The sight, so brutally graphic, instantly made Jin Xiaolong vomit on the spot, his eyes filled with an overwhelming terror. He was nothing more than a common thug, a hoodlum who had learned a bit of martial arts and established a small gang; where would he have ever seen such a horrifying Soul Artifact…
An unknown time passed before Jin Xiaolong realized he had emptied his stomach. Only then did he slowly lift his head, looking around in a daze…
He discovered that apart from a large splatter of blood, he himself was completely unharmed. And standing directly before him was that beautiful youth…
“How did running feel?” Ye Jingyu looked at the man before him with clear mockery. After all, he was a boss of the Wei Gang; his courage was too small—he had been scared into wetting himself…
“Soul Master, I… I won’t run again…” Although Jin Xiaolong hadn't witnessed such a powerful Soul Artifact, he knew that only Soul Masters possessed such things. This youth before him was actually a Soul Master…
No wonder he didn't care about the hundred thousand taels. It was common knowledge that Soul Masters were among the wealthiest people…
“Heh, don’t you think it’s a bit late now?” Ye Jingyu smiled faintly. The reason he used such a terrifying move was specifically to leave an indelible mark on Jin Xiaolong’s psyche, ensuring he would fear Ye Jingyu forever. For petty people who cling to life, the best method of control is nothing more than inspiring dread…
“My Lord, please spare my life. I was blind and failed to recognize your greatness; I offended you. I beg you, overlook the transgressions of a small man and spare me…” Seeing Ye Jingyu’s icy gaze, Jin Xiaolong immediately dropped to his knees before him, repeatedly kowtowing…
In Jin Xiaolong’s heart, Ye Jingyu now seemed like a deity seated on high, making any thought of resistance impossible…
“And why should I spare you?” Ye Jingyu asked with a light chuckle…
“If my Lord spares me, I am willing to serve as your ox or horse…” Jin Xiaolong, having secured the position of the Golden Dragon Gang leader, was certainly no fool. The fact that Ye Jingyu hadn't killed him and had spoken so much clearly indicated he wanted something in return…
“Heh heh…” Upon hearing Jin Xiaolong’s plea, a faint smile touched Ye Jingyu’s lips…
To subdue a person, the highest approach is to conquer the heart. Today, by displaying such overwhelming power, he aimed to plant an eternal, unquenchable seed in Jin Xiaolong’s mind: that Ye Jingyu was invincible, and before him, Jin Xiaolong could only choose obedience…
“Rise up…”
“Thank you, Soul Master, for sparing my life…” Hearing Ye Jingyu tell him to rise, Jin Xiaolong felt half the tension ease…
“I am only temporarily sparing your life. I hope you prove useful. If I later find you have no value…”
“My Lord, rest assured. Although I don't possess great skills, I hold some influence within this small territory of Golden Dragon Street. Whatever my Lord commands, I will dedicate my utmost effort and absolutely will not disappoint you…”
Hearing Ye Jingyu deliberately prolong his tone, Jin Xiaolong quickly interjected…
“It seems you are an intelligent man, so I won't waste more breath. I am Ye Jingyu, the Great General Who Guards the Nation, personally enfeoffed by His Majesty. From now on…” Hearing Jin Xiaolong’s words, Ye Jingyu smiled faintly and ceased the pleasantries, directly stating the purpose of his visit…
Hearing Ye Jingyu’s true identity, a look of fresh surprise instantly bloomed on Jin Xiaolong’s face. The Great General Who Guards the Nation—wasn't that the previous Imperial Martial Champion? Rumor had it he was a peerless genius who cultivated both the Soul and Martial paths. Now, it seemed the rumors were true…
He never expected to latch onto such a powerful patron. Recalling Ye Jingyu’s peerless strength and boundless potential, the fear in Jin Xiaolong’s eyes gradually gave way to elation…
“Young Master, please don’t worry. Although my Golden Dragon Gang is hardly a major organization, we have several hundred brothers within. If even a single fly crosses this area, it cannot escape our brothers’ notice. It’s just that since my Golden Dragon Gang is confined to this locale, covering the entire Yunjing City is beyond us…” Jin Xiaolong declared with utter sincerity, vowing to fulfill whatever Ye Jingyu assigned him…
“You don't need to worry about that part. You only need to manage your own affairs well. If there is any news in the future, notify him immediately. Any tasks from me will also be conveyed through him to you. In other words, from this moment on, he is your elder brother. Do you understand?” Ye Jingyu pointed at Lin Xiaoyi and stated sternly…
“I understand… Xiaolong pays his respects to Brother Lin…” Jin Xiaolong looked at Lin Xiaoyi, who appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen, and spoke the title instantly, his tone so genuine it was as if Lin Xiaoyi truly were his elder brother…
Lin Xiaoyi felt extremely awkward hearing this man, who looked at least thirty, call him ‘Big Brother.’ But catching the cold gaze of his Young Master, he dared not argue. He merely nodded at Jin Xiaolong, signaling him to relax his formality…
“Heh, you are an intelligent man. I presume I don't need to remind you what you should and shouldn't do from now on. Take this nineteen thousand silver notes first. While your gambling den is decent, it ultimately can’t hold a proper stage. I will send people to manage it properly for you…” Ye Jingyu smiled faintly while handing the box to Jin Xiaolong…
“I understand…” As he accepted the box containing the nineteen thousand taels of bank notes with both hands, Jin Xiaolong’s body trembled inexplicably. He truly hadn't expected the ten thousand-plus taels he had lost to return to him…
He also understood the implicit threat behind Ye Jingyu’s actions with perfect clarity. He was merely a street thug; managing to attach himself to the towering figure of the Great General Who Guards the Nation was already more than he could have wished for. How could he ever dare to betray him? Unless he thought he could evade the pursuit of a Grandmaster…
“You know how to handle these people, right?” Ye Jingyu glanced at Jin Xiaolong’s expression and pointed at the pulp on the ground…
“I know…” Jin Xiaolong glanced at the meat paste, his face turning slightly pale, but he still nodded his affirmation…
“Very good. I hope you don’t disappoint me. Let’s go…” Ye Jingyu said, lightly patting Jin Xiaolong’s shoulder, then not looking back at him again, turning and walking toward the other end of the alley with his hands behind his back…
Xue Hengzhi followed closely behind him. Only Lin Xiaoyi spared a glance for Jin Xiaolong, mimicking his Young Master by lightly patting Jin Xiaolong’s shoulder before trailing behind the other two and leaving the scene…
It was only after Ye Jingyu and his entourage had completely vanished that Jin Xiaolong collapsed onto the ground, letting out a long, shaky breath. He then realized his entire back was drenched in sweat…