Chapter 659: Total Defection, Baili Hong Appears! (Part 2)

Chapter 659: Chapter 356: Total Defection, Baili Hong Appears! (Part 2)

“What Hall Master Zhao said is right; it’s absolutely unacceptable if this continues. The contributions Vice Gang Leader has made to the Cyan Fish Gang over the years are evident to all. Moreover, Vice Gang Leader’s recent advancements in Martial Arts have put his strength far above mine. I, Li Sen, believe he is capable enough to assume the position of Gang Leader!”

Next, the leader of the Flying Ray Hall, Li Sen, also voiced his stance.

The Ink Scale Hall is the second most populated, after the White Carp Hall, and their functions differ. The White Carp Hall mainly manages the gang’s internal businesses, while the Ink Scale Hall cooperates with the White Carp Hall, providing violent protection for their own businesses and overseeing the operation of gray industries unsuitable for open operations.

The Flying Ray Hall is the backbone of the Cyan Fish Gang’s naval forces, accounting for over sixty percent of the gang’s warships and naval combat disciples.

The leaders of these two halls were the first to speak up, not only expressing their stance but also showcasing their power and strength.

“Agreed!”

“Agreed!”

Soon, Hall Master Zhang Ziqin of the White Carp Hall and Hall Master Jiang Yue of the Hidden Shuttle Hall also voiced their agreement. The former manages the finances of the Cyan Fish Gang, while the latter oversees its intelligence network.

Alchemy Hall Master Zhao Youde, who sat contently beside Zhao Cheng, did not rush to express his stance but instead smiled, looking at Law Enforcement Hall Master Xing Zhan and Cyan Flood Dragon Hall Master Lu Buji.

Four of the seven hall masters had already expressed their stance, and with Zhao Youde, they had achieved the first step in replacing the gang leader. He wanted to see which of the two would speak up first, as per Gongyang Jue’s instructions.

“I, I also agree…”

Under the pressure of many gazes, and with Lu Buji’s angry eyes upon him, the strong and sturdy old man, Xing Zhan, finally spoke with a trembling voice, then sighed and fell silent.

“Since Elder Xing agrees, I agree as well!”

At this moment, Zhao Youde spoke unhurriedly, and his words caused Xing Zhan’s body to tremble slightly beneath his law enforcement black robe.

The situation instantly became clear: six of the seven hall masters had agreed, leaving Cyan Flood Dragon Hall Master Lu Buji angry but helpless, ultimately remaining silent without voicing opposition.

“Since six hall masters agree, we shall proceed with the election according to the gang’s regulations. Everyone, please express your stance: will you support the Young Master who is too afraid to even show his face, or Vice Gang Leader Gongyang?”

Zhao Cheng spoke again, and soon a chorus of ‘agree’ echoed through the inner hall. This time, even the previously resolute Cyan Flood Dragon Hall’s vice hall master agreed, marking an overwhelming victory!

“I do not agree!”

At this point, the second seat of the Elder Council, an elderly man with a weathered face and graying hair, spoke with a determined and aged voice.

Upon hearing this opposition, Gongyang Jue’s brow furrowed, but upon seeing who it was, he couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. If these old fogies loyal to the Baili Clan were wise, he intended to leave them a way out in the future.

But now he saw it as unnecessary, believing he had been too merciful.

Thinking this, Gongyang Jue maintained a respectful smile. “Second Elder, I understand that the Baili Clan is replete with talents. The Young Master and Second Miss are indeed prodigies of Donglai, but they are yet to mature and take on great responsibilities.”

At this, Gongyang Jue’s smile slightly faded, speaking again with fervor and righteousness.

“The Cyan Fish Gang has never been a one-man show. Besides, the old gang leader once said that anyone or anything beneficial to the Cyan Fish Gang should not be obstructed. Electing a new gang leader as soon as possible is the public’s desire. No one, not even I, Gongyang Jue, will allow personal interests to harm the collective interests of the Cyan Fish Gang!”

The one who opposed was the second elder of the Cyan Fish Gang, the uncle of the current gang leader Baili Hong, and the third brother of the old gang leader, Baili Jiang. But Gongyang Jue had clearly anticipated this.

Initially feigning flattery, he then righteously framed the Baili clan, suggesting they were harming the Cyan Fish Gang’s interests out of selfishness.

Upon hearing this, Baili Jiang snorted coldly. Gongyang Jue’s words, though seemingly complimentary, all but said the Baili clan was lacking in talent.

