Chaotic World Book
Chapter 320 - 313: Each with Their Own Schemes

Chapter 320: Chapter 313: Each with Their Own Schemes

It had turned to night.

Zhao Changhe changed back into Wang Daozhong’s clothes, restored his yellow-faced disguise, and returned to Yang Qianyuan’s station.

Well, Wuzhui was still in good shape and untouched. Not bad, not bad.

Lights were still on in the inn, and Yang Qianyuan paced anxiously back and forth. Strangely enough, he had dressed back into the dandyish appearance he had on wanted posters, freshly shaved and with tidy hair, no longer in the rugged appearance he had during their first encounter.

Upon seeing "Wang Daozhong" return, Yang Qianyuan seemed almost as if he had seen a family member, hastily greeting him, "Senior, where have you been..."

Zhao Changhe looked at him curiously and then returned to an indifferent face, "What, is it your business where I go?"

"No, no," said Yang Qianyuan with a forced smile. "There was an incident at the brothel; the madam was assassinated! Just when Senior had left, they suspected you might be an accomplice and began asking everywhere. Someone saw me take Senior to that street, so they came asking here."

Zhao Changhe looked at him askance, "And what did you say?"

Yang Qianyuan replied, "I had no choice but to reveal Senior’s identity, saying that you are Elder Wang Daozhong. If Elder wanted to kill a mere brothel madam, there would be no need for such trouble to eavesdrop next door. It must be a coincidence... Please don’t take offense, Elder. Only your reputation could shut them up, and I certainly had to report to you as soon as I saw you, otherwise I couldn’t bear the consequences..."

Zhao Changhe sneered, "I suppose you didn’t say just that?"

Yang Qianyuan replied with a sheepish smile, "Indeed... Given that Elder sat next door listening for so long, it was hard to dismiss their concerns, so I said that Elder was actually after that young master, and likely left to pursue him. They believed this... Perhaps they will come tomorrow to ask Elder about the young master’s whereabouts."

Zhao Changhe appeared displeased, "I had my eyes on her, but I didn’t get a bite."

This was a heartfelt statement, sincere regret clear in his tone, truer than pure gold.

Observing his reaction, Yang Qianyuan attempted to gauge the mood, "If Elder fancies that sort, should I find a handsome young man to serve Elder?"

"I’m tired," said Zhao Changhe. "Let’s talk another time," as he pretended to head upstairs to rest.

Yang Qianyuan hastily said, "Elder, Elder, our gang leader wishes to meet with you..."

Zhao Changhe was furious, "You revealed my name without permission, and I can hardly be bothered to hold you accountable, and still you persist?"

"Please calm your anger, Elder, and hear me out," Yang Qianyuan looked around warily and whispered, "Recently, our Money Gang has had business conflicts with the Yukun Gang and have agreed to negotiate over drinks tomorrow at noon... but in truth, our gang leader doesn’t really want to negotiate; he just wants to swallow up the Yukun Gang. If we manage to kill Heavenly Spirit during the negotiations, the others in the Yukun Gang are nothing to fear, and likely we can take over..."

Zhao Changhe responded indifferently, "What does that trifling matter have to do with me?"

"Elder may not know. The Yukun Gang has many treasures. They are said to be backed by the Thief Sect but there is no concrete evidence; it’s likely they are merely a channel for the Thief Sect to fence stolen goods. However, the Thief Sect doesn’t get as many exotic items as the Yukun Gang, where would they steal all that from? So, we all suspect that the Yukun Gang may have quietly gained control of a Secret Realm within the Kunlun Mountain range. By acting as fences for the Thief Sect, they in fact sell artefacts sourced from their Secret Realm. Our gang leader is after this very Secret Realm."

A flicker of interest crossed Zhao Changhe’s mind, "So what you mean is, this Secret Realm could be shared with me?"

Seeing Wang Daozhong’s interest, Yang Qianyuan sighed in relief and smiled, "Our gang leader says if Elder would agree to help, you may choose any item from the treasures of the Secret Realm..."

At the last two words, Zhao Changhe’s expression changed drastically, his gaze turning icily sharp as he stared at Yang Qianyuan, "Does your gang leader take me for a beggar?"

In fact, the Money Gang leader had not mentioned the last two words at all, the original offer being that Elder could take whatever he wanted from the Secret Realm.

Yang Qianyuan, on his end, added two words, completely changing the meaning.

If the real Wang Daozhong were here, it’s hard to fathom the depth of insult he would feel; fortunately, this was Zhao Changhe. What did an insult to Wang Daozhong have to do with Zhao Changhe...?

