Chapter 27: Usurping the Dragon Head
Inside the Taiping Mountain Villa.
He Wenchang cautiously followed Fang Jie as they entered the villa, standing awkwardly before Wu Tianhao.
“Mr. Wu, what can I do for you?”
In terms of seniority, He Wenchang was actually older than Wu Tianhao.
By tradition, Hong Sheng Union was the direct successor of the Hongmen, while Chao Yiyong had started merely as a low-tier gang with less than thirty years of history.
Yet their power was worlds apart. He Wenchang was timid and cowardly, acting very humble in front of Wu Tianhao.
Wu Tianhao glanced disdainfully at He Wenchang, not even offering him a seat.
“Your Hong Sheng Union has been quite arrogant lately.”
He Wenchang hurriedly forced a smile: “Not at all, sir. It’s just that a reckless kid won a good spot in the arena. How could we dare boast before you, Mr. Wu?”
Wu Tianhao snorted coldly, “If you don’t dare, then stop right away. Let your kid forfeit the next match. After all, there are plenty of fighters who have withdrawn from the Dragon City Championship.”
He Wenchang was stunned.
At first, he really did not want Yang Sheng to continue fighting in the arena.
Taking down a big organization’s top fighters outright was unbearable.
But recently, Yang Sheng seemed to have learned restraint, knowing when to stop, which pleased He Wenchang.
As long as no one was offended, the further Hong Sheng Union advanced in the Dragon City Championship, the greater their fame.
Even new recruits had been joining Hong Sheng Union, drawn by Yang Sheng’s reputation.
Yet now, Wu Tianhao was ordering Yang Sheng to withdraw, and He Wenchang could not understand why.
Yang Sheng had yet to face anyone from Chao Yiyong. Why did Wu Tianhao want him to give up?
Besides, most withdrawals in the Dragon City Championship were due to injuries from previous matches—players knew continuing was pointless.
Yang Sheng was still at his peak; suddenly forfeiting was strange.
He wanted to voice these doubts, but a cold glance from Wu Tianhao silenced him.
“Rest assured, Mr. Wu, Yang Sheng will definitely not appear in the next match.”
Wu Tianhao’s expression darkened: “If you understand, then get to work. What are you still standing here for? Am I going to invite you to dinner? Foolish!”
A prominent gang leader was scolded like a schoolboy, yet He Wenchang dared not show any resentment and quickly took his leave.
He blamed Yang Sheng inwardly, wondering what offense he had given Mr. Wu that led to this reprimand.
Fang Jie, watching this, shook his head silently.
If it weren’t for that reckless guy insisting on handling this matter, none of this trouble would have happened.
Brother Hao was good in many ways, but too sentimental, sometimes neglecting the bigger picture.
...
Among all the Hong Kong gangs, He Wenchang was considered an old hand.
Though the older in the underworld, the more timid one becomes, he had seen and understood much.
At least he had witnessed the rise of Wu Tianhao leading Chao Yiyong, aware of how ruthless, arrogant, and lawless Wu Tianhao truly was.
So he dared not ignore Wu Tianhao’s words.
Returning to headquarters, He Wenchang immediately summoned Yang Sheng.
“Boss, what’s up?”
Yang Sheng casually sat down beside He Wenchang, crossing his legs and finishing his tea in one gulp, relaxed.
Having become one of Hong Sheng Union’s top enforcers, he no longer needed to feign caution.
He Wenchang, however, was more assertive before Yang Sheng than he had been before Wu Tianhao.
“Yang Sheng, news from the Dragon City Championship: although the Red Stick from Anfeng won, he broke several bones and has withdrawn from the next match.
“So it’s not a round of twenty-two to eleven; you’ve made it to the top ten in the Dragon City Championship.
“That rank is enough for Hong Sheng Union. You should forfeit the next match.”
Yang Sheng frowned slightly, setting down his cup with a serious tone.
“Boss, what exactly is going on?”
He Wenchang was no fool.
The further Yang Sheng advanced, the better for Hong Sheng Union.
Why suddenly forfeit?
Either something had gone wrong, or He Wenchang had lost his mind.
He Wenchang sighed helplessly, “I don’t know what’s going on. Anyway, it’s an order from Mr. Wu of Chao Yiyong.”
Yang Sheng sneered inwardly. His worries had come true.
Wu Tianhao had personally intervened.
