Chapter 14: Killing with Kindness

Uncle Chang spoke of Yang Sheng in glowing terms. Beyond framing himself as a wise and formidable leader, his words made Yang Sheng sound like a rising star of the next generation. The big bosses present clapped and cheered while sizing up Yang Sheng, giving Uncle Chang plenty of face.

After a brief pause, Uncle Chang continued, "It is not easy for our Hung Shing Luen to produce such a talented newcomer. Since Ah Sheng took down Ruan Feng and Yao Hui, his strength is more than enough to be promoted to a Double-Flower Red Pole. However, Ah Sheng hasn't been with Hung Shing Luen long, so he has neither territory nor men of his own under him. A Double-Flower Red Pole looking so destitute—what kind of image does that project? We are all brothers in the same society; why doesn't everyone chip in and give Ah Sheng a bit of territory and some manpower to help him hold his ground?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in uproar.

"Boss, we’d like to help a brother, but none of us are exactly swimming in cash."

"Exactly, Boss. With the few bums we have under us, I’m afraid Brother Ah Sheng wouldn't even have any use for them."

Previously, no matter how high Uncle Chang placed Yang Sheng, they had no objections and even clapped along. After all, if their own society gained prestige, they would have something to boast about when dealing with other gangs. But now that Uncle Chang was asking them to give up their own assets, they could no longer tolerate it.

Di Wei stood up directly, frowning. "Boss, no one denies Ah Sheng’s combat record, but promoting him to Double-Flower Red Pole goes against our rules. Which Double-Flower Red Pole in other societies didn't earn their position by conquering territory for the gang? Ruan Feng himself earned the right to be a Double-Flower Red Pole by taking three streets for Luo Rong with nothing but a bayonet. Even though Ah Sheng killed Ruan Feng and Yao Hui, the territory ended up in the hands of the Ying Luen Society; our Hung Shing Luen didn't benefit at all. If killing a Double-Flower Red Pole is all it takes to become one, then if I took out Murray MacLehose, would those British bastards make me the Governor of Hong Kong?"

Di Wei was the only Red Pole in Hung Shing Luen. His status was second only to the three elders, and he held independent territory that even the elders couldn't meddle with. Thus, his prestige within the society was quite strong. Seeing Di Wei speak up, the other bosses felt emboldened and began to argue even more fiercely.

The smile on Yang Sheng’s face gradually faded, replaced by a look of anger and suppressed resentment, though in his heart, he was only sneering. Seeing the attitude of the three elders yesterday, he already knew they would never allow him to be promoted. However, he had performed such a great service for the society; if Uncle Chang didn't give him some form of compensation, the others in the society would be discouraged. That was why Uncle Chang had staged this meeting today. On the surface, it was to promote Yang Sheng, but in reality, it was a "killing by praise"—setting him up as an enemy to all the other big bosses in Hung Shing Luen. Especially Di Wei. As a mere Red Pole, how could he tolerate a low-level "four-nine" like Yang Sheng jumping over his head?

Seeing the crowd’s agitation, Uncle Chang shook his head slightly and looked at Yang Sheng. "Ah Sheng, it’s not that the society doesn't want to promote you or open a hall for you, but the situation doesn't allow it. The society has its rules; promoting you alone wouldn't be fair to the others."

Yang Sheng stood up, clenched his fists, then relaxed them, appearing as if he were seething with anger but dared not lash out. A moment later, he let out a long breath and gritted his teeth. "I understand, Boss. I am not an unreasonable person. Since everyone says this goes against the rules, then next time, I will fight for the position of Double-Flower Red Pole fair and square!"

Uncle Chang patted Yang Sheng’s shoulder, advising, "Young man, you must have a long-term vision. Some things that are meant to be yours will come to you sooner or later. However, since you’ve rendered such great service, if the society gives you nothing, it won't be able to convince the masses. How about this: even though you aren't promoted or given a hall, you can still take on followers. 'Ghost Man' Wen and Di Lu and the others who fought alongside you yesterday to kill Luo Rong—they can follow you from now on. They are elite members of our Hung Shing Luen, and the society has invested a lot of money in training them."

Uncle Chang was merely doing a favor at no cost to himself. Yang Sheng had been far too generous last night; sixty thousand dollars per person was enough to hire professional killers. Uncle Chang was afraid they would become too accustomed to Yang Sheng’s wealth and difficult to manage later, so he simply tossed them to him as underlings. As for the claim that the society spent a lot of money training them, that was pure nonsense. They were just low-level foot soldiers who followed the three elders, and while their income was indeed higher than other street thugs, the "combat training" the elders provided was third-rate and cost next to nothing. When they encountered a lunatic like Ghost Man Wen, he even got his head cracked open, costing Huang Wen quite a bit in medical expenses.

