BPIFC -Volume 1 – Chapter 22 How It All Began

When Yang Xiao mentioned that he had already sent eleven underworld officers on their way, Sun Desheng finally showed genuine surprise.

“Old Yang, you’ve really grown some nerve. You actually dared to take out underworld officers? One more and you’d have a full dozen. Not that I’m saying anything, but that doesn’t sound like your style at all.”

“I already said it—when a rat is cornered, it’ll bite a cat.”

Yang Xiao’s expression darkened. After pouring himself another drink and emptying the glass, he continued:

“Of course, I wasn’t stupid enough to make it obvious. When I could borrow someone else’s strength, I did. Of those eleven underworld officers, only a few were actually dealt with by me personally.”

“Borrow someone else’s strength…”

Sun Desheng seemed to realize something. He gave Yang Xiao a strange smile before continuing:

“Let me think. There aren’t many people in the Bureau whose strength you could borrow. A few investigators you’re close with, maybe Big Yang… and Director Wu.”

“Yes. Director Wu helped me with a small favor. Most of those underworld officers were actually sent away by him.”

As he said this, Yang Xiao gave a bitter smile.

“Originally, I invited Director Wu to act as a mediator. I hoped that, out of respect for him, the underworld officers might show some mercy beyond the law. Who would’ve thought…”

At this point, Yang Xiao recalled the scene and suddenly grabbed a bottle of liquor, drinking the entire thing straight from the bottle before continuing:

“I was out of my mind back then. I forgot that Director Wu has never been a reasonable person. The first officer who came to escort her soul was a rookie hothead. He said something like, ‘If you’ve got the guts, send me away.’ Then Director Wu sent him away.

To his credit, Director Wu saw the matter through to the end. He stayed with me for three consecutive days. During those three days, another seven underworld officers were sent away.

I helped from the sidelines and got rid of two or three myself.

Because it all revolved around my wife, the Underworld didn’t even need to investigate to know who was responsible.”

At this point, Fatty Sun also let out a bitter laugh.

“Old Yang, eleven underworld officers disappeared because of you. Not that I’m criticizing, but doesn’t the King of Hell have any pride? If I were the King of Hell, I’d have come personally to settle the score long ago. It’s impressive that he swallowed his anger and only set a trap for you instead.”

Already somewhat drunk, Yang Xiao’s face reddened as he replied:

“That’s exactly what worries me. That’s why I need to improve my abilities as quickly as possible. Great Sage, the Guangyuan Underworld Mirror is simply too important to me. Even if there’s only a ten percent chance, I have to try. If I can get my hands on that text, at the very least I won’t have to keep troubling Director Wu.”

At that moment, Che Qianzi, who had been watching the spectacle unfold, suddenly spoke up:

“So instead of troubling the Wu guy, you’re dragging the Sun guy into it? Yang, you’ve got quite the plan. Did you scheme all this out from the beginning? Bah! What a grandson.”

Che Qianzi’s interruption immediately turned Yang Xiao’s face pale again.

His true intentions had just been exposed.

Beside him, Sun Desheng stared at the young Taoist with a peculiar expression.

What Che Qianzi had said was exactly what Sun himself had been thinking.

Until now, he had assumed the kid was nothing more than a reckless brawler.

Who would have thought he actually had a brain?

Of course, Fatty Sun had plans of his own.

The situation seemed to be escalating. If he handled the mediation well, he might establish a connection with the Underworld itself.

After that, it would all depend on his own maneuvering skills.

With that thought, Sun Desheng chuckled, picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, and swallowed it before smiling at Che Qianzi.

“No way. I know Old Yang. He’s not that kind of person. Not that I’m saying anything, but someday I’ll tell you his story. To him, his wife means more than Heaven itself. For her sake, he’d kill everyone in the world if necessary. Old Yang, don’t look at me like that. I’m complimenting you. That’s praise.”

As Sun spoke, Yang Xiao’s expression darkened once more.

