Chapter 86: The Rules of the Underworld
Today is the Dragon Tiger Banquet, and everyone involved in the underworld knows, when coming to such a grand occasion, one cannot simply greet casually. n don fine-branded apparel, while won wear expensive jewelry.
With the arrival of Ji Qiubai, the entire restaurant’s class seed to rise a notch. In his early thirties, a mature and steady age, he wore a crisp white Sun Yat-sen suit, befitting his mature and refined persona.
That restrained and solid style was not achieved overnight.
Ji Qiubai’s tall figure complented the simple elegance of the white Sun Yat-sen suit as if he was born to wear this type of clothing. As a leading light of the younger generation, his every move generated an unrivaled influence. This left the young people present feeling incredibly stimulated.
There were also those who felt their hostility towards Ji Qiubai intensify with his arrival.
Sun Guoting was one of them.
Everyone in the underworld knew Ji Qiubai’s Dragon Tiger Association had always been at loggerheads with Master Sun. Especially in the past two years, clashes and brawls occurred frequently as they fought for territory, resulting in countless injuries and deaths.
The arrival of Ji Qiubai, without a doubt, intimidated everyone present.
This was one of the core conflicts to be resolved at this Dragon Tiger Banquet.
Many thought it was enough that Yan Hu, one of Ji Qiubai’s capable subordinates, ca along; but against expectations, Ji Qiubai himself also appeared.
Indeed, Ji Qiubai showed up!
In front of everyone’s eyes, in front of all the powers, he ca!
The entire venue fell eerily silent, as if even the air beca stagnant due to Ji Qiubai’s cool temperant.
All significant figures of Jiangzhou were intently focusing their gaze on Ji Qiubai.
"Ji Qiubai, are you courting death?!"
Suddenly, a burly man sitting next to Master Sun stood up, his gaze fierce as he glared at Ji Qiubai, his teeth clenched in bitterness.
All eyes followed to this person, identifying him at a glance.
This man, over thirty, was one of Sun Guoting’s four sworn sons, fad for his bravery in battle. He had always fought for Master Sun, through thick and thin, life and death. For his ruthless and forceful thods, he earned the nickna "Lion." His real na was unknown, but later Master Sun granted him the na Liu Zhong.
The appearance of Ji Qiubai undoubtedly infuriated him. In recent months, the Dragon Tiger Association had steadily encroached on Jiangbei’s turf and even had several of the Lion’s brothers hacked down in various places!
For this grudge alone, it would be justifiable for the Lion to burst out and kill Ji Qiubai in his rage.
This outcry heightened the tension among the crowd, with the two factions on the verge of erupting, the air thick with the sll of gunpowder.
"Guests should be treated as such. Today’s banquet is the Dragon Tiger Banquet, and all must act according to the rules," Master Sun, ever composed, said in his deep voice, slow and deliberate.
The Lion, hearing Master Sun’s command, forcibly suppressed his fury, still glaring at Ji Qiubai.
"Master Sun is indeed Master Sun," a trace of indifferent smile crossed Ji Qiubai’s mature and steady face. With a wave of his hand, his brothers hoisted a few Brocade Boxes behind him, "As soone in the jianghu, how could I not co?"
"I am delighted that Boss Ji could co. Co, pour the wine, I’ll toast to Boss Ji," Master Sun was still a man who had experienced grand events. While Ji Qiubai was a junior, his power was almost on par with his own, and it was not appropriate to fall out at this juncture.
"How dare I not," Ji Qiubai actually picked up a glass of white liquor and accepted the toast from Master Sun!
People familiar with the ropes know that no one here can match Elder Sun’s experience in the ga. When it cos to seniority, nobody gets Elder Sun to toast them first. Yet Ji Qiubai accepted the toast without a word of protest!
Sothing’s off with this atmosphere!
Elder Sun drained his glass in one go, but a flash of murderous intent passed through his eyes as he said with a smile, "Please, have a seat!"
However, Ji Qiubai waved his hand and spoke, "I’m here today for two main reasons: first, to pay my respects to everyone, and second, to seek the help of the Dragon Tiger Banquet to settle a matter."
Sun Guoting sneered inwardly. Here it cos.
The Lion stood up again, his voice cold, "Ji Qiubai, don’t overstep. If you wish to settle the dispute, sign up for a life-and-death duel. If not, I’m not interested in playing along!"
Ji Qiubai set down his wine glass, his face sporting a smile and his tall figure took two slow steps forward, cupping his hands, he said, "All the relevant figures in Jiangzhou should have arrived by today, right? This is a perfect opportunity. If missed, I’m afraid there won’t be another chance to resolve it."
Elder Sun’s gaze was piercing, half smiling, he said, "Oh? And what matter do you wish to resolve?"
Ji Qiubai raised his voice gradually and said, "As everyone knows, our two factions have been clashing over the control of Jiangzhou’s north and south, with significant losses on both sides. Back and forth, many brothers have died. If this goes on, not only will we both suffer, it will just add to our troubles, so—"
His tone paused.
Every listener was on tenterhooks.
"So, I think we should settle this according to the rules of the underworld, in front of everyone here, how about it?"
The comnt caused an uproar.
Everyone knew what rule he was talking about—it was called a "life-and-death duel."
If the struggle was for territory, then today’s setting couldn’t be more appropriate. The gathering included many of Jiangzhou’s influential characters, providing witnesses to the outco.
"Bullshit!" The Lion erupted, fuming, "Jiangbei has always been our turf. You fucking highway robber, have you no sha?!"
Ji Qiubai returned the anger with a smirk, saying, "The riverfront in Jiangbei, Pu Bridge, including the whole main road on Yuzhou Road, have all been taken by my n. Combined, these areas are under my control. Since ancient tis, there are rules to follow in the underworld. Are you telling that these territories aren’t for to decide?"
There was a low murmur from below.
What he said wasn’t wrong. In the underworld, if you can take from others, you must accept others taking from you. If you object, you’re free to take it back, but not go around claiming territories others have already seized saying, "This is mine!"
Since ancient tis, victory crowns the king and defeat marks the outlaw—this is an ironclad truth.
Sun Guoting’s eyes were ablaze as he slowly stood up. Having dominated Jiangzhou for many years, he understood this principle well. Victory and defeat are commonplace in warfare, but avenging grievances is his standard for living.
"It’s for you to say," Elder Sun stated solemnly, "but I must tell you. No one can take what belongs to Sun. Not even if he is the Emperor of Heaven!"
Elder Sun’s voice bood, confident and loud, his eyes glaring at Ji Qiubai as he declared, "Whoever touches my things, I’ll touch his life. Whatever was taken, will be returned in the sa manner!"
People in the underworld all knew Elder Sun’s character—he valued his commitnts, and his word was his bond.
In the presence of all the bosses, Elder Sun was issuing a warning or perhaps a threat.
"Rules, is it? I really want to see who gave you the courage to take what’s mine using the rules of the underworld!"
ps: Poor stats, I’ve been voting for myself, and I didn’t get any recomndations either. Probably won’t make any inco when I go premium; I’m a full-ti author that needs to provide for my family. Pitiable indeed. Sigh.
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