Lord of Prayer

Chapter 42: Chapter 37: Who Remembers How Many Slices of Bread They’ve Eaten

A sharp gasp echoed through the warehouse. Many of the men sucked in a breath of cold air. To compare killing to eating bread… Just how twisted was this newcomer? A complete and utter psycho?

And he was wearing a mask from the American Chainsaw Murder Association… This guy had to be a psycho killer who murdered indiscriminately and for fun, right?

“Talk is cheap. Let’s see what you’ve really got.”

Brother Jiao had been in the criminal underworld for years and had seen it all. He’d encountered both Ascenders and Corrupters, so he wasn’t easily intimidated.

He clenched his fist, and the muscles in his right arm—thicker than an average man’s thigh—bulged instantly. He threw a heavy punch straight at Zhou Chen’s face, the air whistling as it flew.

Zhou Chen dodged, deflecting Brother Jiao’s wrist with his left hand. His right fist shot out like a cannonball, so fast it was just a blur. With a solid THUD, it connected squarely with Brother Jiao’s face.

Brother Jiao gritted his teeth against the pain and threw a left hook. But Zhou Chen repeated his maneuver, batting away the man’s wrist with his right hand and striking him in the face with a lightning-fast left fist.

A second time.

Warm blood streamed from Brother Jiao’s nose. He grunted in pain and stumbled back two steps. Immediately, he gathered power in his core and raised his right leg, attempting a high roundhouse kick.

But the instant his leg came up, Zhou Chen—as if he’d anticipated the move—kicked him squarely in the knee, brutally cutting the motion short.

Brother Jiao froze. In just three exchanges, he had been utterly dominated. He now understood the massive gap in their skill.

More than that, he saw a chilling, suffocating killing intent in that calm, cold gaze, and it made him break out in a cold sweat. His instincts screamed at him: ’If I make another move—I’ll die!’

The entire warehouse fell silent. The lackeys were all dumbfounded. Having followed Brother Han for so long, they knew exactly how strong Brother Jiao was. He was built like an ox, was an experienced brawler, and could take on ten grown men by himself. With a Weapon in hand, he could handle even more.

And yet… he’d just been completely demolished?

Huang Mao saw this and was suddenly overcome with relief. ’The boss is a genius!’ he thought.

Even Brother Jiao wasn’t a match for him. If they had gone up to “welcome” the newcomer, their fate would have been much, much worse.

Compared to being beaten half to death, permanently disabled, or just killed outright, the few slaps from Brother Jiao were nothing.

’Could it be… the boss is actually a genius playing the fool?’

CLAP. CLAP. CLAP. The sharp sound of applause came from behind. The lackeys turned, rose to their feet in unison, and bowed deeply. “Brother Han!”

“Not bad. Skilled fighters who can beat Ah Jiao are a rare sight. Stick with me, and I guarantee you’ll live well.”

In person, Han Laohu wasn’t as brutish as his name, “Tiger,” suggested. On the contrary, he was a refined, middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair. He wore a well-fitted suit vest and a solid Golden Ring on his finger. At first glance, you would think he was a businessman.

“When does the trade begin? Don’t keep me waiting.” Zhou Chen lowered his leg and stood still, his expression indifferent, as if he were just here to complete a task.

“Another half hour. You can sit and rest for a bit. I have a few things to go over in the meantime.”

Han Laohu cleared his throat and spoke gravely. “Our superior, ’Birdman,’ and his organization have clashed with ’Snow White’s’ faction multiple times. They’re mortal enemies. But not long ago, a certain big shot stepped in to mediate, wanting the two sides to shake hands and make peace.

This big shot is extremely influential, so we have to give him face. This trade is the first step toward a truce, and I expect you all not to screw it up.

Of course, that bitch Snow White’s people are likely up to no good. So be sharp. If they make a move first, kill every last one of them. The blame won’t fall on our heads. Understood?”

“Understood!” the lackeys shouted in unison.

·

·

Soon, the time for the trade arrived.

The trade wasn’t happening inside the factory. “Snow White’s” people were afraid of being trapped like turtles in a jar, so after some negotiation, Han Laohu had his men set up a temporary shelter behind the factory to serve as the meeting point.

