Chapter One: The End of a Hero

This man has a slender and handsome appearance, with sharp eyes, a strong build, and an imposing presence. He is none other than the right vanguard "Ghost Scythe" Ling Zhantian, renowned alongside Lang Fanyun.

A cool breeze gently blows across the lake, bringing with it the familiar scent of the water.

After the death of Xi Xixi, Lang Fanyun no longer concerned himself with the affairs of the gang. The current gang leader, Shangguan Ying, inherited his father's legacy, striving for strength and power, and was pleased to see Lang Fanyun retire from active duty, allowing him to establish his own style of governance and emerging influence

Tomorrow, he is scheduled to depart for the camp in name only

A faint sound of footsteps entered the ear

This type of architecture was meticulously designed and overseen by Ling Zhantian, the right vanguard of the Angry Flood Dragon, alongside Lang Fan Yun, as part of the dual sharp edges of the Angry Flood Dragon.

These three forces dominate the fate of the current underworld

Since the death of Xi, two years have passed in the blink of an eye. He himself does not know how these days have been spent, and thinking of this, he feels a sense of disinterest.

The autumn mist shrouds the moonlight in a haze, the cold chamber remains desolate, leaving only the spirit of the plum blossom

Ling Zhantian resolutely said: "Ling Zhantian was born in Dongting and will die in Dongting. If I want to leave, even if Qian Luo and Chi Zun personally intervene to stop me, they will likely have to pay a terrible price. What I am worried about is my elder brother. Qian Luo's power shakes the Yellow River, his spear is unfathomable, and he is adept at employing schemes and tricks..."

A person pushed the door open and casually closed it behind them. They took a seat opposite Lang Fanyun.

Ling Zhantian stepped out onto the street, the night breeze invigorating him, restoring his usual calm and resourcefulness. He recalled the past when Lang Fanyun was imposing and charismatic, and compared it to the current state of despondency and disappointment, feeling a deep sense of regret

Ling Zhantian gazed at Lang Fanyun, leaning forward, with a pair of palms pressing on the table, turning white from the force. The table creaked under his grip as he said in a deep voice: "Are we really going to just stand by and hand over the world that the old leader fought to reclaim?" His eyes blazed with intensity

A full moon hangs high in the sky

For a long time, Ling Zhantian has been known for his calmness and shrewdness, but in front of this most respected elder brother, his inner feelings erupted like lava

What does it matter if one succeeds or fails

This person possesses unparalleled intelligence and martial skills, unmatched by any other. However, in matters of emotion, they are utterly inflexible. At this moment, seeing that further discussion would be futile, I can only do my best and take each step as it comes, responding casually: "There are still five days."

The bright moon outside the window is both large and round, in stark contrast to the two broken hearts within, filled with deep sorrow

Since the passing of Shangguan Fei five years ago and the loss of his wife by Lang Fanyun two years ago, the once-mighty first gang of the Yangtze River has become a shadow of its former self

Indeed, had it not been for Xiao Guo, who managed his daily affairs, he would have remained unaware of how long Ling Zhantian had been gone

The waves surged and the clouds lingered in contemplation for a long time, before finally saying: "Zhan Tian, let us return home, Su Qiu and Ling Er are waiting anxiously."

He feels utterly disenchanted with life; not committing suicide is the utmost expression of strength

After cherishing his life, he no longer wished to know or care about anything after death. Upon reflecting on this, he felt a sense of guilt towards this close friend in life and death.

Nujiao Island is a large island covering an area of 10,000 acres on Dongting Lake, characterized by undulating mountains, with the main peak, Nujiao Ridge, standing prominently in the central region of the island

The sound of footsteps is familiar

Pang Guozhi's resolute and extraordinary countenance bore a look of disappointment, clearly indicating that Ling Zhantian had returned empty-handed.

However, during the time when the former leader Shangguan Feijian was alive, the Angry Jiao Gang was led by a remarkable hero who commanded the entire gang. With martial skills comparable to Lang Fanfengyun and an organization as formidable as Ling Zhantian, it reached the pinnacle of its glory, with no flaws to be found, as stable as Mount Tai

The waves crash against the clouds as I down two more shots of strong liquor, my expression one of desolation

Ling Zhantian Dao: "He is the most important piece on our chessboard. If he is unkind, then I shall be unjust, and there is nothing more to say"

The Guanyuan Tower is located on Nu Jiao Island and is of a small restaurant scale. Lang Fanyun loves it for its tranquility, as it offers a view of the scenery outside Dongting Lake, which is why he has become a regular visitor to Guanyuan Tower over the past two years

Even so, the centipede, despite its death, does not stiffen; there are still many capable individuals within the organization. If it were not for the ongoing strife between the old and new powers, Ling Zhantian would not believe that anyone would dare to act so audaciously against those above them

