Fang Yan understood clearly that this wasn't a parallel universe, and he lacked the titles of princes or nobles to command authority.
For him to successfully establish his company in Dongxia, he needed connections, strength, technical prowess, and more. The myriad of underground clubs in Ningcheng were a testament to its chaos. Although the turmoil might not be immediately visible, as his position elevated, he would inevitably unearth many underlying problems.
Given the altered circumstances, Fang Yan knew he needed to change his approach. He couldn't simply launch a new product and expect it to gain instant global popularity. That strategy could instantly backfire and attract public criticism, especially without any protective identity.
In addition to safeguarding his technical capabilities, Fang Yan needed the soft power of connections. The three major clubs in Ningcheng provided the perfect platform. With their support, he could ascend to the pinnacle of power within Ning Cheng.
Baiyun Pavilion
"Boss, we've received an invitation!" A Baiyun Pavilion member hurried over, presenting a gilded invitation to Long Baiyun.
"Invitation? Another company opening or some rich kid throwing a party? With our missing 40 million, I can't muster the interest for any lavish dinners," Long Baiyun remarked as he casually tossed aside the invitation.
Team Leader Bai picked up the invitation and, upon seeing the signature, widened his eyes in surprise. He exclaimed, "Boss, the signature on this invitation belongs to the 'Money Taker'! Could it be the one who took away our 40 million!"
"What!"
The declaration rippled through the assembly hall, everyone rising to their feet. Long Baiyun retrieved the invitation and read its contents. His slightly chubby face contorted with anger as his eyes blazed. He muttered, "40 million of our funds to address his urgent needs? And now he invites us to a dinner party to discuss his gratitude? And threatens us with consequences if we don't comply? The audacity of this person!"
A senior Baiyun Pavilion member scoffed, "Unbelievable! This is an unexpected twist. We couldn't find him before, yet he's now inviting us. We should gather our gang tonight and teach him a lesson he won't forget!"
"The invitation's first part appears polite, but that last sentence, 'at your own risk,' is a clear threat. He's fearless and forceful. Who does he think he is, defying us like this?"
"He took 40 million from our gang's coffers, money that our brothers worked hard for. He's inviting trouble and adding insult to injury. Let's crush him, whether he's scheming or not!"
"He's fearless. Is there more to his bravado? Judging by his tone, he isn't afraid of our retaliation. Instead, he fears we won't dare to attend. This last sentence is a bluff. I suspect his dinner party harbors deceit."
"We've faced the Hongmen Banquet, why shy away from his small event? He took 40 million from us, and now he's threatening us? This is a direct challenge to Baiyun Pavilion's dignity. It's always been us bullying others. Can we tolerate being bullied? Even if there's deception, I don't believe our Ningcheng's mightiest gang will suffer losses on our own turf!"
"Boss, I just received news that both the Xiaodao Gang and Hongyitang also received the same invitation!"
"Unbelievable! Is this person courting disaster? He's challenging all three major societies in Ningcheng simultaneously. He thinks he's invincible?"
The strength of the three major societies in Ningcheng was undeniable. Each had the power to contend with organizations that others would cower before. Individually, they were headaches for rival groups; united, they controlled Ning Cheng's might. No one dared challenge them all at once, and yet this audacious figure had taken that daring step.
"Even if he's the king of heaven, he won't escape tonight!"
Long Baiyun lit a cigar, inhaling deeply. The swirling smoke lent an air of mystery to his already enigmatic demeanor. He commanded, "White Group, investigate the Money Taker's identity. Leave no stone unturned, even his ancestors' history. I won't tolerate failure this time!"
Team Leader Bai assured with determination, "Boss, rest assured. With the invitation in hand, we're sure to find clues. We'll trace the invitation's origins, even down to the color of his underwear. I'll begin immediately."
In less than ten minutes, Team Leader Bai returned, his expression grim. He seemed both embarrassed and troubled. Long Baiyun sensed the bad news and questioned with a darkened expression, "What's the matter?"
Team Leader Bai hesitated, struggling to find the right words. He wiped the sweat from his brow, realizing that the gang leader's patience was wearing thin. He finally managed to convey, "Boss, the situation is odd. I've spoken to my subordinates, and it's not a person who delivered the invitation
..."
"Then what, a ghost?" In different circumstances, his gang members would have laughed heartily at the gang leader's humor. However, it was clear that Long Baiyun was in no mood for jesting. His stern question demanded an answer. The failure to provide one would undoubtedly invite his wrath.
"It's not a ghost..."
Sweat trickled down Team Leader Bai's forehead. He quickly wiped it away, saying, "The sender of the invitation was a sparrow. A common street sparrow. It delivered the invitation and flew away. Sparrows can't communicate, and certainly can't tell us who's behind it..."