But then Yang Qianyuan sighed, "Money Gang leader can be a bit stingy, that’s just how he is, please don’t take offense, Elder... If I were in charge, I would gladly give the entire Secret Realm to Elder..."

Zhao Changhe looked at him with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, "And since when could you make such decisions?"

Yang Qianyuan lowered his voice, "With the backing of an elder, it’ll be easy."

It’s true, having a master from the Earth List backing a mere district-level gang means that even a baby could become the gang leader, and that doesn’t even require overt support—just letting people feel you’re partial to someone is enough. Zhao Changhe instantly understood the scheme this guy was plotting, and he couldn’t help but cry and laugh at the same time.

You’ve only been here for less than a year, and you’re already plotting to use this opportunity to take out the gang leader and take his place...

This place is just too damn bizarre—what kind of bird-people are they all!

Seeing that the conversation had reached this point, Yang Qianyuan’s voice became even lower, "If I could gain the favor of the elder, I’m willing to turn over all of Money Gang’s profits to the elder. From now on, Money Gang would be at the elder’s command, serving as the elder’s eyes and ears in this city..."

"Does this seat look like it would care about such trifles from a small eastern city gang? Eyes and ears? How many people do you even have to offer that?"

"We have quite a number of people...mainly many who have deep roots here and are very familiar with the city’s intricacies." Seeing that Zhao Changhe was still uninterested, Yang Qianyuan finally clenched his teeth, "If the elder prefers the company of men, I can gather them for you, even if it’s, it’s..."

Grass?

Zhao Changhe was utterly astounded, finally realizing what this guy’s return to his dandy attire meant.

Such a ruthless person indeed; Money Gang has really picked up a demon...

However, you are the target that Chichi is set to capture, no matter how tough or patient you are, you’re destined not to start any spark.

Zhao Changhe said indifferently, "Go back and report to your gang leader that I will accompany him to have a look tomorrow. As for everything else...we’ll talk about it then."

...

The following afternoon.

In the eastern part of Kunlun City, Chen’s Tavern.

Gang conflicts within the Worldly Society often lead to negotiations over drinks. Of course, it’s well-known that it’s quite normal for these negotiations to end with tables overturned and knives drawn, blood flowing into rivers, with both sides having made countless arrangements beforehand.

Heavenly Spirit took advantage of the night to hold a meeting, while the leader of the Money Gang had his sights set on "Wang Daozhong".

The Poisonous Spider might well be the siskin behind the scene, planning to profit from the fishermen’s quarrel.

The mere conflict in a corner of the city reveals a competition involving multiple parties, as well as internal power shifts, almost like a microcosm of the Worldly Society.

Since stepping onto the path, Zhao Changhe had seen many such things. He knew this was the Worldly Society, but not the one he liked. Fortunately, this time Chichi was by his side, and amidst the undesired troubling vagaries, there was a touch of gentle warmth, thus even the snowstorms felt refreshing.

This time, following Yang Qianyuan to this banquet, theoretically, meant a straightforward task.

Others thought he was there to help Money Gang deal with Heavenly Spirit, while Yang Qianyuan was even expecting him to take the opportunity to kill the disrespectful leader of Money Gang and support him in his rise to power.

Actually, he was there to help the little demoness by Heavenly Spirit’s side, laying in wait for the Poisonous Spider. As for whether he would kill the leader of Money Gang or not was another matter, but Yang Qianyuan was meant to be captured alive and brought back.

However, the moment he stepped into the tavern, the owner greeted him, "This must be Mr. Daozhong! Chen Yi has met you, sir, and I hope for your generous patronage."

The owner was also good-looking, with clear eyebrows and handsome features. It seemed the preferences of Mr. Daozhong had spread throughout Kunlun over a single night; it even looked like it was starting to spread beyond... Seeing the owner approaching, others giving suggestive winks, who knows what they all imagined in their minds.

Indeed Mr. Daozhong was delighted, "The owner has a fine bearing, unlike the riffraff you see everywhere that chills the bone."

Heaven only knows his heart was truly at ease. Just from the name and the eagerness of the owner in coming up to greet him, he knew this was his real collaborator in coming here, Ying Wu’s connection.

Liu Tuzhang wasn’t a professional at gathering intelligence. There was much he couldn’t understand, but Ying Wu’s people were different.

Just as the two appeared to exchange knowing glances, as if they recognized each other’s worth, the warning of Chen Yi reached his ears, "The leader of Money Gang has outside support, and Heavenly Spirit is likely in cahoots with the Poisonous Spider. Not a single one of them is trustworthy; remember not to take them at face value."