"Insolent! Sang Biao, are you trying to incite war between the Chung Luen triad and the Tung Shing triad by speaking like that?" Uncle Kwun stated sternly.

"If you want the Chung Luen dead, then naturally we won't hold back. Forget about the Red Star and Tung Shing teaming up; even if the Wo Luen Shing and 14K on your side joined forces with those old fellows next to you, the Chung Luen triad would never fear you," Sang Biao declared loudly. Having lost this fight, the Chung Luen triad would have nothing left; they might as well fight it out, perhaps a glimmer of hope remained.

"Sang Biao, you are making an enemy of every triad in Hong Kong. Are you certain those men behind you are truly united with you?" Hu Qingyang began sowing discord.

Sang Biao indeed spun around fiercely to glare at his subordinates. Seeing a few of them exhibiting hesitant expressions, he exploded in anger: "Anyone harboring ill intentions at this moment shall be executed without mercy!"

The Second-in-Command, whose arm was in a cast, immediately roared: "Every brother in the Chung Luen triad is no coward! We swear to defend the Chung Luen triad to the death, and we will remain by Brother Biao's side, never to leave!"

It had to be said that the timing chosen by the Second-in-Command was superb. With him leading the charge, all the Chung Luen gang members roared in unison: "Defend the Chung Luen triad! Follow Brother Biao! Never to leave!"

"Very good. You have made excellent choices," Hu Qingyang chuckled.

Uncle Kwun’s face was ashen. He said, "Sang Biao, get back immediately and arrange your affairs. The major triads will launch a cleansing operation against the Chung Luen triad right away. The underworld has no place for dishonorable people like you."

Hu Qingyang added, "The Red Star will follow Uncle Kwun's command. We will uproot the entire Chung Luen triad when the time comes."

The other elders were also furious, each voicing their agreement to follow Uncle Kwun's leadership in eliminating the Chung Luen triad. Uncle Kwun proudly stroked his beard, fixing Sang Biao with a cold gaze.

Sang Biao’s eyes darted around; he contemplated making a sudden move right then and wiping out all these sworn enemies in one go. However, when he caught sight of Ah Huo, drenched in blood, staring fixedly at him, he subconsciously flinched. None of his men currently possessed the strength to withstand Ah Huo's attack. If war broke out now, his side would certainly be at a disadvantage.

Having fully assessed the current situation, Sang Biao let out a cold snort and led his subordinates away from the yacht. Hu Qingyang and Uncle Kwun made no move to stop them, simply watching Sang Biao depart.

Liu Hui observed the entire development from beginning to end. Ah Huo had lived up to expectations by killing Wang Liu; the scene was bloody and terrifying, destined to intimidate a large number of people for a long time. The Chung Luen's Sang Biao was brave but rash; provoked a few times and he was ready to make an enemy of every gang in Hong Kong—utterly foolish. Under the suppressive force of all Hong Kong triads, the Chung Luen triad was surely finished and would never pose any threat to him again.

With matters having reached this stage, Liu Hui’s objectives for the evening were entirely accomplished. He noticed Hu Qingyang consulting with the black-clad elders. With the Chung Luen triad about to collapse, the territories and profits they left behind needed to be redistributed. It was likely Hu Qingyang and Uncle Kwun were discussing this now, so Liu Hui prepared to take his leave.

Hu Qingyang was overjoyed. Seeing an enemy that had plagued him for years about to be destroyed brought a level of ecstasy words could not express. When he saw Liu Hui preparing to depart, he quickly offered his apologies. Liu Hui expressed his understanding of the situation and hoped for stronger communication between them in the future.

Hu Qingyang was indeed quite busy; after speaking with Liu Hui briefly, he was immediately called over by Uncle Kwun again. Liu Hui smiled faintly and left the yacht. Hu Xian’er, who had not stayed with Hu Qingyang, also departed with Liu Hui. Huang Huali handed a towel to Ah Huo, who wiped the blood from his body before leaving with Liu Hui as well.

Liu Hui and his party had only taken a few steps after disembarking when a gang member wearing the Red Star triad uniform suddenly leaped off the boat, blocking Liu Hui’s path.

Liu Hui paused, surprised. This person’s sudden appearance was abrupt, and his movements were agile enough to stop Liu Hui before he could react. This man's skill level was likely not beneath that of Zhou Tengyun.

