The Gathering Storm

Huo Xuan's expression darkened. "Killing a police officer? You don't have what it takes."

Shen Rong finally met Chen Wan's gaze squarely. "Chen Wan, if you lay a finger on him, I'll put a bullet through your skull myself."

A muscle twitched near Chen Wan's eye as memories surged—six assailants beating him unconscious, then urinating on his face. The humiliation still burned like acid.

"Shen Rong!" His voice dripped venom. "After all these years, you still haven't learned your place. Cross me, and you'll regret it."

She remained calm. "Being cast out of your circle was a blessing. Otherwise, I'd never have met Huo Xuan."

Chen Wan's fists clenched. "Enough! This is outright provocation!"

Gu Min sneered. "How touching! Do you think your police chief father puts you on our level?"

"A petty official," a youth chimed in. "Our families could have him demoted with one call."

"My father mentioned auditing the police force," added another whose family controlled disciplinary committees. "Perfect timing."

Shen Rong's gaze swept across them. "I see nothing's changed. Still the same petty bullies hiding behind family names."

"Bullying you is our privilege," Gu Min taunted. "Outsiders don't deserve courtesy."

Ignoring her, Shen Rong addressed Chen Wan directly. "You brought your shame upon yourself, yet made me suffer for it. Huo Xuan was right—you're no man at all. You disgust me."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. No one dared speak to Chen Wan like this—the undisputed leader whose word was law.

Chen Wan's face purpled with rage. "You've grown bold, Shen Rong. Mark my words—you and your insignificant cop are finished!"

"Big words for a small man." The bead curtain parted as Du Fei strode in.

Chen Wan's pupils contracted—these were the faces from his nightmares. "So this is your backing?" He spat at Shen Rong. "Pathetic!"

"You're mistaken," Shen Rong corrected coldly. "They're Huo Xuan's friends."

Chen Wan barked a laugh. "A nobody cop with connections? Hardly impressive." He forced a smile at Du Fei. "Long time no see. How's your grandfather?"

"Thriving," Du Fei replied mockingly. "Unlike yours—that illness sounded quite... concerning."

"Fully recovered," Chen Wan snapped. "Why are you here?"

Du Fei grinned. "Supporting my brother Huo Xuan. Heard some mutts were looking down their noses at him."

Chen Wan's knuckles whitened. "We're adults, Du Fei. Our families are evenly matched. Do you really want war?"

"War?" Du Fei scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself."

Chen Wan's lackeys surged forward. "Watch your mouth, Du Fei!"

"You're all trash!" Du Fei shouted over his shoulder. "Quit lurking and get in here!"

The curtain trembled as dozens more entered—including figures that made Chen Wan's faction blanch. How had these legendary troublemakers gathered under one roof?

As eighty-odd elites packed the hall, Shen Rong addressed Chen Wan. "Surprised? Some men rise without family backing. You'll never understand—but Huo Xuan does."

The insult landed like a slap. Chen Wan scoffed. "A cheap bluff! Most are just here for the spectacle!"

"Who said there's no grudge?" Four men stepped forward—scions of the Ma, Yu, Zhao, and Hong families, all embroiled in generational feuds with the Chens.

Chen Wan's confidence wavered. Political wars often played out through descendants, sometimes triggering seismic shifts in power.

Though these eighty came from disparate circles, Huo Xuan had become their unifying force. A dozen of Chen Wan's acquaintances remained neutral—until a broad-shouldered man in his thirties intervened.

"Friends on both sides," the man boomed. "Let's end this peacefully, shall we?"

Silence fell. This was one of the legendary "Four Tigers of Capital"—a figure whose reputation still commanded awe decades after his prime.