Chapter 28: Diverting the Calamity Eastward

The three leaders of the Wild Wolf Gang were preparing a plan to deal with Old Demon Xu, a task they naturally kept strictly confidential, though they still required the cooperation of their subordinates. The deacons of the Wild Wolf Gang were, of course, a crucial link in this chain. Once the three leaders had committed to targeting Old Demon Xu, they summoned all the deacons to receive their respective instructions.

Wang Gang, naturally, received his orders as well. Because the time was not yet ripe for an open confrontation and much preparation remained, the three leaders had strictly forbidden anyone from leaking any information. Even if they encountered Old Demon Xu or his disciples, they were instructed to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid conflict at all costs.

"Master Jiang, please, take a seat!" Wang Gang said with forced enthusiasm, immediately turning to the two beautiful maids beside him. "Why are you still standing there? Go and fetch the fine wine I have been saving! And bring out the exquisite dishes you were told to prepare!"

"Yes, sir." The two maids hurried away, returning shortly with a table full of fine wine and delicacies. Accompanying them were two young, beautiful girls who looked timid and had tears welling in their eyes.

"Master Jiang, these two young ladies are still untouched; I arranged them specifically to attend to you. You may do as you please with them," Wang Gang said with a smile. He waved his hand, and the two maids retreated from the private room, gently closing the door behind them.

"Deacon Wang, are you trying to get them killed?" Jiang Fan asked coldly. He knew full well that Wang Gang was attempting to lure him with beauty, but he was not so easily manipulated. Moreover, he increasingly felt that there was something deeply suspicious about this deacon; otherwise, he would not be treating him with such sycophancy.

"Master Jiang, why do you say that?" Deacon Wang asked, feigning confusion.

"Are outsiders supposed to hear what we are about to discuss? If they hear it, do you intend to leave them alive?" Jiang Fan retorted.

"Master Jiang is as thoughtful as ever!" Deacon Wang said, immediately barking at the girls, "Why are you two still here? Get out! Do you really want to die?"

The two girls scrambled away, casting grateful glances at Jiang Fan before they left. Unmoved, Jiang Fan smiled at Wang Gang and asked, "I thought Deacon Ling was in charge of the Fortune Casino. When did it change hands?"

"Master Jiang, you haven't heard? Let me fill you in. It’s a truly bizarre tale. Deacon Ling met a strange and tragic end. First, he lost a foot, then he fell into a coma, and eventually, he died suddenly. After his death, the Wild Wolf Gang assigned me to take over the Fortune Casino," Wang Gang explained smoothly. "Come to think of it, had it not been for Deacon Ling’s accident, it would never have been my turn to manage this place."

"What? Deacon Ling... died in an accident? And such a gruesome one at that?" Jiang Fan feigned shock. "In that case, Deacon Wang, you have become the beneficiary! Tell you what—it’s rare for me to visit, and I don't want to make things difficult for you. Take me to the casino’s vault and give me ninety percent of the silver inside, and I guarantee I will never come here to cause trouble again. Naturally, ninety percent of the casino’s future earnings will also belong to me. Deacon Wang, you don’t have any objections, do you?"

At these words, the color drained from Wang Gang’s face. "Master Jiang, you... you aren't joking, are you?" Wang Gang said, struggling to remain calm.

"Do I look like I’m joking? Furthermore, this matter was personally ordered by my master. If you dare refuse, I will act on his behalf and smash this wretched place to pieces," Jiang Fan said coldly. "However, given that you helped me recently, I will show you some courtesy. If you don't agree, I will begin wrecking the place right now. I’d like to see who would dare come to the Fortune Casino to gamble after that."

Wang Gang’s expression turned hideous, but he forced down his anger, his face twisted in distress. "Master Jiang, it’s not that I am unwilling to offer you these benefits, but the three leaders of the Wild Wolf Gang have made it clear: while I manage the casino, ninety-nine percent of the profits must be turned over to them! I... I am only a lowly deacon; I truly cannot make such a decision!"

"Do you know why Deacon Ling met such a tragic end?" Jiang Fan asked coldly.

Hearing the question, Wang Gang’s mind raced with dark possibilities. His face turned pale with terror, and his voice trembled as he asked, "Could it be... could it be that Deacon Ling died because he failed to meet your master's conditions?"

He dared not say more. He stood on edge, ready to fight for his life if necessary.

"I didn't say anything, and you shouldn't talk nonsense either. If something happens that damages the relationship between my master and the three leaders of the Wild Wolf Gang, neither of us will be able to bear the consequences," Jiang Fan sneered at Wang Gang. "Don't you agree, Deacon Wang?"

"Yes, yes, of course! Master Jiang is absolutely right! It’s just... this matter of ninety percent of the profits... as a small deacon, I really cannot decide!" Cold sweat dripped down Wang Gang’s face. He had heard rumors that the recent, inexplicable deaths of two Wild Wolf Gang deacons were closely linked to Jiang Fan and his master, the Immortal Xu.

Of course, he dared not reveal a word of this, fearing that if the three leaders' plans were exposed, he would meet a grisly end.

"I understand your predicament, but I have my own as well," Jiang Fan said, feigning deep frustration. "How about this? I see you as a reasonable man. I’ll make a concession: take fifty percent. I will go back and tell my master that the revenue was only that much. But you must keep this absolutely secret, or the whole thing will be ruined! You must also tell the Wild Wolf Gang that business has been slow and there are few gamblers lately. Also, I have one more request."

Wang Gang was now certain that the three leaders' suspicions were correct: the so-called 'evil cultivator' of the Wild Wolf Gang was undoubtedly the Immortal Xu. But he dared not speak out, terrified of offending the Immortal and suffering a mysterious death.

This was exactly what Jiang Fan intended. He wanted the Wild Wolf Gang to harbor misconceptions, to let the gang and Old Demon Xu grow suspicious of each other until they finally clashed, allowing him to reap the rewards of their conflict.

"Understood! I understand the gravity of the situation! Very well, we shall do as you say! May I ask what your other request is?" Wang Gang had a sinking feeling.

"Didn't you say you had information I wanted to know? I'd like to hear it," Jiang Fan said, looking at Wang Gang coldly. "You had better not disappoint me, or things will become very difficult for you."

Wang Gang’s expression was grim. But thinking of the potential for a sudden, inexplicable death at the hands of Old Demon Xu, he gritted his teeth and said, "Since you trust me, Master Jiang, I will take the risk! After I tell you this, I hope you will put in a good word for me with the Immortal."

"Putting in a good word is possible, provided what you tell me is worth it," Jiang Fan replied coldly.

He felt a surge of anticipation. It seemed that whatever Wang Gang was about to reveal was far from trivial, or he would not be so adamant.