Chapter 94: The Dragon Crossing the River and the Local Snake

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn

On her way, Ning Qingxue hadn't encountered any bandits, dismissing Xiao Lei's warnings as exaggeration. While this was the border, she hadn't anticipated the chaos of Flowing Snake. She was publicly harassed, and no one intervened.

"I'll give you three seconds," Shi Wei sneered, "pour me some wine and apologize, or I'll strip you and rape you." He had no patience for women, viewing them as mere objects.

Ning Qingxue's face paled, her heart pounding as she observed the cold glares and Shi Wei's ferocious expression. Death was preferable to rape, especially before she could even meet Ye Mo. This encounter shattered her naivete; she'd believed herself mature, but true terror demanded firsthand experience.

"I'm looking for my husband, Ye Mo," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "He's in Flowing Snake. You can't touch me." Even she recognized the weakness in her tone. Having heard Xiao Lei was saved by Ye Mo, she invoked his name, hoping for recognition.

"Hahaha! Your husband will be me now," Shi Wei laughed, reaching for her. "What Ye Mo? If he's here, I'll make him disappear!"

Ning Qingxue dodged his grasp, disgust evident on her face.

"Damn it!" Shi Wei raged. No woman had ever defied him before. This repeated rejection was humiliating.

A young man in his twenties approached, saying, "Wait, Brother Wei! May I speak?"

Everyone stared, surprised by his audacity. But upon recognizing him, silence fell.

The newcomer was Rock, Fang Nan's personal guard. While Flowing Snake wasn't entirely controlled by the Pu Dao Clan, their dominance was unchallenged since the Vietnamese and Philippine gangs were eliminated. Most businesses in Flowing Snake showed respect to the Pu Dao Clan, the local power.

Though irritated by the interruption, Shi Wei knew Rock. As Fang Nan's close associate, Rock held considerable influence. Even as a "dragon crossing the river," Shi Wei chose caution.

He said, "Brother Rock, speak quickly. I intend to have this woman, then I'll be on my way." His tone was superficially polite, but his arrogance remained. He respected Rock, but he didn't fear the Pu Dao Clan.

Rock's face tightened, but he didn't argue, aware of Shi Wei's background. Shi Wei's power, stemming from the Amphibian Gang, allowed him to thrive in Flowing Snake and throughout the border region.

The Pu Dao Clan was insignificant compared to the Amphibian Gang, the border's dominant force operating across Asian countries, involved in lucrative, illegal activities. Rumored to be controlled by Nang Qing, the very name sent shivers down the spines of the eastern underworld.

Flowing Snake was merely a pit stop for them. Offending the Amphibian Gang had unimaginable consequences. Thus, despite Shi Wei's lack of deference, Rock remained silent.

Approaching Ning Qingxue, Rock asked, "You mentioned your husband's name is Ye Mo. Which Ye Mo?" He knew Shi Wei's volatile nature.

Ning Qingxue, grasping at a lifeline, felt a surge of relief. Fear of death was secondary to preserving her "loyalty," explaining her previous distress over Ye Mo's examination.

"I'm here to find my husband, Ye Mo. He was in Flowing Snake. A friend told me, and I came looking for him," she said, describing Ye Mo's appearance.

Rock recognized her description of "Brother Ye." Only he would have such a beautiful wife.

Knowing Shi Wei's personality, Rock instructed his follower, "Tell Brother Nan that Brother Ye's wife has arrived."

"What's this?" Shi Wei's suspicion grew. It seemed Rock wouldn't relinquish her.

"Sorry, Brother Shi, she belongs to our Brother Ye," Rock stated, gesturing. Three henchmen approached.

Shi Wei's face darkened. "You're defying me? Does Fang Nan want to die? I'm taking this woman, even if Fang Nan intervenes! Men, take her!"

Four previously idle thugs charged. Rock's henchmen countered, creating a standoff.

"You, a mere follower, dare take my woman? Think I won't retaliate? I'll break your legs and explain myself to Fang Nan later. Attack!" Shi Wei roared, launching the fight.

Hidden blades flashed, blood staining the hotel floor. Ning Qingxue cowered. The chaos was absolute; the fight raged unchecked.

Rock's outnumbered men were losing, but as Shi Wei lunged for Ning Qingxue, twenty more men arrived.

Fang Nan's furious voice boomed, "Kill these bastards!"

"Fang Nan, you dare? Do you want to die?" Shi Wei raged, incredulous that Fang Nan, the local boss, dared defy him. He was accustomed to others bending to his will.

"I overlook your activities in my territory," Fang Nan retorted, "but you touch Brother Ye's woman? Beat him senseless!" He understood the risk but revered Ye Mo, refusing to allow anyone to harm his wife. He also wanted to impress upon Ning Qingxue his loyalty to Ye Mo.