Chapter 3

"Boss, why must we join the Black Water Gang?"

Though the three were utterly loyal, they weren't mindless machines—they too felt curiosity and doubt.

This was precisely what Ye Tian wanted to see.

If they were truly machines that moved only at command, that would be truly fatal.

"It's not that we must join the Black Water Gang—only that we must have a background."

That background could be the Black Water Gang, or any other gang—but right now, the Black Water Gang is the most suitable. This book is first published on Tiantian Kan Novels for the best reading experience, ttks. tw is superb, providing you with error-free chapters and an out-of-order-free reading experience.

Gazing straight ahead, Ye Tian's eyes were resolute.

At the start of the memory fusion, Ye Tian had thought he'd been transported to some feudal dynasty of the past, but after absorbing the memories, he realized this wasn't his original world at all.

It was too chaotic.

The Thirteen Provinces stretched boundlessly, with more than a dozen kingdoms of varying sizes, and the martial sects and gangs outnumbered the stars in the sky.

This seemed a world without the First Emperor, where no one had ever known unification—they had no concept of uniting the land, each ruling their own patch.

The elite stayed up all night, feasting and reveling nightly.

The lower classes struggled just to get a full meal—what the hell, was I brought here to become the First Emperor myself?

"To survive in such a chaotic age, money alone won't do."

Without power, without a background, you're a nobody everywhere.

"We swear to give our lives to aid Boss."

At these words, the three exchanged glances, then turned to him with sincere expressions.

Ye Tian laughed upon hearing them.

"I won't let you die so easily—I still plan to take you to enjoy wealth and glory."

These are my initial assets.

"By the way, I haven't asked for your names yet."

"I'm Wei Wu."

"Hang Liu."

"Qian Qi."

All rather hasty names.

"Alright, no rest tonight—we'll rest properly after we reach Linshui City tomorrow."

"Yes, Boss."

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When they reached Linshui City, it was precisely noon the next day.

The city guards didn't even check them—they let them through immediately. Ye Tian first took the three to a tavern for a proper meal, then went to find Gao Fei.

In Linshui City, Gao Fei was hard to find—but Gao Fei of the Black Water Gang? Easy.

Especially when Ye Tian "casually" revealed the Black Water Gang's waist token, the man's directions became far more eager.

Linshui City lay within Hao Country, but due to its proximity to Yan Country, Yan nationals frequently passed through. Worried about provoking conflict between the two nations, the local authorities did nothing but indulge in pleasure.

The cost? Martial gangs ran rampant in Linshui City—for the common folk, these gangs were the sky, while the government was meaningless.

The Black Water Gang was one of the largest among them.

Soon, Ye Tian brought the three to a halt outside a teahouse.

"Wait here. If you hear fighting, rush in at once."

"Understood, Boss!"

After giving the order, Ye Tian walked straight into the teahouse, heading upstairs.

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"So your meaning is, She Tou is dead—and since you were as close as brothers, he gave you his chance to join the Black Water Gang before he died?"

Ye Tian had successfully met Gao Fei, who sat beside several thugs with hostile expressions.

But Ye Tian showed no awareness of the tense atmosphere, speaking earnestly.

"Big Brother Gao, every word I say is true. Brother She Tou died under mysterious circumstances—please give me a chance to join the Black Water Gang so I may avenge him."

His expression was sorrowful, yet radiated the pure, loyal heart of a man determined to avenge his brother.

In any era, martial gangs valued righteousness above all—this reason left Gao Fei with no grounds to refuse.

He studied Ye Tian with a speculative gaze for a long moment, then lazily waved his hand.

"Since you put it that way, keep the token. You know the annual fee is fifty taels of silver, right?"

It was just a Registered Member position, after all.

"I know, I know."

Ye Tian nodded vigorously, then pulled a pre-prepared money pouch from his waist and offered it with both hands.

Being a gang disciple didn't guarantee peace.

Only Official Members received pay; Registered Members had to pay fifty taels annually just to keep their status—and yet, countless still clamored for it.

Some wealthy even held memberships in multiple gangs.

"Good." Satisfied with Ye Tian's compliance, Gao Fei took the pouch and weighed it in his hand.

After a pause, Ye Tian continued.

"Big Brother Gao, what are the requirements to become an Official Member?"

"Huh?" Official Member? Gao Fei was surprised.

He looked at Ye Tian with implied meaning.

"Becoming an Official Member costs a lot of money."

I have considerable family wealth.

Ye Tian seemed utterly unaware of any change in the atmosphere; his gaze remained clear.

I see.

Seeing Ye Tian claim to be rich, Gao Fei's smile deepened, and his eyes swept over the others, all of whom shared a knowing chuckle.

In that case, return home for now. Come to my house tonight—we'll discuss this matter thoroughly. Don't worry; with your talent, becoming an Official Member is certainly no problem.

Thank you, Big Brother Gao.

Ye Tian's face lit up with delight, and he nodded repeatedly in thanks.

After Ye Tian left, the room fell silent for an instant, then burst into loud laughter.

What a fool.

No, he's a rich fool.

To boast of wealth before them—isn't that like leading a lamb into a pack of wolves?

After laughing for a while, Gao Fei finally spoke to the others.

Pick a few capable hands. Come to my house tonight.

Understood.

Though the Black Water Gang forbids infighting, a foolish boy from a backwater village—clean it up, and who would ever know?

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As Ye Tian descended the teahouse, the clarity on his face gradually gave way to a knowing smile.

Ye Tian knew full well the principle of not flaunting wealth; he did this deliberately.

Ding!

He hadn't taken more than a few steps when the familiar voice sounded again.

【System: Host has triggered a choice】

【Choice One: Endure humiliation and pay to avoid trouble. Reward: Body Constitution Enhancement】

【Choice Two: Kill Gao Fei and refuse to yield an inch. Reward: Body Constitution Enhancement】

In an instant, Ye Tian made his decision.

Having survived abroad for so long, Ye Tian had learned one truth: to rise, you must kill your Big Brother.

Boss!

As Ye Tian stepped out of the teahouse, Wei Wu and the other three immediately surrounded him.

With too many eyes around, Ye Tian led them a distance away before speaking calmly.

Stay here. Follow Gao Fei. See to it he's sent on his way before sunset tonight.

Understood.

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