Chen Xiao, along with Da Jun and others, arrived at a tea house.
The tea house was nestled within a bamboo forest, exuding an ancient and elegant charm.
The servers inside were all beautiful, their qipao dresses accentuating their graceful figures.
However, these were not Chen Xiao's primary focus. He noticed that a large number of personnel were hidden in various corners around the tea house.
They were concealed in the shadows, but there was no doubt that if anything happened, they would all surge out.
Guided by a server, the group was led to a tea room.
After Chen Xiao entered, Da Jun closed the door from the outside and stood guard.
Inside the tea room, two men sat cross-legged.
One was Qi Tianhu, and the other was an unfamiliar middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man appeared ordinary, but his eyes were proud, and he exuded an aura of authority.
Most importantly, Chen Xiao detected a sense of danger from him.
With just a glance, Chen Xiao could tell that this was a master of the Hua Jing realm.
Furthermore, his strength far surpassed that of Xiao Li, who was also a Hua Jing master.
Even Chen Xiao couldn't gauge his true capabilities.
As Chen Xiao sized him up, the man was also appraising Chen Xiao.
Moreover, his gaze revealed the same spark as Chen Xiao's.
Upon seeing Chen Xiao, Qi Tianhu immediately stood up and respectfully called out, "Boss Chen!"
Chen Xiao waved his hand, signaling Qi Tianhu to dispense with the formalities.
Qi Tianhu promptly introduced, "Boss Chen, this is Han Jiuchian."
Just a simple name was enough; no further introduction was needed.
For this ordinary-looking middle-aged man was none other than the leader of the Wolf Gang, the Wolf Venerable Han Jiuchian.
The legendary Wolf Venerable Han Jiuchian was known for his extreme secrecy, rarely appearing in public.
Yet, he had personally come today, leaving everyone to wonder why.
Chen Xiao, though suspicious, outwardly cupped his fists with a smile.
"So it's Mr. Han of the Wolf Gang. I've heard so much about you!"
Han Jiuchian, being an old hand, understood that one shouldn't greet a smiling face with a frown.
Regardless of his reason for being here today, since Chen Xiao was so polite, he had to return the courtesy with a smile.
"Indeed, a hero emerges from youth. Mr. Chen's name has long been music to my ears, and meeting you today, I see you possess an extraordinary presence."
Chen Xiao waved his hand and sat down.
"Mr. Han, there's no need for such politeness. May I ask the purpose of your visit to Jiang City today?"
"If you are here for revenge, Chen Xiao will accompany you to the very end!"
This was Chen Xiao's way – direct and straightforward, offering pleasantries before drawing his sword!
Moreover, he believed that after killing so many of Han Jiuchian's subordinates, including his capable strategist Xu Qingxiang, there was no other reason for Han Jiuchian to seek him out except for revenge.
However, Han Jiuchian was momentarily stunned by these words, then broke into a smile. "Mr. Chen, you have misunderstood my intentions."
He then looked at Qi Tianhu and asked, "Tiger, didn't you inform Mr. Chen of my purpose?"
Qi Tianhu replied calmly, "The matter is of great importance. I felt it would be better for you to explain it to our boss yourself."
Han Jiuchian nodded in agreement. "Tiger's consideration is indeed thoughtful. Very well, then I shall explain it to Mr. Chen myself. Mr. Chen, the Underworld Hall is coming. Have you received the news?"
Chen Xiao, upon hearing this, looked utterly bewildered.
"The Underworld Hall is coming? I had no idea. And what is this Underworld Hall? What does its arrival have to do with me?"
Chen Xiao's rapid-fire questions nearly made Han Jiuchian stumble.
"Mr. Chen, you haven't even heard of the Underworld Hall? The Underworld Hall is not just 'something'; it is an organization!"
Qi Tianhu chimed in to explain:
"Boss Chen, the Underworld Hall is an organization specifically targeting underground forces. It originated in the Northeast and has now swept through more than thirty cities nationwide, with almost the entire northern region already under its control."
"They operate under the guise of punishing evil and eliminating corruption. However, in reality, after subduing these underground forces, they absorb them and make them part of the Underworld Hall."
"The Underworld Hall has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming a formidable power, and it continues to spread its influence over a larger territory."
"Therefore, the arrival of the Underworld Hall is definitely not a good thing!"
Chen Xiao nodded. "I see. In that case, the Underworld Hall is indeed a significant trouble."
Chen Xiao stroked his chin and asked Han Jiuchian, "So, you are here to seek cooperation?"
Han Jiuchian's eyes lit up. "Mr. Chen speaks plainly and is truly a wise man! I have indeed come to seek cooperation with your gang, or more accurately, to seek cooperation with you!"
In fact, if Chen Xiao hadn't been in Jiang City, Han Jiuchian would not have paid it any mind, nor would he have come in person to discuss cooperation.
However, if Chen Xiao hadn't been in Jiang City, it would have already been within Han Jiuchian's grasp.
Yet, after hearing Han Jiuchian's words, Chen Xiao chuckled. "But why should I cooperate with you? Don't forget, we are not friends, but adversaries!"
These words struck a chord with Qi Tianhu.
Compared to the Underworld Hall, he harbored an intense hatred for the Wolf Gang.
It was only because the matter was of great consequence that he couldn't make a decision on his own, otherwise, he would have already engaged Han Jiuchian.
However, Han Jiuchian seemed to have anticipated Chen Xiao's reaction. He said with righteous indignation:
"Mr. Chen, I believe this is a critical juncture for our survival. If we continue to dwell on our past grievances and conflicts, we are not seeing the situation clearly."
"In less than a month, you have killed three of my favored subordinates. I can set aside these grudges, why can't Mr. Chen?"
Chen Xiao let out a cold laugh.
"What a joke! It's true I killed your men, but have you considered why I killed them? Did I go out of my way to kill them?"
"If they hadn't been so foolish, they wouldn't have died!"
"With your words, it's as if the fault lies with me!"
Han Jiuchian sighed helplessly.
"Alas!"
"Mr. Chen, I say you fail to grasp the situation. At a time like this, when the flames are already licking at our eyebrows, does it truly matter or hold any significance to argue about who is right or wrong?"
Chen Xiao let out a dismissive snort, his eyes fixed on Han Jiuchian, and questioned:
"If right and wrong no longer matter, then what does? If right and wrong have no meaning, then what does? Tell me!" 138 Reading Network
Han Jiuchian let out a scoff, as if Chen Xiao had asked a ridiculous question.
"What is important? Of course, interests are most important!"
"There are no eternal friends, nor eternal enemies, but there are eternal interests!"
Chen Xiao burst into laughter, and after his laughter subsided, his face was filled with disdain.
"You're shameless. The so-called interests you speak of are worthless in my eyes!"