Chapter Fifty: Secret Succession

  As soon as everyone had just walked out the door, Hua Manlou proposed that he help himself. He didn't know what kind of help he needed, but seeing Hua Manlou's solemn expression, he knew it wasn't a trivial matter. So he said: "Hua Bangzhu, whatever it is, you can say it! As long as I, Gu Longfei, can do it, I will definitely not be perfunctory and will do my best to help you!"

  Hua Manlou stood up and walked out the door, coming to the empty space outside. Gu Longfei followed behind him, looking around, and saw that except for the open flat ground and the high walls surrounding it, there was almost no sign of life, not even a bird in sight. In his heart, Gu Longfei wondered what secret matter Hua Manlou wanted to discuss with him, and why he had brought him to this empty space, clearly not wanting anyone else to overhear their conversation.

  At this time, the sky suddenly cleared up, and the haze that had been shrouding it for many days dissipated. Huamanlou raised her head to take a glance at the distant deep blue sky, then suddenly lowered her head and said to Gu Longfei: "I am going to die!"

  "What?" This abrupt sentence made Gu Long Fei listen in confusion: "Why would you want to die?"

  Hua Manlou shook his head and sighed: "The current situation is forcing me to die! Of course, it's not really dying, but feigning death!"

  Jade Swan didn't understand: "Why fake death? Who's forcing you, is it Mocheng Ding?" Because he knew that Hua Manlou, despite being an imposter as the leader of Xiaodao Guild, had disguised himself extremely well. Even his two sons hadn't discovered that he was a fake, so no one would bother him. Therefore, the only person who could coerce him now was his superior, Mocheng Ding!

  Hua Man Lou was shocked, thinking that Gu Long Fei had discovered the conflict between them. But then he thought again, knowing that he would be leaving soon anyway, and it would be better to tell him the truth. When Gu Long Fei learned the truth, he might be moved by his sincerity, which would be greatly beneficial for both Xiao Dao Hui and the Hua brothers. Hua Man Lou was also a man of passion, who had killed the real Hua Man Lou under duress, but in his heart, he had never been at peace. To make up for his guilt, he treated the Hua brothers with sincerity, like his own sons, and did his best to help Xiao Dao Hui.

  However, just as he was about to make amends, his superiors in Chongqing found a use for him and were preparing to urgently recall him to Chongqing! Before he came to Hankou, he was originally Dai Li's trusted aide, but later became Mu Rongding's subordinate. He had two purposes: one was to assist him in establishing the Hankou station, and the other was to monitor him. Now that the transfer order has come urgently, he cannot just abandon everything here, so he thought of Gu Longfei!

  Through his observations and understanding, especially after Murong Ding told him that Gu Longfei had already gotten the 'Missouri' plan, he thought even more highly of Gu Longfei's cleverness, astuteness, and strong abilities. At this time, he was naturally the best candidate to take over as the leader of the Xiao Dao Hui! Moreover, he was still Hua Manlou, and in order to go back to Chongqing to report, he couldn't just disappear into thin air without a word. He thought for a long time and came up with a plan to fake his own death, but to complete this plan, he had to get Gu Longfei's help!

  Huamanlou put forward his plan and looked at Gulongfei, seeing what attitude he had, whether or not he agreed with this idea.

  "Is this your personal idea, or did you and Murong Ding plan it together?" He thought this was a crucial point. If it was just Huamanlou's own idea, there shouldn't be any hidden implications. But if Murong Ding was also involved, the cunning Murong Ding might have some second or third plans hidden inside, which could be detrimental to himself!

  The flowers filled the building, and he immediately understood the implicit meaning. He said: "This is something I thought of by myself. Today, when he came to me and asked me to go back to Chongqing, he also brought the 'Missouri' plan with him, and gave it to Dai Li! By the way, he has a very high evaluation of you, saying that you have not disappointed him!"

  Jiulong Fei snorted in his heart, he was extremely disappointed because of this plan rather than that one, he just didn't say it out loud to you!

  Huā Mǎn Lóu continued, "After Mù Róng Zhàn Cháng finished explaining the matters to be taken care of after his return, he asked me how I would arrange things on this side. If it's really not convenient to explain, then just withdraw and leave, no need to consider so much! As soon as I heard this, my heart became anxious, and I hastily told him my own thoughts. He pondered for a moment, thinking that this was feasible, but warned me to be careful and mindful, lest I reveal any flaws and leak his secret!"

  Jade Dragon thought to himself, this Murong Ding was indeed ruthless and cruel. At any time, he wouldn't care about anyone else's life or death, as long as he could save himself, he wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice anyone!

  Hua Manlou continued, "Muyong Ding also knows your abilities and thinks that the small knife will be in your hands, so there shouldn't be any problems, and he won't leak our secrets either! Originally, I still had some doubts in my heart, but after hearing Muyong Zhan's words of trust towards you, I don't have any misgivings anymore!"

  "Gu Long Fei suddenly thought of something and asked: 'What is your name, after all?'"

  "What?" Hua Man Lou was taken aback for a moment. After he came to Hankou, he became Hua Man Lou, and everyone called him that. He had long forgotten his real name. At this time, Gu Long Fei suddenly asked, and after a pause, replied: "This...this is not important either. Anyway, the possibility of us meeting again in the future is not great, whether we know it or not doesn't matter much anymore!"