Lang Fanyun raised a hand to stop him from speaking and said: "Do not mention it again. The former leader treated us with deep kindness and loyalty. How can we oppose his descendants after he has returned to the Dao Mountain? The matter of betraying the sect and establishing a new one must not be discussed any further"

The waves rolled in, and Lang Fan Yun helplessly withdrew his gaze from admiring the night moon over Dongting Lake, feeling a surge of irritation within, knowing that he would once again have to confront the treacherous realities of the world tonight

It is foretold that as long as these three forces break the balance and unite, it will be the moment of calamity for the world

Though one may enjoy fleeting glory, life passes in the blink of an eye; gains and losses ultimately return to dust. It is akin to cherishing the unparalleled beauty of a moment, which inevitably transforms into mere bones

If it were not for Lang Fan Yun's despondency and lack of fighting spirit over the past two years, even though Qian Luo and Chi Zun Xin are considered a dominant force, invincible in their own right, they would not dare to openly confront and bully those above them in such a blatant manner

At that time, the underworld was divided into three powerful factions. The Qianluo Mountain City established its base in the north, controlling both banks of the Yellow River. The Zunxin Sect took Sichuan and Yunnan as its stronghold, exerting influence over the western frontier of China. The Nu Jiao Gang occupied the central region, including the fertile lands of Hunan, Hubei, Henan, and Jiangxi

He knows that if he cannot revive the "Rain Covering Sword" which is ranked among the top ten masters on the black list of the martial world alongside Chi Zunxin and Qian Luo, there will be no hope for the future.

A figure emerged from the shadows, it was Pang Guozhi, a capable general under Ling Zhantian.

Lang Fanyun disregarded Ling Zhantian's disapproving gaze, and after finishing another cup, he turned the wine glass upside down on the table to signify that this was the last cup

The path of Pang Guo: "Everything is arranged properly, the route of travel is known only to you, me, and Zeng Shu Yu."

Rest assured! I, Lang Fanyun, will ensure that as long as I have life, your wife and children will be safe each day

Ling Zhantian showed no gratitude, let out a mournful howl, stood up, and slowly walked to the window, gazing at Dongting Lake under the bright moonlight.

How is the respect of Chi Zunxin's Zunxin Gate? How could he sit idly by while Qian Luo devours the Angry Jiao Gang? If he does not come, it is one thing; otherwise, he will definitely arrive within these three days, before the rice is cooked.

Ling Zhantian continued: "In three days, 'Poisonous Hand' Qian Luo will personally lead his ruthless subordinates, 'Heartbreaker' Ge Ba, 'Dancing on the Palm' Yi Yanmei, 'Throat-Cutting Blade' Xie Qianpan, and others, to come in full force. It is clear that they intend to take over our gang in one fell swoop." With a bitter smile, he said: "It is pitiful that that little brat, Shangguan Ying, has exhausted all his wits against his own people, yet when faced with such a significant matter of rise and fall, he is utterly confused, unable to distinguish east from west, and still believes he has gained additional support to confront that demon lord, Chi Zunxin. He is clearly being toyed with by the enchantress Qian Hongqing, who has him in the palm of her hand."

The headquarters of the Angry Dragon Gang, the Angry Dragon Hall, is situated on a mountainside, characterized by its perilous terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack

Ling Zhantian's face flushed with a fiery red, his eyes radiating excitement as he exclaimed, "Elder brother, this is difficult to comply with. From tomorrow onwards, we may never have the chance to meet again. The words in my heart must be expressed."

The person named Pang was extremely astute, not mentioning the matter of Lang Fanyun at all, and said in a low voice: "The people from Shangguan Ying's side have sent someone to scout, and they have all been intercepted by our people"

Seeing this brother, who shares a bond of life and death, filled with grief and determination, Lang Fan Yun, though unwilling, had no choice but to yield, sighing: "You speak." Only these two simple words, seemingly not wanting to say even one more.

Ling Zhantian sighed in sorrow

Hanging it is merely a habit

In what world does one awaken from intoxication

The waves surge, twisting the heart in pain

In five days, it will be the anniversary of the death of my wife, who was taken by the waves.

Lang Fanyun sat down by the window and ordered two large bottles of Daughter's Red

The sword, measuring four feet and nine inches long, still hangs at his waist; this treasured blade was once his lifeline, but now it feels like worthless scrap metal, holding no significance for him whatsoever

Ling Zhantian's expression was serious as he was about to speak

Everything has piled up and occurred within these few days

What a peaceful and tranquil evening

Lang Fanyun looked at his closest brother in the gang and recalled the years when the two of them had fought side by side, braving dangers together. He made an effort to lift his spirits and revealed a rare smile, saying: "Zhantian, tomorrow you will set off for the Yingtian branch of the Hengling Lake gang. I take this opportunity to see you off."

