“When exactly wasn’t mentioned, but from the tone, it seemed like it would be soon. As for the meeting location, I don’t think that was mentioned either.” Sun Ergou scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Han Li frowned deeply. It seemed the information Sun Ergou had was vague and certainly incomplete.
He lowered his head in thought for a moment, then suddenly a brilliant idea flashed through his mind.
Han Li studied Sun Ergou carefully before suddenly smiling and saying, “Sun Ergou, I’ve been very satisfied with your work these past few days. Especially this last piece of information—it’s quite a contribution. So, I plan to reward you handsomely!”
Upon hearing this, Sun Ergou was overjoyed, and a wide grin spread across his face.
He never expected that providing a few bits of insider information would earn him such appreciation from this young master, who now intended to reward him generously. Working for this man truly was straightforward and rewarding. He wondered what form the reward would take—perhaps a large sum of gold, silver, or jewels?
Sun Ergou couldn’t help but let his imagination run wild.
“Would you be interested in becoming the leader of the Siping Gang?” Han Li’s words were like a thunderclap, startling Sun Ergou so much that his face turned pale, and he felt as if his soul had left his body.
“Young master, you must be joking! Don’t tease me! How could someone like me ever be worthy of leading a gang?” Sun Ergou said with a mournful expression, muttering under his breath.
“Why not? With my support, taking over a small gang like the Siping Gang would be effortless! Or would you rather remain a minor dock foreman for the rest of your life?” Han Li chuckled softly, tempting him.
Hearing this, Sun Ergou’s face shifted through a range of emotions—surprise, fear, but most of all, excitement.
What man wouldn’t dream of one day having beautiful women at his side, wielding great power, and holding control over others’ lives?
The deepest ambitions buried in Sun Ergou’s heart were ignited by Han Li’s words. However, he still had some reservations and didn’t immediately agree.
“Our gang leader and his three guardians are quite skilled in martial arts. Are you certain you can subdue them?” Sun Ergou asked cautiously in a low voice.
“Subdue them? Heh, is that necessary? Just kill them all!” Han Li said coldly, as if he regarded them as nothing more than weeds.
Sun Ergou shivered at this. This young master’s bloodlust was truly intense! If he refused, would he himself be disposed of immediately?
“Since the young master holds me in such high regard, I will dedicate my life to you. I will follow your orders in all matters.” Under Han Li’s combination of coercion and persuasion, Sun Ergou finally decided to take the risk.
“Good, that’s more like it!” Han Li nodded in satisfaction.
“Tell me the next time your gang leader will be away from the gang,” Han Li asked casually.
“There is one. These past few days, he goes every afternoon to the most popular brothel in the west city, Xiaoxiang Court. He’s recently become infatuated with their top courtesan, Little Gold Lotus. But the three guardians always accompany him, which might make things tricky. Perhaps we should wait a few days for a better opportunity?” Now that he had agreed, Sun Ergou immediately began thinking about how to protect his life and secure his future wealth and status.
“No need. Now that we know the time and place, taking their lives will be as easy as turning over my hand,” Han Li said dismissively.
“However, after their deaths, you probably won’t be capable of taking over the Siping Gang yet, right?”
“Yes, in the gang, I’m just an ordinary foreman. There are many others with higher status and more seniority than me,” Sun Ergou admitted sheepishly.
“No matter. If I say you will become the leader of the Siping Gang, then you will. I will assign Qu Hun to you. He will eliminate anyone who opposes you and will personally protect you for a while,” Han Li said with confidence.
Then, Han Li calmly knocked three times on the wall of the adjacent room. Moments later, Qu Hun appeared before them.
“Take this and keep it on you at all times. As long as you have this, Qu Hun will obey your commands. He will eliminate your enemies and help you ascend to the position of gang leader.”
Han Li took out the “Soul-Guiding Bell” from his robe, gently stroked it, and solemnly handed it to Sun Ergou.
The holder of the Soul-Guiding Bell, even if not Qu Hun’s master, could still command him. This was another method Doctor Mo had taught Han Li for controlling Qu Hun. As long as the original master whose essence blood was on the bell remained alive, no one else could tamper with the artifact. Thus, Han Li had no fear that Sun Ergou might harbor treacherous intentions.
Having witnessed Qu Hun’s formidable power firsthand, Sun Ergou was especially thrilled to receive the small bell. His courage immediately swelled.
“Thank you for your great favor, young master! I will devote myself to you utterly!” Still, he was clever enough to realize that even if he became the leader of the Siping Gang, he would merely be a puppet of this young master. So, he seized every opportunity to profess his loyalty.
“Go back and prepare. Once the gang leader is dead, take control of the Siping Gang in the chaos. But remember one thing: send me the man who saw the male and female immortals, completely unharmed. I have questions for him. Understood?” Han Li’s final words were stern, indicating the importance he placed on this matter.
“Rest assured, young master! I will deliver him to you intact. I will not disappoint you!” Sun Ergou immediately thumped his chest and swore, putting on a show of utmost loyalty.
“Good. Take Qu Hun and go. The next time I see you, you will be the leader of a gang!” Han Li instructed impassively.
“I take my leave, young master!” Seeing that Han Li had dismissed him, Sun Ergou promptly and tactfully exited the room, with Qu Hun following closely behind.
As soon as Sun Ergou left, Han Li stood up. After pacing half a circle around the room, he suddenly pursed his lips and let out a soft, melodious whistle. The Cloud-Winged Bird swooped in through the window and landed on his shoulder.
Han Li took out a bottle from his robe, poured out a “Yellow Chestnut Pill”—the Cloud-Winged Bird’s favorite treat—and gently fed it to the bird. Then, he said softly, “Little one, follow the man who just left. If he tries to escape beyond the city, come and tell me immediately.”
After hearing Han Li’s words, the highly intelligent Cloud-Winged Bird chirped a few times in understanding, then flew out the window and vanished into the sky.
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