However, as soon as Hong Feiqiu spoke, Song Lei's brows furrowed, and he stepped forward as well. His voice was cold as he said, "Hong Feiqiu, did Xiao Long refuse to admit defeat? He was merely expressing doubt about that kid's gambling skills."
Pointing at Hunter Liu, Song Lei continued, "He's an unknown nobody in Poyang City, without a shred of reputation. We've never even seen or heard of him in the gambling scene. Who knows where he came from? And yet today, he suddenly defeats Xiao Long? Isn't it reasonable for Xiao Long to doubt him?"
"Hmph! I think some people are just afraid of losing face. Honestly, whether we cut off his arms or not doesn't really matter. His arms aren't worth much—cutting them would only dirty my inn. But, Song Lei, don't forget to hand over the five inns and the gambling hall you bet on. I've been looking to expand, and those will do nicely," Hong Feiqiu sneered, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction.
Song Lei's face was dark, and he was momentarily speechless.
Five inns and a gambling hall amounted to nearly half of the Qingshan Gang's assets. If they were handed over, the Qingshan Gang's reputation in Poyang City would take a severe hit, potentially dropping below even the lowest-tier gangs.
At this moment, neither Shu Sheng nor Zhou Longqi made any move. Shu Sheng was on guard against Zhou Longqi, while Zhou Longqi, unable to find a valid reason to intervene further, could only stand in silence. His expression was equally grim, and his gaze toward Hunter Liu glimmered with a cold, murderous intent.
Xiao Long kept his head slightly lowered, his thoughts unreadable. He no longer dared to face Song Lei.
"You cheater! I can't believe you'd dare cheat even in a setting like this! Watch as I take you down today!"
Suddenly, Xiao Long, who had been bowing his head, jerked it up. His eyes gleamed with a sharp, ferocious light, and his entire body surged forward like a tank. With a thunderous roar, he charged at Hunter Liu and, to everyone's shock, aimed an iron fist directly at his head.
Hiss...
Xiao Long's speed was astonishing. The short distance between him and Hunter Liu—barely two steps—was closed in an instant. His sudden attack left everyone around stunned.
Even those who noticed the attack had no time to intervene. And with Xiao Long's strength, ordinary people couldn't stop him even if they tried.
"You scoundrel!"
Hong Feiqiu shouted furiously and darted forward at full speed. However, as he moved, Xiao Long's fist was already descending toward Hunter Liu's head.
The force of Xiao Long's punch was so fierce that the wind from it caused Hunter Liu's hair to whip around.
Xiao Long's eyes were wild with madness and excitement. Earlier, he had thought that attacking Hunter Liu might be difficult, given his speed. But to his surprise, it now seemed so easy.
Just one second. No, not even a second—half a second was enough. In half a second, he could smash Hunter Liu's head like a watermelon. After that, he could simply accuse Hunter Liu of cheating and fabricate some evidence. A dead man couldn't defend himself.
Swish...
But just as Xiao Long was overwhelmed with excitement, a flash of white light suddenly streaked before his eyes. He instantly felt a sharp, searing pain in his arm, followed by a burst of blood spraying into the air.
"Ahhh!"
Xiao Long's scream rang out as he realized his arm had been severed from his body. The unbearable pain from the wound was like nothing he had ever experienced.
Blood gushed from the stump where his arm had been, and he staggered backward, his face contorted in agony.