Chapter 230 - 135: Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves

The Three Rivers Gang was able to occupy Gathering Island, allowing traveling merchants to pass safely through this stretch of water under their protection.

The foundation of this was the Three Rivers Gang’s prestige on these waters.

This prestige came from the Three Rivers Water Token, won at the Three Rivers Water Assembly.

Without the Three Rivers Water Token, why would the Water Thieves in this region heed the Three Rivers Gang’s commands?

And so, what Zuo Mingqiu had come for tonight was far more than just the Three Rivers Water Token.

"So, Gang Leader Fang, you’ve decided not to give it to me?"

Zuo Mingqiu smiled.

"No matter. Since Gang Leader Fang won’t give it up, we wouldn’t dare force you.

"Oh, right... I came in such a hurry that I didn’t have much time to prepare. I only managed to bring two small gifts for you, Gang Leader Fang. I hope you won’t find them too shabby."

As he said this, he clapped his hands lightly.

Someone immediately came forward from behind him, holding a box.

Zuo Mingqiu took it casually and, with a flick of his wrist, sent the box flying straight toward Fang Yinuo.

Fang Yinuo reached out to catch it, but in his drunken state, his head was spinning and his vision was blurry.

His reach seemed steady enough to catch it, but in reality, it was off by a mile.

The corner of Zuo Mingqiu’s mouth curved into a smirk.

Whether he caught the box or not was, in itself, meaningless.

But if word got out that the leader of the Black Water Stronghold threw a box that the Three Rivers Gang Leader couldn’t even catch...

...well, that wouldn’t sound very good.

Just as Fang Yinuo was about to be humiliated, a hand suddenly shot out from the side and caught the box.

Zuo Mingqiu’s smile froze on his face. He turned to look at the owner of the hand, only to see a young man he had never met before.

His brow furrowed slightly.

"So young, yet so skilled. I didn’t use much force when I threw that box, but it’s still not easy to catch.

"Are you with the Three Rivers Gang?"

Jiang Ran ignored him, instead placing the box on the table.

"Be careful, it could be a trap," Ruan Yuqing warned softly.

Jiang Ran nodded, moved back a little, and then carefully opened the box.

There were no traps inside, but there were two items.

One was a valuable-looking Jade Pendant.

The other was a bloody, severed ear.

Jiang Ran’s brow furrowed, his expression turning grim.

Fang Yinuo, who hadn’t yet had a chance to thank Jiang Ran for saving him from embarrassment, also saw the two items in the box. His face instantly turned pale.

He reached out and took both the Jade Pendant and the ear in his hands.

After carefully examining the Jade Pendant to confirm its authenticity, he gritted his teeth and looked at Zuo Mingqiu.

"You... What have you done to my son?"

Zuo Mingqiu gave Jiang Ran a deep look, then smiled.

"Your son is fine for now. But in a little while... that might not be the case."

"Zuo Mingqiu, as the leader of the Black Water Stronghold, you’re a prominent figure in your own right.

"What kind of hero threatens someone with a child?

"Even if you get the Three Rivers Water Token, who do you think will submit to you?"

Fang Yinuo’s voice was deep and heavy, yet it carried a tremor that even he himself barely noticed.

His own son was in their hands. How could anyone else possibly understand his anguish?

But even now, he still maintained the composure of a Gang Leader.

"If you want the Three Rivers Water Token, you should have showcased your skills at the Three Rivers Water Assembly and won the admiration of heroes from all corners!

"That would be the proper and legitimate way.

"This behavior of yours... you’re breaking the rules of the waterways.

"Even if I, Fang Yinuo, die today, do you really think you can... get everything you want?"

"The rules of the waterways?"

Zuo Mingqiu laughed freely. "The rules of the waterways are long overdue for a change. Fang Yinuo, you’ve occupied the Three Rivers region for twenty years; your era is over. The Three Rivers Water Token is just collecting dust in your hands! Only with me in command can the three gangs and six strongholds of this region realize their true potential!

"Today, I’ll give you a choice.

"If you’re willing to cripple your own martial arts right here in front of me, I’ll return your son to you. How about it?"

Having said that, he glanced back at the sky outside and chuckled.

"But, Gang Leader Fang... you need to decide quickly.

"Time waits for no one.

"It is now the Hour of the Pig. I calculated this before I came.

"From this moment on, if you haven’t made a decision within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the next thing to be cut off will be Fang Li’s other ear.

"After that, for every cup of tea that passes, he will lose another piece of himself.

"If you’re willing, I can drag this out with you all night."

At this, he casually pulled out a chair and sat down.

"I reckon by tomorrow morning, your son will be nothing but a pile of dry bones."

"You!!"

Fang Yinuo’s eyes looked ready to split with rage. He then nodded his head repeatedly.

"Good, good, good... What a man, Zuo Mingqiu.

"But do you think I’ll believe you just because you say so?"

"You have no choice."

Zuo Mingqiu took out a signal flare from his robes.

"If you cripple your martial arts, I will use this to signal them to stand down.

"Otherwise... you’re welcome to try me."

The moment his last word fell, there was a rushing sound.

Fang Yinuo had already leaped into the air.

His two palms struck out mid-air. The force of the blow sent the surrounding cups and saucers flying.

A fierce light flashed in Zuo Mingqiu’s eyes as he sneered.

"I’ve been waiting for this!"

He channeled his power into his palms. With a WHOOSH, layers of Gang Qi manifested, and two wisps of Black energy coalesced in his hands.

In an instant, the wails of what sounded like Fierce Ghosts could be faintly heard all around.