Chapter 21: The Perfect Emergence of the Heavenly Dragon Sect!

Bai Musong could never have imagined that the excuse he’d casually concocted—drawing on memories of melodramatic television from his previous life—would turn out to be true.

The reason why Master Liu became the leader of the Azure Dragon Gang and secretly worked for the Prince of Zhen’nan was, in fact, precisely because of the machinations of the Prince of Zhen’nan and Xiang Wuji.

Could it be that fate itself was lending him a helping hand?

In that case, if he wished to win over Master Liu and have him join the Heavenly Dragon Gang, wouldn’t everything fall perfectly into place?

Even now, Bai Musong could hardly believe it. The coincidence was almost unbelievable.

Meanwhile, beside him, Cao Zhengchun, Hai Dafu, and the newly recruited members of the Heavenly Dragon Gang all looked upon Bai Musong with newfound respect. Their fists clenched ever so slightly as a surge of motivation shone in their eyes.

Our young master truly acts with foresight and wisdom; the evidence is irrefutable!

Just now, I wrongly assumed his evidence was fabricated, but to think it was all genuine!

Lord Bai’s strategies are indeed remarkable! With such ease, he has drawn a loyal and righteous man like Master Liu to our side.

I've made up my mind: from this day on, I’ll serve the Heavenly Dragon Gang with even greater dedication, to repay our lord’s trust in us!

As will I—for our lord, for the court, and for the Heavenly Dragon Gang!

On the other side, Master Liu and Feng Qi exchanged glances at Xiang Wuji, then turned their eyes toward Bai Musong, deep regret written in their gaze.

So this was the truth all along?

From the very beginning, their young mistress had been secretly manipulated by Xiang Wuji, who sought to incite her to assassinate Bai Musong. Their own leader had fallen into their trap, joining the Azure Dragon Gang because of it.

Everything they had done until now had only aided the villains...

Bai Musong—he was, in fact, a good and just official.

With this revelation, Feng Qi looked at Bai Musong again, her gaze shying away as she shrank back, overwhelmed with guilt.

No wonder, back at Fragrant Pavilion, Bai Musong had only ordered the execution of the Azure Dragon Gang members, sparing her and her mistress.

When my mistress awakens, I must tell her everything and resolve this misunderstanding once and for all!

Feng Qi made her silent decision, her delicate fists unconsciously clenching tighter.

“Young Master Bai!”

At that moment, Master Liu suddenly dropped to his knees, knocking his forehead to the ground three times in solemn gratitude.

“I thank you, Young Master Bai, for dispelling the doubts in my heart. This kindness is beyond repayment. If you, my lord, do not despise me... I, Liu the Third, wish to join the Heavenly Dragon Gang, to serve you and the court!”

“And I—I, Feng Qi as well!” The maid, still held in restraint, spoke up meekly upon seeing Master Liu kneel. “If you, my lord, would not look down upon your servant…”

Seeing this, Bai Musong’s mouth twitched slightly before he let a relieved smile show.

How could he possibly refuse? The entire reason he’d gone to such lengths was to lure—no, to turn Master Liu and have him join the Heavenly Dragon Gang.

Now, with Xiang Wuji’s “unintentional assistance,” everything had gone far more smoothly than he’d ever hoped, saving Bai Musong considerable effort.

In this moment, Bai Musong could not have been more pleased.

“Master Liu, please rise!” Regaining his composure, Bai Musong stepped forward and personally helped Master Liu to his feet, his tone warm and encouraging. “To err is human; to know one’s fault and correct it is true virtue. I am overjoyed that you are willing to join our Heavenly Dragon Gang and continue serving the court.”

Clapping the newly risen Master Liu on the shoulder, Bai Musong spoke with solemn gravity, “From this day forward, Master Liu, you are the new leader of our Heavenly Dragon Gang! All affairs are yours to oversee. Only in matters of great importance, where you find yourself at a loss, need you seek me out.”

“Uh…” Master Liu was momentarily stunned, tears welling in his eyes. “I—I thank you for your trust, my lord!”

A grown man, nearly brought to tears by such trust.

Feng Qi, now released, also felt her eyes brim with tears.

Bai Musong truly is a good man.

Having issued his orders, Bai Musong spared no further glance for the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, nor for the stupefied Xiang Wuji, still hanging in the air. With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned away. “Let us return home.”

“Yes, young master.” Cao Zhengchun and Hai Dafu immediately cupped their fists in acknowledgment and departed with Bai Musong.

Trailing behind, Li Shixuan, who had witnessed Bai Musong resolve the matter with such ease—and even recruit Master Liu into the Heavenly Dragon Gang—could not help but feel her heart blossom with joy.

My dear Mu, truly wise and valiant!

With a smile, Li Shixuan wrapped her arm around Bai Musong’s, beaming up at him. “Mu, it’s so wonderful to have you here!”

“Silly girl…” Bai Musong couldn’t help but laugh, ruffling her hair.

She didn’t resist; on the contrary, she closed her eyes in contentment and snuggled closer to his arm, letting him indulge her.

Within the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, once Bai Musong and his companions had left, only the new recruits, Master Liu, Chen Rushuang, and Feng Qi remained.

“Leader.”

One of the new members shot a glance at the still-suspended Xiang Wuji, now as lifeless as a statue, and spoke out in indignation: “A vile creature like him, let us deal with him, so your hands need not be sullied.”

“Exactly, Leader!” another chimed in, biting back his anger. “We’ll make Xiang Wuji regret ever being born!”

Master Liu paused for a moment, but seeing their burning resolve—and knowing they were men brought by Bai Musong—he nodded his agreement. “Very well. Take him away and deal with him as you see fit.”

“Yes, Leader!” Several men responded in unison and set about their task.

Thus, the bewildered Xiang Wuji was dragged out of the hall, and soon, unspeakable things began to happen...

Only the sounds of pitiful wailing and screams drifted in from outside, enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

At last, Master Liu turned to Chen Rushuang and asked Feng Qi, “Feng Qi, is Rushuang... all right?”

“She’s fine, Leader,” Feng Qi replied with a smile. “She was only knocked out by Bai Musong, nothing more.”

“Good, that’s a relief.” Master Liu nodded. “Take her to rest, then. I’ll see to business and set the Heavenly Dragon Gang in order.”

“Understood, Leader.” Feng Qi nodded and helped Chen Rushuang to her room.

From this day forth, the Azure Dragon Gang shall be erased.

In the world of the capital’s martial arts, only the Heavenly Dragon Gang will remain.

With a soft murmur, Master Liu strode out of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.