“Hmph. Li Ergou. That bitch Snow White actually sent you?”

Han Laohu’s expression soured the moment he saw the lead Trader from the other side.

In the underworld of the Jinzhu Region, many people knew that Li Ergou was one of his sworn enemies. For “Snow White” to deliberately send this man to handle the trade was a clear provocation.

“Han, I suggest you watch your mouth,” Li Ergou retorted. “If you’re the one who violates the agreement, ten lives won’t be enough to save you.”

The man named Li Ergou looked like he’d just eaten a plate of shit. Han Laohu was his enemy too, but because of the direct orders from on high, he didn’t dare let it escalate. Otherwise, he would’ve pulled his gun already.

Han Laohu said nothing more. With a cold expression, he urged his men to get on with the trade. His venomous gaze remained fixed on Li Ergou, as if picturing him dying by a thousand cuts.

Zhou Chen stood off to the side like a statue, his eyes sizing up the opposing group.

’Thirteen of them,’ Zhou Chen calculated. ’No Ascenders. Just career criminals who’ve been around the block. All carrying guns and grenades. It would take about thirty seconds to eliminate them. If I have to pretend I’m an ordinary person, it’ll take over two minutes…’

BOOM!

A sudden, violent explosion erupted from the factory. The ground shook violently as terrifying flames shot toward the heavens. Rolling waves of fire lit up the night sky in a dazzling display.

The explosions came one after another, followed by the roar of gunfire from inside the factory. It sounded like the place was under attack.

SHING!

In an instant, everyone raised their Weapons and aimed them at their rivals.

“Li Ergou, you’re courting death!” Han Laohu roared, unable to contain his fury. ’These bastards really set up an ambush!’

“Calm down! It wasn’t us!” Li Ergou explained hastily. “Snow White wouldn’t dare offend the big shot. Our plan would be to make *you* break the agreement unilaterally. Why would we be stupid enough to attack you during the trade? Get a grip!”

Hearing this, Han Laohu actually did calm down. His face grim, he thought for a moment and realized the man had a point.

To avoid offending the big shot, both sides had to grit their teeth and cooperate, no matter how much they loathed one another.

The best way to get out of the cooperation was to make the other party break the deal. That way, when the big shot came looking for someone to blame, it wouldn’t be them.

Staging an ambush during the trade was, without a doubt, the stupidest possible move. No one could afford the consequences of angering the big shot.

So… who the hell was it?!

Suddenly, Han Laohu whipped his head around to stare at Zhou Chen, who was standing there looking dazed. “Was it you?”

“???”

Zhou Chen was stunned. ’What the hell does this have to do with me… Fuck, I’m the most likely suspect now!’

’Everyone here might be enemies, but at least they all know each other. They’re all holding back because of the big shot. Other than them, I’m the only outsider. The more I think about it, the more suspicious I look! There’s no way to clear my name!’

“It wasn’t me.”

He spoke coldly. Inside, he was panicking, but on the surface, he was as calm as could be, explaining himself in a level voice. “What would be my motive? First, I don’t need money. Second, I don’t need the goods. And third, I couldn’t care less about your grudges. I’m just here to complete my task.

If you ask me, instead of standing around pointing fingers, you should join forces and find out who’s daring enough to disrupt this.

If you’re supposed to be cooperating, isn’t this the perfect opportunity? What builds trust better than fighting side-by-side?”

Han Laohu and Li Ergou’s faces were as dark as storm clouds. The two of them, mortal enemies, cooperating? ’Impossible!’

However, they didn’t have much time to think. Two hooded figures carrying long, cylindrical weapons burst out of the factory’s back door. They aimed at the group under the shelter and pulled the triggers.

BANG—

Blazing flames shot from the back of the rocket launchers, as fleeting and brilliant as fireworks. Accompanied by a thunderous roar, two rockets screamed toward them.

For a moment, everything went black for everyone there.

’Was this some kind of fucking special forces team?!’

Without a moment’s hesitation, the men scattered like flies, scrambling for cover.

Amid the chaos, someone screamed at the top of their lungs:

“R—P—G!!!”