“You can certainly elect a gang leader according to the gang’s regulations… but the gang leader is still here. Holding an election in his absence is not only against the rules but akin to treason!”

Those in the inner hall wondered what kind of counterattack Baili Jiang could offer, and upon hearing this, they shook their heads. Was the old man so clouded by anger that he’d speak such nonsense?

The rumors were almost certainly true. At this moment, Baili Jiang was still trying to deny reality. If Baili Hong were indeed fine, he’d have come forward to take control of the situation.

“Second Elder, we understand how you feel, but the Baili clan also cannot reassure anyone here. Is the gang leader truly alive or dead?”

Ink Scale Hall Master Zhao Cheng’s tone was sarcastic, being certain that Baili Hong had perished and couldn’t appear.

“Yes, Second Elder, you claim the gang leader still exists, so why has he been so hesitant to appear? Is he afraid or simply unable?”

Following Zhao Cheng, many hall masters and vice hall masters voiced similar sentiments. Most carried a tone of ridicule, yet everyone wanted a definitive answer from the second elder. It was a question that had nagged at all their minds.

“Stubborn, this old Baili clan never respected me and constantly suppressed me. Once I ascend, we’ll see if the Baili clan can remain so steadfast!”

Gongyang Jue’s subordinates quickly chimed in without him needing to speak, attacking Second Elder Baili Jiang on his behalf.

In Gongyang’s view, the major decision had been settled; the Baili clan posed no real threat in his eyes. Their current actions were merely futile struggles.

Just at that moment…

A sudden commotion erupted outside the hall. Those in the inner hall frowned in displeasure. This was a crucial moment when Gongyang Jue was about to assume power, yet the outside had become as noisy as a marketplace. It was a massive affront to Gongyang Jue and to them all!

“How dare they cause such a ruckus outside the Cyan Fish Hall?!”

Zhao Cheng instantly stood up, enraged, and hadn’t finished his outburst before his eyes widened in shock, hearing two unexpected words from the cacophony outside.

“Gang… Gang Leader?!”

Just moments ago, the thousands of elite Cyan Fish Gang disciples waiting outside the hall were momentarily stunned. It was the Cyan Flood Dragon Hall disciples that first regained their senses and shouted out ‘Gang Leader’ with excitement and joy!

Immediately, the outside of the hall erupted. Everyone could clearly see the tall and robust figure leading the group walking toward them.

With thick brows and tiger eyes, exuding an inner confidence and dominance, his noble gait inspired awe in others. Who else could this be but Baili Hong, the gang leader who had vanished for six or seven years?

“It’s the Gang Leader!”

Following a brief commotion, the Cyan Flood Dragon Hall disciples outside emitted a tsunami of cheers, as if venting their grievances accumulated over time.

Compared to the exhilaration of the Cyan Flood Dragon Hall disciples, most other disciples displayed disbelief, panic, and anxiety on their faces, bowing and saluting with trembling hands.

The human tide parted like waves. Baili Hong’s gaze swept across the crowd, and with a slight nod, he strode toward the Cyan Fish Hall, accompanied closely by a figure in red, the Second Miss Baili Hongtang.

“How, how is this possible?!”

Everyone inside the hall abruptly stood up, their expressions changing as they focused on the hall’s entrance.

Baili Hong, who had made a name for himself at a young age, famously vanquishing a notorious bandit in a single battle and leading a pursuit, was not only the gang leader of the Cyan Fish Gang but also a legendary figure in Donglai County.

Even among those loyal to the gang leader, such as Cyan Flood Dragon Hall Master Lu Buji, it had been presumed something had happened to Baili Hong.

Yet…

Today, this gang leader, who had been unseen for six or seven years, appeared outside the Cyan Fish Hall!

Gulp—!

Immediately, the sound of swallowing resonated throughout the hall. The high-ranking members of the Cyan Fish Gang felt the same dread as the disciples outside, experiencing varying degrees of panic.

Listening to the storm-like roar outside the hall, everyone moved en masse toward the hall entrance.

Once they saw that looming figure striding forth, bathed in morning light amid the swirling crowd, they exchanged glances, displaying utter shock.

In everyone’s eyes, even those aligned with Gongyang Jue, he paled in comparison to Baili Hong.

“The Gang Leader… he has truly returned!”

In that moment, memories flooded back to them, each body’s tremors unmistakable. Nearly everyone there had received opportunities and appreciation from the person before them.

Even after six or seven years of absence, that prestige was unshakable, and at Baili Hong’s appearance, it unfurled with a jolt, causing those long accustomed to power to feel profound apprehension.