Wu Yuanjia, Huang Huali, and Ah Huo finally reacted, quickly moving to shield Liu Hui, glaring furiously at the intruder while creating a buffer between him and Liu Hui.

"The personnel under Patron Liu are indeed exceptionally talented," the man in front said as he removed the hat he was wearing and then slipped off his outer jacket. In an instant, he transformed from an ordinary Red Star triad member into a monk. The monk appeared to be in his fifties, possessed a very strong physique, his head was perfectly bald and marked with two rows of jiè bā (ordination scars), and he wore an apricot-yellow Buddhist robe—clearly an authentic monk.

"You are..." Seeing a monk, Liu Hui was momentarily unsure of his intentions and asked.

"This humble monk's Dharma name is Yong Xiong, and I come from the Shaolin Temple in the mainland," the monk replied, pressing his palms together.

"Master Yong Xiong, have you joined the Hong Kong underworld? That is truly incredible," Liu Hui asked with feigned surprise.

"Patron Liu jokes. I heard a boxing match was taking place here tonight, and the two contestants had previously killed two of my Shaolin disciples, so I came to observe. However, the guards here would not let me enter, so I had to disguise myself. I have not joined the triad society," Yong Xiong explained.

"Ah Huo, have you ever killed eminent monks from the Shaolin Temple?" Liu Hui asked Ah Huo, deliberately emphasizing the words "eminent monks."

Ah Huo was momentarily stunned, then instantly understood. He shook his head: "That is not true. I only killed a triad boxer in a fair match previously, and that boxer was an alcoholic and a womanizer—he was a triad member. How could he possibly be an eminent monk from the Shaolin Temple?"

Liu Hui spread his hands and said to Yong Xiong, "Master Yong Xiong, you heard him. How could we have killed any eminent monks from your esteemed temple?"

"The two individuals described by Fire Patron just now, who did not abstain from wine or women, indeed originated from the Shaolin Temple. Their names were Xing Jiu and Xing Se. Due to certain arrangements within the Shaolin Temple, they came to Hong Kong, only to be killed by your men," Yong Xiong stated.

"Oh, that is strange. Xing Jiu and Xing Se were clearly triad enforcers. Does that mean your Shaolin Temple has turned into a triad as well?" Liu Hui asked with feigned confusion.

"Patron Liu, please speak with caution. Our Shaolin Temple is a sacred Buddhist ground and certainly not a triad organization. However, since our two gate members have been killed by your people, you naturally owe the Shaolin Temple an explanation," Yong Xiong said, pressing his palms together.

"Master Yong Xiong, I have a question for you," Liu Hui said.

"Patron Liu, please ask."

"Are Xing Jiu and Xing Se disciples of some high-ranking monk in your Shaolin Temple?" Liu Hui inquired.

"This humble monk is their master. As for being high-ranking, that is not the case; I merely serve as the Head of the Arhat Hall," Yong Xiong replied calmly.

Liu Hui’s eyes narrowed. Faced with the provocation of a powerful foe, his spirits finally lifted from their low point. He said coldly, "I see. Master Yong Xiong’s disciples joined the underworld and were subsequently killed. Therefore, Master Yong Xiong is now prepared to avenge his pupils, am I correct?"

"I am not seeking revenge, only an explanation. The matter concerning Patron Wang Liu in the recent match has been settled since he was killed by Fire Patron. Now only Fire Patron remains. I request that Fire Patron immediately accompany this humble monk back to the Shaolin Temple to study Buddhist scriptures and dispel his murderous aggression. I will naturally allow him to return in a few decades," Yong Xiong stated plainly.

Liu Hui burst into laughter: "Big monk, do you think this is still the old days where you can confine someone for decades on a whim? This is a society governed by law—do you understand what a society governed by law is? If you dare abduct someone here, I will call the police immediately, and you won't be leaving Hong Kong."

Ah Huo, Wu Yuanjia, and Huang Huali standing nearby also found this amusing, thinking the monk’s words were ridiculous.

"I implore the patrons not to force my hand," Yong Xiong said, pressing his palms together.

Liu Hui's tone turned cold: "Big monk, since you refuse to discuss reason, then let us settle this with our fists. Today, we shall see if you have the ability to take this man away."

