Chapter Twenty-One: The Money Gang
Over the years, Shangguan Jinhong had seldom wielded the Dragon-Phoenix Rings. He had reached a state where, even without the rings in hand, he held them firmly in his heart. Whether or not he possessed the rings made little difference. Yet, he had no choice but to use them now because he understood the gravity of this fierce battle. Though the difference might be slight, it was still a difference.
Since his rise to fame, he rarely faced situations beyond his control. But now, the sudden appearance of Li Xunhuan and his two companions plunged him into a crisis. He had to give it his all.
The twin rings flew out and suddenly vanished—not lost, but found themselves in the hands of a mysterious young man. Shi Fei stared at the uniquely crafted rings: one carved with a dragon, the other with a phoenix, symbolizing yin and yang. The surfaces were smooth as mirrors. Gently, Shi Fei flicked the rings back toward Shangguan Jinhong with just the right force, as if someone were handing them back to him personally.
Beneath his bronze mask, no one could read Shangguan Jinhong’s expression, but there was no doubt it was grim. Clutching the Dragon-Phoenix Rings, he quelled the fire of anger on his face.
These rings were not only the weapons he had wielded all his life but also the emblem of his confidence and pride. He believed that with the rings and his martial prowess, he could be invincible in the world.
Yet now, to be mocked in such a manner by a mere youth—how could he not be furious?
But anger was useless; what he sought was victory!
He infused the rings with true energy, and his hands shot out the rings. They traced perfect arcs in the sky before colliding and speeding toward Shi Fei. This was the “Dragon and Phoenix Auspice”!
To slay the enemy was naturally to bring auspice!
Nothing was more exhilarating than victory!
But as the rings reached Shi Fei, Shangguan Jinhong’s vision blurred. The rings reappeared in Shi Fei’s hands again. Before he could fully perceive it, the rings were back with Shi Fei!
Then, he saw Shi Fei flick the rings back toward him with the same precise force as before. It was as if the renowned Dragon-Phoenix Rings were nothing more than two hula hoops.
When the rings returned to his hands, Shangguan Jinhong’s heart sank.
Should he continue to try?
After a moment, Shangguan Jinhong turned to Jing Wuming and said, “Come back.”
Jing Wuming sheathed his sword this time. He had just thrust a hundred and eight strikes at Tie Chuanjia, each targeting an acupuncture point. He refused to believe that the iron-clad fighter had no secret techniques.
Tie Chuanjia patted his clothes and said, “You pesky mosquito, you’ve ruined my brand-new outfit!”
Jing Wuming glanced at the dark golden vest beneath Tie Chuanjia’s clothes. His ashen eyes darkened even further.
Damn it, how could someone who practiced the “Horizontal Training” technique wear a golden silk armor? Even turtles aren't as tough as you!
Shangguan Jinhong looked over at the ever-spectating Li Xunhuan, whose demeanor exuded supreme confidence, and said, “Dominating the martial world is a man’s dream. I’ve spent twenty years in silence for this!”
“Li Xunhuan, I will serve you, but you must promise me one condition!”
He sensed that Shi Fei had made a move, but Li Xunhuan had not. Therefore, Li Xunhuan must be the one in control!
That was the rumor circulating in the martial world.
Li Xunhuan smiled wryly; since meeting Shi Fei, his grim smiles had grown more frequent. Wearing a mischievous grin, full of dominance, he said, “What condition? Serving me is your greatest value! But seeing how well you wield those rings, I’ll grant your condition!”
Shi Fei had not forcibly controlled him. Over these days, he knew that as soon as he stepped beyond Shi Fei’s reach, he was free of control.
He had the chance to break free from Shi Fei’s influence, but Tie Chuanjia’s behavior grew stranger, and he truly could not rest easy.
To him, Tie Chuanjia was like family.
Shangguan Jinhong sighed and asked, “I wonder what name you intend for the faction you’re building?”
Li Xunhuan said calmly, “Sky Blue as Water, Flying Dragon in the Heavens.”
Shangguan Jinhong responded, “Azure Dragon? Azure Dragon Society? Good name!”
Li Xunhuan shook his head, “Water Sky Pavilion.”
“...”
How did that suddenly turn into a bathhouse?
Shangguan Jinhong was at a loss for words. “That name won’t do.”
Li Xunhuan found it odd himself. He hadn’t expected Shi Fei to be so peculiar. He continued involuntarily, “Gathering of Winds and Clouds, Dominating the World!”
Shangguan Jinhong pondered and said, “You wouldn’t be talking about Gathering Lower Tower, would you?”
“Not at all!” Li Xunhuan’s tone changed, becoming resolute and commanding. “It’s the World Assembly! A gathering that encompasses the entire realm!”
“...”
Shangguan Jinhong said, “That’s too ostentatious! My condition is that the faction be named the Money Gang.”
Li Xunhuan shook his head. “Too vulgar! How can martial artists be motivated by money?”
Shangguan Jinhong responded, “You’re wrong! It is precisely the martial artists who need money the most!”
“Those martial clans and sects survive because of money! Those in the martial world can sell their own mothers for money! They can kill their own fathers!”
“For money, they can bark like dogs, eat filth, and abandon their conscience!”
“And when a man has money, he changes—becoming arrogant, becoming reckless!”
“It is money that gives life to this martial world!”
“So, whoever controls the money controls the power in the martial world!”
“No! Power comes from strength, and strength comes from fists!” Li Xunhuan clenched his fist and said, “With fists comes power! Therefore, we can call ourselves the Power Gang!”
“...”
Shangguan Jinhong couldn’t help but say, “They say Li Xunhuan comes from a scholarly family, with three top-ranking officials, a refined and distinguished lineage; how can he choose such base names?”
First Water Sky Pavilion, then World Assembly, and now Power Gang.
Isn’t that embarrassing?
Li Xunhuan said, “Money Gang doesn’t sound any better.”
Shangguan Jinhong said indifferently, “I’m a rough man.”
He was a rough man, and he chose names accordingly.
“...”
For the first time, Shi Fei felt he was at a disadvantage.
Shangguan Jinhong looked at Li Xunhuan and said, “My only condition is that the faction be named Money Gang to dominate the martial world!”
Money Gang was his pride and joy. Though he could not dominate the martial world himself, if Money Gang could, then he had no choice but to accept it.
When circumstances overpower a man, one must bow.
He continued, “If you do not agree, then I…”
“Agreed!”
Before he could finish, Li Xunhuan interrupted with an acceptance.
Li Xunhuan said, “I promised you one condition just now, and I intend to keep it! Whether I like the name Money Gang or not.”
A promise once made is as good as steel—this is the magnanimity befitting a martial overlord!
“Your subordinate salutes the Money Gang’s chief!” Shangguan Jinhong cupped his hands and bowed to Li Xunhuan.
He was not submitting to Li Xunhuan as a person, but to the chief of the Money Gang.
That was his final pride.
Li Xunhuan said, “And you shall be the deputy chief of the Money Gang! Now, let us sweep across this world!”
“But…” Shangguan Jinhong said, “Some conditions are not yet mature.”
He preferred to plan before acting; once he struck, there must be gains!
“For you, some conditions are necessary!” Li Xunhuan said. “For me, that is no problem!”
In the martial world, most problems could be solved with fists.