In a villa somewhere in the North, a young man sat on the sofa, his eyes leisurely closed, contemplating something or simply savoring the moment, his expression utterly composed, the entire being radiating tranquility.
However, at that precise moment, the sudden appearance of a figure shattered his peace; “Young Master, grave news has arrived.”
“What is it?” The young man, undoubtedly Ye Han, didn't open his eyes, maintaining his serene demeanor as he asked.
“Tian Yi left this letter for you, Young Master, stating she is terminating her cooperation with us, and the three major assassin guilds are doing the same!” Tian Si reported.
“Oh? Is that so?” Ye Han seemed to have anticipated this, showing not a flicker of surprise or shock, but rather a composed smile, “How much force do we still command?”
“Only the forces in Tibet, South Africa, and the three major sects remain.”
“Are they already garrisoned here?”
“Yes, they are stationed as you commanded, Young Master. The masters of the three major sects have also agreed to meet you here in ten days,” Tian Si replied, a sudden wave of confusion washing over him, as Ye Han appeared remarkably unconcerned.
Ye Han straightened up, settling into a proper posture, and looked at Tian Si, “Have there been any developments recently within our Mai Clan?”
“This…” Tian Si paused in thought before asking, “May I inquire as to what you are looking for, Young Master?”
“I’m asking what the Ten Elders of Tian Gui and the others have been up to lately?” Ye Han asked with a strange, chilling, and insidious smile.
“The Ten Elders of Tian Gui seem to still be in seclusion at the Enforcement Palace!”
“Seclusion, are they?” Ye Han rose to his feet, “There are still half a month until Peking University opens. Prepare a car for me; I must return to the Mai Clan immediately!”
“Young Master?” Tian Si sensed that Ye Han was heading back to the Tian Gui branch of the Mai Clan for some unusual purpose; “Young Master, are you intending to…!”
“Since Tian Yi has severed ties with us, events are forcing my hand to the next move. There is no other way,” Ye Han chuckled drily, his eyes narrowing, revealing a glint of coldness, “Why are you dawdling? Go and arrange it now!”
“Yes, your subordinate will go at once!” Tian Si murmured in assent.
Ye Han watched Tian Si’s retreating figure. The placid expression on his face suddenly contorted, becoming intensely grim and vicious. He muttered to himself, “Since you refused to recognize my authority and return to the lineage, I will use this opportunity to eradicate you and seize all your power. Then, never mind the Tian Long lineage, who in all of Huaxia will dare oppose me? Hahahaha!”
His laughter was utterly arrogant, his ambition seemingly vast, yet, it was impossible to say what Ye Han truly intended on this return to the Tian Gui lineage; in any case, nothing good was destined to unfold.
##################
Time passed swiftly; the half-month vanished quickly, leaving only three days until the start of the Peking University semester.
During this fortnight, Yang Yi meticulously deployed his troops and personnel, absorbing considerable experience based on Xiu’er’s counsel. Battle reports arrived from America: the Holy See had surrendered and agreed to coexist with the Black God Gang in the global underworld through a cooperative arrangement. Upon hearing this proposal, Yang Yi readily accepted.
The Holy See, after all, was an organization rooted in religious heritage within America. Although they had involved themselves in underworld affairs, their current willingness to compromise meant it was an opportunity not to be missed. Just as Yang Yi surmised, the majority of the world’s underworld forces now fell under his control.
Smaller underworld factions in various countries were gradually aligning themselves with local gangs. The Black God Gang, in that instant, had become an exceptionally conspicuous entity on the world stage. Of course, only those within the underworld and certain powerful figures were aware of this; ordinary citizens remained ignorant, nor did they wish to know, as organized crime represented a darkness that, to them, should not exist.
With affairs in America settled, the eight great Vampire Princes, the ten Army Generals, the Five Elements Death Warriors, the Five Elements Death Gods, along with a core contingent of power from Shanghai—the Black God Guards, among others—had all traveled North to establish their garrison. The North now felt like a volatile mix of dragons and snakes, and although the surface appeared calm, the atmosphere suggested chaos greater than wartime.
Yet, greater chaos lay ahead. Following an order from Yang Yi, all Black God Gang entities across the nation, when mapped out geographically, formed a pattern: the North was a small circle entirely enveloped by a larger circle representing the rest of the country, sealed airtight.
Naturally, with such a tight encirclement, Ye Han’s forces were entirely within the Black God Gang’s observation network. Thus, any slight movement from Ye Han's remaining power would immediately be relayed throughout the entire Black God Gang, straight into Yang Yi’s hands.
