“The three major gangs in Jiayuan City are the Brotherhood Alliance, the Fierce Dragon Guild, and the Heavenly Tyrant Sect. Smaller gangs include the Iron Spear Society, the Sworn Brotherhood, the Blue Clothes Gang, the Spring Rain Pavilion, the Golden Sword Sect, the Canghe Boat Gang, the Vajra Sect, the Sunset Sect, and others.”
Sun Ergou rattled off the names of these gangs in one breath, paused briefly to catch his breath, and then continued.
“Among the three major gangs, the Heavenly Tyrant Sect is the strongest. They have allied with the Golden Sword Sect and the Blue Clothes Gang to occupy the wealthiest eastern district. The slightly weaker Brotherhood Alliance has joined forces with the Iron Spear Society, the Canghe Boat Gang, and the Sworn Brotherhood to control the northern district. The weakest of the three, the Fierce Dragon Guild, has teamed up with the Spring Rain Pavilion, the Vajra Sect, and the Sunset Sect to dominate the southern district. The remaining western district is more chaotic, divided among numerous smaller gangs. Although these smaller gangs constantly fight among themselves, they immediately cease hostilities and unite against any external threat if a larger force tries to invade the western district. Thus, Jiayuan City can essentially be described as having a four-way balance of power.” Sun Ergou spoke fluently, outlining the situation of each faction without hesitation.
After listening, Han Li pondered for a moment before asking thoughtfully, “I’ve heard that the Fierce Dragon Guild is one of the three major powers of Lan Province, and Jiayuan City seems to be its headquarters. How did it end up as the weakest of the three major gangs?”
“Young master, you’re referring to old news. A few years ago, the Fierce Dragon Guild was indeed very powerful, with influence spanning almost the entire Lan Province. At that time, as one of the superpowers, it wouldn’t allow any other gangs to gain a foothold in Jiayuan City, its headquarters. Thus, the Fierce Dragon Guild occupied the entire city and reigned supreme. Under its intimidation, other gangs didn’t even dare to show their faces here. Later, for some unknown reason, the Fierce Dragon Guild declined almost overnight, losing its territories elsewhere and even shrinking its influence in its home base of Jiayuan City. Seizing this opportunity, other gangs of all sizes emerged, and after several bloody battles, the current situation temporarily took shape.” Sun Ergou explained with great enthusiasm.
“Do you know why the Fierce Dragon Guild suddenly weakened?” Han Li frowned and asked slowly.
“Well… to be honest, my status in the gang isn’t high, so I don’t know much about it. I’ve only heard others say that it was caused by internal divisions and infighting within the Fierce Dragon Guild, and it seems there were also other major forces suppressing them from behind.” Sun Ergou showed a somewhat troubled expression and gave a vague answer.
“Oh, I see!” Han Li smiled slightly, as if he had already known something about it.
“Do you know who is currently leading the Fierce Dragon Guild?” Han Li asked.
“I know this. It’s Madam Yan, the widow of the former guild leader, Mo Juren.” Sun Ergou hurriedly replied.
“Widow?” Han Li was surprised.
“Yes! The founder of the Fierce Dragon Guild, Guild Leader Mo, passed away. Isn’t his wife his widow?” Sun Ergou blinked, somewhat hesitant, unsure if he had said something wrong.
“Who said Guild Leader Mo is dead?” Han Li felt something was amiss, and his expression turned cold.
“Everyone in Jiayuan City knows. A year ago, Ghost Hand Mo Juren’s closed-door disciple brought Guild Leader Mo’s suicide note and personal effects to the Mo Manor to report his death!” Seeing Han Li’s gloomy expression, Sun Ergou couldn’t help but tremble with fear.
“Closed-door disciple? What’s his name?” Han Li raised an eyebrow and asked calmly.
“Wu Jianming, a fair-faced young man in his twenties. I heard he has inherited Mo Juren’s true teachings and possesses exceptionally high martial skills.” Sun Ergou said cautiously. He had already sensed something, realizing that the young man before him must have some connection to the Fierce Dragon Guild and seemed very concerned about that Young Master Wu.
“And…” Sun Ergou showed an expression of wanting to speak but not daring to.
“Speak directly if you have something to say! Don’t hesitate! If the information is true, I’ll reward you handsomely!” Han Li glanced at him coldly and said lightly.
“I’ve heard that this Young Master Wu seems to be engaged to Mo Yuzhu, the daughter of the Mo family, and they are said to be getting married soon.” Upon hearing there was money to be made, Sun Ergou immediately smiled and revealed the truth.
“Getting married!” Han Li chuckled coldly and suddenly stood up.
He paced back and forth in the room a few times, then raised his head to look at the ceiling, standing motionless as if deep in thought.
“Listen carefully. Your task is simple. Starting today, quietly gather intelligence on the Mo Manor for me, especially about this Young Master Wu. The more detailed, the better.” Han Li finally spoke and issued his orders.
“Take this silver for now. If you do well, there will be an additional reward! Go and take care of it.” Han Li generously tossed him a small bag of silver.
“As you command, young master! Rest assured, I will handle this matter well! I’ll take my leave now.” Sun Ergou, holding the silver with a beaming smile, retreated and even diligently closed the door behind him.
“This young master is really generous, and the task is just a small matter of gathering information. It seems following him for a while was the right choice!” Sun Ergou thought excitedly, momentarily forgetting about the “Heart-Corrosion Pill.”
Watching the other leave with a joyful expression, Han Li sighed softly. Suddenly, he felt a pang of regret. Having only been here for two days, he had already given away so much silver, making him feel like a prodigal son.
Never mind, he thought, trying to find humor in his predicament. He would eventually charge all this silver to Doctor Mo, plus interest.
“However, this Young Master Wu Jianming is quite a character. He actually took on the identity I intended to use and infiltrated the Mo Manor. It seems he even wants both wealth and beauty—how audacious!” Han Li touched his nose and chuckled coldly.
“It looks like I’ll have to pay a visit to the Mo Manor. Otherwise, the Warm Sun Jade might end up as part of the dowry and fall into his hands.” He thought with some resentment.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage