Chapter 180: Shadows

“Alright, I understand. you can handle them, correct?” Lin Xiao spoke with calm assurance, casting a glance at Wang Dalong and Qian Yong.

“Big brother, you can count on me. I’ll take care of it,” Old Jin declared, patting his chest with confidence.

At this moment, Qian Yong and Wang Dalong, seated despondently on the ground, caught the exchange between Old Jin and Lin Xiao. They hurriedly looked up, fear evident in their expressions. They were well aware of Old Jin’s influence, if they were thrown into the sea now, probably no one would find out.

Their faces, already drained of color, became even more ashen as they started to beg Lin Xiao loudly for mercy.

“Big brother… big brother, I was blind to your greatness. Please consider me nothing more than a fart and let me go.”

“Yes, big brother, it was our blindness. Big brother… big brother…”

Regret overwhelmed them. Had they not crossed paths with Lin Xiao, they could have continued their lives of indulgence and authority. Instead, they were now facing a dire predicament, with an even grimmer outcome looming.

Lin Xiao paid no heed to their pleas, signaling with a wave for Old Jin’s men to take them away.

The whole debacle was instigated by Qian Yong. Had Li Yunxi and Lin Xiao been mere civilians, Qian Yong’s domineering nature would likely have led to their harm, maybe even violated.

And Wang Dalong, who arrived later, epitomized the attitude of kicking someone when they’re down, assuming Lin Xiao was an easy target to vent his frustrations on. Had Lin Xiao been an ordinary person caught by Wang Dalong, he likely would have faced severe consequences, if not fatal harm.

After Old Jin’s men escorted the two away, Lin Xiao, noticing Old Jin’s hesitance, asked, “What is it? Is there something else you need to discuss?”

Old Jin cast a glance at Li Yunxi, who stood behind Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao nodded toward Li Yunxi and said, “Wait here for me, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Li Yunxi replied, giving Lin Xiao a curious glance but nodded in agreement without further comment.

Stepping out of the room, Lin Xiao pressed Old Jin for details, “Alright, what’s the problem?”

“Big brother, do you remember Heizi, the expert who was with Wang Lin last time at Starlight City Bar?” Old Jin asked with a serious demeanor.

“I do. What about him?”

Lin Xiao certainly remembered. Heizi was the first martial artist he encountered in Jinghai City, even before meeting Elder Chen. Furthermore, Heizi was associated with the Hundred Seat Society, an organization Lin Xiao had several indirect encounters with, making him memorable.

“Big brother, my investigation has revealed that Heizi is connected with the Hundred Seat Society.” 

Old Jin sneaked a glance at Lin Xiao’s reaction, curious to see his response.

The revelation of Heizi’s affiliation with the Hundred Seat Society, a dominant force in Jiangnan Province’s underworld, had initially shocked him. Compared to the Society, his own influence seemed trivial. However, Lin Xiao’s reaction, or the lack thereof, disappointed him. His expression remained calm, showing no signs of disturbance.

What Old Jin didn’t realize was that Lin Xiao had already had multiple encounters with the Hundred Seat Society and was well-versed in its extent of influence.

“Just get to the point,” Lin Xiao said, displaying slight impatience.

Seeing Lin Xiao’s growing impatience, Old Jin was taken aback and hastily interjected, “Big brother, I’ve come across some intel suggesting that the Hundred Seats Society seems to be on your trail. I suggest you keep a low profile for now. It might be too late if you wait.”

From his perspective, while Lin Xiao was indeed formidable, the might of the Hundred Seats Society was not to be trifled with. Their power vastly surpassed that of Wang Lin, presenting a challenge Lin Xiao might find difficult to face alone.

“Why are you informing me about this?” Lin Xiao eyed Old Jin, probing for his motive.

“Big brother, without you, there would be no Old Jin as he stands today. The debt of gratitude I owe you has always weighed heavily on me. Now, it’s my time to reciprocate,” Old Jin’s voice resonated with sincerity and a sense of noble duty.

Though he harbored a deep-seated fear of Lin Xiao, he was equally filled with gratitude. Without Lin Xiao’s intervention, he would not be where he was today. Upon receiving the news, he intended to warn Lin Xiao, though finding a way to reach him had proved challenging until now.

“It’s commendable. I’ll consider this a favor you’ve done for me,” Lin Xiao acknowledged, his demeanor slightly softened.

Lin Xiao harbored no skepticism towards Old Jin’s claim. Without any apparent motive, Old Jin had no reason to deceive him, nor the audacity.

Yet, Lin Xiao’s view of Old Jin subtly shifted for the better.

Although he remained unbothered by the so-called Hundred Seats Society, he recognized Old Jin’s caution as a gesture of goodwill.

“Big brother, perhaps you underestimate the power of the Hundred Seats Society. In Jiangnan Province, their influence is unparalleled. Please don’t take them lightly,” Old Jin advised, noting Lin Xiao’s casual stance.

“Rest assured, I’ve got it,” Lin Xiao nodded. “Where is the headquarters of the Hundred Seats Society located?”

“Big brother, you aren’t planning to…” Upon hearing Lin Xiao’s query, Old Jin’s expression shifted, and he quickly interjected, “Big brother, the forces of the Hundred Seats Society are not to be underestimated. They’re shrouded in mystery.”

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Faced with Lin Xiao’s composed demeanor, Old Jin found himself at a loss for further words. While uncertain if Lin Xiao had truly heeded his caution, he had done all that was within his power.

He then provided Lin Xiao with the location of the Hundred Seats Society’s headquarters.

“Take care then, big brother.”

“Mm.”

“It’s truly like trying to find peace when the wind won’t stop blowing.” After Old Jin departed, Lin Xiao, gazing down the deserted corridor, mulled over the phrase silently, his eyes turning piercingly cold.

This wasn’t Lin Xiao’s first encounter with the name of the Hundred Seats Society. From being mistakenly identified by Su Mengjia upon his arrival in Jinghai City, to confronting Heizi, a martial artist associated with them at the Starlight City Bar, and dealing with their ambush after the Panlong Mountain race–each instance had involved the Hundred Seats Society.

Now, Old Jin’s information pointed directly to them once more.

Though this was their first direct provocation, the repeated mentions had made the Hundred Seats Society a familiar existence to Lin Xiao.

“Jiangbei City, then? I’ll make my way there.”

Lin Xiao sensed an inevitable clash with the Hundred Seats Society looming.

He didn’t linger in the corridor for long, shelving the issue in his mind, stopped dwelling on it, and stepped through the door into the room.

“Welcome back, big brother!”

However, upon entering, he was greeted by the girls standing to each side and bowing in greeting.

“…”