He Wenchang was notoriously spineless; probably scared into submission without even asking why.
Playing with his tea cup, Yang Sheng said with some sarcasm, “Boss, even if Chao Yiyong is powerful, they can’t be this unreasonable.
“To order someone to forfeit on a whim? Why doesn’t that crippled Hao just become the referee of the Dragon City Championship?”
He Wenchang frowned, “Yang Sheng, I know you feel wronged, but the cost of angering Mr. Wu is too great—for you and especially for Hong Sheng Union.
“And this isn’t a discussion, it’s an order.
“Don’t forget, Hong Sheng Union is still under my leadership. If you refuse to forfeit, I’ll do it for you!”
Yang Sheng stared at He Wenchang and after a moment smiled.
“Boss, don’t be mad. I never said I wouldn’t forfeit.”
He Wenchang, not wanting to push Yang Sheng too far, nodded.
“One must know when to be practical.
“When Mr. Wu speaks, Hong Sheng Union can’t refuse.
“Go rest. Being a spectator at the arena is better than fighting to the death.”
“I understand, boss.”
Yang Sheng turned quietly and left, but He Wenchang felt an uneasy chill in his heart.
Back in his loft, Yang Sheng sorted through the money he had taken from Luo Rong and the funds collected from Hong Sheng Union’s territories.
After dark, he transferred the money to Gui Laowen.
“Ah Wen, gather all trusted brothers at the Hong Sheng Union hall. I have matters to discuss.”
Gui Laowen was momentarily surprised, then excitement lit his handsome face.
“I understand, Brother Sheng. I’ll bring only those we trust.”
Yang Sheng truly trusted only a few under his command, divided into three groups.
First, Gui Laowen and four others who had followed him to kill Luo Rong and Zhan Yaohui.
Second, a group of younger disciples whom he had incited to join Hong Sheng Union’s ranks.
Third, newcomers who had sought to apprentice under Yang Sheng, all drawn by his reputation and deeply admiring him.
Altogether, they numbered just over two hundred, but their loyalty was assured.
Inside the former Hong Sheng Union hall, the crowd gathered tightly, the entrance guarded by Leopard Head, standing like a door god.
Yang Sheng stood before them, silent, then opened box after box filled with stacks of Hong Kong dollars.
“Everyone, you know what kind of man I am, otherwise you wouldn’t be here today.
“You all know what Hong Sheng Union was before.
“A once-proud direct successor of the Hongmen, now trampled into a low-tier sunset gang. Our brothers had no pride in carrying the Hong Sheng Union name!
“Who changed all that?
“It was me, Yang Sheng. I killed Ruan Feng and Feng Le in the arena, wiped out Luo Rong and Zhan Yaohui off the streets, joined Hong Sheng Union, and made all the Hong Kong gangs afraid to underestimate us.
“Say we’re a sunset gang? Not anymore!”
The crowd’s eyes burned with fervor.
It was this spirit that made them willing to follow Yang Sheng.
“But now, that old fossil He Wenchang wants me to forfeit in the Dragon City Championship after making it to the top ten!
“I, Yang Sheng, refuse!
“Hong Sheng Union fell into ruin step by step under He Wenchang.
“The reputation I’ve clawed back with every punch and kick!
“The Hongmen value loyalty and righteousness, but that loyalty is not for a degenerate leader like He Wenchang!”
Yang Sheng’s gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke gravely.
“Life and death are decreed by fate; wealth and honor are in heaven’s hands.
“Those willing to storm the headquarters with me today to replace the leader, take a bundle of money and gamble for fortune!
“Those unwilling may stay here tonight and pray for safety.”
Many present were former headquarters members dissatisfied with He Wenchang’s leadership, deeply admiring Yang Sheng.
Some newcomers knew only Yang Sheng and not the old leader.
Fueled by Yang Sheng’s words, Gui Laowen, Dilu, and others led the way, taking the money. Everyone chose to risk it for fortune.
“Ah Wen, once inside the headquarters, lead your men to swiftly deal with the shooters. Overwhelm them—no chance to fire a shot.
“Dilu, take a few men and invite Uncle Wen and Uncle Qiang over. Be polite; avoid violence if possible.
“Leopard Head, open the door!”
After giving orders, Leopard Head swung open the entrance and charged into the Hong Sheng Union headquarters, wielding an alloy baseball bat at the forefront.