Chapter 103: Fearless of All

Shen City, Fourth Bureau Chief Office.

Morning light was faint, Lin Yu sat behind a spacious mahogany desk, flipping through a document. Sunlight streamed through the floor‑to‑ceiling windows, coating his gaunt profile with a rim of gold.

"Report, Bureau Chief," Zhou Wei knocked lightly and entered, clutching a stack of documents, "The latest report from Ma San."

Lin Yu lifted his head, signaling him to continue.

"The Axe Head Gang has now grown to over three thousand members," Zhou Wei opened the file, "In addition to their original territory, they have now infiltrated Bailemen, the Great Bright Cinema, Shen River Wharf, and several other industries. Basically, wherever money can be made, we have people there."

He paused: "Now, throughout Shen City, any stir, within three minutes, the news reaches the Bureau Chief's desk."

Lin Yu nodded lightly. This Ma San, though crude in appearance, truly knows how to run the Underground World. In just a month, he turned the Axe Head Gang into Shen City's largest faction.

"There are two matters to report, Bureau Chief," Zhou Wei opened another file, "First, after yesterday's banquet, Williams and Lei Nuo went together to Williams's private residence."

Lin Yu's eyes flickered: "A guest?"

"Yes," Zhou Wei nodded, "According to the surveillance brothers' report, there was indeed a mysterious figure. But the person was very cautious, covering his face with a coat from the moment he got out of the car until entering the house, so we cannot identify him yet."

"Keep watching," Lin Yu said calmly, "That old fox Williams can only host someone of considerable standing with such ceremony."

"Understood," Zhou Wei replied, then continued, "Second matter, last night Qin Chang'an went to Bailemen."

Lin Yu tapped his finger lightly on the desk: "Oh?"

"After him, three young men arrived," Zhou Wei lowered his voice, "One is Lu Xiao, the young master of the Southern Jiang Military Governor's Mansion, known throughout Shen City, always soaking in the major entertainment venues. Another is Liu Wen, the young master of the Shen City Garrison Office; though usually low‑key, our people recognized him."

He paused: "The last one looks impressive. Dressed in a custom trench coat, with a silk vest underneath, every movement exudes the aura of a superior. But we haven't uncovered his exact identity yet."

Lin Yu nodded thoughtfully: "How long did the four stay in the private room?"

"From nine p. m. to early morning, nearly four hours," Zhou Wei answered, "During that time no one entered or left; even Chen Sihai's wine delivery was blocked at the door."

"Interesting," Lin Yu's mouth curled into a slight smile, "The Jiangnan Four Young Masters have finally gathered."

Zhou Wei was startled: "Bureau Chief, do you know the mysterious person's identity?"

"Sun Lingyun," Lin Yu stood, walked to the window, "the sole son of Sun Dingyuan, the Governor of the Five Great Provinces south of Longjiang. He is said to have studied at the French Military Academy, and after returning became his father's right hand."

He turned: "It seems this game of chess is more interesting than we imagined."

Zhou Wei watched Lin Yu's back, suddenly understanding something.

This was not a simple power shift; it was the rhythm of the entire Jiangnan pattern about to change.

"Prepare," Lin Yu's voice came, "In the next few days, Shen City will probably be lively."

"Yes, Bureau Chief." Zhou Wei turned and left, but heard Lin Yu's voice behind him as if muttering to himself:

"Let me see what tricks these so‑called Jiangnan Four Young Masters can actually play."

Lin Yu sat back in the leather seat, took a pack of "Three Cannon Platforms" cigarettes from the drawer. The silver lighter's flame danced on his fingertip; amid the swirling smoke, his gaze deepened.

The Jiangnan Four Young Masters' gathering, even a toe could guess what they were discussing. Qin Dong Zhi had just left, and the Security Army was leaderless. Although Yang Chengdong was keeping order on the surface, an uncle can never match a legitimate heir.

These aristocratic youths only wanted to help Qin Chang'an quickly seize real control of the Security Army. After all, in this chaotic era, 30,000 elite is not a small number.

He lightly flicked the ash: "Just wonder if, during their talk, they mentioned me, 'Lin Madman'."

A cold smile curled at his mouth. These people, outwardly dignified, were actually each more ruthless. Sun Lingyun had behind him 250,000 troops of the Five Great Provinces, Lu Xiao represented the power of the Southern Jiang Military Governor's Mansion, Liu Wen was the legitimate son of the Shen City Garrison Office.

Such a lineup was clearly aimed at him.

"Heh," Lin Yu exhaled a smoke ring, "It does give me a decent face‑saving."

As for Lei Nuo's side... Lin Yu narrowed his eyes. That foreign devil was extorted by him for 200,000 silver dollars last night, so now he's surely seething. A secret midnight meeting with Williams might be plotting something.

"A bunch of clownish jumpers," Lin Yu snuffed the cigarette, his voice icy, "Thinking a little strength lets them stir up trouble in Shen City?"

He stood, walked to the window. In the morning light, Shen City was still bustling with traffic, a scene of prosperity. Yet he knew that beneath this calm surface, currents roiled.

Whether it's the Jiangnan Four Young Masters or those foreigners, they are all calculating their own odds. But they seem to have forgotten one thing—this is Shen City, Lin Yu's territory.

"Since you want to play," Lin Yu's voice was soft yet carried undeniable authority, "I'll gladly join you for a good game."

Lin Yu's mouth curled a cold smile.

"These so‑called Jiangnan Four Young Masters, these foreign forces, in the face of absolute power, are nothing but clownish jumpers."

"The 7th Division, the Security Regiment, plus other units, give me over 20,000 troops under my command."

"More importantly, those 20,000 are all true elites."

"Those so‑called warlord units, any elite division or elite regiment, are like children's playthings before them. This is my greatest confidence, and the foundation for standing in Shen City."

"Let them stumble," Lin Yu murmured, "The 250,000 troops of the Five Great Provinces, the 30,000 elite of the Security Army, in front of real strength, are just a mob of riffraff."

"The 9th Division is the best example. The Japanese pride themselves on their elite division, yet I wiped it out with a single encounter."

"As for those foreigners, they only flaunt a few warships here. If a real fight breaks out, I, Lin Yu, truly don't regard these paper tigers as a threat."

"Even the Da Qian Court, in his eyes, is no different. A decayed dynasty that has long lost its legitimacy to rule."

"Whoever dares to come to my door," Lin Yu stood, his voice edged with lethal chill, "I'll smash their faces."

"The sunlight outside grew ever brighter, yet the temperature in the office seemed to drop to freezing. This is Lin Yu, a man who dares to brandish his sword at the whole world."