After the battle ended, Chen Zhennan stepped on Xiao Hu's chest and slowly brought the tip of his knife to his throat.
Chen Zhennan's eyes were like ice, revealing a chilling murderous aura. He asked in a cold voice, "If you tell me who you are colluding with, I will spare your life."
Xiao Hu's heart tightened. Hearing this, a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart, and he hurriedly said, "I...I did indeed collude with Liu Guancai in secret. I knew about today's ambush, but I absolutely did not participate!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Dejun's expression changed drastically. It seemed that Xiao Hu not only had contact with Liu Guancai, but his relationship with Lin Zhiming must also be quite significant.
At this moment, Chen Zhennan's gaze sharpened further, and he asked again, "Who is Liu Guancai?"
Before Xiao Hu could answer, Wang Dejun stepped forward slowly and explained with a smile: "Liu Guancai is the magistrate of Pengyang County."
Chen Zhennan said "Oh". Although Wang Dejun had given him the authority, he knew he absolutely could not be the one who killed Xiao Hu. He then sheathed his sword.
Xiao Hu breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting Chen Zhennan to actually let him go. He was just about to get up when a wave of relief washed over him. However, the next second, Wang Dejun pulled out the long sword that Chen Zhennan had just sheathed and coldly pointed it at him.
"The second-in-command is merciful and doesn't want to kill you, but I can't let you off so easily!"
“Wang Dejun, you…” Xiao Hu’s eyes widened, and he was completely stunned.
"What do you mean, 'you'? There are rules in a bandit gang. I'm already being lenient by not making you suffer three cuts and six holes!"
After saying that, Wang Dejun's long knife fell like lightning, splattering blood everywhere and instantly staining the ground red.
As Xiao Hu's body fell to the ground, the atmosphere in the mountain stronghold became unusually heavy.
At this moment, Yan Shiyu returned covered in blood and said calmly, "I've killed all those who ran away."
His words were completely calm, as if he had only done something insignificant.
All eyes turned to Yan Shiyu, who at this moment resembled a god of death, exuding a chilling aura.
His appearance instilled a deep sense of awe in everyone, and the clever bandits understood even more clearly that this new second-in-command was probably even more unfathomable.
Wang Dejun nodded in satisfaction, his voice booming: "Well done! There's only one rule in Black Dragon Stronghold, and that's my rule! Everyone, pay your respects to the Second Boss!"
At Wang Dejun's command, everyone immediately knelt on one knee, clasped their hands in greeting to Chen Zhennan, and shouted, "Greetings, Second Boss!"
Their voices carried a hint of respect and obedience, clearly indicating that they had accepted Chen Zhennan's position.
Chen Zhennan smiled, his eyes revealing a hint of gentleness and humility: "Everyone, please get up quickly, there's no need for that."
He even pretended to be embarrassed, as if he felt a little awkward about the situation.
Wang Dejun smiled again and gestured for everyone to stand up.
"Brothers, let's keep drinking! The second-in-command is new here, let him get used to the atmosphere of the stronghold first."
As he spoke, Wang Dejun pulled Chen Zhennan to sit down and drink and eat meat, and the mountain stronghold became lively again.
At the dinner table, Chen Zhennan and Wang Dejun chatted and laughed, and Chen Zhennan seemed to be enjoying himself. However, Yan Shiyu remained vigilant at all times.
After the banquet ended, Wang Dejun arranged rooms for Chen Zhennan and Yan Shiyu.
Chen Zhennan's eyes were glazed over, as if he had just woken up from a dream, his face slightly drunk, and he smiled faintly.
Supported by Yan Shiyu, he staggered into the room, like a drunken butterfly swaying in the wind.
Upon entering, Chen Zhennan seemed to be immersed in a clear spring, instantly regaining his senses.
He shook his head, his eyes sharp, and whispered, "Qian Zihao should be arriving soon. I need to know everything about Lin Zhiming's movements. Within two days, I need to help Wang Dejun integrate all the bandits in Pengyang County!"
Yan Shiyu nodded slightly: "Understood, Commander, I'll make the arrangements right away."
The next day, the morning light shone through the curtains onto Chen Zhennan's face, and the soft light made him feel refreshed.
However, he pretended to be dizzy and lightheaded, slowly got up, and walked out of the room.
He walked all the way to Dazhai, where Wang Dejun was standing in front of the main hall, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he were pondering something.
Wang Dejun smiled as he saw Chen Zhennan walking slowly towards him.
"Zijun? You've come to see me so early, could it be about business in Pengyang County?"
Chen Zhennan slowly shook his head and sat down at Wang Dejun's signal.
"Boss, I'm not here for my own business."
"What is that?" Wang Dejun asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I'm here to address your concerns, Lin Zhiming."
Upon hearing this, Wang Dejun immediately became interested, raised an eyebrow, and turned to sit down.
"Brother Zijun, do you have a solution?" Wang Dejun asked impatiently.
Chen Zhennan smiled and said, "I learned that there is a special place in the county with two huge red gates. These are the gates that candidates take the exams every year. They are extremely solemn and sacred."
Wang Dejun nodded slightly and pondered, "There is indeed such a place. The Red Gate has a good reputation. What does it have to do with your plan?"
"Boss, why not host a banquet at the Red Gate? Invite all the forces within Pengyang County, especially Lin Zhiming and Liu Guancai, and make sure they attend. At the banquet, we can..."
Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Wang Dejun felt a fire ignite in his heart. He took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
He stood up abruptly, clenched his fists, and said loudly, "Alright! I'll send out invitations immediately and make sure everyone attends!"
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