Chapter 190: A Bit Unfortunate

Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, the Lingyun Gang members were first startled, then a wry smile spread across their faces.

"Friend, we've actually had this idea for a long time, but the few gangs around aren't harmless; even if we could manage it, we'd have to pay a heavy price ourselves."

The middle‑aged man began to explain.

He saw that the masked person before him bore little malice.

Jiang Cheng, hearing this, glanced around and said, "This isn't a place to talk; let's go inside first."

As he spoke, he walked toward the house ahead.

The Lingyun Gang party froze.

In a daze, there was a sense that this wasn't their turf, but the other's.

"Gang Leader?"

The crowd looked at the short‑haired woman.

"Ning, Zhao, Wu, you go in with me; the others wait outside."

After speaking, the short‑haired woman glanced at a room on the east side and went up.

The middle‑aged man, along with another man and a woman, followed.

This is their turf; they're not afraid of the other side. If they were scared, they'd be looked down upon.

They closed the door.

The short‑haired woman crossed her arms, looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "You've got some nerve, coming in alone; aren't you afraid we'd make a move against you?"

As the words fell, the three behind her gave sharper looks.

Indeed, in a one‑on‑one fight, none of them are opponents.

But four against one might be a different story.

Moreover...

"Since I dared to come in, I naturally have confidence."

Jiang Cheng's tone was calm.

Even if the others carried guns, the Vajra Talisman on his body was enough for him, during this time, to use a gun to eliminate a few.

Of course, there was another reason: given these people's character, they're unlikely to do such a thing.

"Is that so?"

The short‑haired woman let out a cold snort, looking a bit annoyed.

"I'm not here this time to cause you trouble."

"If telling us to get lost isn't trouble, then what would be trouble for us?" the man in his early thirties said.

Jiang Cheng shook his head and extended two fingers.

"I'm here for two reasons. First, to give you a warning: you should disband the Lingyun Gang right now."

"Why?"

The short‑haired woman asked.

"Because someone intends to strike you; those people are powerful, and even I would be powerless before them."

"What!"

The few exchanged glances.

"Who?"

The short‑haired woman's expression quickly returned to calm as she asked.

"Regarding that, I have no comment."

Jiang Cheng shook his head.

"Hmph, you say that, how would I know if you're telling truth or lie? As for the Law Enforcement Bureau, we pay them on schedule every month; they have no reason to go after us."

Hearing this, the three behind the short‑haired woman all looked at her, seeming ready to speak but holding back.

"That's right; the Law Enforcement Bureau, having taken the benefits you gave, won't trouble you. But what about the others? Like the other gangs, or the two gyms on the street—are you sure you haven't blocked their revenue streams?" the short‑haired woman was startled.

"Gang Leader, I think what he said makes some sense."

The middle‑aged man said at the right moment, "Those gangs need no mention; the two gyms on the street are also quite unwelcoming of our arrival."

"Why?"

The short‑haired woman's face showed puzzlement.

She could understand the gangs' displeasure; after all, people from the surrounding streets, hearing about the situation here, want to move in.

But the gyms?

"Because of our arrival, fewer people are buying their memberships."

The older woman beside him explained, "When Dashiban was around, there were many thugs; many people bought their Senior Members to avoid being bullied. Ordinary Members were also popular. But after we came, the thugs no longer dared to come out, so naturally few people purchase gym memberships."

"Indeed, Gang Leader, I heard those two Gym Masters—one is Level Four, the other Level Five—have a few disciples each, their strength is comparable to ours. If this continues, they'll surely clash with us."

The short‑haired woman fell silent.

"I know you mean well, trying to protect the ordinary people on this street, but your strength is simply too low."

Jiang Cheng sighed, "If you don't leave in time, I'm afraid your own lives will end here, and this street will remain just like any other place, with no real change."

The three middle‑aged men nodded slightly; actually, what Jiang Cheng saw, they could also see—it was only to accommodate the short‑haired woman.

"So according to your words, if we leave, the people on this street will be different from other streets?" the short‑haired woman's voice carried anger as she glared at Jiang Cheng.

"The same."

"Then what's the point of saying that?" the short‑haired woman said, displeased.

"I don't know if you've heard a saying: when poor, one should safeguard oneself; when prosperous, one can help the world. When our own strength is weak, the first thought should be how to protect ourselves; on that premise, within our ability, we can do small deeds of justice,"

"and when our strength grows, we can undertake greater deeds without fearing the consequences; then we can also change some of the world's unfair rules."

Jiang Cheng looked at the short‑haired woman.

"Just like now, you're only a Second-level Force Warrior, more than enough to deal with some gangs, but can you take on the hidden ringleaders of the gangs, or even the Law Enforcement Bureau?"

"From the fact that you pay the Law Enforcement Bureau, it's clear you understand this yourself. Of course, these are just my advice; it'd be better if you take it to heart, but if you don't, never mind."

The short‑haired woman flushed red and bit her lip at his words.

In fact, she hadn't wanted to pay the Law Enforcement Bureau at first, nor to collect a 500‑yuan‑per‑month Protection Fee.

But the people around her urged her that without paying the Law Enforcement Bureau, they couldn't survive on this street; as soon as a gang reports them, the Bureau's men would arrive with long spears and short cannons.

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath.

What he said was actually what he thought inside.

Having a chivalrous heart is certainly good, but if one overestimates oneself—like striking a stone with an egg—it becomes a disaster.

"Hahaha, kid, you put that nicely."

Suddenly, a burst of loud laughter rang from outside.

Immediately, the door swung open and a man who looked about sixty stepped in.

"Grandpa."

A hint of joy flashed on the short‑haired woman's face, then turned to distress.

"Qin Lao."

The other three also saluted in turn, their demeanor exceedingly respectful.

Only Jiang Cheng's expression changed.

Because he hadn't heard any footsteps outside at all.

Yet the elder's laugh clearly came from outside the door.

A cold bead of sweat fell from his forehead; he felt today's events might be beyond his control.

(End of chapter)