Chapter 105: Shocking News

The three major gangs in Jia Yuan City are the Brotherhood Alliance, the Thunder Serpent Society, and the Heaven Tyrant Gate; smaller factions include the Iron Spear Society, the Oath-Brotherhood, the Green Robe Gang, the Spring Rain Pavilion, the Golden Sword Gate, the Cang River Boat Guild, the Diamond Gate, and the Sunset School, among others.

Sun Ergou spat out all these gang names in one breath, then took a short breath and continued.

“Of the three major gangs, the Heaven Tyrant Gate is the strongest; it has allied with the Golden Sword Gate and the Green Robe Gang to seize control of the wealthiest Eastern District. The Brotherhood Alliance, slightly weaker, has joined forces with the Iron Spear Society, the Cang River Boat Guild, and the Oath-Brotherhood to hold the Northern District. The weakest of the three, the Thunder Serpent Society, has seized the Southern District alongside the Spring Rain Pavilion, the Diamond Gate, and the Sunset School. The remaining Western District is chaotic, divided among numerous small gangs. Though these minor factions constantly fight among themselves, they immediately cease hostilities and unite against any external force attempting to invade the Western District. Thus, Jia Yuan City is effectively a four-way stalemate.” Sun Ergou spoke fluently, reciting the power dynamics without hesitation.

After hearing this, Han Li fell into thought for a moment, then asked with a thoughtful tone:

“I’ve heard that the Thunder Serpent Society is one of the three dominant powers in Lan Zhou, and Jia Yuan City is said to be its main headquarters—how did it become the weakest of the three?”

“Young Master, what you’re referring to is old history. A few years ago, the Thunder Serpent Society was indeed powerful, its influence stretching across all of Lan Zhou. At that time, as one of the supreme powers, it brooked no rival gangs in its headquarters at Jia Yuan City, and held the entire city under its sole control. Other gangs dared not even show their shadows there under its intimidation. But for reasons unknown, the Thunder Serpent Society collapsed overnight. It lost all its territories outside the city, and even its stronghold in Jia Yuan City shrank drastically. Seizing this opportunity, all the other gangs—big and small—emerged from hiding. After several bloody battles, the current situation stabilized.” Sun Ergou explained eagerly.

“Do you know why the Thunder Serpent Society suddenly weakened?” Han Li frowned and asked slowly.

“This… to be honest, I’m just a low-ranking member in the gang, so I don’t know much. I’ve heard rumors it was caused by internal splits and infighting, and possibly pressure from some other major power.” Sun Ergou showed a look of discomfort, offering a vague answer.

“Oh, I see.” Han Li smiled faintly, as if he had already suspected as much.

“Who currently leads the Thunder Serpent Society? You must know that.” Han Li asked.

“I know—it’s led by the widow of the former leader, Master Mo Ju Ren, Madame Yan.” Sun Ergou answered quickly.

“Widow?” Han Li was startled.

“Yes! The original founder of the Thunder Serpent Society, Master Mo, is dead—so isn’t his wife a widow?” Sun Ergou blinked, uncertain now, wondering if he’d said something wrong.

“Who said Master Mo is dead?” Han Li felt something was off; his expression turned cold.

“Everyone in Jia Yuan City knows! A year ago, Master Mo’s last disciple brought his will and personal tokens to the Mo residence to announce his death!” Sun Ergou, seeing Han Li’s darkening face, shuddered inwardly, growing fearful.

“Last disciple? What’s his name?” Han Li raised an eyebrow, asking calmly.

“His name is Wu Jianming—a young, pale-faced fellow around twenty. They say he has received Master Mo’s true transmission and possesses extraordinary martial skills.” Sun Ergou spoke cautiously; he had begun to sense something, realizing this man likely had connections to the Thunder Serpent Society and was deeply interested in this Young Master Wu.

“And…” Sun Ergou looked as if he wanted to speak but dared not.

“Speak plainly—no hesitation! If your information is true, I’ll reward you handsomely.” Han Li glanced at him coldly, speaking softly.

“I heard this Young Master Wu was betrothed to Miss Mo Yuzhu, the daughter of the Mo family. They say the wedding is imminent.” Sun Ergou’s face brightened at the mention of a reward, and he blurted out the truth.

“Wedding!” Han Li chuckled bitterly, then suddenly stood up.

He paced back and forth in the room a few times, then looked up at the ceiling, motionless, as if deep in thought.

“Listen carefully—your task is simple: from today on, quietly gather intelligence on the Mo household, especially details about this Young Master Wu. The more detailed, the better.” Han Li finally gave his order.

“Take this silver first. If you complete the task well, there will be an even greater reward! Go now.” Han Li tossed him another small pouch of silver, generously.

“Yes, Young Master! Rest assured—I’ll get it done! Your humble servant takes his leave.” Sun Ergou clutched the silver, grinning broadly, and backed out, closing the door behind him with eager deference.

“This Young Master really knows how to spend! And the task is just gathering gossip—looks like I made the right choice sticking with him for a while!” Sun Ergou thought excitedly, momentarily forgetting about the Rotting Heart Pill.

Watching Sun Ergou leave with a delighted expression, Han Li sighed softly. Suddenly, he felt a pang of regret—he’d spent so much silver in just two days here; it truly made him feel like a wastrel.

Whatever. This silver will be charged to Master Mo’s account later—with interest, Han Li thought grimly, trying to find some comfort.

“But this Wu Jianming is quite a character—he’s already stolen the identity I planned to use to infiltrate the Mo household, and now he’s clearly aiming to seize both wealth and beauty. How bold he is!” Han Li rubbed his nose and sneered.

“I must go to the Mo household—otherwise, that Warm Sun Jade will end up as part of the dowry in his hands.” He thought bitterly.

web