Chapter 335: Sun Leader

A gentle and refined young man walked in, surrounded by a few young gentlemen.

The young man was in his thirties, with a handsome, jade-like face. A faint smile graced his face, making people feel as if a spring breeze was caressing them, immediately engendering much goodwill. The almost imperceptible footsteps belonged to him.

The young man chatted and laughed with the others, and lightly scanned the second floor.

Upon seeing Han Li's ordinary face, he paid him no particular attention and went straight to the third floor. It seemed this was the so-called "distinguished guest."

As soon as these individuals went upstairs, exquisite dishes were continuously brought up by the waiters. Then, the servants and house guards were dismissed by the young gentlemen, clearly indicating they didn't want their conversation to be overheard by others.

Seeing this, Han Li's interest grew even stronger. He quietly extended his spiritual sense upstairs and listened to the conversation, hearing every word clearly.

"Brother Li, we truly owe you a great debt this time; otherwise, we would have suffered a huge loss! Your willingness to come here truly gives us face. Come, let me toast you first, Brother Li!" This was the voice of the thin young man, filled with gratitude.

"It's nothing," the handsome young man said courteously, appearing very approachable. "Those outsiders dared to abduct people right under the nose of our Five-Color Sect, which is inherently a taboo for our sect. It was only right for me to step in and rescue you all."

Hearing the words "Five-Color Sect" and "Brother Li," Han Li downstairs showed a hint of astonishment.

"Could it be such a coincidence? Just happened to run into someone related to the Five-Color Sect!"

Han Li was somewhat surprised.

"In any case, if not for Brother Li's help this time, we would have been in extreme danger," another young gentleman said, seemingly patting his chest. "From now on, if Brother Li ever needs our help with anything, we will never decline."

"Thank you for your kindness, brothers!" the handsome young man said, shifting the topic. "However, the person who abducted you this time is also quite prominent. That person is a well-known figure in the martial arts world; otherwise, how would an ordinary person dare to touch someone of your status in Jiayuan City?"

"Yes, these kidnappers are truly formidable," the thin young man said with lingering fear. "I was clearly sleeping soundly at home, but when I opened my eyes, I was somewhere else entirely. I was truly terrified at the time! Fortunately, our fathers and elder brothers found your esteemed father in time; otherwise, we would have suffered greatly!"

"Actually, Lord Wang and the others didn't even look for..." The young man surnamed Li chatted with these few.

Han Li, however, from their few short sentences, discerned the general gist of the matter.

These influential young gentlemen from Jiayuan City had been kidnapped by a group of external martial arts masters. As a result, their anxious fathers sought help from the Five-Color Sect. This young man, likely the son of the Five-Color Sect's leader, quickly stepped in and rescued them. Now they were holding a banquet to express their profound gratitude to this young sect master.

Downstairs, Han Li gazed absently out the window while listening to the flattering words the people upstairs directed at the young man surnamed Li. He hoped to hear some useful information about the Five-Color Sect Leader.

Not long after, a greeting from the thin young man made Han Li's spirits lift.

"Brother Li, I hear that Sect Leader Li's sixtieth birthday is in a few days," the thin young man said. "Your esteemed residence must be making preparations now! However, speaking of your father, he truly is hale and hearty for his age! At such an age, he's still full of vigor and doesn't look old at all! At that time, we must definitely come for a celebratory drink!"

"Haha! My father's cultivation is profound, naturally not comparable to ordinary people," the young sect master replied with a smile. "If you gentlemen wish to come, I, Li, will certainly welcome you warmly. Furthermore, my father has just returned from inspecting the branch offices outside and is preparing to personally oversee the arrangements for this event at home. He greatly values this birthday celebration."

"Then..."

Hearing this, Han Li withdrew his spiritual sense. Since he now knew the Five-Color Sect Leader was inside the Li residence, everything would be easier to handle.

Thinking of this, Han Li drained the cup of wine in his hand in one gulp. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a piece of silver, and placed it on the table, then said in a deep voice:

"Waiter, the bill. Keep the change!"

With these words, he swiftly went downstairs.

The waiter, naturally, followed behind, beaming and repeatedly expressing his thanks.

Once he exited the tavern, Han Li glanced a few times in the direction of the "Li Residence." A cold smile appeared on his lips, and he departed without looking back.

When evening came, he would make a trip to the Li Residence. If there were no other Foundation Establishment cultivators nearby, he would conveniently take the life of the Five-Color Sect Leader, thus fulfilling his promise.

