185: Shangguan Jinhong, who wants to open dozens of small accounts

“The cleansing of the Jianghu has just begun.”

“Yun Chang.”

The voice was not loud, yet it clearly penetrated the hall.

Yun Chang, who had been waiting silently outside the door, immediately stepped in noiselessly, bowing gracefully, “Master.”

“Order Han Zhen, Zhuge Gang, Gao Xingkong, and Yan Shuangfei to assemble in the side hall for a meeting after one incense stick burns.”

“Yes.” Yun Chang accepted the command, her figure retreating like a wisp of smoke.

Lu Jiuyuan slowly closed his eyes, his mind already beginning to sketch the blueprint of the World Society and the bloody storm that would inevitably sweep across the entire Martial Forest.

After one incense stick burned, in the side hall.

Candlelight shone brightly, casting shifting shadows on everyone's faces.

Lu Jiuyuan sat in the main seat, his fingers gently tapping the armrest, producing a rhythmic soft sound that seemed to strike the hearts of the four people.

“The World Society has just been established, with a hundred things awaiting prosperity, and a hundred enemies surrounding us.”

Lu Jiuyuan spoke, his voice calm yet inherently majestic, “The businesses, territories, and personnel of the former Golden Money Gang need to be integrated and assimilated as quickly as possible. Han Zhen.”

“This subordinate is present!”

“You will coordinate the detailed Gang affairs, with Zhuge Gang assisting.

I want to see a clear ledger, roster, and a map of the distribution of power among the various sub-branches within the shortest possible time.

If anyone is found to be corrupt, deceitful, or outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, you have the authority to execute first and report later.”

Han Zhen's heart tightened, and he immediately bowed, “This subordinate will do his utmost and not fail the Gang Leader's heavy trust!”

“Gao Xingkong, Yan Shuangfei.”

“This subordinate is present!”

“You two are responsible for rectifying the Gang rules and selecting elites.

The old Gang was full of trash and villains, many of whom were useless.

For the new Gang rules, you only need to remember eight characters: absolute obedience, and the strong are revered.

As for those scumbags, kill those who should be killed, and clean out those who should be cleaned out.

Weeding out the weak and keeping the strong, what I want is the fastest and sharpest blade, not a disorganized mob.

At the same time, closely monitor the movements of all Schools, especially the Ten Great Sects. Report any unusual activity immediately.”

“Understood!”

Gao and Yan responded in unison, a bloodthirsty glint flashing in their eyes.

Rectifying the Gang rules meant a redistribution of power, an excellent opportunity for them to establish their authority and install their trusted subordinates.

“Zhuge Gang.”

“This subordinate is present!” Zhuge Gang stepped forward.

“You are familiar with the old members of the Gang. Besides assisting Han Zhen in stabilizing morale, I have one more task for you.”

Lu Jiuyuan's gaze narrowed slightly, “Closely monitor the movements of Shangguan Jinhong and Jing Wuming.

Although they were defeated, their years of operation may mean they still have loyal followers. If there is any unusual activity… report it to me promptly.”

A sharp glint flashed in Zhuge Gang's eyes, and he said in a deep voice, “Gang Leader, rest assured, this subordinate understands.

The old Gang Leader… is now disheartened, and Jing Wuming is also severely injured; they won't be able to stir up much trouble.”

Lu Jiuyuan nodded slightly, expressing satisfaction with Zhuge Gang's discernment.

Having made the arrangements, he waved his hand, “Go now. I want to see the World Society's name spread throughout the world within three days.”

“Yes, Gang Leader!” The four responded in unison, respectfully withdrawing, their footsteps filled with vigor and a hint of impatience.

As everyone left, the side hall returned to silence.

You Longsheng entered from a side door and said in a low voice, “Ninth Brother, A Fei's injuries are stable, and the doctor says he will be fine after half a month of rest.”

“Mm.” Lu Jiuyuan nodded, “That's good then.”

“Understood.” You Longsheng nodded, then hesitated before adding, “Ninth Brother, now that we've taken over the World Society, are we going to…”

“Rest for three days.” Lu Jiuyuan interrupted him:

“After three days, issue the World Society Gang Leader's Order, announcing to the Jianghu that the Golden Money Gang is now history.

The World Society is the Supreme of the Martial Forest. All Jianghu Gangs and aristocratic families must come here to submit, and we will establish the rules for the world.”

