Xiao Zihan had just settled into his seat when a rugged voice came from the front: "Zihan, this solo mission of yours is too risky. If anything happens to you, what will happen to my precious daughter, Xiao He?"

Xiao Zihan was suddenly stunned. Could it be, could it be that Xiao Wan Chong had arrived? He glanced forward and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Sitting in the co-driver's seat of the van was indeed Xiao Wan Chong, a person he hadn't expected.

Hearing a hearty laugh from Xiao Wan Chong, he said, "Didn't expect it to be me, huh? Originally, that brat Xiao He wanted to come, but I sent her back. It's still more fitting for me, Aowu, and Lei Xiaobo to handle this. Not many people, but enough to make an impact. If things get tough, just reveal my name, and they'll have to think twice. Hmph, the Xiao Gang is not to be messed with by anyone. By the way, as soon as I heard that you wanted to solo infiltrate the Three Blades Gang, even I was quite scared. These past few days, I've been rushing over to Xiao He's side frequently. Especially considering Xiao He, that girl, she's as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

Ah, it's been a while since I've flexed my muscles. These old bones are getting rusty and useless. It's a pity, a pity. Today didn't go as planned, looks like I'll have to play with you guys." After speaking, he turned his head and casually asked, "How did the battle go?"

Xiao Zihan's eyes flashed with determination as he coldly smiled, "No one can survive after hurting my wife." The majestic and domineering tone revealed a sense of power that moved everyone in the car.

Xiao Wan Chong's smile faded instantly, his face showing a hint of stiffness. He asked in a deep voice, "Are the Chen brothers from the Chen family all dead?"

Xiao Zihan nodded, letting Lei Dong handle his wounds briefly.

Xiao Wan Chong sighed deeply, looking up and saying, "It seems I have underestimated your abilities. Going alone to take on the Three Blades Gang and single-handedly dealing with the infamous Chen family brothers in the entire Changliao, perhaps only you, Xiao Zihan, can achieve such a feat. Haha, I didn't misjudge you."

Xiao Zihan's face remained calm, showing no signs of self-satisfaction. He said, "Father-in-law praises me, but this time, Zihan was indeed a bit impulsive. If it weren't for father-in-law and Aao coming to support, it would have been difficult for Zihan to return to the Xiaofei Hall."

Xiao Wan Chong chuckled and said with a deeper meaning, "Young people being impulsive is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, courage is honed through impulsiveness. But this only applies to your personal actions. Once every move you make involves the life and death of hundreds or thousands of people, you can no longer afford to be impulsive. Otherwise, you will face unimaginable consequences, the kind of immense self-blame and regret that can extinguish a person's sanity."

Xiao Zihan listened with a furrowed brow, about to speak, but was stopped by a gesture from Xiao Wan Chong. Looking through the car window at the vast dark night outside, Xiao Wan Chong spoke solemnly, "In the underworld, always follow the law of the jungle: survival of the fittest. It's either you die or I perish; it's a common occurrence in this circle. There are no eternal friends, only immediate interests that remain unchanged. Speaking of which, the underworld in Changliao has been too calm for too long. The balance of power among the four major factions is about to be broken. I am old now, without the vigor of my youth. I just want to hold onto the inch of land in my hands, without wanting to seize the land under someone else's feet. Without the ambition to expand, it's like standing still. Standing still means destruction in the underworld. Whether the Xiaobang exists or not doesn't matter to me now. But I don't want to see my brothers following me end up dead because of my stagnation, scattering in all directions. That's not the outcome I hope for.

Zihan, I don't want to say much more. With your intelligence, you will understand my meaning. I promised you a year or so before, but now it seems that it's not feasible. Internal troubles and external threats, on the surface, Xiaobang seems to be flourishing, but in reality, it has reached a critical point. It's beyond what I can handle now."

Xiao Zihan furrowed his brows, bitterly smiling inside. He thought, "Even you, Xiao Wan Chong, can't solve this issue. How can I, Xiao Zihan, a newcomer to the gang, handle it?" However, he had a premonition that Xiao Wan Chong was determined this time, and he wouldn't give up on passing this mess to him.

Xiao Wan Chong grinned cunningly and said, "If it were just external threats, I, Xiao Wan Chong, wouldn't be afraid of them. But when old friends who once helped you conquer the world now want to eliminate you and take over your position, that's a tricky situation. And there's not just one of them. If I were to deal with them now, people would say I'm heartless and only seeking wealth and power. In that case, the loyalty of our brothers in the gang would be severely damaged. But if you take over my position, it's different. As they say, loyalty changes with the rise and fall of leaders. You can sideline them using your authority, and they can only bear the grudge silently. Otherwise, it would be rebellion, and at that time, you can handle them as you wish, without involving me, Xiao Wan Chong. Then, I can lead my carefree life, and you can be the glorious gang leader. It's a win-win situation. Oh, that look of refusal won't work. Don't forget, you want to marry Xiao He, and I'm her father. Hehe, you know what to do."

