Inside the Four Seas Gang headquarters, Liu Jing stood frozen in shock. How could all of the Tang family's guards be at the Yellow Rank? When did the Tang family gain such a formidable force?
When he heard Chen Dao calling for help earlier, Liu Jing hesitated for a moment, debating whether to assist him.
But he quickly abandoned the idea. Mo Bo was already at the eighth tier of the Profound Rank. Even if he and Chen Dao teamed up, they might gain some advantage at first. However, once the Tang family's guards surrounded them, they would be outnumbered and doomed. His chances of survival were slim. Better to escape while he still could.
Resolving to flee, Liu Jing discreetly signaled his men to retreat. Then, he sprinted toward the back courtyard, leaped over a high wall, and vanished into the night, heading back to the Liu family estate.
The battle was a complete massacre. The overwhelming strength of the Tang family’s warriors swiftly crushed the Four Seas Gang. Those who weren’t killed fled in terror. Within less than an hour, the once-dominant underground force of Yun City was reduced to rubble.
Chen Dao had already realized that the Four Seas Gang was doomed. He hadn’t seen Liu Jing for a while, and rage burned inside him—not toward the Tang family, but toward the Liu family.
If it weren’t for the Liu family, would I have ended up like this?
Already struggling against Mo Bo, Chen Dao found himself further distracted. His focus wavered for just a moment—long enough for two spear thrusts to pierce his body. Blood sprayed from the wounds.
"You Liu family bastards! I curse you and your descendants for eighteen generations! Even if I become a ghost, I’ll never let you go!"
Knowing there was no way out, Chen Dao let out a furious roar before slashing his own throat, ending his life on his own terms.
As Chen Dao's lifeless body collapsed to the ground and the Four Seas Gang crumbled, Mo Bo couldn’t help but sigh.
For years, the Four Seas Gang had amassed immense wealth through illicit dealings. Though they weren’t on par with the four major families, they were still a force to be reckoned with. Even the most powerful clans hesitated to directly challenge them, fearing the chaos they might unleash in retaliation.
And yet, in a single night, the once-feared gang had been utterly annihilated by the Tang family.
Mo Bo's mind turned to Tang Yan.
The young master must have been behind all of this…
A deep chill ran down his spine.
"You! Go inside and search every corner. Take anything of value and bring it back to the Tang family!" Mo Bo ordered.
Moments later, the Tang family’s warriors began hauling out crates upon crates of treasure.
Mo Bo's eyes widened in disbelief.
The sheer wealth amassed by the Four Seas Gang over the years was staggering! The pile of gold and valuables could rival half of the Tang family's fortune.
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When the spoils were delivered to the Tang estate, even the old master himself was momentarily stunned by the sight.
"The spoils of battle will be distributed as promised!" Tang Yan declared, his voice firm. "Every warrior will receive their standard kill reward—and an additional 500 taels of silver!"
His intent was clear: to ensure loyalty by proving that following the Tang family meant prosperity. He wanted his warriors to see that victory with the Tang family was always rewarding.
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The destruction of the Four Seas Gang sent shockwaves throughout Yun City. Within hours, news spread like wildfire.
Reactions varied across different factions.
For the City Lord’s Mansion, Miao Dan Workshop, and the independent Tianbao Auction House, the news was surprising but not alarming. They simply took note of the Tang family’s growing power.
For the smaller families allied with the Tang clan, this event was a reassurance. Some had been contemplating severing ties, but now they knew—standing with the Tang family was the right choice.
The situation was more troubling, however, for the other three great families of Yun City.
At the Liu family estate, Liu Wuhui paced anxiously. The room was filled with grim expressions.
"The Tang family now has over 130 Yellow Rank warriors," he growled. "Can someone explain to me how we failed to uncover this information? How did they amass such a force without us knowing?"
Silence filled the hall.
After a long pause, Liu He finally spoke. "Father, even if the Tang family has strengthened, they are still no match for us. At tonight’s Mid-Autumn Tournament, we can still humiliate them."
Liu Wuhui narrowed his eyes. "You’re missing the point. If we kill Tang Yan outright, the Tang family will have nothing left to lose. If they go to war with us, how much will we suffer in return?"
The hall fell into deep thought.
"We don’t need to kill him," Liu Wuhui continued coldly. "We only need to cripple him. As long as that bastard is still breathing, the old man won’t risk everything for revenge. And once we join forces with the other families, wiping out the Tang clan will be inevitable."
"What if the Tang family refuses to participate in the tournament?" Liu Zhi, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
Liu Wuhui smirked. "Then we spread the word that the Tang family has no capable heirs left—that they are too weak to even show their faces. No matter how strong they may appear now, their momentum is temporary. Once Tang Ling is dead, the entire family will collapse."
"If they do participate," he continued, eyes flashing with malice, "we’ll proceed as planned and destroy Tang Yan. Either way, their reputation will suffer."
"Brilliant strategy, my lord!" The Liu family members applauded in unison.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, streaks of crimson and gold stretched across the sky. The Mid-Autumn Festival was about to begin.
The banks of Mingyue Lake were illuminated with countless lanterns, casting shimmering reflections on the water. The entire city had gathered—men, women, and children alike, all eager to witness the grand event.
Young men had taken extra care with their appearances, hair slicked back neatly, hoping to impress the young women in attendance.
Ambitious heirs from various families were preparing to showcase their skills, eager to make a name for themselves.
Vendors lined the streets, setting up stalls filled with fragrant delicacies and colorful trinkets.
The entire scene was one of joy, anticipation, and festivity.
Yet beneath the surface, many were eagerly waiting for something else—the clash between the four great families.
Rumors had swept through the city.
One claimed that the Tang family had single-handedly wiped out the Four Seas Gang.
The other insisted that the Tang clan had no worthy heirs left, that they had no one capable of representing them in the tournament.
These two conflicting narratives left Yun City buzzing with speculation.
As the tournament grounds filled with spectators, the Liu family made a grand entrance. Liu Wuhui, dressed in opulent robes, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding confidence.
"I heard the Tang family won’t be showing up tonight," some Liu family members whispered among themselves, smirking in amusement.
Just then, the murmurs in the crowd came to an abrupt halt.
A figure, leading a group of warriors, strode forward with unwavering confidence.
It was Tang Yan.
Gasps rippled through the audience.
The Tang family had arrived.
And with their arrival, the tension in the air became almost palpable.