Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1323 - 589: Black Rain, Black Night (2)
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Observe the individual trailing behind Shen Heilian.
In recent days, whispers of an Underworld fugitive's escape from Thunder City's confinement have swept through the streets.
This very person was among those who broke free during that significant breakout!
His name, if memory served, was something like Tian...
Fa Xiao couldn't quite recall the specifics.
Thunder City had been under strict lockdown for months, permitting entry but forbidding exit for all.
Even with his escape from the Underworld's prison, getting out of Thunder City itself presented a formidable challenge.
Indeed, the difficulty was immense, though not insurmountable, but for mere servants to comprehend the intricacies of such an escape was entirely out of the question.
This fugitive, facing pursuit from the Underworld, had revealed his identity as a means of self-preservation, willingly offering his allegiance.
Individuals with leverage are invariably easier to manage, and Fa Xiao saw no issue in acquiring an additional subordinate; not a single resource would go to waste. Furthermore, in times of dire need, this individual could serve as a valuable pawn, potentially forging a connection with the Underworld.
As for the female swordswoman accompanying him, her swordsmanship was exceptionally refined, even drawing admiration from Chu Chunxiao, who spoke of her with high praise. Despite her current shallow foundation, her future was undoubtedly bright.
Other individuals possessed their own complex histories – some failed to establish themselves within their original factions, while others were successfully recruited through strategic resource investment...
Each person hailed from disparate origins, yet all now converged under his banner.
Surveying the assembled throng below, Fa Xiao was imbued with an overwhelming sense of authority and command.
This was the ultimate aspiration he had harbored.
This was the very pinnacle he had consistently striven for.
Yet, these assembled individuals alone were insufficient!
The Honey Casino and the Forest Snake Gang were merely stepping stones.
His ambitions stretched further!
He intended to seize control of Thunder City in its entirety!
Boom!
The night sky, which had darkened considerably, suddenly illuminated as if it were day.
Immediately following this brilliant flash, the sound of heavy rain commenced.
Late into the night, under a torrential downpour, unseen currents began to stir!
"The Vice President of Black Rain Commerce has arrived!"
Emerging from the veil of the nighttime rain, a woman, flanked by escorts, held an umbrella aloft, her slender form gliding forward with practiced grace.
As she moved, the surrounding individuals respectfully parted, creating a clear path for her.
Upon reaching Fa Xiao, she executed a slight curtsy, a subtle smile gracing her lips.
"Situ Yue offers her greetings to Chairman Fa."
Her voice, a mere whisper, carried only to his ears.
Fa Xiao felt a profound surge of satisfaction.
In the past, the Black Rain Commerce had been far beyond his influence. Now, even its Vice President was compelled to show deference to him!
It was only by witnessing the submission of those once perceived as lofty and powerful that Fa Xiao could truly appreciate the magnitude of his journey's growth and the genuine sense of accomplishment derived from attaining such a position!
"Miss Situ, there is no need for such formality."
With a bold gesture, he drew Situ Yue closer, eliciting a charming smile from her.
Fa Xiao made a sweeping motion with his hand.
"Everyone, heed my command, we move out now!"
"Yes!!"
The assembled individuals acknowledged the order and began to advance.
Comprising the four principal factions and various auxiliary personnel, Fa Xiao's deployed force numbered only around twenty to thirty individuals. However, each member was an elite, projecting an image of formidable strength.
This contingent, while impressive, was a mere fraction compared to the entirety of the Forest Snake Gang.
Nevertheless, Fa Xiao's current operation was not a direct assault, but rather a prelude to impending victory.
Tai Xuelin was confirmed deceased, and the assassin dispatched by Black Rain Commerce was believed to still be embedded within the Forest Snake Gang, poised to provide intelligence, offer covert assistance, and, if necessary, reveal themselves to secure control of the situation, having established contingency plans long in advance.
Tian Xinghan had been effectively coerced into submission.
Zhang Xiangzhi was currently confined within his personal dungeon.
Among the Forest Snake Gang's four veteran Hall Masters, only Xiong Rudong remained to maintain order, a presence rendered insignificant against Fa Xiao's meticulously assembled force.
With these measures in place, the established threats from the Forest Snake Gang's veteran leadership were effectively neutralized.
The sole remaining uncertainty was the newly appointed Guest Elder, brought in by the puppet leader.
However, even this individual, regardless of their potential capabilities, would surely be compelled to yield in the face of such overwhelming power!
"Miss Situ, even before assuming my official duties, you have extended support; I am truly humbled by your consideration."
With Situ Yue at his side, Fa Xiao engaged her in conversation as they proceeded.
"Whether you have officially taken office or not is merely a procedural matter. The directives from our higher authorities clearly indicate that Young Master Fa is already recognized as our Chairman for Black Rain Commerce. Naturally, in times of challenge, we pledge our unwavering support."