Xiao Zihan was instantly annoyed. This old fox only thought about securing his peaceful days, without considering how difficult this task was. Setting aside the issue of gaining everyone's acceptance after taking over, just eliminating those troublemakers would significantly weaken the strength of Xiao Bang. And with Xiye, keeping an eye on them from the sidelines, there was a question of whether Xiao Bang could survive. Talking about glory and carefree living was just nonsense.

Seeing the rising anger in Xiao Zihan's eyes, Xiao Wan Chong slyly continued, "I've already found out the identity of that Huang Xin guy. Turns out, he is the son of Huang Yong, the former leader of the Rui Bang gang, whom I took care of years ago. At that time, he was still a child and escaped to Pinggang with Fu Chenhe, the third-in-command of Rui Bang. They managed to establish themselves there. Due to our focus on stabilizing Xiao Bang in Changliao at that time, we didn't have the resources to pursue them, so they remained dormant for a while. I didn't expect Fu Chenhe to be quite capable. He not only built the Steel Tip gang from the remnants of Rui Bang but also became the dominant force in the Pinggang underworld a few years later. At that time, Xiao Bang had enough strength, but we couldn't move against them. This has always been a hidden danger for Xiao Bang and has now become a major threat. Originally, I wasn't afraid of a mere Steel Tip gang, but now they've joined forces with Xiye. Ah, it's not what I expected, not what I wanted."

Watching Xiao Wan Chong's regretful expression, Xiao Zihan couldn't help but wish he could pummel him like he did with Xing Ao. But ultimately, he didn't take any action. After all, he was his father-in-law.

Glancing at Xing Ao, who was driving, Xiao Zihan saw him turn around with a deep smile, his eyes filled with a spirited and determined look. Inspired by that gaze, Xiao Zihan suddenly felt a surge of enthusiasm. He realized it was time to make a move; otherwise, capable individuals like Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang, who were always loitering around him, would be underutilized.

And there was Yan Mei, Xiao He, and the others. He couldn't let Yan Mei pay for their marriage registration, as it would be a disgraceful act. If he did that, the sisters would mock him continuously, and his face would suffer.

Fine, he would take over. It was an opportunity that others couldn't find even if they searched with a lantern. If he declined, it would be a failure to recognize a good opportunity.

This day became the most boast-worthy day in Xiao Wan Chong's life, as he couldn't have dreamed that Xiao Bang, under Xiao Zihan's leadership, would grow into what it became. Although Xiao Bang had become Xiao Bang, it wouldn't have happened without his initial efforts.

Back at the Xiaofei Hall, Xiao Zihan, covered in blood, startled Xiao He and the others. Xiao He screamed and leaped up, rushing to Xiao Zihan's side, inspecting him thoroughly. If it weren't for having people monitor Three Blades Gang's movements in advance, Xiao Zihan might not have returned.

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After a long rant, only Qiao San was left listening to Xiao He's complaints. Qiao San smiled as he listened, feeling that Sister He was becoming more and more womanly. The old Sister He would have solved everything with a simple curse, but now, she seemed like a housewife. Hehe, people really do change.

Early the next morning, the direct sunlight on his head woke Xiao Zihan from his dreams. After waking up, he felt a bit weak but otherwise fine. Anyone who saw his robust physique would be impressed; the benefits of cultivating Qi included an astonishingly rapid recovery rate, much faster than an ordinary person.

Turning his head, he saw Xiao He sleeping beside him with a charming smile. It seemed like she had dreamt of something pleasant, laughing so innocently and alluringly.

The surroundings were so familiar—it was the room where he, Yan Mei, and Xiao He used to sleep together before he went to Pinggang. The large, comfortable bed could easily accommodate four people, ordered by Xiao He herself.

At this moment, two bunches of fragrant red plum flowers were still placed on the bedside table—Yan Mei's favorite. Thinking of Yan Mei, Xiao Zihan suddenly felt heavy-hearted and extremely worried. If Yan Mei really left him, he feared that he would never truly find happiness again.

"Hehe, Mei Jie, you've really recovered. Damn it, I knew it would be like this. Come, give me a hug."

While Xiao Zihan was worrying about Yan Mei, Xiao He, who was sleeping next to him, suddenly uttered some sleep talk. Afterward, she began using her hands and feet, wrapping around Xiao Zihan like an octopus. With her pink legs and arms tightly entwined, especially one arm pressing on Xiao Zihan's abdominal wound, she caused him to break into a cold sweat and gasp for breath.

