After learning of Mu Lin’s identity as a divine healer, the two old men recalled the many rumors about Mu Lin’s misdeeds and promptly confessed everything. As the two elders recounted their story, Mu Lin gradually pieced together the whole picture.
It turned out that the three major families in Boston had ceased their infighting, which had caused dissatisfaction among related families, as some had hoped to profit from the chaos. The main culprits were several New York-based families. Although these families didn’t know why the truce had happened, they understood that every event has a cause. Rather than act rashly, they conducted a thorough investigation and eventually discovered that everything was connected to an Asian teenager.
Further investigation revealed that the boy’s residence was heavily protected, so if they wanted answers, they had to target him directly. Due to Mu Lin’s low profile, no one in the underworld recognized him. After careful observation, they finally noticed his close relationship with Hong Jia Ni, who frequently visited the Hung Gar Kung Fu School in Chinatown. This led to the idea of challenging the school, kidnapping Hong Jia Ni, and luring Mu Lin into revealing himself so they could uncover the truth and take appropriate action.
Currently, Boston was tightly controlled, so any action had to take place in the remote Chinatown to avoid detection by the three major gangs. Therefore, they contacted several Asian gangsters from New York’s Chinatown to carry out the operation. However, they hadn’t anticipated such a disastrous start.
After learning the truth, Mu Lin and the girls felt somewhat embarrassed, especially Hong Jia Ni. Eventually, Mu Lin comforted them with kind words and sent them back to their rooms.
He needed to think about how to resolve this situation. Although Mu Lin usually preferred to avoid trouble and maintain a low profile, it was now evident that this approach had failed. Since they were unwilling to leave him alone, he decided it was time to take action. “If you insist on provoking me, don’t blame the mouse for licking the cat’s nose—don’t complain if you bring death upon yourselves. I’ll use this opportunity to deal with you all.”
Observing the two elders’ behavior at the kung fu school, Mu Lin realized they still retained some sense of morality and followed certain underworld codes. He continued to ask, “What about those armed foreigners with guns? Where did they go?”
At this point, the two elders were completely convinced of Mu Lin’s superiority. “They were sent to wait for us in a small town about ten kilometers away because we were afraid of being discovered by Douglas and his men.”
Mu Lin calculated the timing and pointed to several men who had gathered behind the two elders, still showing signs of fear. “Are these your apprentices?”
“Yes, we wanted to bring them along to gain some experience,” the elders quickly replied. They now understood that they were like meat on the chopping block while Mu Lin was the knife. To minimize the damage, it was better to confess freely.
“I currently have many properties here, and I plan to appoint you two as my personal stewards. They will follow your lead. Are you willing?” Mu Lin asked casually. In truth, Mu Lin had grown up under the guidance of his great-uncle Zhang, receiving traditional education. Now that he had a mansion and foreign servants, it was a point of pride for his ancestors. He still needed a few stewards, and these two were perfect candidates. Moreover, he would gain a group of subordinates along with them—what a bargain!
“Willing! Of course, we’re willing!” the elders eagerly replied. They understood the saying, “A brave man doesn’t suffer needlessly.” Besides, this master was already famous in the underworld for being someone who never lost but always gained advantages. Following him would certainly bring benefits, especially considering his exceptional martial arts skills.
“Good, follow me out now,” he said, gesturing toward the Southeast Asian men. “They’ll be used for my experiments.”
As these men looked at the others who were unaware of the situation and unafraid, they felt pity for them. It seemed the old saying, “A young cow fears no tiger,” was indeed true! Sigh! They could only hope for a better future.
They quickly followed Mu Lin to the reception room, where he told them, “Now that you’ve entered the Mu family, I need to ensure your loyalty.” Suddenly, Mu Lin struck, knocking them unconscious. Although they had verbally agreed to cooperate, he decided to take extra precautions. If they caused trouble in his absence, it could jeopardize his plans. What precautions? Naturally, the Mu Clan Puppet Technique—what could be more reliable?
When the elders regained consciousness, they respectfully addressed him as “Master.” Eager to atone, they volunteered to capture the foreigners in the town and present them to their master.
Mu Lin, unwilling to risk his newly appointed stewards, simply had them drive to the town. Using his True Yuan energy, he entered the room, paralyzed the foreigners with pressure points, and instructed the stewards to bind them. In Mu Lin’s mind, these people were evidence of the enemy’s aggression. Otherwise, it would appear as if he was attacking without warning, which would be bullying.
The next day, Mu Lin secretly convened a meeting with the three elders from the three major gangs. At the meeting, Mu Lin explained the events that had transpired. The elders quickly pledged their loyalty. Then, Mu Lin had his stewards bring in several individuals and handed them over to the elders for custody. He formally introduced the two Chinese elders as his new personal stewards, explaining that any future matters would be communicated through them.
The elders from the three major gangs immediately expressed their loyalty. Finally, Mu Lin delivered important instructions, informing them of his plans to travel to New York to expand the Mu family’s influence. He urged them to safeguard their current territories and promised that those who performed well would be rewarded with a trip to New York. The meeting concluded successfully, achieving all of Mu Lin’s intended outcomes.
Returning home, Mu Lin informed the women about his plans to travel to New York for business. Naturally, he would bring Fanny and the others with him. However, since Hong Jia Ni’s role as his secretary had been exposed, she remained at home.
Mu Lin’s public identity as a respected doctor in high society made it impossible for anyone to associate him with Boston’s most powerful crime lord. His low profile also kept the underworld from connecting him to organized crime. Therefore, Mu Lin planned to use this identity to travel to New York, where influential figures had repeatedly invited him, offering to set up a clinic that was said to be far superior to the one in Boston.
When the New York figures received Mu Lin’s call, they erupted in celebration. They had longed for Mu Lin’s arrival, but since they needed his services, they had to play the role of humble subordinates. In Boston, only five patients per month were accepted, a situation that had forced the New York elites to endure the arrogance of Boston’s locals, especially since they were competing with top figures nationwide.
Now, Daniel, the renowned physician, was coming to New York. This was their moment to shine. Although the monthly quota remained at five, at least three would be reserved for their own people. The remaining two could be given to those they favored. If necessary, they could even keep one and waste another—what a display of prestige! They indulged in these fantasies.
To expedite Mu Lin’s journey, the excited New Yorkers gathered a collection of jade artifacts and dispatched a nine-member delegation to visit Mu Lin’s residence. They told Boston’s elites, “First, we are here to present gifts to Daniel. Since you refuse payment for your treatments, we have brought items you might appreciate. New York has plenty of such treasures, and we hope you will come. Second, we are here to enhance Daniel’s prestige. We want to show how much New York values Dr. Daniel. We have sent a delegation to escort him, as New York is a big city, and without guidance, he might get lost. Who knows which unlucky fool might lead him astray?” This infuriated Boston’s elites, who felt humiliated by this intrusion.
Meanwhile, Mu Lin was busy organizing his new stewards. Boston’s figures refused to allow the New Yorkers to approach Mu Lin’s residence, unwilling to tolerate their vulgar displays of wealth. Unable to contact Mu Lin directly, the delegation had no choice but to wait at his clinic.
Boston’s elites silently taunted New York: “Let’s see how you boast now!”
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