"Thank you, Boss." Yang Sheng appeared grateful, though his heart remained calm. Now that he knew the whereabouts of the Imperial Guard Sword, he was in no rush. Three months was enough time for him to maneuver around these three old men. Moreover, in addition to the main quest, Yang Sheng was also prepared to complete his side quests. His expertise in traditional martial arts had been boosted to 90%, comparable to that of a true master. This was only temporary, though; once he left this world, he would be reverted to his original state. But as long as he won first place in the Dragon City Tournament, he could retain his current strength, or perhaps grow even stronger. Yang Sheng did not know what the next reincarnation world would look like, but pushing to increase his strength was never a wrong move.

Uncle Chang nodded in satisfaction. "Ah Sheng, don't go back this afternoon; stay at the hall and have a meal with us. The Dragon City Tournament begins again tonight. If we win just one more match, our Hung Shing Luen can break into the top fifty."

The rules of the Dragon City Tournament allowed each society to field up to three fighters—though one person could fight all three matches. This was mainly to accommodate the large societies. After all, a top-ten group like the Ying Luen Society had three Double-Flower Red Poles. If only one person could participate, they would likely have to fight amongst themselves before even reaching the ring. As for the small societies, they struggled to scrape together even one fighter. But since the Dragon City Tournament was designed for the big gangs to carve up territory and show off their might, the interests of the small societies were naturally ignored.

Yang Sheng had already won a match yesterday; winning one more today would safely secure a spot in the top fifty. There were two or three hundred gangs in Hong Kong, but most were just small-time thugs guarding a single stall. Only about a hundred had a real name and a hall. Thus, reaching the top fifty was a respectable ranking for Hung Shing Luen—at the very least, it wasn't embarrassing.

Uncle Chang suddenly thought of something and instructed Yang Sheng, "By the way, if you run into people from the big societies on the ring, there’s no need to be ruthless. It’s just a tournament; there’s no need to fight to the death."

Uncle Chang was genuinely afraid. Provoking Luo Rong had kept him awake all night; if Yang Sheng killed someone else he couldn't afford to offend in the ring, he might suffer a heart attack.

Yang Sheng nodded. "I understand, Boss. As long as the opponent doesn't try to kill me, I will stop once the point is made."

At eight o'clock, after dinner, Uncle Chang led the Hung Shing Luen group toward the Kowloon Walled City to attend the tournament. When Yang Sheng had left the Walled City last time, he had just arrived in this world and his mind was entirely focused on his mission, so he hadn't observed his surroundings. Only now did he carefully examine the Kowloon Walled City, a place he had only seen in films from his future life.

Everywhere he looked, there were chaotic, towering, filthy, and crooked buildings. Tangled wires hung overhead like spiderwebs. It was narrow, cramped, dilapidated, and overcrowded. A greasy, fishy stench wafted from the sewage on the ground. Every building was covered in dense layers of shop signs: dentists, foot reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine, and dog meat hot pot. This was the Kowloon Walled City, the infamous "three-not-zone." Drug trafficking, arms smuggling, prostitution, unlicensed medical practices, and human smuggling—countless underworld trades thrived here, turning it into a living hell that nonetheless exuded a bizarre, decadent prosperity.

The major societies had debated long and hard before choosing the Kowloon Walled City for the tournament. They could have built a ring outside, but if someone died, it would be a headache. In the Walled City, however, death matches could be held at will; a life or two meant nothing here. In the past, the colonial government had sent thousands of police into the Walled City, only to have them retreat in defeat. Even the most arrogant gang leaders from outside dared not act too recklessly within the Walled City. It was a gathering place for desperate fugitives. The major societies were secretive about even a single gunman, and pulling a pistol was a major event. Yet in the Walled City, some had even openly used rocket launchers. These fugitives were a different breed from the gang members.

The Hung Shing Luen group stepped into the basement of a building, where most of the societies had already arrived. Instantly, all eyes turned toward them, filled with surprise and curiosity. It was one thing for a Hung Shing Luen foot soldier to kill a Double-Flower Red Pole from the Ying Luen Society in the ring, but for them to have killed Luo Rong outside the ring as well? This sunset society, which the rest of Hong Kong had almost forgotten, had suddenly shown signs of life, which caught them all off guard.

Uncle Chang and the other two elders were slightly uncomfortable with the attention, but the younger members of Hung Shing Luen found it invigorating. It was far better than before, when everyone treated Hung Shing Luen like air. Once they were seated, the tournament began, and the drawn pairs sent their fighters to the ring. Uncle Chang said to Ghost Man Wen, who was standing beside Yang Sheng, "Ah Wen, you’re the biggest gossip around and know the details of the experts from all the major societies. Why don't you explain them to Ah Sheng? Tell him what those opponents are good at and which level of society they belong to."

Uncle Chang was still uneasy about Yang Sheng, and he emphasized the last sentence.