Under One Person: The Sea Emperor Who Shattered Heaven and Earth

The following three days.

Jiang Zhen still sits at headquarters every day, waiting for the Tang Clan to come knocking. Occasionally, he goes to the medicine shop to check on things. Lin Zhu is there, sweating profusely, and the bottles and jars emit a bitter yet refreshing medicinal smell—it's the initial attempt at purifying penicillin.

Duanmu Ying's letter should have been sent back by now, and Jiang Zhen wasn't worried that the young lady of Jishetang would refuse. In this era, penicillin was a revolutionary product, and for a true medical genius, it was more tempting than anything else.

Fang Dongtian remained the same as always. Although he grumbled and complained that Jiang Zhen's understanding of Taoist classics was too crude, he would still appear at Jiang Zhen's mansion on time every day, suppressing his anger as he explained those mysterious cultivation methods to him.

Ma Ben's workshop remained deathly silent. Occasionally, dull metallic clanging could be heard from within, each clang seemingly causing a subtle tremor in the surrounding buildings. Clearly, this weapon-forging prodigy was in a frenzied creative state, and had likely reached a crucial stage.

According to the person in charge of the warehouse in the gang, judging from the materials Ma Ben requested, it seems he is forging some kind of weapon. It's heartbreaking that Ma Ben is asking for so much fine steel.

……

It was dusk on the third day.

Several extremely ordinary figures quietly appeared at various city gates, docks, and entrances to the concessions in Shanghai.

A laborer carrying a load on his shoulders, covered in sweat and smelling of stench, walked in through the side gate of the dock with his head down, and even asked one of the canal gang members next to him for a cigarette.

A man dressed in a smart suit, carrying a briefcase, and looking like a high-achieving student who had just returned from studying abroad, walked into a bank while adjusting his glasses.

There was even a woman with heavy makeup and wearing a brightly colored cheongsam, swaying her hips as she walked deeper into the red-light district…

……

This group of people, strangers to each other and exchanging no glances, all headed towards the headquarters of the Canal Gang from various directions.

Jiang Zhen was sitting in the pavilion listening to Fang Dongtian preach when he suddenly asked Fang Dongtian to wait a moment. Fang Dongtian seemed to sense something and asked a question.

"Uncle-Master?"

"The guests have arrived."

Fang Dongtian naturally knew who Jiang Zhen was referring to as a guest. He sighed inwardly. Jiang Zhen's learning progress was already slow enough, and today he had found another opportunity to slack off. He didn't know when he would be able to return to the mountain.

Jiang Zhen stood up and turned his gaze to the dark void.

"Now that the guests are here, let's not hide anymore. We have plenty of wine from the Canal Gang!"

As Jiang Zhen finished speaking, a very faint sound, like the rustling of leaves in the wind, suddenly rang out in the surrounding darkness.

Then, a dozen figures, like ghosts blending into the shadows, silently landed around the pavilion.

"Chief Jiang has such great courage and keen insight."

A slightly hoarse yet gentle voice came from the darkness. A middle-aged or elderly man, who looked unremarkable, slowly stepped out of the shadows, followed by a dozen or so members of the Tang Clan.

The newcomer was none other than Laughing Yama - Tang Jiaren. His fear of Jiang Zhen had increased immeasurably. He thought his illusion barrier was already perfected, but he never expected that Jiang Zhen could still detect it.

Jiang Zhen looked at the newcomer, a hearty smile spreading across his face:

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, given the presence of experts from the Tang Clan. I have prepared some rough wine from Sichuan. Would you gentlemen do me the honor of joining me?"

At this moment, the Tang Clan experts behind Tang Jiaren were also secretly observing Jiang Zhen. They were secretly astonished as they looked at Jiang Zhen sitting there with such an imposing air.

This is the legendary man who unified the Canal Gang and whose fists shook the four directions; now he seems even more domineering than described in the intelligence reports.

