Chapter Seventy-Eight: Action

That's right, he intended to make a move against the Golden Tiger Gang.

Two deputy leaders at the sixth stage—no matter how strong the leader was, he couldn't be much stronger! With this thought, Qin Yi stepped into the next room, told his father he was heading out for a bit, and then went downstairs.

Soon after, he stood before the grand gates of a mansion on Jinchuan Street. Above the entrance hung a plaque emblazoned with two large golden characters: Golden Tiger.

Four burly men stood guard at the gate.

"What do you want? This is the main hall of the Golden Tiger Gang. Get lost!" The leading guard barked as Qin Yi approached.

"I want to join the Golden Tiger Gang. Let your leader know," Qin Yi replied calmly.

"Pft—hahaha! Who do you think you are? You think our Golden Tiger Gang is some kind of beggars' guild? Join just because you want to? And you want us to notify the leader? Do you think you have that right? Get out of here!"

"If you won't announce me, I'll go in myself and see your leader."

When Qin Yi tried to force his way in, the leading guard kicked at him. But before the kick even landed, the man felt a sharp pain in his chest as he was sent flying backward.

The other three guards barely had time to react before their world spun; with a flurry of movement, they too were knocked sprawling to the ground, crying out in pain.

Qin Yi walked into the front courtyard unimpeded.

"Someone's here causing trouble!" The lead guard coughed up blood but still managed to shout.

"Who dares break into the Golden Tiger Gang?"

From the house in the front yard, more than a dozen men rushed out. Seeing only one intruder, they were briefly astonished. Someone dared assault the Golden Tiger Gang single-handed? Did he not know what death meant?

"I wish to join your Golden Tiger Gang. Please ask your leader to come out," Qin Yi said with a smile.

"You hurt my men and now say you want to join us? Clearly you're here to make trouble! Get him—cripple him!" the hall leader, Liu Chongjie, snarled. Who did this kid think he was, demanding the leader by name?

With a shout, the dozen men surged toward Qin Yi.

"So this is how the Golden Tiger Gang welcomes guests? Ah... I truly didn't want to use force." Even as he spoke, Qin Yi vanished from sight.

A blur shot into the crowd. Where he passed, screams erupted as one gang member after another crumpled to the ground.

Within a few breaths, not a single one of the dozen men remained standing!

"You..." Liu Chongjie was both shocked and furious—this man was a true expert!

"What’s going on?" A figure hurried over from the back hall.

"Boss, this man broke into our main hall, called you out by name, and injured so many of us!" someone complained as He Hongjun, the leader, arrived.

He Hongjun narrowed his eyes at the sight of his elite members sprawled across the floor, a shadow crossing his face. "Friend, are you here to cause trouble?"

"No, I simply wanted to join your Golden Tiger Gang. The four men at your gate turned me away, so I had to use force," Qin Yi replied, shaking his head.

"You want to join the Golden Tiger Gang?" He Hongjun frowned slightly. Anyone who could defeat over a dozen elite members must at least be at the fifth stage.

"Yes!"

"Heh, you’re quite bold—beat up my men and still want to join. I like your spirit! But joining our Golden Tiger Gang requires passing three small tests. Only if you succeed can you join!" He Hongjun, recognizing Qin Yi's strength, was eager to recruit him.

As for the previous incident, he didn't care. The West District was always chaotic; adding a few strong subordinates would only benefit the gang.

"But, boss, he just..." Liu Chongjie began.

"A small misunderstanding, that's all," He Hongjun replied generously, waving it off.

"You require three trials to join?" Qin Yi asked.

"That’s right."

"That sounds far too troublesome. I have a better idea," Qin Yi said, revealing a brilliant smile.

"And what idea is that?" He Hongjun asked, almost reflexively.

"I’ll be the leader," Qin Yi replied.

The harmless look on his face made He Hongjun and the gang members erupt with rage.

"Damn you, you’re looking for death!" Only then did He Hongjun realize this youth had come to provoke them.

He lunged at Qin Yi.

But Qin Yi was faster!

He Hongjun's pupils contracted as the youth flashed before him like a shooting star.

"Heaven-Splitting Tiger!" Without hesitation, He Hongjun unleashed his secret technique and punched.

The exchange happened so quickly, no one could react.

The fist tore through the air with a piercing sound.

But in the next instant, He Hongjun was horrified to find that Qin Yi had vanished!

He barely had time to react—

Bang!

A searing pain exploded at his waist as he was swept off his feet by a kick!

"Impossible!" He Hongjun was numb with shock. He was a seventh-stage master, yet he couldn't withstand a single blow from this youth!

Eighth stage?

No, perhaps even ninth!

He crashed hard onto the cold, unyielding stone floor, unable to regain his balance in midair.

The entire exchange had lasted barely a second or two.

It was only when He Hongjun hit the ground that the others finally came to their senses.

Gulping, Liu Chongjie, who had been watching with detached amusement, suddenly felt as if he had awoken from a dream.

Silence.

The entire hall was still; not a single gang member dared even to breathe.

Qin Yi stepped toward He Hongjun, his voice calm as if suggesting a meal together: "How about I become the leader of the Golden Tiger Gang?"

Lying on the ground, He Hongjun felt as if several ribs had been broken. Watching this young man approach, his scalp tingled in fear.

Too strong!

And so young!

A demon!

If he refused, there could only be one outcome—death!

"Of course, of course! You be the leader, you be the leader!" He Hongjun stammered.

"Greetings, Leader!" Enduring his pain, He Hongjun crawled to his knees before Qin Yi.

If he was going to lose his life, what need was there for dignity?

If you can’t defeat him, join him!

Seeing Qin Yi stop, He Hongjun secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Noticing that the other gang members were still stunned, he shouted, "What are you all standing around for? Kneel and greet the new leader!"

"Ah... right!" Liu Chongjie was the first to react, dropping to his knees and bowing. "Greetings, Leader!"

The other members quickly followed suit, kneeling in unison.