Chapter 294: The Silent Crown

The neon lights of Shanghai's Sapphire District gleamed against the glossy black Maybach that rolled down the avenue. The sleek car, bearing a gold-plated license plate with the initials "O.C.H 1", moved through the streets with an air of silent authority.

Inside, Ochieng sat in the back, legs crossed, fingers tapping rhythmically on the leather armrest. Beside him, Xiao Lian adjusted her velvet dress, stealing a glance at the man beside her.

"You made an enemy of the Dragon Society tonight," she murmured, her voice laced with amusement.

Ochieng took a slow sip of his 1947 Château Cheval Blanc before replying. "Enemies? No. I gave them a lesson. Whether they learn from it is their problem."

Lucas chuckled from the front passenger seat. "Bold words. But you do realize Shen Rui is the least of your worries, right?"

Ochieng smirked, glancing out at the towering skyline. "The real problem isn't Shen Rui. It's the ones hiding behind the curtain."

The car slowed as they approached Celestial Phoenix Hotel, a place reserved only for the elite of the elite. The entrance was lined with high-end sports cars, each one more extravagant than the last.

As Ochieng stepped out, eyes turned.

Whispers. Curious glances.

The ghost of the underworld had arrived.

A valet rushed forward, bowing deeply. "Mr. Ochieng, your presence has been expected. The Emperor's Lounge is ready for you."

Lucas whistled. "Damn. Not even a hesitation. You're a bigger deal than I thought."

Ochieng simply adjusted his cufflinks and walked inside.

The Emperor's Lounge was unlike anything else in Shanghai. Gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting off the marble-black floors with golden dragon inlays. The scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey filled the air.

At the far end, a group of eight men sat at a round table, each one representing a major province of China's underground economy.

The Leaders of the Eight Provinces.

And at the center of them, an empty seat—reserved for the one they had been waiting for.

Ochieng.

A man with no past, no known family, and yet... the most feared and untouchable figure in the shadows.

As he took his seat, the air grew heavier.

One of the leaders, Wu Tang, a bald, scar-faced giant of a man, leaned forward. "You're late."

Ochieng swirled his drink, unbothered. "Time waits for no man. And neither do I."

Silence.

Then, an older man with sharp eyes—Master Feng of the Northern Syndicate—spoke. "We've gathered here to discuss the future of this world. And from what we've heard... you plan to change it."

Ochieng met his gaze, unblinking. "I don't plan to change anything. I simply take what I want."

A slow chuckle spread through the table.

This wasn't a meeting. It was a test.

And Ochieng had already passed it.