Return of the King, Dominating the City-Chapter 1380 - 1365: I’ll Make You a Branch

"Oh?"

Song Yun raised an eyebrow.

"Back then, it was said that White Tiger was killed by Zhu Yeqing, but in reality, he went abroad to lay low. During that time, Zhu Yeqing began to reform the aging Green Sect. You know, the Green Sect is a century-old giant organization, and its internal structure had already become quite corrupted. The resources of the Green Sect were largely divided among a few elders, leaving the whole sect in a state near collapse. And at that time, our Axe Sect had the best opportunity. Taking advantage of the Green Sect’s deterioration, we tentatively expanded our influence, and due to their internal restrains, they allowed it all to happen."

Old Master Zhang had a reminiscent expression on his face, as if recalling his first love.

"And then?"

Song Yun asked.

"Then, Zhu Yeqing came to the forefront and cleaned up those old insiders thoroughly. The ones who surrendered became wealthy men, spending their days growing flowers, tending trees, playing with birds and women, living a comfortable life. Those who resisted, well, they’re feeding the fish in the Huangpu River now. At that time, a prominent figure under Zhu Yeqing, Ghostface, was brought to the forefront by her. After all, Zhu Yeqing is a woman, and in such times, women are often not taken seriously. Even if she is like Zhu Yeqing, many people see women as something to be subdued. Ghostface was also quite capable and targeted our Axe Sect right from the start. Thankfully, we retreated quickly, leaving no clear evidence, which is how we survived till now. But, blinded by greed, Ghostface became the visible boss of the Green Sect. As the power grew, Ghostface restrained himself when Zhu Yeqing was the sole leader. Later, when White Tiger returned and naturally took the stage, Ghostface was displeased and refused to cooperate, leading to him feeding the fish in the Huangpu River too."

"Oh!!"

Song Yun nodded and said, "So Green Sect has such a history."

"The big turmoil caused by your parents back then nearly affected all of Shen Zhou."

Old Master Zhang shook his head helplessly and said, "Green Sect was also affected, of course. But let’s not talk about those old stories anymore. Song Yun, have a seat over there, we’re about to eat."

"Alright."

Song Yun nodded with a smile and helped Old Master Zhang up.

The two of them walked over to the table in the middle of the room. Old Master Zhang insisted that Song Yun take the main seat. Believing in respecting the old and caring for the young, Song Yun equally insisted against it. After a little back-and-forth, Old Master Zhang reluctantly took the main seat, with Song Yun sitting to his left.

There were only three people around the table.

Zhang Long personally took on the task of serving the dishes. The waiters brought the dishes to the door, and Zhang Long carried them in himself.

The dishes and the wine were quite decent. As for the cigarettes on the table, they were special supply Panda cigarettes. The red packaging looked a bit outdated, but they weren’t something just anyone could smoke.

Song Yun thought about the two heavy smokers back at his dorm, so he casually grabbed a pack from the table and put it in his pocket.

"Take more if you want. These were given to us by a friend last time; we still have a whole pack left!"

Old Master Zhang said with a smile.

"No need, one’s enough." Song Yun shook his head.

"Then eat and drink a lot. When you reach my age, even if you want to eat and drink, many times, you’re just not up to it."

Old Master Zhang commented nostalgically.

"Alright!"

Song Yun nodded.

Soon, the three of them started eating and drinking.

Though Old Master Zhang was quite old, he still had a good appetite. The three of them enjoyed the meal, and after a little wine, the atmosphere at the table improved markedly.

After eating and drinking enough, Old Master Zhang cleared his throat gently and said, "Song Yun, the main reason I called you over today is because of something."

"Go ahead."

Song Yun felt a movement in his heart but maintained a composed expression.

"Do you remember what I talked to you about last time?"

Old Master Zhang asked.

"Which thing are you referring to?" Song Yun feigned ignorance.

Old Master Zhang chuckled and said, "You’re just pretending. It’s about when I asked you to help us if you could when the time was right."

"Oh! That matter!"

Song Yun suddenly realized and said, "Without you clarifying, I really didn’t know what you were referring to." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Hehe, regarding this matter, we’d like to ask your opinion? Or is there anything you need?"

Old Master Zhang inquired.

"Me? I don’t need anything. I have enough to eat, enough to wear, and enjoy myself well enough." Song Yun said.

"Hehe, Song Yun, people should always have ambition, don’t you think?" Old Master Zhang asked.

"I am ambitious..." Song Yun laughed and said, "Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought my forces south to fight hard in the Pearl River Delta. Don’t you agree?"

"But, is that enough?"

Old Master Zhang said, "Currently, the power dynamics across Shen Zhou are quite clear. While most of Southern China’s market is yours, if you consider the entire map, your say, is still the least..."

"Oh?"

Song Yun looked at Old Master Zhang with a hint of amusement.

"Southwest King Xuanwu, his market spans three provinces. Northeast King Song Kunlun, the Northeastern Three Provinces market is practically his backyard. The Inner Mongolia King, his region alone is about as large as your two provinces of Sunan and Guangdong, not to mention that southern Inner Mongolia has already been claimed by him. Meanwhile, the Green Sect nearly controls all of East China and central markets of Shen Zhou.

In such circumstances, Song Yun, your progress is still a bit slow!"

Old Master Zhang said.

"Hehe, taking too big and fast steps can lead to accidents." Song Yun shyly scratched his head.

"Haha, ’accidents,’ you put it vividly. However, if someone is willing to give you a lift, would you still worry about accidents? Or if someone pushes you forward, helping you take a big leap, would you still care about accidents?"

Old Master Zhang said.

"Oh? How would one give a push?"

Song Yun asked.

"Cough cough cough..."

Just as Old Master Zhang was about to speak, he suddenly coughed violently.

"Dad!"

Zhang Long hurried to Old Master Zhang’s side.

After covering his mouth and coughing for quite a while, Old Master Zhang finally stopped, his face turning crimson from the effort.

"No worries."

Old Master Zhang shook his head, looking at Song Yun, and said, "Song Yun, what if I merge the Axe Sect into your Shura Alliance as a branch for you in the SH area, what do you think about that?"

As soon as Old Master Zhang said this, both Song Yun and Zhang Long were stunned.