From the Dragon and Tiger Cavalry to Hunting Sins and Becoming Saints

The good news is that everyone who was supposed to come was there.

The bad news is that Qi Tianfang deliberately didn't sit in the main seat this time, seemingly wanting to put him in a difficult position.

"Hey, what's going on? Didn't you say you were going to call a meeting with me? Why are you making me the one to make the decisions?"

Fu Que was not afraid at all. In less than half an hour, almost half of the people in the room would be flying away. The best soldiers drawn from the Dragon Tiger Cavalry and the county soldiers had all sneaked back to the inner county and surrounded the place.

Although those sitting and standing here are basically the most cold-blooded and ruthless people in Gaoyang County, apart from the officials, it's all for naught.

The men drawn from the cabin in the woods and the surrendered gangs have all been hidden in the strongholds of various families and gangs in Gaoyang County, waiting only for the order to sweep them away.

The toughest challenges have been overcome, and all that's left is the final closing. If it weren't for the fear that these people might resort to desperate measures, we wouldn't have needed to attend this damn heroes' gathering; we could have just gotten things done directly.

The Qi family members present were all furious, and some even wanted to kill Fu Que on the spot. Fu Que had been openly challenging them in the arena these past few days, and he had even wiped out almost all of their people in the martial arts competition.

Those in the middle faction had shifty eyes. Fu Que's performance in the martial arts department was too amazing, and he had also integrated a group of powerful gangs. If the two sides were to fight, they might be able to take advantage of the chaos.

"Master Fu is young and promising; if you don't make the decisions, who will?"

The Green Gang's cryptic and sarcastic tone implied that he was one of the two who suffered the most heavy losses in Fu Que's hunt and sniping, so how could he swallow this insult?

"Haha, since everyone is willing to let me preside over the division of this year's Heroes' Gathering, then I won't be polite."

Fu Que calmly sat down in the main seat, picked up a cup of tea from the table, took a sip, frowned slightly, and spat it out in front of the Green Gang jailer: "Damn it, stale tea!"

The Green Gang leader looked down at his sleeve, which was soaked with tea stains. The iris tattoo on his face gradually turned red, and blood vessels appeared in his eyes.

Everyone present gasped in shock and leaned back in shock. This intruder was truly too fierce; they had never seen such an arrogant person in Gaoyang County.

Many people present were seething with anger. Fu Que and the Fishermen's Mutual Aid Association had gone too far, relying on their power to interfere everywhere and ruin the businesses of many people.

Many people envisioned a scenario where neither side would have to back down, since both were powerful gangs that monopolized an industry, and the "cross-river dragon" was indeed very formidable, having integrated a number of established gangs.

Everyone should discuss and come up with a set of rules to further divide the territory, not to overstep their bounds, and to limit any potential bloodshed to an acceptable level. But Fu Que was so arrogant as soon as he entered, showing absolutely no respect.

The situation is starting to escalate into a powder keg. This foreign power doesn't seem prepared for negotiations and is showing signs of flipping the table. Things won't end well this morning; a number of people may die.

Qi Tianfang vaguely sensed that something was amiss, but with the die already cast, he had no choice but to proceed. He gave the Green Gang's jailer a look, signaling him to calm down, before saying:

"Thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, Gaoyang County has smooth trade routes and thriving industries. Today's gathering of heroes serves two purposes: first, to recruit new blood from the martial arts examinations; and second, to discuss our livelihoods. As always, matters concerning the county's people's livelihood, trade routes, and industries require our collective wisdom and efforts to establish rules and regulations, with each of us fulfilling our responsibilities."

Qi Tianfang emphasized the division of responsibilities, then looked at Fu Que: "President Fu, what do you say?"

"Everything will proceed according to Elder Qi's plan. I have no problem with that."

Fu Que toyed with his teacup and replied with a gentle smile.

They gasped again, then leaned back again. Most of the prisoners were stunned by Fu Que's actions. He was the one who stepped on their faces, and he was the one who backed down. What was he trying to do?

This is no small matter. If we accept it here, we'll have to accept it later. Otherwise, everyone could unite and wipe out everyone on Fu Que's side, and even Fu Que's gangs would be thrown into turmoil.

The rules that outlaws tacitly agree to are not the rules of the officials. You can't just bribe them and laugh it off. That's a system built on countless bones. The higher-ups in sects or rebel groups play the same game, only they are more powerful.

Since Fu Que did not object, his people naturally did not speak up either, and the centrists would certainly consider the situation and not object. The rest of the process proceeded under Qi Tianfang's supervision.

First and foremost are the most profitable industries for martial artists: medicine, weaponry, minerals, and precious materials. Next are monopolized commodities related to people's livelihoods, such as cloth, tea, grain, salt, and iron. Although they are not as lucrative as the former, they are stable, produced in large quantities, and can be linked to the government.

As each matter was settled, the atmosphere in the hall gradually relaxed, because Fu Que did not object to any of them, and he nodded whenever Qi Tianfang assigned a task.

"That's roughly the allocation. I'm fine with it. What do you all think?"

Qi Tianfang took a sip of tea, glanced around, and then asked.

It's said that everyone is involved, but it really depends on Fu Que's attitude. If he doesn't object, then the cake is pretty much divided up, and the deadly struggle under the table can be put to rest.

"Are you done talking?"

Fu Que, feeling drowsy, sat up from his chair and asked.

Qi Tianfang wasn't angry, and the old man nodded gently.

"Now that you've finished speaking, it's my turn."

Fu Que stood up, took a black cloth bag from Mo Dao's hand, and threw it on the table. The round objects inside landed on the mahogany table with a clattering sound, and after rolling around, they were stained with a dazzling scarlet color.

Add more bricks and tiles to the long mahogany table, which is covered in red stains.

Everyone at the table instinctively stood up. After the initial shock, their eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions. The reason was simple: they all recognized the head that was slammed on the table, and some of them were even acquaintances.

"Gentlemen, those who understand the times are wise..."

He said leisurely.

……

At this moment.

Throughout Gaoyang County, plumes of thick smoke, accompanied by towering flames, mingled with the blazing sun in the sky.

The muffled shouts of battle, the clanging of weapons, and screams mingled with the firing of crossbows, creating a symphony of carnage.

Qi Family Manor, within Gaoyang County.

"boom!"

The imposing, red-lacquered gate was blasted open by ballistae, and after a deafening roar, it was reduced to countless flying fragments.

The firelight instantly illuminated the lintel, reflecting the rows of armored soldiers dressed in standard iron armor, wielding swords, shields, bows, and crossbows, each performing their duties.

Their eyes were cold, and they poured into the manor with practiced discipline. The dull, menacing sound of their iron boots pounding the ground tore through the bright sunlight and created a unique scene.

"By order of the Heavenly Official, an inspection of the Qi family is underway. Everyone, lay down your weapons and stand aside for inspection. Anyone who disobeys will be executed without exception!"

The indifferent yet clear declaration spread outwards from the ranks of armored soldiers.