Chapter 6, Dominance

Bang

"... the dog that is speaking, don't hide behind others, come out if you dare, I will tear your mouth apart!"

Witnessing the scene of Wang Kui being bitten to death, Gongsun Zhi extended his hand, and Dongfang Sheng handed over the filled wine bowl. He drank it down in large gulps, while the white wolf beside him fixed its gaze on the wine bowl in his hand, sniffed the spilled wine stains, and let out a brief low whine

The crowd began to riot, and Wang Kui and the group of bandits felt a sense of fear, hastily regrouping. On the other side, Gao Sheng let out a sigh of relief, waving his strong arms and declaring, "Leader Gongsun has returned, surround them!"

Wang Kui was completely panicked, his fierce exterior belied by his inner fear as he shouted, "Do not be afraid!" Above, Gongsun Zhi had already removed the wolf's trachea from his mouth, his indifferent gaze sweeping over the crowd, finally resting on the figure among them who was in a state of panic.

The flat and indifferent voice fell, and Gao Sheng looked towards Wang Kui, while Dong Fangsheng also turned his gaze to Wang Kui. The bandits on both sides also looked over, or turned their heads to stare at Wang Kui. The white wolf king, crouching beside Gongsun Zhi, tilted its head slightly, joining in the commotion, and licked its fangs at the trembling figure.

"I fear it is not entirely the case." Wang Kui, who was caught in the middle, let out a sneer, his slanted eyes darting around before he lowered his voice: "... The last Xiongnu was killed by Gao Sheng, and it has nothing to do with Gongsun Zhi. Last night, when he killed a woman, it was merely for show, so do not be deceived by his appearance; he might very well be frightened inside."

What kind of person!

The leader naturally has his own matters, how can you make wild guesses! Gao Sheng took the blade and slammed it onto a stone table, as the stone chips flew up, the tip of the knife swept forward: "If anyone truly has the courage, come and try it, my knife is sharp or not."

... ...

Wang Kui stammered a sentence, suddenly overturned the table beside him, and turned to run out of the cave. As he stepped onto the stone steps, a shadow pounced from the corner, its sharp fangs piercing his neck. Blood gushed from both his throat and mouth, his body struggled in the wolf's jaws, continuously bubbling with blood, gurgling...

Today I can spare others, but that guy who sowed discord among us brothers must die. Anyone who dares to stand up for him will die alongside him

The figure, with a knowing glance, casually tossed the ceramic bowl onto the stone table, spilling the wine, and quietly addressed the surrounding bandits: "... what do you all think of our new leader?"

You... you... what are you shouting about! In the crowd, Wang Kui stretched his neck and pointed, "Was what I said just now incorrect? Brothers, you all know how the old leader died. This Gongsun Zhi takes the position of leader, yet he doesn't say a word, and he has vanished with that sour Confucian. What does it mean to leave us brothers here?"

What are you all looking at me for ... ... I am just ... ... merely stating the facts ... ... that's all ... ...

In such a historical context, Gongsun Zhi's move has evoked a complex sentiment in many regarding the figure seated on the stone chair, a sentiment that even they themselves cannot articulate.

The one who killed Gongsun Zhi

Amidst the mutual shouting, the flames flickered wildly, and the wind from the cave entrance blew in, causing the long cloak to sway with the tall figure. The wolf fur brushed lightly, and the sound of the blade sliding from its sheath was faint. The loudest shouter instinctively turned around, only to have the sharp tip of a knife pierce through flesh and blood, emerging from his chest.

At this moment, over a hundred bandits split into two groups, overturning wooden and stone tables to clear the space, which instantly became tense and charged. The women among them screamed and hurriedly ran to the side to hide. In the hall, weapons clashed, and many people were eager to try their hand. Among the crowd, someone shouted loudly, followed by another person cursing back.

Late at night, in the city of Yin Guan.

In the front, Gongsun Zhi walked to the stone chair, lifted his cloak, and sat down with a grand demeanor. The tip of his knife thudded against the ground beside his feet. One hand rested on his knee while the other held the hilt of the knife. He slightly parted his lips and let out a low, prolonged roar. The crowd was momentarily stunned, and a chaotic noise echoed from the cave entrance, as if many things were rushing in from the ground.

... the tone is resolute

Gongsun Zhi's gaze was fierce and menacing as he strode directly through the group of treacherous bandits, holding a bloodied knife. As his formidable figure passed by, many eyes followed him, whispering and exchanging glances, and several individuals began to waver in their resolve.