  The dragon nodded and said, "You're right, let's not talk about it! Are you all set for your withdrawal? Then tell me all the plans, so I can coordinate with you!"

  Hua Manlou secretly admired Gu Longfei's understanding of things, so he didn't hide it anymore and told his own plan one by one. The two of them discussed again for a while, making some small adjustments to ensure that the matter was done seamlessly, and no one could find any flaws.

  After the two men agreed, they left the courtyard and walked along the wall root for a short distance before arriving at Huamanlou's residence. In the main hall, four tables of wine were set up, and everyone had been waiting there early, but only the two leaders hadn't arrived yet, so no one dared to move their chopsticks.

  Hua Wushuang and Hua Wudui saw their father, Gu Longfei, with a smile on his face, walking side by side, so they quickly pulled out the chairs and let them sit in the first seat.

  Although he was a former military uniform, I don't know what his predecessor did. After the master of Xiaodao Hui sat down, the mouthful of Jianghu cut and the body of Jianghu's heroic spirit came out naturally. I didn't know that he was originally a Jianghu Hanzi or a good actor, dressed as Huamanlou, perfectly and flawlessly!

  "Hua Manlou burst into the room with a loud laugh, and made a deep bow to everyone. 'My dear brothers, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting for so long! I, Hua, am truly ashamed!' The crowd chimed in, 'Master Hua is being too polite! We didn't mind waiting at all - we've already started eating and drinking while waiting for you. What's the big deal?'"

  Hua Man Lou smiled and was about to leave, but his brothers still showed him great respect. Feeling very satisfied, he continued: "Actually, you all saw just now that I introduced a good brother to you, and from now on, he will be your boss. Whatever happens, you must listen to his orders! Because he has only just arrived and is not familiar with the gang's affairs, I lingered for a while earlier to brief him on some matters!"

  Everyone didn't hear the implicit meaning of Huamanlou's words, but only thought that the gang had gained another leader. Moreover, it was said that this new leader was highly skilled and capable, with a strong sense of justice, which would add to the gang's strength. Especially for some of the old members in the gang, who felt that the gang's power had been weakening year by year, and its former glory was fading away, they were secretly lamenting in their hearts. Suddenly, a new deputy leader with great abilities appeared, and everyone was naturally delighted, applauding and welcoming Gu Longfei. Some impatient gang members even called out "Brother Leader" on the spot!

  Jade Dragon saw the situation and quickly stood up, saying: "Everyone, from now on you can just call me brother, don't listen to Flower Master, at my age, how can I be everyone's older brother?"

  Hua Man Lou burst out laughing and said, "Brother Gu, this is nothing. Firstly, everyone is giving face to Hua Man Lou, and secondly, it's also because of your illustrious name, Brother Gu! That's why the brothers in the hall are so enthusiastic about welcoming you! Come on, let's not talk about those useless things, let's have a drink with the brothers and welcome Brother Gu's arrival!"

  The crowd erupted in cheers, and everyone raised their wine cups to toast Gu Longfei. Gu Longfei was overjoyed by the warm reception, and he downed a cup of wine in one gulp! After Gu Longfei finished his drink, Hua Manlou introduced him to some important members of the gathering. The man with the purple-red face sitting at the head of the table on the left was named Wu Long, and the dark-faced man sweating profusely at the head of the table on the right was named Han Hu. They were both senior members of the organization, known as the "Left and Right Kings" of the Small Knife Society, and their status was second only to Hua Manlou's!

  The current scale and strength of the Small Knife Society cannot be compared to its heyday, but the previous system has not been abolished! For example, under the leader, there is a list of kings, which was left over from the time of the Heavenly Army. Wu Long was the Left King, and Han Hu was the Right King.

  Gulong Fei hastily stepped forward, separately offering a cup of wine to Wu Long and Han Hu, affectionately addressing them as "Uncle Wu" and "Uncle Han", since both men were approaching fifty years old. Wu Long and Han Hu exchanged a glance, seeing Gulong Fei's humble and respectful attitude towards his seniors, they were greatly delighted in their hearts, and readily drank the wine offered by Gulong Fei.

  Hua Manlou introduced the man sitting at the head of the third table, a dark and thin man in his thirties. Although he was short and weak, his eyes shone brightly, revealing his sharpness and strength. His name was Xing Jiu, the guardian of the association, who had no specific position but wielded enormous power. From the leader to ordinary members, anyone who broke the rules would not escape his punishment and accountability! Xing Jiu was impartial and ruthless, never giving face to anyone who violated the rules. Strangely, he did not offend the brothers in the association, but instead earned their respect!

  Jade Dragon heard and knew that any organization or group, without strict discipline, would disperse. The man in front of him, Criminal Ninth, didn't look impressive, but his special identity was a key figure for the survival of the Small Knife Society. He respectfully toasted him with a cup of wine. Criminal Ninth was born not to smile or speak carelessly, and he only slightly nodded at Jade Dragon, without showing any joy or anger on his face. Calmly, he drank the wine offered by the vice leader, but didn't say a word. Jade Dragon didn't mind, knowing that many people in the Jianghu had different temperaments, and you couldn't force them to be the same.