#173 - Chapter 173 Conquer

At the Walk-the-Stick Gang's headquarters, the gang leader, Liu Yishou, had long since arrayed all his men. His already narrow face appeared even more gloomy in the dim light.

The Walk-the-Stick profession, to put it bluntly, is essentially a pickpocketing business, but being well-informed is an absolute necessity. However, when it comes to capable fighters, there might not be many.

Facing the menacing Hongmen crowd, Liu Yishou naturally dared not be negligent in the slightest. He stared intently at these people dressed in uniforms printed with the character "Hong," understanding in his heart that at this moment, having discernment and knowing etiquette were the most crucial things.

Liu Yishou naturally wouldn't put on airs at such a time. He clasped his fist in a salute and politely asked, "May I ask who is in charge here? I wonder, what exactly brings the Hongmen brothers here?"

Wang Hu pushed through the crowded ranks and stepped forward, saying with a confident expression, "Liu Yishou, we're old acquaintances! My master intends to expand our sphere of influence, but unfortunately, there's no extra territory available right now, so we've come to you to get some benefits! Besides, we're old friends. If you're willing to join our Hongmen, I, Wang Hu, will definitely put in a good word for you before the master!"

"Oh, my, my, so it's you, old tiger! I was wondering why the magpies were chirping non-stop today, haha, now it's all clear! But, you know how it is in our line of work. If I join Hongmen, what exactly would I be doing?"

Wang Hu had put a lot of effort into Hei Er's matter and had personally come to see this old acquaintance today, wanting nothing more than for him to use his well-informed network to help.

"Rest assured, we definitely won't send you to the front lines to risk your life. You'll still be doing your old job, and I guarantee you won't be treated unfairly!" Wang Hu patted his chest, making a promise to the other party.

However, Liu Yishou didn't buy it: "That won't do. My brothers are all watching! How about this, let's spar first. If I lose, naturally I'll have nothing to say, but if I win, give me some time to consider it, how about that?"

In reality, Wang Hu couldn't possibly not know what Liu Yishou was planning. They were both veterans of the underworld. Liu Yishou didn't want to see anyone get hurt or easily resort to violence, and he also had to save face. It's just a pity that the current Wang Hu is not what he used to be.

You must know, Liu Yishou is nearly forty and currently at the early stage of Skin Refinement, while Wang Hu is a latecomer, in his prime, and has also reached the Skin Refinement stage.

"Haha, Brother Liu has great spirit. Since you have such a refined interest, Wang will naturally accompany you." Wang Hu laughed loudly, his aura slightly shifting, obviously focusing his energy and preparing to fight.

The Hongmen disciples behind him, seeing this, retreated a few steps, leaving an open space, their eyes full of anticipation for this duel.

Liu Yishou also refused to be outdone, his hands slowly drooping, his fingertips gently trembling. He knew that today's battle was just to sell the Walk-the-Stick Gang for a good price. The Hongmen's momentum was established, and they wouldn't let go of the small gangs next to them.

"Brother Wang, please!" Liu Yishou shouted in a deep voice, his figure suddenly erupting, like an arrow leaving the bowstring, heading straight for Wang Hu. His palm carried the sound of wind, with a force not to be underestimated, aimed directly at Wang Hu's face.

As a qualified thief, his hand skills were naturally excellent, and his speed was even more impressive.

A look of admiration flashed in Wang Hu's eyes, and then his figure shifted to the side, easily dodging this blow. He slapped out with his backhand, the force of his palm fierce, directly pressing towards Liu Yishou's waist.

Liu Yishou reacted quickly, taking advantage of the momentum to roll over, narrowly avoiding this palm. The two instantly exchanged several rounds, but neither gained an advantage over the other.

"Good skills, Brother Liu has indeed improved a lot over the years." Wang Hu praised while fighting. He knew in his heart that although Liu Yishou seemed relaxed on the surface, he had actually used all his strength, and he himself did not dare to be careless in the slightest.

"Brother Wang is too kind, Liu is just barely holding on." Liu Yishou replied while fighting, his words revealing a bit of fatigue.

Being seven or eight years older than Wang Hu, he understood that a long entanglement would be unfavorable to him and that he had to find a breakthrough as soon as possible.

At this moment, Liu Yishou caught a subtle flaw in Wang Hu's movements, a flash of light in his eyes, and took advantage of the situation to strike, slamming a palm towards Wang Hu's chest.

As if Wang Hu had expected this, his figure shifted again, not only avoiding this punch but also taking advantage of the momentum to kick Liu Yishou's side ribs.

With a loud "Bang!", Liu Yishou was staggered by this kick and almost fell. He endured the churning blood in his body, stabilized his figure, and stared at Wang Hu with piercing eyes.

"Brother Liu, we are all people of the Jianghu, why bother fighting so desperately?" Seeing this, Wang Hu also stopped his offensive, his tone with a bit more sincerity, "I came today not to fight, but to discuss important matters with Brother Liu."

Liu Yishou was silent for a moment, looking at this former acquaintance who had now grown into an important figure in the Hongmen, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He knew that today's battle, regardless of victory or defeat, would change many things.

"Brother Wang, allow Liu to consider it further." Finally, Liu Yishou slowly opened his mouth, his tone with a bit of helplessness and firmness, "After all, this concerns the livelihood and future of hundreds of people in my Walk-the-Stick Gang."

Hearing this, Wang Hu nodded: "At most one day, at this time tomorrow night, I need your answer, otherwise, you know."

Wang Hu deeply believed that, with Liu Yishou's extraordinary intelligence and wit, he would definitely be able to make the wisest and most correct decision.

Therefore, he resolutely turned around and gently waved to the Hongmen disciples behind him, signaling them to retreat.

With the gradually receding figures of the Hongmen disciples, the Walk-the-Stick Gang's headquarters returned to its former tranquility.

Liu Yishou, who had suffered some injuries, stood alone in place, his eyes fixed on the gradually disappearing figure in the distance, silently calculating how the road ahead should be traveled.

The question of whether to surrender did not depend on himself, but on whether the Hongmen could survive stubbornly under the strong suppression of the Green Bamboo Gang.

If he took a wrong step and followed the wrong person, then there would really be no turning back!

Liu Yishou turned his head to look at the many disciples behind him, the gloomy color on his face becoming more and more intense.

There are jackals eyeing him in front, and tigers lurking behind him, the situation is really difficult!

Seeing that the Hongmen crowd had already retreated, the members of the Walk-the-Stick Gang rushed forward, tightly surrounding Liu Yishou in the middle, and some even ran to find a doctor.

Liu Yishou, who was a little unsteady, spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva and cursed with a smile, "This kid, his attacks are really heavy."

No one knew that Liu Yishou had once saved Wang Hu's life, and Liu Yishou also knew that Wang Hu was not the kind of ungrateful person.

But in this way, it becomes interesting.