"If that is the case, then do not blame me for being impolite. Although Fire Patron was incredibly formidable in the recent bout, he is no match for me. The strength of these two patrons beside him is comparable to his. Even if the three of them attacked together, I have a winning chance. Amitabha," Yong Xiong recited a Buddhist invocation and prepared to move.

Wu Yuanjia clapped his hands, and instantly, over a dozen security personnel emerged from the darkness outside. These guards exuded an aura of grim determination and silently advanced toward Yong Xiong, surrounding him.

Liu Hui had already discerned that Yong Xiong had reached the Xiantian realm; his personal power was naturally greater than that of Wu Yuanjia and the other two. However, in addition to these three, his side also had over a dozen security personnel, all of whom had been injected with the Body Evolution Fluid, putting their strength close to that of Wu Yuanjia and the others. With the protection of these dozen experts, there was no way Yong Xiong could take Ah Huo away; in fact, if a fight broke out, Yong Xiong might leave his life here.

Yong Xiong’s expression finally changed. Although he was confident he could handle the three masters before him, he had not anticipated that there were over a dozen others outside whose strength matched that of the masters standing there. These men looked well-trained, and if they swarmed him, even a Xiantian master would only have the option to flee.

"Patron Liu, do not assume that only your Starry Sky Group has masters. Our Shaolin Temple has been passed down for a thousand years, and masters emerge unendingly," Yong Xiong declared.

"Today, I am using superior numbers to bully you. What do you want? You can call over your Shaolin Temple masters too," Liu Hui sneered.

"Patron Liu, are you truly willing to fall out with our Shaolin Temple over a mere security guard?" Yong Xiong began to threaten fiercely.

"I already have. Didn't you see?" Liu Hui gestured toward the surrounding security personnel and added mockingly, "Master Yong Xiong, are you truly willing to oppose the Starry Sky Group over two disgraced renegades expelled from your temple?"

"You..."

"What do you mean, 'you'? If you know what's good for you, leave quickly, lest you lose your lifetime of good reputation here," Liu Hui interrupted Yong Xiong.

Yong Xiong shot Liu Hui a fierce glare, then moved backward several steps and vanished from sight.

"Boss, I have caused you trouble," Ah Huo said shamefully. In his mind, the Shaolin Temple was towering and majestic, hiding countless masters. He feared he might bring Liu Hui immense problems.

"Ah Huo, you have not brought me trouble, and you performed admirably today. That man from Shaolin Temple was making unreasonable demands. If he comes back next time, it won't be as easy for him to leave as it was today," Liu Hui said with a sincere smile.

Hu Xian’er, having seen a genuine smile on Liu Hui's face for the first time in days, breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his mood was finally improving.

"Alright, let’s go back and talk. Ah Huo did very well today; we should celebrate," Liu Hui clapped his hands.

Thus, the group quickly boarded their cars, left the pier, returned to the Starry Sky Group, and began their celebration—further details are omitted.

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Liu Hui regained his spirit and dedicated his focus entirely to work. Regardless of the true circumstances behind Liang Jingyue leaving him, only by becoming stronger himself could he better protect Liang Jingyue and those around him.

One morning, Liu Hui arrived at the company only to find the entire building filled with people, none of whom he recognized. The men were all dressed in sharp suits, and the women in skirts and stockings, yet everyone held a form and was queuing in the hallway.

Curiously, Liu Hui picked up a form near the entrance; it turned out to be an application registration form. Only then did he remember that today was the day the old scientists from the Starry Sky Academy were recruiting research assistants—he had been so distracted and lost in thought that he had completely forgotten.

"Hey, brother, we meet again." Suddenly, a voice called out from beside him.

Liu Hui turned around to see a young man in his early twenties greeting him. The young man looked somewhat familiar, as if Liu Hui had met him somewhere before.

Liu Hui scratched his head, then suddenly recalled attending a year-end appreciation reception hosted by the Bashan City government last year. At that reception, a young man had spoken with him. That young man never watched television or read newspapers and, surprisingly, did not recognize Liu Hui. Unfortunately, the young man had been pulled away later, and Liu Hui never even asked for his name. Who else could the young man standing before him be, if not the one from the reception?

"You don't recognize me?" Liu Hui asked, pointing to his own face.

"I recognize you! Didn't we meet at the Bashan reception last time?" the young man replied.

"Ahem, why are you here?" Liu Hui quickly changed the subject.

