Indeed, when both sides reach a consensus based on some mutual interest, neither will truly trust the other, but the facade must still be maintained. Zheng Shen was no fool; he could certainly guess what Cai Jian was thinking at that moment, and conversely, Cai Jian knew exactly what Zheng Shen was thinking.

In this world of shadows, it’s either you trying to second-guess me, or me trying to second-guess you; it’s always one person plotting against the other. These are the common occurrences in this life.

“Then, Gang Leader, what should we do?” Chen Hu asked, his brow tightly furrowed. He naturally understood the current situation—one misstep and they could all face utter ruin, especially since their opponent was the mysterious and unknown Black God Gang.

“Given our current strength, we aren't overly worried about the Eagle Gang reneging on their word; rather, we must concern ourselves with the Black God Gang. After all, we have absolutely no intelligence on them, nor do we know their connection to the Bing Jian Association. Alas!” Zheng Shen sighed. Having navigated the underworld for so many years, he found the present circumstances particularly thorny.

The four Hall Masters seated before Zheng Shen also felt deeply troubled. They were at a loss for what to do now. Strategy was not their strong suit. Ask them to fight and kill, and these fellows might not even rush to the front lines. After all, in this day and age, once you have money, everyone fears death. Once you’re dead, there’s nothing left. Better to keep the green mountains intact, and you'll never lack for firewood!

However, Chen Hu spoke up at this moment, “Gang Leader, I estimate the Black God Gang isn't that formidable. Apart from that brat named Yang Yi who shows some skill, I can’t discern any other real strength in them!”

“It’s not that simple, but for now, we can only wait and see how things develop—meet force with force, meet water with earth. However, just in case, Old Bai, you take some men and keep a close watch on the Eagle Gang!” Zheng Shen felt that further deliberation was futile. By the time action is required, it might escalate into a fight to the death.

“Yes, Gang Leader!”

Lin Bai responded, looking as if he wanted to speak further but held back. Zheng Shen noticed this immediately and asked with suspicion, “Old Bai, is there something else you need to say?”

“Gang Leader, regarding Yang Yi, whom Tiger mentioned, you truly need to be cautious of him. I have witnessed his methods before; neither of us is his match. I believe among us here, only you can stand against him.” Lin Bai finally voiced the matter that worried him most.

Hearing Lin Bai say this, Zheng Shen’s expression didn't relax. He knew Lin Bai was not one to speak rashly or to deflate their own morale merely to boost others’ spirits. “You’ve seen him fight before? How powerful is he?”

“I don’t know, but I estimate that even if the four of us Hall Masters joined forces, we would still not be his match,” Lin Bai stated gravely.

As soon as these words left his mouth, the faces of the other two Hall Masters, who had never witnessed Yang Yi in action, clearly showed disbelief. In their minds, they only believed that the Zheng Shen before them might let them suffer minor losses; they genuinely doubted that the young upstart Yi Ge could be that formidable.

“Old Bai, is that kid you mentioned really that strong?” the thin, middle-aged man asked.

“Yes, I know you two don’t believe me, since you haven't seen it firsthand. But you can ask Hu Zi; he took a beating from that kid!” Lin Bai retorted.

“Brother Bai speaks the truth. That kid’s techniques are bizarre. I’ve never seen his attack patterns, and I can sense an instantaneous surge of Qi erupting from him at times!” Chen Hu recalled the previous night when he clashed with Yang Yi. He distinctly remembered clamping down on Yang Yi’s hand, only to be forcefully thrown off by a strange vibration, resulting in his own injury.

“It seems he is no simple character; at least, he isn't on the same level as those others, or things would truly be complicated,” Zheng Shen said, as if he understood something deeply. After speaking, he paused for a moment, then concluded, “Alright, that's enough for today. Everyone get a good rest tonight; tomorrow might bring a major shift.”

A night filled with gloom, where every person harbored their own secret schemes, made this evening seem particularly discordant.

The next day…

The morning air certainly brought a refreshing feeling, especially for Yang Yi, who rushed to the window immediately after waking up to take a deep breath, displaying an air of total ease.

“Boss, hurry up! We’re going to be late!” Xu Ming said while biting into the hard bread he had prepared earlier, simultaneously pulling on his clothes.

“Whoa, I’m heading out first! See you at noon!” Ye Xiaohou was already dashing toward the door.

Yang Yi smiled faintly as he watched them, feeling a bit too nonchalant about class time. Thinking about it, he quickly dressed and headed toward the classroom.

Since yesterday’s dramatic farce, Lin Hai now seemed to occupy the role that Chen Dong once held. Towards Yang Yi, he now harbored a palpable desire to see him ruined.

As for Li Qian, she hadn't managed a single smile since yesterday. Yet, she had arrived at the classroom early today. Seeing Yang Yi walking in at his own unhurried pace finally brought a small measure of relief to her heart. She had genuinely worried that yesterday's events might have led to a real fight over her, which would have been disastrous.

“Brother Hai, should we call a few brothers to teach that guy a lesson?” a student sitting next to Lin Hai asked.

“That sounds good. Let’s give him a taste of what’s coming!” Lin Hai replied with a sinister grin.

“Got it. I’ll call some brothers over after class,” the student said with a smile.

“Mm,” Lin Hai instinctively glanced at Li Qian. He saw from her gaze that she was currently focused on Yang Yi, and a flash of hatred crossed his mind. He then glared back at Yang Yi, “Hmph, kid, don't think I’m on the same level as Chen Dong, or you’ll be the one suffering.”

Yang Yi felt two gazes fixed upon him. One was somewhat familiar, bearing a look that seemed both ambiguous and warm, but the other was entirely strange. Curious, Yang Yi glanced at Lin Hai, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He muttered inwardly, Lin Hai, since you wrongly accused my brother and my brother let it go, I won't be the same. You better not provoke me; otherwise, I don't care what connection you have with the Provincial Party Secretary, I’ll still take you down.

Sensing Yang Yi’s cold gaze, Lin Hai immediately looked away. He couldn't understand why, when meeting Yang Yi’s eyes, an inexplicable sense of dread washed over him, and it felt as though a cold sweat was breaking out on his forehead.