After watching the cars downstairs depart, the savage killing intent that had flashed in Zheng Shen’s eyes finally surfaced. “Hmph, to think they believe they can use us—the triads of the mainland look down on us too much.”

“What are your intentions?” Zhou Tian fully understood Zheng Shen’s refusal to cooperate with the Dragon Gang, one of the major mainland triads, given how different the scene was in Hong Kong.

“I’ve always maintained that if outsiders are allowed to interfere with the Hong Kong underworld, we’ll never regain control. And don't get any funny ideas; the backing of the Hung Hing is on par with ours,” Zheng Shen sneered.

“So, you plan to make a move tonight?”

“If Hung Hing wants to devour Red Star Society, then naturally, we must take a piece of the pie as well.”

“Heh, since you’ve decided, I’ll go make the arrangements right now.” Zhou Tian chuckled, already heading towards the door. “I’ve always looked forward to sinking my teeth into that fat cut of the Sun Yee On. They aren't even from Hong Kong, yet they dare to act so arrogantly here. Hmph!”

Hearing this, Zheng Shen remained silent and made no move to stop him, because he knew this was the path they had to take. Although he harbored some apprehension regarding the rumored formidable individual, he was resolved to gamble—to bet that Hong Kong was different from the mainland.

Of course, it wasn't just Zheng Shen gambling; Hung Gang felt the same way, though he carried an added layer of concern. “Someone!”

“Boss!” a subordinate rushed in to answer.

“Go, get a few men to tail those people who just left. If you notice anything unusual, report back to me immediately,” Hung Gang instructed.

“Yes!”

The subordinate acknowledged and stepped out. Just as he reached the doorway, he called out, “Third Brother!”

“En!” Hung San rushed in urgently from outside. “Boss, we have trouble this time.”

“Hmm?” Hung Gang sighed internally; one wave had barely settled before another arose. “What kind of trouble?”

“I did as you instructed today and sent many men to infiltrate the Red Star Society’s turf, but not a single one has come back,” Hung San reported, his expression grim.

“Hmph, when did the Red Star Society members get so sharp?”

“Boss, this time I suspect it wasn’t the Red Star Society playing tricks.”

“What are you implying?” A shadow of unease suddenly crossed Hung Gang’s mind. “Could it be…?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. I found out just now that the mainland triad members were here. It seems this whole affair is being orchestrated by that one individual,” Hung San said with a heavy, wrinkled face.

“If the Red Star Society has allied with him, this is indeed quite troublesome,” Hung Gang frowned.

“Then what should we do now, Boss? We also heard rumors that tonight at midnight, over at the East Suburb Burial Ground, Sun Yee On and Red Star Society members are scheduled for a fierce confrontation. They’re surely aiming for a fight to the death. Should we take advantage of…”

Hung Gang understood exactly what Hung San was suggesting. He had been thinking the same thing, but the suspicion of a certain powerful figure collaborating made everything vastly more complicated.

“Boss, are you still hesitant?” Hung San paused. “Fourteen is likely preparing his move tonight to replace the Sun Yee On as well. If we miss this chance, we might never get another this good.”

“I know!” Hung Gang’s heart sank. He took a deep breath, seemingly having made his decision. “Alright, you go arrange it immediately. Tonight, we take over all of Red Star Society’s territory. But, there is one crucial detail: if we discover tonight that our men who entered Red Star Society territory are met with disaster, pull back immediately!”

“Understood, I’ll make the arrangements now.” Hung San nodded.

“It seems this time we can only take a gamble.” A murderous glint flashed across Hung Gang’s lips. Something crossed his mind, and he walked upstairs with a grave expression.

“Boss, everything is ready; all we lack is the east wind,” Old Gou said from behind Cai Hongxing.

Cai Hongxing slowly turned around, his face still set in a look of fierce determination. “Remember to keep things steady this time. Have all the minor details been taken care of?”

“Taken care of. As soon as our side makes a move, the other side will follow suit,” Old Gou said with a sinister smile.

“That’s good. By the way, have there been any unusual movements from Fourteen or Hung Hing?” Cai Hongxing, being naturally cautious, felt he needed to keep an eye on the other two gangs.

Old Gou pondered for a moment. “They seem to be gathering their men as well, but their direction doesn't appear to be toward us!”

“Just in case, leave a contingent of brothers guarding our territory, lest we get stretched too thin handling two fronts!”

“Yes, I understand!” Old Gou replied.

No need to elaborate; the arrangements on the Sun Yee On side were similar, but Liu Xin was slightly more ruthless than Cai Hongxing, as he wasn't just issuing orders but was inspecting illicit goods.

