With a whoosh, seventy-two figures clad in black instantly surrounded Yang Yi, their faces radiating icy coldness. Without a word, they moved to attack immediately.

Swoosh—! Their movements were incredibly spectral; all seventy-two assaulted Yang Yi simultaneously.

Whether it was their coordinated synchronization or the angles of attack—upper and lower levels—their formation was utterly impenetrable. Yang Yi did not take it lightly.

As the saying goes, two fists are no match for four hands. But fighting a hundred one-on-one was not an impossible feat.

Neither side used weapons. The Flower-Plucking Finger (Nianhua Zhi) was Yang Yi’s favorite external martial art.

While its offensive power was not strong, its defense was second to none—provided, of course, one possessed sufficient True Qi and internal energy. With the Yi Jin Jing at the eighth layer's upper stage, the internal energy from his True Qi Core had long since overflowed into every meridian of his body.

Crack—Kang! Faced with numerous attacks, Yang Yi merely sidestepped, launching a punch that easily flicked them away with a snap of his fingers.

Hah—Hoo! Attacking from front and rear, these middle-aged men let out a muffled shout, clearly preparing for a powerful strike.

"I never thought... I never thought Brother Yi would also know the Flower-Plucking Finger, and at a level even higher than mine!" Fatty Lin spat out this half-dead phrase, his heart filled with shock.

In the Cave of the Dead, while he pursued the limits of the physical body, he had simultaneously learned two powerful skills: the Flower-Plucking Finger and the Heavenly Astral Fist (Tiangang Quan). But he never imagined his Brother Yi knew it too, and the mastery of his Flower-Plucking Finger compared to Fatty Lin's own level meant the distance between them was vast.

The biggest pitfall in martial arts study is a scattered focus. While myriad styles of martial arts are captivating, even if one can learn them all, mastery remains elusive.

One can imagine how formidable both Yang Yi and Fatty Lin, these monsters who emerged from the Cave of the Dead, truly were. "Stop—!" With a loud command, everyone ceased their attack.

Yang Yi was slightly breathless; fighting so many alone consumed not only internal energy but also focus. A slight misstep, and he might not have fared well.

And it wasn't just him; the seventy-two middle-aged men were also panting. Despite their impeccably coordinated assault, they hadn't even grazed Yang Yi’s collar.

A strangely profound light appeared in their eyes—the gaze of respect reserved for the truly strong. This was the mindset of these middle-aged men, or more accurately, the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends (Qi Shi Er Di Sha).

They were unlike modern people, focused on pursuits that modern minds could scarcely fathom. "You have won.

Your strength is beyond doubt. We are willing to follow you." "We, the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, will forever serve the Dragon Lord." As if summoned by a single, earth-shattering roar, a second piercing cry, and a third wave of fervor.

Though the voices of these middle-aged men were calm, they could not conceal an incredible aura. Perhaps this was the purest form of connection between people.

"Good. I permit the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends to return to my Black God Gang!" Yang Yi declared grandly, waving his hand.

It was unbelievable that a mere ruffian could command the bearing of a king leading an army at this moment—perhaps this was the so-called Rogue King. The next day, early in the morning.

Yang Yi slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the beauty beside him, a wave of satisfaction washing over him—truly, ‘a short separation is better than a new marriage.’ Since their last encounter, Feng Shi hadn't shared his bed in quite some time. It was understandable that the man had been utterly wild the previous night; otherwise, Feng Shi, who always woke early, wouldn't still be clinging to the sheets now.

Glancing at the slightly fatigued beauty, a tender pity showed in Yang Yi’s eyes. He stroked her long, silky hair, a faint smile on his lips.

After rising, he walked to the window. "Looks like it'll be a busy day today," he muttered to himself.

Moments later, Feng Shi seemed to awaken. Wrapping herself in a scarf, she walked slowly towards Yang Yi and embraced him tightly from behind, whispering, "Young Master, why don't you rest a little longer?" "Heh heh, I fear it will be a busy day.

Better to rise early," Yang Yi replied, a grin tugging at his mouth as he felt the pressure of two soft curves against his back. "Young Master, do you truly believe the Black God Gang of twenty years ago is about to return?" Feng Shi asked, her eyes closed.

"Yes, the Black God Gang of twenty years ago is returning, but its current strength pales in comparison to then. The road ahead may prove very difficult," Yang Yi mused, wisdom gleaming in his eyes.

Indeed, if the Black God Gang of two decades past possessed the strength to rule the entire underworld nationwide, today, twenty years later, they lacked that power. Generations change, talents emerge across the land; fortunes shift every thirty years.

