As soon as the micro-robot moved, within a fraction of a second, the knife boss's hands and feet were all shattered. The excruciating pain of bones breaking sent him into a howling frenzy, even the boss of the Knife Gang, accustomed to the world of violence, couldn't help but scream.
"Scum!"
Hong Jiu and Long Baiyun were aghast at the sight. Their facial muscles twitched involuntarily, their complexions turning pale. The ruthlessness of Fang Yan's actions left them both shaken.
This young man, seemingly in his early twenties, exhibited such merciless decisiveness. He showed no mercy or hesitation in his actions.
The micro-robots instantly adjusted their grip on Dao Boss's limbs, twisting and fracturing them with a horrifying precision. The sight was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.
The room was filled with the agonized screams of Dao Boss as he experienced the unimaginable torment. Long Baiyun and Hong Jiu were dumbfounded, watching the horrifying display of power before them.
"You... you bastard! If you're going to kill me, just do it! If I don't die today, I'll make sure you pay a thousand times over!" The knife boss's voice trembled with rage, his face twisted with pain and fury.
Hong Jiu and Long Baiyun exchanged incredulous glances. Such a time called for humility, for swallowing pride and enduring, yet Dao Boss continued to provoke his captor even as he suffered. It was a foolish move that could only hasten his demise.
"Enough noise!" Fang Yan commanded with a wave of his hand. The micro-robots covered Dao Boss's face, leaving only his nostrils free.
"Now, it's quiet."
Fang Yan plucked out an earpiece and glanced at Hong Jiu and Long Baiyun. "Can we have a civilized conversation now?"
The two reluctantly pulled out chairs and sat down, though their expressions remained tense.
"Mr. Fang, Baiyun Pavilion has no quarrel with you. Why did you take 40 million from us?" Long Baiyun's voice was stern, though his eyes remained locked on the micro-robot.
"With your skills, it's unlikely that you're short of money," Hong Jiu added.
Fang Yan smirked. "Actually, I am short on funds. Very short."
His answer left Long Baiyun flabbergasted. How could someone with such incredible abilities possibly be strapped for cash?
"Why would you even need money?" Long Baiyun asked, baffled.
Fang Yan shook his head. "It's a long story. But suffice it to say, I have some proficiency in hacking, and I've heard that your societies have a reputation for various illicit activities in Ningcheng. So, I decided to help myself to some funds from your accounts."
"Forty million is nothing for Baiyun Pavilion, right?" Fang Yan's casual tone belied the gravity of his actions.
Long Baiyun's face darkened. He sneered internally, wondering if Fang Yan regarded Baiyun Pavilion as his personal piggy bank.
"Mr. Fang, Hongyitang will consider the 20 million a gift to you and won't pursue it further," Hong Jiu interjected. "So, can we put this behind us?"
Fang Yan was intrigued by Hong Jiu's willingness to negotiate. "Very well, it's settled. But let me explain my purpose now."
Both Long Baiyun and Hong Jiu looked at Fang Yan with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"Ningcheng has been plagued by chaos for too long. Gangs and criminal organizations run rampant, making life unbearable for ordinary citizens. I find this situation deplorable," Fang Yan began.
Long Baiyun and Hong Jiu exchanged knowing glances. This was nothing new to them. They were well aware of the criminal underbelly of their city.
"As someone born and raised in Ningcheng, I'm deeply saddened by the plight of the people. I can no longer stand by and watch," Fang Yan continued, his voice growing more resolute.
"So, I've made a decision. I intend to clean up the streets, eradicate the criminal elements, and establish order in Ningcheng. There can only be one dominant organization."
Fang Yan's words hit like a bombshell, causing tension to mount. The room seemed to grow colder, and the members of both the Red Clothes Hall and Baiyun Pavilion instinctively reached for their guns, preparing for a confrontation.
Fang Yan noticed their reactions. "As I mentioned earlier, I detest two types of people the most, and one of them is those who threaten me."
His gaze turned sharp, his eyes like icy daggers. The members of both societies felt the threat emanating from Fang Yan.
"Mr. Fang, we're not threatening you now. It seems that you're the one issuing threats," Hong Jiu retorted, his expression darkening.
"Don't you forget, I have no obligation to let you threaten me," Fang Yan countered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Gentlemen, let's not rush into hostility," Long Baiyun intervened, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Mr. Fang, we've already shown goodwill by forgiving the debt. But declaring that only one society can exist in Ningcheng... isn't that going too far?"
Hong Jiu nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We've been reasonable and accommodating. Don't push us too hard."
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unease. The balance hung on a knife's edge, waiting for the next move.