Chapter 123: Changing Flags and Banners

The next day, the morning light spilled down like golden radiance, and a faint, fish-belly white appeared on the horizon.

Inside the Hongmen Training Ground, the voices were clamorous, and it was extraordinarily lively.

Cheng Feng was busy preparing for a grand celebration banquet; he personally supervised every detail to ensure this banquet could be flawless.

"Old Master, the ingredients must be the best; money is no object. Tonight, let the brothers of the Hong Sect enjoy this feast to their hearts' content!" Cheng Feng instructed the kitchen master.

The fierce battle of the previous night seemed to still be before his eyes; the clash between the Hong Sect and the Sishui Gang was like a raging fire spreading across the plains, breathtaking and soul-stirring. Under Cheng Feng's leadership, the brothers of the Hong Sect were like fierce tigers descending from the mountains, unstoppable, crushing the forces of the Sishui Gang one by one.

After the slaughter ended, the Hong Sect took in some prisoners. In Cheng Feng's eyes, these former enemies were now nothing more than the foundation for the future growth of the Hong Sect. He knew deeply that a powerful gang not only needed brothers who were brave and skilled in battle, but even more so, it needed a heart of tolerance, capable of accommodating all kinds of talent.

Cheng Feng stood in the courtyard, looking at the busy crowd, and a surge of heroic spirit rose in his heart.

When he first arrived in this unfamiliar world, he not only had to face the pressures of life but also his own confusion regarding the future.

Whether earning money or stability, in Cheng Feng's view, these questions were merely multiple-choice questions on his life's path.

Since he had chosen the path of a gang, Cheng Feng would not give up easily. He wanted to use his own hands to carve out a world of his own.

At the same time, the takeover of the Sishui Gang's territory was also proceeding in full swing.

Originally, the Sishui Gang occupied the main passage for the Hong Sect's outward development in the nearby streets; this area was not only a prosperous commercial zone but also one of the main thoroughfares out of the city, which could be called a piece of fat, oily meat.

Cheng Feng stood before the former headquarters of the Sishui Gang, looking at the magnificent building before him, with infinite thoughts surging in his heart. He knew that the takeover of this territory was not just a simple change of power, but an important step for the Hong Sect to Expand.

"Pass down the order: all brothers must strictly observe discipline; they must not bully the common people during the takeover process, and even less are they to take property privately," Cheng Feng solemnly instructed Wang Hu beside him.

He understood that for a gang to gain a firm foothold for a long time, it must win the hearts of the people.

Following the issuance of the order, the brothers of the Hong Sect began to take over the Sishui Gang's territory in an orderly manner. Following Cheng Feng's instructions, they cleared out the remnants of the Sishui Gang one by one, while simultaneously pacifying the common people, promising to protect their safety and safeguard their interests.

On this territory that once belonged to the Sishui Gang, the flag of the Hong Sect flew high. The common people walked out of their homes one after another, curiously watching this sudden change. They discussed it among themselves, feeling both curious and full of expectation about the arrival of the Hong Sect.

"I heard the brothers of the Hong Sect are very disciplined. With them here, our lives should be a bit easier," an old man leaning on a cane said to the young man beside him.

"Yes, I heard that too. The Sect Master of the Hong Sect is a man of vision; he will surely bring change to everyone," the young man's eyes sparkled with the light of hope.

The great flag of the Hong Sect was designed with reference to the Hongmen Gate Tripod; a character in the middle of a large circle, yet with circles connecting, resembling both a character and a diagram, black background with red characters, quite mysterious in its own way.

During the takeover process, the Hong Sect also incidentally raided the Sishui Gang's foundation.

There were indeed substantial savings; the gang's treasury contained over 1,500 taels of Silver, as well as various industries, jewelry, ornaments, and so on.

Having taken this territory, a small half of the goal in Cheng Feng's heart was completed.

And the enrichment of the silver gave the Hong Sect the confidence to recruit personnel.

In the corners of the bustling streets, in front of clamorous restaurants and teahouses, several eye-catching red paper notices attracted the attention of passing pedestrians.

The notices clearly read: "The Hong Sect is Expanding, recruiting the wise and the capable! Those with strong physiques or special skills may all give it a try!"

Recently, due to a series of successful actions, the Hong Sect's territory had expanded rapidly, and the original fifty brothers were no longer enough to support the operation of the entire sect. Therefore, Cheng Feng decided to take this opportunity to expand his manpower significantly and strengthen the sect's power.

In the streets and alleys, there was much discussion. People talked about this move by the Hong Sect; some sighed at the rising momentum of the Hong Sect, while others were eager to try, wanting to join this emerging force.

"I heard the Hong Sect is very popular lately, and their territory is getting bigger and bigger; we must go see if there is a chance to join."

"Yes, I heard their Sect Master values rules and rewards and punishments are clear; following him is definitely the right choice."

The people's discussions did not affect Cheng Feng in the slightest.

But the Hong Sect's high salary and benefits allowed the people at the bottom to see some hope of getting ahead.

Cheng Feng originally wanted to distribute some manpower to his subordinates to strengthen territory management, but Wang Hu reported that there were simply too many people signing up to join in one afternoon.

Cheng Feng was not sure how many of these people had ability, but as long as their backgrounds were clean and they could remain after training, Cheng Feng would accept them.

Now, he had to let them cool off for a bit; Xu Le, the bargaining chip left behind, should also be put to use.

"Leave your name, address, and specialized skills; we will have a comprehensive assessment later, so just record them for these few days."

Facing the discussions in the crowd, Cheng Feng's expression remained unchanged, but ripples rose in his heart. He knew that the generous treatment provided by the Hong Sect was indeed a rare glimmer of light and an opportunity to change their fate for those living at the bottom.

Of course, he also understood that this did not mean everyone could handle life in the Hong Sect.

"I want to give them a chance, but I also want them to know that this opportunity is not easily obtained," Cheng Feng thought to himself, "Only in this way can we screen out those who are truly suitable for us."

Life in the Hong Sect is not something an average person can accept.

Training, execution, and also adhering to the discipline that Cheng Feng considers very important, comparable to an army.

Only after experiencing these, even if the people who eventually remain are few, every one of them will be his own people.

As night fell, the celebration banquet officially began. The courtyard was filled with fine wine and delicacies, and the brothers of the Hong Sect took their seats one after another. Cheng Feng stood on the high platform, raised his cup, and shouted: "Brothers, today we drink this cup together to celebrate our victory! But we must understand that this is only the beginning. In the future, there are more challenges waiting for us. We must unite as one, move forward together, and let the Hong Sect leave a colorful stroke in this world!"

After he finished speaking, everyone shouted in unison, the sound shaking the heavens and the earth. Excitement sparkled in Cheng Feng's eyes; he knew that at this moment, they were true brothers, comrades-in-arms fighting together for the Hong Sect.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and the brothers of the Hong Sect talked about the future, full of heroic spirit.