After a year of training and reorganization, the skills of the Dragon Kill Society members had greatly improved. Moreover, during this year, they had recruited a significant number of new members, resulting in a substantial increase in the ranks of the Xuanwu and Vermilion Bird Halls. The refined assassins in the Xuanwu Hall had grown to over twenty individuals, each one carefully selected and exceptionally skilled. Through various martial arts training sessions, they had developed impressive combat abilities. Even in unarmed combat, they possessed the capability to take on ten opponents single-handedly. In addition to hand-to-hand combat training, they also practiced marksmanship. Each member was equipped with submachine guns and handguns, and while not all of them were marksmen, they rarely missed their targets. Apart from these elite assassins, there were around forty reserve killers in the Xuanwu Hall, all of them young and still in training. Although they were not as skilled as the assassins, they showed great potential. Therefore, despite the small number of personnel in the Xuanwu Hall, consisting of only around sixty individuals, they were virtually invincible against two or three hundred ordinary people. They were the elite force of the Dragon Kill Society.
As for Yu Ling and her group of seven, thanks to Star Han's care, they had become the elites among the elites.
In addition to the Xuanwu Hall, the Vermilion Bird Hall also experienced a significant increase in numbers. However, Star Han wasn't quite sure about the exact number or the types of individuals in the Vermilion Bird Hall. All the affairs of the Vermilion Bird Hall were known only to Yu Long. Therefore, the members of the Vermilion Bird Hall were shrouded in mystery, and apart from the hall master, they had direct contact with only a single line of communication. Even if they suffered a loss of one or two members, it wouldn't affect the others. The timely and accurate information that the Dragon Kill Society possessed was provided by the Vermilion Bird Hall.
These two halls were the core of the Dragon Kill Society and were established at great expense. However, they were a drain on the society's finances and couldn't generate any income. In comparison, the other two halls were profit-oriented. The Azure Dragon Hall was responsible for managing the society's various business ventures, engaging in legitimate trades as well as other lucrative activities. It generated substantial daily income, and as the influence of the Dragon Kill Society grew, the scale of their business also expanded significantly. The other hall, the White Tiger Hall, collected protection fees and other similar payments, providing a stable monthly income. It also had a larger number of personnel and served as the society's standing force. If the Xuanwu Hall was the elite force of the Dragon Kill Society, then the White Tiger Hall acted as the regular police force.
During this year, Yu Ling and her six companions had also made significant progress. Their skills surpassed even the elite assassins of the Xuanwu Hall. This was because Star Han had infused a large amount of true energy into their bodies. Although they couldn't match Star Han's level, their hearing, vision, and physical abilities were beyond ordinary. Therefore, whether it was judo or karate, they found it easy to grasp, and their marksmanship was astonishing. The seven of them usually accompanied Star Han closely, but Star Han didn't have much to demand from them.
Since taking over the territory of the Wild Wolf Gang, Star Han had also moved to a new residence. He found another house near the headquarters of the Dragon Kill Society. Yu Ling and Yu Long lived with him, taking care of his daily life, although Star Han didn't really need their assistance. Star Han entrusted the management of the gang's affairs to Sun Zihao and the Yu sisters. He rarely intervened unless there was a major issue. He spent his days training in his room. As for the extent of his current martial arts skills, no one knew. However, it was evident that Star Han's aura was growing stronger.
Every one or two weeks, Star Han would have a phone call with Yu Ya. Yu Ya had gradually adapted to her life overseas and was busy all the time.
Although the Dragon Kill Society was now considered a medium-sized gang, its strength surpassed that of any major gang. Although the society's actions remained internal and relatively low-key, they had caught the attention of several neighboring gangs. Faced with the increasingly powerful Dragon Kill Society, gangs such as the Ax Gang, Heaven and Earth Society, and Flying Sky Gang were filled with trepidation. They were considering forming an alliance to confront the Dragon Kill Society.
Through the intelligence provided by the Vermilion Bird Hall, Star Han had long been aware of their intentions and couldn't help but smile. If it had been half a year ago when the Dragon Kill Society was weaker, Star Han wouldn't have dared to antagonize these gangs. But now that the society's strength had greatly increased, Star Han was eagerly looking for an opportunity to expand their territory. Their actions fell right into Star Han's plans.
Star Han gathered Sun Zihao, Wu Chengming, Liu Qinwei, and the Yu sisters to discuss the situation. Once everyone was present, Star Han began speaking:
"I believe you all know about it. The Ax Gang, Heaven and Earth Society, and Flying Sky Gang want to unite against us, the Dragon Kill Society. What do you think we should do?"
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"What else can we do? We should take the initiative and attack them before they come after us. Kill them all!" Liu Qinwei exclaimed loudly. He was a typical reckless character, unafraid of death, but unfortunately lacking in brains.
"That's right! It's either you die or I live. Is there any other choice? We can just confront them head-on," Wu Chengming agreed.
