in his eyes made everything clear.
A wave of whispers immediately filled the room. Some looked excited, rubbing their fists and flexing their hands.
Others' eyes darted about, betraying their fear.
Soon, seven or eight people lowered their heads, quietly rose, and left the room.
The thirty-odd who remained looked at Gulag with even greater resolve.
Li Chen, disguised as a down-and-out wizard among the crowd, silently nodded to himself.
This Gulag was indeed no man content with mediocrity. His ambitions were considerable, and his methods ruthless enough.
He had been struggling to find a suitable opening through which to understand these bottom-rung schemers' true thoughts and ways of operating. Wasn't this a perfect opportunity?
By taking part in their operation, he could not only observe their organizational ability and methods, but also gain insight into the desires and mindset of their social stratum in these troubled times.
So when Gulag's questioning