"Applying, of course! Aren't you here to apply too?" the young man asked, holding up the application registration form in his hand.

"I..." Liu Hui looked helplessly at the registration form in his own hand, unsure what to say.

"You are so stingy. They are hiring so many research assistants this time. We aren't necessarily competitors, so why hide things? That's no fun," the young man said dismissively.

"You never watch TV or read newspapers?" Liu Hui asked.

"I don't. I only read research journals."

"Then how did you know this company was hiring?" Liu Hui continued to ask.

"Hehe, I was previously working at a research institution in Bashan. A colleague who was also a research assistant received a recruitment brochure from a friend and showed it to me, so I decided to try my luck here," the young man chuckled.

"You had a job before, why suddenly switch companies?" Liu Hui asked curiously.

"Brother, you don't know my misery. Nominally, I am a research assistant, but in reality, I do all the research. When the results come out, my superiors take all the credit, and I get nothing—I'm not even allowed to have my name listed. I was so disheartened, so I came to this unit to give it a try," the young man explained.

"Wait a minute, why is it always me asking you questions? I should be asking you too," the young man suddenly felt something was awkward, realizing he had been answering all of Liu Hui’s questions, and quickly tried to reverse the dynamic.

"What do you want to ask?" Liu Hui asked curiously.

"What field do you research, and which project's research assistant are you applying for?" the young man asked.

"That... I don't know," Liu Hui replied.

"No way! Are you clueless and just trying to sneak in for free food and lodging? I’m not saying this to be mean, but a person must be grounded, must have..." The young man began to preach earnestly. However, before he could launch into his long lecture, his speech was interrupted.

"Boss, why are you standing here? There are so many applicants here today; it's not very safe," Li Zhi, dressed in a skirt suit, walked over and called out when she saw Liu Hui standing at the entrance.

"Wow, a real beauty! An OL (office lady) like this is my favorite type! I've decided; I'm going to marry her as my wife. Brother, what do you think of my plan?" The young man, upon seeing Li Zhi, was instantly captivated by her demeanor and beauty. He hadn't even fully processed her words and had already made such a grand vow.

Li Zhi frowned upon hearing the young man’s comment and said to Liu Hui, "Boss, please go up first. The colleagues from the Human Resources department will handle things here."

This time, the young man finally heard Li Zhi clearly. His mouth dropped open, and he managed to stammer, "Boss? He... he is the boss of this company, Liu Hui?"

"You must be kidding! You don't even recognize our company boss? Is there anyone left on Earth who doesn't know our boss?" Li Zhi said disdainfully.

"General Manager Li, it’s not as exaggerated as you say. I met him in Bashan before, so I chatted with him a bit longer," Liu Hui said with a smile.

The young man's open mouth snapped shut, and he immediately adopted an obsequious expression: "How could I not recognize the world-renowned Boss? I was deliberately pretending not to know him just now, so that the boss would have more time to chat with a subordinate, allowing the boss to know what we subordinates are thinking. Wouldn't you agree, Boss?"

Li Zhi continued to look scornful: "You aren't even an employee of this company yet, so don't call me 'Boss' so familiarly."

The young man puffed out his chest and said, "Although I am not an employee yet, I will be very soon. By the way, beautiful lady, what is your name?"

Li Zhi glared at him and said, "Why should I tell you?" Then she gracefully walked away.

The young man stared (entranced/dazed) at Li Zhi’s retreating figure and murmured, "What is a perfect woman? A woman like that is perfect! I’ve decided; in order to pursue her, I must work at the Starry Sky Group."

Liu Hui stood by, smiling as he watched the clown perform. When the lively fellow saw Li Zhi had gone far enough, he turned back and asked seriously, "Boss, does our company allow relationships between employees?"

Liu Hui laughed: "Absolutely allowed."

The young man was ecstatic, but then suddenly recalled something and asked cautiously, "This beauty... you haven't used your power to..."

Liu Hui laughed heartily: "Absolutely not."

The young man was overjoyed but then saw that a few spots in the application line ahead had been filled and someone new had cut right in front of him. He immediately became indignant, ran up, shoved the queue-jumper back, and said menacingly, "This spot is a good spot! If you steal it from me, and I don't get into this company, I’ll settle accounts with you!"

Liu Hui smiled and slowly walked away. After a few steps, he suddenly turned back and asked, "Young man, what is your name?"

"My name is Yang Hua."