"What are you doing?"

Ling Zhenfei had no idea what was happening, but by the looks of these people, they were clearly ready to start a fight.

"Cut the crap, are you a member of the Three Killers Club?"

One of them pointed a stick at Ling Zhenfei and asked. It seemed he was mistaking Ling Zhenfei for someone from the Three Killers Club.

"You've got the wrong guy, I'm not from the Three Killers Club. What do you mean by this?"

The few guys obviously didn't believe Ling Zhenfei. They exchanged glances and nodded to each other, their intent clear: to start a fight right away. Ling Zhenfei didn't mind teaching these youngsters a lesson if it really came to blows.

"Stop, what are you doing?"

Just as they were about to make their move, suddenly a voice rang out, halting the youngsters in their tracks.

Ling Zhenfei recognized the voice at once; it was Zhou Jian. He turned to look and sure enough, saw Zhou Jian approaching from a distance, followed by a dozen or so men who were no pushovers – each haughty and defiant, likely local ruffians. It was unclear why Zhou Tong was bringing so many toughs along.

Zhou Tong hurried over upon seeing Ling Zhenfei: "Boss, why are you here? This is a misunderstanding. My boys didn't start anything with you, did they?"

Zhou Tong's face was full of remorse, surprised at Ling Zhenfei's presence.

"What's all this about? You've left your car shop to gather so many people; what are you planning to do?"

Ling Zhenfei looked around. The gang Zhou Jian had brought with him numbered at least twenty, each armed, and from their menacing demeanor, they were obviously not there to dine.

"Big brother, it's a long story. Let's go inside and talk."

After ushering Ling Zhenfei inside the car shop, they settled down and were served tea. Then Zhou Jian began to share with Ling Zhenfei the reason behind the day's events.

The location of Zhou Jian's car shop was at a crossroads, a bustling and favorable spot, making it quite prosperous in the area. Zhou Jian had been running his car shop there for quite a while now, and because of his just character and formidable fighting skills, he had earned a reputation in the vicinity and had gathered a following of more than twenty underlings.

Although Zhou Jian's group had some clout in these few streets, there's always a higher mountain; a powerful faction called the Three Killers Club in the area was rapidly expanding its power and had recently cast its sights on Zhou Jian's territory.

The Three Killers Club wanted to annex them, but Zhou Jian and his people relied on these streets for their livelihood. If taken over by the Three Killers Club, they'd have no place left to turn to. Serving under others wouldn't be as comfortable as running their own show. Thus, they refused.

After the refusal, tensions escalated between the two sides and they became fierce enemies. That very morning, the Three Killers Club had sent a final ultimatum, threatening to flatten Zhou Jian's car shop if he and his people didn't comply.

That was why Zhou Jian had summoned his men, preparing to negotiate with the Three Killers Club that evening, ready to resort to violence if talks fell through.

"If it really comes to a fight, what are your chances of winning?" Ling Zhenfei asked after understanding the situation.

"Not much of a chance. The Three Killers Club's strength has grown immensely, especially their leader's. Other small factions nearby hardly lasted a few days before being taken over," said Zhou Jian, not attempting to hide the truth from Ling Zhenfei.

"How can you fight a battle with no chance of winning?"

Ling Zhenfei couldn't understand what Zhou Jian was thinking. If the power gap was so great, why bother pushing so hard? After all, such mergers were common occurrences.

Everything comes together only to fall apart again; China has come through thousands of years in this very way, let alone a few factions in a small region.

"Big brother, you've got it wrong," Zhou Jian said through gritted teeth, his hatred for the Triad evident. "Of course, we'd like to join a larger faction, but the Triad is out of the question. They're too unprincipled in their dealings."

"What exactly have they done to make you hate them so much?"

"Don't be fooled by the look of us brothers; we all have our own livelihoods. For instance, I have my motorcycle shop. We don't all follow the thuggish ways of the underworld. But the Triad is different. They involve themselves in anything profitable, no matter how despicable."

"Now, they are in charge of all the demolitions in the area. If there are stubborn holdouts during negotiations, Triad members wouldn't hesitate to drag people from their beds in the middle of the night and throw them into the river. The KTVs, nightclubs, and underground casinos here are all their enterprises, which are full of shady dealings and they make money that's downright dirty. Naturally, we brothers don't want to associate with such people."

Having heard Zhou Jian's explanation, Ling Zhenfei finally understood. The Triad was engaged in despicable actions, and Zhou Jian and his group, unwilling to stoop to their level, thus wished to resist.

"So, do you have a plan to deal with the Triad?"

"Tonight's meeting is to talk to the Triad. Our demands are not high; we just want them to leave these few streets to us. In the future, this could be considered a favor toward them."

"And if they don't agree?"

"If they don't agree, then a fight is the only option. I've made up my mind; I don't want to drag my brothers into this. When the time comes, I'll confront them myself. If I lose, then I'll just leave this place and start anew elsewhere," Zhou Jian said with determination.

"How confident are you in a one-on-one fight, given your skills?" Ling Zhenfei still had some knowledge of Zhou Jian's capabilities.

Zhou Jian shook his head: "I don't know who the Three Killers Club will send tonight, but any of their three leaders are strong. I don't stand a chance with my skills. But, big brother, if you could lend a hand, there would be no doubt of success."

As he spoke, Zhou Jian suddenly thought of Ling Zhenfei. He was well aware of Ling Zhenfei's strength – it was something he had experienced firsthand, making him feel its depth was unfathomable, which is why he suggested as much.

"I was just passing by today and didn't expect to encounter this situation. The last time my fish farm was poisoned, you provided me with a clue that ultimately led me to the culprit. I owe you a favor. Since you've come to me today, I will lend you a hand. Tonight, I'll meet this Three Killers Club."

Hearing Ling Zhenfei agree, Zhou Jian, who had been downcast, suddenly laughed with joy as if he had won a lottery. He had only mentioned it in passing, never expecting Ling Zhenfei to actually agree to get involved in this messy affair.

Ling Zhenfei had his own reasons for agreeing. By helping Zhou Jian and his people today, he was putting them in his debt. It would make things easier when he needed their help, given his fish farm was nearby and might be useful at any time.

"With your word, big brother, my car shop and the surrounding three streets are safe."

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