After my rebirth, my Martial Sect will surely sweep the martial world in blood.

As dawn broke, the last vestiges of darkness in the southern alleyways of the city were dispelled, along with the lingering stench of blood. By the time Lin Mo returned to the simple hut assigned to the minor leader at the canal gang's dock, it was already broad daylight. The wound on his left arm had been treated and was no longer bleeding, but a dull ache reminded him of the perilous battle of the previous night.

The sandalwood box in his arms pressed against the heavy black iron token, emitting a distinct yet equally real tactile sensation. He didn't immediately examine the fragment of the "Records of the Netherworld," which he had acquired at great expense and through fierce battle. Instead, he carefully tended to his wounds, changed into clean clothes, and carefully hid the token and box. Although Mr. Mo had promised to handle the aftermath of last night's events, the threat of "Shadow Fiend" hung like a sword over his head, requiring him to be even more cautious.

As Lin Mo patrolled the docks and supervised the loading and unloading of goods as usual, he could feel several subtle gazes upon him. Some were the awe of the Canal Gang brothers for exposing the third leader and his promotion to a higher position, while others were the hidden curiosity and investigation following the black market turmoil of the previous night. He remained calm and composed, continuing to perform the duties of a minor leader, as if the person who had stirred up a bloodbath in the black market alleys and frightened away the "Shadow Fiend" master the previous night had nothing to do with him.

In the afternoon, a member of the Canal Gang came to deliver a message, saying that the gang leader wanted to see him. Lin Mo's heart stirred slightly, and he followed the man to the Canal Gang's main hall.

Inside the main hall, gang leader Zhao Kun sat in the main seat, his face solemn, with several hall masters seated beside him. Upon seeing Lin Mo enter, Zhao Kun spoke directly, his tone grave: "Lin Mo, you've arrived. Sit."

Lin Mo sat down at the lower end as instructed.

Zhao Kun looked at him sharply: "The news of what happened at the black market in the south of the city last night has spread. 'Black Bear' Liu Mang is dead, and several of his capable henchmen have also been killed. It is said that... they were killed by a mysterious master." He paused, then added meaningfully, "Moreover, there were traces of 'Shadow Fiend' activity at the scene."

The gazes of several hall masters all fell on Lin Mo, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment. The Canal Gang was well-informed, and they couldn't possibly be unaware of such a major change in the black market. Considering Lin Mo's leave yesterday, as well as his extraordinary skills and calm mind that he had previously displayed, it was not surprising that they suspected him.

Lin Mo remained calm, meeting Zhao Kun's gaze, and said frankly, "Chief, you are right. I did go to the black market last night and participated in the auction."

He neither directly admitted that he killed Liu Mang and the others, nor did he deny it. This attitude only confirmed the suspicions of Zhao Kun and the others.

A glint flashed in Zhao Kun's eyes, and he slowly said, "It really was you. Liu Mang has been entrenched in the black market for many years and has considerable power. He is also a skilled fighter who has opened up six meridians. The fact that you were able to kill him... it seems that I underestimated your strength." He then changed the subject, "However, the 'Shadow Fiends' are not to be trifled with. They act mysteriously and are ruthless. Being targeted by them will cause considerable trouble."

"Understood, sir." Lin Mo nodded. "This was purely a matter of self-defense. If they don't provoke me, I naturally won't provoke them."

"That's true..." Zhao Kun pondered for a moment, "According to our information, it seems that Mr. Mo has already stepped in and handed over the channels vacated after Liu Mang's death to that 'mysterious expert' from last night?"

This is both a test and a confirmation.

"Yes." Lin Mo gave an affirmative answer this time, "Mr. Mo has indeed handed over those channels to my subordinates to manage."

Upon hearing this, the hall masters all showed expressions of astonishment. The black market channels represented enormous profits and a vast network of connections; Liu Mang had endured countless struggles and intrigues to control them. And now, Lin Mo, a newcomer who had only recently joined the Canal Gang, had seized them overnight? Although it was through sheer strength, the speed was simply astonishing.

Zhao Kun took a deep breath, his gaze towards Lin Mo becoming even more complex, containing both admiration and a hint of barely perceptible apprehension. He said in a deep voice, "Since that's the case, then you now have a place in the black market. My gang has always had trade dealings with the black market, and perhaps in the future, we can more easily connect with you on this aspect."

This statement is tantamount to acknowledging and supporting Lin Mo's new identity in the black market. A Lin Mo who controls the black market channels is far more valuable to the Canal Gang than an ordinary minor leader.