But it was still daytime, and he was pressed for time. He still needed to take this opportunity to deal with another matter first.

Thinking this, Han Li vanished into the bustling crowd.

The "Siping Gang" was now renowned in Jiayuan City. While it couldn't yet compare with the largest gangs, it was definitely a top-tier force among mid-sized gangs. Its leader was still "Sun Ergou," who had risen to power with astonishing speed back then.

Of course, Sun Ergou's status was vastly different from before. Naturally, no one dared to address him by that name anymore. Now, anyone who saw Sun Ergou respectfully called him "Gang Leader Sun."

The headquarters of the "Siping Gang" was no longer its old location from over a decade ago but had moved to a wealthier street within the city.

The gang members no longer engaged in the arduous livelihoods of dock laborers. Instead, after a period of struggle and fighting, they had acquired a considerably lucrative territory and even started legitimate businesses like pawnshops and taverns.

Consequently, the Siping Gang became increasingly wealthy, and "Gang Leader Sun's" life became increasingly comfortable.

Just last month, Gang Leader Sun had taken a ninth concubine, a rather famous courtesan in Jiayuan City.

This concubine indeed possessed some enchanting charms, captivating Gang Leader Sun, who was already past forty, making him dote on her excessively from the moment she entered the household. He almost lingered in her room every day, unable to tear himself away. As for his other concubines, they had long been forgotten.

It wasn't even dark yet, and Gang Leader Sun was already excitedly heading towards the backyard.

Just thinking of the young beauty's charming appearance, he felt a warmth in his heart and an unbearable itch.

But when Gang Leader Sun pushed open the door to the fragrant room, he was instantly stunned!

He saw a young man sitting directly opposite the door. And when this man saw Gang Leader Sun enter, he lazily said:

"Sun Ergou, I didn't expect you to have some real ability! The Siping Gang is quite well-managed. It seems I didn't choose the wrong person back then!"

This young man, who not only called him by his full name but also spoke in a completely condescending tone, was none other than Han Li, who had secretly infiltrated the Siping Gang's headquarters.

The moment Sun Ergou saw Han Li, he immediately recognized the mysterious figure who had supported his rise to power all those years ago. After all, due to taking the "Everlasting Youth Pill," Han Li's appearance hadn't changed at all over the years!

This left Sun Ergou astonished, and his heart churned like turbulent waves.

But after a moment of uncertainty on his face, Sun Ergou immediately showed a respectful expression, hastily stepped forward a few paces, and bowed:

"So, Young Master has arrived! Your humble servant Sun Ergou pays his respects!"

It was truly difficult for Gang Leader Sun. He hadn't spoken to anyone in such a subservient manner for many years, yet he could still do so with such familiarity and naturalness.

Seeing Sun Ergou's attitude, Han Li raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise. But then he smiled faintly and said with some interest:

"Forget it! You're a gang leader now; there's no need for such elaborate formalities. I only came to see how you've developed; I'll be leaving soon."

Upon hearing Han Li say this, Sun Ergou immediately felt much more at ease. He had been afraid that this person would demand he relinquish his power the moment he arrived. Having been in a high position for so many years, he knew a little about cultivators, and they were not figures mere mortals could resist.

Speaking of which, this person was truly like a dragon, appearing without a trace. He had originally thought that since the other party had given him such great benefits, they would naturally use him as a puppet. But he hadn't expected that after saying he would let go, this person wouldn't show up for so many years. This had truly allowed him to experience the life of someone superior to others!

But he hadn't expected that just when he thought the other party might have completely forgotten about him, this young master suddenly reappeared.

This made him, who didn't know Han Li's true intentions, feel genuinely anxious and uneasy.

"Oh!" Han Li looked at Sun Ergou twice, and a hint of surprise suddenly appeared on his face.

"Come here and extend your wrist!" Han Li commanded, frowning and leaving no room for argument.

Sun Ergou froze slightly upon hearing this. After a moment of hesitation, he still obediently stepped forward and extended an arm.

Han Li unceremoniously grabbed the other party's wrist and injected a trace of spiritual energy into his body, allowing it to quickly circulate through all his meridians.

A moment later, Han Li released his hand, his expression unchanged, and uttered a sentence that made Gang Leader Sun's face drain of color.

"You've been poisoned with a chronic, insidious poison. You can live for, at most, another month." Han Li's voice was cold, devoid of any emotion.