NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Confrontation
Chapter 25: Confrontation
"The Xuan Tiger Gang?"
Hearing the name, Lin Langtian frowned. How could an unknown, third-rate gang have the audacity to provoke the Lin Clan? Were they seeking death?
"Steward Lin, you've been stationed in the capital for years, gathering intelligence for the clan. Do you know anything about this Xuan Tiger Gang?" he asked, directing a sharp gaze at the stout steward Lin Tao.
This residence, though a temporary base for the Lin Clan in the imperial capital, doubled as an intelligence-gathering post—a fact both Lin Langtian and the royal family were well aware of. However, since many influential families had similar operations, the royal family generally turned a blind eye.
"Yes, Enforcement Elder. I know a little about the Xuan Tiger Gang," replied Lin Tao, nervously wiping cold sweat from his brow. If the clan pursued this matter, he, as the local head, would not escape the blame for their young talents' injuries.
Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed as a flash of hostility crossed his face. "So, who are these people? Why would they dare to disrespect the Lin Clan?"
"Uh, I'm not sure of their exact motives. All I know is that, at best, the Xuan Tiger Gang is only a second-rate gang, even in the capital," Lin Tao replied cautiously. "But… there are rumors that their leader, Huang Yin, has close ties with the Huangpu Clan, one of the Four Great Clans. Supposedly, Huang Yin was once a member of the Huangpu family but was expelled due to a transgression. He then took on a new name, settled in the capital, and established the Xuan Tiger Gang."
"The Huangpu Clan?" Lin Langtian muttered, his expression darkening as he connected the dots. "Huangpu Ying!"
The chain of events suddenly made sense; this was almost certainly related to Huangpu Ying. Lin Ke'er seemed to grasp the situation as well, her teeth clenched in anger. "Huangpu Ying! Does he really want to go to war with the Lin Clan?"
She remembered clearly the hostility Huangpu Ying showed toward Lin Langtian at the auction, though she hadn't expected him to stoop so low as to have the Huangpu Clan's subordinate forces harass Lin Ya and the others.
Lin Tao, hearing Huangpu Clan mentioned, grew even more anxious, his face pale. He, a mere steward, had no say in matters involving two of the empire's most powerful clans.
"Steward Lin, how many people do we have in the capital right now?" Lin Langtian asked sternly.
Lin Tao hesitated. "Enforcement Elder, since Lin City is so close to the capital, our past clan leaders have avoided stationing too many forces here. Right now, I'm the strongest member in the city, and I'm only at the Small Success level of the Formative Realm."
Hearing this, Lin Langtian's frown deepened. He hadn't expected their strength in the capital to be so limited, with no affiliated forces or high-level warriors present. Then again, the Lin Clan's proximity to the capital explained the arrangement. Encroaching on the capital would likely trigger royal retaliation, which is why the Lin Clan had always maintained a low profile here.
"Enforcement Elder, should we send a messenger falcon to request reinforcements from the main family? We could wipe out the Xuan Tiger Gang," Lin Tao suggested carefully.
"Help from afar won't solve an immediate issue. Besides, even if the royal family permits us to act, the Huangpu Clan would not sit idly by and let us attack their subordinates," Lin Langtian replied, shaking his head.
Lin Ke'er bit her lip. "Brother Langtian, what about Lin Chen and the others?"
Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed. "How strong is the Xuan Tiger Gang?"
Lin Tao immediately answered, "The Xuan Tiger Gang is considered second-rate in the capital. Their leader, Huang Yin, is at the Great Success level of the Qi Creation Realm and is said to have once fought a Half-Step Creation Realm warrior to a standstill. They also have a deputy leader, Cao Kun, a low-level Sigil Master with a bit of renown. They have seven or eight members at the Yuan Dan level, plus nearly a hundred other members at the Heavenly and Earth Yuan levels."
"Qi Creation Great Success…" Lin Langtian focused on Huang Yin's strength, clenching his fist. "Steward Lin, gather all our available forces. We're heading to the North District. As for Huang Yin, leave him to me!"
In the heart of the capital's North District, a bustling plaza surrounded by high-end shops sold everything from spirit herbs to weapons, armor, and even martial arts techniques and beast crystals. This area was known for its exclusive trading scene, attracting many distinguished patrons from all over the Great Yan Empire.
Today, however, a crowd had gathered around the square, watching two opposing groups. On one side, dressed in yellow, the Xuan Tiger Gang members exuded an aggressive, hostile energy. Recognized as one of the more prominent gangs in the North District, they controlled several streets in this area.
Facing them stood a group of younger individuals dressed in attire resembling that of the Lin Clan. Many onlookers were surprised—did the Xuan Tiger Gang dare challenge the Lin Clan?
"Little lady, spend the night with our leader, or none of you will leave here today," sneered a man with a sly, rodent-like face from the yellow-clad gang, eyeing Lin Ya's figure lecherously.
"Spend the night with your leader?" Lin Ya, dressed in a violet gown, stood across from him, her face flushed with anger, her beautiful expression brimming with rage.
"How dare you! We're from the Lin Clan! If you provoke us, the Xuan Tiger Gang will be wiped off the map!" Lin Chen shouted, still looking somewhat disheveled after a recent skirmish.
"The Lin Clan…" the yellow-clad group hesitated briefly at the name. The Four Great Clans commanded immense respect across the empire.
"Hmph! You're just a bunch of imposters using the Lin Clan's name to scare people," a middle-aged man in a luxurious yellow robe sneered as he stepped forward. His presence was powerful, indicating his strength—this was none other than Huang Yin, the leader of the Xuan Tiger Gang and a Great Success Qi Creation Realm warrior.
Lin Chen's face darkened at Huang Yin's accusation. No matter how they tried to reason with the gang, the Xuan Tiger Gang showed no intention of listening.
"Take them down! Capture these 'Lin Clan imposters,'" Huang Yin ordered, his eyes glinting with malice as he recalled his benefactor's instructions.
"Yes, Boss!" Reluctantly obeying, the gang members charged forward, though a few still doubted if anyone would truly impersonate one of the Four Great Clans.
Lin Chen and his group prepared to fight, their expressions tense, knowing they were severely outnumbered.
Suddenly, as the Xuan Tiger Gang members closed in, a powerful gust of wind burst onto the scene, sending the gang members staggering backward.
"Who's there?!" Huang Yin demanded, frowning as he turned to see a figure approaching.
The newcomer, dressed in green, strode forward with an aura of calm authority. A gentle breeze rustled his long hair, accentuating his composed and noble demeanor. His striking features and quiet confidence commanded the attention of everyone present.
Realizing who he was, many onlookers gasped in surprise.
"Lin Langtian!"