Chapter 23
Rewards and Punishments, Loyalty and Unity, The Young Marshal's Radiance!

“Creak!”

Yun Yu Zhen suddenly pushed open the door of the quiet room and walked out.

An unusual aura spread out with her.

A powerful aura of a first-rate master emanated from her!

Her eyes sparkled with the joy and pride of a breakthrough!

It was as if the whole world was cheering for her breakthrough!

Her steps were light, and her face was filled with unrestrained joy.

When she saw Kou Zhong, the protector outside the door, her eyes became even brighter!

Yun Yu Zhen ran towards Kou Zhong, like a joyful little bird!

Without any hesitation or shyness, she excitedly hugged Kou Zhong!

Her voice was filled with unbridled excitement:

“Young Marshal, I actually broke through! I’m a first-rate master now!”

At this moment, Yun Yu Zhen's youthful charm was fully displayed!

Her smile was pure and bright, like a flower blooming in the spring breeze!

Kou Zhong felt the fragrant jade in his arms and couldn’t help but touch his nose in a bit of embarrassment.

This sudden hug made even him, who was always composed, feel a little flustered.

His hands didn't know where to go, and the softness in front of him was even more obvious...

Yun Yu Zhen quickly realized her gaffe!

Her cheeks instantly turned red, like ripe apples!

She jumped off Kou Zhong like a startled rabbit.

She lowered her head and explained in a muffled voice:

“Young Marshal, I… I’m so happy, that’s why I…”

Kou Zhong had given her a Golden Marrow Pill earlier, which allowed her to break through the bottleneck and become a first-rate master!

Kou Zhong looked at the bashful Yun Yu Zhen and said again:

“Yun Miss, why don’t you guess what I need you for?”

Yun Yu Zhen was stunned for a moment, then looked at Kou Zhong with twinkling eyes:

“Young Marshal, just call me Yu Zhen…”

She then placed her hand on her chest, her face flushed red:

“I heard that Sister Fu is the Young Marshal’s woman, you have lofty ambitions. If you don’t mind…”

As she spoke, her voice grew quieter:

“I’m willing to be your… lesser…”

If it weren't for Kou Zhong's keen senses, he might not have heard what she said.

Kou Zhong chuckled and said:

“Could it be that in Yu Zhen’s eyes, I am such a shallow person?”

Yun Yu Zhen immediately waved her hands:

“No! No! No!”

Kou Zhong suppressed his smile and said seriously:

“Yu Zhen, you also know that Jun Ruo has been very busy lately because of the matters related to the Unofficial Guards.”

“We need to establish some casinos, brothels, and taverns in the market to provide cover.”

“But we lack suitable people to manage them…”

Kou Zhong stopped there, and Yun Yu Zhen understood.

She pointed at herself and asked:

“Young Marshal, are you hoping that I will manage these undercover agents?”

Kou Zhong nodded slightly, because Yun Yu Zhen had experience managing the Giant Kun Gang.

Plus, her martial arts skills were not weak, and after spending time together these days.

Kou Zhong could see that this girl respected him very much.

Fu Jun Ruo had to train the undercover agents and plan the territory.

She simply couldn't handle everything!

Kou Zhong thought that having Yun Yu Zhen take over would be very feasible!

Yun Yu Zhen also understood these points and nodded seriously:

“I will definitely not disappoint the Young Marshal!”

Kou Zhong chuckled and waved his hand, then said:

“But before that, Yu Zhen, you need to prepare for the New Year!”

“These days, our Twin Dragons Gang has been developing and making progress.”

“We can’t disappoint our brothers. Let everyone return to the base and have a good New Year!”

Yun Yu Zhen, upon hearing this, immediately responded with a delighted face and went ahead to make preparations.

After Yun Yu Zhen left, Kou Zhong's gentle expression changed.

Besides rewarding the contributions and celebrating achievements, there was another reason for calling everyone back.

According to Fu Jun Ruo’s letter, a high-ranking member of the original Bamboo Flower Gang had connections with the Yuwen Clan!

Besides secretly providing information about the Twin Dragons Gang to the Yuwen Clan, they were also constantly lurking near the shipyard!

Night fell, and the Twin Dragons Gang base was brightly lit, as bright as day.

It was the New Year, and laughter and joy filled this spacious lakeside manor.

Almost all of the gang's high-ranking officials had returned to the base to celebrate this time of reunion.

In the banquet hall, red candles burned high, illuminating the opulent setting.

Long tables were lined up neatly, covered with delicious food and fragrant wine.

Everyone took their seats in turn, chatting happily and laughing continuously. Kou Zhong sat at the head of the table and lightly waved his hand.

Gang leader Shao Ling Zhou stood up, clapped his hands, and said loudly to everyone:

“Brothers, you’ve all worked hard these past few days!”

“The Twin Dragons Gang's current glory is thanks to everyone's collective efforts!”

“We also can’t forget the guidance of Kou Zhong, sir. Without further ado, I’ll drink this toast!”

As Shao Ling Zhou finished his drink.

The banquet officially began!

At the banquet, glasses clinked, and people talked and laughed happily, vying to toast Kou Zhong!

Kou Zhong accepted every toast, and the scene was extremely lively!

