C211 Reshuffling the Deck

Screams, shouts, a fiery inferno…

My vision narrowed to a crimson haze; my iron rod whirled in a relentless dance.

Figures in black surged through the opulent hall, scattering those who dared to impede my advance. My men, a dark tide, crashed towards the elevator's core.

I led the charge, trapping the occupants within, rendering them helpless as caged prey.

"Zhao Fei, you son of a bitch! You're courting death! I showed mercy, and you push your luck…"

Chen Xi roared. I turned, seeing Chen Xi, Zhao Kui, and Wang Gui mirroring my gaze. We were drenched in blood—the blood of our enemies.

I didn't relish the fight, but neither did I fear it. Since it had begun, let's make it a memorable one. I advanced on Chen Xi, iron rod in hand. He met my gaze, unflinching. From the surrounding stairwells, reinforcements poured forth—Chen Xi's men.

He wore a look of lethal intent, but I didn't falter. Zhao Kui and Wang Gui, armed with their own iron rods, charged the stairwells, their weapons a blur. Zhao Kui, a whirlwind of fury, fearlessly engaged the descending throng, forcing them back in a chaotic retreat, many collapsing in a stampede.

I ignored the scene, my focus fixed on Chen Xi. Reaching him, I met his gaze. "Zhao Fei," he hissed, "Do you understand the consequences? With your paltry numbers, how long can this madness last? I give you a chance. Stop, kneel, apologize, and I'll let this go. Otherwise…"

I raised my iron rod and brought it down upon Chen Xi's skull with a resounding crack. "Fuck you," I spat.

My blow shattered his skull, releasing the pent-up rage that consumed me. Ignoring his agonized screams, I surveyed the newly arrived reinforcements, a sea of menacing figures. Tossing my rod aside, I lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply, and calmly escorted Xiao Mi from the scene. Exhaling smoke, I watched Zhu approach, "Brother Fei, Guang is waiting…"

I nodded and followed. Suddenly, Zhu lowered the rolling gate, plunging everything into darkness. The cacophony ceased. I chuckled, looking down at Xiao Mi. "That was… exhilarating, albeit slightly wicked."

Xiao Mi embraced me, kissing my cheek. "Bad boys are irresistible. I love you like this…"

I smiled, took her hand, and slid into my BMW. Floor it. The roar of the engine mirrored the tempest in my soul as I tore down Ruili Avenue.

I returned to Qian Guang's bar, entering his office with Xiao Mi. Qian Guang was silently awaiting a call, Ma Qing sipping wine with her usual elegance. I sat, unacknowledged.

Suddenly, Qian Guang's phone rang. He answered, then hung up. "Ruili World is secured…"

I frowned, surprised by Zhu's efficiency. Barely had I left, and they'd already conquered Ruili World. I smiled faintly.

His phone rang again. "Wan Ting is also secured…"

My brow furrowed as call after call arrived, each one signaling another victory. He'd been prepared, deploying men to every one of Chen Xi's establishments.

Twenty calls. Where did he find so many men? He'd orchestrated a complete encirclement of Chen Xi. Just how extensive was his network? Qian Guang was a master of deception.

We waited over an hour, until the final call. Qian Guang rose. "Siyan has taken Chen Xi's Mengmao restaurant, his very stronghold."

I nodded, understanding. Siyan's men were assisting Qian Guang.

Ma Qing checked the time. "Father should be wrapping things up. It's time for the Grand Marshal's ascension. Let's go…"

Their words stunned me. It had all been orchestrated by Seventh Master. Though they'd mentioned his involvement, hearing Ma Qing confirm his intention to clean up the mess… I finally grasped the truth. This wasn't about Qian Guang's choice; it was about Seventh Master's need. He was using this chaos to seize the position of Grand Marshal. All these years without one—it had simply lacked a suitable pretext.

A bitter smile touched my lips. Seventh Master, you are truly formidable. Everything was part of your grand design…

We left the bar. I drove, Xiao Mi beside me, following Qian Guang to Seventh Master's restaurant. Siren wails filled the air, but we ignored them. I knew many of our men would be arrested, but it was just a brawl; they'd be released.

Great achievements always demand sacrifice.

Arriving at Seventh Master's restaurant, we found a throng of people gathered at the entrance. A large man named Afu stood guard. He seemed to be a mid-level manager, handling the gang's external affairs—a sort of enforcer.

He stopped me. "Underlings aren't permitted entry…"

His words struck a painful chord. I finally understood the origin of the term "underling"—it originated from the Ma Bang.

I was merely Qian Guang's subordinate. Given the magnitude of today's events, only the Ma Bang's elite would be present. As a mere underling, my presence was unwelcome.

Qian Guang patted my shoulder. "By the time of the Flower Street Festival, I'll make you my second-in-command. Then you'll have the privilege."

I smiled and nodded, taking my place outside. Qian Guang entered. Watching his retreating form, hand in hand with Ma Qing, a wave of bitterness washed over me.

I'm just an underling…

But the truth remained. The Ma Bang was a fiercely loyal, rule-bound, ancient commercial organization. No matter your prowess, within the Ma Bang, you followed its rules.

Black cars arrived, one after another. Middle-aged and elderly men, surrounded by their retinues, approached the entrance. Some gained entry; others, like myself, remained outside.

We spoke little. Once, I might not have cared about what transpired inside, but now… I desperately wanted to know what those leaders were discussing.

But I had no right.

For the first time, a burning ambition ignited within me—a craving for power and status. This was different from my previous desires, different from the pursuit of wealth. I couldn't articulate the difference, but I knew my heart had changed.

We waited under the scorching sun. My phone rang—Wang Gui. He and Zhao Kui had escaped, but seven or eight of their men were inside. I told them to be patient; I'd get them out after everything concluded.

Hanging up, I waited. Suddenly, a commotion erupted. A shattering crash—a round table hurled from the upper floor, landing with a bone-jarring thud. My heart leaped into my throat.

What was happening upstairs?

"You have no right to be Grand Marshal. You were beaten so badly you nearly disbanded the Ma Bang. If I were you, I'd just kill myself…"

"Second Uncle, please calm down…"

A heated argument ensued. I watched as an old man was dragged out, his head bleeding. Seventh Master was also inside, clutching his head. I was astonished. Seventh Master had been attacked! Who was this old man, daring to strike him?

The old man, despite the struggle, was forced into a car. Before I could see his face clearly, the vehicle sped away. Several men quickly closed the doors, obscuring the scene. I felt a mixture of shock and profound unease.

I didn't know what had occurred inside, but someone was opposing Seventh Master, and their status was high. Could it be the Second Master Ma Lan had mentioned?

I could only wait. After over an hour, the doors finally opened. Inside, several people sat, Qian Guang and Ma Qing standing, excluded from the seating arrangement.

A car arrived, and several men dragged out a figure. To my surprise, it was Chen Xi, head bleeding, escorted by Siyan. He was brought inside, then Siyan quickly emerged.

He looked at me. "The deck's been reshuffled. We've all moved up."

His words held no discernible emotion. I sensed his confusion, mirroring my own. The future was uncertain, and we felt acutely our role as mere pawns.

Yes, we were all pawns. I was Qian Guang's pawn; Qian Guang was Seventh Master's. Every move we made was part of their plan. And Chen Xi… he was the discarded piece…

A/N

Heyy, you reading, thanks for reading this far please don't stop, support me in any way that youcan. Your reviews, your comments, your criticism, all of it, l would appreciate them. l love you.

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