Chapter 55 Jiang Zhen's Gift, Tang Clan's Exception

Jiang Zhen glanced at Bai Fu, who had just arrived. Although he was startled by the unpredictable infiltration of these assassins, he was a veteran of the Canal Gang and quickly regained his composure, leading the way.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this way please."

Leading the Tang Clan members through a winding corridor, they arrived at a specially prepared private courtyard. Inside, a huge round table was set with food and wine, the rich, spicy aroma of Sichuan filling the air.

Everyone took their seats.

Jiang Zhen was the first to pick up a bowl of strong liquor, stand up, look around, and speak in a deep voice:

"Although I am in Shanghai, I am aware of the reputation of the Tang Clan of Sichuan. I will drink this first bowl as a sign of respect. It is both a tribute to your skills and a tribute to your righteous deeds of cleaning up our Chinese compatriots along the way."

After saying that, Jiang Zhen's Adam's apple bobbed, and a bowl of strong liquor went down his throat like a fuse, without spilling a drop.

Tang Jiaren, the leader of the Tang Clan, also raised his wine glass. This gentleman, who looked like a kind, neighborly uncle, had a hint of approval in his eyes. He downed his drink and then slowly said, "Chief Jiang, you're too kind. Since we've been invited, we should introduce ourselves to avoid being impolite."

"Tang Clan, Tang Jiaren."

Then, the people sitting next to him also spoke in turn, their voices either cold, steady, or carrying a bit of youthful vigor.

"Li Ding," a burly, muscular man announced in a deep voice.

"Gao Yingcai." His face was haggard, and a lingering gloom hung between his brows.

"Dong Chang".

"Xu Xin."

Two young men's voices rang out. Dong Chang was composed, while Xu Xin seemed somewhat carefree, his gaze lingering on the large slices of white meat on the table. Jiang Zhen sighed inwardly; these two would later become two of the "Thirty-Six Thieves," the group that would later be embroiled in decades of turmoil.

"Lu Huizhong".

"Yang Lie".

"Zhang Wang."

“By adhering to and upholding the rules.”

"Liang Wu'er".

……

As names echoed through the courtyard, Jiang Zhen remained silent. Besides the famous "suicide squad" members, the list included several young men he didn't recognize. It seemed the Tang Clan's all-out effort wasn't just to fulfill Boss Zhao's mission, but also to train their troops. In chaotic times, assassins who don't draw blood will become rusty.

"Everyone, please!" Jiang Zhen raised his cup again.

Everyone returned the toast, and after several rounds of drinks, Tang Jiaren put down his cup and asked bluntly:

"Chief Jiang, we've had our drinks and exchanged names." Tang Jiaren's eyes deepened. "I wonder, besides this meal, what business does Chief Jiang intend for our Tang Clan to handle with such a grand invitation?"

"Let's make it clear first that we, the Tang Clan, are businessmen. Taking Boss Zhao's money, eliminating the ninjas is our duty."

Jiang Zhen looked at Tang Jiaren and said nonchalantly, "First of all, I want to thank you all for your continuous efforts in eliminating the hidden strongholds of the ninja during this period. This is a great favor to the soldiers on the front line and the people of China."

"Therefore, I, Jiang, would like to present you all with a gift."

Tang Jiaren frowned slightly, about to refuse, "Chief Jiang, rules are rules. Our deal with Boss Zhao is settled, we can't accept your things..."

According to the rules of the Tang Clan, an assassin must never accept money or help from anyone other than their employer, otherwise their stance will be shaken.

“Senior Tang, don’t be so quick to refuse.” Jiang Zhen interrupted him directly. “I know the Tang Clan’s traditions, and I know you won’t accept money outside of missions. But please take a look at this item first. If you still refuse after you’ve looked at it, I will not force you.”

After saying that, Jiang Zhen clapped his hands.

"Bring it up!"

At this command, the heavy scraping sound of iron wheels came from the courtyard gate. A group of strong, burly men from the canal gang pushed a huge, heavily reinforced steel cage covered with a black cloth slowly into the courtyard.

