46: Chapter 48: Young Man, Keep It Up!

46: Chapter 48: Young Man, Keep It Up!

Li Xiaoqiang’s words fell, and, led by Spore, they charged straight over, their group descending like tigers down a hill.

Spore, dragging a streetlamp pole, swept across, sending dozens screaming as they were flung away, and the calamity spread to dozens more.

In an instant, nearly fifty of He Gang’s side had lost their combat power.

Those who had just been ready to make a last stand saw this scene and were so frightened their calves twitched and their legs gave way.

They quickly threw aside the iron rods in their hands, clasped their heads with both hands, and knelt on the ground begging for mercy.

Some were so scared they wet themselves-when had they ever seen such fierce men?

It was like Loose Immortal fighting mortals; their resistance was nothing but seeking abuse, and these clever folks sure didn’t have the loyalty known in the jianghu.

What is loyalty?

When compared to life, it’s just a fart, gone as soon as it’s released!

He Gang had lost!

He Gang, looking at the brothers who had been loyal to him since he started out, was deeply moved.

He took a deep breath and gazed at the gradually brightening sky, and sighed, “Perhaps, this is what the jianghu means by there being no eternal champions, only eternal explorers on the road, and new talents replacing the old.”

After He Gang said this, he seemed to age many years, already in his forties, it felt like he had suddenly stepped onto the stage of his sixties.

In his eyes was a sense of desolation, the indifference after the flame of passion, the helplessness.

He Gang, who had been battered in the jianghu of blades and swords for most of his life, knew that it was wise to recognize the times.

Even if not for himself, he had to consider his brothers by his side, their futures, their parents.

At this moment, He Gang’s eyes surprisingly filled with willing tears.

His hands clasped behind him, his solid back seemed to be telling of all his past moments.

As the curtain fell on a fierce overlord, he would still fall gracefully, with openness and poise.

He Gang turned to his brothers and said, “Brothers, I’m sorry.

From today on, I, He Gang, from today on, will forever leave the jianghu.

Should I break my word, let heaven and earth exterminate me!”

When He Gang spoke these words, his tone was full of resonance, free-spirited and decisive.

Forcing a man like him to kneel was something Li Xiaoqiang knew was impossible, yet he hadn’t expected the other man to choose withdrawal from the jianghu—a kind of resolution.

Li Xiaoqiang knew when to take advantage of the situation, aware of the principle that ‘it’s best to spare others when you have the upper hand.’ He said solemnly to everyone nearby, “Bow to Brother Gang!”

Instantly, these people all said, “Brother Gang!”

Everyone bowed deeply, and Li Xiaoqiang did the same.

In facing the once dominant figure of Qianyun County, Li Xiaoqiang understood that this was a form of respect for He Gang, a recognition of his past.

He Gang watched the crowd and offered a slight smile, “Thank you all for giving me a perfect full stop to the decades I’ve spent in the jianghu.”

He Gang approached Li Xiaoqiang, patted his shoulder, and said, “The new waves of the Yangtze River drive on those ahead, and the ones ahead die on the beach, haha.

Everyone in Qianyun County used to say that you might be a generation’s fierce warlord or a politician.

Back then, I thought you were just young and arrogant.

Today, I realize that you are the Commander.”

Having said that, He Gang addressed the others, “His potential is limitless.

You’ll only have a chance to rise by following him.

I, He Gang, am nothing but his whetstone, and I have made my exit.

Perhaps more people like me will become your whetstones.”

“However, I like being the first whetstone, because in your success, there is undoubtedly a part of my strength.”

“Young man, keep it up, I have high hopes for you!”

After speaking, He Gang, hands clasped behind his back, walked away alone from the crowd.

Not until He Gang’s figure had disappeared did Li Xiaoqiang snap back to reality.

He told the crowd, “Everyone, go back and rest.”

Then Li Xiaoqiang gave Qin Bo some instructions before he and Spore returned to Yao Mei Hotel.

The moment Li Xiaoqiang entered his room and lay down, he pondered many things.

Soon after, there was a knock at the door.

Seeing that it was past five in the morning, Li Xiaoqiang wondered, who would be knocking at this hour?

No sooner had Li Xiaoqiang opened the door than he was speechless.

Yao Mei, leaning against the doorframe in her wealthy lady persona, greeted him with a chuckle, “Strong Brother, what’s up?

Didn’t fall asleep, did you?”

Li Xiaoqiang replied, not amused, “I was just about to sleep when I was disturbed.

What do you think?”

Yao Mei blinked and said, “Well then, it’s perfect.

I’ve cooked up some roast meat, and there’s still some strong liquor on the counter.

How about we have a couple of drinks?”