Bab 53: Chapter 53: The Curtain Falls (2)
Zhou Longqi's words caused another wave of shock to sweep through the inn.
"City Lord Shu, if you continue to interfere in this matter, there will be no possibility of reconciliation between us. Hmph, you decide," Zhou Longqi said coldly, glaring at Shu Sheng. With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and walked out. Song Lei and the others quickly followed behind him.
In no time, Zhou Longqi's group disappeared from the inn, and the hundreds of onlookers outside also began to disperse.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Changhong Inn has urgent matters to handle today, so we will not be open for business. Please leave for now. All your expenses today will be on the house," Hong Feiqiu announced to the surrounding patrons in a loud voice.
The crowd began filing out of the inn, but as they left, many cast glances at Hunter Liu. His performance today had left them in awe. First, he had thoroughly humiliated Xiao Long with his exceptional dice-cup skills, a slap in the face for his opponent. Then, with a speed that even a Tongmai Realm First Layer martial artist would envy, he severed Xiao Long's arms and later killed him outright, all without fear of the Qingshan Gang or the Skull Gang.
His imposing aura was on par with that of the rarely-seen swordmasters, Liuxing and Zhao Huan.
"Brother Hunter, are you alright?"
As the crowd left the Changhong Inn, Liu Huihui and Liu Qin approached Hunter Liu, their faces filled with concern and curiosity as they looked him over.
"Don't overthink it. I'll explain everything to you later," Hunter Liu said softly, patting their shoulders.
At this moment, Hong Feiqiu approached Hunter Liu, cupping his fists respectfully. "I am Hong Feiqiu, leader of the Luohong Gang. May I know your name, young man?"
Hunter Liu smiled and replied, "I'm Hunter Liu, and these two are my friends."
Hong Feiqiu nodded and then looked toward Shu Sheng. "City Lord, you've seen Hunter Liu's abilities. The Luohong Gang could use someone like him, so I hope you won't take him away from us."
Shu Sheng laughed heartily and stepped forward. "Don't worry. While Hunter Liu is talented, I already have Zhao Huan. But Hunter Liu will be in danger staying with you—Zhou Longqi has already marked him."
Hong Feiqiu nodded. "You're right, City Lord Shu. Zhou Longqi is a vengeful man. Today, Hunter Liu not only defeated Xiao Long but also killed him, which was a major blow to Zhou Longqi's pride. With the strength Hunter Liu displayed today, it's clear he has immense potential, and Zhou Longqi won't allow a potential threat to grow unchecked. However, with Liuxing ahead of us as a distraction, I think Hunter Liu will be safer for now."
Shu Sheng pondered briefly, then sighed. "Liuxing and the Skull Gang have irreconcilable hatred. He won't let anyone assist him in seeking revenge, which is why the Skull Gang has been so brazen in targeting him. But for him to kill Zhou Longyun today... That's a move even I can't protect him from. Whether he survives will depend entirely on his luck."
Turning to Hunter Liu, Shu Sheng added, "For now, stay with the Luohong Gang. If you leave their protection, the Skull Gang will likely track you down. They have dozens of Tongmai Realm martial artists. While your speed rivals that of a Tongmai Realm First Layer fighter, your combat strength still falls short. If you encounter a Skull Gang enforcer, you'll be in grave danger."
Shu Sheng's eyes glimmered with admiration as he spoke, seeing in Hunter Liu a shadow of Liuxing: sharp, decisive, and deadly.
Without waiting for Hunter Liu's response, Shu Sheng turned and strode out of the inn, disappearing quickly.
As Shu Sheng left, Hong Feiqiu turned to Hunter Liu and said, "Hunter Liu, before your contest with Xiao Long, I promised that win or lose, you would become a guest elder of the Luohong Gang. Rest assured, I'll keep my word. Once I return to headquarters, I'll make the announcement."
"You're too kind, Chief Hong," Hunter Liu replied with a smile, not refusing the offer. He needed an official position, not for himself, but to provide protection for Liu Huihui and Liu Qin.
Seeing Hunter Liu accept, Hong Feiqiu asked, "Hunter Liu, earlier you mentioned you had a reason for challenging Xiao Long. Would you mind sharing it now?"
Hearing this, the others nearby turned their attention to Hunter Liu, curious about what could have prompted him to take such bold action against the Qingshan Gang and its allies.
Hunter Liu chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "It's nothing major, really. A thief stole my coin pouch earlier, and I didn't have any money to pay for my meal. I had to make up for it somehow."
His sheepish explanation drew a mix of shock and laughter from the group.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone