Chapter 82 The Great Battle Approaches

"What? You're targeting someone named Mo Han?" Zuo Qinglong stared at Zuo Wenshan in disbelief.

"That's right, the son-in-law of the Li family. I swear I'll cripple his limbs!" Zuo Wenshan spoke with a vicious glare.

Zuo Qinglong's heart skipped a beat as Mo Han's brutality flashed through his mind. He forced a bitter smile and said, "Second Young Master, to be honest, I just suffered at Mo Han's hands. All my men are currently detained at the pharmaceutical factory by him..."

"What? That useless man is that strong?" Zuo Wenshan's mouth gaped open, unable to believe it.

Zuo Qinglong was the chess piece arranged by their Zuo family from Yuzhou to Qiancheng, meant as a trump card against the Fifth Lord. Yet he had actually been defeated by a mere son-in-law? How could that be possible?

"Fifth Uncle, are you refusing to help me and just making up excuses?" Zuo Wenshan eyed Zuo Qinglong suspiciously.

Zuo Qinglong smiled bitterly and showed him his left hand, suspended from his chest. "He broke this hand. And the fifty million I've accumulated in Qiancheng over the years—all extorted by him."

Zuo Wenshan stared at Zuo Qinglong for several seconds before finally nodding. "Alright, I'll ask Big Brother for help."

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Brother, I was beaten in Qiancheng, even lost a tooth. You have to help me get revenge!" Zuo Wenshan said fiercely.

"Who dares lay a hand on our family? Are they courting death? Don't worry, I'll send someone to Qiancheng today to avenge you!" A ruthless voice came from the other end, then the line disconnected.

"Second Young Master, make sure Big Young Master sends some real experts. That kid is too strong; ordinary men are just throwing themselves away," Zuo Qingcheng reminded anxiously.

"Fifth Uncle, don't worry. The men with Big Brother are all top-notch, not just regular bodyguards," Zuo Wenshan replied disdainfully.

Seeing that Zuo Wenshan had hung up, Zuo Qinglong wanted to say more, but could only remain silent.

Yet the thought of Mo Han's terrifying strength left him little faith in the people Zuo Da Gongzi would send.

Though he'd left the Zuo family for over a decade, he knew their capabilities well. There were stronger people than him, but not many—mostly the family's true guardians. He doubted Zuo Da Gongzi would deploy those few.

But even if Wenshan called him Fifth Uncle, he held no real status within the family. He couldn't keep refusing Zuo Wenshan's requests. Only when Wenshan suffered defeat would he finally understand.

...

The news that Fifth Lord would personally move against Mo Han spread through the entire underground world overnight.

Those who'd suffered at Mo Han's hands were full of anticipation—like Xu Biao.

He was nearly trembling with excitement. Hundreds of his men were still being forced to work for free at the pharmaceutical factory, humiliating him thoroughly. He'd believed Fifth Lord would never act, but now not only would he, he would do so personally. This surprised Xu Biao and made him respect Fifth Lord even more.

Zuo Qinglong, upon hearing the news, immediately informed Zuo Wenshan, advising him to wait—let Fifth Lord and Mo Han fight first, perhaps both would be weakened. This time, Zuo Wenshan listened, suppressing his anger and holding back. Those unfamiliar with Mo Han kept probing, eager to know who this mysterious man was, to warrant Fifth Lord's personal action.

It was a first for the underground world. Ever since Fifth Lord founded Gathering Hall and delegated his business to groups like Sakura Society and Azure Dragon Society, no one had seen him act personally. For over ten years, they hadn't even heard rumors of it.

Now, Fifth Lord was joining forces with Blade Tyrant to deal with an obscure young man. How could they not be shocked?

Of course, they didn't know Fifth Lord's true identity. He actually worked for the Mo family from the north. Over the years, he'd made them vast sums, but their demands only grew harsher. He was not content.

Fifth Lord sensed a threat from Mo Han, one that came from the northern Mo family. He felt Mo Han was sent by them, specifically to target him—a conviction that only grew stronger.

"Old friend, who would have thought, today we two will join forces once again."

Inside a luxury imported Mercedes G-Class, Fifth Lord gripped his long sword tightly—a blade he hadn't wielded in ten years.

He was a master swordsman, and together with Blade Tyrant, their sword and blade had swept all before them. Years ago, they arrived in Qiancheng from the north, carving out an underworld empire with nothing but their weapons.

Their strength was unmatched.

Fifth Lord founded Gathering Hall, and for ten years, no one dared challenge it.

"Though I feel a surge of excitement, isn't it a bit much for us both to gang up on a youngster?" Blade Tyrant tightened his grip on his scabbard and smiled faintly.

He had sensed powerful aura in Mo Han, but until they'd truly fought, nothing could be certain.

"Never underestimate the Mo family. We left them—you know how terrifying they are," Fifth Lord shook his head.

Ever cautious, even though he now dominated Qiancheng, he hadn't changed his habits.

"True. If Mo Han is really sent by the Mo family, we can't afford any carelessness," Blade Tyrant nodded. "But even if we kill him, another Mo family expert will come for us. If it's one of their true elites, even together we won't stand a chance."

Fifth Lord shook his head. "Relax, I've checked. The north is unstable now; the Mo family doesn't have the resources to deal with us. Besides, we can cooperate with the Zuo family of Yuzhou."

"Zuo family?"

Blade Tyrant was puzzled. "How could they compete with the Mo family?"

"That's what you don't know," Fifth Lord smiled confidently. "The Zuo family has connections in the north too, and they're not beneath the Mo family. So the Mo family can't afford to break ties."

"I see," Blade Tyrant said with sudden understanding. "No wonder you allowed Zuo Qinglong, the Zuo family's pawn, to let Azure Dragon Society grow step by step—your plan began years ago."

He couldn't help but admire Fifth Lord's far-sightedness.

For years, they had worked tirelessly for the Mo family, but only received a paltry twenty percent of the profits—something they couldn't accept. Yet they dared not openly break with the Mo family. Who would have thought Fifth Lord had laid the groundwork years ago?

Blade Tyrant truly admired Fifth Lord from his heart.

"There's likely a fierce battle ahead. Rest, conserve your strength," Fifth Lord said with a faint smile, then closed his eyes to meditate.