The Forsaken's Revenge

Teluos's death undoubtedly caused a seismic shift in the already tumultuous underground world.

Just then, a furious roar echoed from the villa's entrance. A moment later, a group of people approached. These individuals were Teluos's henchmen. Under his leadership, over ten thousand powerful mercenaries had been secretly recruited to the Red Lotus Realm. However, joining the Red Lotus didn't mean they acknowledged themselves as part of the Red Lotus lineage. Most simply thought that staying by Teluos's side would ensure a carefree life, free from the worry of being bullied. They didn't identify with the Red Lotus or its beliefs; they were only here for a chance at a safer, more secure life.

Teluos's old butler let out a furious roar, and immediately, one man stepped forward. Over the past century, Teluos had accumulated some exceedingly loyal subordinates, men who were willing to sacrifice everything for him. One by one, more stepped forward. In the end, just over a hundred dared to stand, with only about twenty of them being among the strongest.

With Teluos dead, most of his followers were unwilling to risk their lives for a futile quest for revenge. He had gathered more than ten thousand people, yet very few were truly willing to avenge him. The rules of Crime City were his creation, but with his death, the city was losing its humanity. Most were only looking out for themselves.

The butler looked around, his expression aghast. People were standing all around him, yet wherever his gaze fell, they would lower their heads to avoid his eyes.

A faint, cold smile touched his lips as he shouted, "Those who wish to avenge our master, follow me!"

"Then let me be your opponent," Lyu Yang declared, leaping from the car. He brandished his spear, aiming it directly at Teluos's butler.

"Who dares harm a disciple of the Bright Sect!"

With the shout, several figures rushed out from inside. The leader was someone Chen Zheng recognized: Yang Yu, the highest-ranking member of the Bright Sect in this region. Next to him stood an old man with white hair and a beard, as thin as a rake. Chen Zheng's gaze was involuntarily drawn to him.

It's very likely this old man's strength is beyond the 'super' level! A stream of True Qi is radiating from him... an aura no weaker than Jian Xing's.

This Crime City is certainly full of hidden masters, Chen Zheng thought, sizing up the old man. I wonder what his story is.

Upon seeing the arrivals, an armored man stepped forward and spoke to the butler. "Nas, let it go. Teluos is already dead. We don't need to vent our grudges on the survivors. Besides, you know that Teluos and the Night Watch were sworn enemies."

It was Ming Chong. He nodded at Chen Zheng with a slight bow before turning to walk toward the villa.

Hearing those words, Jin Jian's body trembled. He fell to his knees again beside Teluos's corpse and began to weep bitterly, a clear sign of their close bond.

Before long, Ming Chong's voice resounded throughout the entire city. "Friends of Crime City! I am Ming Chong!"

At that moment, aside from the butler's pained screams, everyone else turned their gaze toward the center of the commotion.

"Some of you may not know me, while others might. I am Ming Chong, also known as Nightwatchman No. 1 of the Chinese contingent. I once fought Teluos for several days; I'm sure you all remember that."

The narrator's voice explained that the Night Watch Legion led by Ming Chong had once engaged in a brutal battle with thousands of Teluos's men, shaking the entire domain of crime. Yet, many people had never personally witnessed the clash between Ming Chong and Teluos.

Ming Chong's voice continued to boom, "We established Crime City based on an agreement between the Night Watch and the founders of the Blood Lotus. It was supposed to be managed by me, the First Nightwatchman. However, for reasons unknown, Teluos ended up taking charge. Now that Teluos is dead, Crime City will be completely under the control of the Night Watch. Some of the city's rules will be abolished, and a few others will be altered. I have two announcements to make!"

"First, we will begin recruiting for the Night Watch from this city. Most of you understand what our organization stands for. Anyone who wishes to join can find the Bright Sect's representative in the slums of the East District!"

Ming Chong himself seemed momentarily startled by his own words. He glanced at Chen Zheng, who simply offered a radiant smile in return.

"Second, this place will soon establish contact with the outside world. A complete evacuation system will be created for those who wish to leave. Anyone who meets the criteria will be free to go. However, anyone who tried to steal a ship from the docks during the chaos of Teluos's death will be severely punished!"

At these words, Chen Zheng's expression shifted slightly.

A classic carrot-and-stick approach, he thought. For an ordinary small city to be suddenly flooded with so many people... it would be a disaster. With Teluos dead, many will surely be thinking of escape.

Ming Chong said he would allow people to leave, but only if they met certain unspecified requirements.

"I will announce further details to everyone later," Ming Chong concluded, his voice falling silent.

A buzz of discussion erupted around Chen Zheng, but he paid it no mind.

"This matter is over!" Lyu Yang declared with a deep sigh, sliding his spear back into its scabbard.

Chen Zheng shook his head. "It's not over yet. This city will likely be in chaos for the next couple of days. Let's head to the docks for now."

Despite Ming Chong's declaration, with Teluos gone, some people would inevitably get desperate and take risks. That's why Chen Zheng had to secure the docks. Ming Chong would naturally handle the other affairs of Crime City.

He looked toward Yang Yu, the Bright Sect representative, and said, "Wait here. Mr. Ming will come to find you. Just do as he says."

Yang Yu nodded vigorously, swallowing hard. "Lord Chen, does that mean we can become members of the Night Watch Legion?"

Chen Zheng turned to him with a slight smile. "Of course, but you'll have to follow certain rules. The specifics of your involvement, however, will be for you to decide."

The main purpose of Chen Zheng's trip had been to deal with Teluos. Zhuo Ming, Wang Hong, and the others were responsible for recruiting new Night Watch members, establishing a new order, and figuring out how to integrate people from the Red Lotus Realm into their ranks.

As they spoke, Ming Chong descended from the air and landed beside Chen Zheng. "I'll leave the docks to you," he said.

Chen Zheng nodded. "My thoughts exactly. Have you informed that old man?"

"I have," Ming Chong confirmed. "They will bring Wang Hong, Granny Luan, and his wife over this evening."

"Good. I'll head out now," Chen Zheng said.

"Oh, right!" he exclaimed, suddenly remembering something.