After a pause, he straightened his posture and said: "Your elder brother's reputation within the organization is unparalleled; only you have the ability to turn the tide in this dire situation. How can you remain so indifferent?"

The dragon and the tiger clash

Ling Zhantian is thirty-five years old this year, one year younger than Lang Fanyun, and is in the prime of his life, at the peak of his existence

Ling Zhantian said: "Forgive me for speaking frankly, since the new leader, Shangguan Ying, took office, he has continuously appointed incapable individuals such as Zhai Yushi, Qi Changzheng, and Liang Qiumo to manage the affairs of the gang; a group of brothers who once exchanged their blood and sweat for the vast foundation of the Angry Flood Gang have been systematically excluded. Their power has either been diminished, or they have been reassigned to unimportant positions; or they have been tasked with missions that have no chance of success, leading to unfortunate deaths on the spot, and those who are somewhat fortunate are unjustly accused of incompetence, resulting in a disheartened community." His voice grew louder and more agitated as he spoke, reflecting a completely reckless mindset.

Lang Fanyun closed his eyes, unsure if he was still listening to him speak

Whether it is the Qianluo Mountain City in the north or the Zunxin Gate in the west, if one wishes to expand their power in the Central Plains, it is only natural to first conquer the hegemon of the Central Plains; in other words, one must first defeat the Angry Flood Dragon Gang

Lang Fanyun remained silent, gazing intently at the rich wine in the cup, its color resembling that of agate

Ling Zhantian knew that Lang Fanyun had given him enough face, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions

Three days later, the master of Qianluo Mountain City, who commands great respect along the Yellow River, will grace us with his presence

Pang Guozhi stood by, waiting quietly for instructions

On a night when the bright moon was shrouded in mist, Xi Xi, torn between the desire to part and the difficulty of leaving, reluctantly took her leave.

Close to 3,000 followers and over 10,000 family members reside in the low-lying areas along the coast, creating a lively and prosperous scene. Casinos, brothels, and taverns are abundant, with merchants gathering in droves, surpassing the splendor of a bustling metropolis, as if they were kings ruling over their own territory

As the waves crash, I stepped into the elegant private room on the second floor of the Guanyuan Building, just as the splendid lights began to illuminate the surroundings

Angry Jiao Island is renowned in the martial arts world, alongside the Zunxin Sect of Chi Zunxin and the Qianluo Mountain City of the notorious underworld figure Qianluo, both of which are listed among the three most infamous locations in the martial arts underworld

Ling Zhantian's expression of indignation transformed into one of compassion as he gently said, "Elder brother! Please do not drink anymore. Ever since sister-in-law passed away, you have not gone a single day without alcohol. Even with a body as strong as iron, it cannot withstand the corrosive effects of liquor." His words were filled with deep regret.

The situation is urgent.

In recent years, the Zunxin Sect, based in the regions of Sichuan and Yunnan, has extended its control over the western frontier and has now set its sights on the Central Plains, posing a threat to the existence of the Nujiao Gang, with the situation reaching a critical and precarious point.

At this moment, Lang Fanyun stood up and walked to the window

Pang Guozhi said: "Deputy Director, rest assured, all arrangements along the way have been developed in this direction, of course, Zeng Shuyu is the only exception." A mysterious smile appeared on his face

How many days are left until the fifteenth of August

At that time, due to the constraints of the regulations, those who were dispatched externally had to leave their wives and children on the island, thereby restraining their subordinates.

Ling Zhantian let out a cold laugh and said: "What storms have I, Ling Zhantian, not experienced? Who will prevail in the end, it cannot be known until the last moment." Changing the subject, he asked: "Is everything arranged for our departure tomorrow?"

Ling Zhantian did not dwell on the matter, as time was of the essence. Tomorrow, he would be sent away, and once he arrived at the camp, it would be too late to take action, leaving him only to sigh in despair. He hurriedly continued: "Currently, the only person that Qian Luo fears is my elder brother. My reassignment is certainly orchestrated by Qian Hongqing under Qian Luo's instructions, aimed at weakening my elder brother's support in every aspect. At that time, my elder brother will be left to fend for himself, becoming easy prey. The only way to survive now is to seize the leadership before Qian Luo arrives. The fate of the Angry Jiao Gang rests entirely on my elder brother's decision."

Ling Zhantian knew that he had issued the order to dismiss guests; in fact, he was quite surprised that he was willing to listen to him speak for so long. With a helpless sigh, he turned and left.