Inside a certain underground warehouse, Liu Xin coldly regarded the piles of items wrapped in newspaper, a strange look playing on his lips. “These are good stuff.”

“Boss, tonight, with these toys, we can wipe out that bunch of mongrels completely,” the burly man remarked.

“It won’t be that simple,” Liu Xin narrowed his eyes. “The Red Star Society will inevitably try to use the distraction of our fight to send a group to loot our turf. Therefore, we must not only return the favor but also accelerate our pace. We need to eliminate the Red Star Society with these tools before Hung Hing and Fourteen can make their moves, so we can secure the upper hand.”

“Yes!” The burly man scratched his head, not quite grasping the nuances of strategy, but he was surprised that his boss seemed a bit sharper today.

“Heh heh, Old Liu! I’ve certainly been loyal this time, haven’t I?” A voice suddenly drifted from the warehouse entrance.

A man waddled in—fat-headed, long-eared, with a truly excessive girth. All ten fingers were adorned with gold rings, and even his watch was a Patek Philippe. He wore a sinister, leering smile that was utterly repulsive.

“Fat Ghost, I really owe you for securing this shipment for me!” Although Liu Xin smiled, he inwardly despised the man.

“Not at all, I’m a businessman; if there’s business, I do business!” Fat Ghost continued smilingly. “Revolvers: thirty pieces. Submachine guns: ten pieces. Twelve-round single-stack pistols: twenty pieces. Old Liu, are you really buying all of this?”

“Of course. Name your price!” Liu Xin stated.

“We’re old acquaintances, so forget about the usual markup. Just for you, Old Liu, I’ll offer a friendly price—five million! Take it or leave it!” Fat Ghost sneered inwardly, eager to fleece the Sun Yee On boss.

“Five million?” Liu Xin frowned slightly. Five million was completely beyond his limit for this batch of hardware. “Fat Ghost, you hypocrite! You just mentioned a friendly price, and you expect five million for just a few guns?”

“Alas—you don’t know how tough times are now. I sourced this batch in South Africa, and it already cost me three million. I’m only making two million profit off you—hardly excessive, right? Plus, I’ve included plenty of ammunition, just in case you run out!” Fat Ghost put on a pained expression that seemed quite convincing.

“Fat Ghost, don’t think I’m unaware of your scheme. Setting aside everything else, three and a half million—that’s my final offer!” Liu Xin immediately began to bargain aggressively.

Hearing this, Fat Ghost’s brow furrowed. “Old Liu, you’re making things difficult for me! Three and a half million is too low. Can you add a bit more?”

“Fat Ghost, while I’m not in the arms dealing business, I understand pricing. You’re trying to gouge me because I urgently need this shipment, but you should also consider the future,” Liu Xin smiled openly, cutting straight to the chase—that was just how he operated.

Fat Ghost inwardly sneered but smiled outwardly as well. “Old Liu, I absolutely didn't mean that. Haha, who are we? We’ve known each other for a few years. Tell you what, I’ll give you my absolute bottom line!”

“Good!” Liu Xin seemed to have waited for this exact phrase, his smile growing wider. “Give it to me!”

“Four million—that’s my limit…” Fat Ghost fixed his eyes on Liu Xin as he spoke.

“Sigh, you scoundrel…” Liu Xin sighed dramatically.

Fat Ghost’s heart sank upon hearing this. He wondered internally, Not good enough yet?

In business, especially the arms trade, offending people was the worst outcome. Although the price he offered was far from his final rock-bottom figure, he knew that appearing to lose on the surface meant the price negotiation had failed. Thus, he muttered inwardly while maintaining a placid look toward Liu Xin.

“Fine, four million!” Liu Xin still felt it was slightly expensive, but given the necessity of these items tonight, he had to let Fat Ghost squeeze him a bit. However, he unexpectedly underestimated his own ruthlessness. Once I settle these matters, you’ll be hearing from me, Fat Ghost.

“Excellent, a profitable transaction!” The two shook hands. With that handshake, all the arrangements for tonight were settled at that very moment.

“Brother Yi, everything is prepared,” Lin Fatty said, looking highly excited.

“How many throwing knives did you prepare this time, you little rascal?” Yang Yi asked with a smile.

“Tsk tsk, dozens!”

“Heh heh, you won’t get a chance to use them tonight. Don’t be so eager. Let’s just set the stage for them for a good show titled, ‘Who is preparing the dowry for whom.’”

“En!”

“Then let’s go.” Yang Yi strode forth, full of spirit, his trademark smile playing on his lips, leading his group away.

..................