North Sea Gang.

Gang Leader Zhu Si Hai sat imposingly at the head of the table, gazing intently at Wang, the Hall Master, who was bowing before him.

"The position of Hall Master of the Iron Eagle Hall has been vacant for some time now. The gang hasn't decided on a replacement yet. What are your thoughts?" Zhu Si Hai held a cup of tea, his voice soft, yet it resonated clearly in Wang's ears.

"This subordinate will follow the Gang Leader's arrangements."

Wang Meng was overjoyed. He had thought he wouldn't have a chance at the Hall Master position after his attempt to bribe Manager Huang failed. He never expected a new opportunity would arise. The Gang Leader was actually planning to promote him.

Although Zhu Si Hai hadn't spoken clearly, Wang Meng understood. However, he dared not be complacent, fearing that this hard-won opportunity would vanish.

"I've watched you grow step by step. Now that there's an opportunity, I naturally want to promote you," Zhu Si Hai said slowly.

"Thank you, Gang Leader, this subordinate will certainly..."

Zhu Si Hai took a sip of tea and continued, "Go kill someone. As long as he's dead, your position as Hall Master will be secure."

Wang Meng's mood took a sharp turn. He quickly said, "This subordinate is willing to go through fire and water for the Gang Leader's command. Who does the Gang Leader want me to kill?"

"There's a constable named Chen Yuan in the county yamen. He's your target this time." Zhu Si Hai tapped his fingers on the table.

"Chen Yuan? He seems to be under Head Constable Huang..." Wang Meng hesitated, not understanding why the Gang Leader would give such an order.

Glancing at Wang Meng, Zhu Si Hai asked coldly, "What, is there a difficulty?"

"No, no, it's just..."

"Go kill him without worry. There won't be any problems." Zhu Si Hai exchanged a meaningful glance with Wang Meng, hinting with a smile. This was Huang family's order.

'Yes, this subordinate obeys!'

"Also, no assassination. Find an excuse to kill him openly..." Zhu Si Hai continued, recalling Huang Sheng Nian's instructions.

The Huang family didn't want Chen Yuan assassinated at this critical juncture, lest it arouse suspicion.

It wouldn't be difficult. Find an excuse, then make Wang Meng disappear afterward. The death of a mere constable wouldn't cause any great waves.

Killing was common. Although Chen Yuan's official status was somewhat troublesome, with Huang Xing suppressing things from above, there wouldn't be any problems.

Just say Wang Meng and Chen Yuan had a personal feud. Would anyone really investigate?

Or rather, who would dare to investigate?

"This subordinate understands..."

......

......

In the yamen, Chen Yuan, working as usual for the past two days, could definitely sense that Huang Xing disliked him. Although on the surface everything was the same as before, even friendlier than the past few days, a sense of danger welled up in Chen Yuan's heart.

Therefore, while Chen Yuan still appeared close to Huang Xing, his guard was raised to the maximum.

Huang Xing didn't know that the moment he harbored murderous intent towards Chen Yuan, Chen Yuan sensed it. In Huang Xing's mind, Chen Yuan was still completely unaware.

Wang Ping's injuries had mostly healed, thanks in part to Chen Yuan, who had spent a few taels of silver to buy him some top-quality tonics.

Wang Ping was very grateful. He knew that constables like them who had only recently joined the yamen couldn't save much silver.

Chen Yuan didn't mind spending it. He had nearly forty taels of silver and Tie Qing Hua owed him twenty Tiger Bone Pills, totaling hundreds of taels in assets.

Chen Yuan didn't mind using these things to buy people's hearts.

His relationship with Wang Ping was already close, and with his deliberate approach, he could easily take the initiative.

Speaking of Tie Qing Hua, Chen Yuan had discovered the stone lion in front of the Song residence yesterday, but he didn't go there. He was waiting for the black iron mask he had commissioned before making his appearance.

Chen Yuan didn't want to reveal his identity yet. But he was constantly active in the yamen, and he might run into Tie Xuan. If Tie Xuan discovered any clues, he might guess his identity.

The night was bright, the stars twinkled.

Chen Yuan, wearing a black iron mask and a black robe, silently arrived in front of the Song residence. The streets were deserted except for the occasional sound of the night watchman. Most of the county town was quiet.

Chen Yuan glanced at the two lions in front of the Song residence. One was made of stone, and so was the other. The only difference was that the red silk on one of them hadn't been removed.

Using his foot as leverage, Chen Yuan leaped over the wall in a few steps.

"Elder brother..." Tie Qing Hua looked cautiously at the middle-aged man in front of her.

He was wearing a green robe, his skin was dark, the temples of his head bulged, there was stubble on his face, and he sipped his tea calmly. This was Tie Qing Hua's elder brother, the warden of the county yamen prison, Tie Xuan!

"What is it?" Tie Xuan glanced at his sister.

"That guy surnamed Yuan might not come today."

"Since he told you to tie on the red silk, it proves that he has the strength to watch secretly. Don't worry, he will definitely come within three days..."

Tie Xuan stopped mid-sentence, reaching out to grab a section of a short spear at his feet, and said in a low voice, "He's here now!"

"What!" Tie Qing Hua's pupils contracted in shock, and she glanced at the door.

At that instant, the door was pushed open, and Chen Yuan strode in, focusing his gaze on Tie Xuan:

"Brother Tie's strength is truly extraordinary!"

Tie Xuan stood up, sizing up Chen Yuan:

"What, brother doesn't dare to show his face?"

Chen Yuan didn't take it to heart. While staying alert to Tie Xuan, he slowly stepped forward:

"My face was cut a few times when I was young, so I don't want to show my true face. Please forgive me, Brother Tie."

Tie Xuan:

"It doesn't matter, Brother Yuan, please sit!"

Chen Yuan nodded and walked forward to sit opposite Tie Xuan.

"I wonder why Brother Tie invited me here? What is the matter?"

Chen Yuan took the initiative and asked directly.

"Brother Yuan has a feud with the Huang family?" Tie Xuan didn't answer Chen Yuan's question, but instead asked another question.

"Some feuds..."

Tie Xuan nodded and continued, "Tie also has some feuds with the Huang family. I believe Brother Yuan has seen them as well."

Tie Xuan was referring to the fact that Song Lao Liu had tried to kill Tie Xuan under Huang Xing's instructions. Chen Yuan wasn't surprised:

"So, we have a common enemy. How about joining forces to destroy the Huang family?"

Beneath the mask, Chen Yuan's deep eyes stared straight at Tie Xuan.

Tie Xuan smiled upon hearing this:

"Brother Yuan is confident in destroying the Huang family? As far as I know, Brother Yuan's strength is only at the Blood Refining level..."

The implication was, what qualifications do you have to join forces?

"Strength isn't the most important thing. If I had the strength to destroy the Huang family, why would I need to join forces with Brother Tie?"

"I'm willing to hear the details?"

"I have some of the Huang family's weaknesses in my hands, enough to destroy them. That's the most important thing!" Chen Yuan tapped the table lightly with his finger.

————

Thanks to the generous gift of 20,000 points from Boss Liang Kun!!! Boss is awesome!