Fa Xiao couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion.
Initially, his strategy to employ Snake Consort against Tai Xuelin had involved several potential points of failure.
However, with the indispensable backing of the disguise specialists provided by the Black Rain Gang, the entire dynamic of the situation had shifted dramatically.
It could be said with certainty that every aspect was now firmly under his command!
As the Forest Snake Gang's main residence drew nearer, Fa Xiao was filled with unwavering confidence!
The booming thunder seemed to be drumming a triumphant march just for him!
Upon reorganizing the Forest Snake Gang and seizing control of the Black Rain Commerce, he would, as of tonight, commence... a completely new chapter in his life!
Rumble!
Another thunderous clap echoed.
Brother Tian, trailing behind the main contingent, cast a worried glance at the individuals beside him.
"Doesn't it strike you as a bit too conspicuous, us showing up to an event like this right after a stint in Foolish Underworld Prison?"
His comment was met only with a stern, icy glare from Chen Ya.
Were it not for the pressing circumstances and the fact that this individual readily paid, she would never deign to associate with him.
"Remember to make the transfer."
Uttering these four frigid words, she tapped her toes and accelerated, surging forward.
Money, money, always money!
He only ever thinks of money!
Brother Tian found himself utterly speechless.
If he continued to transfer funds to this 'Swallowing Gold Beast' any longer, he'd be financially ruined.
No, he absolutely had to devise a plan to escape Thunder City.
If I don't get out of this city, I'll never find a moment's peace!
...
"Amitabha, Master Ding, it has been quite some time."
Monk Quan Heng brought his palms together in a gesture of greeting.
Perhaps it was due to his prior encounter with Fang Yu, leaving him mentally prepared.
Or perhaps it was simply his unfamiliarity with Ding Hui.
Monk Quan Heng’s current emotional state was a far cry from the fervent excitement he displayed when meeting Fang Yu; now, a sense of calm, tinged with mild delight, prevailed.
"Master Quan Heng, there's truly no need for such formalities. I am now Diao Deyi's wife, and my husband's friends are naturally my friends." Ding Hui maintained a composed demeanor, yet her eyes sparkled with an almost predatory gleam, as if she were observing Monk Quan Heng with the intense hunger of a tiger.
"Master Quan Heng!"
Fang Yu surged forward with palpable excitement.
He had been anticipating this arrival with bated breath; finally, the awaited person was here.
With Monk Quan Heng present to ensure Ding Hui's safety, Fang Yu would feel infinitely more at ease when venturing out himself!
However, as Fang Yu neared Monk Quan Heng, a small head abruptly emerged from behind the monk.
"Baldy~ Look at them, nobody even said hello to me! See, I told you they don't welcome me~"
Fang Yu's advance came to an abrupt halt.
He had almost completely forgotten about this particular individual.
[Guo Yuxin: Health: 10/10.]
Good heavens!
I swear upon all that is good!
The last time I encountered this person, her health bar was precisely at this level, and it remains unchanged even now. Is she not practicing any martial arts at all?
Fang Yu was genuinely astounded.
This individual had clearly attached herself to a powerful figure; otherwise, with such a health level, she wouldn't even need to venture outdoors – any residual effect from combat could easily obliterate her.
It was fortunate that Monk Quan Heng possessed unfathomably deep strength, allowing him to protect such a fragile being. Without his protection, this woman would hardly be deemed worthy of accompanying Monk Quan Heng.
"Miss Guo..."
Fang Yu offered an awkward wave, feeling a distinct lack of familiarity with this woman.
"Nope, nope, nope! Having a tigress by your side, I really don't want to get too close. Anyway, where is your second sister? I want to spar with her!!"
Guo Yuxin stepped out from behind Monk Quan Heng, placing her hands on her hips with a defiant air, as if aiming to reclaim the position she held when Fang Yu's second sister had pinned her to the ground.
Yet, your skills haven't improved one bit since then; how do you intend to reclaim that status...
Despite this internal monologue, Guo Yuxin's declaration still stirred Fang Yu's memories.
Vivid scenes from the past resurfaced, yet... circumstances had irrevocably changed.
"She... my second sister, she..."
Fang Yu's expression instantly drooped, clouds of sorrow gathering.
"Amitabha."
Monk Quan Heng swiftly intervened, attempting to smooth over the situation.
"Benefactor Guo speaks without thinking; please do not take her words to heart, Officer Diao. Benefactor Guo must be fatigued; allow me to escort you to rest."
Observing Fang Yu's altered demeanor, Guo Yuxin vaguely sensed she had inadvertently struck a nerve, touching upon a forbidden topic.
This man had a prior altercation with Baldy because of his second sister. For someone who once cared so deeply for her, now that she is no longer by his side... the implications are painfully self-evident.