After three rounds of drinking, some even sang loudly, and the atmosphere became even more joyous…

After the banquet, everyone dispersed.

But the high-ranking officials from the headquarters and branches were all kept in the meeting hall.

Although it was late, everyone was still chatting and laughing with unabated enthusiasm.

Kou Zhong nodded lightly to Xu Zi Ling, who understood and moved like a flash of lightning, drawing his long sword!

With lightning speed, he killed three high-ranking members of the original Bamboo Flower Gang!

He moved cleanly and efficiently, expressionless as he returned to Kou Zhong’s side!

In an instant, the laughter in the meeting hall stopped, and everyone was stunned.

“What… what happened?”

“Why did Xu Shi suddenly attack?”

“What… did these three guys do?”

Gang leader Shao Ling Zhou was so shocked that he was sweating profusely. He hurriedly knelt down, trembling, and said:

“Sir, I haven’t been strict enough in my management. Please punish me!”

Shao Ling Zhou immediately started to think rapidly.

He had already guessed that Kou Zhong must have discovered something, which is why he had Xu Zi Ling attack.

Sweat dripped down his forehead, and he lowered his head, not daring to breathe heavily.

In the meeting hall, the candlelight illuminated a row of solemn faces.

Every gaze revealed tension and confusion.

An invisible pressure seemed to permeate the air, making it almost possible to feel its weight.

The bloodstains on the ground remained, reminding everyone of the sudden change that had just occurred!

Kou Zhong looked around at everyone with a cold gaze.

As if the order had not been given by him, he pretended to be confused and said:

“Why are you all so frightened?”

The shadows of everyone were reflected on the surrounding walls, swaying with the flickering candlelight.

The shadows seemed to come alive, trembling slightly!

Occasionally, a breath or two could be heard, sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet, empty meeting hall!

“Are you all dumb?”

Everyone's bodies trembled, and they all spoke up to guarantee their loyalty:

“Sir, we are loyal and devoted, and we have never done anything harmful to the Twin Dragons Gang!”

Kou Zhong didn't bother with pointless words and turned to Fu Jun Ruo:

“Unofficial Guard, tell us what those few did.”

Fu Jun Ruo stepped forward, holding a secret report in her hand, and said loudly:

“These three formed a faction, colluded with the Yuwen Clan, and leaked information about the Twin Dragons Gang!”

“Even information about the Twin Dragons! They intended to seize the Twin Dragons Gang's warships, breaking their trust!”

“They deserve to die!”

Although her voice was not loud, it echoed through the meeting hall.

Every word was like a heavy hammer, striking everyone’s heart.

As soon as Fu Jun Ruo finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent, and everyone was shocked.

The beads of sweat on Shao Ling Zhou’s forehead slid down his cheeks, and he dared not look up.

His body involuntarily trembled!

His heart was filled with fear and self-blame…

These few rats dared to do such a thing, it was unbelievable.

Besides being shocked, everyone looked at Fu Jun Ruo with fear!

This level of intelligence gathering and investigation was truly terrifying!

Earlier, they had looked down on the Unofficial Guards that Fu Jun Ruo had set up…

They thought it was just Kou Zhong playing around to make his woman happy!

Unexpectedly, the Unofficial Guards were so formidable!

Seeing that he had made his point, Kou Zhong slowly walked down from the dragon throne, his steps firm and steady.

As his footsteps echoed, Shao Ling Zhou felt a chill run down his spine!

Kou Zhong walked to Shao Ling Zhou, extended a hand.

He helped Shao Ling Zhou, who was panicked and sweating profusely, to his feet.

The coldness in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by a hint of comfort.

“Gang leader Shao, get up.”

“I, Kou Zhong, always reward and punish fairly. Now that we have punished those who are guilty!”

“Then those who deserve to be rewarded should be rewarded!”

Kou Zhong's voice was low and powerful, with an undeniable authority.

He looked around, motioning for everyone to stand up.

Although everyone was still feeling nervous, under Kou Zhong’s gaze, they stood up one after another.

Once everyone was standing straight again, Kou Zhong clapped his hands towards the outside.

Gang members immediately entered, responding to his call!

They quickly and expertly cleaned up the bodies, their movements swift and leaving no trace!

Then, a few more people carried in several chests of gold and silver, placing them in the hall.

Kou Zhong had someone open one of the chests, and the gold inside shone brightly.

“Ling Shao, this is for you. In the new year, make even greater progress!”

Kou Zhong pointed to a chest of treasure as he spoke.

Xu Zi Ling immediately walked forward, excited and said:

“Thank you, Young Marshal!”

Kou Zhong chuckled and patted Xu Zi Ling’s shoulder.

Then he pointed to another chest of treasure and said:

“Jun Ruo, this is for you…”

One by one, Kou Zhong praised everyone present, rewarding them according to their merits.

After the rewards were distributed, Kou Zhong’s gaze once again fell on Shao Ling Zhou.

He smiled and patted Shao Ling Zhou on the shoulder, saying:

“Gang leader Shao, the Twin Dragons Gang needs talented people like you.”

“Don’t let today’s incident affect your confidence…”

Shao Ling Zhou immediately nodded in terror!

The next morning, at Yuwen Huaji’s mansion, a hurried figure ran in…