The black cloth was lifted, and a stench of blood instantly filled the air.

Sitting in the cage was a man bound by iron chains, his meridians shattered. It was Liang Ting. Even though he had become a cripple, the crazy evil aura in Liang Ting's eyes had not dissipated.

"Liang Ting?!"

Li Ding suddenly stood up, his muscles bursting like iron blocks.

Lu Huizhong, Yang Lie, and others also pressed down on the daggers at their waists.

Tang Jiaren's usually calm face revealed a deep sense of helplessness and weariness. He sighed, his gaze sweeping over Liang Ting before finally settling on Gao Yingcai beside him.

The other Tang Clan experts then realized what was happening and almost simultaneously turned their gazes toward Gao Yingcai at the table.

At this moment, Gao Yingcai was in an extremely unstable state, and he crushed the wine glass in his hand into powder.

He stared intently at the person in the iron cage, his body trembling violently, the sound of his teeth chattering. His gaze, initially filled with disbelief, instantly transformed into a morbid, intense, almost tangible madness.

"Heh... Hahaha..."

Inside the iron cage, Liang Ting slowly raised his head, revealing a ferocious smile. Even in this state, this top expert from the Quanxing sect remained arrogant and overbearing.

"People from the Tang Clan?" Liang Ting's voice was hoarse and rough. He looked back at everyone, then finally at Jiang Zhen, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Jiang Zhen, you bastard, you've kept me locked up for so many days. Tell me, which one was more satisfying?!"

Suddenly, Gao Yingcai stood up abruptly, the movement so forceful that it knocked over the chair behind him. As if in a frenzy, he practically smashed through the tables and chairs around him and rushed to the iron cage.

"Liang Ting!!!"

Gao Yingcai suddenly let out a wild roar, a sound that didn't sound human.

"Liang Ting! It's you! It's you!"

Gao Yingcai's voice trembled. He pressed himself against the cage, his fingers gripping the steel bars so tightly that blood seeped from under his fingernails. He laughed maniacally, tears streaming down his face.

"Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes! I've been searching for you for so many years... I thought I could only kill you in my dreams for the rest of my life... Liang Ting! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to tear you to pieces!"

Gao Yingcai stared intently at Liang Ting, his eyes filled not only with extreme hatred but also with a chilling sense of satisfaction. It was a liberation that came after a long and arduous search, a kind of madness.

Liang Ting initially sneered disdainfully; he had heard such hateful curses far too many times. But when he met Gao Yingcai's bloodshot, almost manic eyes up close, his breath hitched slightly.

"This...this is...!"

Liang Ting also lunged at the railing, the chains rattling loudly. He stared intently at Gao Yingcai, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"It's...this! Damn it, I've lived in vain! Yes...it's that look! You want to destroy me, don't you? Come on! Look at me with that look, and keep looking at me!"

Liang Ting was laughing wildly, and Gao Yingcai was roaring.

Everyone else in the courtyard, including Tang Jiaren, watched this scene in silence. Zhang Wang clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white. He knew all too well how Gao Yingcai had endured all these years.

Tang Jiaren sat silently to the side. He knew that the Tang Clan truly could not refuse this "gift."

Jiang Zhen picked up the wine bowl and took another sip.

"Senior Tang, shall we accept this gift?"

Tang Jiaren turned his gaze back to Jiang Zhen.

"I accept this gift. It's a very generous one, so generous that my Tang Clan might owe Chief Jiang a favor."

Tang Jiaren turned his head again, looking at Gao Yingcai who was still cursing wildly, and then at Jiang Zhen.

"Boss Zhao's money was used to buy a knife to kill thieves. And Chief Jiang's gift... is to quell the demons in the hearts of the members. Chief Jiang, Tang Jiaren accepts this favor, and the Tang Clan accepts it."

Jiang Zhen burst into laughter.

"Good! We won't discuss official business or trade today. Liang Ting is right here. I'll give the key to this cage to your Tang Clan."

He tossed a black key onto the table, making a crisp sound.