You Longsheng gasped, “This… this move might provoke widespread anger. The Ten Great Sects, the major aristocratic families, hundreds of mountain strongholds, I'm afraid…”

“Their anger is precisely what I want.” Lu Jiuyuan's lips curved into a cold arc, “It's perfect for cleaning them all up at once. It saves me the trouble of finding them one by one.”

Those who obey me shall prosper. Those who defy me shall perish!

Only by completely crushing all defiance and killing until no one dares to look up can his new order truly be established… Three days later.

Shangguan Jinhong sat alone in a secluded small courtyard, his former majesty completely gone, as if he had aged ten years overnight.

Before him lay a Go board, with black and white pieces entangled in a fierce battle, just like his current state of mind.

Jing Wuming stood behind him like a silent statue, his shoulder wound simply bandaged, his face still pale, but his dead-gray eyes never left Shangguan Jinhong's side.

A series of footsteps approached.

Zhuge Gang's figure appeared at the courtyard entrance, bowing slightly, “Old Gang Leader.”

Shangguan Jinhong didn't even lift an eyelid, merely saying indifferently, “Did you come to see if this old salted fish still has the strength to flip over?”

A hint of awkwardness flashed across Zhuge Gang's face, then he smiled and said, “Old Gang Leader, you jest. This subordinate merely came on orders to visit,

and incidentally… to inform the Old Gang Leader that the Gang Leader has officially renamed the Gang to 'World Society' and is about to issue a Leader's Alliance Order, commanding all Gangs in the world to submit.”

Shangguan Jinhong's hand, holding a Go piece, paused slightly, then dropped the piece, emitting a crisp sound.

“World Society… commanding the world… what big words.”

His tone was calm, betraying no emotion, “He certainly has more ambition than his father.”

“The Gang Leader possesses grand talent and unparalleled martial arts, truly a blessing for the World Society and a fortune for the Martial Forest.” Zhuge Gang flattered.

Shangguan Jinhong finally lifted his eyes and glanced at Zhuge Gang, his gaze so calm that Zhuge Gang felt an inexplicable chill in his heart.

“Zhuge Gang, tell me, how were those seven characters written on his back?”

Zhuge Gang was stunned, a slight sweat appearing on his forehead, “This… this subordinate does not know. The Gang Leader's divine skill is invincible, beyond ordinary comprehension.”

“Yes, beyond ordinary comprehension.”

Shangguan Jinhong repeated, as if with emotion, as if self-mocking,

“I spent my entire life pursuing the Peak of the Martial Dao, believing that 'no ring in hand, a ring in heart' was close to the Dao, but now it seems I was merely a frog in a well.”

He waved his hand, “Go. Tell him that this old man's bones won't go out and cause him trouble.

I only hope he… takes care of himself.”

“Yes, this subordinate takes his leave.” Zhuge Gang, as if granted a great pardon, quickly retreated.

Silence returned to the courtyard.

After a long while, Jing Wuming spoke hoarsely, “His martial arts are indeed… beyond imagination.”

Shangguan Jinhong silently looked at the chessboard, then suddenly said, “Wuming, who do you think he resembles?”

Jing Wuming was silent for a moment, then shook his head, “He doesn't resemble anyone.”

“Yes, he doesn't resemble anyone. His Domineering (dominance) and his breadth of mind are both unparalleled!”

Shangguan Jinhong let out a long sigh, that sigh carrying endless weariness and a hint of relief:

“I'm increasingly realizing how Li Yuan must have felt after the Xuanwu Gate Incident?

Find me some women. I want to have thirty or fifty more sons and personally teach them, to see if the problem is his, or mine.”

At the same time, a declaration bearing the great seal of the World Society's Gang Leader spread with astonishing speed to every corner of the Jianghu.

The content of the declaration was utterly domineering, proclaiming the World Society as the Supreme of the Martial Forest, ordering all Gangs and Schools to go to the World Society's main headquarters within a specified period to express submission, pay tribute, obey its commands, and establish the rules for the Jianghu.

Any defiance would be considered an enemy of the world, and their mountain gates would be flattened, leaving no living thing behind!

The Jianghu was completely in an uproar!

The Ten Great Sects were enraged, various powerful factions were terrified, and countless Jianghu figures discussed it animatedly.