Lian Youming said nothing.
Time was pressing. With the Hongmen members drawing fire on the perimeter, he had to end this quickly.
At the very least, he had to go inside and see what was really there.
Nor had the Hongmen members come here by coincidence.
Lian Youming could even be certain that they were here to help him.
The answer was simple. Situ Wudi still needed the tokens of the Qing and Hong gangs to obtain the legacy and resources overseas. Until their contest was settled, he would not let Lian Youming put himself in danger lightly.
And that earlier cry of "Hongmen is here!" had been meant for Lian Youming.
It had also been meant to confirm whether he was here.
Lian Youming had therefore had no choice but to burn that factory in response.
As for how Situ Wudi had gotten the information, perhaps that map had exposed his movements, or perhaps it had been Gu Chan's doing.
Besides, he had already spent two days delayed at sea. It was hardly surprising that they could set out later and catch up.
Returning to the matter at hand, Lian Youming looked at the two men blocking his way and raised his gun without a word. Flames spat from the muzzle as bullets poured out. Both men swayed, immediately splitting left and right.
One dodged and leaped through the bullets, his steps as leisurely as a stroll through a courtyard; the other bent his knees and advanced, attacking with punches and palm strikes.
"Brat, we didn't get to fight to our hearts' content in that dungeon. Today, I'm going to finish you!"
Lian Youming's expression did not change. He neither dodged nor evaded.
As the saying went, "After three days apart, you must see a man with fresh eyes."