Staring fixedly at that tender, seemingly water-exuding jade arm, Xiao Zihan cursed softly. He cautiously lifted that arm and placed it on Xiao He's chest.

Moving her arm didn't elicit much reaction from Xiao He, who merely pursed her red lips and continued her sweet dream. Xiao Zihan, held by Xiao He, was quite close to her. His eyes were fixed on Xiao He's lips, and he couldn't look away.

A beautiful woman's lips were made to be savored. However, thinking of Xiao He's kissing style, Xiao Zihan suddenly felt a surge of cold sweat. The unique sound of "bang" was like an eerie melody, giving people a creepy feeling, far from being admirable.

Hey, why not take advantage of Xiao He's deep sleep and secretly savor it to alleviate the longing that had built up for many days? Even if Xiao He found out, he believed she wouldn't do anything to him. After all, Xiao He was somewhat afraid of him. Hmm, not a bad idea. After Xiao Zihan made up his mind, he grinned and, leaning forward, gently covered Xiao He's extremely sweet lips.

In fact, Xiao He's fragrant lips were no less pleasant than Yan Mei's. Those plump, sweet, soft, and smooth lips were truly delightful, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Engrossed in the experience, Xiao Zihan's tongue instinctively reached out to open Xiao He's neat teeth and taste her tender little tongue. As he was in the process, Xiao He's beautiful almond eyes suddenly opened, clearly showing confusion and panic. She then shouted loudly and, in her dazed state, threw a punch that landed squarely on Xiao Zihan's vulnerable area.

Xiao Zihan's entire body trembled violently, and a moment later, he let out a painful yell, rolling backward from the bed. Unexpectedly, with excessive force in the midst of pain, he tumbled down to the floor.

Xiao He blinked her eyes, looked around in confusion, and mumbled, "This is really strange." About to go back to sleep, Xiao Zihan's large hand suddenly reached out from under the bed, supporting himself against the bedside, slowly raising his body. His eyes were ablaze with anger, and his voice squeezed out from between his teeth, "Xiao He, you little troublemaker, I won't spare you."

Confused, Xiao He exclaimed, "Oh my, Senior Han, aren't you injured? How did you end up sleeping on the floor? Quickly get up." Stretching out her little hand, she went to pull Xiao Zihan.

Annoyed, Xiao Zihan was reluctantly pulled up by her. Just as he got onto the bed, Xiao He suddenly screamed, jumped off the bed, and, barefoot, ran out, making a phone call to summon Dr. Liao.

It turned out that Xiao Zihan's wound was bleeding again, and Dr. Liao was now carefully dealing with it. Xiao Zihan wore a gloomy expression, feeling stifled. The whole situation was his own fault, and it had little to do with Xiao He. While he was worrying about Yan Mei, she was peacefully asleep. Suddenly, he had given in to his desires, intending to take advantage, but it ended up worsening his injuries.

Sitting beside Xiao Zihan, Xiao He had an expression of heartache. If she could just hold onto Senior Han tightly while sleeping, he definitely wouldn't have fallen down, causing his wound to rupture and bleed again. Alas, she was too careless, damn it.

Thinking of this, she lowered her head, full of regret.

Xiao Zihan glanced at Xiao He, wanting to say something, but the words didn't come out. However, if he knew what Xiao He was currently thinking, he would be angered to the point of spitting blood. Ultimately, if Xiao He had slept more soundly, holding onto him tightly, Senior Han wouldn't have fallen off, preventing his wound from reopening and bleeding again. Well, she was now regretting not doing that, imagining how Senior Han would be infuriated.

At this time, in the living room on the ground floor of the villa, Yue Feiyang, Qiao San, Ah Guang, Smiling Face Zhang, Qi Fatty, and others were discussing the matter of Xiao Zihan angrily killing the three leaders of the San Dao Gang. This news had spread widely in the underworld since early morning. Initially, people found it hard to believe—it seemed like a massive joke. The Chen brothers were formidable figures, and anyone who had walked the dark path in Changliao had heard about them. Three Blades, renowned for their skills, had now been taken down by a single person, resulting in the loss of fifty to sixty of their subordinates. This was clearly exaggerated and outrageous.

No one believed it at first; they all shook their heads. But when the news was confirmed, everyone was dumbfounded, clamoring to meet the person named Xiao Zihan. For a while, Xiao Zihan's name resounded throughout the underworld of Changliao.

As Xiao Zihan's sworn younger brother, Yue Feiyang could calmly accept this news. He knew that anything involving Xiao Zihan couldn't be considered with common sense because Xiao Zihan himself was a miracle.

Bridge Three and the others also had little reaction; they had witnessed Xiao Zihan's skills. It wasn't surprising that Xiao Zihan, with his abilities, could single-handedly defeat the Chen brothers. However, what astonished them was Xiao Zihan not only killing the three but also slaughtering so many underlings of the San Dao Gang. His strength was terrifying. The respect for Xiao Zihan deepened, accompanied by an invisible sense of awe.