"Young Master, today marks the formal return of our Black God Gang. Shouldn't we begin preparations?" Feng Shi knew that the current power of the Black God Gang was in no way comparable to twenty years prior.

This wasn't just due to division; most people had given up, lacking the ambition and desire that led to their slow decline. "Mmm, the blood exchange operation is destined to begin," Yang Yi said with a playful hint of resolve.

Meanwhile, at the Ice Mirror Society (Bing Jian Hui), pandemonium had broken out. "Why should our Ice Mirror Society be incorporated into the Black God Gang?

Why?!" a middle-aged man roared in a private room. Beside him sat several others, rising stars within the Ice Mirror Society.

Having only recently attained their positions, the order to be absorbed into another gang was difficult for them to accept immediately. "I understand your point, but now even that group of monsters has returned, and the Old Chairman has handed over the Chairman's Token to the Black God Gang.

What can we possibly do?" stated the middle-aged man on the left. In truth, everyone knew that the power they held was hard-won.

If the Ice Mirror Society were integrated into the Black God Gang, it would mean starting over, something no one would easily relinquish. After all, the Ice Mirror Society was established by Li Yang and the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends after they split, and most of its members were built up by him until its current status.

These men were undoubtedly contributors, yet their primary concern wasn't the incorporation of the Ice Mirror Society into the Black God Gang, but rather the authority they currently held. In this world, no one willingly gives up power once attained.

"Regardless, incorporating me into the Black God Gang is absolutely impossible," the man who spoke first said before sitting down. Just as he finished speaking, a more seasoned-looking middle-aged man entered, followed by four large men in black suits.

"Who are you?" the first middle-aged man asked suspiciously upon seeing the sudden arrival. "I am the Chief Steward of the Black God Gang.

I am here to take over the Ice Mirror Society," the newcomer—undoubtedly Han Zhong—declared, raising the Ice Mirror Society Chairman's Token he held. "The Black God Gang?" The assembled middle-aged men were stunned.

They had only just received news that the Ice Mirror Society was to be incorporated, and the delegation had arrived already—the speed was extraordinary. "We haven't exactly agreed to join your Black God Gang, have we?" one middle-aged man stood up and said.

"Heh heh. Our Dragon Lord has commanded me to ask you one question: Are you willing to join the Black God Gang?" Han Zhong appeared entirely unconcerned whether these men agreed or not, simply executing the task assigned by Yang Yi.

"What is the meaning of that?" Upon hearing this, the expressions of every middle-aged man in the room changed drastically. None of them were fools; those who survive in the underworld possess a certain shrewdness necessary to rise.

"I will not elaborate on the meaning. You only need to answer whether you will join?

Of course, the prerequisite is that the current powers held by everyone present will undergo changes!" Han Zhong said calmly. "Hmph!

Is this how you coerce people?" "It is not coercion; I am merely asking if you are willing." "And if none of us are willing?" "Then I will save myself a lot of trouble," Han Zhong maintained his placid demeanor, showing no sign of being a negotiator forced to adopt a cold front to save time. "I will give you three more minutes to consider.

After three minutes, I require your answer!" ######## "Dragon Lord, do we truly need to proceed like this?" a middle-aged man in black clothing asked Yang Yi, who was seated in his office chair. "Hmm?" Yang Yi glanced at him and said, "This is predetermined.

If they are willing, it’s manageable; if not, I can do nothing. After all, I have my own methods." "Although they have been eroding the strength of the Ice Mirror Society, they are not without talent; they wouldn't have risen so quickly without some level of capability," the man in black seemed to harbor lingering doubts about whether Yang Yi's actions were too severe.

"You had better not doubt the Young Master's methods, or else..." Feng Shi's voice turned icy. She clearly would not allow anyone to question Yang Yi.

Yang Yi smiled slightly, understanding clearly that the leader of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends still held some sentiment for the Ice Mirror Society they had created, as it once belonged to them. "I also do not wish to see this outcome, but it is necessary.

On the surface, the Ice Mirror Society appears glorious, but underneath, it has been deeply eroded. Moreover, its influence is beginning to waver, and some even harbor thoughts of dividing territory.

If they are not properly replaced with new blood and instead absorbed into my Black God Gang, they are nothing but parasites. My Black God Gang cannot tolerate such existence.

Therefore, this step is mandatory!" "Yes, your subordinate understands." The man in black showed no concern for Feng Shi’s icy expression as he replied.

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