Chapter 234: Xie Lin

"Cheng Sect Master, there is no need to be anxious. This old man was merely delayed by some matters."

Just as the tension reached a breaking point, an old man's calm tone drifted in from outside the door.

Yan Hua felt a weight lift from his heart; he stood up, cupped his hands, and said respectfully, "Welcome, Gang Leader."

The door was pushed open, and an old man dressed in a green shirt, with white hair and beard but a vigorous spirit, stepped in slowly. Though his pace was neither hurried nor slow, he possessed an indescribable majesty that seemed to instantly ease the previously taut atmosphere.

The old man's gaze was profound; he swept his eyes across everyone in the room, finally landing on Cheng Feng's face, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Cheng Sect Master, I heard there were some misunderstandings within the sect, so I came specifically to resolve them." The old man's voice was not loud, yet it clearly entered everyone's ears, carrying an unquestionable power.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Feng's expression shifted slightly, then he reined in his previous anger, cupped his hands, and said, "Xie Gang Leader coming in person is truly our sect's fortune. It is just that this matter concerns our sect's reputation, so I must treat it with caution."

"Oh? I would like to hear the details." The old man lifted his hand slightly, signaling for Cheng Feng to continue.

Cheng Feng then recounted the series of events that had occurred recently, from the Hong Sect disciples being intercepted, to the rumors spreading outside, and finally to the misunderstanding with Yan Hua today; every word revealed a sense of anxiety and helplessness.

After listening, the old man pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Yan Hua and asked, "Yan Hua, what do you have to say about this?"

Yan Hua stepped forward, his expression grave: "Reporting to the Gang Leader, I, Yan Hua, have always acted openly and honestly. We have indeed verified that it was the Hong Sect disciples who caused trouble; we have reason and evidence."

The old man nodded slightly, his gaze shifting between the two as if weighing something. After a moment, he spoke slowly: "This matter is of great importance and requires careful deliberation. However, I believe the most urgent task is to unite and overcome these difficulties together. I wonder if you have considered the cooperation and alliance that Yan Hua mentioned to Cheng Sect Master?"

Cheng Feng sneered; this was still muddying the waters.

But it didn't matter; he would play along.

Cheng Feng said with a sincere face: "Xie Gang Leader, I came to keep this appointment for the sake of the friendship between our two gangs, and also to prevent gaps from forming between our disciples, so I came to talk. As for the matter of cooperation, I still need to consider it."

No expression could be read on Xie Lin's face; he remained soft-spoken: "No matter, think about it slowly, until you think of a suitable answer."

Cheng Feng's expression changed: "What does Xie Gang Leader mean? Are you trying to force a cooperation?"

Xie Lin smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a kind of unfathomable wisdom and composure: "Cheng Sect Master misunderstands. Although I, Xie, am no sage, I do know the principle that 'only by treating others with sincerity can one win their hearts.' I invited you here to discuss a grand plan; where does this talk of imprisonment come from?"

He walked slowly to the window, looked at the bright moonlight outside, and continued: "Qingxi County is in turmoil, and the various factions are moving in the shadows. As leaders of gangs, what we carry on our shoulders is not just personal honor or disgrace, but the rise and fall of the entire gang. At this moment, we should be working together, not ruining the big picture for the sake of small things and killing each other."

Cheng Feng cupped his hands and said: "Xie Gang Leader is truly a senior of the old school, with profound insights. However, the Hong Sect has only just started; I fear there is really nothing we can cooperate on."

Xie Lin's expression remained unchanged: "Cheng Sect Master likely does not know that the only thing of value in the Hong Sect is one person, and that person is you. The rest are just chickens and dogs, not worth mentioning."

*Damn it, I'm playing along with your act, and you've taken a fancy to my body? *

Cheng Feng complained wildly in his heart, but he was no longer prepared to act: "I don't understand what Xie Gang Leader is saying, and I don't want to understand. I came here only to give a response regarding the Hong Sect disciples causing trouble—it wasn't our people. As for the rest, you can handle it yourselves. Anyone can frame others; my Hong Sect has always been upright and honest. Believe it or not."

After finishing, Cheng Feng waved his hand and prepared to leave with his subordinates.

But they were blocked by Red Star Gang disciples outside the door. Looking at the stance of the Red Star Gang disciples, Cheng Feng thought to himself, *Finally, they've taken the bait. *

Yet his face wore a cold expression: "Xie Gang Leader, if you cannot manage your disciples, Cheng can discipline them for you."

Xie Lin acted as if he hadn't seen it; he sat at the table, picked up a teacup with a chuckle, took a sip, and said: "Cheng Sect Master, the Hong Sect is newly risen and in its prime; my Red Star disciples also want to learn a thing or two."

"Since you say so, I am relieved." Cheng Feng's tone was flat, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

Seeing Cheng Feng's sudden change, Xie Lin and Yan Hua were still a bit slow to react.

But then they saw Cheng Feng erupt, grabbing the neck of the Red Star disciple closest to him with one hand.

That disciple's strength was not bad—Skin Refining Perfection.

But how could he withstand the hand strength of a Bone Refining Martial Artist? Cheng Feng's speed was too fast; just as the disciple was about to resist, a great force was transmitted, and the disciple's body was tossed lightly out the window by Cheng Feng.

Bang!

The disciple's body shattered the window directly and fell from the second floor onto the street.

As if triggering a mechanism, the Red Star disciples gathered one after another, all carrying swords, and came to guard the area.

And on the street not far away, behind Wang Hu, there was a dark mass of Hong Sect disciples, all standing solemnly.

Watching Cheng Feng's signal, Wang Hu was also cold and stern: "The Sect Master has given the signal! Brothers, kill!"

The sudden turn of events made the atmosphere in the room tense to the extreme. Xie Lin's brows were locked tight, a trace of surprise and anger flashing in his eyes. He had not expected Cheng Feng to make a move at this juncture, nor had he expected him to disregard the consequences and harm an innocent disciple.

"Cheng Sect Master, what is the meaning of this?!" Xie Lin's voice was low and powerful; every word seemed to contain the force of a thousand jun.

Cheng Feng sneered, his gaze like a torch, sweeping over the restless Red Star disciples around him and the Hong Sect disciples outside the window who were already poised for action.

A cruel arc tugged at the corners of his mouth: "Xie Gang Leader, we are all people who walk the path; let's stop pretending. Regarding today's events, you and I both know the truth. Since I, Cheng Feng, have come, I never intended to return empty-handed."

"You!" Xie Lin was furious, but years of experience in the jianghu allowed him to calm down quickly.

Cheng Feng's talent was already well-known, but he hadn't expected his methods to be so ruthless.

"Cheng Sect Master, if you insist on this, don't blame me for being impolite!" Xie Lin's voice revealed determination. He waved his hand to signal the Red Star disciples to move, while secretly mobilizing the Blood Qi in his body, preparing to deal with the ensuing chaos.

But since Cheng Feng had already made his move, he naturally did not intend to give Xie Lin any chance to catch his breath. His figure flashed, weaving through the Red Star disciples like a ghost; every strike was precise and lethal, and in the blink of an eye, several disciples had already fallen at his feet.

"Junior, you don't know the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth!" Xie Lin shouted, his figure erupting as he lunged at Cheng Feng. The two clashed instantly; fists whistled, True Qi surged, and the entire room seemed to tremble because of it.

On the street outside the window, seeing this, Wang Hu's mouth curled into a cold smile. He waved his hand to order the charge, and the Hong Sect disciples surged toward the teahouse like a tide.

As for the Red Star headquarters, some people had already headed over there.