In the following days, Xiao Zihan's name became even more renowned, and his demonic sword that killed the three brothers became something that instilled fear in the hearts of the underworld. Some mischief-maker gave Xiao Zihan's sword a name, which quickly became Xiao Zihan's nickname. It spread like wildfire, and "Crimson Blood" became Xiao Zihan's alias.

Approaching the end of the year, with such a significant incident, the Changliao police couldn't turn a blind eye. However, Jiao Wan Chong had already arranged everything through connections beforehand. After the incident, the police symbolically arrested dozens of Jiao Gang's henchmen to report to the higher-ups. Moreover, Jiao Wan Chong, the sly old fox, had always had a close relationship with Mayor Huang of Changliao, so the police explanation was accepted easily. For heads of gangs like the Chen brothers, the police were more than happy to see a few less, and if things could be overlooked, no one wanted to escalate the matter.

Although the West Wilderness Gang refused to let it go, they were a step behind in establishing connections, and Jiao Wan Chong's backing was quite influential. So, they had no choice but to temporarily give up.

After killing the Chen brothers, Xiao Zihan felt much relieved. Every day, he went to accompany Yan Mei, narrating the bits and pieces that happened between them. He also spent hours every day using the "Qi Softening Rotation" technique to massage Yan Mei's smooth forehead, persistently doing so. Although Yan Mei remained unconscious, Xiao Zihan had a strong feeling that Mei Er wouldn't leave him.

As the days passed, Duan Jiaojiao came every day to cry and complain. However, Xiao Zihan became increasingly convinced that Mei Er's awakening was not far off. In these days, his skill in "Qi Softening Rotation" progressed even further. On the other hand, "Primordial Dao Infinite" had been put aside by Xiao Zihan for some time.

Heavy snowflakes fell, covering the world in a silver-white blanket. Outside the window, everything was wrapped in white.

On the pedestrian path, children formed groups, playing joyfully in the snow. Sometimes, accidentally hitting passersby, they would run away laughing when glared at.

Xiao Zihan calmly observed all of this, a smile of longing appearing on his face. For ordinary children, this was the most normal thing, but he had never experienced it. The joy of childhood was the purest; he really wished for an unrestrained childhood.

"Wow, such big snow outside. It must feel great to go out for a walk." A soft yet slightly hoarse voice made Xiao Zihan startle. He turned around and saw Yan Mei looking at him with a smiling face.

Xiao Zihan exclaimed and ran towards her like a child finding candy, hugging Yan Mei tightly. His eyes were misty, and he called out, "Mei Er, you're awake. Your prank this time was too much, almost scaring your big teacher to death."

Yan Mei chuckled and was about to say something when she suddenly felt extremely thirsty. Her delicate brows wrinkled, and she said, "I'm so thirsty, I want water."

Xiao Zihan laughed heartily, saying, "Not to mention water, even if it's nectar, I can arrange it as long as my Mei Er is fine." He walked to the corner of the hospital room, picked up a glass near the water dispenser, and filled it with water.

Yan Mei drank eagerly, choking at times. Her charming face turned red, dispelling the previous paleness and making her look even more enticing.

Xiao Zihan stared at Yan Mei without blinking, a look of unprecedented focus in his eyes—affectionate, profound, deeply in love. This made Yan Mei, who had just woken up, blush with embarrassment and instinctively turn her head away, saying, "Why are you looking at me like that, as if we haven't seen each other in eight lifetimes."

Xiao Zihan, however, spoke seriously, "Mei Er, during the days you were unconscious, it felt like I had lived ten lifetimes without you."

Listening to these rare and heartfelt words from Xiao Zihan, Yan Mei felt sweet in her heart, like drinking from a mountain spring. She lightly tapped Xiao Zihan and raised her head, asking, "Have I slept for a long time?"

Xiao Zihan nodded, "Exactly twenty-nine days. My heart was almost breaking from worry. Look at my hair, has it turned all white and aged a lot?"

Yan Mei pretended to scrutinize and burst into laughter, saying, "It's not aging, but rather decadence. I didn't realize I slept for so long; I must have worried you."

Xiao Zihan shook his head, "Mei Er, worrying for you is something I'm willing to do. But please, in the future, don't make me worry for so long. Alright, you rest for a while. I'll go tell Xiaohu that you're awake; she's been anxious these days."

As soon as Xiao Zihan stepped out of the hospital room, he saw Xiaohu coming with a mournful face. Seeing Xiao Zihan, her expression changed from gloom to clear skies, and she rushed into Yan Mei's room.

"This girl," Xiao Zihan shook his head helplessly, then chuckled and followed.