Lang Fanyun raised a full cup of fine wine in one hand, tilted his head back, and the wine shot down his throat like an arrow, a wave of warmth surged through his body, yet his expression remained as unyielding as ancient stone, showing not a trace of fluctuation. The splashed wine stained his collar, but he did not wipe it away

Lights swiftly darted across the lake, and the waves turned white as they recognized this as the patrol speedboat of our faction

The street outside the restaurant is bustling with a lively and peaceful atmosphere, completely unlike the impending disaster that is about to arrive

Wealth can make even ghosts push the mill. Money has also contributed to the prosperity of this lake island

A faint round moon hangs outside the window. The surface of Dongting Lake is as calm as a mirror, shimmering under the moonlight.

The two individuals gazed at Dongting Lake under the moonlit night, a place where they were born and raised

It has been two years

Since the previous generation's leader, Shangguan Fei, established his base on Angry Jiao Island, with the assistance of the left and right vanguards, "Fuyu Sword" Lang Fanyun and "Ghost Whip" Ling Zhantian, he campaigned south and north, bringing the areas around Hunan, Hubei, and Dongting Lake under his influence. His power, facilitated by the transportation along the Yangtze River, nearly spread throughout the Central Plains. Engaging in the smuggling of private salt and various trades, he divided the profits among his followers, resulting in even the ordinary members enjoying substantial wealth, let alone those in leadership positions.

Just as a dark cloud passes by, the bright moon loses its luster

Ling Zhantian turned to Pang Guozhi and said: "Guozhi, for this operation, the personnel we employ must meet two conditions. First, they should be individuals from the core ranks, whose loyalty is beyond doubt; second, they must possess exceptional martial skills, valuing quality over quantity, so that they can exert the greatest effect while preventing any leaks of information."

Ling Zhantian heard the name of Zeng Shuyu and let out a cold snort, seemingly expressing great dissatisfaction with this subordinate

This trend is indeed developing, and the underlying circumstances are exceptionally complex

After speaking, Ling Zhantian gazed up at the night sky

Ling Zhantian thought: I have traversed the martial world, and I have faced even more dire situations than this; I can still pass through them unscathed. How could I be so easily bullied? Let us wait and see.

Ling Zhantian vented the pent-up frustrations he had accumulated over nearly two years in one breath, and after the emotional release, he gradually calmed down

Moreover, the current leader, Shangguan Ying, is pleased to have him take a backseat, allowing him to arrange matters at his leisure, to discard the old and embrace the new, and to establish his own faction. Both external threats and internal troubles have significantly weakened the once-dominant Nu Jiao Gang, which used to reign over the Yangtze River basin.

Ling Zhantian recalled his deceased wife Ji Xixi, who had passed away two years ago on the night of the full moon of August 15, and understood that he missed his late wife

Lang Fanyun did not shed tears; he never sheds tears

Ling Zhantian Dao: "You actually know as well"

Lang Fanyun detected the dissatisfaction in his tone

As he pushed the door open, Ling Zhantian turned back and said: "At the tide-viewing stone in the south of the island, I have long stationed personnel with a speedboat. As long as you appear on the stone, someone will be there to assist you." He hesitated to say more and finally left through the door.

Ling Zhantian's eyes flashed with a cold light as he said: "If it were not for my respect for the old leader, even if there were ten Shangguan Yings, they would have long returned to dust. This kid is quite capable, expanding his influence so rapidly. This time, we are resolutely not giving him face; future conflicts will be even more intense"

Pang Guozhi's expression remained unchanged as he calmly stated: "The formal fallout is only a matter of time. Once Qian Luo arrives, it will be the moment of confrontation. It is infuriating that under the instigation of that witch, you were forcibly reassigned, allowing Qian Luo to calmly arrange things here and eradicate us completely."

Ling Zhantian's body perfectly obstructed Lang Fanyun's view as he gazed out the window

Ling Zhantian's chest rose and fell violently; after calming down a bit, he continued, "Especially since Shangguan Ying married Qian Luo's daughter Qian Hongqing, who appeared out of nowhere, things have become even more severe. On one hand, they are intensifying their exclusion of us old-timers, and on the other hand, they are scheming to partner with the ambitious underworld giant—Qian Luo Mountain City's master, 'Poison Hand' Qian Luo, claiming they will join forces to deal with the expansion of the respected sect leader 'Thief Overlord' Chi Zunxin. In truth, Qian Luo, this unparalleled fiend, is not someone to be trifled with; inviting a wolf into the house is merely inviting one's own destruction." At this point, his voice became somewhat choked.

Lang Fanyun first shifted his gaze from the wine cup and looked towards Ling Zhantian, saying: "Zhantian, how about tonight you and I escort Qiusu and Ling'er to escape from the island and seek a place to live in seclusion?" This was the first time he had actively sought to do something since the death of his beloved wife, Xixi.

Lang Fanyun is aware that a master is approaching