Chapter 23: Taking on the Role of the Leader

Meng Qi’s residence.

On this day, Meng Qi’s heart was restless and unsettled, for Zuo Yi and the other two had vanished as if they had evaporated from the human world, leaving not a single trace behind.

What had happened?

By rights, with the combined strength of Zuo Yi’s trio, killing Lu Yan should have been a certainty—so where had things gone wrong?

He sat in his study, attempting to practice his calligraphy, but his mind could not be calmed.

“Master, someone from outside is asking for you. He claims to be from the Green Bamboo Gang.”

A servant reported from outside the study.

“From the Green Bamboo Gang?”

Meng Qi’s gaze shifted, and he said, “Let him in.”

Soon, a sturdy man in his thirties entered the room.

“Fang Gangrong of the Green Bamboo Gang, greetings to Captain Meng.”

The man bowed with his fists clasped.

Meng Qi nodded. He recognized this man as one of the Green Bamboo Gang’s core members—a martial artist who had broken through once.

“What brings you to me so late?” Meng Qi asked.

“The gang leader has urgent matters for me to relay. He says the situation has changed.”

Fang Gangrong spoke in a low voice.

Already agitated, Meng Qi’s expression changed. “What do you mean ‘the situation has changed’? Explain yourself.”

“The gang leader gave no details and said he must speak with you in person. Also, the other three Redclad Guards are with him.”

Fang Gangrong replied.

At once, Meng Qi thought of Zuo Yi, Gan Bu, and Song Jiacheng.

The three dared not return to the Redclad Guards and instead were hiding with Fang Xiong—why? Could it be that their plot had truly been exposed, so they dared not go back?

Meng Qi felt as if a razor-sharp blade was suspended above his head, ready to fall at any moment.

“Where is Fang Xiong? Take me to him,” Meng Qi ordered.

“Yes, Captain, please come with me,” Fang Gangrong replied.

The two set out, one ahead, one behind, gradually arriving at a secluded alley.

Suddenly, Meng Qi strode forward and grabbed Fang Gangrong by the throat, lifting him off the ground.

“Sir… why are you doing this?” Fang Gangrong gasped, his face flushed.

“Since entering this alley, you’ve been tense and afraid, your blood surging faster. Tell me—who sent you?” Meng Qi barked coldly, his murderous intent undisguised.

“As expected of an old hand—you’re sharp. Not so easy to fool you.”

A voice sounded from the darkness, and a burly, imposing figure stepped slowly into the pale moonlight, like a devilish mountain.

“Lu Yan.”

Meng Qi’s pupils contracted as he swept his gaze around.

Lu Yan was alive—and had managed to lure him here through a trusted Green Bamboo Gang member. Most likely, Zuo Yi and the others had met a grim fate.

He did not believe Lu Yan had acted alone; there must have been an accomplice.

“No need to look around. I’m alone,” Lu Yan said.

“Just you—and you dare lure me here?” Meng Qi’s murderous aura flared.

He truly could not imagine what Lu Yan could possibly do to threaten him.

He knew Lu Yan’s background by heart—a fugitive hunter’s son who had somehow obtained mediocre martial skills. At most, he was fifteen years old. How formidable could he be?

Even Liu Xingchao, scion of a great clan and a prodigy with an innate martial physique, trained from childhood under a martial marquis, could not hope to kill Meng Qi.

Crack!

Meng Qi squeezed, snapping Fang Gangrong’s neck, then tossed the corpse aside.

Lu Yan did not spare Fang Gangrong a glance. His energy surged, leg muscles bulging until they were twice as thick.

Bang!

Wit