However, he quickly recovered, sighed, and said:

“Great Sage, whether that’s praise or not, I don’t regret anything I’ve done. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I’d make the same choices. To save her, I would use any means necessary.”

Seeing the disdain still written across Che Qianzi’s face, Fatty Sun hurriedly changed the subject.

“You can save that speech for after your wife grows up and the two of you finally get married. Let’s talk about the Nine Rivers matter instead. Old Yang, how do you know the Guangyuan Underworld Mirror is still in the Ghost Market?”

“Ouyang Pianzuo told me.”

As he spoke, Yang Xiao pulled a photograph from his jacket pocket and placed it before Sun.

In the picture, Ouyang Pianzuo was holding a magnifying glass while carefully examining an opened scroll.

Pointing at the photograph, Yang Xiao continued:

“One of Ouyang Pianzuo’s investigators sent this to me. After you left this morning, someone delivered the scroll to Ouyang’s hotel. He’s already confirmed that it’s genuine.”

“I knew that old fox was being suspiciously generous.”

Sun grinned at the photo of Ouyang Pianzuo.

“He just handed over the airplane he’d booked without putting up a fight. Turns out this old goose fooled me for once. Old Yang, getting an investigator from the Fifth Office to secretly send you photos—that took some serious effort.”

“I always keep a few cards hidden. But that’s not the important part.”

Yang Xiao pointed at Ouyang in the photo and continued:

“The Guangyuan Underworld Mirror has been verified as authentic. The only thing left unresolved is the price. To put it plainly, they’re waiting for me to show myself. They don’t dare move against me on Director Wu’s territory. But in Nine Rivers, that’s another story.”

Sun Desheng nodded.

“So are you going or not? The people below won’t hand over the goods until they see the rabbit. Even if I go there again, if they don’t see you, they won’t give up the Guangyuan Underworld Mirror. Why not keep bothering Director Wu? If he personally showed up…”

“That would never end.”

Yang Xiao shook his head uneasily.

“I’m not trying to fight the Underworld. I just want to protect myself. Once Director Wu gets involved, given his personality…Great Sage, you can probably imagine what would happen. Back during the Ghost Train incident, he broke straight into the Underworld. If something like that happens again, I can’t bear the consequences.”

“Then the Underworld would probably change dynasties.”

Sun muttered with equal discomfort.

After a bitter laugh, he continued:

“Director Wu is a deterrent. The less he personally appears, the better. Old Yang, if you want the Guangyuan Underworld Mirror, sooner or later you’re going to have to show yourself.”

After hesitating for a moment, Yang Xiao nodded.

“No matter what, I have to take the gamble. Great Sage, if something happens this time…”

Before he could finish, Fatty Sun interrupted:

“Don’t worry, Old Yang. If something really happens to you, I’ll take good care of your wife. I’ll adopt her as my goddaughter.”

“I meant that you should immediately go get Director Wu. I can take care of my own wife without troubling you.”

Yang Xiao shot Sun Desheng an annoyed look before turning to Che Qianzi.

“Kid, you won’t need to get involved this time. After I obtain the Guangyuan Underworld Mirror, I’ll still have a gift for you. Consider it my apology.”

“No need.”

Che Qianzi still hadn’t forgotten the suffering Yang Xiao had put him through.

Staring sideways at the white-haired man, he replied:

“I’ll accept it on your behalf and save it until the anniversary of your death. Then I’ll burn it as an offering for you.”

Then he looked at Sun Desheng.

“Fatty Sun, wherever you go, I’m going too. Someone’s got to keep an eye on you. Otherwise you’ll get tricked, sold off, and still be helping count the money for the guy who sold you.”

“See? My brother really cares about me.”

Fatty Sun burst out laughing.

“That’s just how I am—too trusting. Always getting taken advantage of.”

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

“Secretary Yang, not that I’m saying anything, but the Nine Rivers matter isn’t over yet. We’ll have to make another trip tonight. Can’t be helped. I’m just an investigator now. It’s part of the job. Get the plane ready. Me, Old Yang, and my brother Che Qianzi. The moment we arrive, we’re taking off.”