With that, Chen Yuan stepped forward, closing the distance as he swung his long knife toward Yang Huaizhan.
What a fast blade!
This strike contained no intricate variations; it was simply fast—like a flash of lightning cutting through the night sky.
Yang Huaizhan couldn't evade in time and could only raise his sword to meet the attack.
Clang!
As the blade met the sword, Yang Huaizhan's expression changed dramatically. He staggered back three steps, his palm shattered and blood flowed freely. The long sword nearly slipped from his grip.
Not only was this strike fast, but it was also heavy—like a massive stone weighing down upon him.
Chen Yuan didn't give Yang Huaizhan a moment to breathe, immediately following up with a second strike.
This blade was even faster and more cunning, sealing off Yang Huaizhan's escape route. He barely had time to raise his sword for defense.
Clang!
Yang Huaizhan felt his wrist break under the tremendous force, pain shooting through him as he loosened his grip. The long sword spun into the air.
Ignoring the recoil from the impact, Chen Yuan unleashed a third strike.
Swish!
The blade energy sliced through Yang Huaizhan's five strands of long beard and cut deeply across his throat, leaving a severe wound.
"Hah... Hah..."
Yang Huaizhan stared wide-eyed at Chen Yuan, seemingly trying to see his face through the black mask.
Chen Yuan coldly looked down at Yang Huaizhan on the ground and declared: "Yang Huaizhan is dead!"
The surrounding Fuhu Gang warriors understood immediately and echoed: "Yang Huaizhan is dead!"
As they shouted, they charged toward other courtyards, boosting Fuhu Gang's morale. The guards of Jishi Hall were shaken by this news and lost all courage.
Having killed Yang Huaizhan, Chen Yuan didn't hold back any longer. He moved swiftly between various battle groups, striking down any Bone Refining or Inner Strength warriors he encountered without mercy.
Before long, the guards of Jishi Hall began to show signs of defeat, attempting to flee over the walls.
Fuhu Gang pursued relentlessly while those stationed outside also played their part; with enemies behind and blockades ahead—there was no escape.
After a quarter of an hour, the cries of battle gradually diminished.
The resistance from Jishi Hall was completely wiped out, and Fuhu Gang had full control over the situation—this night raid ended in a resounding victory.
Wei Wuding approached for instructions as Chen Yuan commanded: "Kill anyone who participated in the resistance without mercy!"
Everyone immediately followed orders to finish off those still alive. After a series of short screams, silence fell over the courtyard—only the moans of injured Fuhu Gang members remained along with cries from doctors, apprentices, and stewards.
They were driven into the courtyard—over sixty individuals squatted on the ground with their heads lowered, afraid to look at these powerful figures—trembling in fear.
Wei Wuding quietly asked: "Deputy Hall Master, what should we do with these people?"
Chen Yuan scanned over them one by one before saying: "Kill all the pharmacists; capture the stewards to lead us to their medicinal supplies and gold. Keep an eye on everyone else; increase patrols on the perimeter; anyone who approaches will be killed on sight!"
"Understood!"
Afterward, Wei Wuding sent people to execute all pharmacists capable of producing medicinal pills while finding six surviving stewards to interrogate regarding their medicinal supplies and gold.
Two of them stood firm against interrogation and were killed without hesitation.
The remaining four stewards were terrified into submission and quickly revealed everything they knew.
Among them was Wang Ruyi—who had conducted business with Chen Yuan for a year. With only Bone Refining cultivation and mediocre martial skills, he was easily captured by Fuhu Gang warriors.
Chen Yuan observed coldly without showing any mercy due to their past connections.
Once interrogations concluded—he personally led others to search for medicinal supplies and gold while instructing Wei Wuding to maintain control over the situation in the courtyard.
Half an hour later—Chen Yuan had completely looted Jishi Hall uncovering eight wooden boxes filled with medicinal supplies and gold coins.
He showed no interest in silver or low-level medicinal pills; he only took four essence pills along with one bottle meant for transformation-level warriors.
Afterward—he instructed Wei Wuding to execute all four stewards while locking up surviving doctors, apprentices, servants, etc., before hastily cleaning up traces left behind and withdrawing from Jishi Hall.
This night raid hadn't made much noise but it wasn't entirely silent either; nearby residents and businesses surely noticed something amiss.
However—they all tightly shut their doors—daring not involve themselves in Jianghu disputes!
Meanwhile—the officials who should have been patrolling East Street were instead drinking at their precincts tonight!
It wasn't until two quarters of an hour after Fuhu Gang's withdrawal that they finally arrived—reeking of alcohol while sealing off the scene!
...
When Chen Yuan returned to Chongxin Workshop—Luo Zhenwu, Hou Yan, Qiu Hall Master, and Liu Hall Master were all gathered at Hundred Soldiers Hall's entrance waiting for his return.
Chen Yuan removed his black mask and cupped his fists in greeting:
"I have fulfilled my mission; Jishi Hall has been destroyed!"
With a wave of his hand—Wei Wuding presented Yang Huaizhan's severed head. The gazes directed at Chen Yuan shifted significantly among those present.
Yang Huaizhan was a well-known peak Gang Qi warrior who had crossed paths with them many times; today he lay dead before them!
Yet Chen Yuan appeared unfazed—as if killing Yang Huaizhan was merely a trivial matter—which sent chills down several hall masters' spines.
Luo Zhenwu laughed heartily:
"Excellent! Deputy Hall Master Chen is young yet valiant; you've eradicated Jishi Hall—a major enemy for our Fuhu Gang! Truly a cause for celebration!"
