Chapter 118: Setting the Plan to Seize the Gang

"He didn't mention when, but judging by his tone, it seemed to be very recent. As for the meeting location, that wasn't mentioned either," Sun Ergou said, scratching his head awkwardly.

Han Li frowned, realizing that Sun Ergou's information wasn't precise and likely had many missing details.

He lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in his mind.

Han Li carefully observed Sun Ergou, then, with a smile, he said:

"Sun Ergou, I'm very satisfied with your work these past few days. The latest information, in particular, is a significant contribution, so I'm going to reward you handsomely!"

Sun Ergou was overjoyed, and his face lit up with a huge smile.

He never expected that simply providing a few bits of minor information would earn him such appreciation from this 'master' and lead to a handsome reward. It seemed very straightforward to work for this person. He wondered how he would be rewarded—perhaps a large sum of gold, silver, and jewels?

Sun Ergou couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.

"Are you interested in becoming the leader of the Siping Gang?" Han Li's words were like a thunderclap, startling Sun Ergou, whose face changed drastically, as if his soul had left his body.

"Young Master, what kind of joke is this? Please don't toy with me! How could someone like me, with my meager virtues and abilities, be qualified to be a gang leader?" Sun Ergou muttered with a mournful face.

"Why not?" Han Li said, enticing him with a light laugh. "With me supporting you, a small Siping Gang would be easily within your grasp! Or are you content to remain a small dock foreman for the rest of your life?"

Upon hearing these words, Sun Ergou's expression flickered between emotions. He felt surprise, fear, but more than anything, excitement.

Any man would want to someday have beautiful women, wield great power, and control the lives and deaths of others.

The ambition buried deep in Sun Ergou's heart was gently ignited by Han Li's few words. However, he still had some reservations, so he didn't immediately agree to Han Li's proposal.

"Our gang leader and his three protectors are not weak in martial arts. Young Master, can you guarantee you can subdue them?" Sun Ergou asked in a low, probing voice.

"Subdue them? Heh, is that necessary? Just kill them all!" Han Li said with a cold laugh, looking as if he regarded them as mere trifles.

Seeing this, Sun Ergou couldn't help but shiver. This young master's bloodlust was truly immense! If he didn't agree, he might be immediately dealt with himself.

"Since Young Master thinks so highly of me, I'll sell my life to you. Everything will be as the Young Master commands." Under Han Li's combination of persuasion and intimidation, Sun Ergou finally decided to take the risk.

"Good, that's right!" Han Li nodded with satisfaction.

"Tell me when your gang leader usually goes out recently," Han Li asked casually.

"Yes, there is. These past few days, he goes to Xiaoxiang Courtyard, the most popular brothel in the West City, every afternoon. He's recently become infatuated with their star courtesan, Xiao Jinzhi. However, his three protectors also accompany him, which might make things difficult. Perhaps we should wait a few more days for a better opportunity!" Since Sun Ergou had agreed, he immediately put all his effort into securing his life and future prosperity.

"No need. Now that we know the time and place, taking their lives will be as easy as turning over one's hand," Han Li said lightly.

"However, after they die, you probably won't have the ability to take over the Siping Gang, will you?"

"Yes, I'm just an ordinary foreman within the gang," Sun Ergou said, feeling ashamed. "There are many people with higher status and more seniority than me."

"It's fine. If I say you'll be the Siping Gang leader, you will be," Han Li said confidently. "I will assign Qu Hun to you. He will eliminate anyone who opposes you and will personally protect you for a period."

Then Han Li calmly tapped three times on the wall of the adjacent room. A moment later, Qu Hun appeared before them.

"Take this and keep it hidden close to you. As long as you have this item on your person, Qu Hun will obey your commands. He will deal with your enemies and help you ascend to the position of gang leader."

Han Li took out the 'Soul-Guiding Bell' from his pocket. After gently stroking it with his hand, he solemnly handed it to Sun Ergou.

Even someone who is not Qu Hun's master can command Qu Hun by holding the 'Soul-Guiding Bell.' This was another method Doctor Mo had taught Han Li for controlling Qu Hun. Furthermore, as long as the original owner whose blood was dripped onto the 'Soul-Guiding Bell' was still alive, any attempts by others to tamper with the artifact would be useless. Therefore, Han Li wasn't worried about Sun Ergou having malicious intentions or trying other schemes.

Sun Ergou had personally witnessed Qu Hun's impressive display of power, so he was exceptionally surprised and delighted after receiving the small bell. His courage immediately grew considerably.

"Thank you for your generosity, Young Master! I will be utterly loyal to you!" However, he was also very astute. He knew that even if he truly became the Siping Gang leader, he would still merely be this 'master's' puppet. So, given any opportunity, he would constantly express his loyalty.

"Go back and prepare! As soon as that gang leader dies, you are to seize control of the Siping Gang amidst the chaos. But there's one thing you must remember: send me the person who saw the male and female immortals, unharmed. I have questions for him. Did you get that?" Han Li's last sentence was extremely stern, clearly showing how important this was to him.

"Please rest assured, Young Master! I will definitely bring him here completely unharmed, and I will not disappoint you!" Sun Ergou immediately thumped his chest and swore, looking utterly devoted.

"Good that you know! Take Qu Hun and leave," Han Li instructed calmly. "When you come to see me again, you will be the gang leader!"

"I'll take my leave!" Seeing that Han Li had dismissed him, Sun Ergou wisely exited the room immediately, with Qu Hun following closely behind.

As soon as Sun Ergou left the room, Han Li stood up. After pacing half a circle around the room, he suddenly opened his mouth and let out a soft, melodious, prolonged whistle. As a result, the Cloudwing Bird swooped in through the window and landed on Han Li's shoulder.

Han Li took out a small bottle from his pocket, poured out a 'Yellow Chestnut Pellet'—the Cloudwing Bird's favorite treat—and gently tucked it into the bird's beak. Then he said softly: "Little fellow, follow the person who just left the room. If he tries to escape once he's outside the city limits, come tell me immediately."

After hearing Han Li's words, the Cloudwing Bird let out a few intelligent chirps, then flew out the window again, disappearing into the sky.