“Three days left, only three days. Why hasn’t she contacted me yet, and how should I find her?” Yang Yi mused internally.
Unbeknownst to Yang Yi, Fatty Lin and his two companions, along with Xuanyuan Bing and her two companions, had already learned everything about Yang Yi’s affairs from Yang Rong, including the significance of the two tasks Yang Rong had assigned him. Furthermore, upon learning this information, they seemed to have adopted Yang Rong’s suggestions and accomplished things that were astonishing.
Meanwhile… in the living room of a certain villa, six people who had parted ways a month prior gathered. Regardless of what they had endured individually, it was evident that they had all transformed considerably from their state a month ago.
“Second Brother, you’ve returned at the perfect time.”
“Haha, so have you, Third Brother!” Fatty Lin looked at Xu Ming, a bizarre gleam flashing in his eyes, “Not bad, late-stage Grandmaster!”
“Damn, Second Brother, just how high is your realm? I feel like you…”
“Haha!” Fatty Lin laughed, glancing around the spacious hall only to find the two of them present. He couldn't help but ask with confusion, “Didn’t we all agree to gather here today? Why are there only two of us?”
“Yeah, I find it strange too. Fourth Brother should have shown up by now,” Xu Ming expressed equal bewilderment.
It was at this moment that a young man walked in. Observing his now lean and capable physique, it was clear he too had changed significantly. As he entered, he called out, “Second Brother, Third Brother, long time no see!”
“Fourth Brother!”
“Hey, you three hooligans!”
“Are we all here?”
Suddenly, several more people streamed in through the doorway. Aside from Xu Ming and Fatty Lin, there was Ye Xiaohou, followed by Li Qian and Xia Shiyun, and then Xuanyuan Bing.
“Phew, you three have changed quite a bit!” Li Qian exclaimed in clear surprise.
“Tsk tsk, haven't we!” The three rascals grinned proudly, “We underwent extremely rigorous training and cultivation, so of course, the changes are dramatic!”
Xuanyuan Bing, seeing their smugness, poured a bucket of cold water on their excitement, “Don’t celebrate too soon. Qian’er and Shiyun have also changed immensely!”
“Fatty’s strength has reached the late-stage Grandmaster, while Xu Ming and Xiaohou are at the mid-stage. Their progress is astonishingly fast; they haven't disappointed me.”
A voice descended from upstairs, continuing, “Although Qian’er and Shiyun have only just stepped into the initial Grandmaster realm, it’s still quite respectable; at least ordinary martial artists won't pose much of a threat to them. As for Bing’er, you’ve broken through to level nine in the psychic ability hierarchy, making you the foremost master in the psychic world, and you are an ice-type user. Very good—such achievements in just one month are truly commendable!”
“Sister Rong!” Upon hearing the voice, everyone called out towards the person descending the stairs.
“Hello everyone. Seeing how far you’ve all grown in this month truly surprises me,” Yang Rong walked up to them and smiled, “Today is the day I send you back. I hope you will support Xiao Yi well.”
“Sister Rong, aren't you coming back with us?” Fatty Lin asked.
Li Qian chimed in beside him, “Right, Sister Rong. Yi definitely has many questions that only you can answer. Why not meet him directly and acknowledge who you are?”
“Heh heh, it’s not the right time yet. Besides, once you return, his questions will find someone to help unravel them.”
“Who is it?” Li Qian inquired.
“You’ll know once you return.” Yang Rong understood perfectly that once these individuals returned, Yang Yi would certainly press for answers about certain things. However, she trusted that with Zhuge Xiu by Yang Yi’s side, he would be able to moderate which information he should know now and what should wait.
Certain secrets absolutely needed to be kept hidden; now was not the moment for Yang Yi to know everything. If he knew now, and tried to stop her actions, he would become entangled in the struggle between the two lineages, and the situation could escalate seriously.
To that end, she suddenly addressed Fatty Lin and the others, “One thing I need you all to promise me!”
“What is it that Sister Rong requires of us?” Xu Ming asked Yang Rong with curiosity.
Yang Rong looked at them, paced a few steps, and then said, “I need you to keep secret my relationship with Xiao Yi, and the fact that I am the next Sect Master of the Tian Long lineage.”
“Ah…!” A wave of astonishment swept over the group, but seeing Yang Rong nod with a profoundly serious expression, they could only agree, “En!”