Volume One, Chapter 91: Unifying the Underworld Forces

Four hours later, Jiang Chen lay exhausted on the bed while Ning Rou emerged from the bathroom, her cheeks aglow and brimming with springtime vitality.

Jiang Chen said, “I never expected it; after all my years of galloping across the battlefield, I almost lost to you, you little minx. Give me a few days to gather my strength, and then we’ll duel again!”

Ning Rou pressed herself against Jiang Chen’s chest, her delicate hand tracing circles on his skin. “I just wish you could stay with me a little longer.”

Jiang Chen replied, “Once this busy period is over, I’ll spend more time with you.”

Seeing this, Ning Rou didn’t press the matter further. “Oh, right. You wanted to know about the underground forces, didn’t you? Let me explain.”

“In Qingcheng, the underground power is divided among three groups. The first is the Black Widow. I’ve heard my father mention her. She’s as beautiful as a flower, and at seventeen, she became queen of the underworld. Her methods are formidable.”

As soon as Ning Rou finished, she saw Jiang Chen narrow his eyes, curiosity written across his face. Ning Rou guessed exactly what was on his mind.

She tied up her hair, and an hour later, Jiang Chen was so worn out he dared not entertain any further thoughts.

Ning Rou continued, “Her name is Luo Ying. If you want to consolidate the underground forces, she’s someone you absolutely can’t ignore.”

Jiang Chen didn’t find anything particularly remarkable about this Luo Ying, but her ability to establish herself in the darkness of the underground world spoke volumes about her strength. At the very least, her leadership skills were undeniable.

Such talent must be under my command!

Jiang Chen made up his mind: letting talent like hers languish elsewhere would be a waste.

With that, he planned to pay her a visit tomorrow, but first, he needed to find a suitable candidate.

Ning Rou went on, “The second person is nicknamed the Blind One. He has only one eye—the other was injured in a fight, I hear. He’s ruthless, both to his enemies and his own men.”

These two, in Jiang Chen’s eyes, certainly had strength, but their flaws were obvious.

“The third is Wang Chang, a businessman, but I’ve heard he’s withdrawing from the struggle for power, so we can disregard him for now.”

When Ning Rou finished, Jiang Chen began to analyze the situation. The so-called Black Widow seemed to be the strongest among the three. At least, she wasn’t as heartless as the second when it came to managing her people.

Moreover, to reach her position, her methods must be clever, likely involving alliances of interest rather than petty tricks.

The second’s flaw was clear: being ruthless to his own would inevitably lead to the loss of loyalty, and without loyalty, he could accomplish nothing. Those who are cruel to their own often breed resentment; ignite that conflict, and toppling him would be no great challenge.

As for the third, Jiang Chen didn’t believe he was harmless, but once the other two were dealt with and he stood alone, any opposition from Wang Chang would be futile.

“Prepare things for me tomorrow. After breakfast, I’ll head out,” Jiang Chen said.

Ning Rou asked, “How long will you be gone this time? You won’t disappear for seven or eight days again, will you?”

Jiang Chen replied, “I don’t think so. I’ll come back when I can. Someone’s coming to see me in three days—if he arrives early, settle him in.”

...

The next morning, Jiang Chen dressed and drove away from the house, arriving at a courtyard in Qingcheng’s old district, as per the address.

At that moment, Gao Han was sun-drying chili peppers, while Gao Shang practiced horse stance with a blank expression.

Jiang Chen pulled out the car key and stepped out. Gao Han immediately noticed the luxury car parked at the gate.

“Hello, we meet again,” Jiang Chen greeted.

Gao Shang looked puzzled; he didn’t know who this man was, but felt a strange sense of familiarity.

“Brother, may I ask what brings you here?” Gao Shang abandoned his stance and walked over.

Jiang Chen glanced inside, and Gao Han followed him out. The first thing Gao Han did was call out.

“Brother, this is your savior!” Hearing this, Gao Shang instantly understood.

“You must be Jiang Chen, right?” Gao Shang exclaimed, visibly excited.

The burly man was deeply moved. Jiang Chen nodded gently. Gao Shang tried to kneel, but Jiang Chen grabbed him with one hand, stopping him.

“A man’s knees are reserved for heaven, earth, and his parents—not for me,” Jiang Chen said.

Gao Shang understood that Jiang Chen was not one for such gestures, though this debt felt like a second birth.

“Savior, I will remember your words,” Gao Shang said, bowing deeply.

Jiang Chen replied, “It’s no matter. I don’t care about such trivialities.”

Gao Han, who hadn’t had a chance to speak, finally approached, happily saying, “Brother Jiang Chen, thank you so much. Without you, I might have already lost my closest kin.”

Jiang Chen patted her head. “As long as you’re safe.”

They led Jiang Chen inside. Though the house was small, it had everything one could need, warm and inviting.

Gao Shang poured Jiang Chen a cup of tea, cautiously asking, “Is there something you need, Savior?”

Jiang Chen smiled, “No need to call me Savior—just Jiang Chen will do.”

Gao Han attentively filled a cup with hot tea.

“I know your backgrounds. I trust you understand what I mean,” Jiang Chen said, leaving his words unfinished, hoping they’d catch on without further explanation.

These siblings were no ordinary people. Their previous identities were as the son and daughter of Gao Lao’er, Qingcheng’s most powerful underground figure. However, after Gao Lao’er was assassinated, they could only live as ordinary folk, seeking peace.

Before that, Gao Lao’er had been above even the Black Widow, though the true culprit behind his death remained unresolved.

Gao Shang fell silent for a moment, then spoke after a long pause, “I’m sorry, Savior. I’d risk life and limb for you, but I have no intention of returning to that world. My sister is only eighteen—I won’t let her get dragged back in.”

Jiang Chen stood up. “Alright, I understand. Don’t worry—no one will trouble you two. Live well.”

With that, he turned and left without hesitation.

Gao Han was at a loss, torn between her brother’s concern for her safety and their shared determination to avenge their father.

“Brother, maybe think it over. This really is an opportunity,” Gao Han said, knowing Jiang Chen was no ordinary man and that he might just be offering a helping hand.

Gao Shang drained his cup and chased after him. “Savior, I’ll go with you—but my sister’s safety must be guaranteed!”