"No, I think we can negotiate with them now and wait for an opportunity to eliminate them one by one. After all, if the entire Dragon Kill Society faces all three gangs at once, we may not fear them, but it will be a costly victory that won't benefit us. We should consider employing strategies from the Art of War and let them destroy each other. Isn't that better?" Sun Zihao calmly suggested.
Star Han looked at the others, but no one had anything to say. The Yu sisters were accustomed to following his lead and had no objections. Wu Chengming and Liu Qinwei were both impulsive characters who charged into battle. Sun Zihao had some abilities, but he tended to be defensive and lacked initiative. At this moment, all eyes were on Star Han, waiting for him to propose a plan. Star Han sighed inwardly. Although the Dragon Kill Society had become powerful, it lacked talent, at least someone like a strategist. He realized that he needed to pay more attention to this aspect in the future.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Liu Qinwei shouted, "Master, whatever you say, we'll do it. We'll follow your lead."
"Yes, yes," Wu Chengming chimed in.
The Yu sisters and Sun Zihao also looked at Star Han, waiting for his decision. Feeling a bit emotional, Star Han glanced at them before slowly speaking:
"The Dragon Kill Society has grown significantly in strength, and it's time for us to expand our territory. This is an opportunity, a great opportunity for us to become even stronger. Although we aren't afraid to confront the three gangs simultaneously, I believe in employing strategies and letting them destroy each other. Wouldn't that be better? Let's seize this chance to expand our influence. Sun Zihao, through the intelligence network of the Vermilion Bird Hall, release the news that the Ax Gang intends to instigate a fight between the Heaven and Earth Society and the Flying Sky Gang, encouraging us to fight amongst ourselves while they reap the benefits. Spread another piece of information stating that the Flying Sky Gang plans to take advantage of the situation to swallow the Ax Gang and the Heaven and Earth Society, as they are the strongest among the three gangs. In a situation where the other two gangs suffer heavy losses, they indeed have the capability to absorb the other two. Additionally, let members of the Xuanwu Hall impersonate members of the other gangs to create trouble. This way, they won't be able to unite against us. Once the Ax Gang and the Heaven and Earth Society clash with the Flying Sky Gang, they won't be able to compete. They will undoubtedly seek our help, and then we can eliminate the Flying Sky Gang in one fell swoop. As for the remaining two gangs, it won't be a big issue. It's not a difficult plan."
"Great! Sun Zihao, if you can bribe members of their gangs to cause chaos, that would be even better," Star Han said, delighted.
"Of course, if I can bribe members of their gangs to create internal strife, it will be even better," Sun Zihao eagerly agreed.
"That's good, but it doesn't seem fair. It's as if the White Tiger Hall isn't useful," Liu Qinwei remarked.
"When the time comes to eliminate the Flying Sky Gang, it will be your turn to fight. You'll have plenty of battles then. Are you afraid of not having a fight?" Yu Ling laughed and replied.
"You're right, Lingjie. But how much longer do we have to wait? I feel uncomfortable if I don't fight," Liu Qinwei muttered.
"It won't be too long, at most a couple of months. Otherwise, it could be resolved in ten days to half a month," Star Han said.
"Oh, I can't wait that long to fight!" Liu Qinwei sighed.
"If you're eager to fight, why not spar with Wu Chengming? Or I can spar with you," Yu Long suggested, recalling Liu Qinwei's experiences.
"I can't. I can't beat Brother Wei. It's better for Yu Long to spar with him," Wu Chengming responded, clearly having experienced the bitterness of facing Liu Qinwei.
"I can't bring myself to fight against Yu Long. If I fight her, it's the same as fighting against the Master. Besides, how can I bear to attack someone as delicate as Yu Long?" Liu Qinwei quickly declined.
"Alright, are you underestimating us sisters? Sister, show him some of your skills and let our White Tiger Hall master know not to underestimate us women in the future," Yu Long said sternly, although a smile still played on her face.
"I didn't mean it that way, Sister Ling. You misunderstood me," Liu Qinwei hurriedly explained.
"What did you mean, then? Tell me," Yu Ling pressed on, stepping closer to Liu Qinwei.
"I..." As Yu Long almost pressed against him, Liu Qinwei stepped back, unable to find the right words to say. Everyone else smiled as they watched the two.
"Sister, please stop fooling around. Master, allow me and Qinwei to have a try," Yu Ling interjected, requesting Star Han's permission. Since most gangs prohibited private fights, Yu Ling sought Star Han's approval. Yu Long, who was most afraid of her sister, stepped back but immediately cheered her on.
Wu Chengming and Sun Zihao also smiled and joined in. Star Han thought it would be a good opportunity to see Yu Ling's skills. He said to Liu Qinwei:
"You can have a spar with the master of the Xuanwu Hall. Let everyone witness it and broaden their horizons. But remember to stop before things get too serious, understand?"
Liu Qinwei, who normally didn't respect Yu Ling's position as the master of the Xuanwu Hall, agreed reluctantly. Yu Ling, knowing that Liu Qinwei didn't fully accept her, also wanted to establish her authority. Therefore, as soon as Star Han gave his consent, the two immediately assumed their stances and prepared to begin.