"Thank you, Chief." Lin Mo cupped his hands in thanks. He needed the identity of the Canal Gang as a cover, and the Canal Gang also needed his new black market channel; it was a win-win situation.

"However, you must also be careful," Zhao Kun reminded him again. "Although Liu Mang is dead, his remaining forces may not be content, and there are quite a few people within the black market keeping an eye on those channels. As for 'Shadow Fiend'... you need to be even more vigilant. The gang will do its best to provide you with convenience, but some storms you will ultimately have to weather on your own."

"Your subordinate will keep this in mind."

Leaving the main hall, Lin Mo knew that his position within the Canal Gang had subtly changed. From a minor leader who needed to rely on the gang to conceal his identity, he had become a partner with external resources and strength, capable of engaging in a degree of equal dialogue with members of the gang.

After finishing work in the evening, Lin Mo went to the black market in the south of the city again. This time, he directly showed the black iron token. After the guards at the entrance verified the token, their attitude immediately became extremely respectful, and they bowed and invited him in, a stark contrast to the situation yesterday where he had to verify his identity and pay a fee.

He was led to a two-story building in the heart of the black market. This was the original stronghold where Liu Mang operated his channels, but it had changed hands. A brand-new plaque hung at the entrance of the building, bearing the words "Mo Xuan," clearly commissioned by Mr. Mo to be made overnight.

Inside the building, several former underlings of Liu Mang were already waiting tremblingly, accompanied by two stewards sent by Mr. Mo to assist with the handover. Upon seeing Lin Mo enter, they all bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Master Lin!"

Lin Mo nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. The underlings felt the oppressive aura beneath his calm gaze, and recalling the rumors of their new master's ruthless methods from the previous night, they dared not even breathe loudly.

"Ledger, key," Lin Mo said succinctly.

A steward quickly presented several thick ledgers and a few oddly shaped keys. Lin Mo took them, went straight to the head seat, and began to look through the ledgers.

The ledger meticulously records the flow of goods, funds, and related personnel information through three main channels. One channel primarily deals in several specific rare medicinal herbs, including "Yin Ning Grass," "Corpse Moss," and "Rotting Bone Flower," most of which are cold in nature, unorthodox, and even poisonous—precious for cultivating certain special techniques or concocting rare poisons. The second channel involves several special ores, such as "Cold Iron" and "Ghost Stone," materials for crafting unusual weapons or formations. The third channel is relatively complex, interspersed with information trading and shady commissioned tasks.

Lin Mo focused his attention on the medicinal herb supply. The *Netherworld Records* originated from the Netherworld lineage he had encountered in his previous life; its techniques were bizarre, requiring the manipulation of Yin energy during cultivation, and the auxiliary medicinal herbs needed were mostly of this Yin-cold nature. The appearance of this supply was like a godsend.

He closed the ledger, looked at the former leaders of Liu Mang, and said in a calm but authoritative voice, "As before, things will remain the same for now. But there are a few things you need to remember."

Everyone held their breath.

"First, accounts must be clear, no concealment or deductions allowed, and contributions must be paid on time." "Second, transactions must be fair, no forced sales or coercion allowed, lest it damage our reputation." "Third, my orders have the highest priority." "Is that achievable?"

The leaders exchanged glances and quickly replied in unison, "We will obey Master Lin's orders!"

They were initially worried that their new master would carry out a large-scale purge, but now that they saw that Lin Mo had not immediately taken action against them, but had only established rules, they felt somewhat at ease, at least for the time being, they had secured their jobs and status.

Lin Mo waved his hand, dismissing them and leaving only the two managers sent by Mr. Mo. He then inquired in detail about the operation of the channels, the distribution of power within the black market, and the figures to be wary of. The two managers answered all his questions with utmost respect.

Having understood the situation, Lin Mo left "Mo Xuan". He did not immediately use his channels to collect medicinal herbs for himself. As a newcomer with an unstable foundation, it was not advisable to make any major moves. His priority at present was to digest what he had gained, improve his strength, and deal with the possible counterattacks from "Shadow Fiend" and the remnants of Liu Mang's forces.

Back at the dockside hut, night had fallen. Under the lamplight, Lin Mo carefully took out the sandalwood box. Opening it, the fragment of the "Records of the Netherworld," made of a unique material and gleaming with a dark luster, lay quietly inside. He gently stroked the twisted ancient characters on the cover, feeling a faint resonance from the mysterious power hidden within him.