Hou Yan expressed gratitude:
"Deputy Hall Master Chen avenged our brothers from Jia No. 3 workshop! I thank you here!"
Qiu Hall Master's eyes revealed fear as he forced out a smile:
"Deputy Hall Master Chen possesses formidable skills; I admire you!"
Chen Yuan replied nonchalantly:
"It was merely following orders from the Gang Leader. Yang Huaizhan was indeed skilled; after fighting him—I felt somewhat drained mentally. I need to rest now; excuse me."
With that said—he cupped his hands once more before departing toward Chen Residence on his own accord.
Everyone present felt somewhat taken aback while Liu Hall Master's expression shifted dramatically—but upon seeing Yang Huaizhan's severed head—they quickly fell silent again.
Luo Zhenwu turned toward Wei Wuding asking:
"Did Deputy Hall Master engage in a fierce battle with Yang Huaizhan?"
Wei Wuding swallowed hard before replying:
"Three strikes! Deputy Hall Master used only three strikes to kill Yang Huaizhan!"
"What did you say?!"
"Say that again!"
"This is impossible!"
The three hall masters were shocked beyond belief—even Luo Zhenwu appeared quite astonished as well!
While they had prepared themselves mentally for Chen Yuan defeating Yang Huaizhan—it still surprised them greatly given that Chen Yuan's strength could contend against fierce beasts like tigers!
But using only three strikes to slay a peak Gang Qi warrior left them utterly speechless!
Reflecting inwardly—they realized they might have been able to fight evenly against Yang Huaizhan—but could they endure even three strikes from Chen Yuan?
The three exchanged glances filled with fear as they contemplated this revelation...
...
The next day—Chen Yuan woke up early practicing martial arts within his residence when he received word from his steward that Qiu Hall Master had come to visit.
He instructed his steward to invite Qiu Hall Master into the reception hall while continuing training for another half an hour before leisurely changing clothes and making his way there.
Upon entering the reception hall—Chen Yuan wore a smile as he cupped his fists in greeting:
"Erniu has kept you waiting for long! I was practicing martial arts earlier when I experienced some insights; if I've kept you waiting—I hope you can forgive me."
Qiu Hall Master rose to greet him with a beaming smile:
"It's no trouble at all."
Chen Yuan glanced around noticing three pill bottles on the table before asking:
"What are these...?"
"These are three essence pills; please accept them from me."
"I just went to Shennong Hall for an essence pill last week and received three more from Jishi Hall last night. I don't lack for pills right now; please take them back."
Qiu Hall Master smiled apologetically:
"To be honest—I came here specifically to apologize for my previous oversight regarding your needs. In future months—I will send someone regularly delivering three essence pills each month without fail."
Chen Yuan nodded:
"I appreciate Qiu Hall Master's efforts in running this errand."
Qiu Hall Master sighed in relief:
"In past dealings—I've been too shortsighted causing misunderstandings between us. I hope Deputy Hall Master won't hold it against me! If you ever need anything else just let me know—I assure you Shennong Hall will do its utmost to meet your requests."
Chen Yuan finally smiled genuinely:
"You're too kind! Misunderstandings can be resolved easily; we must work together so our gang continues thriving."
With that said—he casually picked up a cup of tea from the table taking a small sip before setting it down again gently.
Qiu Hall Master immediately stood up preparing to leave:
"Deputy Hall Master speaks wisely! With your medicinal needs addressed—I won't disturb your training any longer."
"Safe travels! Someone escort him out!"
...
While Qiu Hall Master visited Chen Yuan to apologize—the atmosphere within Ningxin Workshop on East Street was tense with an air of impending doom looming over it.
The workshop was heavily guarded with vigilant warriors patrolling back and forth—everyone appeared anxious as if they were startled birds readying themselves for flight at any moment's notice!
In the Gathering Unity hall—the leader of Sanjiang Gang Huang Xiuzhi sat imposing in his seat looking as dark as water.
Seated beside him were several individuals whose expressions reflected fear except for one scholar dressed in white who calmly sipped tea appearing unfazed by circumstances around him.
Standing nearby was a tall man drenched in sweat looking terrified; he spoke in a voice that sought to sound steady but came out thin instead:
"Reporting... Reporting to Gang Leader! Lu County Magistrate said based on traces found at the scene—it must have been bandits' doing. A warrant has already been issued but it may take time before we can investigate thoroughly..."
Bang!
Huang Xiuzhi slammed down a teacup onto the ground shattering it into pieces as he cursed angrily:
"You useless dog! Feeding ungrateful wolves! After taking so much silver from me—you claim it's bandits? Who else besides Fuhu Gang would dare touch my Sanjiang Gang members?!"
The tall man trembled at Huang Xiuzhi's words whose voice grew sharper:
"The Lu County Magistrate said this is what Yan Zhizhou intends too; there's nothing he can do... He also mentioned that regarding Fuhu Gang's recent incident at Jia No. 3 workshop—the officials won't intervene but can't help us either..."
"Enough!"
Huang Xiuzhi smashed down on an armrest of his chair causing it to splinter apart angrily:
"The magistrate is spineless! I'll take matters into my own hands—I'll regain my face! Gather men—we'll raid Shennong Hall tonight and kill Qiu Hong!"
He had fallen into a furious rage now—with bloodshot eyes resembling those of someone possessed by wrath readying himself for vengeance!
Everyone present dared not speak fearing Huang Xiuzhi's wrath would turn toward them instead!
However—the white-clad scholar remained unfazed as he set down his teacup calmly saying:
"Gang Leader should calm down; this matter requires careful consideration."
(End of Chapter)