Tang Yan hadn’t expected such an emotional reaction from his grandfather. As someone who had never experienced familial love in his past life, this moment struck the softest part of his heart. Looking at the elderly man with graying temples, Tang Yan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—parents' love for their children is truly boundless.
“I’d prefer if my current strength remained a secret,” Tang Yan said, scanning the room.
“Tang Yan’s strength is now classified as a top-level family secret. Anyone who leaks this information will face severe punishment under family law!” Grandfather Tang declared firmly.
“Yes, sir!” the elders responded in unison.
“At six this evening, we will head to Bright Moon Lake for the Mid-Autumn Gathering,” Grandfather Tang announced with renewed vigor.
Just as the atmosphere was filled with anticipation—
“Report!”
A family guard burst into the hall, his urgency breaking the moment.
Grandfather Tang’s expression darkened, and Tang Yan’s gaze sharpened. Interrupting a high-level family meeting was strictly forbidden unless there was a major crisis.
“What’s the matter?” Grandfather Tang asked in a low voice.
“Master, the Liu family’s businesses in the northern district have been attacked! Shops have been ransacked, their guards slaughtered, and some of our own men have also suffered casualties,” the guard reported hastily.
Tang Yan immediately recalled that the Liu family was a subordinate clan under the Tang family’s protection. He was familiar with them because their businesses included several taverns where he used to drink and feast without restraint.
“Who is responsible? Have we identified them?”
“It was the Four Seas Gang, but according to our investigations, other noble families were behind the attack. The Liu family was likely targeted at the instigation of the Liu, Wu, and Qin families,” the guard explained.
Tang Yan had heard of the Four Seas Gang—it was the largest underground syndicate in Cloud City, controlling gambling dens, brothels, and other illicit establishments. However, they had never dared to challenge the noble families directly. This meant that powerful forces were manipulating them from behind the scenes.
“Liu family… Four Seas Gang…” Grandfather Tang muttered, deep in thought. He turned to Tang Yan, intrigued by his grandson’s insight. “Yan’er, what do you make of this?”
Tang Yan hadn’t expected his grandfather to ask for his opinion, but he didn’t hesitate. He stood up and analyzed the situation calmly.
“Although our Tang family’s influence has waned in recent years, we are still a dominant force in Cloud City. The Four Seas Gang wouldn’t dare provoke us unless they had strong backing.”
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“The timing of this attack is crucial. The Mid-Autumn Gathering is tonight, and the Four Seas Gang may have hidden experts among their ranks. If we send troops to defend the Liu family, we will undoubtedly be drawn into a confrontation. If we don’t, our inaction will be used against us at the gathering, making our subordinate families lose faith in our protection.”
“Furthermore, they assume we won’t participate in the tournament due to our perceived lack of capable heirs. At the gathering, they will publicly ridicule us, claiming that the Tang family has no future. Their goal is to shake our foundation and poach our allied families, leaving us weakened.”
Hearing Tang Yan’s detailed breakdown, the elders broke into cold sweats. The enemy’s plan was far more insidious than they had realized—if successful, it would strip away nearly a quarter of the Tang family’s strength.
“Then shouldn’t we just attend the gathering?” Mo Yanjun, another younger Tang family member, asked, still puzzled.
“In the eyes of outsiders, I’m still a useless playboy, and Brother Mo is only at the sixth rank of the Yellow Stage. The other three noble families will definitely send their strongest young talents to challenge us, humiliating our family. To them, we are nothing more than prey waiting to be devoured,” Tang Yan said coldly.
His words sent a chill through the hall. Even those who had once looked down on him, such as Elder Li Hua, now turned to him for guidance.
“Young Master, what do you propose?” Li Hua asked.
Tang Yan’s expression grew resolute. “Morale is everything. We don’t have time to let this situation drag on. If we don’t resolve this before the Mid-Autumn Gathering, our enemies will exploit it to crush our reputation.”
“So, we must strike back—hard. Not only will we retaliate, but we will annihilate the Four Seas Gang. We will show the city that the Tang family is not to be trifled with!”
His words were filled with an overwhelming killing intent.
Purple Bamboo, who had been observing quietly, felt a flicker of admiration.
This so-called playboy was displaying levels of confidence, decisiveness, and strategic foresight that even many noble heirs lacked.
His decisive stance quickly won over the council.
“How many men should we deploy?” Grandfather Tang asked.
“Our guards exist for a reason. Only through real battles can they grow stronger,” Tang Yan declared. “Mobilize all 120 of our low-tier Yellow Stage warriors. In addition, we will send an elite strike team of ten, led by Uncle Mo, to eliminate any hidden experts.”
Grandfather Tang nodded. “Very well. Mo, I leave this mission to you.”
“No problem! I’ll rally the troops now,” Mo Bo said, visibly impressed by Tang Yan’s composure. Just as he turned to leave, Tang Yan stopped him.
“Wait, Uncle Mo.”
“Yes, Young Master?” Mo Bo asked respectfully.
“A force of over a hundred men will attract too much attention. Take twenty men and march openly toward the Four Seas Gang as a diversion. The rest will move in groups of ten, using back alleys to converge on the target. Once assembled, attack without hesitation. Remember, the gang struck first—we are in the right.”
Mo Bo’s eyes gleamed with approval. This strategy would greatly lower their enemies’ guard. By the time they realized they were surrounded, it would be too late.
Tang Yan then added with a smirk, “One more thing—tell our men that for every enemy they kill, they’ll be rewarded one hundred silver taels, with no upper limit.”
Mo Bo’s eyes widened in shock. “That much?” He instinctively glanced at Grandfather Tang. The Four Seas Gang’s numbers were unknown—such an offer could drain the Tang family’s finances.
Grandfather Tang was about to protest, but Tang Yan cut in.
“Don’t worry, Uncle Mo. The Four Seas Gang has made a fortune from their filthy businesses. Once we wipe them out, we’ll seize their wealth. This is an investment—we’ll profit handsomely in the end.”
The elders’ eyes lit up.
“What a brilliant plan!”
“Mo, follow Yan’er’s orders!” Grandfather Tang commanded.
“Yes, sir!” Mo Bo saluted before hurrying out.
Grandfather Tang looked at his grandson with a mix of astonishment and pride.
Tang Yan’s recent transformations had been nothing short of miraculous.
Just moments ago, he had strategically increased their troops’ combat effectiveness through financial incentives.
The old man sighed inwardly—he could no longer see through his grandson’s potential.