Hong Feiqiu also began to laugh, though his laughter was filled with mocking disdain.
Just then, three overwhelming auras suddenly surged outside Changhong Inn, as if mountains were collapsing and waves were crashing. Everyone inside the inn felt a momentary shortness of breath, and as they looked out in shock, they saw three figures entering. The one in front was a man in his forties with an unhealthy, pale complexion. Draped in a black robe adorned with lifelike white skulls, he exuded an eerie presence.
This was none other than Zhou Longqi, the Skull Gang's leader, a formidable warrior who had reached the ninth tier of the Meridian Opening stage two years ago. Flanking him were two others: Liu Hongyan, leader of the Flying Swallow Gang, and Yun Haisheng, leader of the Yunhai Gang. Though Liu Hongyan was in her thirties, she had a mature allure and had reached the ninth tier of the Meridian Opening stage last year, making her nearly as strong as Zhou Longqi. Yun Haisheng, though only at the peak of the eighth tier, had mastered a formidable third-grade star art, enhancing his strength to rival that of a ninth-tier warrior.
The three leaders cast their gaze across the room as if they ruled over everything, disregarding everyone around them. Zhou Longqi looked coldly at Hong Feiqiu and spoke, "Hong Feiqiu, I am soon to become the city lord of Poyang City, and I'm here to bring order to the factions within it. If you submit to me now, I'll spare you and your Luohong Gang—so long as you agree to obey my commands. Otherwise, after today, there will be no Luohong Gang left in Poyang City."
"What? Zhou Longqi is saying he'll soon become city lord? Is he really challenging the city lord himself? Our city lord reached the tenth tier of the Meridian Opening stage over ten years ago, and his true strength is unknown. Even though Zhou Longqi is strong, he's no match for him. Does Zhou Longqi actually think he can pull this off?"
"Hmph, Zhou Longqi is only this bold because he has the other two gangs supporting him. But the moment the city lord appears, he'll put this clown in his place. Just wait and see."
"Exactly. Zhou Longqi has no right to be city lord, and the Skull Gang shouldn't even exist. I don't understand why the other two gangs are backing him—it's baffling."
The people around them were shocked, both by the alliance of the three gangs and by Zhou Longqi's open ambition to take the role of city lord.
"Hm? Who dares speak ill of me?" Zhou Longqi's eyes glinted with killing intent as he glanced to the side. He raised his hand, and a white skull chain shot out like lightning.
Shlick… shlick…
The chain moved at incredible speed, piercing the throats of those speaking in mere moments, giving them no chance to escape.
Thud…
The bodies hit the ground, and the others around them inhaled sharply, faces filled with disbelief and outrage. They hadn't expected Zhou Longqi to be so ruthless, striking people down on the spot without a second thought.
Yet no one dared speak further, fearing the same fate.
"Zhou Longqi, you killed them just because they spoke about you? Do you truly think you're the city lord? When he arrives, let's see how you explain yourself," Hong Feiqiu shouted, his face livid as he clutched his iron staff. But he held back, knowing that a direct confrontation would only lead to his own death.
Zhou Longqi sneered arrogantly. "Explain? Heh, I'm waiting for Shu Sheng to appear. The moment he does, I'll force him to step down and leave Poyang City. From then on, Poyang City will be mine."
At this declaration, everyone's expressions shifted, but no one dared to voice an opinion. Zhou Longqi's power, with the backing of the other two gangs, gave him real leverage against the city lord. In fact, with the additional strength on his side, Zhou Longqi might even have a slight advantage. The city lord, Shu Sheng, was reputed to be at the peak of the Meridian Opening stage but had yet to advance to the Star Absorption stage.
"Haha, Zhou Longqi, you're quite bold, rallying the other two gangs to oust me while I was in seclusion. But it's no use. Even if the three gangs join forces, you're still a ragtag group. Today, I'll teach you all a lesson and end your arrogance."
At that moment, a powerful voice echoed through the air. It sounded distant at first but seemed to resonate within Changhong Inn itself, as though the speaker had crossed vast distances in an instant.