If you have the ability, let Gongsun Zhi come out and speak

Several bandits surrounded him from behind, their hands resting on the hilts of their knives

Wolf

"Respected Governor, the matters concerning Liao have been concluded... Now, the Hu people are invading the borders, and I wish to leave the city... to resist the Xiongnu." Zhang Liao hesitated for a moment, then mustered his courage to express the thoughts that had long been suppressed in his heart, "How can the people of Han allow the Hu to bully and kill them at will... Liao is willing to contribute my meager strength."

Amidst the whispers and murmurs, the once lively hall gradually fell silent, and the atmosphere became strangely oppressive

Alas, the death of the old leader is truly unjust. If it had been a fair fight, who knows who would have emerged victorious, wouldn't you agree?" Wang Kui sighed with his hands in his pockets, "We all fought hard to seize our fortunes, yet in the end, someone else reaps the benefits. Don't you all have any thoughts about this? That Gongsun Zhi is merely a petty scholar, and Gao Sheng is just a trusted aide; we are merely sacrificing our lives for others.

The other party raised their head and said, "Wen Yuan has arrived, please take a seat first"

Gongsun Zhi smiled slightly, beckoned with his finger, and had someone bring over a bowl of wine. However, that person did not dare to come closer, so he personally held the wine bowl and placed it in front of the White Wolf, before finally looking at everyone and speaking about the matter at hand

Around a hundred bandits looked at each other, set down their weapons, filled their wine bowls, and after drinking them in one gulp, they smashed them to the ground with a clang. The blades struck against their sheaths, producing a roar.

These beasts dare to come up, at worst we will fight to the death

He is just one person, how formidable can he be! Does he think that if he puts down his weapon, he will let us go today..." Wang Kui felt a bit anxious, constantly stirring up the crowd.

The principal villain has been eliminated. I know that some of you still harbor resentment and feel that I have taken advantage, right?" Gongsun Zhi sheathed his sword, stood up, and walked down: "Tomorrow morning, I will lead you to rob. I tell you, I will also rob the Xiongnu and the Xianbei, not just their merchant caravans, but also those small tribes. Since we are to be bandits, we should not act like your former leader, who was timid and afraid, bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

As night deepens, moths flutter around the torches on the cave walls. Inside the cavernous hall, it is bustling and lively, with shadows of people swaying. Amidst the clamor, some exchange glances, and others understand.

A series of low, rumbling howls echoed as dozens of grayish figures surged in, creating an illusion of occupying the advantageous terrain as they surrounded the area. Moments later, a massive white wolf strode out of the cave, its head held high, eyes glinting with ferocity, and its white fur stained with patches of blood, exuding a fierce and menacing presence. In an instant, both the bandits on Gao Sheng's side and those on Wang Kui's side were utterly terrified, for their leader had previously emitted a wolf's howl, summoning the pack from outside.

Soon, he died completely, and shortly thereafter, the body was dragged away by several wolves

In the night sky, distant thunder rumbled from the clouds, red flames burned at the horizon, and black smoke drifted into the dark sky, igniting the entire northern region in the flames of war. After the Southern Xiongnu Qiangqu Chanyu was killed by his own people, the newly reinstated Xubu Guduhou Chanyu launched an offensive in the autumn of that year

The governor's office was brightly lit, and countless figures were moving about on this night, passing messages as the beacon fires were lit. A young man named Zhang Liao, clad in armor and carrying a sword, clasped his hands in greeting to the figures entering and exiting the office. Upon entering, he saw the busy figure in front of the desk.

The corpse fell, and someone shouted as they turned around. Under the disheveled hair bun, Gongsun Zhi's face entered the range of the torchlight. The long cloak billowed, and with a swift motion, a knife was drawn. Astonishing blood splattered against the cave wall, and the body was severed in two, rolling onto the ground

The few bandits who were jokingly scolding and urging others to drink were taken aback, and someone stammered: "Generous... has courage."

Leader

What should we do? Perhaps we should put down our weapons...

A series of shouts tore through the cave, resonating into the night sky

It is Gongsun Zhi

Follow the leader to seize the Hu!

He walked to a table, picked up a bowl half-filled with wine, raised it above his head, and said, "After drinking this bowl of wine, the knife will only strike at outsiders." He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then smashed the bowl on the ground, the shards rolling and spinning on the floor

A large hand slammed down on the wooden table, causing the wine bowl to tremble slightly. The bald man over there stood up, his gaze fixed on the figure with a scarred triangular eye. His burly frame squeezed past a few people, and with a crooked mouth, he bellowed: "Wang Kui!! What nonsense did you just say? Do you believe I will cut off your tongue and eat it with wine?"

Follow the leader to seize the Hu!