"He did not mention a specific time — only that it sounded as though it would be soon. As for the location, that was not mentioned either." Sun Ergou scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Han Li's brow furrowed. It seemed the intelligence Sun Ergou had gathered was far from complete, riddled with omissions and gaps.
He lowered his head in contemplation. Then, after a moment, a flash of inspiration struck — a most excellent idea.
Han Li studied Sun Ergou carefully, then suddenly smiled and said: "Sun Ergou, I have been very pleased with your work these past few days. That last piece of news in particular was no small contribution. I intend to reward you handsomely."
Sun Ergou's heart leapt with joy, and a broad grin spread across his face. He had never imagined that merely delivering a few scraps of street intelligence would earn such recognition from this young master, who now spoke of lavish rewards. Serving this man truly was a brisk, satisfying affair — though he wondered what form the reward might take. A chest of gold and jewels, perhaps?
His thoughts began to wander into a fantasy of riches.
"Tell me — would you be interested in becoming the leader of the Four-Flat Gang?" Han Li's words struck like a thunderclap, draining the color from Sun Ergou's face and sending his soul scattering to the heavens.
"Young Master, surely you jest! Do not tease this humble one! What virtues or talents could I possibly possess to warrant leading an entire gang?" Sun Ergou's face crumpled, and he muttered in disbelief.
"Why not? With my backing, seizing control of a piddling outfit like the Four-Flat Gang would be child's play. Or would you rather remain a petty dock foreman for the rest of your days, living out your life in obscurity?" Han Li's light laughter was tinged with temptation.
Sun Ergou's expression shifted between shadow and light — astonishment, fear, and above all, a surge of exhilaration.
What man would not, at some point, dream of holding beauty in his arms, wielding great power over life and death?
The ambition buried deepest in Sun Ergou's heart had been kindled by Han Li's few casual words. Yet reservations lingered, and he did not immediately agree.
"Our gang leader and the three protectors under him are no weaklings. Can you be certain you can subdue them?" Sun Ergou probed in a low voice.
"Subdue them? Heh — is there any need for that? Just kill them all," Han Li said with a cold laugh, regarding them as though they were no more than blades of grass.
A shiver ran down Sun Ergou's spine. This young master's appetite for killing was truly fearsome. If he refused, would he himself be disposed of on the spot?
"Since the young master esteems this humble one so highly, I will sell my life to him and obey his every command." Under Han Li's combined pressure of soft inducement and implicit threat, Sun Ergou finally resolved to gamble everything.
"Good. That is more like it." Han Li nodded with satisfaction.
"Tell me the next time your gang leader will be out," Han Li asked casually.
"There is indeed such an opportunity. Each afternoon these past few days, he has been visiting the Xiao Xiang Brothel — the finest establishment in the western district. He has become enamored with their top courtesan, Xiao Jinzhi. However, the three protectors always accompany him, which may make things... troublesome. Perhaps we should wait a few more days for a better chance!" Now that he had committed himself, Sun Ergou threw his full effort into the matter, motivated by both survival and the promise of glory.
"No need. Since we know the time and the place, ending their lives will be as easy as turning over one's hand," Han Li replied with effortless nonchalance.
"Still, after they are gone, I suspect you would not yet have the standing to take over the Four-Flat Gang?"
"Correct. Within the gang, I am merely an ordinary lieutenant. There are many with higher rank and greater seniority than myself." Sun Ergou spoke with a self-deprecating flush.
"That is of no consequence. If I say you will lead the Four-Flat Gang, then lead it you will. I will assign Soul-Summoning to you — he will eliminate anyone who opposes you and serve as your personal guard for a time." Han Li spoke with the quiet confidence of one who had already seen the outcome.
He then rapped three times, unhurried, on the wall adjoining the next room. Moments later, Soul-Summoning appeared before them, standing as silent and still as a statue.
"Keep this on your person at all times. As long as you possess this, Soul-Summoning will obey your commands — dispatching your enemies and helping you ascend to the gang leader's seat."
From within his robes, Han Li produced the Soul-Summoning Bell. He ran his fingers gently over its surface before solemnly placing it in Sun Ergou's hands.
The one who held the Soul-Summoning Bell could command Soul-Summoning even without being the puppet's true master. This was another method of control that Doctor Mo had taught Han Li. Moreover, as long as the original owner who had dripped essence blood onto the bell remained alive, no amount of tampering by others would render the artifact useless. Han Li harbored no fear that Sun Ergou might harbor treacherous designs.
Sun Ergou had witnessed Soul-Summoning's terrifying power with his own eyes. Receiving the small bell filled him with a rush of elation, and his courage swelled correspondingly.
"I thank the young master for his immense kindness. I will sacrifice my life for him without hesitation!" Yet even as he swore his loyalty, he was sharp enough to understand that even if he truly became the Four-Flat Gang's leader, he would remain nothing more than this man's puppet. And so, whenever the opportunity arose, he continued to pledge his devotion with fervent conviction.
"Go back and make your preparations. The moment that gang leader is dead, seize the chaos and take control of the Four-Flat Gang. But there is one thing you must remember — deliver that man who saw the immortal pair to me unharmed. I have questions for him. Understood?" Han Li's final words were spoken with overwhelming severity, making it plain how deeply he valued this matter.
"Rest assured, Young Master! I will deliver him to you in one piece, whole and unmarked. I will not let you down!" Sun Ergou immediately thumped his chest and swore solemn oaths, his face a picture of unwavering devotion.
"As long as you understand. Take Soul-Summoning and go. When you next stand before me, you will be the leader of a gang." Han Li's tone was perfectly composed as he issued his dismissal.
"This humble one takes his leave!" Sun Ergou recognized the dismissal and promptly withdrew from the room, Soul-Summoning trailing silently behind him.
The moment Sun Ergou had stepped beyond the door, Han Li rose and paced halfway around the room. Then, without warning, he pursed his lips and let out a long, clear whistle. Through the window, the Cloud-Wing Bird darted in and alighted upon his shoulder.
Han Li drew a small vial from his robes, tipped out a single Yellow Chestnut Pellet — the bird's favorite morsel — and slipped it gently into its beak. Then, in a soft voice, he murmured: "Little one, follow the man who just walked out of this room. If he leaves the city limits and attempts to flee, come tell me at once."
The Cloud-Wing Bird let out several intelligent chirps, as though it understood every word. Then it launched itself from his shoulder, soared through the window, and vanished into the sky.